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DECEMBER 2013 No. 912 ground-breaking transit in tel aviv

Light Rail Awards 2013: Special Review Sydney doubles CAF tram order Bursa opens city centre tramline Siemens’ vision of the future metro

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© photo léonard de serres 500 CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association DECEMBER 2013 Vol. 76 No. 912 www.tramnews.net EDITORIAL 506 Editor Simon Johnston Tel: +44 (0)1733 367601 E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK Associate Editor Tony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] News Editor John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] Senior Contributor 516 Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors Aare Olander, Nikolai Semyonov, Sergei Tarkhov (CIS), News 500 SYSTEMS FACTFILE: bielefeld 516 Mike Russell, Norman Bartlett, Thomas Wagner, Turkey’s Bursa opens new tramline; Sydney Neil Pulling reports on a German system Pedro Costa, Richard Felski, Jordi Ibanez (Europe), doubles CAF LRV order; Tiranë tramway undergoing continual development. Yoshiri Nogi (Japan), Anthony Bailey, Ian Hammond, Paul Nicholson (Australia), Vic Simons, Charles Lietwiler, plans revealed; Moscow looks to express Steve Morgan, Tom Swinney (US). tramway; Paris T7 opens. auckland’s rail future 522 Production After years of work, New Zealand’s largest city Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] tel aviv: building the red line 506 is set for major transport improvements. Design Tel Aviv will soon have a state-of-the-art Debbie Nolan transport network. Project promoter NTA Worldwide Review 524 advertising explains the developing scheme. Amiens tram construction contract Commercial Manager awarded; Mumbai monorail planned to Vicky Binley Tel: +44 (0)1733 367602 E-mail: [email protected] WHY hS2 needs urban transit 512 open at the end of November; Gdansk Paul Dawkins, GHD’s Technical Leader Advertising Manager chooses Jazz Duo vehicles from PESA. Andy Adams – Rail, explores the case for linked urban Tel: +44 (0)1733 367605 E-mail: [email protected] transport and high-speed rail investment. Mailbox 530 Publisher High-floor vs. low-floor debates; Australian Howard Johnston new hope in kaliningrad 515 LRT progress and why statistics do matter. Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the Recent years have seen the closure of many LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each routes in the Russian enclave – but new Classic Trams: THE ANDES – PART 4 532 month preceding the cover date. low-floor trams could signal the end of decline. The final instalment – Bolivia and Peru. LRTA Website and Diary Brian Lomas E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Why high-speed rail can’t work in isolation Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up members of the Light Rail Transit Association. The debate over the implementation of high-speed rail is back in the You are welcome to join the LRTA. wider news again this month, and we have an interesting series of subscriptions arguments from Paul Dawkins of GHD in this issue. His arguments echo LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), many of those that have appeared on the pages of TAUT over the years and 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. centre around the question of the ‘door to door’ journey. BACK ISSUES As the business case for the UK’s HS2 project comes under continued scrutiny, the Tel: +44 (0)1406 373070 more educated observers are not arguing about back gardens being taken up to lay PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION new lines or the amount of time saved between London and the nation’s other major Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. cities. Instead they are focusing on delivering real value to the project by increasing Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. the modal shift to public transport as a whole. This can only come through efficient, LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE modern – and importantly environmentally-friendly – systems that link the major c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. nodes on a national network and allow passengers real options on how to get to and Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 from the 350km/h-plus trains of the future. in England and Wales. High-speed rail, whatever exact eventual form that this takes (in the UK and LRTA Chairman elsewhere), is a necessity to free up capacity on existing railways and also encourage Andrew Braddock genuine choice. But to make all of this work together as one seamless journey, you LRTA Deputy Chairman Vic Simons also need to take into account modal and ticketing integration to make life simpler LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE: and easier for would-be passengers. If we make public transport good value for money, c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, comfortable and easy, then the passengers will be there. UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 Nations around the world are coming round to this realisation, but it cannot come in England and Wales. fast enough. For example, the long-delayed LRT project in Tel Aviv is now moving © LRTA Publishing 2013. forward quickly and the article from government-run project promoter NTA on page Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution 506 outlines not only the problems from the scheme’s early days, but also the complex is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the challenges and choices around the design and construction phases. The timescales opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of for the full nine-line LRT/BRT network are ambitious to say the least, but if the system LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in delivered as promised it will be truly transformational. Simon Johnston, Editor any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from COVER IMAGE: Construction of the main underground section of the Tel Aviv Red line LRT tunnels, at a the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the depth of up to 30 metres below street level, shows the immense scale of the project. NTA magazine without prior written approval is not permitted.

