THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE
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MAY 2014 No. 917 TRAMS HELP COMBAT EUROPE’S POLLUTION
Making the case for city circulator loops CTA crash operator “dozed off” Turkey: New lines and new LRVs St Petersburg to privatise tram fleet? ISSN 1460-8324 £4.10 Brazil New Orleans 05 Transit for the World The road to recovery Cup and beyond – and future growth 9 771460 832036 London, 1 October 2014 ENTRIES OPEN NOW Best Customer Initiative Best Environmental and Sustainability Initiative Employee/Team of the Year Manufacturer of the Year Most Improved System Operator of the Year Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award Project of the Year
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 187 News
A wealth of new lines in Turkey Paris fights air pollution Turkey welcomed three new urban and light rail with free public transport developments last month, starting with the opening of Automobile use curbed as French capital chokes under intense smog Istanbul’s Vezneciler metro station on line M2 on 16 March. A few days later, on Wednesday ities across Europe The WHO report has linked on Sunday 16 March. The capital 19, the 5.2km (3.2-mile) light suffered the worst air pollution to around seven was joined by Caen and Rouen, rail extension from Arabayatagi pollution and smog in million deaths a year, or nearly while Reims and Grenoble offered to Otosansit in Bursa’s eastern decades in March, the one in eight deaths worldwide free transit just on the Friday. suburbs also opened. A further sameC month the World Health in 2012 – more than double The Velib bicycle-sharing 2.8km (1.7-mile) extension to Organisation (WHO) released previous estimates and reportedly and Autolib electric car sharing Kestel opened on 27 March. figures claiming that airborne more than road traffic deaths, schemes were also declared free Opening of the 5km (three- pollution is now the world’s smoking and diabetes combined. of charge, while from Monday 17 mile) extension from Yunusemre largest single environmental In Paris, with PM10 levels March the alternate numberplate to Açelya in the eastern suburbs health risk. exceeding 100 mg/m3 for three system (with car use restricted by of Eskisehir on 18 March saw the The poor conditions were days, the government announced number plate) was introduced to introduction of tram route 3, created due to a combination that public transport would be curb car traffic. This restriction Beledniye Konser Salonu (Opera) – of atmospheric conditions and free of charge from 05.30 on lasted just one day (during which Açelya, worked by ten Bombardier Saharan winds. Friday 14 March to close of service 4000 drivers were given EUR22 Flexity cars. The total fleet for the spot fines), as pollution reduced 20km (12-mile) system is now 33. due to meteorological factors, The extension of the metro at but was to be kept under review. Ankara by 16.5km (10.3 miles) It is only the second time from Kizilay in the city centre to such drastic restrictions have Koru in the south opened on 15 been undertaken in Paris, with March; this section is labelled the first such car ban being M2, though it appears to work enforced in 1997. However, through with line M1. New trains cities including Milan have from CSR Zhuzhou are used. implemented similar short-term Izmir’s two new tramlines, strategies in recent years, with described in TAUT 916, have also longer-running license plate received financing, with EUR55m schemes ongoing in Athens, from the International Finance Beijing and Mexico City in a Corporation (part of the World bid to reduce pollution. Bank), and EUR110m from French TramForward has called upon agency AFD and Dutch banking the UK to prioritise electric public group ING. The 1km (0.6-mile) transport to combat air pollution LRT rail extension from Hatay to Paris trams are generally busy, so free public transport resulted in overcrowding. as the nation’s cities are some of Göztepe opened on 25 March. This is the scene on line T3a at Avenue de France. N. Pulling the most polluted in Europe.
Obama’s new budget Domestic LRV unveiled in Istanbul Istanbul public transport cost (EUR1.57m) of an operator Istanbul Ulasim imported vehicle. for rail transit schemes has unveiled a high-floor The car was unveiled under The White House’s budget for the fiscal year starting 1 October LRV designed and built in the slogan ‘100% Istanbullu’ 2015 includes USD2.5bn for 32 existing and new rail projects. It was its own workshops, the first and will be used on line T4 unveiled in the same month that APTA figures showed US transit of 18 that should be built between Topkapi and Habibler, ridership at its highest since 1956. Some 10.65bn passenger trips in 2014-15. This is not the replacing the secondhand were taken during 2013 – the eighth year in a row with increases – first LRV it has fabricated, Stadtbahn-B cars acquired from 37% up since 1995. Light rail patronage was up 1.6%, with double but the undertaking now Köln (Cologne) a few years ago. digit increases in New Orleans, Denver, and San Diego. feels confident enough to This line is street-based, but The budgets lists USD578m for New Starts, including: commission series production. stops feature high platforms. Los Angeles, Westside subway extension...... USD100m It claims the LRV can be The two-section LRV Orlando, Sun Rail Phase II...... USD63m produced for 50% of the is 25.4m long and 2.65m Boston, Green line Cambridge – Medford...... USD100m wide with a 920mm floor Baltimore, Red line light rail...... USD100m height. There is space for 245 Maryland Purple line light rail...... USD100m passengers (40 seated). Traction Portland Columbia River Crossing light rail...... USD65m equipment comes from Vossloh Fort Worth TEX Rail commuter rail...... USD50m Kiepe, but bodyshells come Full Funding Grant Agreement continues for the Dulles Airport from the Turkish Bozankaya rapid transit line; Seattle University Link light rail; Portland – group and the bogies were built Milwaukie light rail; Minneapolis – St Paul Central Corridor light rail; in Kayseri by Railtur. the Honolulu light metro; Los Angeles Central Connector light rail; Istanbul plans to have a San Francisco Third St light rail; and the San Jose BART extension. 420km (261-mile) rail transit Small starts funding has been announced for the Tempe tramway, system by 2019. The new LRV AZ; Fort Lauderdale WAVE Streetcar, FL; Los Angeles Downtown The new LRV for the Istanbul was launched by Istanbul Streetcar, CA; San Rafael – Larkspur, diesel light rail, CA; Charlotte network was assembled in the Mayor Kadir on 27 February at LYNX extension, NC; and for the San Antonio tramway, TX. undertaking’s workshops. Ulasim Topkapi tram terminus.
188 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Centro’s staff cuts West Midlands (UK) Passenger Chicago operator ‘dozed off’ Transport Executive Centro is to cut almost 25% of its staff as Investigators reveal cause of the 24 March Blue line accident that injured 30 it takes action to meet a GBP7m (EUR8.5m) budget cut target. Councillors voted in favour of serious accident on Lead NTSB investigator Ted The CTA said the operator had the 89 job cuts in a special meeting Chicago’s Blue line on Turpin confirmed that the driver requested additional hours — two in early April. Officials blamed the Monday 24 March saw was a new employee who had shifts that added up to 13.6 hours staff losses on local government budget cuts,. The workforce will be more than 30 people completed her driver training — her right under the union’s reduced from 364 to 275. Ainjured when an early morning in October 2013 and qualified collective bargaining agreement, Centro Chairman Councillor northbound train over-ran its to operate trains in January. adding that its scheduling is John McNicholas said: “Balancing buffers and rode up escalators at “She did admit she dozed off similar to that of every other the budget has proved extremely Chicago O’Hare International prior to (the train) entering the transit agency in North America. difficult but our priority has been Airport. Although there were no station. She did not awake again In 2006, the NTSB to protect passengers... However, fatalities, an estimated USD6m of until the train hit,” he said. recommended the Federal Transit cushioning the effect on frontline damage was caused to the station The investigators determined Administration require agencies services means the impact on our staff will be harder.” and infrastructure. that the train’s emergency to ensure train operators time off The decision followed a backlash It has since emerged from a braking system had engaged as between daily shifts allowed for after the proposed scrapping of National Transportation Safety the train approached O’Hare at least eight hours’ sleep. Transit half-price fares for children and Board investigation (NTSB) that station at 25mph (around agencies need to “continually free travel for concessionary pass the operator of the eight-car 02.50 40km/h). A safety device on improve“ their understanding holders; the staff reductions will service admitted falling asleep the tracks triggered the train’s of the role of human error in account for GBP3m (EUR3.6m) of at the train’s controls. Multiple emergency braking system, but it accidents, the agency said. the overall GBP7m to be saved. lawsuits have subsequently been wasn’t clear yet why the train did The first car of the damaged EU loan boosts Dublin’s filed from injured passengers, not stop in time, Turpin said. train was cut up and removed, Cross City plans claiming negligence on the part The CTA has faced criticism the rest was pulled intact out The European Investment Bank of the operator, the Chicago over its disciplinary procedures of the station before transfer to has confirmed that it will provide Transit Authority (CTA). following the incident, and there CTA’s Skokie depot. a EUR150m loan to help fund the In the days following the is disagreement over how many Shuttle bus services replaced 5.6km (3.5-mile) Luas Cross City line. accident, the Chicago Tribune hours the operator had worked the service between O’Hare and The overall EUR368m link-up of reported an NTSB investigator’s with the local transit union Rosemont until Blue line services Dublin’s tram system is expected to be operational by the end of 2017. claims that the operator claiming 69 hours in the week were restored on the afternoon of The Rosie Hackett Bridge across also “dozed off” at the controls leading up to 24 March, while Sunday 30 March. the River Liffey that will carry of a Blue line train on 1 February, the CTA reports 55 hours and a In the weeks following the southbound bus and tram services, passing Belmont station break of 18 hours before the day accident, CTA initiated a raft of is to be formally opened on 20 May. without stopping. of the accident. changes to procedure.
St Petersburg privatisation NEWS IN PICTURES Rolling stock unveiled for new Malaysian line Siemens unveiled a full-size mock up of the front part of its Inspiro metro design in Kuala Lumpur on 19 March. The model is on display in the arrivals hall of the KLIA Ekspres at Sentral station. A total of 58 four-car trains have been ordered from Siemens by MRT Corporation for the new 31-station, 51km (32-mile), Klang Valley automated metro from Sungai-Buloh to Kajang, due to open in 2017.
The Ostrava tram meets a home-built example at a St Peterburg tram depot. D. Fillea Gorelectrotrans, which operates repair and overhaul, plus the the tramway in the Russian city obligation to buy new trams. of St Petersburg, is negotiating The lifecycle contract would be with private companies to for 17, 20 or 30 years. The city transfer maintenance, repair would pay RUR200m (EUR4m) and replacement of rolling stock per year for each depot contract. at one or two tram depots. At least two companies are said The undertaking operates about to be interested, and would lease 700 trams, but 60% are worn out up to 50 new trams/year. One has and past their renewal date, with brought an Inekon Trio low-floor city budgets too low to make articulated tram to the city from much impact on the problem. Ostrava in the Czech Republic, to Gorelectrotrans has developed see how it operates in the city’s From left: Amir Mahmood Razak, Director Strategic Communications a project to attract private wintry conditions. It soon broke & PR of MRT Corporation; Sandra Gott-Karlbauer, CEO Siemens’ Business investors through a service its pantograph on one of the city’s Unit Urban Transport; MRT metro hostess; and Tom Khella, E&M Systems agreement that transfers lifting bridges, and was refitted Director of MRT Corporation. Siemens responsibility for inspection, with a local pantograph insert.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 189 News
New line could forge Glaswegian Crimea crisis to delay airport link Moscow expansion? A report on creating a link to Glasgow Airport (UK) suggests building a new branch from Russian takeover places doubt on metro construction and tram services the Paisley – Gourock rail line. The route would follow the hipment of cast iron south side of the M8 motorway tunnel sections from before turning north to reach Ukraine to Russia for the terminal, with services the Moskva (Moscow) provided by tram-trains. MetroS ceased as a result of the This alignment would Crimea crisis, putting expansion require less land than the completion targets in doubt. previously proposed Glasgow The sections are made in a Airport Rail Link and would factory in Dnepropetrovsk, also avoid the airport’s fuel Ukraine. depot, relocation of which In Crimea itself – now would have increased the rail under Russian administration link’s costs. However, land following its absorption in acquired for the aborted rail March – there are two metre- link scheme has already been gauge tramways. Yevpatoria has sold; the GARL project was a 20km (12.4-mile) small town abandoned in 2009. system with much single-track It is suggested that costs operation and a mixture of would be in the region of Gotha and Tatra KT4SU trams. GBP92m (EUR109m), as against At nearby Molochne, a 1.5km All is calm in the sunny Crimean port The single-track Molochne tramway GARL costs of GBP207m (0.9-mile) single-track tramway city of Yevpatoria as Tatra 043 passes only operates in high summer, using (EUR247m). connects a sanatorium with the through Teatralny Ploschad on route 1 a pair of permanently coupled Gotha As an interim measure, it beach. Four Gotha trams provide on 12 March. Maxmaster two-axle tramcars. Mike Russell is proposed to improve bus summer-only service; the public connections between Paisley can use the line. Gilmour Street station and Crimea relies heavily the airport. on tourism, but whether The tram-train proposal, Yevpatoria’s summer-only route contained in a report by 4 runs this year remains to be AECOM for Glasgow and seen, and it may transpire that Renfrewshire councils and Molochne doesn’t run at all. Transport Scotland, has Russia plans to build a 4.5km been welcomed by the Light (2.8-mile) road and rail bridge Rail Transit Association’s across the Kerch strait to give a campaigning arm fixed link to Crimea that does TramForward. not rely on Ukraine.
Mendoza construction contract signed CNR to supply Addis Ababa trams A USD28.4m contract has been signed for the 5.4km (3.4-mile) Although a prototype tram has vehicles. CNR Corporation has The trams will be customised extension of Argentina’s Mendoza been assembled locally using announced the contract for 41 for local conditions, with special LRT line northwards from Central Hungarian expertise, the new three-section 28.8m 70% low- attention to the strong ultraviolet to Las Heras along a former freight tramway for Addis Ababa is to floor trams for delivery to the light (the city is 2400m above railway, creating three new stops. be served by a fleet of Chinese Ethiopian capital in 2014-15. sea level), using tinted windows. Work on this second phase will CNR, previously known as China take two years, and will include North Locomotive and Rolling the refurbishment of the San A 13 February view of construction work in Martín station and reconstruction Meskel Sq, Addis Ababa, where the north- Stock, will build the trams at its of former freight tracks. south line diverges left from the east-west line plant at Changchun. The design (viaduct pillar under construction). A. Beech has already been proven on Stourbridge patronage up the new tramway in Shenyang, The Class 139 Parry People which opened in 2013. Mover railcars running the UK’s Stourbridge branch line The Export and Import Bank achieved 99.6% reliability over of China has provided a loan to the 12 months to January, finance 85% of the USD475m Pre Metro Operations has Addis Ababa project, which reported. In the same period involves 34km (21 miles) of the service experienced 5.1% tramway served by two routes. growth in patronage, resulting in Construction is in the hands passenger journeys of 544 000. of China Railway Engineering The services form part of the London Midland franchise, with Corporation.Although only 6km LM sub-contracting them to (3.7 miles) of track had been laid Pre Metro Operations. by 1 February, passenger service is due to start in 2015.
190 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org RailNewcastle course Budapest opens first is back for 2014 The RailNewcastle Summer School on rail and logistics, trialled in Newcastle-upon-Tyne automated metro line (UK) in 2012 is to run again in 2014. The dates are 23 June-11 July. The feedback from those who Manned services on M4 for 12 months before full driverless operation participated in the programme so far has been positive; for 20 days RailNewcastle scholars weekend of free travel worked with 68 students marked the arrival and 20 professors from three of Budapest’s first continents, 19 institutions automated metro line, and 14 nationalities. Some 13 AM4, between 28-30 March. The research groups were formed line was officially opened by to develop rail-related research Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor and short-term projects on which Orbán and Budapest Mayor presentations were then given. Topics such as railway István Tarlós on Friday 28 March. capacity, sustainability, M4 is 7.4km (4.6 miles) long reliability, typical rail and connects two of Budapest’s vehicles, unconventional rail main stations, Kelenföld in systems, safety and security, Buda and Keleti in Pest. There is intermodal transport and ITS, interchange with M2 at Keleti crashworthiness and ICTs were and M3 at Kálvin Tér. Alstom scrutinised in detail. has supplied 15 Metropolis; the Urumqi metro five-car 80m air-conditioned construction begins trains can accommodate 810 Budapest metro line M4 on Monday 31 March, the first day of revenue services Ground-breaking for the first line passengers, 164 seated. on the new 7.4km long route in the Hungarian capital. Dávid Nyitrai/BKK in Urumqi, in China’s Xinjiang Like the other metro lines, M4 province, took place on 20 March. will run at 2-3 minute headways supervisors in temporary cabs; to replace the existing fleet on The 27.6km (17.1-mile) line during peak hours, every five following this Alstom will Budapest’s M2 line. will run underground from the minutes during the day and remove the dividing wall and Testing of the Siemens-supplied international airport in the north-west to Santunbei in the at weekends, and ten-minute the trains will be operated signalling system was undertaken south of the city, and will have 21 headways in the late evenings. without staff on board. last year, with operator BKV stations. Opening is scheduled For the first year of operation The manufacturer is supplying taking over familiarisation for 2019. the trains will be manned by a further 25 Metropolis trains testing in December 2013.
