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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

www.lrta.org www.tautonline.com www.lrta.org JULY 2019 N O. 979 www.tautonline.com

O. 980 AUGUST 2019 N GROWING LONDON’S MAKING TRACKS... POTENTIAL A NEW WAY AHEAD

Brussels congress debates urban rail safety and sustainability UITP: Why radical thinking is key to future urban mobility Waterloo Region launches ION service Doha launches service London selects CAF for new DLR eet US raises Chinese security concerns More cities to trial autonomous India plans ‘Metrolite’ for smaller cities Canberra Energy e ciency Realising a 100-year Reims Reduced waste and More MARTA light rail ambition Style = substance greater pro tability Atlanta backs bold for small city LRT 40-year transit plan

07/07/2019 17:08 TAUT1907_cover.indd 1

TAUT1908_cover.indd 1 07/07/2019 17:10 Established in 1937 – now in its 82nd year Published monthly, available in both print and PDF versions  Covers tramway, light rail, metro and all urban rail modes  All the latest news, analysis and industry updates  Comprehensive system and project factfiles Global industry coverage

Subscribe at www.mainspring.co.uk/tramways-and-urban-transit/ THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

www.lrta.org www.tautonline.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 No. 981 nice: light rail’s new trailblazer

Why green mobility solutions also need a touch of style Caen completes to LRT conversion Yorkshire’s ambitious urban rail plans VDV tram-train draws Austrian interest

Charlotte UK Conference £4.60 LRT success sparks ‘We want cities built new ten-year plan for people, not cars’

CONTENTS 324 The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association SEPTEMBER 2019 Vol. 82 No. 981 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL Editor – Simon Johnston [email protected] Associate Editor – Tony Streeter [email protected] Worldwide Editor – Michael Taplin [email protected] 330 News Editor – John Symons [email protected] Senior Contributor – Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Andrew Moglestue, Paul Nicholson, Herbert Pence, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Alain Senut, Vic Simons, idier Quillon A / D idier Witold Urbanowicz, Bill Vigrass, Francis Wagner, C Thomas Wagner, Philip Webb, Rick Wilson Production – Lanna Blyth 342 Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 Metropole N Metropole [email protected] News 324 systems factfile: 345 DESIGN – Debbie Nolan Caen tramway replaces rubber-tyred TVR A prosperous German city with a 2500-year Advertising system; unveils T9 ‘tramway lumière’; history is working on extensive tramway COMMERCIAL Manager – Geoff Butler report urges major urban rail expansion. Neil Pulling takes us to . Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 [email protected] expansion; French tramways deliver best value; Linz to join VDV tram-train ‘standard’? WORLDWIDE REVIEW 350 Publisher – Matt Johnston Antwerp’s Noorderlaan line on test; more Tramways & Urban Transit 14TH UK LIGHT RAIL CONFERENCE 330 Chinese metro lines open in Nanchang, 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Progressive transport policies, boosting Lingbo and Xiamen; Calgary announces Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK LRT’s image, and innovative funding design shortlist for 45 new trams; Auckland City Rail Tramways & Urban Transit is published by Mainspring and construction techniques – all this Link agreement; exploratory works begin on on behalf of the LRTA on the third Friday of each and more from two days in . Edinburgh extension; Seattle deals signed. month preceding the cover date.

charlotte’s ten-year plan 337 MAILBOX 355 Driving substantial Transit Oriented Arguments for maintaining a deregulated PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION Development, Charlotte’s light rail success is bus system; why we shouldn’t rule out Warners (Midlands), Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK the spark for a major future investment plan. putting light rail underground. LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up NEXT-GENERATION LRT: NICE T2 342 CLASSICS: Brussels VICINAL 356 members of the Light Rail Transit Association. Already a showpiece LRT system, Nice is The second in Mike Russell’s series of articles, embarking on major expansion to treble its on the magnificent recent pageant in LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY Brian Lomas network, using innovative technology. ’s capital and related activities. [email protected] [email protected] Subscriptions, MEMBERSHIP and back issues How do we make light rail a ‘must have’ for cities? LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 So many thought-provoking things came out of the latest UK Light Rail [email protected] Website: www.lrta.info Conference (see pages 330-336) – but I want to pick up on just one here. for CORPORATE Subscriptions VISIT Among the high-powered speakers in Manchester was Luxembourg’s Minister www.mainspring.co.uk of Mobility and Public Works, François Bausch. He explained the detail of his country’s groundbreaking policy to make free from 1 March LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling DA16 2BY, UK. 2020, but he also raised a more profound question: Do trams have an image problem? Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 The argument is simple. How will our industry fight automobile usage if we’re unable in England and Wales. to make trams objects of desire for cities and users alike? Mr Bausch used the example of LRTA Chairman – Paul Rowen how Tesla’s Elon Musk has transformed the image of electric vehicles from something [email protected] for engineers and environmentalists into the latest ‘must have’. You just have to look © LRTA 2019 at the futuristic new trams for (page 325) to see how appealing light rail can be... Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also We’ve also said before that it’s a sign of just how safe trams are, that any accident is later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution big news. Even so, when the vehicle involved in a fatal accident with a pedestrian in is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the Edinburgh (see page 353) is described by some in the media as a ‘death tram’, it’s worth opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of asking whether the same approach would be taken to a road accident. Indeed, given that the LRTA or Mainspring. All rights reserved. the UK Government has now recognised the impact of non-tailpipe emissions, and is No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including expected to make them the subject of legislation, can we expect the papers to soon refer photocopying, recording or by any information storage and to rubber-tyred vehicles as ‘death cars’ or ‘killer ’ – and maybe even campaign for retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from their removal…? the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the A positive note to end on: At the conference, former MD of London Rail Ian Brown magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. said he believed LRT was at a “turning point”. Just days later, new Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Metrolink’s under-construction Park line. Mr Johnson is famed COVER: Using ground-breaking construction and for supporting ambitious public schemes, so could his appointment mark the start of operational technology, Nice T2 sets a new marker that new era we’ve been talking about for so long in the UK? Simon Johnston, Editor for modern light rail. Metropole NCA / Didier Quillon

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2019 / 323 News Caen opens after 19-month build

New tramway in northern French city replaces CAEN T2 Campus 2 Côte de Nacre hérouville- Parc de la rubber-tyred system that closed in 2018 Fossette CITIS saint-clair

Campus 4

CHU

Château Hérouville Cité U T1 St-Clair Calvaire Lebisey d’Eau St-Pierre Copernic Pl. de Pierre l’Europe Café des Heuzé Images CROUS suaps Université

Pl. de la Mare Saint- Pierre CAEN T3 Château Quatrans

Bernières CAEN T2 Résistance Presqu’Île Saint-Jean Quai de Gare-Rives de l’Orne Juillet SNCF The first passengers are about to board specially-wrapped 1009 CAEN to ride the new tramway in Caen on 27 July. J. C. Vaudois Gare SNCF Leroy Parc du he new 16.2km requiring 144 drivers. The three Biez (ten-mile) tramway in lines are T1, Hérouville St-Clair Lux-Lépine Mondeville the French city of Caen – IFS Jean Vilar; T2, Campus 2 – Guynemer was formally opened at Presqu’Île; T3, Château Quatrans Grâce de T11.30 on 27 July at Blvd Maréchal – Fleury College Hawking. Aviation Dieu Poincaré Leclerc by Joël Bruneau, Président The depot and maintenance Rostand of Caen-la-mer. Services were facility is at Fleury-sur-Orne. Fresnel Liberté free for the rest of the weekend All lines operate through the city FLEURY T3 Collége Hawking (the tramway had been carrying centre and both T1 and T3 serve passengers from start of service), the city’s main railway station. Concorde and there were numerous Service was to be boosted Modigliani celebrations along the line, from 26 August, and the bus cormelles- lasting into the evening. network reorganised to feed the IFS T1 Jean Vilar le-royal Following just 19 months of new tramway from 2 September construction, the city’s new when the schools re-opened tramway opened six weeks after the summer holidays; 2018. This service carried 42 000 département and EUR15m from earlier than forecast, despite the 64 000 passengers/day are passengers/day. The city paid the European Union. disruption to worksites caused expected across the 36-stop EUR17.3m to release itself from The city of Caen has a by the gilets jaunes riots network. A single ticket costs its 30-year TVR contract. The new population of 108 500 (greater in January 2019. EUR1.50 and is valid for transfer vehicles cost EUR52m; feeders Caen 265 000) and is located in Twenty of the 26 33m 100% for 75 minutes. and substations were re-used. Normandy, around 15km low-floor AlstomCitadis 305 The EUR260m tramway The conversion project has (nine miles) inland. (1001-26) are in use on three replaces the 15.7km (9.75-mile) drawn finance from various The city’s public transport lines running 05.45-00.30, with rubber-tyred TVR guided busway sources, including EUR27m operation, Twisto, is operated a ten-minute service on each that opened in 2002 but which from the French Government, under contract by Caen line planned for most of the day, was abandoned on 1 January EUR45m from Calvados Mobilités until 2023.

Timişoara chooses Bozankaya trams

The Municipality of in The procurement is being Although relatively new to has signed an agreement financed through European the rail market – the company with Turkish rolling stock Union grant funding. began its first rail R&D projects manufacturer Bozankaya for 16 Bozankaya claims that the in 2012 – Bozankaya has built 30 five-section 100% low-floor trams new 70km/h-capable trams will similar trams for the Turkish city for RON155.8m (EUR32.9m). be able to run on battery power of Kayseri. The order The first 32.7m tram is to for up to 60km (37 miles) in the marks the first tramway contract be delivered before the end of event of traction supply outages; outside its domestic market, Bozankaya has made a breakthrough 2020, with all vehicles due to they will be the first trams with although the manufacturer into the European market with its be the city within 48 months of onboard traction energy storage has delivered metro cars to order for Timişoara, based upon a contract signature. Options in Romania. This is significant as ’s SkyTrain line as part design already built for Kayseri in exist for a further 24 trams that the city is planning to build new of a joint venture with . Bozankaya would see the contract value tramlines for the 2021 European with the latter supplying bogies, rise to RON380m (EUR80m). City of Culture event, but may traction and braking equipment. plant. The first metro vehicle The only other bid was from not have time to complete Bozankaya was responsible for was completed in June 2018 and Polish manufacturer Pesa. electrification of the new sections. vehicle assembly at its Ankara delivered to Bangkok last August.

324 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Alstom unveils ‘tramway lumière’ for Paris as T4 on-street tests begin Stylish new design for the French capital revealed; new line T9 is due to open next year

he first of 22 seven- section double-ended Citadis X05 for line T9 (901-22) was unveiled at theT Alstom works in La Rochelle Aytré at the end of June. The vehicle design, by Saguez & Partners, includes illuminated stripes at each end and along the roofline and inside to show the position of the eight double doors each side (orange when closed, green when open). The ‘tramway lumière’ was the choice The first Citadis X05 tram for Paris line T9 features a futuristic new design concept with additional illuminated panels on the of 75% of residents questioned exterior and interior, and new bench seating. Île-de- Mobilities about a new design. The new Île-de-France Mobilities livery is 2020, while the 8.2km (five-mile) the 15 Alstom Dualis 42m dual- operator of T4, which in due jade green with blue elements. line T10 (Clamart Place du Garde voltage cars (401-15) earmarked course will offer interchange The 44m cars can carry up to – La Croix de Berny via Malabry) for the line and purchased at a with the future Grand Paris 314 passengers and are equipped is due to open at the end of 2023. cost of EUR100m. The branch Express lines 15 and 16. with full LED lighting and The operating contract for T9 is electrified at 750V dc, while The pace of development high-speed passenger Wi-Fi. has been awarded to Keolis for the 7.9km (4.9-mile) ‘main line’ in Paris continues with the Delivery of the 22 cars will start 5.5 years, the first time RATP will from Bondy to Aulnay-sous-Bois announcement of a tender this summer at a cost of EUR70m, not operate one of the city’s new (conversion of an SNCF railway for 37 new 33m trams for line to be followed by up to 46 similar street-based tramways. in 2006) is electrified at 25kv ac. T1 (with an option for 83 trams for line T10. On the other side of the city, Public service is due in more). These will permit the The 10km (6.2-mile) line T9 testing on the EUR270m, 6.5km December when a Bondy – replacement of the 35 Alstom (Porte de Choisy – Orly Ville (four-mile) Gargan – Hôpital Montfermeil service will be TFS trams that were used to start Gaston Viens via Marie de de Montfermeil street-running introduced, taking 30 minutes the re-introduction of trams to Vitry-sur-Seine) is due to start branch of tram-train line T4 and running every six minutes the French capital in 1992, and carrying passengers at the end of began on 15 July using two of at peaks. SNCF will remain the provide for future extensions.

Yorkshire plans urban rail revolution NEWS IN PICTURES

Rotherham –Doncaster Sheffield Woodhouse and Beighton, tram-train extensions in Sheffield, Airport tram-train services are perhaps with a spur to Aston potentially serving Northern amongst the plans for rail travel and Aughton; and an improved General Hospital, Chapeltown/ in the UK’s Sheffield City Region. direct service between the west High Green, Handsworth, and Prepared in conjunction with and south west, the city centre Woodhouse and Beighton local authorities, Transport for and the Lower Don Valley and (among other destinations) the North and HS2 Ltd, the plans Meadowhall. would also be undertaken. proposals include a revamp of Some schemes are in Sheffield The plan indicates that Sheffield station, extra trains City Region’s Transforming Cities feasibility studies would include to Manchester and Leeds and a Fund bid, with others to form part other forms of transport. Depot station in the Dearne Valley. of work either already planned by extension and fleet replacement

Tramway proposals include or in Transport for funding will also be sought. Trikken Sporveien a new stop to serve the Magna the North’s under-development Mock-up of Oslo’s new Science Adventure Centre and investment programme. This also > As tram-train popularity has extra services to developing picks up earlier proposals to taken off following the first CAF trams unveiled An 18m mock-up of the design for areas. These include new routes: extend Sheffield’s tram network. months of operation, Network the order for 87 CAF-built trams for through the Upper Don Valley The Magna Science Adventure Rail Senior Sponsor for the Norwegian capital was unveiled and Chapeltown/High Green Centre tram-train stop and Tram-Train Simon Coulthard on 16 July. The life-size version to Sheffield city centre via park-and-ride facilities at told the UK Light Rail will be used to refine the design, Meadowhall, Northern General Parkgate are planned for the Conference: “At Network Rail gauge public opinion and verify the Hospital and/or Hillsborough; next five-year period, as is we’re now in the process of quality of production and interior from Meadowhead to Sheffield preparation of a business case creating a dedicated team to components before the start of city centre; a north orbital route to extend tram-train from work closely with the light rail production next year. The new five-section 34m trams connecting Hillsborough to Parkgate to Swinton, and offer industry to help develop further can accommodate 220 passengers the Northern General Hospital, extra services to Doncaster and tram-train and light rail schemes, and feature amenities such as USB Meadowhall and the Advanced Doncaster Sheffield Airport. and to share the learning from charging points and onboard Wi-Fi. Manufacturing Innovation A feasibility study into the pilot and encourage the New tracks are being laid at Holtet District; a new service to the city’s tram-train stops at Forge Way sharing of experience from the depot to accommodate 18 trams. south-east, serving Handsworth, and Kilnhurst and tram or light rail industry with us.”

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2019 / 325 News

New MD Melbourne’s ‘Big Bang’: Andy Lord has been appointed Managing Director of London Underground and Transport for London Engineering. He replaces Report urges rail growth Nigel Holness, who has left TfL to take up an appointment at Metro Trains . Proposals recommend AUD108bn be spent on transport over 30 years Mr Lord was previously Executive Vice President for Menzies Aviation, and is also a Non-Executive Director for Defence Equipment & Support at the Ministry of Defence. He will take up his post on 4 November. Metro line B opening date confirmed The inauguration of services on the long-delayed Metro line B between Rotterdam and Hoek van Holland () has been announced for 30 September, two years later than originally planned and EUR90m over budget. It is now reported that the project will cost EUR462m. The line has been closed since March 2017 and the reconstruction project includes two additional stations. The line will remain Hundreds more trams similar to the Bombardier cars currently being built will be needed under Melbourne plans. M. Rowe accessible for freight trains to serve industrial sites in blueprint for rail A key target is to create a cross- Transit (MCT) is defined as light and Vlaardingen. development in the city grid network. rail, bus or light WLB LRV design unveiled capital of Victoria Five new metro-style lines are metro, with 231 route km on ten The design for the new batch of (Australia) has been proposed: Footscray – Caulfield; corridors, including a northern/ 18 double-ended 28m Bombardier Aproduced. The Melbourne Rail Southern Cross – Airport; eastern orbital line from the Flexity trams for the Wiener Plan 2019-2050, released by the Newport – Southern Cross Airport via Broadmeadows, Keon Lokalbahn was unveiled on Rail Futures Institute, recognises – Croxton; Southern Cross – Park, , Doncaster and 11 July. The 100% low-floor cars that car dependency levels are Pakenham (perhaps Gippsland); Box Hill to Monash University, will be delivered from spring becoming unsustainable and Glen Waverley – Knox City. and a Ringwood – Knox City – 2021. The contract is valued at EUR94m, including 24 years of existing trams and trains are A new fleet of 206 metro trains Dandenong – Mentone line. maintenance. There is an option near capacity. Patronage on the would also be required by 2037. The total cost of infrastructure for 18 more trams. world’s largest tramway is up 13% The plans include 13 tramway in the plan is suggested as in the last five years alone. extensions, three cross- AUD108.2bn (EUR67.2bn) – with The plan seeks to provide new suburban tramlines and eight rail at AUD69.6bn (EUR43.25bn), connections from middle and supplementary suburban routes, tram AUD8.6bn (EUR5.35bn) inner suburbs to the city centre, needing a further 483 trams and MCT AUD30bn (EUR18.6bn). cross-suburban journeys, and by 2034. A new city line would AUD3.4bn (EUR2.7bn) would improved links to heavy rail run from Clifton Hill station be needed for the tram fleet, interchanges. New medium- via Alexandra Parade, Barkly AUD2.4bn (EUR1.7bn) on capacity cross-suburban transit St, Grattan St and Hawke St to the MCT fleet and AUD5.3bn corridors would be developed, Spencer St, while new links from (EUR3.3bn) for heavy rail. while the electrified commuter Collins St to Westgate Park and The plan is now subject to rail network would be extended to Sandridge/Wirraway are also consultation and political WLB outer growth areas (11 schemes). suggested. Medium Capacity consideration.