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2013 / 499 News Bursa opens city circulator line Turkey’s fourth city welcomes low-floor route to join LRT system and metre-gauge heritage line

he 6.5km (four-mile) city T3 uses a mixture of former circle modern tramline Istanbul (ex-German) two-axle T1 in the Turkish city Gotha trams and ex-Bochum of Bursa was officially Stadtbahn-M cars. Tinaugurated by Mayor Recep Bursa, located in northwestern Altepe on 12 October. Anatolia, 15km (nine miles) from The line will initially use four the Gulf of Gemlik inlet, and locally-built Durmazlar 28m the fourth most populous city five-section air-conditioned in Turkey also has the standard- 100% low floorSilkworm low- gauge Bursaray light rail system. floor trams (251-4); ten more are This operates in subway across on order. the city centre, using Siemens The single-track standard- and Bombardier LRVs, and two gauge line provides an anti- tram stops offer interchange with clockwise service only and was light rail stations. built by Spanish construction The Silkworm is Turkey’s first firm Comsa under a EUR8m domestically built low-floor contract, with 13 stops and a tram and uses Siemens electrical maintenance depot. It crosses the equipment; a prototype was Crowds gather around two Silkworm trams just before the opening of Bursa metre-gauge heritage tramline T3 unveiled at the Berlin Innotrans tramline T1 on 12 October. Bursa Municipality at Cumhuriyet Caddesi. exhibition in 2012.

Moscow plans Inspiro trains now running in Warsaw express orbital tram network The inaugural passenger runs of the first SiemensInspiro Warsaw Inspiro 58 on the first day of trains for the Warsaw metro passenger service on metro line 1 on 6 October. took place on 6 October on the Witold Urbanowicz city’s single metro line. To mark the occasion, special announcements were made on the trains: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen. From today, the firstInspiro trains run on the tracks of Warsaw Metro – the Moskva’s latest trams are the partly most state-of-the-art trains low-floor KTM-23 from Ust-Katav; 4610 on route 50 on 13 October. S. Maksimov in Europe’. The trains have also run without any serious Following the re-election of problems or breakdowns aside Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on 8 from a simple door failure on September, Russian business one of the first days which publication Vedomsti reports caused a ten-minute delay in plans are being developed for the morning peak. an extensive network of orbital The first six-carInspiro train literally taken apart in Below left: The full line-up of Warsaw express tramways estimated to train arrived from Vienna Warsaw. Other trains and a Metro rolling stock. From furthest: cost RUR204bn (EUR4.66bn). in December 2012, part of special simulator were used for Metrovagonmash original deliveries The 245km (152-mile) network a 35 train order to serve the training drivers. from 1990; Alstom Metropolis would be in place by 2022 and central section of the second New Inspiro trains will start (delivered 1998-2005); later Russian- provide alternatives for those who under-construction line running on the second line at built cars from 2007; an example of at present have to travel through and augment service on the the end of 2014 – the contract the latest Inspiro, built by a consortium the city centre, including airport existing line 1. Thanks to its date of the construction of of Siemens and Newag. Witold Urbanowicz users. The target for the network, aluminium bodyshell, the the central section of the 26% of which would be elevated, Inspiro is much lighter than second line has been extended Below: State-of-the-art simulators are is a commercial speed of 45km/h the metro’s existing rolling by 11 months to the end of used to train drivers for the operation (28mph). stock, so requires less energy, September 2014, followed by of the new Siemens-built trains. Pilot sections in the east and and with maintenance state inspections. Witold Urbanowicz the south of the city would be intervals extended to three completed in 2018-19. It is hoped months, it also promises the federal government will lower operational costs. The contribute RUR108bn towards the contract, signed with the project, which should also attract consortium of Siemens and private investors, in return for Newag, is worth PLN1.7bn development rights at interchange (EUR400m). stations with radial metro lines. The period following It is hoped to reduce peak-hour delivery was used for staff congestion on the roads by 15%. familiarisation, with the first

