Now, every major urban rail line is being planned. San Diego proved the turning point in 1981. Using existing rights of way and building incrementally with long-term plans, city engineers worked with local developers for appropriate land use around stations. Portland, Ore., also is cited as a city where light rail investments paid off to spur land development. Light rail work has national potential for growth, says Mort Downey, deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary.
Mileage varies on the definition of light rail.
While APTA specifies electric overhead wires as the usual power source for light rail, Zimmerman says cars can be diesel-fueled as well. In any case, there are 59 U.S. light rail projects in the planning phase, another 38 in design, and 20 under construction. Transit officials cite the lack of cooperation between county and local authorities. Transit-oriented development doesn't just occur without agencies wanting it to. Legislators, however, filed a lawsuit in December to stop the project.