Green light for Nottingham trams celebrate ten years Qatar’s Red line Special activities marked the tenth An ever- A consortium led by the anniversary of the tramway in growing number Spanish group FCC has Nottingham, UK, in March. Free of Nottingham’s new Alstom been awarded a EUR506m travel was offered to Nottingham Citadis trams contract to build the 7km Panthers ice hockey supporters share the (four-mile) elevated section on 9 March and gifts were given expanded of the Red line metro project out at stops on 10 March. siding space in Doha, Qatar, by the end of A new timetable came in at Wilkinson 2016. The consortium also on 10 March, reducing services Street depot includes Archirodon from in the peak to the basic with the original Greece, Yüksel from Turkey, 12-minute headway on each Bombardier fleet; and locally-based Petroserv. route that applies during off- this is 10 March. Mike Haddon Work will take place at peak periods. The change was Barwa Village, Al Wakra deemed necessary to maintain The second phase of tram and bus services returned to their and Qatar Economic Zone, reliability during work ahead of works in Clifton began in March. former routes. A further section each an elevated station; and the introduction of increased Works in part of Southchurch was then closed to allow a final a road tunnel at Al Wakra services later in the year. Drive were completed for this date section of line to be constructed. will also be constructed. This will be FCC’s first major project in the UAE, and the company’s second notable Agreement signed for Paris T1 extension NEWS IN PICTURES Middle Eastern rail project in The Prefects of the Paris suburban communities the last six months. of Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne have signed An Italian group led by the declaration of public utility for the 7.7km (4.8-mile) extension of tramline T1 from Noisy-le-Sec Impregilo is building the to Val-de-Fontenay. underground section of the The EUR450m project should be ready to open 13km (8.1-mile) Red line, in 2017, and will require a further 15 trams. It is likely with the first tunnel-boring the 35 TFS trams now in use on T1 will be sold and machines unveiled on 2 50 new cars ordered to re-equip the whole line. March. Metro operation is due to start in 2019, with the Three Alstom-built TFS trams of line T1 at the total budget for the project current Noisy-le-Sec terminus. N. Pulling in excess of EUR20bn.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 191 2014
11-12 June 2014 – Nottingham, UK Nottingham Conference Centre
The UK’s premier two-day networking and knowledge exchange event and exhibition, including over 65 speakers and panellists, an exclusive technical tour of the Nottingham Express Transit expansion projects and a networking dinner hosted by international transport operator Keolis.
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TAUT1404_UKLRC14 advert CMYK print.indd 1 10/03/2014 14:14 Comment FLEXING SOME MUSSEL POWER: A REGIONAL APPROACH
Innovative collaboration has created a unified approach to smart ticketing in relation to public transport around the UK's River Fal area. Mat Taylor examines some of the difficulties posed – and overcome – in this singular venture of smartcard implementation.
mart ticketing systems are now well established in The Fal Mussel Card (taking its name from one of the River major towns and cities around the world to cater for Fal’s most famous exports, mussels thriving in the waterway) – both regular and occasional public transport usage. is the solution to increasing public transport use for both visitors As such, London’s Oyster card, Hong Kong’s Octopus and residents. I spoke to Tommy Tonkins, the company’s then- and Melbourne’s Myki are all familiar additions to the Marketing Manager, at the company’s offices on the Feock side of Swallets of millions, allowing seamless integrated travel on trams, the river to discuss the challenges faced of this latest venture. metro trains, buses and ferries. Software development for the locally-based card was one of the However, often complex contractual and delivery biggest issues, as a dedicated programmer was required on the arrangements can make their implementation a daunting project for a significant period. All of the handheld devices had to prospect for smaller towns or regions looking to take advantage be identifiable, especially as some of these devices were to be used of their benefits and broaden the scope of public transport usage. by third-parties who would need to be recompensed accordingly Split apart by rivers, estuaries and tributaries, the lie of the from data collected by the machines. All of the computers at the land makes travel around the Fal River top-up centres had to feed into the area in Cornwall in the UK’s central network so that cards were ready south-west something of a challenge. to be used as soon as the customer had Long car journeys are often topped them up. And all of this had to necessary to navigate around be resolved when up against the biggest these insurmountable features. hurdle of all: time. However, local transport operators Revenue collection and its distribution have collaborated on a different also represented significant challenges, approach to traversing the region: but these were overcome with hard the Fal Mussel Card. efforts placed in collaborating with Led by Cornwall Ferries and similar third-parties, resulting in a high level of in concept to London’s Oyster, the trust when it comes to paying external Fal Mussel Card can be topped up at providers. The system allocates all of the any of the company’s access points respective monies and the bills are settled and used as a pre-paid means of annually without fuss or question. purchasing tickets on all boat and bus The team approach, coupled with services, whereas the visitor Fal Mussel the relatively low capital investment Card can be bought in advance and (less than GBP100 000/EUR120 000), used for unlimited hop-on hop-off The Fal Mussel Card smart ticketing solution benefits has resulted in a very successful smart customers and around 300 affiliated businesses, with many services around the region. registering business increases of 80%. Fal River ticketing system. This benefits not Close links with other local only Cornwall Ferries and its affiliates, transport providers means that this but more importantly the passengers singular smart ticketing travelcard “As a user of the Fal Mussel through discounts, ease of use and can be used on a variety of services, sustainable transport options. for example, on the local buses Card for local residents, I now As a user of the Fal Mussel Card, operated by Western Greyhound. I now see it as invaluable for both Some 300 companies to date have see the card as invaluable for business and leisure. This smart an affiliation with the card, some of ticketing solution encourages, and these being transport providers, others both business and leisure... ” more importantly enables, a much more local businesses offering discounts and sustainable approach to travel; it is special promotions to cardholders. With business having something that could easily be implemented in smaller towns and grown by some 80%, it is not only the customers who have cities that lack the clout of an overarching transport authority. seen the benefits of the Fal Mussel Card through its ease of use The benefits for ‘tying in’ light rail systems in smaller conurbations and simplicity. with other forms of public – and private transport – are obvious. However, this hasn’t come about without some significant The Fal Mussel Card stands as a fine example for all transport hard work by Cornwall Ferries. The company provides ferry providers, small or large, demonstrating that the benefits of services on and around the River Fal from St Mawes and Place, collaboration and teamwork soon get passed back to the people and there’s also the Enterprise fleet of boats travelling between who matter the most – the passenger. Truro and Falmouth. In addition, the company runs a bus Mat Taylor has over 20 years experience in the transportation sector service. In short, this is one multi-modal transport provider that and has advised clients worldwide on a variety of commercial matters. understands it’s not just the tourist influxes that use the ferries Mat continues to provide the sector with commercial support through as convenient tourist attractions, but local residents also as an Viaduct Ltd, a company set up to promote transport projects in a sustainable effective means of transport. and economically efficient manner.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 193 Brazil BRAZIL: TRANSIT FOR THE WORLD CUP AND BEYOND With several new stadiums still to be completed in time for the 2014 World Cup, concurrent infrastructure work was perhaps inevitably going to take a back seat. Mike Taplin looks at progress across Brazil, and asks whether any of the light rail projects will be ready for the footballing masses.
he Federal Republic of Brazil is the largest country in South KEY America in terms of both population and land area, and Belém Heritage Tramway the fifth largest in the world. Manaus Belém TThe one-time Portuguese colony is composed Fortaleza Campinas of 26 states plus the federal district of Brasilia; Teresina it has a population of around 201 million Crato Metro and a booming economy that is the world’s Recife Belo Horizonte seventh largest in GDP ranking. Brasilia Almost all the traditional tramways Curitiba serving the country’s largest cities were Salvador Fortaleza replaced by buses in the 1960s, but increasing Cuiabá Porto Alegre congestion and growth in public transport Brasilia Recife demand led to metro construction, with the Teresina first line opening in São Paulo in 1974. BRAZIL Salvador This was followed by the construction of Belo Horizonte Itatinga Campos do Jordão systems in Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Monorail Campinas Rio de Janeiro Recife, Belo Horizonte, Teresina, Brasilia Santos Manaus (postponed) and Fortaleza. São Paulo There was some nostalgia for traditional Curitiba Tramway tramways, however, which led to heritage Campos do Jordão Crato operations in Belém, Campinas and Santos. Porto Alegre The historic Santa Teresa tramway continued Cuiabá (under to operate as a national monument in Rio de construction) Janeiro (until closed by an accident in 2011, Itatinga with hopes of re-opening in 2014 with new north-eastern state of Ceará has carried
rolling stock), while at Campos do Jordão passengers. The converted heavy rail Rio de Janeiro – Metro/Heritage an interurban tramway still serves the area infrastructure uses rolling stock from the tramway/Modern LRT known as Brazilian Switzerland, including local Bom Sinal manufacturing facility. (under construction) an urban service between Emílio Ribas and Four other similar systems have either fallen São Cristóvão. At Itatinga, 35km (21.7 miles) behind schedule or been cancelled, but in Santos – Metro/ east of Santos, a company tramway links the 2011 Bom Sinal contracted with Vossloh for Heritage tramway/ village and a power plant. local assembly facilities of electric LRVs for Modern LRT A series of high-floor biodiesel LRT the South American market. (under construction) lines have been proposed in cities across Light rail had a less than auspicious the country, but to date only the 13.6km introduction to Brazil in the 1990s, with São Paulo – Metro/ (8.5-mile) service connecting Crato and pre-metro operation of line 2 in Rio de Monorail/Modern LRT Juazeiro, with five stations, in the Janeiro soon converted to full metro, (under construction)
A line of new CAF trams for the city of Cuiaba awaiting transfer to the cargo terminal in Irun, Spain, on 28 October 2013. Iñigo Amas
194 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org BRAZIL: TRANSIT FOR THE WORLD CUP AND BEYOND
Alstom lost an important contract when the tramway project for the Brazilian The Aeromovel atmospheric-powered peoplemover at Porto Alegre airport. capital, Brasilia, was cancelled. Alstom Trensurb
and a similar concept in Campinas closed Brasilia matches, starting on 13 June 2014. In June after a couple of years for the opposite reason, The federal capital was created in 1960 2012 a BRL1.48bn (EUR0.45bn) turnkey lack of traffic. to replace Rio de Janeiro as the centre of contract for the construction of a 22.2km government to achieve a more central and (13.8-mile) tramway was announced, 2014 FIFA World Cup neutral location. It now has a population including a 15km (9.3-mile) line between Brazil has long been one of the world’s most of 2.8 million. A two-line 42km (26.1-mile) the airport and city centre (but not the site renowned footballing nations, and when the metro system started operation in 2001, but of the new football stadium). The successful sport’s international governing body, FIFA, is a relatively small component of the city’s consortium included civil engineering announced that the 2014 World Cup should transport network and orientated towards contractor CR Almeida and the Brazilian be held in South America, it soon became commuting from residential areas. subsidiary of Spanish rolling stock clear that Brazil would be the host. The award Twelve four-car trains were ordered from manufacturer CAF, which is supplying 40 of the tournament to Brazil was made in Alstom in 2009 to increase the capacity seven-section Urbos 3 100% low-floor trams. October 2007, with the dates set for 12 June of the system. The federal government is contributing to 13 July 2014, and matches allocated to With the World Cup coming, a modern BRL423m (EUR129.8m) towards the project, 12 cities (Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, São Paulo, tramway was selected to fill gaps in the and the state BRL110 (EUR33.8m). Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, network and provide a vital link between Construction began straight away, but Salvador, Recife, Cuiabá, Manaus, Natal Juscelino Kubtschek International Airport, in a familiar scenario was halted by a judge and Curitiba). where taxis and buses were the only public on 7 August under reports that the bidding The announcement sparked a frenzy of transport, and the central area where the process had been irregular. However, the infrastructure projects, not just football new National Stadium was built. ADF, the investigation was swift and permission was stadia, but expansion and modernisation of French development agency, was to provide given to continue work. Unfortunately there airports, hotel construction and transport a BRL400m (EUR122.7m) loan towards the was insufficient workforce available locally infrastructure. Chosen cities already BRL780m (EUR239.2m) cost of the 22.6km to take on so many construction projects, supported by metro systems had something (14-mile) project, and TAM in Montpellier, and despite recruiting engineers from as of an advantage, though even in these places France, was signed up to provide advice. far away as Haiti, by January 2014 no tram the existing network did not necessarily The Brastram consortium, including rails had been laid, although 12 trams reflect the transport demand patterns Alstom, was awarded the contract to design had been delivered and stored on concrete that would be a consequence of the and build the line by 2014. French President at the depot site near the airport. World Cup. Nicolas Sarkozy was at the ceremony held The head of World Cup projects Although six years and eight months to mark the contract award, featuring a announced that the line would not be seemed ample time to get everything done, Mulhouse Alstom Citadis (this stopped off ready to carry passengers until December the task has proved challenging, with even in Brazil on its way back from Buenos Aires). 2014, six months after the visiting fans stadium building falling behind schedule, A section of line was to feature the APS would be returning home. let alone new transport infrastructure. surface current collection system. Modern tramways found their place in Work started, but 11 months later was Curitiba the list of projects, but as these words are suspended by court order after suspicions of Curitiba is the largest city in Paraná state, written it seems unlikely that the fans irregularity in the contract award surfaced, with a population of 1.8 million. In the world visiting Brazil for the football will find any including the lack of an environmental of urban planning it is best known for its in operation. assessment. In 2012 the government bus rapid transit system with three-section cancelled the project and announced the articulated buses running in protected lanes Belo Horizonte city’s withdrawal from the Responsibility and on-street stations with high platforms. Belo Horizonte is a city of 2.5 million in Matrix setting out the investments for the However the system has become a victim the state of Minas Gerais. Its metro opened World Cup. Plan B was put into effect, which of its own success, and is so crowded that in in stages from 1986 to 2002, and is now a involved an order for 900 new buses and February 2014 the city launched a request 28.1km (17.5-mile) line. 600 new taxi licences. for proposals for a 35-year PPP to build and Construction of line 2 began in 1998, operate a 17.6km (10.9-mile) metro line but has been suspended since 2004 for Cuiabá estimated to cost BRL2.45bn (EUR0.75bn). financial reasons. No changes are planned Cuiabá is a city of 540 000 in Brazil’s remote This project is not related to the World Cup, for the World Cup as the city is focusing on Mato Grosso state, near the border with but visitors to the city during the event will developing its bus rapid transit system. Bolivia. It will host four World Cup be able to get tourist information from an
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 195 Brazil
old Santos tram (206) that is located on A mock-up of the Rua 15 de Novembro. Vossloh tram about to be delivered was put Fortaleza on display in Santos. Lying in north-eastern Brazil, this is a city A. Tavares with a population of 2.55 million that opened a 43km (26.7-mile) two-line metro in 2012 after completion of a BRL592m (EUR181.6m) modernisation project of existing metre-gauge suburban lines. Construction of a new underground 12.4km (7.7-mile) line 3 was begun in February 2014 by a Spanish/Brazilian consortium. It is hoped to complete a bus rapid transit project in time for the World Cup.