Malaysia approves Guatemala City LRT plan moves Bayan Lepas light rail ahead after infrastructure deal On 29 July authorities in 40-minute end-to-end journey On 16 July the Malaysian now subject to environmental, Guatemala City signed an time; early ridership forecasts Government approved in societal, heritage and traffic agreement with railway predict around 250 000 principle the Bayan Lepas light impact assessments. infrastructure manager passengers per day. rail project, a 29.9km (18.6-mile) The 27-stop line would begin Ferrovías to allow access to an The project, estimated north–south link connecting in Komtar in the north-east abandoned railway alignment to cost USD770m, is to be Georgetown with the airport and corner of the island and pass for studies and preliminary implemented by Guatemala’s a major new development zone. through Jelutong, Gelugor, works to accelerate the city’s National Agency for the Part of the state government’s Bayan Lepas and Penang planned 20.5km (12.7-mile) Development of Economic MYR46bn (EUR10bn) Penang International Airport before light rail project. Infrastructure (Anadie) on Transport Master Plan (PTMP) terminating at the proposed The north-south MetroRiel a Public-Private Partnership that also includes a monorail, Penang South Reclamation (PSR) scheme in the capital of the basis. Following the completion cable cars and water taxis, final development that comprises Central American country will of more detailed design work, confirmation of the MYR8.4bn three man-made islands totalling serve 20 stations with an initial construction on the line could (EUR1.83bn) light rail project is 1800ha near Teluk Kumbar. fleet of 35 LRVs, offering a begin in 2021.

326 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Linz to join VDV ‘Standard’ scheme? With growing orders, Austrian authorities express interest in joint tram-train procurement

lans by five German of a number of authorities, Verband Deutscher with options for another 152. Verkehrsbetriebe (VDV) It is hoped to start the formal members for a common process in September and place tram-trainP design (see TAUT 968 an order in early summer 2020. and 977) could also be adopted Four prototype cars would be by Austrian authorities. delivered in autumn 2022, Land Oberösterreich is with the first passenger trials overseeing proposals to convert beginning in 2024 and fleet the Linz – Gallneukirchen – deliveries from 2025. A service Pregarten and Linz – Kleinzell life of 32 years is planned. lines to tram-train operation The project group has defined (with access to the city’s main a ‘standard’ vehicle, though each railway station via a new Donau of the partners will be able to bridge, and potential connection set their own parameters for the to the Linzer Lokalbahn). Its design whilst staying within the rail infrastructure organisation overall framework, particularly Schiene OÖ, founded in 2013, in respect of the bodyshell. is to take the project forward. The standard will be a double- Contact has been made with ended car with eight axles and VDV to see whether the joint two bogies under the centre The partners to the VDV tram-train alliance showcase a mock-up of the generic tram-train project would also be section (no doors). However the tram-train concept vehicle in June. VDV/AVG suitable for Austrian schemes. likely variations – showing the  (13), dc only, BOStrab doors in centre section, 380mm Developed in order to reduce standard Saarbahn vehicles and only entrance height both purchase and operational deviations to this model – are:  (23)/AVG (89+100)/ Linz (20+50), 560mm costs, the VDV procurement Saarbahn (15+28), 37m dual- Neckar-Alb (30+10), full entrance height. alliance is being led by VBK/AVG voltage, double-ended, all-axle air-conditioning, 560mm There is a possibility that in Karlsruhe and by the end drive, 100km/h, 380mm entrance height (RBK) will also join the of June a tender for 244 cars entrance height, toilet and Karlsruhe (93+2), dc only, group, further boosting order was being firmed up on behalf air-conditioning in centre section BOStrab only, single-ended, numbers.

NEWS IN PICTURES VLT Carioca threatens A ‘rolling gentleman’s Rio tramway closure club’: The The concessionaire for the city addition of a third line and better ultimate tramway in Rio De Janeiro (Brazil), organisation of bus services, the Hong Kong VLT Carioca, is threatening concessionaire believes it could tram ride? to close the system unless the attract up to 155 000 passengers/ city council agrees to make up day and better service the debt it Hong Kong may a shortfall resulting from lower has incurred in creating the new currently be making than expected patronage of just tram infrastructure. news headlines due 80 000 passengers/day. The PPP model assumes that to political protests in what is now a special VLT Carioca is claiming the municipality will compensate administrative region BRL140m (EUR33.25m) for any revenue shortfall in the of China rather than for developments on its tramway – but guests at the from the city, claiming that event of fewer than the expected Peninsula Hong Kong can now take advantage of a very special tram tour. a planned reorganisation of 260 000 passengers/day, but the Lasting two hours and encompassing the Western Market to Happy Valley or the bus network to reduce city claims it has no money to North Point, the tour explores the city’s culture, music, food and drink. competition has not taken place cover this gap. Between two and five guests can tour the network on refurbished tram 18 that and that plans to open a third Infrastructure group and includes a bar, lounge seating, entertainment, running water and even a toilet. line, between Centro do Brasil consortium partner CCR assumed The collaboration between cultural start-up Circus and and Santos Dumont Airport, a controlling stake (50.31%) in has seen the tram divided into three luxury sections: Chatham House is inspired by a London’s gentleman’s club; The Freudians, at the front of the top have been stymied. With the VLT Carioca in late July. deck, has a balcony; and Darwin’s Garden, at the rear of the top deck, is “an urban greenhouse”, with plants. Avinguda Diagonal tram link accelerated Guests staying at

The Peninsula for at Pictures: Peninsula Hong Kong Approval for a tram connection while Francesc Macià is the least two nights can between the two networks in the terminus of routes 1, 2 and 3. book the ‘Tale of a Spanish city of Barcelona came The extension is projected City: Bespoke Circus Tram Academy’ tour earlier than expected, on 23 July. to add 18 300 users to the for HKD46 888 The 4.3km (2.7-mile) link Trambesós network, an increase (EUR5400) on across Avinguda Diagonal is of 60% over current ridership. weekdays, and designed to be completed in The missing tramway link HKD50 888 (EUR5860) two phases: Glòries – Verdaguer was rejected in a referendum in on weekends. and Verdaguer to Plaça Francesc 2010, but has been reactivated by Macià. Glòries is on metro , Mayor Ada Colau.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2019 / 327 News French tramways deliver best value New report puts the country’s networks on top, based on ten performance criteria

n 2 July Eurogroup that are 15-20km (9-12 miles) Consulting published from the centre. Trams at the Heart Those networks highlighted of the 21st Century were a mixture of modern MetropolisO – a benchmarking and historic systems in North study of 32 tramway networks America, Europe, the Middle worldwide. It concluded that East and Australia. Amongst the French systems led the way large city systems Lyon, Paris, when judged against ten and Strasbourg came performance criteria. top with scores in the range Noting that almost 200 cities 71-67 out of 100. Manchester was have introduced new tramways fifth with 66. Four other French since the year 2000, the report systems followed. concluded that trams are an For mid-sized cities, Dijon and important part of the 21st Tours came top (66 and 61) with Century city: they are a common Bergen third (58). Nottingham form of accessible, sustainable was sixth (54), Croydon eighth mobility, in addition to being (50) and Sheffield ninth (47). an aggregator of other ‘micro For the historic systems, mobility’ solutions. Zürich, and Brussels were The 32 systems studied in the at the top (63/60/56 respectively) The world’s best tramway? The French city of Dijon came top in the Eurogroup report were divided into three followed by Melbourne (56). benchmarking exercise. This is Boulevard de Brosses, which, as with most French categories: large cities where the The study reported that the tramway streets, has been transformed across its whole width to accommodate the arrival of trams. Y. Allain tram is the backbone of public arrival or revival of a tramway transport; cities that used the drives up mass transit ridership, Tramway systems in France trips per km of tracks. This gives tram to complement metro as it attracts new customers enjoy above average levels of an operating cost recovery ratio systems; and cities using trams to who may not traditionally use patronage, with Paris T3 carrying of 114% (Dublin recorded 118%, connect outlying municipalities public transport. 280 000 passengers/day, or 3.8m Manchester 105%).

UKTram makes the case for light rail investment

Light rail industry body Conference, held in Manchester up the political agenda and it’s significant inward investment, UKTram has released a new on 23-24 July. important we don’t miss the our existing tramways are clearly video designed to highlight the UKTram Managing Director opportunity to help transform a success story worth shouting economic argument for further James Hammett, explained: the cities of the future. about.” investment in light rail. The “The potential of light rail “Covering nearly 200 miles, See the video at www.uktram. promotional film was launched to deliver clean, reliable and used by nearly 300m passengers com/2019/07/24/documentary- at the latest UK Light Rail efficient public transport is rising every year and attracting highlights-the-benefits-of-light-rail/

in your next PLUS... + P roject updates and system developments from Luxembourg, Denver and Dallas + Concluding his trio of articles on the anniversary celebrations in Belgium, Mike Russell ventures outside the capital +  T he latest news and analysis, rolling south wales systems FactFile: stock orders, system developments and metro update tallinn transport policy from around the world TAUT revisits South Wales to A small yet busy system that explore the latest progress in has been rebuilt and expanded creating an ambitious devolved in recent years, the tramway in multi-modal urban rail Estonia’s capital features modern october 2019 issue network designed to support CAF stock and some imaginative regeneration and growth. reworking of Tatra vehicles. On sale 20 September

328 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Reduce Time & Costs The design and implementation of urban and light rail networks in busy towns and cities presents signi cant engineering challenges. At the same time, the pressure to minimise disruption and cost has never been greater. Whether it’s for tram stops, pedestrian crossings, depots or complex crossovers and turnouts, our engineered solid rubber panels help you overcome your challenges faster and more cost-e ectively than other systems. Rosehill Rail – Setting New Standards For more information, or to enquire about training, please call the Rosehill Rail sales team on +44 (0)1422 317 473, or email [email protected]

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Post event publication advert.indd 1 31/07/2019 14:17:57 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2019 / 329 UK Light Rail Conference

Manchester’s light rail network now carries 44m passengers each year. M5000 3117 is seen at Media City; the new line will serve the Imperial War Museum North, seen across the dock in the background. All images by Neil Pulling, 23-24 July.

UK LIGHT RAIL CONFERENCE: ‘IS this OUR TURNING POINT?’ Progressive transport policies, new technology and innovative funding, design and construction techniques. Tony Streeter and Simon Johnston bring you the highlights from two days in Manchester.

he 14th running of the UK Light The new administration is implementing Rail Conference, at Manchester’s a policy of free public transport from 1 Victoria Warehouse, brought March 2020 (see TAUT 973). While such an participants from across Europe initiative might be impractical in many larger “People want to to debate the mode’s future in countries, rather than one with a population live in cities built for aT climate of fundamental shifts in attitude of only 600 000, Mr Bausch argued that light people, not cities built towards urban mobility and the environment. rail has a very bright future as the backbone around vehicles” The mood of the event was summed up by of his nation’s policy, given such drivers as former Managing Director of London Rail the need for more inclusive urban mobility, François Bausch – Minister of Ian Brown CBE in his closing remarks on the growing emissions, and UN statistics that Mobility and Public Works, second day, saying that this year “actually suggest 80% of people will live in urban areas Luxembourg Government marks a turning point for the industry”. in the coming decades. The appointment of new UK Prime There is a desire for “cities that are built for Minister Boris Johnson came in the middle of people”, he contended – rather than those the event’s first day, with Mr Brown pointing designed to accommodate road vehicles. He out that the new PM will already have had went on to explain how high-quality public positive experiences of the role of light should be seen as an essential from his time as Mayor of London. However, component of prosperous societies, and a he contended: “There is a recognition that all public utility in the same way as electricity is not well in the railway industry overall. and water – it is only this way that we will see I feel very strongly that there needs to be better the necessary investment to drive real change. governance of the light rail industry as well.” For all the discussion of funding, cars “never discuss costs”, he added. Rather, motor The role of the politician vehicle users do not pay enough in taxes to Despite the machinations in Westminster, finance the infrastructure they operate on – arguably the most intriguing political and if the real costs were to be analysed, the input came from François Bausch, Minister “discussion would be completely different.” of Mobility and Public Works from the During a debate on the future of light rail, Luxembourg Government. Mr Bausch also argued that trams have an

330 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org In times of image problem: “We must sell light rail in the PFI it is derived from – namely achieving constrained the same way that Elon Musk sells his Tesla, value for money and transparency. public funding, for example.” But while LRT is important in A further financing variant, developed promoters need creating the foundation for modal shift, it by the Welsh Government, is the Mutual to be more cannot be seen as a panacea – buses and other Investment Model (MIM). Based around a inventive in modes must continue to play their part. profit-sharing mechanism, this promotes seeking finance In the same debate, Keolis UK CEO Alistair public interest and has the twin benefits for new urban Gordon expressed optimism given the recent of both transparency and the ability to use transport schemes. confirmation of record UK passenger numbers, standardised contracts. However criticisms Kevin Bell from but tempered this with some scepticism: raised include whether it truly does offer Womble Bond “To achieve a proper rebirth, we need to be value for money and that it can be more Dickinson (top) working on ten times the number of schemes expensive than conventional public borrowing and Claudia we are at the moment.” over the long-term. However Mr Bell Peñaranda from Light Rail Safety and Standards Board contended that with the concept still in its Transport for CEO – and former infancy, assessments of MIM’s effectiveness London (below) Metrolink Director – Peter Cushing will need to wait. outlined a gave a perspective from the other An ability to offer localised number of innovative side of the divide. Politicians, solutions is one of the benefits funding models he pointed out, “are busy “To achieve a proper of Tax Increment Financing that can, and people” and awkward (TIF), another being that have, unlocked questions need to be asked rebirth, we need to be major scheme costs funded finance for light to “put them on the spot.” working on ten times through TIF come from rail schemes. the number of schemes future tax revenue. Where is the money? we are at the moment.” However, accurate accelerate the delivery of new infrastructure Talking on the Alistair Gordon – Keolis UK CEO predictions of tax flows are that directly unlocks new housing. Among ‘infrastructure void’, difficult – and any project other criteria is a demand that HIF is the only Kevin Bell explained overspend would not be option available to fill a funding gap. that with a background of offset by tax revenues; London successfully bid for GBP291m historical underspending, a TIF could also represent a (EUR323m) to allow for the acquisition of 14 distracted government (not diversion of funding. new DLR trains and a station at Tameside West least by Brexit), years of austerity Transport for London’s to increase capacity, ‘unlocking’ around 17 000 and various other funding Claudia Peñaranda explained new homes across both private and publicly- obstacles, “it can be argued that “how we produced a successful owned developments on East London’s Isle of there is a significant funding gap.” beat” for Docklands Light Dogs and in the Royal Docks area. Up to 2000 However, the Partner at Railway expansion through homes are even to be built above and around transport practice Womble Bond a funding model based the DLR’s Poplar depot – a scheme that would UK LIGHT RAIL CONFERENCE: around housing needs. Urban only be viable with HIF money. growth follows increased connectivity, she One organisation keen to understand explained, provided three elements are funding possibilities is Transport for West present: available land, a local plan, and Midlands (TfWM). A year after the new West demand for homes and jobs. In London’s case, Midlands Combined Authority’s in-house ‘IS this OUR TURNING POINT?’ the UK capital is expected to grow by 28% in operating company Midland Metro Ltd took 25 years – and to 10.5m people by 2041. over from National Express on the network Given these projections, a need has been around Birmingham, TfWM’s West Midlands Dickinson explained that the Victorians may identified for 65 000 new homes each year Metro Director Phil Hewitt said that as moves offer lessons as rail infrastructure back then was – twice the current planned figure – with take place to triple the network’s size – at a largely privately funded. the aspiration being that 50% should be cost of GBP1.5bn (EUR1.66bn) – by 2026: Attracting non-state funding can both ‘affordable homes’. However, this need “Any innovative forms of funding we can increase the amount available to spend, and for investment is taking place against the find, we’ll seize.” also improve competition. Obstacles remain challenging backdrop of a loss of government As well as currently building extensions though, such as the complex matter of risk grants for TfL services, as well as for affordable to Centenary Square and Wolverhampton transfer from public to private sectors, not accommodation. But opportunities change station, is also pushing to mention the virtual demise of the Private – and TfL has taken advantage of the UK forward with wire-free operation. With the Finance Initiative: “Third party funding Government’s GBP5.5bn (EUR6bn) Housing first vehicles with onboard energy storage must be encouraged, but… in the absence of Infrastructure Fund (HIF), intended to already in service, parts of the next section PFI schemes, what does this look like?” One answer comes through commercialisation of valuable sites adjacent to infrastructure, as successfully practiced by Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway, as well as Transport for London – one of the largest landowners in the UK capital. A further possibility is operator-led investment, for example through contracted commitments. However, challenges here include a lack of competition and the need to appeal to potential operators in the first place. What then of a new version of the Private Finance Initiative – a Pension-Public Partnership? Mr Bell explained that such schemes could tap into an “immense pool of funds” from pension and insurance providers, with the benefits including providing long- term stable investment, and returns that may outperform equity. However, the idea also Colin Walton from Mainspring led a lively hour of debate that considered the future role of light rail in cities, suffers from the same potential challenges as including questions from the audience on the environment, technology, funding and improving scheme delivery.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2019 / 331 UK Light Rail Conference of route, due to open this year, will be fully and Mobility as a Service that mean you can …it’s also all about safety wire-free. now use an app to book and pay for your trip Ensuring the safety of all urban travellers TfWM anticipates having 30m passengers (which could be the next available departure, is a common challenge around the world, on its expanded network by 2028; the the fastest or cheapest connection), follow but Dublin has found a powerful yet simple comparable figure before the Birmingham the directions for each stage of your journey; tool to help reinforce the message of safety City Centre Extension opened to New Street and book a city bike or arrange carpooling around its trams. Using cab CCTV footage station in 2016 was just 4.8m. or sharing. Apps such as those provided from the city’s tramway, Luas and Transport by Siemens/HaCon and used in for Ireland have launched the safety video It’s all about the data… employ an ‘open backend platform’; the local Seconds Could Change Your Life that shows real While data is invaluable for providing authority owns the data, and other providers footage of accidents and near-misses with seamless travel, David Clarke – Chief are able to ‘plug in’ to give the most accurate pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers. Technology Officer at The Trust Bridge – information to travellers. The film, available on YouTube, was shown said that “privacy has to be fought for and Progress is also being made in ticketing to by Transport Infrastructure Ireland Projects protected.” In a wide-ranging presentation suit all types of transport – for example an app and Contracts Manager Senan Moynihan, on the implications of holding, processing using Bluetooth technology to automatically who also updated delegates on a major new and using data, Mr Clarke talked through open barriers as the user approaches. Facial urban rail project in the Irish capital. While considerations such as our duties under the recognition systems are also being trialled the Metrolink system in the UK Light Rail EU’s General Data Protection Regulation around the world for the same purpose. The Conference’s host city is well-known, Dublin (GDPR), under which multi-million fines next step, Mr Stewart explained, is to remove is to gain its own version with almost the can be levied. Nor, from the point of view ticket gates completely to speed up journeys. same name as its MetroLink underground of organisations collecting and using data, Data provided by such applications can be urban rail will soon link the city to the is this just about GDPR. Various legislation used to work out where transport – which could airport (for more, see TAUT 972). covers this area around the world. Describing the new Light Rail Safety Siemens Mobility’s Data is there forever and Mr Clarke pointed and Standards Board’s work in addressing General Manager for out that it is a significant business asset – Intermodal Solutions the RAIB recommendations from its these days we generate immense amounts of Alex Stewart led a report following the tragic Sandilands it: mobile apps, mobile operating systems, session that looked accident in November 2016, Railway and Wi-Fi, bluetooth, CCTV (especially with face at how the digital Tramway Engineering Director David Keay recognition trials underway), Automatic revolution is benefiting and Transportation Atkins Senior Safety Numberplate Recognition Cameras… all these passengers, operators Consultant Laura Reardon together explained and more are ways in which data is generated and maintainers, ‘RM3’, a risk management model intended to beginning with a and collected. People’s entire lives are being help improve safety. In this session, delegates description of how his monitored – and autonomous vehicles can journey to Manchester were told that RM3 can be tailored to fit generate terabytes of data in a single day. exposed “the good, different networks, with outputs that are Key considerations for organisations the bad, and the very owned by the industry, with Mr Keay saying collecting people’s data include obtaining ugly” of travel. “I believe we’ve got something here which is permission for its use, explaining the rationale a step change in the management of risk in for its use and demonstrating transparency. be demand-responsive ‘last mile’ transport or the light rail industry.” From July, London Underground is planning paratransit – is needed in real-time, and also He contended that the use of RM3 in the to collect anonymised data from mobile where it is not being used properly. light rail sector is “the first time we’ve had devices searching out Wi-Fi. Clear signage is Also from Siemens, Head of Business a quantitative approach” – adding that the being planned, and Mr Clarke pointed out Development for Communications and model will be made available worldwide. the alternative for consumers to having their Information Systems Stephen Phillips Which is the best way to manage data collected… turn your Wi-Fi off! described the latest generation of Tram competence, using compliance or a Alex Stewart talked about the “good, the bad, Management Systems (TMS). His organisation, developmental approach? AssessTech’s Director and the very ugly” with reference to a public he said, doesn’t “just offer a solution [but] of Operations Sally Brinkley argued that while transport journey he had just made. Siemens what the customer wants.” the former is about legal compliance, it can Mobility’s General Manager for Intermodal Cloud-based and modular, the new TMS lead to a reactive and ‘tick box’ approach where Solutions discussed issues faced such as still would allow GPS-enabled trams to interact issues can remain hidden or undiscovered. having to use paper tickets, crowded trains with existing infrastructure, thus reducing After an accident it could likely be found that and being left to fend for himself without up the amount of physical infrastructure the people concerned were 100% compliant. to date information during disruption. needing to be installed, driving efficiency However, under a developmental There are, Mr Stewart explained, more than and keeping costs manageable for even approach, people ‘own’ their competence 100 apps available for trip planning, ticketing smaller operators. and receive detailed feedback and action plans to help them improve. Such methods can improve performance by being more motivational – and problems are detected before accidents occur, while compliance becomes a by-product.