500 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Algiers’ urban rail Cairo to re-establish trams expansion plans Plans to extend the Algerian capital’s 9.5km (5.9-mile) metro Work to start on World Bank-funded 8km line to ease chronic congestion are being drawn up, and it is hoped to add 18km (11.2 miles) to he Egyptian the line by 2017. Meanwhile, it is Government has expected that 7km (4.3 miles) of announced the start of new tramway from Bord-el-Kiffan work on a new 8km (five- to Dergana will open before the mile)T tramline in Masr al-Gedida end of the year. (Heliopolis), funded in part by the At the other end of the line, work will start in 2014 on the World Bank, as part of a response extension from Ruisseau to Bir to a transportation crisis caused Mourad Rais (4.6km, 2.9 miles). by chronic traffic congestion. The new line will link Ramses Girls Newcastle LRT study College to Mustafa Nahhas in Consultant GHD has been awarded the contract to examine New Cairo City, via Nasr City in the feasibility of light rail between the north-east suburbs. Wickham and the city centre in The Cairo tramway system the Australian city of Newcastle. peaked in the 1970s, but was gradually replaced by buses Budapest ticketing award A consortium of T-Systems except for the link to Heliopolis Hungary and Scheidt & Bachmann and local lines in the garden city. A Japanese-design LRV (some were assembled in Egypt by SEMAF) at the Cairo has won the contract to supply However, lack of investment has terminus of the Heliopolis line in Ramses (formerly Mubarak) Square. CTA a new fare collection system for left the residual operation in poor the city of Budapest, enabled for condition and unable to meet the not be long, especially since the miles), is described as an express smartcards and e-ticketing. potential demand for travel. streets through which the new service able to carry up to 300 000 Serco wins Dubai metro The project comes within a tram will pass include the old passengers/day, and is expected concession extension broader plan that includes new tram lines. Parts from the old to cost EGP1.4bn (EUR150.6m). Serco has won a five-year roads and the procurement of lines will be used, to be replaced The World Bank had previously extension to its contract to over 1500 new buses. A Ministry by new parts at a later stage.” funded a pre-feasibility study, operate the Dubai Metro. The of Transport spokesman said: The new line, which should including options for a Public EUR395m deal takes Serco’s “The implementation period will eventually extend to 29km (18 Private Partnership concession. management of the system to 2019, with an option to extend it for a further two years. At 75km (47 miles) Dubai’s Metro is the longest fully automatic driverless railway Tiranë tenders for two-line network system in the world; it has been run by Serco since opening of the The Albanian capital, Tiranë, is 600 residents, and hopes to has been reported this could be first section in 2009. inviting tenders for a contract award a contract in July 2014. reduced to EUR99m if second- Free rides in New York to to design, finance, build, A fleet of 20 trams will be hand trams are sourced. honour Sandy anniversary operate and transfer a two-line required, and the scheme is In the meantime the new New York’s MTA offered free rides tramway to serve the city’s 763 costed at EUR130m, although it public transport terminal in the for passengers entering stations on north-west of the city will make the A line between Howard Beach provision for the tramway. and the Rockaway Peninsula, and It will feature a new railway stations on the R line between Bay station, linked by a 7.2km (4.5- Ridge-95th Street and Court Street mile) north-south tramway. A all day on 29 October, in honour second line will cross the city of the one-year anniversary of for 9.5km (5.9 miles) from east Hurricane Sandy. The free rides were issued as to west. The two lines are: a ‘thank you’ to riders “for taking 1, Qytet studenti – Terminali; the hardships of the storm in their 2, Kombinat – Kinostudio. stride and for their understanding Earlier this year the French in the months since,” New York Government financed a Governor Andrew Cuomo said. An artist’s impression of one of Tiranë’s wide boulevards with typically Balkan EUR720 000 feasibility study, Rosehill Rail ends gutter-running trams (from Bordeaux in this illustration). Egis carried out by Egis. Holdfast distribution deal As of 1 November, the association between UK-based rubber crossing manufacturer Rosehill Paris opens suburban T7, with extension plan in place Rail and its distributor Holdfast came to an end; all future Saturday 16 November sees the Work began in January 2011 business will be conducted opening of another new RATP and construction costs were directly with Rosehill Rail. All outstanding orders placed tramline, the detached 11.2km EUR223.1m; 19 32.7m five-section with Holdfast will be honoured, (seven-mile) line T7 linking the Alstom Citadis trams (701-719) and the product lines and future southern suburbs of Villejuif costing EUR48m provide a five- development plans remain Louis Aragon (interchange minute peak service from a unchanged. with métro line 7) and Athis- 24 000m2 depot at Moulin Vert Any orders placed or enquiries Mons Port d’Essonne (near Orly – 9.7 million passengers/year are made after midnight on 31 October Airport, where there is a tunnel expected to use the new line. are automatically redirected to Rosehill, which can be contacted under the runways and a tram By 2018 T7 should be extended 703, one of the 19 Alstom Citadis 302 on +44 (0)1422 317482. station at Terminal Sud) mostly south to RER Juvisy-sur-Orge, for Paris tramline T7, in the workshops alongside the N7 highway. with a further 12 trams required. at Vitry-sur-Seine. J-C Vaudois

