This paper outlines a preliminary project management framework for developing a light rail transportation system connecting a city's urban core to a commercial airport approximately 20 miles away. Funded through a voter-approved mill levy increase, the project is analyzed through the lens of Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Analysis. The paper discusses community benefits of light rail — including reduced traffic congestion, pollution reduction, and economic development — and identifies critical implementation steps with an estimated project timeline of approximately 243 days. A Gantt chart and Critical Path Analysis chart accompany the discussion as supporting appendices.
Light rail systems have become common transportation channels in many cities in the United States over the past few decades. Many cities across the country have adopted light rail systems as a means of regional public transportation. Light rail systems are classified into two major categories: light cars, which are commonly known as trams, trolleys, or streetcars, and multicar trains that are isolated from roadways and operate along their own right of way (Garrett, 2004). In addition to enhancing transportation, the development of a light rail system is associated with several community benefits, including lessening traffic congestion, reducing pollution, enhancing economic development, and creating jobs. For these reasons, this regional transportation district would significantly benefit from the increased development of a light rail transportation system.
To help support the development of a light rail transportation system in this district, voters have approved a mill levy (property tax) increase to fund a system that connects the current network to a commercial airport located nearly 20 miles from the urban core of the city. Funding for this system is critical to its development, as creating a light rail line would enhance transportation across the district and increase connectivity within the urban center. Therefore, sustained funding for this system is essential to the economic development of both the city and the broader region.
The development of this light rail transportation system requires a suitable project management framework to achieve the desired goals within the established timeframe. Project management is a critical component in this process because developing a light rail transportation system is complex, multi-faceted, and involves working with a range of stakeholders in the transportation sector. Moreover, developing a light rail system is expensive, as it requires new infrastructure and a dedicated track (nMotion, 2015). These complexities stem from the fact that the system comprises different elements — such as specialized vehicles, level boarding platforms, and light rail stations — that must work together to enhance speed, reliability, convenience, and passenger comfort.
As project manager, I have identified critical steps in implementing this project. Each step was developed using the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). PERT is used by project managers to examine how much time is required to complete every task and to identify any dependent tasks (MindTools, 2016). This information is then used to determine the overall project duration. The activities required to develop this light rail transportation system, along with any independent tasks, are shown in the Gantt Chart in Appendix A. The critical steps are illustrated in the Critical Path Analysis Chart in Appendix B.
"243-day timeline, Gantt chart, and scheduling milestones"
"Cited sources for light rail and project management"
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