What do we mean by light rail? This year’s conference highlighted a number of concepts that may not fall into the traditional light rail category, but are nevertheless clearly focused on reducing the cost – and therefore increase the adoption – of ‘steel wheel on steel rail’ solutions. Rolling stock leasing company Eversholt Rail has taken an interest in the concept of what has been dubbed a Very Light Rail vehicle because “we want to grow”, Head of External Relations Tim Burleigh explained. The business is increasingly focusing its time on innovative new solutions to deal with A packed audience of senior figures from across the industry participated in interactive presentations and the challenges of today and the future. debates on strategic, operational and technical topics designed to share experience in developing the mode. For while the market for community and

332 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org This year’s exhibition showcased a number of innovative solutions for digital modelling tools aims at reducing the costs and time associated with design, construction and training.

rural rail rolling stock is comparatively small passenger demand is rising. However, much thereby offering further savings. The trains in absolute terms, it is “growing rapidly”. of the rolling stock on such lines is around 30 are to use an already-proven goods wagon Mr Burleigh argued that key challenges years old – meaning that many vehicles use bogie and readily-available diesel engines. for the UK’s rail network include comparatively environmentally-unfriendly What results is a DMU with seating for 56 decarbonisation; ensuring that growth in engines, and have dated interiors that lack people and space for at least 40 standing, plus demand continues; achieving better end- the facilities expected by today’s passengers wheelchair space compliant with the PRM- to-end journeys; and affordable extension such as air-conditioning and charging TSI rules. The plan, Mr Burleigh explained, of the network. The country is currently sockets for electronic devices. is to make riding the new train a superior in the throes of a debate about how future Looking for new ideas, the UK’s Department experience to travelling in a contemporary rolling stock on its heavy rail system should for Transport and RSSB (Rail Safety and bus. Although designed as a single car, the be powered – Mr Burleigh contended that Standards Board) launched a programme to VLR is ‘scaleable’ through the ability to the answers lie in a mixture of cost-effective see experience from the automotive sector couple two or more cars. Using a modular electrification and other forms of propulsion. applied to rail. Whereas a typical Diesel interior design, propulsion could easily be Although heavy rail passenger numbers Multiple Unit weighs around 1.8 tonnes or adapted to non-combustion engine variants. had grown steadily since privatisation, more per linear metre, the VLR project is “It’s become real,” Mr Burleigh said of a they fell in 2017 amid changing demand targeting one tonne per linear metre. This project that saw a demonstration vehicle (such as a decline in purchases of season brings the prospect not only of significantly phase begun last year and the start of tickets). Against this, the importance of improved fuel consumption, but also the construction in 2019. Testing is intended to community rail in stimulating overall ability to run on lighter weight infrastructure, take place in the second quarter of next year.

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With the Sheffield – Rotherham tram-train there no overhead wires, but there is Building on success pilot service now underway, the topic of such “no wayside power of any kind”, Mr Read Although focused on UK priorities, this vehicles came up not only in that context, but said. Instead, the MRV-3 vehicles are powered year’s Conference had a strong international also other potential uses. Blackpool Transport using LPG; Qatar is the world’s largest dimension, bringing in examples of innovation is keeping “an open mind” on the suitability supplier of this fuel. and best practice from around the world. of tram-train, according to Finance Director With capacity for 100 passengers, the ’s Head of Customer James Carney. The municipal organisation 15m single-ended cars offer level boarding Experience and Network Design Nathalie that serves the seaside town in England’s at a height of 280mm. They are also capable Sassen described the recently-completed North-West has also said it would very much of conversion from ‘closed’ to ‘open’ cars light rail scheme in Newcastle (New South like a Fleetwood – Preston service to come through the removal of their Wales) as “an ambitious project that to fruition. Funding for this has not been windows. has transformed the city”. secured, but would be addressed in a future Wayside power supplies The joint venture’s deal feasibility study, he said. account for 30%-50% of “I don’t care whether for Newcastle is Australia’s Brad Read, President of US-based tramway infrastructure, your car is driven by a first multi-modal TIG/m, argued that the current interest in he explained, and can be computer, a Martian, or operations contract, autonomous road vehicles may be overly a major obstacle when you. It’s still a car.” and covers all modes: misplaced – and could lead to ill-informed funding new systems. bus, ferry, tram, on- decisions over the future of transport. That’s TIG/m has already built Brad Read – President, TIG/m demand and park-and- because the higher rolling resistance of rubber- a hydrogen-powered ride shuttles – with tyred vehicles, and pollution beyond just tramway in Aruba autonomous shuttles tailpipe emissions, compared with a system (TAUT 925) and has both to come. It also includes using steel wheels on steel rails means it will modern and heritage- integrated ticketing. fail to match the latter’s efficiency regardless style vehicles in its range, Work on the tramline in of how it is controlled. He explained: “I don’t featuring onboard energy the country’s seventh-largest care whether your car is driven by a computer, storage as the main city (which has a population of a Martian, or you. It’s still a car.” propulsion systems. around 350 000) began in 2017, One of TIG/m’s latest projects is a turnkey Mr Read, who also expressed and the 2.7km (1.7-mile) route project for a wire-free streetcar for the new a hope that it may be possible opened earlier this year (see 2km (1.2-mile) Msheirab Downtown Doha to bring a vehicle to the UK in TAUT 976). It represents part Tramway loop line in Qatar. The company’s the near future, highlighted the of the rebirth of a city that in system for a new development area in the company’s ‘virtual coupling system’. This recent decades has suffered from steelworks Qatari capital has involved overseeing would replace a physical connection between closures, storms, flooding and earthquakes. the design and construction of both vehicles, with GPS/Bluetooth to keep cars Bus routes have been reorganised and the infrastructure and vehicles. Not only are running within a metre of each other. Up to LRT system, which runs wire-free along a three vehicles could run together under the largely former heavy rail formation using BELOW: Showcasing just one example of true industry co-operation, Laura Reardon from Atkins control of one driver, he said. CAF trams, has a 7.5-minute frequency. described the work undertaken by the UK’s new Light Giving an overview of the global rolling “We’ve really completely changed the Rail Safety and Standards Board on developing a stock market, Andy Lucas from the event’s network” Ms Sassen explained. Despite only quantitative risk model for the light rail industry. organiser Mainspring highlighted that while being open for six months, the success of the vehicle orders may be relatively static, the line has already led to talk of expansion. increase in framework agreements proves Expansion of successful systems was a there is still underlying growth. Mr Lucas went common theme of the Conference, with on to indulge the audience in a little “crystal many examples given of both current and ball-gazing” of what the near future may planned schemes that could deliver valuable hold, highlighting the increased expectations improvements in connectivity. from passengers for digital connectivity and “What we need to do is work out how we the move towards ‘intelligent’ systems to aid can fund it”, said General operation and maintenance. Manager Mark Davis of the proposed Sutton He predicted a growing role for hydrogen Link in London. Public consultation has fuel cell development in the coming years shown 85% support for the project – with and that joint procurement initiatives would strong endorsement for trams as the chosen become more common, with significant cost- mode. Assuming money is forthcoming, savings being possible through co-operation construction of an extension to the Croydon between operators. network from Wimbledon or Colliers Wood could begin in 2023, for an opening in 2026. Also being discussed is the future replacement of the system’s earliest Bombardier vehicles, which are now around 20 years old. Mr Davis suggested such an order could take place as part of a wider joint procurement for the industry, allowing London Trams to ‘piggyback’ with others. Looking north, Edinburgh is thriving. Employment is forecast to rise, and over the next 20 years the population of the ‘Athens of the North’ could climb by 20%. The world’s number one festival city has now confirmed extension of its tramway, which opened in 2014. Following a final decision to proceed in March, utilities diversion is underway with construction due to start later this year, with testing planned for 2022 and opening the year after. Under the scheme, trams will reach the A drinks reception hosted by international transport operator Keolis saw the discussion and debate continue areas of Leith and Newhaven that border the long after the formal schedule had concluded on the first day. Firth of Forth, which have high population

334 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Expected to cost GBP207m (EUR228m) – a Essex. A study has shown that such a project figure that includes a 6% optimism bias – the would be “certainly feasible”. expansion is to be largely funded through borrowing, with no government grant. Construction and operations A “pollution-busting core” of an immersed What do we mean by ‘optimising resilience tunnel under the River Thames is key to a and timetable delivery’? That was the proposed project known as ‘KenEx’ – a light topic discussed by Rob Barnes, Senior Rail rail system serving the counties of Kent and Operations Consultant at Mott MacDonald – Essex to the east of London. Such a choice using a case study on Manchester’s Metrolink. of construction would be cheaper than the The digital RailSys modelling and data alternative of a bored tunnel, and although analysis tool can be used to answer questions unusual the concept has been successfully such as whether timetables are consistent, proven with the 240m Medway road tunnel what the infrastructure constraints are, and Tim Burleigh from UK rolling stock provider Eversholt Rail outlined some of the challenges of in northern Kent that opened in 1996. what happens when changes are made to a decarbonising the railway with an exploration of the Thames Gateway ’s Managing network, as well as how they can be made new approaches being taken with the vehicle design Director Gordon Pratt explained how the more efficient. Using advanced modelling elements of the Very Light Rail programme. network could be used to address problems techniques, scheduled running times can such as gridlocked roads, disconnection from be analysed against real-life situations, density and low car ownership. The route employment opportunities, and pollution including how drivers actually drive, realises another section of the original from the more than 50 million road vehicles and identifying delays due to network scheme that was curtailed a decade ago. that use the bridge and tunnel to cross the constraints. This can also be used to model The roughly 4.5km (2.8-mile) extension Thames at Dartford each year. KeolisAmey will complement the problematic and over- Complementing a joint vision by London’s Metrolink budget – but now successful – 14km (nine- Mayor and the South East Local Enterprise Director of mile) first line. It will also help Edinburgh’s Partnership, Mr Pratt described how KenEx Engineering Chris moves to make, in the words of council could form a core part of a suggested Stinchcombe Transport and Environment Convener Lesley Transport Innovation Zone serving two outlined the Macinnes, “cars into guests” rather than have major shopping centres as well as Ebbsfleet recent projects them dominating the city centre. International station on the High Speed 1 rail designed to Acknowledging the challenging route between London and the Continent, increase capacity environment, created not least by the and a proposed theme park. and resilience on the network. original line’s delays, extensive public Options are being considered for a roughly Mr Stinchcombe QR codes consultation has been undertaken in advance cross-shaped network that would include an brings a wealth of QR code 1 – Pomona – Cleveland Bridge of the new line’s construction. This includes East-West line on the southern (Kent) side experience from 600 pieces of feedback, 1470 working hours of the Thames, as well as a more dog-legged to and attendance at 150 meetings. route that would cross under the river into Manchester.

QR codes QR code 2 – Crumpsall QR code 1 – Pomona – ClevelandWith Bridge absolute alignment of our three partners MPT continues to deliver the design & construction of the multi-million pound Metrolink expansion with the Trafford Park Line Extension

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QR code 3 – Pomona Blockade

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Trafford Park Line QR code 4 – TPL 24

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new timetables, special events, or the introduction of new stock or infrastructure. Mott MacDonald’s Technical Director of Railway Operations Carl Phillips explained how Rail Sys can be employed in the early stages of a project to determine whether the specification generated is the right one – and to identify the trade-offs inherent in any design, such as frequency versus punctuality. The replacement of little-documented phone lines, sewers and sub-surface apparatus can cause chaos to both project timescales and budgets – and MPT Project Leader Andy Smith took the floor to explain how to ‘crack the issue’ with recent experience from the UK Light Rail Conference’s host city (see also TAUT 980). Mr Smith described Manchester’s current Delegates were given a behind-the-scenes tour of some elements of the new Metrolink Trafford Park Line by Trafford Park Line project as a “step change” construction consortium MPT; the new GBP350m line is due to open in 2020. – and explained how such detail is vital on successfully managing utilities aspects, system has expanded, and these plans direct approach has now come into its own on the but in particular ensuring that the entire how to deal with likely challenges. TPL project, this time over a 1.5km (0.9-mile) team is “absolutely aligned”. That may Core to the success of this approach is length of line. For the TPL, utilities have been sound simple – but it has traditionally often integrated traffic management and Joint modelled on a single drawing and trials along proved difficult to achieve. The historic city Utilities Groups meet as frequently as every the new formation were undertaken in order of Manchester however has had large areas two weeks at the start of a project. to confirm the position and depth of existing of utilities diversions. ‘Combined Utilities Manchester’s Second City Crossing utilities, such as 33 000v cables that needed Plans’ have been continuously developed over brought the opportunity to trial what’s to be diverted; some 205 utilities diversions successive projects as the UK’s largest tramway been termed a ‘Joint Utilities Trench’. This have all been modelled. BIM has allowed a virtual fly-through, as Nathalie Sassen well as a ‘soft delivery’ of the projects before from Keolis Downer (left) described the a spade enters the ground. When it comes to role of the new LRT undertaking this in reality, a lead contractor service in Newcastle is named so that only one organisation is (NSW) as the involved in the joint trench – it then hands backbone of a more the work site back to MPT afterwards. integrated network, The method, the conference was told, has while Gordon Pratt been “instrumental to the success” of the TPL. (right) outlined a new tramway scheme that Guided by project managers from MPT, could remove millions delegates were given a walking tour of the of car journeys from new line during the event, to see progress on congested roads in the new Metrolink line first-hand. south-east England. Further examples of the techniques that have made each new Metrolink extension project run smoother include modular construction of bridges, platforms and stops; COMMENT: PAUL ROWEN – LRTA CHAIR not only does this reduce cost and speed delivery, it also gives a consistent, high-quality Amongst the wide-ranging table on the future of light rail for of the industry. But presentations and debates our towns and cities alongside as a large portion of finish. The new line is around 80% complete, at this year’s UK Light Rail the likes of the CEO of Keolis UK, its funding comes with opening predicted for early 2020. Conference, I was particularly the Luxembourgish Transport from the DfT is it going to bite the New UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson impressed with three of them: Minister and yours truly. hand that feeds? I think not! visited the TPL just a few days after the UK a joint presentation from the Why the no-show? I’m told To get new schemes funded Light Rail Conference delegates, making senior officer and Transport and he was attending an important it will need some of the bigger his first speech outside the capital since Environment Convenor from debate on cableways. Was this industry players to put their assuming office and promising billions for the City of Edinburgh Council really more important than hands in their pockets and new rail projects in the north of England. on the Newhaven extension, a meeting with the senior figures fund some serious lobbying in lively presentation by US-based from those organisations who Westminster. Metrolink's Matt Johnston, TAUT Publisher and manufacturer TIG/m on its finance, plan, build, operate and ‘Big Bang’, Nottingham Phase 2 Managing Director of conference organiser hydrogen technology, and the maintain our light rail systems? and Blackpool's renewal Mainspring was delighted with how the event demonstration of an innovative In my view, the lack of any happened in spite of – not ran: “We saw a far greater level of interaction ticketing app from a Swiss start-up. central government presence because of – ministerial backing. at this year’s event. The role of technology It was also great to see such a speaks volumes about the So, if the Minister won’t come is increasingly evident – in improving the variety of businesses, large and priority attached to light rail to us then we must go to him – passenger experience, as well as in how we small, bidding for a share of the by UK politicians and the civil getting questions, debates and plan, design, construct and operate both new GBP2-3bn (EUR2.2-3.3bn) annual service. Yet despite this, there motions raised in Westminster. and existing tramways and light rail systems. UK light rail market. is no lack of schemes wanting There are many individual However one significant support, or towns interested in MPs interested in light rail, but “Despite all the continued uncertainty absence was that of any adopting light rail to help green they are mostly new and need our around Brexit, the mood amongst the ministerial or civil service their areas. It is a lack of funding support. The forthcoming Clean audience was overwhelmingly positive, and presence from the Department and support from government Air Act gives us a lever and, as the events such as this are crucial in enhancing for Transport. I appreciate that that is holding them back. Edinburgh transport plan shows, the sharing of experience as we all look to a the event came at a critical time There are those who may there is a political will out there to bright future for the mode.” with the announcement of argue that UKTram – the body make new schemes happen. Boris Johnson as our new Prime nominated by Norman Baker in We need to foster and The UK Light Rail Conference is organised by Minister. However, the UK’s only the Coalition Government to be support that thinking and park (and part-time) light rail resource the ‘single voice of the sector’ – our trams on the Minister's lawn. Mainspring. Details of the 2020 event will be was scheduled to join a round is the vehicle to lobby on behalf We’ve got nothing to lose. announced shortly, see www.mainspring.co.uk for further information.

