further progress on internationally funded comparative research first discussed at previous ERSA Conferences.
It reports evidence (based on site visits) on the economic development impacts of new urban light rail.
Visits to a number of light rail systems in Britain and France (with other countries planned this year) provide sharp contrasts in the economic development impacts of this form of urban infrastructure, as well as in the transport policy strategies that lie behind the various projects.
The Federal Government’s financial involvement in urban rail projects in the US has provided yet more contrasting examples from a highly car-oriented economy.