Case studies of rail transportation systems and their comparison to the proposed Tren Urbano in the metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico

This study evaluates the transportation, social, economic, and environmental impacts associated with the construction of urban rail transportation systems. These impacts were translated into lessons learned and used to evaluate the expected outcome of the Tren Urbano, rail transit system in construction in the San Juan, Puerto Rico metropolitan area.;The methodology used compared the design, construction, and operation of the rail systems in the cities of San Diego, Miami, and Medellin, with emphasis on the social and economic characteristics of the users. Sources of information included literature, information supplied by rail transit personnel, field visits, and questionnaires administered to the rail operators and transit users. The results of this study imply that the success of the Tren Urbano, or any other rail transit system, is associated with the security perceived, dependability of service, the accessibility, and the promotional methods used to advertise the system.