336 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Charlotte

CATS S70 304 departing Sugar Creek on the 2018 extension, heading southbound towards downtown Charlotte and on to I-485.

Please subscribe to continue reading Blue, Gold, Silver and Red in Charlotte Driving substantial Transit Oriented Development, Charlotte’s successful light rail line is the spark for a major ten-year update plan to extend the reach of rail-based transport. Vic Simons reports.

harlotte is the largest city in the restricted to 15cm each year, so visitors can Why so Blue? eastern US state of North Carolina, expect a dry temperate climate. Some 60 years after the demise of the original located close to the southern Charlotte has a fine heritage of streetcar streetcar system, initial planning for a modern border with South Carolina, operation, opening its first-generation light rail line began. Funding was approved approximately 260km (160 miles) system in 1891, although this once-extensive by Mecklenburg County voters in 1998, toC the south-west of the state capital, Raleigh. network finally succumbed to the motorbus supporting a half-cent sales tax to implement It has all the attractions one might expect in 1938. In the 1950s, the local utility, Duke the 2025 Integrated Transit/Land-Use Plan of a city of with a population of 859 000 Power, operated the bus system and in the that included finance towards the LRT plans. A (2017 census figures), but as with most US early ’70s the City bought buses and leased Full Funding Grant Agreement was confirmed conurbations of any size it also suffers from them to Charlotte City Coachlines, the bus by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in chronic peak-hour traffic congestion. Around operator of the time. May 2005 to meet the bulk of the line’s costs. 2.5m people are noted in the metropolitan In 1976 the City purchased the bus system Official planning began in 1999, with a area which also covers Mecklenburg County. from Charlotte City Coach Lines and formed scheme that originally envisaged a station at Originally named Charlottetown, the city Charlotte Transit. At the turn of the present the Town of Pineville south of I-485. This plan gained its current name in 1762 as a tribute century, Charlotte Transit became Charlotte was later cancelled when Pineville councillors to the wife of British King George III. It is also Area Transit System – known and widely voted against further development of the line. famed as one of the nation’s first gold rush marketed as CATS – which is governed by The 2004 ground-breaking was followed by cities. That strong economic significance the policy-making Metropolitan Transit three years of construction, with the initial remains as the city is now a key financial Commission (MTC). On an average weekday, line opening on 24 November 2007 with two centre, as well as being home to many of the CATS has around 73 000 passenger trips using days of free rides. Revenue service began two nation’s major motorsport organisations. both buses and the LYNX light rail system; days later. The LYNX name had been adopted Although the city rarely sees very high more than 300 buses serve 72 routes and there in 2006, indicating the line’s improved temperatures, equally snowfall is usually are 42 modern light rail vehicles. transport connectivity and speed.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2019 / 337 Charlotte

It quickly became clear that the initial with 43% funding coming from the FTA, 25% All platforms on the latest extension can weekday ridership projection of 9100 was far from the State of North Carolina, and the accommodate three-car trains and a platform too conservative. Within six months of the remainder from local sources. lengthening programme is in place for the start of services, the figure had reached over The full 26-station Blue line, with 11 original stations. The first four have been 18 000 and this peaked at 22 000 journeys/ park-and-ride facilities, now extends to completed and the remainder are planned for day at the end of the same year due to inflated 30.2km (18.9 miles); end-to-end running when ridership necessitates such a move. gasoline (petrol) prices, before levelling off at time is around 50 minutes. The service is Mirroring similar experience across North around 15 000 journeys/day. Steady growth operated entirely by a fleet of 42 three-section America, the Blue line is estimated to have has followed as the operation has embedded Siemens S70 LRVs, delivered in three tranches generated more than USD2.5bn in Transit itself and grown and currently, the average beginning in 2007. Oriented Development (TOD), proving the weekday ridership is now nearly 27 000. During the 2018 bus-light rail integration, appeal to developers of fixed, sustainable The Blue line was extended on 16 March CATS revamped its bus services to provide transport infrastructure. 2018, some 14.9km (9.3 miles) north through better connections to the light rail system, Taking a progressive approach, TOD the Davidson Arts District and on to the with feeder connections at most suburban zoning standards in the city turn the University of North Carolina Charlotte stations. Services generally operate at traditional model on its head, instead campus. The first 4.8km (three-mile) segment 15-minute intervals, reducing to 7.5 minutes giving minimum density requirements and of the extension, with five stations, follows at peak times and every 20 minutes at maximum parking allocations. The focus is on a right-of-way used by the North Carolina weekends. Trains are usually two-car consists, walking and transit-focused mixed-use Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway, before although the recent construction of longer developments to maximise land usage running parallel to or on the median of North platforms allow for increased operation of while also incorporating open and green Tryon Street. The extension cost USD1.16bn, three-car units. spaces as much as possible. The result is that around 11 500 new residential units have been constructed since 2006, with nearly the same amount in the planning stages. Such development is a major attraction for the many major corporations moving to the city who wish their premises – as well as attractive, affordable and sustainable housing for their employees – to be located near to light rail stops. Observing the prosperity driven by the existing light rail corridor, plans to resurrect the extension south to Pineville and Please subscribeBallantyne toare now back on the table. As traffic and development has grown in those two suburbs, the authorities now want a piece of the LYNX action and to be included with the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan. continue readingThese proposals have reached the public consultation stage, and have already garnered a great deal of high-level support. Following the original rejection of this scheme by the city of Pineville it will be interesting to see the reaction some 15 years later. CATS operates a flat fare system, with additions charged for express and regional services in outlying areas and beyond the Coupled-units are common in the peaks on the Blue line; a platform lengthening programme allows for more conurbation. The base fare as at June 2019 is services to operate in this fashion. USD2.20, with a 50% reduction for students, seniors or those with disabilities. Express Bus fares are USD3 for local travel, increased to USD4.40 for regional services. A USD6 day ticket offers unlimited rides on light rail, which can also be used on buses. There are ten-ride tickets available for bus passengers, although this facility does not extend to the light rail line.

LEFT: Car 311 (right) passes northbound 304 just north of .

ABOVE: The turnback facility at the northern Blue line UNC terminus where spare cars can be stored between peaks.

338 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org A two-car train pauses at Charlotte Transportation Center in the centre of the city on its way north to UNC. Advertising wraps such as this are common on Blue line LRVs.

Gold and Silver and interchange with the existing Blue line that construction can begin in 2027 for a In addition to the Blue line,Please CATS also and the proposed subscribe Red and Silver lines. 2030 opening. Ato 50% federal matching operates a one-kilometre (1.5-mile) urban These are still in the planning stage, taking the grant will potentially be sought and CATS is streetcar known as the CityLYNX Gold line, streetcar out to the north-east to the Eastland exploring options such as ‘land value capture’ linking the main Charlotte Transportation Transit Center. A shorter, five-station western along the corridors to raise its local share. Center with the inner eastern suburbs.continue The extension will take the route outreading to the Rosa Charlotte Transportation Center is the Parks Transit Center located just beyond Seeing Red city’s main public transport hub, bringing the I-485 freeway. No costs or timescales are The third major transit expansion project in together Blue line and local and express bus available for these latter phases, although the conurbation is the Red line, originally services. Given its location in the Uptown both are included in the 2030 Transit Corridor foreseen as a heavy rail-based commuter area, somewhat removed from Charlotte’s System Plan for the conurbation. service from the main intermodal station in commercial centre, the Gold line forms an Arguably the most significant project on downtown Charlotte. Early in 2019, CATS important link between the two. the near horizon is the new east-west light announced that while it continues to have The current Phase 2 plan will extend this rail line, known as the Silver line. Linking up discussions with the private freight company route by 4km (2.5 miles) from both ends. two separate projects to form one continuous that owns the rail line, commuter service Heading west by 3.2km (two miles) from the route from the airport in the west to the is the locally-preferred alternative. Charlotte Transportation Center, the line will eastern suburbs, CATS has begun initial design Intermediate plans for rapid transit to the reach French Street and Johnson C. Smith for the 41.5km (26-mile) line. It will begin northern towns include an implementation University; adding a further 800m (0.5 miles) in the town of Matthews, travel Uptown, of further north using the at the eastern end along Hawthorne Lane to skirting the city’s centre along I-277 and I-77 express lanes. Sunnyside Avenue. 11th Street before heading west to Charlotte/ Another stumbling block in the Red line Until withdrawal on 3 June 2019, when Douglas International Airport and across plans was that much of the alignment would be they were replaced by buses during current the river to the City of Belmont in the shared with Norfolk Southern freight services platform elevation construction and power neighbouring county of Gaston. on the line to Mooresville. If LRV-type vehicles upgrades, the alignment was operated As a higher-speed commuter service, 11 were used, Federal Railroad Administration by three green and gold Gomaco replica stations will feature park-and-ride facilities. safety requirements would have required streetcars, which CATS began using in 2008 In the initial analysis, the LYNX Silver line significant temporal separation and this when it operated the . These was considered with a tunnel under the city agreement proved impossible to reach. are now expected to be sold. A further batch centre as one of several options, but this was The option of building new sections of of six S70 cars was ordered in November ruled out as it did not maximise opportunities parallel route have been deemed unaffordable; 2016 for the second phase of the line, using a to meet the needs of currently under served despite this, CATS has indicated that the hybrid battery storage system that will allow communities and on cost grounds. Marking a heavy rail option is the locally preferred operation on sections of the Uptown line significant first, the Charlotte region is alternative and the scheme has not been without requiring an overhead power supply. embracing a Regional Transit Plan that will removed from long-term plans. The total cost of the second phase is bring together 12 counties and two states There are still ambitions in place to bring estimated to be USD150m, which includes (North and South Carolina) to discuss Amtrak services into the city through the USD40m for the streetcars; 50% of this will moving towards a network that connects the Charlotte Gateway intermodal station, where come from the Federal Government Small entire region. it will be served by the streetcar extension Starts Fund with the remainder coming from As MTC final approval to proceed with currently being built. local sources. CATS is expecting to open phase design was only given in February 2019, no Whilst the Silver line is proceeding to the two in 2021. firm costs are available, although figures next stage of development, there are still Eventual plans call for a 16km (ten-mile) for the entire 2030 Transit System Plan are uncertainties about future Federal funding for east-west route that will give 17 stops in total estimated at around USD6-8bn. It is hoped transit schemes. There is a real concern that

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2019 / 339 Charlotte

LEFT: CITYLynx Gold line car 92 approaches the terminal at the Charlotte Transportation Center; these GOMACO-built cars will be replaced by modern Siemens S70 vehicles.

ABOVE: The driving desk of car 92. if the current administration reduces project He explained that the agency is looking at all the planned USD800m station is now well contributions in the way seen in recent years options, including Public-Private Partnerships, underway and is due to open in phases. then this would necessitate a much greater to help deliver this ambitious programme. On 20 July 2018, a ground-breaking ceremony state and local funding contribution. If this Another key project that supports all these took place for Phase 1, which includes , is the case, then such measures as taxation public transport investments is the future signals, five new bridges, and a rail platform. increases or other innovative financing would Gateway Station. The fulfilment of a 30-year Once the Charlotte Gateway Station is open, be required to deliver the projects – there ambition to create a new ‘front door’ to it will tie together transit services in the city, are likely to be serious difficulties in gaining the city, the new intermodal hub on West he explained. public approval for such measures. Trade Street will bring together Amtrak rail Mr Lewis Jr also described how CATS is CATS CEO and Director of Public Transit and Greyhound bus services, as well as the considering electric bus operation, although John Lewis Jr told TAUT that his biggest CityLYNX Gold line. nothing specific is in the pipeline. Referring to concern was that the half-cent sales tax would Delays in realising this project have been the overall ambition, he concluded by saying not be sufficient to coverPlease all of the expansion numerous andsubscribe complex, with Mr Lewis Jr that the current to climate offers “an exciting plans, especially in the event of contingency highlighting difficulties in acquiring land time for transit, with the prospect of delivering funding for unforeseen cost overruns. from Norfolk Southern Railway as one, but the next two transit corridors.”

Grateful thanks to John Lewis Jr. and Krystel S70 car 322 at the I-485 southerncontinue reading terminus. Note the large multi- Green for their assistance in the preparation of storey park-and-ride facility in this feature. For system maps and timetables, the background. see www.charlottenc.gov

340 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ROLLING STOCK LRTEXCELLENCE Rotherham – 13 September 2019 LRT Excellence Days are designed to enhance understanding and co-operation between the teams responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of light and urban rail systems, those with procurement responsibility, and the supply chain. The next of these popular days is focused on Tram-Train and rolling stock operations and maintenance, and includes a short tour of the new Tram-Train Pilot in South Yorkshire.

Complimentary and discounted places are available for local Speakers confirmed from: authorities and rail operators. Network Rail Stagecoach Supertram “Tram-Train technology has a bright future in other regions across the Transport for Wales UK, so it is fitting that the next LRT Excellence Day is being held in Rotherham, giving delegates the opportunity to experience this Transport for West Midlands innovative new service first-hand.” Isle of Man Transport Simon Coulthard – Senior Sponsor, Tram-Train, Network Rail WMG – University of Warwick Book your placePlease by calling +44(0)1733 367600subscribe or visiting mainspring.co.uk/lrt-excellence-days to continue reading

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www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2019 / 341 Nice

Please subscribe to Next-generation continue reading Nice line T2 is the first to use the innovative new SRS tramways: Nice ground-charging system. Already one of France's showpiece light rail systems, Nice is embarking on a major project to treble its network, using both the latest technology and environmentally-considerate design.

n December 2009 the Nice Côte d’Azur the CADAM departmental administrative Egis, the lead partner in the Essia metropolitan area authority drew up centre; and a 1.9km (1.2-mile) southern consortium appointed to design, procure and its 20-year transport masterplan, branch from Saint-Augustin (Grand Arenas) supervise construction of lines T2 and T3, designed to provide a coherent serving both terminals of the city’s airport. has been in charge of the design phase since response to the area’s mobility needs. From the future multi-modal transport the initial studies. It has managed the project IThe plan was built around the construction interchange at Saint-Augustin (Grand Arenas) since it was launched in 2010, alongside the of new tramway routes to add to its successful on the western side of the urban area, the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan authority. existing line to serve the entire urban area. alignment also runs eastwards along a 7.7km The multi-disciplinary engineering group Central to the plan was a new west-east line (4.8-mile) trunk section and continues is working on the entire project, in particular to revolutionise travel along this currently underground through the centre of the city its technical aspects: assistance with the congested corridor, allowing the complete to a new terminus at the port (Port Lympia). completion of administrative procedures, reorganisation of public transport through Initial work on T2 began in October 2013, mobility and operational studies, alignment a multi-modal approach. Once realised, with the first section from CADAM to Magnan and roads, geotechnical surveys, buried the region will be transformed, with fewer entering service in June 2018. The branch to structures, utility diversions, trackbed and cars entering the city, several hundred the airport opened last December, and Nice tracks, operating systems, rolling stock, depot fewer buses on the roads each day, reduced Mayor Christian Estrosi inaugurated the 2km design, system RAM and safety studies. pollution and noise, and more efficient (1.2-mile) eastern extension from Magnan shared use of public spaces. Through this to Jean Médecin on 28 June; this section Complex underground section perspective, Nice aims to become the includes two new underground stations and A key T2 feature is the 3.2km (two-mile) Mediterranean coast’s ‘green metropolis’. offers interchange with tramline T1. subterranean section, which includes four The complete line, including the second stops. The decision to build under the city Delivering two new lines at once underground section, is to open in December. avoids further straining the public space, Building on the success of the 9.2km (5.7-mile) The 7km (4.3-mile) T3 from Saint Isidore already occupied by line T1, as well as line T1, which opened in November 2007, the to the airport (with 3.7km/2.3 miles of new restricting the works required above-ground 11.3km (seven-mile) T2 will introduce 20 new track and 3.3km/2.1 miles on a common in central Nice. Tying in with a broader urban stops. It will have two branches at its western section with T2), will have 11 stops and development programme, the underground end: a 1.7km (1.1-mile) northern route will be inaugurated in November 2019. route will optimise service speeds within the towards the plain of the River Var, from Both lines will run to a commercial speed city centre while preserving its 19th Century Saint-Augustin (Grand Arenas) to Nikaïa and of 22km/h (14mph). architectural heritage.