Manaus Manaus (originally Manáos) lies in the Amazon basin and is a result of the late 19th Century rubber boom, when barons competed to build the biggest mansions and social life revolved around a European-scale opera house. It is now a booming free trade port with a population of 1.9 million residents that also Rio de Janeiro the consortium are Odebrecht TransPort, attracts tourists, including those arriving up Rio provides the iconic images for Brazil Invepar, RioPar, RATP Dev and Benito the river on cruise ships. A new stadium has with its beaches, carnival, Sugar Loaf Roggio e Hijos SA. been built to host World Cup games (England mountain and the statue of Christ the Six lines will serve 42 stops, and the will start its campaign here). Redeemer. The city’s population of 11.6 network will serve the Porto Maravilha In August 2011 a Malaysian consortium million is facing up to not just the FIFA World and financial areas. Key interchanges will led by Scomi was awarded a BRL1.46bn Cup in 2014 (it will host the final amongst be Novo Rio bus terminal, Centro do Brasil (EUR0.45bn) contract to build a 20.3km other matches), but also the 2016 Olympic and Leopldina train/metro stations, Barcas (12.6-mile) north-south straddle monorail Games. They are well used to tourists however. ferry terminal and Santos Dumont Airport. capable of carrying 35 000 passengers/ Rio’s last remnant of the urban tram The consortium has subcontracted Alstom hour/direction between Largo da Matriz system, the scenic Alto da Boa Vista line, to provide a fleet of 32Citadis low-floor and Jorge Teixeira. Scomi was also to supply closed in December 1967. After that date trams and it is understood the Alstom’s ten six-car trains and the depot. the 1100mm-gauge Santa Teresa tramway APS surface current collection system will Completion was scheduled for 40 months continued in operation, in 1975 from a new be used throughout. after contract signature, which took place on city terminus at Largo da Carioca, before 20 January 2012, however work did not start crossing the former aqueduct, which it has Salvador until September 2012, and once again there used since electrification in 1896, to run to Salvador is a coastal city built on two levels, have been judicial challenges reported. Dois Irmãos (6km/3.73 miles) and Silvestre with lower and upper cities connected by In March 2013 it was announced that the (operation suspended 2005-6). elevators and funiculars. project had been postponed indefinitely. The century-old open-sided cross bench The Salvador metro system (two lines trams were far from robust, and after an totalling 36.4km (22.6 miles) built at a cost of Porto Alegre accident in August 2011, which killed five BRL1.73bn/EUR0.53bn) was supposed to be Porto Alegre (population 1.5 million) is the and injured 27, operation was suspended. finished in time for the World Cup matches, largest city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, A pledge was made to re-open the line after but so far just 6.6km (4.1 miles) of line 1 is built on the shores of a freshwater lagoon. reconstruction, and experts from Lisboa were planned to open from June 2014. The city has The first metro line opened in March 1985 brought in to advise. The impending influx of a population of 3.5 million. and has reached 43.4km (26.9 miles). visitors for the World Cup provided a spur to On 10 August 2013 it was linked to get things done, and 14 new two-axle trams Santos terminal 1 of Salgado Filho airport by a were ordered from a Brazilian company, The port city of Santos was founded in 1534 BRL37.8m (EUR11.6m), 800m, automated T’Trans of Três Rios. However the latest and served by a 1350mm gauge traditional peoplemover, the first commercial news is that these will not be ready to run tramway until 1971; it was well-known for installation of the Aeromovel pneumatic until November 2014. its trams built in Scotland by Hurst Nelson. railway system, with two cars supplied A metro system was inaugurated in March Fortunately a couple survived and with by T’Trans. 1979 and today comprises lines 1 (16km/9.9 ex-Porto trams provide a heritage service that For the World Cup a 9.3km (5.78-mile), miles) and 2 (30.2km/17.76 miles), with started on a 1.7km (1.1-mile) loop in 2000. BRL4.8bn (EUR1.47bn), elevated metro a shared stretch of 5km (3.1 miles). Line Today the city has a population of 1.5 extension is under construction to take the 1, which opened on 15 March, has been million in the metropolitan area and many line north to Novo Hamburgo. Construction extended north from Sáenz Peña to Uruguai use the surviving trolleybus line 20, but started in 2009 with completion due in in 2014; and a new line 4 has been under for most the motorbus is the only option. the second quarter of 2013. The first 4.5km construction since 2010, linking Ipanema However, 2014 should see the completion of (2.8 miles) opened on 3 July 2012, but the and Barra de Tijuca (the Olympic venue). the first 11.2km (6.9-mile) section of a remainder is still to be completed. In April 2013 a consortium led by a 16.9km (10.5-mile) modern tramway subsidiary of CCR SA, a Brazilian highway linking São Vicente and Santos port. Recife manager, won the contract to build, operate Unlike other schemes described, this This city of 3.7 million population is the and maintain a 28km (17.4-mile) modern BRL855m (EUR262.4m) project is not linked capital of Pernambuco state. The 44.2km tramway that forms part of the plan to to the FIFA World Cup, but will see trams on (27.5-mile) Recife metro was opened in transform Rio de Janeiro’s historic centre and test in June 2014. A consortium of T’Trans 1985-7 (Center line) and 2005-9 (South line). port area in time for the Olympic Games. and Vossloh is building 22 seven-section A new station is under construction at The BRL1.6bn (EUR0.49bn) project will 43.7m 100% low-floor cars in Spain, with Cosme e Damião on the north branch of the be financed on a public-private basis, with the first three due to arrive in Brazil in May. Central line to serve the new stadium built BRL500m (EUR153.5m) coming from the The tram contract is worth BRL284.3m for the World Cup. Brazilian government. Other members of (EUR87.3m).
196 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org The Bombardier monorail in São Paulo is one of the few transport infrastructure projects that will be completed in time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Bombardier
“The company claims it will be the highest capacity monorail in the world, carrying 48 000 passengers/ hour/direction.”
São Paulo proceeded as planned, and the first test Behind schedules… Brazil’s largest city, with a population of trains were run on 2.9km (1.8 miles) of line With delivery of just the stadia required for nearly 21 million in the metropolitan area, on 10 January 2014. The line will not be the FIFA World Cup a close-run thing in is located on a plateau 60km (37.3 miles) completed until 2016. terms of timescale, it was perhaps inevitable from, but 800m above, the Atlantic Ocean. Another straddle monorail, line 17, that other projects would fail to be achieved At one time freight to and from the port was designed to link Congonhas airport on time, or at all. Experts point to common of Santos reached or left the city on a in the south-west with metro line 5 at factors behind the delays: either judicial cable railway, but this was replaced by an Campo Belo and suburban rail line 9 at investigators halt construction because of electrified rack railway in 1974. This was Morumbi. The construction of the 17.7km financial irregularities, or initial feasibility the same year that metro operation (11-mile) line was awarded to a Scomi-led studies and subsequent planning were began; today there is a five-line 69km consortium under a BRL1.4bn (EUR430m) inadequate to ensure funding approval. (42.9-mile) metro and an extensive contract in June 2011, with completion Relocating families living in the way suburban commuter rail system. programmed for 2014, but has been of roads and rail lines has been a constant The east-west metro line 2 was to be subject to judicial challenges on land source of conflict and court cases, and extended further eastwards, but it was acquisition and financing; 24 three-car Brazil’s strict environmental laws have decided to build this extension from Vila trains should carry 252 000 passengers/day also prompted legal injunctions. Prudente to São Mateus as a monorail and Scomi has formed a joint venture Public demonstrations against the instead, designated line 15. A second phase with Brazilian firms to build monorail ‘extravagance’ of the World Cup compared will take the line to Cidade Tiradentes. trains in Brazil. with the plight of Brazil’s poor have made In 2010 a Bombardier-led consortium Progress with construction has been politicians nervous about being associated was awarded the BRL1.44bn (EUR0.44bn) slower than planned, and it is likely the with large infrastructure projects. contract for the 24km (14.9-mile) line, line will not open until 2015. The project Another factor is that things just seem including 54 seven-car Innovia trains with was withdrawn from the World Cup to take a long time in Brazil, a country automatic train control. The first train has Responsibility Matrix in January 2014. known for its maddening bureaucracy and been built in Canada, but the remaining In 2013 the government approved a a laid-back approach to life. Of course this is stock will be assembled in a new Brazilian BRL800m (EUR245.3m) 15km (9.3-mile) nothing new, as suggested in the oft-modified factory at Hortolândia. The company light rail line for São José Dos Campos, quote of the famous playwright, novelist and claims it will be the highest capacity about 50km (31 miles) north-east of adopted son of Rio de Janeiro Stefan Zweig: monorail in the world, carrying 48 000 São Paulo. However the project was “Brazil is the country of the future – and it passengers/hour/direction. Construction has scrapped in 2014 for financial reasons. always will be”.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 197 New Orleans NEW ORLEANS IS FINALLY ON THE MOVE – AND ON THE UP
Some nine years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ public transport is only now seeing the benefits and clear up following the takeover by Veolia in 2009. Vic Simons reports on a promising future for the city.
hen Hurricane Katrina hit rebuild the entire network – with reduced 2013 significant progress had clearly been New Orleans in 2005, the personnel, and a decline in tourism and made; the city appeared much busier and flood protection system therefore revenue – seemed an onerous task. there was far less evidence of the destruction failed and the city was However, almost a decade later the city is wrought by Katrina. NORTA had big plans devastated. The largest rapidly rebuilding, the damaged streetcars for transit expansion, identified in 2010, cityW in the state of Louisiana, New Orleans have been rebuilt in fine style by Brookville particularly with regards to the streetcar suffered one of the worst natural disasters Equipment and the population is also operation. Three years later, many of these in American history with over 1500 people growing – levels are now at 80% pre-Katrina plans are coming to fruition. dead and tens of thousands evacuated. levels (369 250 in 2012), compared to less Architecture and infrastructure, not least than 70% in 2010. It has been a long and New projects and new routes of all the public transport system, were painful road to recovery, but it finally seems Part-funded by a USD45m TIGER grant, the destroyed, and it was widely questioned that New Orleans is making some headway to USD53m 2.6km (1.6-mile) Loyola Avenue whether the lively Creole city would ever restoration, especially in respect of repairing extension opened in January 2013, running be the same. its public transport networks. as part of the Canal Street route linking Canal The majority of streetcars and buses were TAUT last visited the city early in 2010 Street with the bus terminal and the AMTRAK destroyed, and those that survived were when Veolia Transportation, under contract terminus. It has been constructed on an badly flood damaged. The infrastructure of to the New Orleans Regional Transit alignment in the outer lane of the three-lane the St Charles line needed to be completely Authority (NORTA), had just taken over the dual carriageway, and as it approaches the repaired. A rag-tag fleet of salvaged and public transport management; then-General bus terminal the line turns north and runs donated vehicles ensured some service was Manager Justin Augustine shared his vision into a two-track segregated terminal adjacent resumed within 60 days, but to repair and with us. When we returned in December to the bus terminal and AMTRAK station.
198 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org General view of the Loyola terminal with the Greyhound Bus Terminal in the background. The AMTRAK station is immediately behind the bus facility and shares the waiting and ticketing area.
Car 2009 on Loyola Avenue on 9 December 2013.
Cars 2001 and 2009 on Canal Street at the point where there is a two-way connection to the St Charles route. These tracks are not normally used by cars in service.
New-style stations are fully fitted-out with Brookville solar-powered transit shelters that include car 2018 northbound video kiosks for schedule information. on Canal Street No new vehicles have been purchased, bound for but the funding has also covered relocation the Museum and replacement of underground utilities, terminus. road paving and landscaping. On NORTA Federal, state and local officials gathered timetables at the New Orleans Passenger Terminal for its each route is opening ceremony and festivities, followed allocated a by an inaugural ride to Canal Street with number but these numbers celebratory stops made along the way. do not appear The Uptown Orchestra and Delfeayo Marsalis on the vehicles. played upon their return to the Union Passenger Terminal (UPT), where then-US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood addressed the audience, stating: “We are committed to helping New Orleans modernise its historic streetcar line, which has become an important catalyst for revitalising the downtown business and tourist districts.”
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 199 New Orleans
The French Quarter expansion will link a number of areas in New Orleans (yellow line), with the recently opened Loyola Avenue extension marked in blue. NORTA He further pledged that the Obama towards the Mississippi River to link up with preventative work to the historic St Charles Government would continue investing in the existing Riverside line, running to the Avenue streetcar line. Although it is still other valuable transportation projects, a east of the French Quarter; while the other possible for passengers to ride the entire sentiment echoed by US Republican Cedric branch will continue south-east along streetcar line, a supplementary shuttle service Richmond who pledged to advocate further St Claude Avenue to Press Street in the also runs to ensure prompt service. investment in Louisiana’s infrastructure. Bywater. Funded by a Series 2010 Sales Tax Also currently under construction Bond, the project should open in 2015. Looking to an expansive future is the 4km (2.5-mile) French Quarter Two other plans are also underway – the TAUT took the opportunity of meeting up expansion. More than 70 000 people live first to link Canal Street line with the west with Augustine again, and he emphasised in the neighbourhoods adjacent to the end of the Riverside line by a loop around how pleased he was with progress to date – French Quarter – housing is affordable and the Warehouse District, completing the but he is not complacent. At present he is many find employment in the downtown loop around the French Quarter and the putting all his efforts into achieving hospitality industry and Central Business Central Business District. This is currently in the current planned streetcar projects District. By connecting these workers the planning stage, and no costs, timelines and bringing the buses up to the level of to the streetcar system, it is hoped they or funding sources have been identified; service witnessed pre-Katrina, before even will be able to gain better access to many indeed it is uncertain as yet whether any considering further expansion. more employment opportunities in the new vehicles will be required to provide the Anyone visiting New Orleans cannot fail surrounding areas. additional service on the lines. to be impressed with what has been achieved To this end, the projected route will run The second project is a short 0.24km since 2010, let alone when compared with east from Canal Street along North Rampart (0.15-mile) extension to move the Cemeteries 2005. Bus services have been expanded Street to the point where it changes its name terminus at the north end of Canal Street and now provide much better coverage, to St Claude Avenue. At this junction, the around the corner into City Park Avenue, particularly across the east side of the city line will split: one part will head south-west where there will be a new stop. The line will where service levels suffered and were severely then turn almost immediately north on to cut back in Katrina’s aftermath. The improved the central reservation of Canal Boulevard, bus/streetcar shelters are gradually being where there will be a purpose-built streetcar rolled out across the network with tourist terminus/bus interchange. areas understandably being given priority. Currently, transit riders must cross City The city is generally much busier in Park Avenue from Canal Street to transfer 2013 than in 2010, surely a positive sign between the streetcar terminal and RTA that the population is gradually returning to and Jefferson Transit (JeT) bus stops located New Orleans. Road traffic volumes seem to on Canal Boulevard. Federal funding for be significantly higher; while back in 2010 this project can be granted only after an many houses were lying derelict and unused, Environmental Assessment is completed, the same cannot be said in 2013. which is currently being prepared by the New Orleans is still ‘a must visit’ both for RTA in conjunction with the Federal Transit the transport enthusiast and tourist alike. Perley Thomas Car 906 at Carrolton terminal of the Administration (FTA). St Charles route in March 2010. In the background, A concurrent and ongoing project is the Thanks to Justin Augustine, Stefan Marks two cars can be seen backed up waiting to enter the maintenance and upgrading of existing and Patrice Bell Mercadel for their time and terminal tracks. lines, with the RTA currently performing assistance in the preparation of this article.
200 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org City Circulators GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES? The city circulator, or loop, configuration is not a new idea, but is one that is building momentum as a driver for regeneration and low-cost tramway and streetcar development. Tramways & Urban Transit seeks expert opinion in examining the concept and how it can be implemented.
magine a clean, tidy built-up modern sometimes vintage – or at least vintage of Oregon with 600 000 people and is often environment, with hop-on, hop-off style – and that is understandably ranked highly in ‘liveability’ lists; the other transport available so frequently that perceived where they are used as part sits in Wisconsin on the east coast with a it becomes second nature to residents of the attraction. population of around 100 000. and commuters. Yet the real benefit of a circulator, It’s easy to find differences between the INipping to the shops? Regularly travelling it seems, is regeneration. As Scott McIntosh, schemes too. Kenosha runs vintage PCC from the station to work? Or popping to a cafe Mott MacDonald’s Technical Director of trams, while Portland has transitioned from in your lunchbreak…? Think of a world where Trams and Light Rail, explains. vintage cars to a small, modern low-floor you could do all of that without worrying “Electric railways are specialised for fleet. Yet there are plenty of similarities about timetables, peak hour traffic queues, dealing with heavy flows along corridors,” – both lines opened over a decade ago struggling to find a car parking space, or even says McIntosh of conventional commuter (Portland in 2001, Kenosha in 2000) and jumping on a bus. That’s the vision promoted rail. “In many ways circulators are different each is a lightweight circulator rather than by those arguing for lightweight tramway to that. Yes, this is about moving people, but being full-blown light rail. circulator services – either for city centres, it’s much more about creating a place that “Kenosha is a small town that has suburban or commercial centres, or providing people want to go to, that they want to be in struggled since a huge car plant that was connections to areas close to existing hubs. and importantly, where they want to live. a major employer closed, however it had Circulators have been thrust into the UK It’s about creating the synergy of a place.” the potential for a wonderful lakefront consciousness recently by the headlines from An ideal scenario, says McIntosh, is where regeneration once the redundant car plant Dundee – despite the fact that a project for a circulators are used as a regeneration tool was cleared away, and Kenosha has an city centre loop for Tayside city has been turned by connecting areas to communities that excellent commuter rail connection into down by the local authority (TAUT 916). already have good transport links “and Chicago,” says McIntosh. Yet in the USA the circulator idea has gained that’s where ideas like the Portland or “A circulator is about making people think traction in recent years with at least 15 new Kenosha Streetcars come in.” ‘I could live here – and travel five minutes systems either under construction or in the As places, Portland and Kenosha are quite with the streetcar to the major interchange, planning stages. The vehicles involved are different. The first city lies in the north-west then catch a fast train to Chicago.’”
