(Blue Diamond Road) Corridor Study - Regional Transportation ...

3. Overview of Transit Modes RTC SR-160 Corridor Study
The table below provides recent unit cost estimates for a sample of pre-1991 and post-1991
LRT systems. For the sample of LRT projects completed after 1991, the average capital cost
per linear foot of guideway was $8,489.
The average capital cost per linear mile of
guideway is $44.8M.
EXHIBIT 3-9: Light Rail Project Costs Over Time ($2003)
Actuals
Quantity
Adjusted
Standard
Model LRT
Average Unit Cost (per L.F. Guideway)
Pre 1991 Sample $ 6,566 $ 6,694 $ 6,532
Post 1991 Sample $ 10,386 $ 10,369 $ 8,489
$ Change $ 3,820 $ 3,676 $ 1,957
% Change 58% 55% 30%
Source: Light Rail Transit Capital Cost Study, FTA Office of Program Management
The sample does not include any LRT systems that employ DMU technology, which until
recently has been typically implemented largely on interurban passenger rail service.
Because DMU technology does not require overhead electrification, the unit costs for
systems are slightly lower. For all other elements, the unit costs are relatively comparable.
It should be noted that new DMU systems operating on shared tracks must be Federal
Railroad Administration (FRA) compliant. Because the engineering and project management
oversight required to meet FRA compliance is extensive, no savings in the area of soft costs
and vehicle costs is anticipated.
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