342 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org www.egis-group.com

NICE’S FUTURE TRAMWAY To Lingostière

Line T1 To St-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer Line T2 Underground section Line T3

Transfer stop to line T1 Please subscribePark-and-ride site to Courtesy of Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur This complex project requiredcontinue Egis’ teams In one direction, pipelines conveyed reading the A truly new-generation tramway to perform 450 geotechnical surveys along bentonite slurry to the cutter head; in the On completion of this tramway expansion, and in the vicinity of the tunnel route in order other, they removed the excavated materials 2500 trees will have been planted and to minimise the risks. Tunnelling was carried for treatment and disposal at sea. To advance, 60% of the route will be on grassed track. out by a slurry Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) the TBM pushed against the latest concrete Construction was carried out with as little at a rate of ten metres per day; this carried out ring segment to be put into position; 1820 disruption as possible for the city’s inhabitants, the excavations and simultaneously installed segments were required in total. keeping roads open and maintaining access the 40cm thick, 1.6m-wide concrete segments A temporary worksite at the port of Nice to car parks. At-grade sections of the two new that form the tunnel walls. included a slurry treatment plant, a conveyor tramlines will be catenary-free thanks to the This proven technique involved supplying for loading materials onto boats, and silos for latest-generation of Alstom’s ground-based a naturally-occurring clay material the bentonite. Excavated soil was conveyed static charging technology. (bentonite slurry) via pipelines to the front from the TBM to these installations via 40cm- Possibly most significantly, the Egis-led of the cutter head to maintain the soil diameter buried pipelines, then separated consortium is delivering T2 and T3 in just during excavation. Removed soil was then from the slurry. Recycled slurry was reused to three years instead of the five initially immediately replaced with concrete ring excavate the tunnel, with the remaining spoil planned – an impressively short schedule segments to minimise ground deformation. transported by boat to Fos-sur-Mer in the west. given the scale of the work involved.

Once tunnelling was complete, the fit-out of the underground stops took a matter The completed stop at Alsace Lorraine in July 2019. The underground stop has of months; this is Alsace Lorraine to the west of the city centre in November 2018. two entrances integrated into the green space on the surface.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2019 / 343 Nice

The slurry TBM used on T2 minimised waste and The opening of the initial section of T2 was celebrated in typical French style, with a grand ceremony that accelerated construction. Egis saw thousands of local residents taking to the streets to welcome the new service.

The Citadis X05 trams for T2 and T3 operate in three roof-mounted boxes fitted to each without overhead contact lines and their vehicle and the batteries used have a very FIND OUT MORE batteries are charged at stops in 20 seconds high energy storage capacity of 13.5kW/h. thanks to the ‘Citadis Ecopack’ ground-based Another new feature is the installation of The Nice T2 and static charging system (SRS), which also charges carefully-positioned heat sensors within the T3 construction the batteries between stops via recovered vehicles that enable the temperature to be projects were Highly braking energy. The tram therefore reuses controlled more efficiently, ensuring that Commended at the approximately 30% of its own energy, reducing the heating and air conditioning are only 2018 Global Light Rail electricity costs. This innovative new system operated when necessary. Awards in London in Please subscribethe Project of theto Year is being rolled out for the first time in Nice. Over EUR50m category. Trams are charged via a shoe lowered onto All images courtesy of Didier Quillon/Métropole the charging rail at stops; in the absence of Nice Côte d'Azur unless stated. With thanks to Find out more at www.egis-group.com/content/ a tram a safety system cuts the power to the Fanny Rubigny and Egis’ project managers in Nice nice-lrt-projects-presentation charging rail. The Ecopack systemcontinue is housed for their assistance in the compilation reading of this article.

2 October 2019 London Recognising excellence and innovation in the global light and 2019 urban rail sector

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ColTram 31 august www.lightrailawards.com

344 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Augsburg

A prosperous southern German systems city with a 2500-year history is in the midst of extensive factfile tramway expansion. No. Augsburg, Neil Pulling reports. 143 Germany Augsburg

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ugsburg (December Siemens became the A in the M.A.N. Mobilität (mobility) division of the 2017 population 859 at Königsplatz on organisation (Maschinenfabrik municipal utilities group, Stadtwerke 296 000) is the 18 April 2019. All lines Augsburg-Nürnberg), later Augsburg Holding (SWA). SWA states administrative seat of pass through this significant in tram development. that for 2017 and running over Bavaria’s Schwaben/ triangular focal point of Augsburg’s first 1435mm-gauge the approximately 45km (28-mile) Augsburg’s system. ASwabia region. Although only 60km tramway opened in 1881, initially system, trams accounted for 69% of (38 miles) north-west of , the horse-drawn and briefly using 61.6m network journeys. The balance city has its own strong identity with a steam traction. The metre-gauge provided by buses served 125km history reaching back to foundation electric tram service that began (approx. 78 miles) of route. Since by the Romans, although there is in 1898 supplanted the other 1985, SWA has been in zone-based evidence of settlement in the area formats. A limited coverage represented by Augsburger for over 600 years before this. It was operation lasted from 1943 to 1959. Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund. AVV is later the base of the Fugger dynasty A post-World War Two rundown of an association of public transport which influenced European trade and tram coverage in favour of motor operators which includes Augsburg politics for almost three centuries bus services was halted, with the and three other districts. until the company’s dispersal in 1607. reversal represented by 12 new Currently undergoing major works Augsburg’s eminence during MAN-Düwag GT8 trams from 1976. to improve tram to train transfers, the the German Renaissance remains Withdrawn in 2010, most were sold main station represented by imposing Rococo to Iași, the Romanian city which (Hbf) is on the Munich-Stuttgart line. buildings and art collections. had also bought some of Augsburg’s Regional and local trains also have The family home of Paris-born Rudolf All pictures by Neil ex-Stuttgart GT4 trams. tram interchanges at Oberhausen and Diesel, Augsburg hosted the internal Pulling, April 2019 Represented as ‘swa Bus & Tram’, Haunstetter Strasse. Despite projects combustion engine’s evolution. It also unless otherwise stated. the current network is in the being attended by political dispute

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2019 / 345 Augsburg and some residents’ objections, the The Messe branch gained industry Rathausplatz, a square overlooked by system has gained a recent history attention in 2010 when part of the route an immense city hall, the centre of of improved coverage, capacity and was temporarily fitted to demonstrate early tram operations. As the service accessibility. Bombardier Primove wire-free power developed, Königsplatz afforded The five normal tramlines are supply. Although a few fully high-floor better connections and more space. numbered 1-4 and 6. The system’s and early low-floor vehicles remain, A triangular track configuration set contraction and later renewal most SWA services use its 68 examples around a central building was adopted has caused changes in routes and of fully low-floor SiemensCombino and here in 1977, with a related change of designations. Extra services are run Bombardier CityFlex trams. route to the Hbf. Königsplatz was again according to events at Augsburg Arena The system’s mainly radial rebuilt into the present imposing (line 8), and Messe Augsburg, the distribution reflects the city’s form, completed in December 2013. trade fair site (line 9). Each has its proportionally long north-south There are ten platform faces, with the own branch west of the system’s urban spread, with a convergence of sides designated as A, B and C. south-western arm, as used by line 3 routes at Königsplatz (Kö). This is Like some other tramway which passes through the modern about 500m by tram from both improvements previously associated Augsburg University campus. Augsburg’s main station (Hbf) and with the 2007 Mobilitätsdrehscheibe

Oberhausen 4 Nord P+R

Alpenhof

Eschenhof

Lech Zollernstraße

Klinikum Bärenwirt/DRvS BKH Stenglinstraße St. Oberhausen Schärtl- Thaddäus Bf Drentwettstraße The junction beyond 827 at Moritzplatz Neusässer straße Schleiermacher- Straße Lechhausen is for the tracks towards Rathaus Platz Schlößle straße Heimgarten (left) and the Maximilianstrasse Kriegshaber Senkelbach Wertachbrücke Fischertor Lechhausen route, normally only used for 2 Plärrer Brücke Kulturstraße stock movements. Augsburg Please Mozarthaussubscribe to P&R West Berliner Brunntal Dom/ Pilgerhausstraße Allee Stadtwerke Curtiusstraße Fuggerei Klinkertor Theater Jakobertor Barfüßerbrücke KUKA/ Stadtberger Rosenau- 4 6 Partnachweg Hof continueAugsburg straße Rathausplatz reading 3 Westfriedhof Luitpold- Königs- Elias- brücke platz Moritzplatz Augsb. Str./ Lechhausen Neuer Holl- Ostfriedhof Straße Herz-Jesu Augsburg Bgm.- Hbf 1 Bohl- Eberlestr. Gärtner- Textil- straße museum Straße Pfersee Frohsinnstraße Th.- Wilhelm- Kongress Heuss- Hochschule Hauff- am Park Platz/IHK Augsburg Straße Rudolf- Friedberg West P+R Rotes Tor Diesel- Afrabrücke Gymn. Polizeipräsidium DEPOT Schwaben Haunstetter Str. Bf. Center Friedberg Am 6 Burgfrieden Hochzoll Maria- Eiskanal Mitte Alber Wertach Schertlinstraße Schertlinstraße Bergstraße Von-Parseval- Berufsschule Maria Stern Straße

Klausenberg Fachoberschule Göggingen Rathaus

Messe Sportanlage Hessing- Süd P+R Kliniken Augsburg 1 Bukowina- Göggingen Institut PCI

Universität Beim Dürren Ast

BBW/Institut für Physik

Innovationspark/LfU Volkssiedlung WWK Arena Haunstetten Baugenossensch. Fujitsu/ Bischofsackerweg Messerschmitt 2 Kopernikusstraße Haunstetten Nord

Hofackerstr.

Afrabrücke on line 6 is typical of the 3 0 1 2 Haunstetten system’s presence on outer suburban roads. West P+R Kilometres

346 / september 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

THE FLEET

By mid-2019, the uni-directional fleet’s oldest normal service vehicles were a few 1985-built MAN-Düwag M8C (800x series). Four were sold and substantially rebuilt for ’s Elbląg system (see TAUT 976). Modified from the original form in SWA service, the 11 three-section, low-floor MAN-AEG / GT6M vehicles (601-611) date from 1995-96. The prototype of this early low-floor type – the original 601 – was withdrawn due to accident damage. There are 41 Siemens Combino NF8 – 821-836 built in 2000, and 841-865 built in 2002. Like all , they were withdrawn for reconstruction after discovery of the original design’s structural weaknesses. They have seven sections and are 42m long and 2.3m-wide. SWA’s Bombardier CityFlex CF8 were developed from the Cityrunner (later Flexity Outlook C) series. Introducing ABOVE: Seen from the south-western corner, Königsplatz was completed in its present form during December 2013. air-conditioning, 871-897 were delivered 2009-10 and feature seven sections. They are 40.6m long, with capacity for 228 passengers, 85 seated. Although advertising schemes feature across the fleet, trams’ ends retain the standard white and green livery with a city emblem. The emblem’s red also features on tram sides if not obscured by advertising. SWA has a heritage collection which includes stock for hire, alsoPlease running subscribe to public trips on selected dates.

Above left: (mobility hub) project, the Königsplatzcontinue reading Friedberg West P+R renewal is now identified under terminus opened ‘Projekt Augsburg City’. Detailed on with the modern www.projekt-augsburg-city.de, the line 6 in December constituent schemes are to promote 2010, 50 years the city’s appeal for residents, visitors after its original and commercial activity. Transport counterpart closed. figures prominently, whereby local improvements also stimulate regional Above right: Schertlinstrasse at and longer-distance journeys. the junction of the All termini have loops or, as at two long southern the Hbf and Göggingen, have trams routes. There are turned around streets. The system has separate platforms reminders of early installations such for lines 2 and 3. as the neighbourhood coverage at the line 3’s western end with single track LEFT: Here to the and closely-spaced stops. More central right of 878, Rotes Tor (Red Gate, a city is a divergence of tracks for narrow defences remnant) streets west of Jakobertor. These all gives its name to the contrast with the modern outer tram depot and to sections, in part added to encourage the multi-line stop in transfer from cars and buses. The most the left background. recent of these is line 6 which opened to Friedberg West in December 2010. The outer end is one of the three short sections outside the city boundary. There is local support for extending further east to serve the centre of Friedberg town, rather than be reliant LEFT: Warning upon use of the park-and-ride site. barriers behind The biggest of the current works 876 mark the top relates to tram coverage at Augsburg of the ramp for the new tunnel below Hbf, presently represented by two Augsburg Hbf, lines using a terminus loop and line identifiable in the 3’s route past the station frontage. background by the Although many cities might envy such cupola on the main a provision, a new 400m tram tunnel station building.

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RIGHT: Originally in Stuttgart and network facts later sold to Iași (Romania), 1963-built Opened: 1881 (1898) Maschinenfabrik Lines: 5 Esslingen GT4 as Length: 45.2km (28.3 miles) Augsburg 420 and Combino 856 are at Depots: 1 Wertachbrücke on Fleet: 86 10 June 2008. Approx. weekday hours: 04.30-23.45 Below: The Main line frequency: 5-7 minutes extension to Augsburg West Gauge: 1000mm P+R was an early Power: 750V dc, overhead supply 21st Century City network/operator: development. SWA – www.sw-augsburg.de/mobilitaet/ A projected direct swa-bus-tram connection via the future Hbf tunnel has Regional network: AVV – not been confirmed. www.avv-augsburg.de Civic information: www.augsburg.de RIGHT: SWA has a similar number of trams and buses; Neuer Ostfriedhof is one of many transfer points between the modes. Tourist information: www.augsburg-tourismus.de

Please subscribe to ABOVE: Line 3’s southern coverage includes a string of educational and technology establishments: Universität stop is within the university campus.continue reading Above right: Cityflex 874 near the minimal presence for improved accessibility is under of Elias Holl Strasse construction; installing the tunnel stop on the single running at right-angles beneath the track section platforms is being done with the near Stadtbergen station remaining in normal use. terminus. With an eastern ramp on Halderstrasse, the tunnel will have a and a turnback loop. Track will extend below the freight sidings to a western portal, but a future east-west route has aroused local controversy. The tunnel project also has the remit of enabling better coverage of developing areas to the west, with a future being a better link with the district hospital than that afforded by the north-western Augsburg West P+R branch. With these circumstances and the in-tunnel services not now expected until late 2023, the present Pferseer underpass near the Riegele brewery seems likely to remain on the revenue system for some time. An extension longer in planning is one southwards from the line 3 LEFT: With works terminus Haunstetten West to the near Rotes Tor town of Königsbrunn, population barring the usual around 28 000. It would be 4.6km route, line 6 (2.9 miles) long and is expected to trams taking the non-revenue have a main 15-minute weekday Maximilianstrasse frequency. Of the six new stops, tracks are held on Königsbrunn Zentrum terminus, Margaretenstrasse which is already used by buses, was on 18 April 2019. designed for tramway integration.

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The extension would put Königsbrunn This will be in a new location, as The 42m length (Wertachstrasse) which can be visited within 30 minutes of central Augsburg the present hemmed-in Rotes Tor of an SWA Combino in its new role as Frey’s Mazda Classic and 15 minutes for the university. (Baumgartnerstrasse) site has no illustrates the scale of Car Museum. Another magnet for conflicting expansion potential. Since 1920 this Augsburger Rathaus. Also on the present line 2 and by Rathausplatz was opinions, this already detailed project has included the station train shed as a former terminus, the ornamental the main tram (www.linie-3.de) awaits approval. used 1840-45 for the original railway convergence during Kriegshaber depot is a listed structure, A curiosity for such a well-resourced from Munich: it is identifiable by the the system’s early built in 1910 and closed by 1988. SWA tramway is Maximilianstrasse, a high gable-end facing Schülestrasse. years. has renovated it for alternative uses, location also covered by the city Other depots have served the system, retaining the forecourt access tracks to project; this elegant avenue hosted including one near Senkelbach stop turn trams if necessary. the 120th anniversary tram parade for SWA in 2018. Although in the central area immediately south of essential facts Moritzplatz and with proposals made for joining the revenue system, it Local travel: Maps, timetables and tickets can all SWA/AVV services. Prices as published for year remains only used for moving stock be found at staffed information points: AVV- beginning January 2019. Kundencenter in Bohus Center (to the right when and ad hoc diversions. leaving Hbf) and in the central Königsplatz building. What is there to see? The main tourist office is SWA anticipates as many as eight All tram services are within central AVV zones 10 on Rathausplatz’s south side. Most of Augsburg’s million more annual passengers on its and 20. Ticket machines are at main stops; unlike many considerable cultural treasures are around the walkable tramway network within five years. German systems, Augsburg does not have onboard and well-signposted central area. Parts of the Rathaus To support this and complete the ticket vending. Single tickets for bus/tram cost EUR1.50 and nearby Perlach Tower are open to the public. withdrawal of older stock, SWU is to (one zone), EUR3 (two zones); pro-rata reductions can The Fugger legacy is represented at several buy up to 27 more trams, the first of be had using multi-fare Streifenkarte. Tagesticket (day establishments, including the Fugger and Welser which should enter service by 2022. ticket from 09.00 weekdays, without restriction on Museum, opened near the cathedral in 2014. There They will approximate to the 40m, weekends and public holidays) from EUR6.80, with are museums devoted to puppetry, textile production, reducing rates for group travel. Berthold Brecht and the Mozart family. 250-capacity format of its Combino Also used on tramways in Munich or (although in Augsburger Plärrer, a combination of folk festival and Cityflex trams and a bigger Baden-Württemberg) and the connecting regional and fun fair, is held around Easter and also in late fleet will require more storage and trains, the DB Bayern Ticket (from EUR25/day) covers summer at the grounds by Plärrer tramstop. maintenance space.