Deciding what it’s for “In many cases trams can be best: they’re simple, proven, In the UK, Mott MacDonald has developed a tramway concept for the Wirral Waters and guided, so can run through pedestrian areas. regeneration scheme. A major GBP4.5bn (approx. EUR5.4bn) redevelopment scheme If they’re electric and therefore non-polluting at source, intended to be realised over three decades in the Birkenhead docks area across the River they can even run through the atrium of a building.” Mersey from Liverpool, Wirral Waters is
DUNDEE The proposal for a city circulator for the Scottish city of Dundee put forward by Light Rail (UK) envisages two overlapping routes, centred on a loop through the regenerated area near the city’s waterfront. One route is planned to include a branch to either the university quarter or the new office area along Greenmarket. Following a similar construction methodology to the new heritage tourist tramway in Aruba, the total length of the circulator would be 4.4km (2.1 miles), requiring six trams. Estimated initial cost estimates (at 2013 prices) are put at GBP28.5m (EUR34.5m) including contingencies. As outlined, the circulator would connect the main points of entry to the central area – the bus and railway stations, and car parking. Writing in Tramways & Urban Transit, Light Rail (UK)’s Jim Harkins said the proposals for Dundee would create a lighter weight and lower cost system than the only modern tramway so far created in Scotland – in Edinburgh, which is due to open in May. Harkins also argued that a Dundee Circulator would be “not an alternative to what Dundee has at present – but an addition that can help improve public transport’s market share.” The Portland Streetcar covers 12km (seven miles) with two routes, a north-south line that opened in 2001, However, Dundee’s decision-makers and a central loop that started operations in 2012. Now using modern streetcars, in its early years it also offered disagree – favouring buses instead. ‘vintage’ services using replica Brill trams. Vic Simons
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 201 City circulators
‘WHEELS AND SPOKES’
Mat Taylor of Viaduct considers the pros and cons of circular light rail systems.
Circulator schemes present a dichotomy as they represent both a journey with no start or end yet could actually have more ‘starts and ends’ when compared to ‘straight line’ journeys or linear routes. We should remember that on the UK’s London Underground, the Circle line is regarded as the busiest of all lines and acts as a conduit to others (unless you are fortunate enough to live and work in locations directly served by it). This suggests it is perhaps the most important line on the whole network. Any LRT scheme provides the public and business community with a sign of permanence, investment and growth – more so than buses. The physical infrastructure provides a constant reminder to all that a tram or streetcar will be along soon, even if you can’t hear or see one. This represents pending opportunity to the business owner – more people and more potential sales are due any minute! Similarly, the regularity and constant presence gives confidence to employers that their colleagues will be able to get to work An artist’s impression of the planned Wirral Waters development. The proposed Streetcar route would run with less risk of car-based congestion. down the wide boulevards surrounding the central high-rise development and through the core, linking to the So psychologically, circulators can provide existing Birkenhead heritage tramway and Merseyrail stations for wider connectivity. Peel Holdings subtle and yet strong confidence to a region. As regards patronage and modal shift, planned to include a circulator, building on electric and therefore non-polluting at circulators may not perform as well as more the existing Wirral heritage tramway. source, they can even run through the atrium traditional straight line routes to and from The new line would, among other things, of a building. You could argue that this is part set locations, but that is not necessarily connect to the existing Hamilton Square of the infrastructure of creating a civilised the end from a business case perspective. Circulators can increase the benefits of other heavy rail station, from which a frequent society – and should be seen as an essential lines significantly because you can offer many Merseyrail service runs under the Mersey part of that, just like providing gas supplies, destinations as opposed to an ‘end of the line’. directly into Liverpool. water or drains.” Imagine the circulator as the hub of the “The first thing to do is decide what the McIntosh is cautious, though, about seeing wheel, with lines from strategic points carrying job is,” says McIntosh. “In the case of the a circulator as just a building block towards people from outlying conurbations to a town Wirral Waters scheme, a streetcar would something bigger, pointing out that such or city centre, the spokes leading to the hub. do two major tasks. It would link the decisions should be clear from the start: With planning you need not even have to development to a very well-established “You could say ‘let’s build a circulator and let make changes mid-journey as the vehicles could actually use the circulator route as electric commuter it grow legs’, but you the turnaround in the journey; users can be railway, so in the “To attract bright young have to think what encouraged to leave their cars at home or at a peaks when you you want to get out of park-and-ride situated on the edge of the 'wheel'. have to shift large people you can do one the system. If you’re Add trams that serve only the circulator route numbers of people creating a lightweight and you have a quick hop-on hop-off approach 800m-1500m through of two things – pay them people-mover then to travelling shorter distances; day tickets or areas that have to you’re probably smart ticketing only increase the likelihood of be regenerated, it more, or create real talking of vehicles people using the service to travel to the other would carry out that can go round side of town for a meeting or sightseeing. While a standalone circulator scheme may a straightforward 15m curves, for quality of life.” struggle to achieve the required benefits to transport task. example. So you encourage a local or national authority to fund “During the day it’d do the other job: don’t want to start by having to build a it, private investment could provide some tying the development together. system to full LRT standards.” solutions. The aforementioned confidence Wirral Waters is shaped like a doughnut and may be sufficient to encourage businesses it’s probably something like 1.5km around Quality of life? and investors to move to the area and invest the water, which means that reaching the The arguments in favour of circulators in public transport to increase footfall and coffee house that might only be 400m away have proved persuasive in a number of subsequent sales. On the other hand, businesses may (rightly or wrongly) see a circulator as in a straight line isn’t so straightforward. communities in the USA, where projects such merely moving existing customers around “But if there’s something going past my as Portland, Kenosha and others give a clear slightly quicker than they do already – this office on a regular basis that moves me there idea of the potential. Yet as proponents of the does not shout growth. and back during my lunch hour, I’ll probably Dundee scheme have found in the UK, the Bringing people in from other population use it and also go shopping, to the pub and flexibility, lower cost and ‘known quantity’ centres represents growth and opportunity in leisure activities in Wirral Waters after work. of buses can prove an alternative big draw. layman’s terms; with growth and opportunity “You could do it with little electric buses However, says McIntosh: “This is about comes confidence, and with this comes a following a guideway; or you could build a the choices you make as to how you spend greater ability to attract investment. monorail, but they’re expensive, visually money, and how you raise it. In the US, for My personal view is that circulator schemes need at least one additional branch line; this example, cities have local sales taxes of 1%; intrusive and don’t always work that well. does not have to be constructed at the same You could even provide thousands of bikes, that means they have funds available. time, but such plans must be clear and have but not everyone wants to cycle – especially The question is, do you want to make your a firm date for completion publicised at the in the British climate. city a place worth living in? same time as the plans for the circulator. Future “I think in many cases trams can be best: “If you’re going to attract bright young additions should also be mooted to demonstrate they’re simple, proven, and they’re guided, so people you can do one of two things – pay the start of bigger and better things to come. can run through pedestrian areas. If they’re them more, or create real quality of life.”
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www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 203 UK: Future prospects RE-FUELLING THE UK’S LIGHT RAIL REVOLUTION
A lull has followed a promising The world’s oldest street-running electric tramway in Blackpool has undergone a comprehensive modernisation programme and now features state-of-the-art Bombardier Flexity 2 trams. Neil Pulling early start, but taking inspiration from other countries Such a ‘light rail revolution’ would transform travel in the nation’s towns THE UK IN 2000 and industries, the UK is on and cities, solving many urban transport the cusp of a new wave of LRT problems and filling the transport gap At the turn of the 21st Century, there were seven between over-stretched bus and conventional light rail and tramway schemes in England: development, argue Bob Collis, rail services. At the time, there were seven Mike Grimsey and Tim Strong light rail and tramway systems in operation > Blackpool Tramway in England (see panel, right). > Tyne and Wear Metro from the Transport Research > Docklands Light Railway Within a few years the ‘revolution’ had > Manchester Metrolink Laboratory, and Paul Griffiths, made an impact and several new LRT schemes > Sheffield Supertram Centro Programme Director. had reached a stage where construction > Birmingham’s Midland Metro might not be far away. These included > Croydon Tramlink the Nottingham Express Transit, Leeds ver a decade ago, the UK Supertram, Bristol & South Gloucestershire Government issued a ten-year City Link, Liverpool’s Merseytram and (in The problems begin plan for transport1 that included Scotland) Edinburgh Tram schemes. Unfortunately, the light rail revolution an aim to double the use of Other rapid transit projects of various soon started to falter and many of these light rail in major cities and forms were soon under consideration for schemes fell away due to planning, political Oconurbations in England by 2010. urban centres and conurbations such as or funding difficulties. In 2004, the National This would be achieved through the Northampton, Rugby, South Hampshire, Audit Office (NAO)2 stated that the existing building of up to 25 new rapid transit lines, Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon, systems in Sheffield, Birmingham and and was seen as a major step towards the Cardiff and Staffordshire. In London, Croydon had generated far fewer passenger integration of the UK’s transport system; the West London Tram, East London, trips than had been expected, and that it would have the advantages of tackling Greenwich Waterfront, Uxbridge Road Manchester’s Metrolink was running at a loss, congestion and pollution as well as and Cross River Transit schemes were also although this was disputed at the time and encouraging wider travel choices. under consideration. is certainly not the case now. Furthermore,
204 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org the estimated costs per kilometre for the similar to those of the UK are also embracing Learning from other industries proposed schemes in South Hampshire, Leeds the modern renaissance of light rail systems. Most importantly, communications, energy and Liverpool were higher than for systems Existing networks in Canada and Australia and operating technologies have rapidly already in operation; and the NAO wanted to are expanding, and new schemes are being developed and could improve the efficiency see these costs brought down. promoted as local authorities seek to embrace of our transport systems. The travelling At the same time, an ‘optimism bias’ was the myriad benefits that the mode brings. public will want dynamic travel information introduced to the assessment stage across all To this end, the UK Department for throughout their journey, regardless of mode types of new schemes to ensure that costs Transport’s 2011 publication Green light for of travel; and to be able to pay for their whole were not understated and benefits were light rail4 examines some of the steps that journey through ticketless systems. not overstated. This made it more difficult could make light rail more cost effective. After In addition, light and flexible construction for transport authorities to justify the all, the refurbishment and renewal of the Tyne materials as well as efficient electric/battery costs versus benefits case for their light rail and Wear Metro and Blackpool Tramway, systems are being developed – with trials proposals, particularly when compared to extensions to Manchester Metrolink, Midland of hydrogen-powered vehicles also looking highway improvement schemes for which Metro Line 1, and Phase Two of Nottingham promising – enabling changes to rolling journey time savings could gain greater Express Transit had all recently been stock design and modular track design, weight than those from carbon reduction, approved – so what’s holding us back? such that light rail routes will become easier regeneration benefits and modal shift. Most importantly, the report recommends to plan and implement. We should also be Added to this, funding for new rapid that the proportion of scheme costs to be able to develop a more workable solution for transit schemes was capped by Government contributed locally should be the same as the integration of light and heavy rail, and so that no more than 75% of scheme costs for other transport modes, and that higher the use of Train-Trams (trains that can run would come from central government, the monetary values of carbon should be on tramways). remainder needing to be found by the scheme incorporated within the calculation of the If this time we can get it right, we will see sponsor from other sources. These factors, benefits from schemes. The report also calls the implementation of new light rail systems along with delays encountered in getting for the establishment of uniform light rail that are slick, attractive and efficient and have proposals through the UK Transport and system designs to reduce costs and bring them a positive impact on the town and city-scape. Works Act, put a strain on the process. Many in line with schemes elsewhere in the world. Looking back at the aims for light rail in promoters now started to regard light rail as Tram-trains are also seen as a way of the year 2000, we may not have developed too expensive and too difficult to justify. reducing costs, as these will run on existing 25 new schemes, but light rail has thrived and Thankfully, the revolution did not heavy rail lines as well as on the street, the UK now has eight systems in operation completely end. Nottingham Express Transit and could be an appealing solution for (with Edinburgh soon to join them). has since opened, and several rapid transit Passenger Transport Executives progressing Some of these have been extended – and systems were extended (in Manchester’s case the development of schemes. Technically, patronage has substantially increased. adding many new lines, creating the UK’s the concept is well proven in Germany, the In terms of the future, the UK Department first true mixed-running LRT network) or Netherlands and France and many of the UK’s for Transport has recognised, through its improved; Edinburgh is nearing completion, current systems use existing rail alignments 2011 report, the need to address the financing having overcome its own challenges. and infrastructure in some form or another. issues that made the justification of new Most remarkably, the total patronage of To help provide promoters with practical schemes so difficult in the past. There are, light rail systems in the UK has increased by guidance on implementing new schemes, of course, other considerations to be made; 68%; from 132m passenger journeys in 2002-3 the Government is funding a pilot scheme especially those involving transferrable to 222m passenger journeys in 2012-133. in South Yorkshire which, after a slow start, technology and enabling light rail to gain The two London systems at Docklands in is now moving forward. It would appear that from a broadening innovation ‘landscape’. and Croydon have more than doubled their the revolution is coming back to life. The work of organisations such UKTram, the patronage, whilst ridership across the systems outside London has grown by around 27%. “Where do we go next? Can we address the issues that The light rail revolution seems therefore to have quietly continued, and the UK now hampered many UK scheme proposals in the past?” has a list of rapid transit schemes that it can be proud. It has begun to put its cities on an equal footing with neighbours in mainland Europe in terms of sustainable, green, transport connectivity.
Looking to the future Yet where do we go next? Can we address the issues that hampered the progress of many scheme proposals in the past and, at the same time, take on board the issues that our economy and society will face in the future? We will need to rethink how modern LRT systems can contribute to the transport system as a whole, their part in wider city and regional planning strategies, and gain a better understanding of the true economic and environmental benefits. After all, how difficult can it be? France, Germany, the USA and Spain seem to regularly announce the opening of new and impressive systems, many incorporating exciting innovations in design, power supply and guidance. France, for example, has invested heavily in light rail, and has systems already operating in some 25 cities, many having been implemented in the last ten years – and there are more on the way. On average, ten new systems open each As Edinburgh Trams prepares to carry its first paying passengers, its fleet of CAF low-floor cars have become a year globally, and economies and cultures familiar sight on the city’s prestigious Princes Street. This is the view from Edinburgh Castle. M. R. Taplin
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 205 UK: Future prospects
Railway Industry Association and Technology Strategy Board in the UK, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, will be critical in addressing this, especially in spanning the so-called ‘valley of death’ associated with the lack of technology readiness that can supress progress. To help overcome this, the Technology Strategy Board, through UKTram5, has recently launched a GBP3m (approx. EUR3.6m) competition seeking innovative solutions in track design and energy provision that will reduce the whole-life cost and impact of light rail schemes. Proposals for solutions with international market opportunities that can be demonstrated in the UK are encouraged. It is encouraging that the latest generation of light rail schemes has, in many ways, already been innovative in the application of rail technologies, recreating the idea of street-running tramways in a country that had effectively abandoned the concept by the end of the 1950s (with the notable exception of Blackpool). To ensure that development of new light rail schemes will progress at the greatest possible pace, it may be necessary to re- imagine the concept again, taking on board new technologies that will help deliver more-for-less with smaller construction impacts and, ideally, much shorter times from concept to operation. We must also learn lessons from a wide variety of other industries, including aerospace, automotive and manufacturing more generally. Since the Green light for light rail report was published, the funding of major schemes has been devolved from the Department for Transport to local transport boards. Whilst this could make major LRT projects more difficult to fund because the pot of available money could potentially be sub- divided, it would also allow communities and the business groups to get behind the development of light rail schemes and drive them forward by realising the benefits at Can the UK follow the model of nations like Algeria? This North African country has opened three modern a local level. We are already seeing city light rail systems in five years, with 14 more in the planning or construction stages. Mike Russell authorities taking note and starting to look hard at what LRT can do for them. London (formerly Croydon) Tramlink has recently double-tracked part of its central section for increased We now have a genuine opportunity to capacity, and added a further option for additional Stadler Variobahn trams. Neil Pulling raise the profile of LRT in playing its part in the ‘door to door’ journey experience. To achieve this we must overcome the barriers that stopped the last revolution, and generate the energy and enthusiasm for innovation that will yield an unstoppable momentum within the transport industry. The model works. It’s well proven both in the UK and overseas, now, most importantly, we will need to work very hard at convincing funding organisations to support new schemes. Light rail mustn’t be left behind this time – bring on the revolution!