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 501 News London exhibition gives visitors a glimpse of possible future ‘Tube’ Inspiro-derived mock-up part of future technology display at Siemens’ Crystal exhibition centre

isitors to the Going similar modern metro trains, more easily, electronic ticketing these issues and help passengers Underground: Our allowing for lower operational developments, passenger benefit from an improved travel journey to the future costs, with a light and open, fully information systems and station experience. We wanted people to exhibition are gaining air-conditioned interior. management solutions. have a really personal experience, Va vision of what the future of the Siemens’ Inspiro is a family Steve Scrimshaw, Managing sitting in the seats of a brand new, London Underground could look of metro trains based around a Director of Siemens Rail Systems futuristic train and interacting like at Siemens’ exhibition centre six-car basic unit. Inspiro trains UK, said: “London, in common with the exhibits on display in The Crystal, in the UK capital’s began running in Warsaw in early with many large cities around a way that not only informs but Royal Victoria Docks. October (see page 500); 35 units the world, faces significant excites at the same time.” The heart of the exhibition is were ordered for the Polish capital transport challenges as a result of The exhibition is part of taken up by a full-size mock-up in 2011, with 15 expected to be in ongoing population growth and celebrations marking the 150th of a Siemens Inspiro metro train service by the end of 2013. increased capacity demands. anniversary of the ‘Tube’ – the as it could be developed for the In addition to the Inspiro, the “Our exhibition highlights world’s first underground metro Underground. The firm says mix of interactive exhibits on some of the innovations that system - and runs until January. the Inspiro is 30% more energy display focuses on technologies can be considered by cities to More details are available at efficient and 20% lighter than to help travellers find their way help their metro systems tackle www.siemens.com/tube150