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ARGENTINA At the moment Gent has sent BUENOS AIRES. A 5k m only spare parts from scrapped cars. (3.1-mile) elevated section of the Hermelijn 6332/3/5/8/40/1 are San Martin line spending the summer on the opened on 10 July, eliminating coastal tramway, joining 6336. 11 level crossings. The line will be T-2000 electrified in coming months. IRJ BOLIVIA AUSTRALIA COCHABAMBA. Stadler Minsk CANBERRA. The millionth has rolled out the first twoMetelitsa passenger was carried on the 100% low-floor three-section 34m city’s new tramway on 15 July, less trams for shipment to Arica in Chile than three months after opening. (and onward transport to Bolivia). Patronage on the Gunghalin Some testing with one tram is being corridor is 32% more than on last carried out on the Olsztyn system year’s bus service. Mirage News in Poland. The company has a INDUSTRY. RATP Dev and contract to supply 12 trams for the John Holland have signed a USD537m project. traminfo.pl Memorandum of Understanding Museum trams carried passengers in Antwerpen on 15 June to mark the to partner up for operations and BRAZIL re-opening of the tram and bus museum. City tram 7386 and Vicinal 9994 are seen at maintenance contracts for the SÃO PAULO. A PPP concession Nationalebank. Vatrogsci West and Sydney to build, operate and maintain Diamond Hill and Kai Tak stations PRAHA (). A further ten Metro Greater West projects. monorail line 18 was signed in opening in the first quarter of bogie trams were sent to RATP Dev is to open a Sydney 2014, but no work has started. 2020. The opening of the complete the Bulgarian capital Sofia in June. office as its new headquarters for Now the project has been cancelled 17km (10.6-mile) line has been Work on the fourth metro line Australia and New Zealand, while by State Governor João Doria. RGI much delayed due to construction started at Pankrac on 19 June. John Holland is part of the Metro certification and signalling The 10.7km (6.6-mile) line is Trains Australia consortium – CANADA problems. IRJ planned to open in 2027. BS with MTR Corp and UGL – that CALGARY. The shortlist to build LANZHOU. Trial passenger operates and maintains Sydney 45 low-floor trams for the planned operation on east–west metro line EGYPT Metro Northwest; it is also part Green line (due to open in 2027) 1 (Donggang – Chenguanying) EL QAHIRA (Cairo). On 15 June of the construction consortiumPlease includes Alstom, Bombardier, subscribe CAF started on 23 June. The 29.5km theto first 4km (2.5-mile) phase of building the City & Southwest and Kinkisharyo. Siemens, which (18.3-mile) line is the first metro the extension of metro line 3 from phase of the driverless metro. RGI built the CTS fleet of high-floor to cross the Yellow River. IRJ Haroun to Al-Shams Club was LRVs, was not selected. A December NANCHANG. The 11.9km opened, with regular passenger decision is expected. CBC (7.4-mile) extension of metro service from the following day. IRJ WIEN (Vienna). Bombardier-continueMONTRÉAL. The federal line reading 2 from Metro Central to built D trams 303/4 arrived in June government has announced a Xinjiaan was opened on 30 June, FRANCE and withdrawn were E1 4536 and CAD1.3bn (EUR891m) grant serving the city centre and main . From 1 July to 4781 and c4 1311/9. Bombardier towards the extension of the railway station. RGI 25 August the operation of tramline planned to deliver 18 type D Flexity metro Blue line from St-Michel to NINGBO. The 16.7km (10.4-mile) A was suspended between Avrillé- trams this year, but has now said Anjou (5.5km/3.4 miles). Work north–south metro line 3 from Ardenne and Moliere to permit it will produce only 13. This will should be complete in 2026. Datong to Gaotang opened on 30 the installation of pointwork mean the withdrawal of the last A ground-breaking ceremony for June, providing interchange with for the new line B. Y. Allain E1 + c4 trams will be delayed. BS, EB the REM metro station at Trudeau line 1 at Sakura Park. urbanrail.net AVIGNON. The 5.2km (3.2 miles) International Airport took place on XIAMEN. Test running on metro of new tramway from Saint- BELGIUM 19 July. IRJ line 2 started on 12 July, a 41.6km Chamand to Saint-Roch is due ANTWERPEN. The first test trams OTTAWA. The light rail line (25.8-mile) east–west line linking to open for passenger service on on Noorderlaan were on 26 July. should finally be handed over Xiamen Island and Tianzhushan; 19 October. lineoz.net The new line 1 between Luchtbal to the city on 16 August, with 51 trains will be in operation when BORDEAUX. A serious fire in P+R and Zuid via Noorderlaan is public service due to start in full service starts this autumn. RGI an underground car park, partly expected to start in the last week of mid-September. A new feeder bus under the tramway, on 18 May October, alongside the re-opening system will start on 1 October. required the suspension of of Opera subway station. D. Drum . Ten Tatra T6A5 trams have tramway service on line C (Gare A request has been made for 6-8 TORONTO. The latest Bombardier arrived from Praha (Prague), but St Jean – Quinconces) for several more PCCs to be transferred from tram from Thunder Bay in service it has yet to be decided how many weeks. The opportunity was Gent to join 6202/5/7/14/7/20. in late July was 4558, with 4559- will enter service and how many taken to create a new turnback for Trams loaned to the coastal 61 being prepared. The latest tram will be stripped for parts. line D at Qunconces during the tramway for the summer were to be built at Kingston was 4576, Work is starting on a 900m summer. Y. Allain 7225/36/46/66-8, joining 7269. which entered service at the end of extension from Osova, through a LYON. There were no trams at T-2000 the month. Seven from the earlier tunnel to the university campus Gare de Perrache from 8 July to BRUXELLES/BRUSSEL. The delivery are at Kingston to have Bohunice. BS 25 August to permit work for the first newMPL16 Alstom metro set faulty welds rectified. PLZEŇ . A EUR50m loan extension to Montrochet, due to (30 on order) was unveiled on 27 ALRV use has been limited agreement has been signed with open in 2020. Y. Allain May, but is unlikely to enter service since May, while 82 CLRVs remain the European Investment Bank on line B until spring 2020. T-2000 in service. Line 505 is still bus- to finance the acquisition of 34 new GERMANY GENT. More PCCs have been made operated (and will be until 2020), trams and 34 new , . DL68 U-Bahn set 2246/47 suitable for passenger use due to while 511 will see bus substitution the rebuilding of Slovany tram carried passengers for the first an increasing problem with from September. D. Drum depot and the modernisation of time since 2002 when it was used excessive tyre wear on Hermelijn power supplies. The project will on line U55 on 11 June. The 30th trams; 6209 was in service on line CHINA be completed in 2022. anniversary of U-Bahn operation 4 in early June working between HONG KONG. A phased opening The new EVO2 100% low-floor to Hönow was marked on 21 July the depot and Muide. There are of the Tuen Ma heavy rapid transit trams from KOS Krnov are by the operation in public service currently 11 PCCs at Gentbrugge. line is likely, with Hin Keng, 369-77. IRJ of preserved EIII set 1914-17. BS

350 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org BONN. By 2023 it is hoped to former KBE 2192, now 2418 in the operate line 67 as an all-day rebuilt series. Previous rebuilds ten-minute service between are 2406 (ex-2106), 2423/44 (ex- Siegburg and Bad Godesburg, 2193/4) and 2407 (ex-2107). The which in conjunction with line 66 next batch will be 2413/1/01/8/9 will create a five-minute service (ex-2113/1/01/8/9). Car 4560 between Siegburg and Bonn. BS was selected to be repainted in a . The first two of 77 rainbow livery to mark the 50th Siemens trams are now anniversary of Stonewall/Pride. DS expected in December and should LEIPZIG. A volunteer group enter service in April. Repaired has been formed to try to GT8N 3017 is now used for driver return the sightseeing tram set training. BS 1700+1800+700 to service by COTTBUS. Due to a shortage carrying out the necessary repairs of key workers, the re-opening of to permit recertification. the tramway to the new EUR50m The dispatch of 20 Tatra T4D Hbf interchange had to be trams to the Ukrainian city of postponed from the planned date Dnipro started in June. BS of 4 August until the autumn. . Tenders are to . After five years of be issued for the delivery of 35 Wuppertal’s historic Schwebebahn reopened after eight months of reconstruction work on 1 August. OB/WSW work the 830m of new tram NGT10D trams, a 38m version of tracks in Oskarstrasse (Löbtau – the city’s existing low-floor tram, WUPPERTAL. The Schwebebahn coloured concrete trackbed as well Strehlen) opened on 5 July with for delivery from 2022. DS suspended monorail returned to as the lack of detailed records of the operation of museum trams. MÜNCHEN (Munich). MVG service as planned from 1 August underground services. The tracks have been used by lines has exercised an option in its after the regulatory authority The issues have been raised in 9 and 13 since 6 July. DS contract with Siemens and gave a green light to the resumption Tynwald (Parliament) due to the DUISBURG/DÜSSELDORF. ordered a further 73 four-section of passenger traffic. The line was effect of the disruption on Joint tenders will be issued next Avenio 100% low-floor trams for closed on 18 November 2018 after Promenade businesses. year for the delivery of 109 high- delivery from 2021 (there are four part of a power rail fell from the Infrastructure Minister Ray floor cars (91 for the of this type in service as 2501-4). overhead structure. EUR2.3m Harmer indicated that the Rheinbahn and 18 for Duisburg, The order is worth over EUR200m has been spent on infrastructure delay would be caught up during with an option for 44 more cars and should be completed in 2025 remedial work DS the two-year life of the project. (two for Duisburg). BS The trams will improve capacity The annual Transport Festival FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN.Please Two on the system, replacing subscribe the oldest tookto place on 24-28 July with more Type T trams have been R type cars, and provide a reserve BUDAPEST. T h e 1 . 7 k m enhanced timetables on the Manx ordered from Alstom, bringing the for expansion of the network. (1.1-mile) extension of tramline 1 Electric and steam lines, and a total order to 45. Delivery of this The new vehicles will be built to Kelenföld railway station variety of special events. The event type of tram will start in 2020. BS for subsequent fitment with opened on 9 July, creating an marked the 125th anniversary of GÖRLITZ. The tram fleetcontinue has onboard energy storage for interchange reading with the metro and Laxey Station. been renumbered by adding 2000 catenary-free operation on the tramlines 19 and 49. The work to the 300-series fleet numbers. line. cost HUF8.63bn (EUR26.45m) . The 50th anniversary of Line 12 is cut back to Neuhausen and was carried out by a consortium MILANO. The contract for 30 the arrival of the first Tatra trams loop until the end of November. DS of Colas and Siemens. new low-floor trams (with an was marked on 7 September by NAUMBURG. A tramway festival Line 1 is now 18.3km (11.4 option for 50 more) was signed a tram parade and an open day is planned for 21 September with miles) with a commercial speed with Stadler on 12 July. at Seebener Strasse depot. The stalls on the Bahnhofsvorplatz and of 22km/h (14mph) and carries The first of 47 four-car trains following day the focus switched as many trams as possible in around 153 000 passengers/day. for future metro line M4 was to 125-year-old museum tram 4. BS service. BS urbanrail.net delivered by Hitachi Rail Italy on HANNOVER. The first of 40 RUHRBAHN. Politicians have MISKOLC. Tatra KT8D trams 21 June. The 15km (9.3-mile) east– green Stadtbahn cars to be finally settled on their Netz 23 201/6-8/11 have been sent to west line will run from Linante refurbished for further service was plans for the 2023 network, Praha (Prague), leaving just Airport to San Cristoforo station 6259, which appeared on extra designed to save EUR5.175m/ 202/3/9 of this type available for and is due to open in 2023. IRJ services on 9-10 June. BS year. The plans include: a U18 passenger service. Withdrawn TRIESTE. The Opicina tramway HEIDELBERG. The new four- extension from Mülheim Hbf to 210/3/6 are also likely to go to the still features bus replacement track tram station at Hbf was Königstrasse; 102 closure between capital. These trams were acquired services. The latest timescale for due to be brought into use from Broich Friedhof and Uhlenhorst; from Most and Kosice. BS re-opening is February/March 9 September. Two days later the 104 closure and bus replacement; 2020. The 5.1km (3.2-mile) line new winter timetable will see 112 cut back from Hauptfriedhof INDIA has been closed since an accident the introduction of a line 1A to Tilsiter Strasse; 901 cut back . In a major security on 16 August 2016. TR on Saturdays between Hbf and from Mülheim Hbf to Duisburg breach, CCTV footage of a couple Bismarckplatz. Zoo/Uni; and a new high-quality indulging in what is reported as LATVIA Plans for a new depot at bus line M1 from Duisburg Zoo/ ‘an intimate act’ has been posted DAUGAVPILS. The first of eight Ochsenkopf were rejected by Uni to Mülheim Hbf and on an adult website. The post 71-911 City Star bogie trams ordered 57% of 22 057 voters in a non- Aktienstrasse. reveals that the footage was from PK Transportnye Systemy binding referendum on 21 July. Tenders have been invited for 46 recorded from inside the Delhi (015) was delivered on 15 July and The city council will consider the new 28m 80km/h-capable high- Metro control room; should enter service in the autumn. matter further in October. BS floorStadtbahn cars with an option Rail Corporation says it has Each car costs EUR511 700. KARLSRUHE. Abellio’s new for a further five; 30 will be double- identified the person responsible Line 3 tracks through the forest DMUs for lines S5 and S9 were ended and 16 single-ended. and is taking disciplinary action. in Vasarnicu iela were replaced not all delivered in time for their Delivery is required in 2020-25. Times of India by 1.2km (0.74-mile) of new track takeover on 9 June, so ex-DB AVG SCHWERIN. The first type in Novembra iela and Stacijas dual-voltage cars 816/7/9/20 were SN2011 tram to return to service ISLE OF MAN during the period from 10 July to loaned to the company to maintain after refurbishment was 815, DOUGLAS. Promenade 9 August to divert the tramway on service for three months. BS carrying a revised grey, blue and reconstruction is nine weeks a new alignment via the regional KÖLN (Cologne). The 20th yellow livery; 803 and 801 were to behind schedule. Problems have hospital, resulting in temporary rebuilt Stadtbahn-B car is the follow. BS occurred with cracking of the bus substitution. DS

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form on 4 July. It is based on one Uraltransmash has not happened of the trams delivered by Sanok and the system is operated mostly in 1949-50 for the opening of new with ex-Magdeburg Tatra T4D lines in Nowa Huta, but uses a trams, plus a few from Dresden. 1956 truck from Warszawa and the One of the latter, 223 (ex-DVG 224 body of 1959 Konstal motor car 550) functions as a party tram. BS 257 from Szczecin. BS ŁÓDŹ. Tenders have been invited SINGAPORE for 30 new trams (at least 80% low- MASS RAPID TRANSIT. The floor) by September 2022. Land Transport Authority has Fourteen Stadtbahn-M trams ordered 12 more metro trains from bought from Bielefeld have Alstom for delivery from 2024. now been modernised by They will be used on line 6 with the undertaking’s workshop completion of the Circle line. RGI and fitted with low-floor centre sections. SERBIA Ex-Innsbruck (and Bielefeld) BEOGRAD. Tr a m s e r v ic e trams 1038 and 1075 began on the Ada tram bridge were withdrawn from passenger across the Sava river, with 1.5km service on 2 July, and moved to (0.9 miles) of new double-track, Brus museum depot. But the future from 5 July. It is used by lines 11 The new trams built by Stadler Minsk for the Bolivian city of Cochabamba are of this facility is uncertain and the and 13. DS similar to those supplied to Sankt Peterburg last year. Stadler stock may have to be dispersed to Telefoniczna and Chocianowice. BS MALAYSIA Work will start in 2020, with bus POZNAŃ. Modertrans completed ALACANT. On 10 June service KUALA LUMPUR. The first two replacement during the summer. delivery of 31 single-ended Moderus restarted on the section of tramway metro trains for the MRT Sungai It is hoped to start through service Gamma trams on 23 July, and between Porta del Mar and Buloh – Serdang Putrajaya line between Nieuwegen/IJsselstein is continuing production with Sangueta as line 5 (Porta del Mar were delivered to Sungai Buloh and Uithof in December 2020. 19 double-ended cars of this type – Playa San Juan). This was to run depot in early July; 49 four- CAF has started delivery of the (921-939). traminfo.pl for the summer season; a decision car trains are being built by a 22 new 41m seven-section trams WROCŁAW. The first of ten more on winter operation is awaited. BS consortium of , (6051-72) that will replace the Modertrans Moderus Beta trams MADRID. Plans have been Apex Communications and Posco existing rolling stock. The 33m was delivered on the night of 21- announced for a 6.3km (3.9-mile) Engineering. The firstPlease two trains CAF trams from the subscribe Uithof line 22 July. MPK is to send its Škoda toextension of metro line 11 from were built at Changwon, South have already made test runs to 16T trams for refurbishment at Plaza Eliotica via Atocha to Conde Korea, the balance will come from Nieuwegein. IRJ Ekova Electric at Ostrava, Czech de Casal (interchange with line 6). the new Apex plant at Rasa using Republic, at a cost of PLN3.6m Work could start in 2020. IRJ Korean components. IRJ NEW ZEALAND (EUR838 400). traminfo.pl continueAUCKLAND. On 19 July the readingSWITZERLAND MAURITIUS Minister of Transport and the GENÈVE. Trams will start PORT LOUIS – CUREPIPE. Mayor of Auckland signed the LISBOA. A shortage of trams has running to Annemasse in France A ceremony at the docks on NZD4.4bn (EUR2.6bn) contract prompted the decision to repair from 15 December on new line 17 4 July marked the arrival of the with Link Alliance to build the accident-damaged 559 and 579 in (Annemasse – Lancy-Pont Rouge). first of 18 CAF-built Urbos 100 Auckland City Rail Link. In the Carris workshops. The parts The new line will provide a ten- seven-section 45.4m low-floor practice, work has been in progress of 579, overturned in a serious minute operation. Dummy service trams for the Metro Express line. on the 3.45km (2.15 miles) of derailment on 14 December 2018, will start on 2 December. Tram Five cars should be at Richlieu tunnelling since April. Passenger have been transferred to a private NEUCHÂTEL. Ex-Trognerbahn depot by the end of the year. service is expected in 2024. IRJ workshop for reconstruction. BS Be4/8 were to be unveiled to It is hoped that free rides can the public at a depot open day at be offered on a 13km (eight-mile) ROMANIA Evole on 24 August. Tram part of the new tramline from TRONDHEIM. As a result of a IAŞI. Ex-Ruhrbahn Stadtbahn-M September. IRJ reorganisation of bus services trams are 285-8 (ex-Mülheim from 3 August, the Lian tramway 289/90/83/93), 289-5 (ex-Essen BANGKOK. On 12 August the NETHERLANDS was renumbered from 1 to 9. 1406/11/0/2/4/07/13) and 296-9 MTS Blue line was extended west DEN HAAG. Eight-axle tram A basic 30-minute service is (ex-Mülheim 292/88/94/1). BS by 5.9km (3.7 miles) from Hua 3102 has received modifications boosted to 15 minutes on Monday- Lamphong to Tha Pra, and the to make it suitable to carry parcels, Saturday peaks. G. Bannister BTS north by though no project to do so has KALININGRAD. D ü w a g 1.4km (0.87 miles) from Mo Chit yet been announced. POLAND articulated tram 443 to Lat Phrao Intersection. Line 19 started using a temporary GORZÓW WIELKOPOLSKI. (ex-Mannheim 417) remains in Further extension of the reversing point at Weigelia A depot open day was held on service, but 442 (ex-Mannheim Sukhumvit line to Khu Khot is (Leidsenhage) from 18 June. The 27 July to mark 120 years of 397) has been put on a plinth planned. urbanrail.net service will operate between here tramway operation, despite the at the city museum at Ulica CHIANG MAI. At a public and Delft station until November. 11.8km (7.3-mile) tramway being Dzershinskogo. BS consultation on 31 July, the digitaletram.nl closed since 1 October 2017 to KONOTOP. The first ex- Mass Rapid Transit Authority of UTRECHT. The completion of the permit reconstruction under Tatra T3A tram (103) was Thailand (MRTA) confirmed its Uithof tramline has been deferred a EUR53m EU-funded project. delivered on 10 July, and entered plan to open the Red light rail again, this time from 29 July to By that time seven of 14 Pesa service shortly afterwards. Five line in 2027, following approval 16 December, due to the need to Twist low-floor trams (301-14) more are expected by the end of later this year to start work on fine-tune the axle counters used had been delivered in readiness the year. transphoto.ru the THB30bn (EUR880m) project. to control safety systems. for the resumption of service in MOSKVA. The southern The 12km (7.5-mile) route will The provincial council has September. Nine of the ex-Kassel extension of Sokolnicheskaya run from Nakhon Ping Hospital to agreed to the rebuilding of the six-axle trams have been given an metro line 5 to Kommunarka was Mae Hia intersection, with some Nieuwegein line with relaid tracks overhaul as a reserve fleet. DS opened on 20 June. IRJ underground stretches to avoid and stops rebuilt to accommodate KRAKÓW. Heritage two-axle VLADIKAVKAZ. The proposed congestion at major road 75m tram sets (paired CAF cars). trailer 502 was unveiled in restored purchase of new trams from junctions. Bangkok Post