REFERENCES
[1] Transport 2010, The 10 Year Plan, DETR, July 2000 [2] National Audit Office Report,Improving Public Transport in England through Light Rail, April 2004 [3] National Statistics, Light Rail and Tram Statistics: England 2012/13, DfT, June 2013 [4] Green light for light rail, DfT, September 2011 [5] UKTram competition to deliver innovation in Light Rail, TSB, January 2014
206 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Essen
Neil Pulling uses Essen’s rail systems to SYSTEMS explore the city and some of its neighbours Essen that are part of FACTFILE Germany’s biggest No. Essen, GERMANY urban area. 79 Germany
espite a falling Early Düwag lines (U-Bahn). Each has surface and immediately south of the small population, Essen in M8C 1112 passes the underground running, in places central zone. Mining subsidence Nordrhein-Westfalen Zeche Zollverein combined over dual gauge track. remains significant for rail operators, (NRW) state remains in industrial site on Combining local coal, water and in late 2013 disrupting the east-west 11 September 2013. the top ten German inventiveness, Essen’s growth into main line where Essen Hbf is the Dcities, with 573 115 residents as it an industrial giant was rapid. main transport hub. There are orbital All pictures by entered 2014. Neil Pulling. Its prominence rose with Krupp steel, light rail routings but a radial pattern Several routes on Essen’s transport railway and armaments production dominates, although tunnels in the map pass from the main white from the nineteenth century. centre make this less perceptible. background to a surrounding grey. Close to Germany’s western edge, yet The transport operator since Rather than denoting entry to suburbs at the centre of Ruhr Valley industry, it 1954, Essener Verkehrs-AG or countryside, some are overlaps was a frequent World War Two (EVAG) is part of the city-owned EVV with other urban systems. bombing target when around 90% holding company. With ten rail- Part of the Ruhrgebiet of tram stock and power supply were based and 32 bus lines plus a night agglomeration, the biggest in destroyed. Post-war restoration was network, EVAG claims 330 000 daily Germany, the lower Ruhr Valley’s completed by the early 1950s, but passengers. It is in the Rhein-Ruhr dense public transport coverage tramway closures soon began in VRR transport association’s fare and provides multiple journey alternatives. favour of buses. route framework, with Essen and These are mature networks, with Heavy manufacturing has largely adjoining Mülheim an der Ruhr’s tram modification more prevalent than gone, but Essen retains commercial lines numbered in the 1xx series. new installations for many years. importance. Rebuilding the city Co-operation with the neighbours This process has contributed to bestowed function rather than added a new aspect with the new Essen having seven metre-gauge beauty, not helped by the breadth Via company formed in July 2010. tramlines (stops signed as ‘Tram’) of railway tracks and part-covered With a 49% holding at Via’s launch, and three 1435mm gauge Stadtbahn A40 Ruhr Expressway passing EVAG (58% passenger share) and its
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 207 Essen
THE FLEET
Bi-directional trams, 2.3m wide, are mostly clad in EVAG livery. Depleted by accidents, around 50 Düwag 27.8m M8C built from 1979 remain the most numerous type. There are several batches and number series, with 1401-1415 built 1989-90 the newest. The 28m three-section Adtranz/ Bombardier M8D-NF, numbered 1501-1534 and built 1999-2001, were until recently EVAG’s only low-floor (70% area) trams; while two Bombardier Flexity Classic NF2 (1601-series), a new 29.7m air-conditioned M8D-NF development, had arrived in Essen by December 2013. Main series deliveries in an EVAG order for 27 plus an initial five (ten more later ordered) for MVG begin in 2014. With more open floor space than the earlier version, NF2 has 64 seats and standing room for 108. Both Stadtbahn types can work all three routes. Built 1976-85, there are 24 Düwag Stadtbahn B80C, supplemented on U18 by MVG’s similar B80S/B100S. Made redundant by infrastructure changes, London’s Docklands sold 21 LHB Salzgitter and BREL York automatic operation DLR vehicles were sold to EVAG. Fitting driver cabs and overhead supply were amongst the modifications, but the overall cost represented great savings over the alternatives. Identified by EVAG as ‘Docklands’ type and original P86 and P89 “Essen followed the broad trends of then West Germany designations (P86U denotes a later Essen rebuild), small interior plates to put trams below ground – the first section in 1967… show each vehicle’s origins. and to replace the busiest routes with Stadtbahn.”
TOP: Carrying the livery of lowly placed Rot-Weiss Essen football club, M8C 1112 is at Moltkestrasse.
LEFT: Formerly Porscheplatz – still shown on some tram indicators – Rathaus Essen stop is on a tram-only tunnel section.
BELOW LEFT: Schloss Horst’s high platform with dual-gauge for the Bogestra system overlap.
ABOVE RIGHT: With Duo-Bus system remnants removed, this is the 2010- rebuilt Thyssen Krupp stop just beyond the east-west tram tunnel.
RIGHT: Southern U11 terminus Messe West-Sud/Gruga. P86U 5239 (ex-DLR 09) and P89 5221 (12).
208 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org
Duisburg (29%) and Mülheim (13%) There are also more modern rights of With folding Kerb guided ‘Duo-Buses’ were counterparts aim to improve services way, mainly along main roads. steps for high integrated with trams, mainly and get better value from expenditure. Essen followed the trends of then-West platform tunnel use, using some in-tunnel sections. Local branding remains, with Essen’s Germany to put trams below ground M8C 1129 is The hybrid trolleybuses ran mostly livery using the city colours applied as – the first section in 1967 containing at Bredeney along wooden boarding by the yellow with blue or black detailing. Saalbau stop, now Philharmonie terminus in outer edge of the tram rails. April 2010. Begun in 1893 and with – and to replace the busiest routes Powered through a separate overhead substantial expansion either side with Stadtbahn. Some short sections supply, they could switch to diesel for of World War I, aspects of a incorporate both modes, reconciling Built in 1953 conventional bus operation – YouTube first-generation tramway remain. Stadtbahn high-floor vehicles and and in passenger clips show the system at work. It is exemplified by the arc of line 106 low-level tram access by infrastructure service until 1967, Proven as viable but complex, the through southern neighbourhoods, or and vehicle modification. this is instruction system did not extend as planned and the eastern reach of lines 103 and 109 Essen briefly had Germany’s most Düwag T4 at was abandoned by 2001 when stock to Steele bus and S-Bahn interchange. ambitious guided bus installation. Helenenstrasse. and infrastructure replacements were
NETWORK FACTS Opened: 1893 (Stadtbahn from 1977) Lines: 7 tram, 3 Stadtbahn Tram distance: 54km (33.8 miles) Stadtbahn distance: 20km (12.5 miles) Depots: 1 tram, 1 Stadtbahn Approx. weekday hours: 04.30-23.00 Main frequency: 10 minutes Gauge: Tram 1 000mm, Stadtbahn 1435mm Power: 750V dc overhead supply City network: Essener Verkehrs-AG (EVAG) Area network: Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR)
INFORMATION City network: www.evag.de Area network: www.vrr.de Heritage collection and operations: www.vhag-evag.de Civic and tourist information: www.essen.de
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 209 Essen deemed too costly. Conventional it is jointly operated by EVAG and guided buses remain, including Mülheim’s MVG. This was one of the near Wasserturm, which once few MVG provisions not affected by its hosted Duo-Buses. five-year plan approved in December. Essen’s Stadtbahn has two core Branching off the east-west route, routes. From a brief in-cutting stretch the southerly U17 surface section including Messe-West/Süd Gruga remains closest to tramway origins. terminus, U11 takes the north-south The high platforms are mainly in alignment beneath Essen. For about residential surroundings rather 2km (1.2 miles) it shares space with than on arterial roads, including a lines 101 and 107 in the dual-gauged crossroad intersection with tram 106 Rüttenscheid tunnel. As some stations at Holsterhauser Platz. U17 has a single only have high platforms, tram track approach to Margarethenhöhe operations are confined to those terminus, from which an extension M8C vehicles fitted with steps that has been proposed. An active fold to create level access. tramway project is in the ‘Krupp Striking for its traffic intensity Belt’ redevelopment where the and vivid blue lighting, Essen Hbf’s new Berthold Beitz Boulevard will underground station has dedicated give a more direct line 109 routing MVG B80S 5032 and B100S 5012 on the U18 alignment between northbound and southbound island and reduce tram congestion at Ruhr Expressway carriageways near Hobeisenbrücke. platforms. Each is high on one side Helenenstrasse crossroads – an and low on the other for transfer opening date is still to be announced. Former London Docklands 10, EVAG P86U 5240, is seen at Essen between the two light rail formats. Stadtmitte tram depot is off non- Hauptbahnhof. Accommodating the three Stadtbahn revenue tracks on Goldschmidtstrasse, lines between Hbf and Berliner Platz north-east of Essen’s small central (which also has a lower-level tram- area. With tram and Stadtbahn “Essen Hbf's underground only tunnel), the route becomes access, Schweriner Strasse depot is surface-running north of Karlsplatz, more suburban, just off U18 near the station has dedicated the U17 terminus. Line U11 continues Mülheim boundary. over Gelsenkirchen's boundary to northbound and southbound Buerer Strasse. For two stops the track Maps: www.evag.de/fahrplan/ is dual gauge, with separate platforms linienplaene.html island platforms.” for EVAG and Bogestra’s (Bochum and Gelsenkirchen) line 301 metre-gauge trams. Completed in 2004, this most recent Stadtbahn extension ended through-running by trams on this route between the two cities. Line 107, however, remains metre- gauge throughout to Gelsenkirchen Hbf, one of several cases where DB's S-Bahn provides faster journeys between some points. Less direct than U18 or DB alternatives, Essen and Mülheim are connected by lines 105 and 104 with a change at Abzweig Aktienstrasse. The east-west Stadtbahn route is mainly for U18. Opened in May 1977, it was the earliest and remains the only Stadtbahn line wholly in reserved space. A mostly surface interurban line between underground termini Essen Hbf and Mülheim (Ruhr) Hbf,
ESSENTIAL FACTS Local travel: Very helpful day, the SchönerTagTicket – EVAG leaflet ‘KuturLinie EVAG outlets (Kunden NRW may be cheapest: 107.’ Grugapark botanical Center) at Essen Hbf and EUR28.50 one person/ garden (U11 Messe Berliner Platz. Complex EUR41.00 up to five. West-Sud/Gruga). zone-based VRR tickets There is a downloadable An alternative to cover all modes including English VRR information the city centre is DB local and regional PDF at www.vrr.de/en Rüttenscheider Strasse services. Single tickets What is there to see? (U11 Rüttenscheider begin at EUR1.50; Planned to disappear Stern), noted for shops and city-limit zone A day under autumn 2014 line restaurants. In wooded tickets from EUR6.50. rearrangements, the tram hills to the south can be Some Essen hotels 107 route links attractions found Krupp history at include VRR KombiTicket such as the UNESCO- Villa Hügel (S-Bahn S6, for residents. If including listed Zollverein mine Essen-Hügel) and a former other transport systems in and industrial complex, EVAG operation, Baldeney NRW or needing an airport Cathedral and Museum Lake and Ruhr cruises: In shared road space, 1501 and 1161 approach the busy junction and connection on the same Folkwang art collection www.baldeneysee.com turning loop at Helenenstrasse.
210 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Advertorial
STRAIL’s enhanced STRAILastic_W alternative to encapsulation
here was a general feeling of To hold the tram track to gauge, the With several UK systems looking at or agreement at a recent meeting lateral compliance needs to be relatively even completing rail renewal, the issue of the UK’s Permanent Way stiff in comparison to the vertical of whole-life costs also arises. Cutting Institution that the design of compliance, and there is a range of out worn rail sections, stripping off and tram tracks was a very different STRAILastic systems to encase the rail separating concrete, steel and rubber for Ttask to that of heavy rail, especially where range from the basic STRAILastic_L to the recycling, or even re-use, can make this the rails are embedded in the surface of a new STRAILastic_W, which has recently an expensive job. The STRAILastic units road carriageway. superceded the _P version. can be cut out and removed, potentially These views are reinforced by The modular close-fitting rubber block a simpler and less costly task that can be conclusions highlighted in the ORR STRAILastic systems are equivalent in done without special facilities. Tramway Guidance Note 1 on Street Track performance to a factory encapsulated The lateral location of the rail between Design and the report from Harpur Hill rail, and can offer additional features the precision-formed side blocks, with the (HSE) A Survey of UK tram and light railway through to the ability to fit and remove special inclusive ‘floating rail’ features of systems relating to the wheel/rail interface the system on site. The close fit of the STRAILastic_W delivers a high standard (FE/04/14). Both downloadable, they moulded units to the rail can offer a less of vibration damping and control illustrate potential issues arising when the bulky profile under the rail foot and in for vertical rail movement. Sensitive rails which flex under the load of trams, terms of the overall width, than a fixed equipment operating nearby also remains and transmit the vibrations delivered as thickness covering. unaffected by the passage of trams in the they pass, interact with the less compliant Welding, both during the construction street outside. road foundations and the more flexible and for building up worn rails, can present tarmac surfacing. a challenge when a moulded-on system is For more details visit www.strail.com The Office of Rail Regulation guide used, as it may require stripping back or Contact: +44 (0)1483 222090 or includes illustrations of issues that can other measures to prevent burning and [email protected] arise when the rail to road structure generation of fumes. The ability to strip interface is not working efffectively, back and replace the STRAILastic blocks and here we highlight some ways the avoids a weather and preparation-sensitive STRAILastic range of embedded rail task of pouring the rail encapsulation systems has developed to tackle them. repair in situ.
DETAIL: STRAILastic _W
Tracklaying showing the easy working height for adjusting track alignment with (blue) GRS baseplates.
The first concrete pour – a simple mass concrete cap with no reinforcement.
1 Supporting concrete slab 2 Levelling course of non-shrink mortar 3 Rail base profile with defined deflection 4 Chamber profiling of vulcanised rubber with new “Wing Technology” 5 Tie bar cover 6 Locating dowel pin 7 Filling concrete 8 Asphalt surface layer 9 Elastic sealing joint Trams can run once the concrete has cured: rapid renewal of around 170m of track in Hanover, Germany.
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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE UK: Future prospects RE-FUELLING THE UK’S Tramways & Urban Transit is LIGHT RAIL REVOLUTION www.lrta.org www.tramnews.net the world’s leading monthly MAY 2014 N O. 917 TRAMS HELP COMBAT publication dedicated EUROPE’S POLLUTION solely to light and urban rail developments.
