This paper presents a performance characteristic analysis methodology for a linear induction motor used for a lightweight train. In general, an analytical method cannot provide accurate results in a linear motor because of large airgap, end effect, transverse edge effect, 3-dimensional configurations, large leakage, and so on. Besides, a numerical method requires lots of memory and solving time for transient analysis. However, the suggested methodology which is a kind of hybrid solution with an analytical method and a numerical method is very fast and accurate. Based on the methodology, 3-D FEM analyses for various design schemes of the secondary reaction plate have been done and from the analysis results, the best configuration for an urban railway transit is chosen.