Siemens life-size Inspiro mock up on display in London. Siemens

Nottingham Sydney doubles CAF tram order bridges installed Last year Australia’s Sydney line between Haymarket and Another of the steel bowstring ordered six new CAF Urbos 3 Central Station. arch tram bridges on the UK’s low-floor trams, and also On 21 October tenders were Nottingham Express Transit contracted with CAF to lease invited for a design, build, extensions was installed near the four trams, which turned out to operate, maintain contract on Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) be three from the prematurely- a PPP basis. A further order for campus over the A52 road over closed Spanish line at Vélez- new trams will be required. the weekend of 28-29 September. Malaga and one from Sevilla. On 7 October two Variotrams The bridge measures 62m long Construction of the new trams derailed at separate locations and weighs more than 1000 is underway and delivery of the within six metres (20 feet)of tonnes, and is one of a series of leased cars has started. each other. The line was closed to structures that will eventually Now the New South Wales The first of the new Sydney trams on permit recovery of the derailed form a 300m elevated tram route Department of Transport has the production line in Spain. NSWDT cars, and an investigation through the QMC, over the A52 doubled the order for new trams highlighted a mismatch and down into the campus of the to 12, and announced it will The original CAF order was between the trams’ tyre profiles University of Nottingham. sell the existing fleet of seven to provide a larger fleet for the and recently relaid track. The Beams for the Station Street ABB Variotram cars delivered 5.6km (3.5-mile) extension closure continued while all the section of the Karlsruhe in 1996 for the 6.7km (4.2-mile) from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, trams wheels were reprofiled. Friendship Bridge at Nottingham Central Station – Lilyfield line currently under construction Bus replacement was Station were placed in position (by the time they were delivered and due to open in 2014. provided, although some of overnight on 30 September. The ABB had sold its transit Sydney is also planning a the tram stops on the former structure is made up of precast interests to ADtranz, acquired AUD1.6bn (EUR1.12bn), 12km Darling Harbour goods line beams and a concrete deck and by Bombardier in 2001). These (7.5-mile), South East tramway that provided the alignment will bridge the gap between the are due for mid-life overhaul, linking Circular Quay to the for the tramway are difficult to existing Line One terminus at which NSWDT has estimated to University of New South Wales/ reach with road vehicles. Partial Station Street and the expanded cost little less than exercising its Randwick, which will share service between The Star and tram network. option for more new trams. a short section of the current Lilyfield resumed on 18 October.