A lull has followed a promising The world’s oldest street-running electric tramway in Blackpool has undergone a comprehensive early start, but taking modernisation programme and now features state-of-the-art Bombardier Flexity 2 trams. Neil Pulling We deliver comprehensive inspiration from other countries Such a ‘light rail revolution’ would and industries, the UK is on transform travel in the nation’s towns the cusp of a new wave of LRT and cities, solving many urban transport ThE UK iN 2000 problems and filling the transport gap development, argue Bob Collis, between over-stretched bus and conventional At the turn of the 21st Century, there were seven light rail and tramway schemes in England: Mike Grimsey and Tim Strong rail services. At the time, there were seven light rail and tramway systems in operation from the Transport Research > Blackpool Tramway in England (see panel, right). > Tyne and Wear Metro news and analysis, incisive Laboratory, and Paul Griffiths, Within a few years the ‘revolution’ had > Docklands Light Railway made an impact and several new LRT schemes > Manchester Metrolink Centro Programme Director. had reached a stage where construction > Sheffield Supertram might not be far away. These included > Birmingham’s Midland Metro the Nottingham Express Transit, Leeds > Croydon Tramlink ver a decade ago, the UK Supertram, Bristol & South Gloucestershire Government issued a ten-year City Link, Liverpool’s Merseytram and (in plan for transport 1 Making the case for city circulator loops that included Scotland) Edinburgh Tram schemes. The problems begin an aim to double the use of Other rapid transit projects of various Unfortunately, the light rail revolution technology features and CTA crash operator “dozed o ” light rail in major cities and soon started to falter and many of these conurbationsO in England by 2010. forms were soon under consideration for urban centres and conurbations such as schemes fell away due to planning, political This would be achieved through the or funding difficulties. In 2004, the National Turkey: New lines and new LRVs building of up to 25 new rapid transit lines, Northampton, Rugby, South Hampshire, Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Audit Office (NAO) 2 stated that the existing and was seen as a major step towards the Cardiff and Staffordshire. In London, systems in Sheffield, Birmingham and integration of the UK’s transport system; Croydon had generated far fewer passenger St Petersburg to privatise tram eet? it would have the advantages of tackling the West London Tram, East London, ISSN 1460-8324 Greenwich Waterfront, Uxbridge Road trips than had been expected, and that £4.10 congestion and pollution as well as Manchester’s Metrolink was running at a loss, 05 and Cross River Transit schemes were also encouraging wider travel choices. although this was disputed at the time and key interviews with leading under consideration. Brazil New Orleans is certainly not the case now. Furthermore, The road to recovery 9 771460 832036 204 / may 2014 Transit for the World www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Cup and beyond – and future growth
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ARGENTINA BUENOS AIRES. Ex-Madrid Alstom Citadis 153 remains on the tracks of the closed Puerto Madero demonstration tramway at its southern terminus (Independencia), with no sign of vandalism despite having been stabled there since the line closed in late 2012. Plans have been mooted to re-open the line and extend northwards to Retiro, requiring a further six trams in addition to the two on-loan Alstom Citadis low-floor trams. N. Smith
AUSTRALIA CANBERRA. The Capital Metro Agency has appointed an Arup-led consortium as technical adviser for the proposed 12km (7.5-mile) light rail line. Work should start in 2016. RGI SYDNEY. The 5.6km (3.5-mile), Ex Vélez-Málaga 2109 at Dulwich Grove, one stop from the new terminus on Sydney's Inner West LRT extension. H. Peterswald AUD176m (EUR116.6m), Inner West light rail extension from Flanders will provide EUR217m (25.8-mile) line 4, due to open in it expects to achieve by 2024, Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill was towards the project, and De Lijn 2016. The cars will feature Skoda including the following lines: 1. opened on 27 March. will order 18 LRVs to provide a electric drives and motors produced Eira – Töölö – Sörnäinen – Kapyla; Another tramway scheme 30-minute service. The Dutch under a joint venture with Jiang 2. Kaivopuisto – Töölö – Pasila; has emerged, at least as part of will provide EUR66.4m. Work Kingway Transportation. RGI 3. Kaivopuisto – Eira – Kallio an election pledge by the ruling will start in early 2015, for WENZHOU. The new 52km – Meilahti; 4. Katajanokka – party. This would be in Parramatta, completion in January 2018. T-2000 (32-mile) east-west commuter Munkkiniemi; 4T, short working linking Macquarie Park and Castle rail line S1, due for completion in rail station – ferry terminal; 6. Hill, totalling 30km (18.6 miles) BRAZIL early 2017, will be equipped with Hernesaari – Hietalahti – Sörnäinen and estimated to cost AUD1.7bn RIO DE JANEIRO. The 1.1km 32 four-car 25kV ac EMUs built – Arabia; 7. Länsiterminaali – (EUR1.1bn). Daily Telegraph (0.68-mile) extension of metro by CSR Sifang, with delivery Kruununhaka – Sörnäinen – Pasila line 1 from Saens Peña to Uruguai starting before the end of 2014. – Meilahti; 8. Länsiterminaali AUSTRIA opened on 15 March. The new – Töölö – Sörnäinen – Arabia; 9. WIEN (Vienna). About to enter section of line was built at a cost CZECH REPUBLIC Länsiterminaali – Kallio – Pasila service are the first two of the of BRR250m (EUR78.1m). IRJ MOST. Tramway service will be – Ilmala; 10. Krurgi – Pikku supplementary order Stadtbahn replaced by buses from 1 June Huopalahti. There will no longer cars for line U6, 2725+2726 from CANADA to 31 August to permit the line’s be a circular service. Bombardier. EB TORONTO. The TTC has infrastructure to be rebuilt. Trams Ten articulated trams with launched the first stage of its will continue to operate between low-floor centre sections, BELARUS line colour-coding programme. Litvinov and Chemopetrol. DS 34/7/8, 49, 50, 60/1/2 have been MINSK. On 19 March The subway lines will become OSTR AVA. Tenders have been renumbered 113-122. Raitio construction work started for the as follows: 1. Yonge – University invited for ten 23m articulated 17.2km (10.7-mile) north-south – Spadina (Yellow); 2. Bloor – trams and ten 16m bogie trams. DS FRANCE metro line 3, to open in 2020. Danforth (Green); 3. Scarborough PRAHA (Prague). The last AUBAGNE. The first Alstom Metrovagonmash has been given RT (Blue); 4. Sheppard (Purple). high-floor Tatra KT8, 9048 built Citadis Compact was delivered an order for three more trains The first six Bombardier in 1990, has officially joined the to the new tram depot on 28 for the existing system. RGI Flexity low-floor trams will enter fleet of museum trams. DS February. It was displayed to the service on the Spadina line from public on 8-15 March. Testing BELGIUM 31 August. E. B. Havens EGYPT and training will follow from 17 BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. VANCOUVER. The False Creek EL QAHIRA (Cairo). Tenders March through June, followed The recent route and frequency tramway received another setback have been invited for the supply by dummy service until the changes brought the peak run-out to its re-opening plans in early of 20 nine-car 1500V dc trains inauguration of the first section of trams to 279 (from a fleet of 371). March, when thieves stole around to boost capacity on the 43km in early September. A. Senut Some yellow-liveried articulated 500m (1640ft) of copper wire (27-mile) metro line 1 from 2016. BESANÇON. Ginko has numbered PCCs have therefore re-entered overhead. E. B. Havens The current fleet of 55 three-car its named CAF trams 301-19. TR service (7718/29/55/9/61) from WATERLOO – KITCHENER. trains dates back to the opening NICE – DIGNE. On 8 February Schaerbeek depot on route 93. The lowest bid for construction of the line in 1987. the 09.25 Nice – Digne service was Correcting last month’s note, of the 19km (11.8-mile) LRT line derailed by a large boulder falling the extension of route 62 from Da came in at USD532m (compared ESTONIA down the hillside near St-Benoît. Vinci to Eurocontrol/NATO is not with an estimate of USD545m). The TALLINN. The order with CAF Two passengers were killed and opening until 22 April. T-2000 selected Grandlinq consortium for 16 Urbos 3 trams has been at least nine others injured. The HASSELT – MAASTRICHT. On includes Aecom/Kiewit/Keolis. enhanced with an option for train was recovered on 18 February, 11 March the Flemish government E. B. Havens up to a further 20. The first should but services are running Nice – signed an agreement with its arrive in November. BS Entrevaux and Annot – Digne for Dutch counterpart in the province CHINA several months. TR of Limburg to proceed with the SUZHOU. CSR Nanjing Puzhen FINLAND PARIS. A contract has been 32km (20-mile) tram-train scheme has won an order for 40 six-car HELSINKI. HKL has published awarded for the first 3.6km linking the two cities. metro trains for the 41.5km details of the route network (2.2-mile) section of the extension
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 213 Worldwide Review
of metro line 14, to Porte Puschkinstrasse to relieve the is required. The new trams will HUNGARY de Clichy. GRN existing heavily-used section of replace Tatra cars. The HeiterBlick BUDAPEST. The EUR90m TOULOUSE. The opening of the tramway in Bahnhofstrasse. BS works shunter, ex-Berlin 1966 Reko contract for 37 new CAF Urbos city centre tramway extension has ESSEN. The new tramway being car 5080, has been transferred to trams was signed on 5 March with seen patronage jump by 44%, and built along Berthold-Beitz- the museum tram collection. an option for a further 87 cars. by 100% on Sundays. A. Senut Boulevard will be used by route The first of the five ex-Rostock CAF will initially deliver 25 five- 109 from 20 October. DS low-floor trailers (939, ex-Rostock section 34m trams and 12 nine- GERMANY FREIBURG IM BREISGAU. 752) entered service on route 3 on section 56m trams. BERLIN. Visitors can now pay Tramline 2 was extended over 21 March. DS for and print out in advance the 1.8km (1.1 miles) of new track to MAGDEBURG. Tr a m w a y INDIA WelcomeCard and CityTourCard Zähringen Nord (Gundelfinger service on route 6 was resumed to BENGALURU (Bangalore). The for 48/72 hours and five days Strasse) on 15 March. After Herrenkrug on 8 March, for the first 9.9km (6.2 mile) section of by visiting www.shop.bvg.de or a ceremony at 11.00, regular first time since the 2013 floods. DS the Green line of Namma Metro, www.s-bahn-berlin.de. Tatra KT4D service on the EUR28m extension MÜNCHEN (Munich). The new from Sampaige Road to Peenya trams 6008/25/40/2/4/7 and began at 11.45, led by a parade of Siemens Avenio tram started test Industry, opened on 28 February, 6121/44/53 have been sent to museum trams. A 340-place park- runs on the network from 7 March. with regular service from Izhevsk in Russia. BS and-ride site has been built at the Passenger service was planned for 1 March. urbanrail.net BRANDENBURG. Halle 1992-3 new terminus. R. Deacon late April. In March four sets of CHENNAI (Madras). The first prototype low-floor trams 500/1 HALLE. No trams are running in type P four-axle articulated cars two of 42 stainless steel Metropolis were delivered to Brandenburg Grossen Ulrichstrasse until early were in service on Monday-Friday four-car metro trains to be built on 3 March. They have been June due to infrastructure work. on routes 21 and 22. DS at Alstom’s new factory in Sricity, renumbered 104/5 and will not be Various diversions are in effect and NAUMBURG. Special operations Andhra Pradesh, were delivered repainted immediately. DS Merseburg depot has been brought are planned for 20/21 September on 28 February. The first nine of BREMEN. The transport Plan 2025 back into use, accommodating to mark the tramway centenary the batch were built at Lapa in shows the extension of line 2 from trams 602/13/5/23/9 for use south and 20 years of the current Brazil. Passenger service on the Sebaldsbrück to Weserpark, the of the blockade. BS operation. 95 400 passengers first 9km (5.6 miles) of metro extension of routes 3 and 10 from HANNOVER. The first new were carried in 2013. BS should start in July. IRJ Gröpelingen to Bf Oslebshausen, 3000-series LRVs were unveiled to NORDHAUSEN. Historic motor DELHI. Plans have been unveiled and line 8 from Kulenkampffallee invited guests at Glocksee depot tram 23 (Wismar, 1934) has for a 3km (1.9-mile) tramway in to Universität. Surviving on 7 March and to the public the returned to use after refurbishment Old Delhi linking the Red Fort Wegmann cars are 3538/48 for following day. They have since in the Gera workshops. DS with Fatehpuri Masjid. The Hindu driver training, 3561 as a party entered service on line 7, and will NÜRNBERG. Tenders have tram, 3524+3724 and 3557+3747 replace 6000-series cars dating been invited for the construction IRAN for museum purposes, plus 3746 from the 1980s. DS of a 2.5km (1.5-mile) tramway TABRIZ. A memorandum of in reserve. BS HEIDELBERG. Work will start extension from Thon to Am understanding has been signed DORTMUND. Nord- this spring to rebuild the depot in Wegfeld. This could be the first with Chinese company CITIC that Rhein-Westfalen is to invest Bergheimer Strasse as a modern step towards the long-planned could deliver a new tramway. Trend EUR29.5m in the rebuilding of facility to accommodate 44 trams link to Erlangen. DS Hbf Stadtbahn station to increase and 38 buses. BS ULM. Planning permission has ITALY its passenger capacity. DS LEIPZIG. LVB is seeking tenders been given for a rebuild of the MILANO. The 1.9km (1.2-mile) ERFURT. Before the 2021 for 41 45 x 2.3m low-floor trams depot to increase its capacity from southern extension of automated Bundesgartenschau it is hoped for delivery from 2016-20. ten to 22 trams, in readiness for the metro line M5, from Zara to to build a new tramline in A minimum curve radius of 17m construction of line 2. DS Garibaldi, was opened on 1 March. Work continues on a further 7km (4.3 miles) to San Siro stadium. RGI
ISLE OF MAN MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY. Repairs to a two-metre deep sinkhole that caused damage near Ballaglass Glen in February were expected to allow the railway to open as planned on 4 April. Repairs are being phased with the initial scheme to ensure trams can run, a second phase to upgrade drainage, and a third phase to address longer-term alterations. The initial repairs were expected to cost GBP20 000 (EUR238 000). An independent survey carried out by Ecorys in 2011 concluded that the three Isle of Man railways (MER, Snaefell Mountain Railway and steam railway) contribute GBP11m (EUR13m) annually to the economy. The 2014 Douglas Corporation horse tram service will start on 13 May and finish on 14 September.
MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR. The first of 50 six-car light metro train sets The opening of Freiburg’s new extension to Gundelfingen Nord, with decorated tram 243 in the new livery, and museum on order for the Ampang Line was tram Rastatt GT4 109. A. Moglestue displayed at the CSR Zhuzhou
214 / MAY 20143 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org factory in China on 27 February; 30 trains will replace the existing 1996-built LRV stock, and 20 will add capacity as the line is extended. The first extension of the 750V dc third-rail line is to open on 30 October 2015; Scomi is delivering 12 new four-car monorail sets to increase capacity on the KL Sentral to Titiwangsa line. RGI
MEXICO GUDALAJARA. Tenders have been invited for the first phase of a third light rail line. This will eventually be a 21.5km (13.4- mile) line from an interchange with Line 1 at Isla Raza to Santa Fe via Las Juntas. Initially a viaduct with seven elevated stations will be built serving Zapopan. E. B. Havens
NETHERLANDS AMSTERDAM. Infrastructure work in Damrak sees routes 4, 9, 16 and 24 diverted via Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal on Sunday-Thursday evenings after 20.00 from 12 May to 28 August. Eight-axle tram 804 has been In March the Siemens factory in Wien (Vienna) was finishing work on the first Avenio for Den Haag. Siemens withdrawn for spare parts. OR DEN HAAG. With HTM awaiting PHILIPPINES Thirteen more cars will be Bank Holiday weekend, having delivery of its 40 Siemens Avenio MANILA. The Department of ordered for the Bukit Panjang light been sponsored on those days by trams from the company’s Wien Transport and Communications metro and 16 for the Senkang – the Fylde Tramway Society, which plant, the undertaking has is seeking investors for a major Punggol line. GRN holds its annual Convention that announced that it is exercising expansion of rail service, aimed weekend. It is expected that three its option to order another 20, at doubling passenger numbers to SOUTH KOREA trams from the heritage fleet will for EUR55m. The latest order is 2.2m/year. Included in the plans SEOUL. Tenders are invited for operate on each day, with the intended to equip line 1. are a 20km (12-mile) east-west the design of the eastern extension possibility of trams being changed ROTTERDAM. Citadis 2034 was metro and a 90km (56-mile) north- of metro line 5 from Sangildong over at crew meal break times. the first of the series to enter the south commuter line. IRJ to Hanam. Construction should Trevor Roberts, Managing workshops for a minor upgrade. start in 2015. IRJ Director of council-owned The whole batch will be dealt with RUSSIA Blackpool Transport Services Ltd, by the end of 2016. IZHEVSK. Ex-Berlin KT4D SPAIN has left the company. Mr Roberts On 10 March Citadis trams 2018, 6008/40/4/121/44 arrived here on ALACANT (Alicante). The had been in charge since 2009, 2019 and 2035 were damaged in a railway wagons on 9 March. DS reconstruction of the Benidorm replacing Stephen Burd. three-car shunt in Randweg. OR MOSKVA ( Moscow). The 115th to Disco Benidorm line has been EDINBURGH. The City Council anniversary of electric tramways completed and diesel trains is to spend GBP1m (EUR1.2m) as NEW ZEALAND was to be marked on 12 April by a resumed operation on 28 February. part of its GBP9.1m (EUR11m) WELLINGTON. The Regional parade of old and new trams along The University of Alicante has programme to undertake highway, Transport Committee has resolved Chistye Prudy. announced that it intends to build footway and cycle improvements to drop light rail from further The first PESA built low- a new faculty building adjacent to in Leith; the extra funding will consideration for the Public floor tram was delivered to El Campello light rail depot. It take account of the possibility of Transport Spine and plan for a Krasnopresnenskoe depot on 15 remains to be seen if this means tramway extension. Operation form of bus rapid transit. The city March. The 4.8km (three-mile) passenger service will be provided of the new line and its possible has also decided to scrap its extension of metro line 12 from on the depot branch. A. Moglestue extension will be assessed in a trolleybus system by 2017. B. Efford Ulitsa Starokachalovskaya to report due later this year. It is still Bitevskiy Park was opened on SWITZERLAND not clear how any extension to NIGERIA 27 February. N. Semyonov ZÜRICH. Plans to extend the Leith would be funded. ABUJA. The government Glatatal tramway from Dubendorf Crowd management for special has allocated USD60m to the SAUDI ARABIA to Greifensee have seen land events at Murrayfield Stadium USD823m project for a 45km MAKKAH (Mecca). Applications reserved in a new masterplan. has been tested using 1000 (28-mile) commuter rail line in have been invited for pre- Initially a busway will be built. volunteers on the trams and partnership with China Civil qualification for a contract to build A. Moglestue undertaking various crowd Engineering Construction phase 1 of the metro expansion, exercises in the vicinity of the Corporation (CCeCC). There which is intended to take the UNITED KINGDOM stadium. With the tramway set to is a Chinese loan of USD500m system to 123.5km (76.7 miles) BLACKPOOL. Free tram travel for open in May, the first ‘live’ event in place. The line will feature within ten years. RGI English National Concessionary at the Stadium will be a concert in diesel trains, with electrification Travel Scheme cardholders from June. No specific opening date has following when power supplies are SINGAPORE outside Blackpool Borough was to yet been announced for the more reliable. IRJ MASS RAPID TRANSIT. The cease from 1 April. The concession opening, but four weeks notice of Land Transport Authority will was withdrawn as part of council this has been promised. NORWAY add 80 new metro trains by 2018, budget savings. The trams, which are being BERGEN. Stadler trams up to 220 including 41 to the north-south The heritage tram service will rebranded with the recently are now in place; the first 42m car, and east-west lines, 18 to the north- now operate additionally on the announced new livery, are also to 221, is expected autumn 2015. BS east line, and 24 to the Circle line. Sunday and Monday of the May be marketed as promotional
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 215 Worldwide Review
west Newcastle or Newcastle city Downtown Improvement District centre via a new bridge near the have yet to agree. The USD93m Metrocentre, or shared use of an line will be fare-free for the first existing bridge in the Newcastle/ three months. E. B. Havens Gateshead area); West Newcastle BALTIMORE, MD. T h e (a corridor with potentially high proposed east-west 22.4km (13.9- levels of demand from the city mile) Red light rail line should centre westwards to the A69 area, receive USD100m in federal via the A186 West Road or funding for fiscal year 2015, when alternative road corridors); South construction starts. The USD2.6bn Shields to Doxford Park via scheme includes a 5.4km (3.4-mile) Sunderland city centre (corridor subway under central Baltimore; 26 extending north from Sunderland LRVs will be required. E. B. Havens city centre to South Shields via BETHESDA – NEW Monkwearmouth and Cleadon, CARROLLTON, MD. T he and westwards to Doxford Park federal budget for 2015 allocates and Doxford International). The USD100m to assist construction strategy will now be subject to of the proposed 25.8km public consultation. (16-mile) Purple line, with a Delivering the first metro car for Hong Kong’s South Island Line. The stock is Nexus, the Tyne & Wear recommendation for a Full being built at Changchun in China. MTR Passenger Transport Executive, has Funding Agreement for the invested GBP2.3m (EUR2.7m) in a USD2.37bn project. A fleet of 58 vehicles. Trams, stops, and even interface design. An area of new on-track tamping machine LRVs will be needed to provide the depot roof will be marketed in particular concern was the use of that can also be used for overhead service, which should carry the hope of realising up to GBP1.5m mobile phone communications line inspections and other track 56 000 passengers/day. It is hoped (EUR1.8m) a year in revenue. between control and drivers maintenance. The Plasser & to build the line in 2016-2020, GREATER MANCHESTER. because of problems with radio Theurer tamper will replace a though the city of Chevy Chase Work to expand park-and-ride communication in some areas. tamper that was delivered in 1989. is still pursuing a lawsuit to facilities at Radcliffe Metrolink SOUTH YORKSHIRE. A further Nexus has also opened a prevent construction. E. B. Havens stop started in March. A new upper stage of track renovation for South consultation on its proposed CINCINNATI, OH. In an ironic parking deck is being provided to Yorkshire Supertram began in GBP7m (EUR8.3m) revamp of the twist to the debate about the increase the number of spaces the Hillsborough/Malin Bridge Newcastle Central Station Metro city’s tramway, local Republicans from 250 to 369 to meet increased area on 29 March. VolkerRail will concourse and platforms. Initial are now bidding to hold the 2016 demand. However, the works have replace track in a phase expected to designs have been drafted aimed GOP convention in the city, citing restricted the number of spaces to continue until September. at improving accessibility; work the tramway as one of the reasons 70 for a five-month period with The first stage of the project is due to commence next year. it should be chosen. E. B. Havens drivers directed to facilities at Bury was completed in 2013 and saw WEST MIDLANDS (UK). DALLAS, TX. The arrival of or Hollinwood. Expanded parking almost 5km (three miles) of rail Consultation on the proposed the Orange line at Las Colinas in facilities at Whitefield station will replaced between Spring Lane and Midland Metro extension to Irving has boosted patronage of be completed in the summer. Park Grange Croft. Birmingham’s planned High the 2.4km (1.5-mile) LONDON (TRAMLINK). TYNE & WEAR. The Integrated Speed 2 station continued in Westinghouse PRT system; from The Rail Accident Investigation Transport Authority considered March. Two route options were on 500/week to 2600/week. Branch (RAIB) has issued its a report at the end of March that offer, both starting from a junction The Orange line will be report into the operation of a tram focused on a forthcoming need for at Bull Street/Corporation Street. extended to DFW international travelling from West Croydon to funding to replace the current fleet Option 1 (900m) would travel airport on 18 August. E. B. Havens Beckenham Junction with its doors of Metrocars. These are currently down Lower Bull Street before DENVER, CO. There was a open for part of the journey. The receiving overhaul, but it is turning right onto High Street. It ground-breaking ceremony for investigation found that the tram expected all will need replacing would continue into Carrs Lane, the 19.8km (12.3-mile) North was able to move with its doors by 2025 at the latest. Additional cross Moor Street Queensway (to a Metro electric commuter rail line open because a fault override vehicles would also be required new Metro stop), and continue on 20 March. Passenger service is switch, which disables safety if proposed extensions to the along Eastside promenade to the planned for 2018. RGI systems such as the door-traction network are progressed. new Curzon Street station stop. FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. The interlock, had been inadvertently There are still seven options for Option 2 (800m) would travel Government’s FY 2015 budget operated by the driver while trying network extension on the table, along Lower Bull Street, crossing includes USD50m for phase two to resolve a fault with the tram. which between them cover both Dale End then on to New Meeting of the modern tramway project, The RAIB made eight joint running over Network Rail Street with a stop at Albert Street a 6.5km (four-mile) extension of recommendations, four to Tram lines and street-running. before reaching Moor Street the 2.2km (1.4-mile) starter line Operations Ltd, aimed at The proposed routes are Queensway and Curzon Street (already funded). E. B. Havens improving the design of tram Sunderland to Seaham; Sunderland Station stop. GRAND RAPIDS, MI. Two controls and displays, as well as (South Hylton) – Washington – Either option would only allow possible alignments for a city centre training on, and processes for, fault Pelaw; the Cobalt Link (connecting journeys to or from the tramway are being considered handling and communications; both legs of the North Tyneside Wolverhampton direction. by a committee. The project would two to London Tramlink, relating Metro loop running from Transport Minister Baroness cost USD89m. E. B. Havens to improving cab displays and Howdon/Percy Main to Kramer announced a GBP5m HOUSTON, TX. C A F ha s labelling (in consultation with Northumberland Park and serving (EUR6m) funding package to notified the MTA that delivery Tram Operations), and the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, upgrade on-street Midland Metro of 39 new LRVs will not be enhancing the quality of the radio Silverlink and Cobalt Business tracks between Priestfield and completed until January system on the network. Park destinations, plus allowing St Georges in Wolverhampton, in instead of the August contract One recommendation went to operation of an ‘inner circle’ mid-March. date. The company is expanding all UK tram operators concerning service linking Wallsend, Cobalt ATLANTA, GA. With no operator the workforce at its Elmira, NY, accidental operation of safety and Benton); Metrocentre and for the city centre tramline factory and building a new test override switches and the Team Valley (potential on-street appointed yet, the inauguration facility to accelerate production. remaining recommendation to Metro connecting Gateshead town date has slipped from May to ‘the E. B. Havens the Office of Rail Regulation centre with the Metrocentre/ summer’. Although MARTA wishes KANSAS CITY, MO. The city regarding provision of guidance Metrogreen and Team Valley; to appoint RATP Dev McDonald, has approved the issue of USD71.5m on ergonomic principles for cab potential for cross-river links to the city council and Atlanta in bonds for the construction of the
216 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org starter modern tramway, estimated to cost USD114m in total. Track work is expected to begin this spring and to be complete at the end of 2015. E. B. Havens LOS ANGELES, CA. T he Downtown Streetcar has been allocated USD75m in federal funding for project development under the Small Starts programme. E. B. Havens MEMPHIS, TN. The heritage tramway had to be shut down on 2 March after an articulated truck caught fire and melted city centre overhead. Service resumed on 9 March. E. B. Havens ORLANDO. The Sun Rail commuter rail line, which should start passenger service on 1 May, is shown as receiving USD63m for phase II in the federal FY 2015 budget. E. B. Havens San Francisco trams do not often appear in the snow, but double-ended PCC 1009 was caught crossing the Rockies on its PHILADELPHIA, PA (SEPTA). way home from Brookville. J. Giraudo The suburb of Darby has set 11 October for its annual TrolleyFest, in Sea-Tac. The LRT extension period. However, funding for track Stockport 5 has been found to which should see PCC operation will open in 2016. E. B. Havens repairs to restore the tram service have rotten timbers in its upper on local trackage. E. B. Havens ST LOUIS, MO. The Delmar is not included in any programme. deck floor, which have had to ST PAUL, MN. The Planning Loop heritage tramway project COLORADO SPRINGS, CO be replaced meaning that its Commission has instructed staff to has been given the green light by (US). The Pikes Peak Historical temporary loan to Beamish in proceed with the development of a the FTA, which will provide a grant Street Railway Foundation is exchange for Blackpool 31 in April 6.6km (4.1-mile) modern tramline of USD25m towards the USD43m planning to buy an area of railway has also been postponed. on East and West 7th St between cost. A construction management land in the city from BNSF to SEATON (UK). It was hoped that Arcade St and Randolph Ave. contract has been awarded. create a tramway museum. the full tramway would be restored E. B. Havens E. B. Havens The group has a franchise from to service following the February SAN ANTONIO, TX. The central TACOMA, WA. Sound Transit’s the city to provide historical storms by the Easter weekend. area tramway project has been board of directors has agreed tramway service and owns 16 As well as operating a temporary cleared by the FTA as eligible for to proceed with the EIS for the cars in the course of restoration, service between Colyton and federal funding. However the tramway extension. R. Scheuerman including Los Angeles PCC 3101 Colyford with two trams (6 and project still depends on two votes WASHINGTON, DC. T he and rebuilt Pittsburgh PCC 8) imported by road, a service in the city council, with pressure overhead on the 3.8km 4002 (ex-1740). was restored from Seaton to the building for a referendum. (2.4-mile) H Street NE tramway CRICH (UK). The museum Axmouth loop in March and a E. B. Havens was electrified full time from reopened after the winter on special ticket offer introduced. SAN DIEGO, CA. MTS has 28 February, permitting extended 29 March and will open every acquired PCC 10 from Newark trial operations. E. B. Havens day until 2 November. Various CONTRIBUTORS and will restore it for operation trams refurbished or acquired Worldwide items should be sent to on its Silver Line heritage tram MUSEUM NEWS over the winter have been tested Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin route by Christmas. In return two BEAMISH (UK). F o r me r and commissioned, including at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, original 1980 Duewag U2 LRVs are Blackpool Balloon 703, on loan Blackpool 630, Porto 273, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK – being transferred to museums at from the Lancastrian Transport Leeds 180 and Leeds 399. It is also Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or Rio Vista (1018) and Rockhill Trust since September 2010, has expected that Blackpool Toastrack e-mail: [email protected]. Furnace (1019). E. B. Havens been purchased by the museum. 236 will be ready during the UK and Ireland items are SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BART). The tram has operated at Beamish operating season. welcomed by the Home News The BART extension from Warm masquerading as ‘Sunderland 101’. An appeal has been launched Editor, John Symons, 17 Springs to Berryessa in San Jose Beamish has indicated it would to raise GBP150 000 (EUR180 000) Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, is now due for completion in like to return some aspects of the for further renovation of London Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. late 2017, using the UP railway tram to a more original condition County Council 1 ‘Bluebird’. E-mail [email protected] alignment. The initial extension – including through reinstatement Work is due to start this year with Contributors this month from Fremont to Warm Springs of the twin destination boxes. a view to completion by 15 May include Clifton Flewitt and will open in late 2015. E. B. Havens As part of the winter works 2018, exactly 80 years after the Mike Haddon. Acknowledgements SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). programme, Blackpool 31 has been tram ran as a special for the Light are also due to BS Blickpunkt A feasibility report has revealed re-varnished, although the Railway Transport League between Strassenbhan, Daily Telegraph, a proposal to relocate tramline proposed short-term exchange for Waltham Cross and Purley. DS Drehscheibe, EB Eisenbahn, M (Ocean View) from the central Stockport 5 from Heaton Park has The appeal is being administered Edinburgh Evening News, reservation to the west side along been deferred until later in the by the LCC Tramways Trust. Fylde Tramway Society, GRN 19th Avenue, with grade-separated year. Sunderland 16, the other tram HEATON PARK (UK). Despite Global Rail News, IRJ International crossings; 2022 is the earliest the being overhauled, has regained its considerable work on the new Rail Journal, Irish Times, project is likely to be completed. wheelsets after refurbishment and depot’s construction, a Spring Nottingham Post, OR Op De Double-ended PCC 1009 has its trucks have been repainted in Gala and civic day planned for Rails, Raitio, RGI Railwa y returned after being sent to expectation of the return of its the last weekend in March had Gazette International, TR Today's Brookville for overhaul. E. B. Havens refurbished motors. to be postponed until the summer. Railways, Seaton Tramway, SEATTLE, WA. Sound Transit has BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM Poor weather in January and The Hindu, The Scotsman, awarded a USD29.9m contract for (UK). It was hoped to restore problems with Manchester 765 Transphoto.ru, Trend, T-2000 Tram a 1050-place park-and-ride facility trolleybus operation on the and Stockport 5 have contributed 2000, urbanrail.net and at the future Angle Lake station circular route for the Easter holiday to this decision. Wolverhampton Express & Star.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 217 Letters
MAILBOX Get your views into print Letters should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. [email protected] +44 (0)1733 367615 We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication.
Is LRT the latest form of 21st Century economic colonialism?
