Light rail line design for East Black Sea region: A case study of Trabzon

Growing cities need to improve transportation in response to the accessibility needs of ever-expanding urban and metropolitan populations. Metropolitan Municipalities have to find low-cost, nature friendly, bus/train/subway transfer, and socially responsible transportation solutions that can meet the accessibility needs of urban residents and assist future economic development in urban areas. In this study, the light rail network was designed for the province of Trabzon by using orthophoto and Landsat satellite images. While this light rail network is being constructed, many criteria such as regional population density, slope, minimum service interval, integration with other transportation networks, geological structure, and proximity to public institutions and organizations have been used together. These criteria are shown with a GIS-based design model. Analysis maps were created by using the conditions/criteria and synthesis maps used in the design model. The 102 km route features 205 stops, extending from Of along to Besikduzu. A combined bus and light rail network will significantly improve public transport access to major public institutions and organizations, sporting and entertainment facilities, universities, schools, health precincts, bazaars, shopping malls. It is foreseen that the light rail system will provide the most suitable, modern, fast, comfortable and safe transportation in the long term considering the number of passengers and many other criteria. This light rail system designed for the province of Trabzon is thought to be a pioneering work for the Black Sea region through the interpretation of the resulting map and route networks.