352 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org TURKEY Contactless payment was SAMSUN. A 6km (3.7-mile) introduced across the full network tramway extension from OMÜ from 15 July, representing the first Rektörlük (University) to Yurtlar aggregated Pay As you Go service was opened on 5 July. Adding on light rail outside London. seven stations, the city’s tramline Research by Visa has indicated is now 36km (22 miles) long. DS that public transport use could increase by as much as 27% if payment was made easier. EDINBURGH. Exploratory works New UK Prime Minister Boris have begun along Leith Walk and Johnson visited the TPL Elm Row ahead of construction of construction work at Pomona on the GBP207m (EUR227m) tram 27 July, three days after assuming extension to Newhaven, the main office. While in Manchester, he works for which are expected to also confirmed that the UK start at the end of the year. The new government will back the planned route still requires the removal of High Speed 3 Manchester – Leeds around 1200 utility conflicts left heavy rail scheme. over from the original works. A > Manchester hosted the UK Light Rail GBP2.4m (EUR2.63m) fund will Conference once again this year. go towards keeping the area clean For more, see pages 330-336. Tram service across the Ada bridge in Beograd (Belgrade) began on 5 July. Sava23 and tidy during construction. LONDON (UNDERGROUND). The Rail Accident Investigation Modernisation of the linked Bank took place on the Hillsborough passengers evacuatedfrom stations Branch has released its report into and Monument stations, which Corner to Holme Lane section, west of 5th Avenue. The outage the fatal injury of a pedestrian by a include a followed by Glossop Road with was due to a fire in a Con Edison tram, on a foot crossing near terminus, has reached its halfway completion expected at the end of transformer at W 64th St/West End Saughton stop, in September 2018. mark with a new southbound August. Some services were able to Ave. Power was restored around The safety body said its tunnel and platform for the operate over the affected sections midnight. investigation “found that although . A new entrance is during the month, depending on The New York Transit Museum the tram driver had used the being created on Cannon Street, work requirements. is to hold a parade of preserved tram’s bell to sound repeated which will improve step-free TYNE & WEAR. Work has trains between Brighton Beach warnings on the approach to the access to the DLR. The works begun on the temporary depot and Kings Highway 11.00-16.00 on crossing, this audible warning was include two new lifts, 12 escalators at Howdon that will be used to 28-29 September. Telegraph, ERA not sufficiently loud forPlease it to be and two moving walkways. subscribe maintain up to ten trains from the PHOENIX, to AZ. The Federal heard and acted upon by the TfL has shortlisted four bidders – current fleet. The existing Gosforth Transit Administration is pedestrian until it was too late.” BAI Communications, Cellnex UK, depot is to be rebuilt in phases to allocating USD100m in Fiscal The report makes four Wireless Infrastructure Group, and enable it to commission the new Year 2019 for the 8.8km (5.5-mile) recommendations. Two are for a consortium of Axia and SC – for vehicles, which are expected to South Central Light Rail extension , “to improvecontinue the a contract to roll out 4G mobile arrive reading from the end of 2021. It project to South Mountain audibility of its trams’ warning connectivity across the under- is hoped the new depot will be Village via Central Ave and 1st Ave. devices” as well as “to identify the ground sections of the London brought into service next summer. PORTLAND, OR. TriMet has risk factors associated with its Underground network. TfL aims South Shields station closed on ordered 26 Siemens S700 (Type 6) off-street pedestrian crossings and to award the contract by mid-2020. 8 July to allow for final work on the low-floor LRVs to replace the to develop a process for regularly NOTTINGHAM. T r a c k new GBP21m (EUR23m) transport light rail system’s Type 1 vehicles, reviewing the risk control replacement was to take place interchange in the town centre. supplied by Bombardier in 1986. measures.” It is understood that the between The Forest and High This was to be brought into The contract includes options for operator has already undertaken School stops on 5-18 August. It operation on 4 August. up to 60 further vehicles to cater work since the accident. necessitated a special ten-minute for system expansion and capacity Two recommendations are made timetable from Hucknall USA enhancements. The first deliveries to the Light Rail Safety and and Phoenix Park to The Forest, BOSTON, MA. There was a are expected in 2021. Railway Age Standards Board, to improve with bus transfer to Old Market derailment (the fifth on the SAN DIEGO, CA. MTS has guidance on audibility of trams’ Square for trams towards Toton system in 2019) at JFK/UMass Red confirmed an order for 25 S700 warning devices, and on the design Lane and Clifton South. Line Subway station on 11 June, low-floor LRVs from Siemens and layout of tram footpath TrentBarton Mango cards will damaging signalling cabinets, to replace the high-floor SD100 crossings. cease to be usable on trams from in the aftermath of which trains LRVs which entered service in Undisclosed damages have been December; Robin Hood cards can could only operate every ten the 1990s. When delivered in awarded to two cyclists after the be used instead. minutes under manual control. 2021, San Diego will have a fully Scottish Court of Sessions ruled PRESTON. Construction on the MBTA has announced an low-floor fleet. that they bore no responsibility initial section of the Guild accelerated repair schedule for MTS’ original 1981 Duewag type for accidents that the council had Tramway project could begin in the signalling system to permit U LRV, 1001, has been restored defended on the basis that the September. The trial stretch of track normal levels of service to be thanks to sponsorship by a local cyclists should have taken will run from Deepdale Street to restored by the end of the summer. brewery (Red Trolley Ale) and now more care. Further claims by West View Leisure Centre, using a House and Senate leaders in operates on the heritage Silver line cyclists have still to be determined. section of the old Longridge rail Massachusetts have set a budget (city centre loop) alongside the GREATER MANCHESTER. branch line; planning permission that includes provision for two restored PCCs, 529/30, Transport for Greater Manchester has been given for a maintenance extending Blue line service from on Friday evenings, Saturday has confirmed that 1000 new depot in Deepdale Mill Street. Wonderland to Lynn. R. Barrows afternoon/evenings and Sundays. park-and-ride spaces are to be It is hoped that trial services NEW ORLEANS, LA. The Mass Transit created at Radcliffe, Whitefield, could begin at the end of 2020. St Charles tramline was partially SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). and Withington on existing SOUTH YORKSHIRE. closed from mid-July to mid- Sacramento & Clay Streets cable Metrolink lines as well as the Track replacement restarted at September to permit replacement car 19 of 1883 made its first trip spaces currently being created on Shalesmoor at the end of July, with of corroded traction poles. Rail News on the California St line in the the new Trafford Park line (TPL). no tram services from Cathedral NEW YORK, NY. An extensive early hours of 26 July after Further work is being undertaken to Middlewood and Malin Bridge. power cut in Manhattan on the completion of a 20-year restoration. to identify suitable sites elsewhere Following completion of the evening of 13 July saw many This was the first time the car has on the system. Shalesmoor work, replacement subway trains halted and operated since withdrawal in 1942.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2019 / 353 Worldwide Review

SEATTLE, WA. A USD100m 6 October with all-day operation. FTA grant is coming this year to On 1 November ‘Night at the www.tramway.co.uk help pay for the 12.5km (7.8-mile) Museum’ brings evening tram light rail extension from SeaTac operation. to Federal Way. Full funding of USD790m is promised. The line is CONTRIBUTORS to open in 2024. Parsons will act as Worldwide news items for lead designer for the project. inclusion should be sent to Sound Transit has also Michael Taplin at Flat 8, Roxan confirmed a USD729.26m contract Villa, 33 Landguard Manor Rd, award to a joint venture of Stacy and Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 Witbeck and Kuney to complete 6EA, UK. Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 FREE the final design and build the or e-mail [email protected] RETURN WITHIN 12 MONTHS downtown of the 5.5km (3.4-mile) UK and Ireland items are WITH FULL PRICED Redmond Link Extension which welcomed by the Home News Special Events TICKETS* will extend the Blue line with two Editor, John Symons, 17 Whitmore Each event incorporates the Village scene, and trams from the new stations at SE Redmond and Avenue, Werrington, Stoke- appropriate era or city of origin are run throughout the day. downtown Redmond by 2024. on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail The contract includes a new [email protected]. HORSE TRAM DAYS Sunday 8th and Monday 1400-space car park, traction Acknowledgements are due 16th September. Our 1874 Horse tram will be in operation power systems, train control to Blickpunkt Strassenbahn(BS), between 11am and 4pm (£1.00 to ride on it). and communications, utilities Canadian Broadcasting diversions, and street and trail Corporation (CBC), Drehscheibe STEAMPUNK WEEKEND Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September. A feast of fun with alternative history combining improvements. Mass Transit (DS), Edinburgh Evening News, science fantasy. Eisenbahn Amateur (EA), Electric MUSEUM NEWS Railroaders’ Association (ERA), Federal CRICH 60TH ANNIVERSARY Saturday 21st and Sunday SCHÖNBERGER STRAND (DE). Way Mirror, International Railway 22nd September. Celebrate with us! Many of our operational 1894 two-axle tram 656 Journal (IRJ), Irish Times, Isle of Man trams will be running along with some tram models. has been restored and was put Today, KN-online.de, Lancashire Post, STARLIGHT EVENT Monday 28th October to Saturday into service to mark 125 years of LR-Online, Manchester Evening News, 2nd November. Trams running into the early evening, electric public transport in North Mass Transit, Metro News, Mike illuminations and exciting activities each day. KN-online.de Germany on 6 July. Haddon, Mirage News, Nottingham * excludes the World War II / 1940s events. Please see website for full details. SKJOLDENAESHOLM (DK). Post, Railway Gazette International Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP. Ex-Praha tramPlease 7079 was (RGI), Rail News, Sheffieldsubscribe Star, Tel: 01773 854 321 Email: [email protected] to officially welcomed to the Danish The Telegraph, Today’s Railway (TR), www.facebook.com/ Find us on the Situate App @CrichTramway Tramway Museum on 22 June. transphoto.ru, Tram-2000 (T-2000), CrichTramwayVillage WIRRAL (UK). A ‘Transport Tram, traminfo.pl, urbanrail.net LOCATED NEAR MATLOCK AND ONLY 8 MILES FROM M1 JCT 28 Extravaganza’ is to be heldcontinue on and Wolverhampton Express & Star. reading

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Augsburg

A prosperous systems southern German city with a 2500-year history is in the midst of extensive GERMANY www.lrta.org factfile www.tautonline.com tramway expansion. No. Augsburg, Neil Pulling reports.

SEPTEMBER 2019 N O. 981 143 Germany Augsburg NICE: LIGHT RAIL’S NEW TRAILBLAZER Subscribe now! Now in its 82nd year, Tramways & Urban Transit is

ugsburg (December Siemens Combino became the A in the M.A.N. 2017 population Mobilität (mobility) division of the 859 at Königsplatz on organisation (Maschinenfabrik 296 000) is the 18 April 2019. All lines municipal utilities group, Stadtwerke Augsburg-Nürnberg), later administrative seat of pass through this Augsburg Holding (SWA). SWA states significant in tram development. Bavaria’s Schwaben/ triangular focal point of that for 2017 and running over SwabiaA region. Although only 60km Augsburg’s system. Augsburg’s first 1435mm-gauge the approximately 45km (28-mile) tramway opened in 1881, initially (38 miles) north-west of Munich, the system, trams accounted for 69% of horse-drawn and briefly using city has its own strong identity with a 61.6m network journeys. The balance history reaching back to foundation steam traction. The metre-gauge the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely to provided by buses served 125km electric tram service that began by the Romans, although there is (approx. 78 miles) of route. Since in 1898 supplanted the other evidence of settlement in the area 1985, SWA has been in zone-based formats. A limited trolleybus for over 600 years before this. It was coverage represented by Augsburger operation lasted from 1943 to 1959. later the base of the Fugger dynasty Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund. AVV is A post-World War Two rundown of which influenced European trade and an association of public transport Why green mobility solutions also need a touch of style tram coverage in favour of motor politics for almost three centuries operators which includes Augsburg bus services was halted, with the Caen completes bus to LRT conversion until the company’s dispersal in 1607. and three other districts. reversal represented by 12 new Augsburg’s eminence during Currently undergoing major works MAN-Düwag the German Renaissance remains GT8 trams from 1976. to improve tram to train transfers, the Yorkshire’s ambitious urban rail plans Withdrawn in 2010, most were sold represented by imposing Rococo main station Augsburg Hauptbahnhof to Ia i, the Romanian city which buildings and art collections. ș (Hbf) is on the Munich-Stuttgart line. had also bought some of Augsburg’s VDV tram-train draws Austrian interest The family home of Paris-born Rudolf Regional and local trains also have All pictures by Neil ex-Stuttgart light and urban rail developments. Diesel, Augsburg hosted the internal GT4 trams. tram interchanges at Oberhausen and £4.60 Pulling, April 2019 Represented as ‘swa Bus & Tram’, combustion engine’s evolution. It also Haunstetter Strasse. Despite projects unless otherwise stated. the current network is in the Charlotte UK Conference being attended by political dispute LRT success sparks ‘We want cities built for people, not cars’ www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org new ten-year plan september 2019 / 345

345-349_TAUT1909_SF_Augsburg 5pp.indd 1

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354 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Letters

Mailbox Get your views into print [email protected] Letters submitted by post should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication. The arguments for keeping a de-regulated system I view the suggestion in the ‘Comment’ in TAUT 980 that we Your magazine seems to attract opinions from men of need to abandon deregulated buses with horror. a certain age, healthy and without the responsibilities of I live in the eastern part of Kent (UK) and in the early 1980s transporting young families. If they were mobility-impaired the regulated bus network had hardly changed since the ’30s; or tried shopping trips with young children then they would services were in terminal decline and with more and more understand the considerable advantages of a direct bus service routes ceasing to pay their way the level of county council instead of having to change to and stand on a tram. subsidy was rapidly becoming unsustainable. Tony Smith, Canterbury (UK) Now, 33 years into deregulation, bus companies can plan new routes to better serve the public, passenger numbers are In reference to the August 2019 ‘Comment’ article by Alistair increasing and many of the commercial routes are run at twice Gordon, he mentions the high level of passenger satisfaction or three times the frequency – and all funded from the farebox. from surveys of light rail passengers, but surely those dissatisfied The number of mainly rural services needing local authority with these services will be those using alternative means of support is a fraction of that in the 1980s. transport. I am not sure how you would survey these groups as I asked a friend why he preferred to travel on the competing some will obviously be using their own personal transport. buses instead of the tram (in those UK cities that have them), The suggestion that bus services should be regulated and act and his reply was that the buses were quicker, more frequent as feeders to trams poses its own problems. London’s transport and because you got a seat so they were more comfortable. is already regulated, yet a glance at a bus map shows bus routes Trams are so expensive that they have to run crammed providing an alternative to at least sections of the Tramlink full to be economic, but I am 75 and find standing on public [London Trams] services. In Edinburgh the competing airport transport unacceptable. Back when Tyne & Wear had a service is run by Lothian Buses, the same authority that runs the so-called co-ordinatedPlease transport system, travelling in subscribe from the trams. So it would seem regulating buses to would have little effect. south to Newcastle involved changing from the bus to Metro at If you try to force people to use what they deem as unsuitable Gateshead. Those passengers with a choice opted for the buses transport you will risk driving them back into their cars. coming in from County Durham for a direct journey to town. I am very enthusiastic about trams, but notice on regular visits The report that Greater Manchester’s Mayor wants to copy to Belgium that many Brussels tram routes have wide headways, London is presumably basedcontinue upon the usual politician’s desire resulting reading in overcrowding. There is another key difference to control everything. Never mind that TfL absorbs eye-watering between British cities and those in Europe: Europeans are happy amounts of subsidy, much wasted on bureaucracy and vanity to live in high-rise flats whilst we British like our semi-detached projects like the ‘Borismaster’ buses which cost half as much suburbs whose low-density populations are ill-suited to light rail. again as buses elsewhere in the country that do the same job. Will Halifax, Winnersh (UK)

