"TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 106: Energy Savings Strategies for Transit Agencies describes energy reduction strategies being used in the United States and Canada that address vehicle technologies; vehicle operations, maintenance, and service design; non-revenue vehicles; stations and stops; building; indirect energy use; and renewable power generation."--Publication page.
The primary focus of this study was to emphasize transit system energy characteristics by examining the vehicle characteristics, right-of-way characteristics and the operational aspects of the services. The objectives of this study were to become familiar with types of energy expended by local transit systems, understand the characteristics and side effects of the energy types, become familiar with vehicle and right-of-way characteristics, analyze the operational aspects to the systems, and develop an energy consumption model to determine the variance in energy consumption. The project has several phases which, to some extent, may be performed concurrently including planning, instrument development and calibration, and data base development. The project also includes the creation of energy consumption models that can be used to predict the energy needs and consumption levels of transit systems. Independent variables were identified from other studies on energy consumption/conservation and selected urban transportation agencies were surveyed.
"Abstract: The cost of electricity is a significant portion of the operating costs of rail transit systems. The impact of increasing energy costs is felt by those systems presently in operation and will be felt by those in the planning or construction phases. Because of the number of nuclear power plants coming on line in areas served by transit, the influence of electricity costs on operating and design policies of rail transit authorities is expected to grow in future years. Concerned by rising energy costs, managers of several rail transit authorities have established energy management programs. The objectives of these programs are energy cost reduction and improved energy efficiency. Energy management is a process of understanding a system's energy requirements, with the goals of reduced energy cost and increased energy efficiency. Both goals enhance rail transit productivity. The bottom line is lower electric bills for the transit authority. As a rule, energy management can foster its largest payoff when it is initiated during the design and construction phase of a rail transit system. The high dollar savings occur because low energy cost technology and operating practices can be engineered into the system at the outset. However, changes in technology and operations of present transit systems can also reduce the electric bill. Reduction of energy cost can be achieved through energy conservation, load management, and power rate intervention. These guidelines describe the tools and methodologies for assessing energy conservation strategies and power rate structure modifications."--Technical report documentation page.