Michael Taplin’s analysis and round-up of the global tram market (TAUT 916) was enlightening as usual; and it is intriguing to join the dots between the emerging markets and where the business is going to be in the coming years allied to the activities of major manufacturers. With domestic markets already well covered as the re-establishment of tramways in European cities that previously abandoned them continues – indeed, Mr Taplin makes the point that France has almost reached saturation point in terms of cities and conurbations where light rail makes sense – it will be interesting to see if and how former colonial ties and politics play their part as the tram builders look further afield. Of course it makes sense to centralise local production facilities for large orders and new market potential, and TAUT has already covered the partnerships with local assemblies and technology transfer agreements in countries such as China, Algeria and Brazil. This seems to be the main route into previously ‘closed’ markets and securing new orders, and Economic colonialism? With North Africa's ties to France, South America's is touched upon in the interview with Mr Erbacci of Alstom to Spain and Portugal, and Australia and India's to Britain – perhaps this is the within the same issue. reason why certain countries seek tramway expertise from certain others? The excellent overview of urban rail developments in Algeria in the same issue showed this in action, and also how many European (and in particular French) companies are involved in tramway planning, design and construction through local partnerships. “With domestic markets well I would suspect that this is largely due to the strong ties covered… it will be between European nations and North Africa and would suspect that this also explains, in part at least, why, for interesting to see if and how example, Spanish and Portuguese companies are doing so well in South America and British rail expertise is so sought former colonial ties and politics after in Australia and India. Economic colonialism isn’t new and relates far wider than play their part as firms look just transport policy, but if ever there was a global example of ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ surely this is it! further afield.” T. W. Nicholson, by e-mail
Supporting UK innovation three previous customers, this makes trains terminated after Depression cutbacks; It is good to read Paul Griffiths’Comment innovation in the UK sector almost but nearly all of these services used only the piece on UKTram’s quest for light rail impossible. west and south legs of the Loop on inbound innovation (TAUT 915). Good luck with the competition, but if runs, and the east and north legs of the loop There is no shortage of innovators in we are to build a new tramway every four on outbound runs. the UK, such as David Gibson with his months to catch up with green Germany, Exceptions were some morning rush-hour wheel-hub motors, John Parry’s flywheels it is going to need something a little runs that did circle the Loop, using the west (in regular passenger service since 2009) more radical! and south legs twice on inbound runs, before and my own modest contributions of the Lewis Lesley, Technical Director, Trampower terminating at Roosevelt. When on tracks CityClass tram, simplified OHL and LR55 used for a second time, they displayed white track. I guess that the three of us have Further information on Chicago flags indicating their running as extras. together spent approaching GBP10m I deeply appreciated you printing the highly- I am unsure if a complementary practice (approx. EUR12m). respected Walter Keevil’s comments on occurred with outbound trains in the The LR55 track system has now had over TAUT’s Chicago article (915), which filled evening, and Walter Keevil might answer 18 years of maintenance-free service out those information gaps that greatly that question authoritatively. in Sheffield, where it replaced girder bothered me. Still I believe it is an After the South Side Elevated’s Congress rails. I believe that had LR55 been used oversimplification to say that the North Street stub terminal was disused, with all for Edinburgh, the complete system to Shore “operated around the loop...” South Side elevated trains entering and Newhaven could have been built for less In the earlier days of through operation leaving the Loop, most through routed, than the projected out-turn of GBP776m of the interurban to downtown Chicago, the tracks and terminal were used by the (EUR930m), have been completed in 2010 many runs continued to the Cottage Grove North Shore for package freight service and without a massive disruption to city life. 63rd Street Southside terminal, and the yard and baggage, as well as for some between- As the public sector is the monopoly there was used by the North Shore at that rush-hours car storage, a condition I purchaser of tramways in the UK and time. Other trains terminated at Roosevelt observed during the summer of 1952. procurement rules include the need for elevated station, where all North Shore David Lloyd Klepper, Jerusalem, Israel
218 / MAY 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org LRT investment must be a priority the staggering numbers of vehicles that are Can Algeria stay the course? It may be that it is more prevalent in the predicted to be on the world’s roads by 2040. Your article Black gold pays for Algerian LRT media, or it may be that we notice it more as Mr Johnston is correct in his assertion development (TAUT 916) gave a fascinating there are more outlets in the modern age and that the next 25 years are just the blink of an insight into a country that I’m sure many we seem bombarded by news constantly, eye away in the scope of the progress of the readers will be unfamiliar with and which but there definitely seems to be a wider world’s major cities, cities that often seems to be in the middle of a mini LRT profile for electric transport. have 50-year development plans. revolution. Dave Spencer’s images are also In Western Europe there is certainly a Of course it is not realistic, or desirable, excellent in showing the diversity of the wider recognition of the effects of climate to suggest a future where personal transport systems and the landscapes they serve. change and the harmful effects of will be eradicated entirely, but mass transit The plans for ‘USD6bn to equip 14 cities emissions; you only need to see the recent has to be the sensible solution for, as its name across the country’ within the next decade free public transport travel and car bans suggests, the masses. Electrifying this future are indeed impressive, and how they will in Paris for evidence of this (for more see transport will also undoubtedly take many serve the key industrial centres will prove News, page 188). The United States under forms, but the goal remains the same – green, crucial as the nation diversifies its economy. the Obama Administration is likewise sustainable transport that reduces gridlock, Following a period of political instability in making moves towards ‘green’ transport cleans the atmosphere and enhances cities. North Africa, let’s hope that Algeria’s vast oil programmes, although the dominance of Whatever mode this takes should be and gas reserves will see it weather any global the automotive, oil and petrochemical irrelevant for campaigners if it serves the market fluctuations. It will be interesting in industries still holds strong in many states. need of being effective, environmentally- the coming years to see how many of these Emerging nations are moving the same friendly and encouraging prosperity. schemes come to fruition on time. way in their attitude to transport, and Currently, LRT offers the best option and I realise that finding reliable information in realising that industrial and economic investment for large conurbations must be further-flung parts of the world can often be growth cannot come at any cost, although encouraged if they are to thrive and not problematic, so well done for providing such a obviously this will take more time. choke in the smog of vehicle emissions. comprehensive overview of what promises to I mention all this as last month’s As such – and repeating the cliche – it’s not be the first major African nation to embark on editorial struck a chord with some eye- a case of can we afford to invest in sustainable such a transformative and forward-thinking openinginformation about the future of transport, but more can we afford not to? public transport programme. internal combustion-engined transport and Lawrence Forster, by e-mail P.T Mackerson, by e-mail “Following a period of political instability in North Africa, let’s hope that Algeria’s vast oil and gas reserves will see it weather global market fluctuations.”
Classic Trams – Correction Some readers may have spotted caption errors in last month’s Classic Trams article on Bergische Land. The corrected list is as follows: Image 1, caption 5; image 2, caption 1; image 3, caption 6; image 4, caption 3; image 5, caption 4; image 6, caption 2. The Algeria is a country that seems to be in the middle of a 'mini LRT revolution' and new systems like those in captions for images 7 and 8 are correct. Constantine are already looking at expansion. D. Spencer/PMP Archive
The full list of the year’s meetings and meeting places MEETINGS & EVENTS can also be found at www.lrta.org
APRIL 2014 Bob Manders Europe. (One week McElarney: The genesis of the British Monday 19. Wickham 19.30. Martin Thursday 17. Dartford 19.30. Alan later than usual – call 01275 857903 tramcar – rise and decline? (TLRS) Petch: Portugal: 1978-95. (TLRS) Brighton Bristol 19.30. Joint Pearce: Delving into the LRTA for venue details). ( TLRS ) Wednesday 14. Tuesday 20. (Southwick) 19.40. Ted Vaughn: meeting with Bristol Railway Circle. archives. (TLRS) Monday 28. Wickham 19.30. Swiss railways in the countryside. Venue: Redland Church Hall BS6 6DR Thursday 24. Manchester 19.00. Wally Stamper: Irish Railways – (TLRS) Tuesday 20. London 19.00. Rob Jones: History of the Birkenhead Part 2. (TLRS) Thursday 15. Dartford 19.30. Ian Gledhill: San Francisco Bay Area Tram Museum. John Prentice: Hong Kong Interurbans. (LRTA/ERS) MAY 2014 Friday 25. Leicester 19.45. Tramways. (TLRS) Thursday 29. Manchester Martin Jenkins Annual Lecture: Saturday 3. West Midlands 14.00. Saturday 17. Beeston. TLRS AGM 19.00. Tony Williams: Metrolink More interurbans. (TMS) General meeting and photo Llandudno. (Outing) (TLRS) Developments Saturday 26. Beeston 14.00. Andy competition. (TLRS) Monday 19. Liverpool 19.30. Saturday 31. Beeston 14.00. Lawton: Isle of Man Railways. (TLRS) Tuesday 6. Southampton 19.30. Models Night. (TLRS) Ken Grainger: County Donegal Joint Saturday 26. Garstang 14.00. A tour by rail, including Ireland, by Monday 19. Sheffield 19.30. Tony Railway. (TLRS) North Lancs Area AGM and Trams Peter Hall and Doug Cross. Williams: Metrolink developments. Saturday 31. Garstang 14.00. in Geneva. (TLRS) (LRTA/SEG) Venue: Scout Headquarters, 60 Model tram workshop and running Saturday 26. Taunton 14.00. Monday 12. Richmond 19.30. Terry Trippet Lane, Sheffield. day. (TLRS)
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2013 / 219 Classic Trams OSLO’S ‘GOLD STANDARD’ RECALLED Many tramways have now marked a centenary of electric operation, but some 20 years on from Oslo’s 1994 event, Mike Russell recalls an event that set the bar for others to follow. 1
ramway jubilee celebrations to witness veteran cars from Bergen (where Germany, Kassel 454, at that time a novel come in all shapes and sizes, and the first electric tramway lasted from 1897 to design of low-floor three-section articulated the biggest events are generally 1965), and the Swedish systems of Gøteborg, tramcar, reminded everyone that trams were the preserve of the largest Stockholm and Norrköping. With great not just about the past but the future, too. systems with the biggest budgets. aplomb there was a magnificent appearance by Two examples from formerly Germany’sT Halle staged a spectacular in 1991, a København (Copenhagen, Denmark) bogie independent suburban lines were included. with considerable assistance from AEG with car set, representing one of Europe’s saddest The Holmenkolbanen line opened in 1898 which it had maintained a long professional tramway losses of all. Cities such as Norway’s from Majorstuen to Slemdal using tramway- relationship, thereby acknowledging its Trondheim and the Finnish capital, Helsinki, type cars, of which car 8 has survived. position as Europe’s first tramway to adopt were unfortunately unable to be represented Unable to move of its own volition, it was electric traction with the under-running on account of gauge incompatibility. towed during the weekend’s events by Oslo trolley pole for current collection. works car 357. Later rolling stock for this line In 1994, it was the turn of Oslo, the effectively promoted it to light railway status. Norwegian capital, to mount a first-rate series “A welcome feature, much The Ekebergbanen in 1917 opened a line of events to mark its own electric centenary. south-east from the city which was the first The first tramway in Oslo (then known as copied subsequently, was to share the city’s own tracks. Car 1011, Kristiania, until renamed in 1925) was a retaining its maroon and grey livery, was one horse-drawn operation opened in October the inclusion in the parade of three similar vehicles built by Skabo in 1875 by the Kristiania Sporveisselskap (KSS). 1952-4 that lasted in service until 1974. The company had little competition and of several works cars” Much of the convoy later returned to Sagene was slow to embrace the opportunities of depot, home of many of the Oslo works cars electrification, and in 1894 a new organisation, A welcome feature, much copied and working examples of the historic fleet. the Kristiania Elektriske Sporvei (KES), entered subsequently, was the inclusion of several The undertaking itself, AS Oslo Sporveier, the scene. It opened two new routes with its works cars; these are seldom seen by the produced a fine souvenir book, featuring both blue electric tramcars on 2 March 1894, of travelling public but without their input, old and modern photographs of scenes on the which the main line linked the East Station efficient operation would be greatly city’s tramway and its rolling stock. (Østbanestationen) with Majorstuen via the inhibited. The parade set off from Nybrua Sunday 5 June saw a special service operated hilly inner district of Briskeby. This was the at 11.40 and proceeded over the original between 12.00 and 19.00 between the city first electric tramway in Scandinavia. route, lined by thousands of spectators, and centre (Stortorvet) and Disen to serve Grefsen The horse tramway company belatedly continued beyond Majorstuen to Stortorvet, depot, where an open day was hosted with realised it had been upstaged by the KES and where its scheduled 13.00 arrival was various souvenir stalls. The service used cars converted its lines to electric operation around delayed, given the volume of interest. from Oslo’s own extensive historic fleet and the turn of the 20th Century. Thereafter Of course, rolling representatives of the the visiting vehicles from adjacent countries. the two companies co-operated extensively host city took precedence. Leading was KSS This again proved extremely popular and (a short-lived third municipally-owned horse car 6, one of the original 1875 fleet built sent a signal to others with imminent electric company was sold to the KSS in 1905), buying by John Stephenson of New York, followed centenaries that the opportunity to ride on identical rolling stock, until the two merged by examples of early electric rolling stock. historic tramcars was a key attraction. in May 1924 to form AS Kristiania Sporveier. Oslo’s first electric tram, KES 1 of 1894, is in In 1960 the city adopted a policy of the ownership of the Norwegian Technical A long weekend, and extra highlight tramway abandonment and several lines were Museum but was unavailable to participate. After a full weekend of celebrations the events closed before changing attitudes resulted in a The oldest Oslo electric trams were three were brought to a close – but arguably the best policy reversal in 1977. Remarkably, given the motor/trailer sets from the big batches built was to follow. waxing and waning of the fortunes of Oslo in 1913: 70 and 647 (the latter originally KSS There are significant costs involved in tramways over the years, the original electric 71) built by Falkenried; identical KSS motor transporting historic cars from museums and line via Briskeby remained in operation in car 87 hauling Skabo-built trailer 220 of other cities for events of this nature and it is 1994. Despite several proposed closures, the 1911; and KES Herbrand motor car 307 and only natural for sponsoring authorities to look line is served by Oslo trams to this day. contemporary Skabo trailer 347. Cars of this for best value. So it was that, unannounced, type remained in regular service until 1968 several cars were placed into ordinary public Staging a major event and several survive in the works fleet. A set of service during the afternoon peak on Monday Given the significance of the occasion, the city the 1913 two-axle cars rebuilt in Oslo’s Sagene 6 June over the Briskeby line. programmed a series of events, albeit spread works in the 1950s to a design resembling This inspired act gave ordinary Oslo over the weekend of 4-5 June when better contemporary Høka bogie cars was present in passengers the chance to experience the weather might reasonably be anticipated. the shape of motor car 38 and trailer 661. historic cars first-hand, and to marvel Pride of place was accorded to a grand Several of the celebrated Goldfish trams of at the slick and smooth operation of the tramcar parade on the morning of Saturday 1939-40 survive and one of those built by older specimens. This was exemplified by 4 June, with historic cars suited for operation Skabo with AEG electric equipment, 183, København bogie car 575, on its faultless first on standard-gauge tracks invited from across reminded onlookers of the magnificence of outing on city metals since withdrawal from Scandinavia. Spectators were therefore able their design. An appearance by a visitor from service in the Danish capital in 1972.
220 / MAY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org 1 The era of the horse tramway in Kristiania was represented by KSS car 6, built for the initial line of 1875. It is seen being drawn through Briskeby during the centenary parade.
2 Another load of happy passengers experience a ride on cars 87 and 220, close to Grefsen depot where the Sunday open day was in progress. Both are restored to the KES livery in which they would have operated before the amalgamation of 1924.
3 The oldest electric tramcar in the centenary parade was not from Oslo at all but Bergen 10, a remarkable survivor from that city’s original order from Falkenried that opened its tramways in 1897.
4 In the 1950s, Oslo’s Sagene works rebuilt eight of the 1913 two-axle motor cars to resemble recent deliveries of Høka bogie cars. Car 38 and similarly-rebuilt trailer 2 661 are seen returning from Majorstuen during the Saturday parade.
5 The appropriateness of the nickname Goldfish for the pre-war streamlined bogie cars is readily apparent as 183 passes through relaid track at Sinsen.
6 Over the years, the Holmenkolbanen was transformed from a suburban line operated with conventional tramway-type rolling stock into a light railway 3 4 forming part of the local suburban network. Car 8 is towed out of Grefsen depot by Oslo works car 357 at the end of the Sunday open day.
7 A true Scandinavian tramway line-up on the approach to Nyabru before the start of the Saturday parade. In the lead is Gøteborg four-wheeler 133 of 1920, with Stockholm bogie car 335 of 1925 behind. In the rear is the impressive København bogie car set of 575+1578.
5 6 8 This rather fearsome-looking train of works cars comprises general purpose motor car 202 hauling four-wheel covered grinding trailer 207, seen emerging from Bentsebrugata onto Vogts gate.
7 8 All photography by Mike Russell 4-6 June 1994.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org MAY 2014 / 221 BOOKSHOP Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage & packing – Any UK address: Add 10% (minimum £2.00, maximum £7.50) All addresses outside UK: Add 20% (minimum £4.00, maximum £15.00)
Amsterdam trams – From horse car to Combino
By Ray Deacon From the author of Innsbruck’s Alpine Tramways, this new work tells the story of the Amsterdam network right up to the present day. It covers a wide range of topics in depth, from the electrification of the horse tramways through the transfer to municipal ownership and the closely-fought battles to retain trams in the 1950s and ’60s to the “Lijnen voor Morgen” report that transformed the system into a model for other cities to follow. A detailed description of all the tram routes and the wide variety of rolling stock used, along with numerous maps and previously-unpublished pictures, makes this a ‘must have’. A4 softback; 264 pages, fully illustrated – mostly in colour. Price: £28.50 – An LRTA publication. Trade rates available to bookshops, libraries and museums. Contact [email protected] for more details.
Tramways of Metropolitan Middlesex and North London By George Atkins The author brings together personal memories of riding on north London trams before the late-1930s trolleybus conversions with a comprehensive history of the Metropolitan Electric Tramways and its predecessors. Evocatively illustrated in black & white with numerous maps and depot layout drawings, the days of horse, steam and electric traction are brought to life. The iconic “Feltham” cars are described, including their subsequent disposal in 1952. A4 softback; 196 pages, fully-illustrated in black & white. Price £28.50 – An LRTA publication. See details above.
Tram Atlas Frankreich – France The latest in this popular series covers all the French tramway, metro and trolleybus systems including four due to open during 2014 or later. For each city there is a detailed system map showing all stops, loops, single-track sections, depots, etc. Short texts provide information on special features, while details about history and operation are presented in tables. All current vehicles are depicted in one of the numerous colour photographs. English & German text. B5 softback, 160 pages, 300+ colour pictures with numerous maps and diagrams. Published by Robert Schwandl Verlag Price: £16.50
Tramwaje v České a Slovenské republice: Typy vozidel (DVD) Trams in the Czech & Slovak Republics: Vehicle types This new production includes scenes from every city in the two countries, with historical material from the 1950s and 60s plus views of Czech-built cars in cities outside the former Czechoslovakia. Each type of vehicle produced by Tatra, Škoda and the smaller manufacturers is covered. The street scenes reflect the significant changes in the former Eastern Bloc over the past thirty years. Excellent value. Czech commentary. 58 minutes duration. Price: £18.00 IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE OF
10 YEARS OF NOTTINGHAM EXPRESS TRANSIT
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