Don’t rule out going underground While I partially agree with H. L Palmer's points about the fallacy of putting light rail services underground (TAUT 980), there are certain occasions where it is absolutely worth the cost, even when there are other options. For example, wherever naysayers protest about the spoiling of heritage sites or city vistas, then short underground city links can be very useful. I would argue that polluting city buses are just as damaging to views as overhead lines, but that is another matter. Subterranean sections can also be well- utilised to maintain high service speeds where street layouts are not appropriate, and as part of a truly integrated transport solution to connect with metro lines. After all, it is arguably easier to take a tram underground than to bring a metro to the surface in a busy city centre. Tramways should be visible to have the The new city section of Nice T2 features an underground section. Didier Quillon/Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur maximum impact, but to dismiss underground sections out-of-hand is a mistake as there are Short starter lines are one thing – and may when it comes to funding mechanisms, it just many fine European examples of such routes. be the only way to introduce light rail in requires imagination and ambition. L. Treeman, by e-mail some cities – but in my opinion it requires real J. Welter, by e-mail vision from politicians co-ordinated with the Having the conviction to ‘go big’ business community to drive true modal shift. Correction Vic Simons’ article on Atlanta’s expansion in With the environmental imperative A number of readers have pointed out the the latest issue (TAUT 980) further proved to becoming increasingly newsworthy, cities error in our story on the opening of the ION me that the only real way to maximise need to think big and these multi-year, light rail system (TAUT 980). The cities of the benefits of light rail projects is through multi-billion dollar schemes are surely a great Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge are of the ‘Big Bang’ approach. vote-winner. There are plenty of alternatives course in Ontario, not Quebec as stated.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2019 / 355 Classic Trams

Celebrating PART the Vicinal TWO In the second of his three-part mini-series focused on May’s celebrations in Belgium, Mike Russell highlights the role of former SNCV (Vicinal) cars in the tramway displays on 1 May. 1

russels’ oldest preserved tramcar, Since 303 was required at Thuin for During the days before the event, cars double-deck Starbuck horse car 7 operation on its home line the following were moved for storage at Ixelles depot for of 1868 which was one of those Saturday, a remarkable sight took place on easier access to the parade route on 1 May. that opened the tramways, was 2 May, when it was exchanged for type 18 Both works tramcars and rubber-tyred absent from the spectacular steam tram engine HL1066 from Schepdaal vehicles equipped for road and rail operation B150th anniversary parade in the Belgian museum. Both engines and their low-loaders were pressed into service and at the end of capital on 1 May. were present in the square at the same proceedings on 1 May the tracks were awash This vehicle had appeared in the 1985 time, with normal tramway and general with a series of towing vehicles, each with a Public Transport Year parade but is now traffic passing around them; 1066 was specified function. One of the few mishaps somewhat fragile. Advice was taken as to its non-operational but stood coupled to the during the day had ironically been the failure suitability for display from the Belgium Royal two trailer cars from the ASVi line, which of breakdown car 2, which had to be removed Institute for Cultural Heritage as well as Isle of returned to Thuin on 6 May. by a rubber-tyred vehicle and could not fulfil Man Transport, which has recent experience The electric cars came from three sources – its allotted functions, resulting in a hasty but of reconstructing Victorian-era horse cars. the Vicinal tram museum at its old Schepdaal well-executed change to early evening plans. It was established that the underframe depot, on the former Ninove line west of On 2 and 3 May, -equipped requires substantial reconstruction to return Bruxelles; Liege museum; and the ASVi Exposition bogie car 5008 operated a series the vehicle to operational condition. collection at Thuin in Wallonia. Schepdaal, of city tours, whilst 5 May saw a repeat of This presented the museum authorities which can no longer operate electric trams the public rides between Sainte-Marie and with a conundrum familiar to others in following removal of the overhead, provided Legrand using 15 museum cars, though at a the same business: whetherPlease to conserve or 9314 (Manage, subscribe 1910) and 9537 (Manage, 1915, 7.5-minute frequencyto rather than the reconstruct to working order. The decision rebodied in 1935) coupled to trailer A11620 four-minute interval that applied on 1 May. was taken to conserve the car, so car 7 (Braine-le-Comte, 1910, modernised 1939). remained at Woluwe and seems unlikely to Liège museum sent car 9019 (displayed as 19), Pointer for the future emerge in the foreseeable future. built by Verhaegen in 1896, from the SNCV’s Was it all worthwhile? By common consent, continuefirst electric line, Bruxelles reading (place Rouppe) this was an exemplary event that was The Vicinal comes to town – Petite Espinette. ASVi sent open-balcony thoroughly enjoyed by all particpants. Staging a celebration of Bruxelles tramways workers’ trailer A1936 (Seneffe, 1908), Several aspects merited specific approval: the without acknowledging the role played metal-bodied Standard bogie motor car 10308 thoughtful spacing of cars during the public by the erstwhile metre-gauge Vicinal (Baume et Marpent, 1943) and type N bogie inspection, rendering it possible – with a operation would be highly irregular and it is car 10480 (SNCV Cureghem, 1954), the latter little patience – to obtain easy access to each pleasing that proper recognition was given, being of a type familiar to travellers on the one despite the profusion of visitors, was notwithstanding the incompatibility with former Brabant area SNCV lines. especially highlighted. the STIB standard-gauge operation. For the longer-term, the greatest benefit The SNCV is greatly revered in Belgium, Logistical preparations may turn out to be the enthusiastic official especially by older residents, many of whom Concern had been voiced at the use of a reaction. It seems that both the Mayor and recall the vital role it played in keeping the horse-drawn tram to convey VIP guests and, STIB management were delighted with the population supplied during wartime. In fact, to avert any embarrassing contretemps, a trial celebrations, which gives great encouragement the Vicinal launched electric tramways in the operation was arranged on 24 March over a to the museum for future events. Bruxelles area in 1893, a year ahead of the city section of line 55 temporarily out of service In the short term, the overhead wiring network, with operation only ceasing in 1978. due to trackworks elsewhere. Thus it was that between Sainte-Marie and Legrand, now Ten items of preserved Vicinal rolling stock the ostler and driver of car 509 for the main compatible for both trolley-pole and were brought to place Royale by low-loaders, event made four trial return trips over tracks pantograph use, allows operation of a mainly at night, requiring road closures. between Haren depot and Evere (place de la heritage service through the heart of the Seven cars spanning the full extent of the Paix), including some wrong-line running, to capital. As from 30 May, new museum tram electric era were displayed on short lengths familiarise both horses and personnel with route BS will operate six times each way along of temporary track on the west side of the the requirements. All acquitted themselves to the full length, using two cars (or sets), on square, but the most remarkable appearance perfection and the horse-car operation on public holiday afternoons only. This is, so far, was that of an 1887 type 7 steam tram engine, 1 May passed off smoothly. approved only for 2019. However, there seems complete with passenger trailer A.2026 The tramcars representing the STIB, its no doubt that if the operation is a success it and goods wagon A.18328. The steam predecessors and constituent companies, could become yet another regular feature of tram, HL303, was only restored in 2018 came either from the operator’s current the lively Bruxelles heritage tramway scene. and normally operates on the ASVi’s line at fleet or, in the case of the historic cars, the What a result: heritage tramcars back in Thuin, but on 1 May it triumphantly puffed museum at Woluwe administered by MTUB the centre of this great European city after an up and down a short section of metre-gauge volunteers. This fabulous museum contains absence of over 40 years. track laid on the east side of the place. probably the most comprehensive collection The congratulations of everyone who Needless to say it proved an immense of one city’s tramway development anywhere, cares for the continued survival of heritage attraction, delighting onlookers, especially with all cars maintained in working order. tramcars are rightly due to everyone who children. Who would ever have thought that Assembling the working electric exhibits made this memorable pageant happen. one day we should witness a Vicinal steam in the right order and temporarily housing tram engine operating in the heart of the them at places other than Woluwe museum In the next issue, Mike Russell covers the other royal quarter of the capital city! constituted a major exercise. celebrations in Belgium outside Brussels.

356 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. The oldest former Vicinal electric tramcar on display was four-wheeler 19 (Verhaegen, 1896), on loan from the Musée des Transports en Commun de Wallonie in Liège. Mike Russell

2. Three former Vicinal motor cars were exhibited on temporary metre-gauge track at the south-western corner of place Royale. From left: type N 10480, with stylish bodywork built at the Cureghem works in 1954; metal-bodied Eugies-type Standard car 10308, built by Baume et Marpent in 1943; and four-wheeler 19. Luc Koenot

3. Appropriately-numbered articulated car 3150 wore five different liveries to represent the development of the electric tramcar in Bruxelles. Entering place Louise on 29 April, the leading section depicts the livery carried by 428, one of the museum tramcars restored in the chocolate and cream of the former Chemins de Fer Économiques. Mike Russell 2 4. Familiarisation training for those who would be in charge of horse-drawn tramcar 509 in the 1 May parade, and the animals themselves, took place on 24 March in Evere over a Please subscribe tosection of route 55 temporarily closed for track works. In this view 509 is working ‘wrong road’ in rue E. de Koster. continue readingMike Russell 5. At around 02.20 on 25 April, two Vicinal bogie cars arrive on their low-loader transport. Left is metal-bodied Standard 3 4 car 10308 with N-class 10480 on the right. Luc Koenot

6. Amongst the rolling stock supplied by Tramsite Schepdaal was Vicinal motor car 9314, built by Manage in 1910 and appropriately exhibited with route displays for line D to Dilbeek, which passed the Schepdaal depot. The second-class open-balcony trailer is A.1936, on loan from the ASVi collection at Thuin. Mike Russell

7. A highlight was the operation 5 6 of a traditional steam tram train on place Royale, headed by 1887-built type 7 locomotive HL303, with passenger trailer A.2026 and goods wagon A.18328. Paul Wigan

8. A contrast in motive power, operators and track gauges in place Royale on 2 May. STIB six-axle articulated car 7751 of 1972 passes the static Vicinal metre-gauge steam-hauled rake formed of HL303 and trailers A.2026 and A.18328. The STIB car is one of 62 of this type still in service. Mike Russell 7 8

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2019 / 357 NEWS FROM THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ASSOCIATION UK Government acknowledges the ‘Oslo Effect’... finally

ast month we called on the UK Campaigns Group, said: “This report makes Government to take action on NEE quite clear the dangerously high level of L (non-exhaust emissions). This has non-exhaust emissions created in urban been a long-standing LRTA campaign to areas by buses, goods vehicles and cars. highlight the dangers of these pollutants, “Trams, with minimal pollution at point which it is estimated cause up to 30 000 of use, and a proven effectiveness in driving deaths each year. modal shift from cars, are a major tool for The emissions are also known as the the reduction of NEE, along with street- ‘Oslo Effect’, named after the city where early washing along polluted corridors. research into the problem took place, and We call upon the new government to include particulate matter released by rubber include NEE in its promised Air Quality Act.” tyres, brake linings and road surface wear. Paul Rowen, LRTA Chair, paid tribute to A new report published on 11 July by Mr Harkins’ role in highlighting this issue the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) has over many years: “Jim first raised this when called for urgent action to address the issue, I was Chair of the All-Party Light Rail predicted to account forP as muchlease as 10% of Group in Westminster. subscribe The Department for to national emissions by 2030. Transport denied the problem existed. The report’s publication has prompted the “Getting rid of these emissions will need government to acknowledge the NEE issue a total rethink of government transport Will new UK Government policy force polluting buses for the first time – a major victory for the policy. I am delighted that once again the out of our city centres? LRTA. Jim Harkins, Chair of continueTramForward’s LRTA has led the way on this issue.”reading

Take our survey, win a book! AGM all set for Nottingham

Since its formation, the LRTA But we are always keen to With just weeks to go, LRTA Hall and a ride on the Grand has always been immensely proud embrace change and develop members are looking forward Central Railway. of its publications, from books new ideas. That’s why with this to Nottingham and our annual There’s still time to book your about specific tram systems, to issue we are enclosing a reader AGM weekend. place, please go www.lrta.org for our monthly magazine Tramways survey to find out what you think This year we have two very more details. & Urban Transit (TAUT) and about YOUR magazine. special celebrations as part of the our quarterly historical journal Among the issues we are keen two-day event – a visit to Crich Tramway Review. to hear your views on, is the title Tramway Village, in its 60th We’ve been publishing TAUT of the magazine. Is Tramways anniversary year, and a ride on together with Mainspring & Urban Transit the right fit for the Nottingham Express Transit for over 12 years now and today? Is there a better alternative? system that is also celebrating during that time the light rail Please do complete the survey; 15 years of operation. industry has undergone a rapid as a thank you we are offering 25 Other events include a transformation, both in the UK lucky readers copies of some of reception at the Nottingham and internationally. our more popular titles. Transport museum at Woolaton MEETINGS & EVENTS

August 2019 September 2019 Monday 16. Wickham 19.30. Paul Coles: Works Trams. (TLRS Solent) Monday 19. Wickham 19.30. Tuesday 3. Southampton 19.30. Saturday 21. Taunton 14. 00. Richard Compiled by the LRTA. Terry Chase: Once upon a time in Peter Keat will take us ‘along the Hargreaves: Lancaster and York. (TLRS) For a full list of the year’s the North. (TLRS Solent) Portsmouth Direct’. (LRTA/SEG) Saturday 28. Beeston 14.00. Dave events and meeting places Saturday 31. Beeston 14.00. Tuesday 10. Cardiff 14.00. TBA Astill: Ones, Collars & Lilac Leopards please visit www.lrta.org Bring a thing: Your opportunity to Monday 16. 19.45. - NCT in the 1970s. (TLRS) discuss your current tram interest. Tony Kuivala: Threlkeld Quarry Saturday 28. Garstang 14.00. (TLRS) Light Railway (TLRS Mersey) Jim Saunders: Portugal in 1979. (TLRS)

For more information on the Association and its activities visit www.lrta.org Bookshop Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 38 Wolseley Road, SALE, M33 7AU Postage included (2nd class UK; Airmail Europe; Economy rest of world).

Lost Tramways of England Brighton Another 3ft 6in gauge system, trams survived until the outbreak of World War Two when a joint traffic arrangement with one of the local bus operators saw replacement by trolleybus and bus. Also covers the Volk’s Electric Railway. Birmingham North | Birmingham South Two books covering the UK’s second-largest city which had the > Each book 150x200mm, hardback; 64 pages; fully illustrated in country’s most extensive 3ft 6in gauge tramway. Although the black & white. process of conversion to trolleybus or bus operation commenced in £10.70 (UK addresses); £13.90 (outside UK); £16.50 the 1920s, a significant operation survived until the summer of 1953. (Airmail beyond Europe), LRTA Members: £0.90 discount

Tram Atlas Deutschland | Germany | 5 Bargain Belgian Bundle!

Fifth edition of this popular guide to the Belgium Underground country’s 56 tram networks and three Pre-Metro and Metro, 1957-2017 trolleybus systems. Also covers U-Bahn in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and The newest book from the LRTA covers Nuremburg. English and German text. the development of tram subways and light rail concepts in Belgian cities. The gradual Please> B5 softback; 160 pages, subscribeconversion of pre-Metroto lines in Brussels to 300+ colour pictures plus 70 maps. full Metro contrasts with the continued use £20.00 (UK addresses); of trams in the tunnels beneath Antwerp. £22.50 (outside UK); The stillborn plan for tram tunnels in Ghent continue£25.00 (Airmail beyond Europe) andreading the quirky Light Metro in the Charleroi area are covered too. LRTA Members: £1.80 discount > A4 softback; 128 pages, 155 colour and 30 black & white pictures plus 34 maps.

Geschichte der Straßenbahn Augsburg Plus...

Charleroi’s trams Charleroi’s trams since 1940 Comprehensive history of the since 1940 Coal, steel and Coal, steel and cornfields 120-year-old tramway in this cornfields attractive German city, where network modernisation and expansion shows Once the centre of a vast network of Vicinal the huge advantage of efficient public routes serving this coal and steel producing transport. German text. area, Charleroi had an independent town tramway but now only the ‘Light Metro’

> 210x210mm hardback; 256 pages, Geoffrey Skelsey and Yves-Laurent Hansart system remains, although it has gradually been Featuring photographs by Michael J Russell and Peter Haseldine 250+ colour and black & white pictures, expanded. Published 2013. several maps. £29.00 (UK addresses); £31.50 > A4 softback; 112 pages, 200+ photographs in colour and black & (outside UK); £35.00 (Airmail beyond Europe); LRTA Members: white; numerous maps. £2.60 discount Plus... Trams through the Dunes The Extraordinary Daddy-Long-Legs The Belgian Coastal Tramways 1885-2010

The story of the unique Brighton & Covers the development of the Vicinal coastal Rottingdean Seashore Electric Railway tramway and its connections inland. Includes a which must have presented an amazing detailed review of the variety of rolling stock spectacle during the late Victorian days. used over the years. Published 2009. Affectionately known as the ‘Daddy-Long- Legs’, the railway resembled a pier that > B5 softback; 104 pages; 136 photographs in colour and black & white; had broken away and was moving by itself eight maps. through the sea. Special offer – All three books: > B5 softback; 96 pages, 180 black & white £38.00 (UK addresses) pictures. £45.00 (outside UK) £15.00 (UK addresses); £16.50 (outside UK); £18.00 £52.00 (Airmail beyond Europe) (Airmail beyond Europe); LRTA Members: £1.35 discount LRTA Members: £3.50 discount Please subscribe to continue reading