The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Posted on October 12 at 2:45 p.m.

Light rail is commonly used in urban areas, not rural areas. The cars are indeed light(er) than standard rail cars. Stops are usually frequent, a mile or two apart. Because of the light weight, starts and stops are quicker, about the same as a motor vehicle. The disadvantage is that the top service speed is 55 mph. Commuter rail cars are considerably heavier and are used when stops are several miles apart. Top service speeds are over 90 mph, some cars are rated up to 100 mph. The limiting factor is signaling and track alignments. The North Star Corridor that begins operation in a year or two will have a top speed of 79 mph, common for most passenger trains including the Empire Builder that passes through Minnesota roughly paralleling U.S. 10.

On Light rail good for rural areas