§ 36. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has conducted into the costs of light urban rapid transit railway systems; and what results have been obtained.
§ Mr. EyreThe costs and benefits of transport systems have to be evaluated in the context where they are proposed. Land costs, infrastructure, rolling stock and manning and running costs all have to be looked at in the proposed location, and measured against the envisaged intensity of traffic and the benefits to travellers and the local community. Considerable experience was gained during the construction of the Tyne Metro. More recently the Department has taken an active interest in proposals for a docklands rail link, the case for which is now being evaluated.