502 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Toronto: The Addis Ababa LRT update – saga continues Following Toronto Mayor Rob trams under construction Ford’s success in obtaining a CAD660m (EUR427m) federal Chinese-built tramway scheme well underway; services to begin in 2015 contribution towards an extension of the Bloor-Danforth subway from Kennedy to ngineers from China Scarborough (replacing the Railway Eryuan Scarborough RT line), Ontario Engineering Group province made it clear that (CREEC) expect to its contribution would be Ecomplete the infrastructure for CAD1.48bn (EUR1.05bn) the 34km (21-mile) light rail regardless of route or mode. network in the Ethiopian capital On 2 October, after a day-long Addis Ababa by the end of 2014. debate, the city council voted Work on the USD475m 24-20 to replace the RT line project started in 2012 and was with a 10km (6.2-mile) three- reported to be 43% complete by stop subway extension, thus early September, with east–west effectively killing off the plan (Torhailoch – Ayat) and north– to replace RT with a seven-stop south (Minelik Square – Kaility) extension of the Eglinton LRT lines, sharing 2.7km (1.7 miles) of line, now under construction track in the city centre, including by provincial agency Metrolinx. a 2km (1.2-mile) subway. Public In order to help pay its share service is expected to begin in of the new subway (CAD910m, 2015. Around 85% of the project EUR647.5m), the city will cost is coming from a soft loan by A Hungarian-design LRV being assembled in a workshop in Ethiopia. Danubian impose a city-wide 1.6% the Chinese Exim Bank. property tax to raise CAD745m A prototype LRV is being built involved with a now-cancelled Danubian has commercial (EUR530m). These figures locally by Metals & Engineering project to rebuild Tatra trams experience in Ethiopia, include CAD100m (EUR71m) Corporation under licence from in Szeged as articulated LRVs. previously working with the in sunk costs, and the possible Hungarian company Danubian It appears that the Addis Ababa military fulfilling a helicopter penalty for Metrolinx to of Tököl, which has been prototype uses Tatra bogies. contract. renegotiate the contract with Bombardier for Flexity LRVs, since fewer will be needed. On 9 October, Ontario confirmed that plans for light Further Birmingham city approvals rail on Sheppard and Finch (as well as the Eglinton line) were The first of 21 new CAFUrbos 3 services at Birmingham New where it will link with the firm, and the timescale might trams for the UK’s Midland Metro Street Gateway. There will also be extension currently under now be brought forward to see was delivered to Wednesbury new tram stops at Snow Hill (on construction along Corporation work start in 2015-16. However depot in early October. It the new viaduct), Bull Street and Street and the existing Snow Hill some commentators believe was officially unveiled by Corporation Street. to Wolverhampton line. that having achieved a subway Birmingham City Council leader Birmingham City Council The GBP42.4m (EUR49.7m) to Scarborough, Mayor Ford will Sir Albert Bore on 16 October. has also approved the next stage project is the first under the now try to manoeuvre in favour “The delivery of the first tram is of Metro expansion, enabling Enterprise Zone Investment Plan of subway on the Finch and a real milestone because Metro has a construction programme to for the city centre. Powers already Sheppard projects, assuming he a key role to play in the ongoing be issued in the New Year. The exist for most of the extension is re-elected next year. development of our transport extension will link Centenary but a minor amendment network so that it can underpin Square to New Street station application will need to be made. economic growth right across the West Midlands,” Sir Albert said. Harbin opens Carrying a metallic pink livery, the tram is numbered 17, first metro line following on from the existing fleet numbered 1-16. It made the China’s coldest city, Harbin, journey from CAF’s Zaragoza which operated trams until factory over four days travelling 1987, opened its first metro line by road and ferry. Trams will now on 26 September. The 17.5km arrive at the rate of one per month. (10.9-mile) line links the South The majority of the expansion Railway station with the East required at the Wednesbury Railway station via the city depot to cater for the new fleet centre. Trains built by CNR is now complete and Balfour Changchun Railway Vehicles Beatty continues works to build are designed to operate in the new Metro infrastructure in temperatures down to -38°C. Birmingham city centre. Construction began in 2006, The new terminus in and part of the line uses a 10.1km Stephenson Street is to be known From left: Centro’s lead member for rail and Metro Cllr Roger Horton, Sandwell (6.3-mile) subway originally built as Grand Central tram stop and Mayor Cllr Linda Horton, Centro Chief Executive Geoff Inskip, Birmingham City as a shelter from nuclear attack; will provide direct access between Council leader Sir Albert Bore, Centro Chairman Cllr John McNicholas and leader 85 400 passengers used the line Midland Metro and heavy rail of Sandwell Council Cllr Darren Cooper. Centro on its first day of operation.

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 503 News

London consults on Bank rebuild First Melbourne Flexity Consultation on Transport for London’s proposals for a major upgrade of the UK capital’s Bank station began in October. enters passenger service The station complex, linked between Bank (Underground and Docklands Light Railway) Locally-assembled Bombardier vehicles bolster the Yarra Trams fleet and Monument (Underground), is the fourth busiest interchange ctober saw Yarra The trams are being built are 64 seats and space for 146 station on the ‘Tube’ network. Trams start passenger in Bombardier’s plant at standing. 6001/2 were used for Some 98m passengers used the station in 2012-13. service with the Dandenong, the first to come commissioning trials and driver Passenger numbers are forecast first two low-floor from the factory for 12 years, training in September/October. OBombardier Flexity E class trams with propulsion systems and Power supply improvement to increase and the upgrade of the six-line interchange will increase on Melbourne route 96. The bogies supplied from Germany. and accessible stops have been capacity and provide a step-free AUD303m (EUR212m) order There is an option for a further provided on 14km (8.7-mile) route between the Northern line for 50 trams was placed in 100 vehicles. The new double- route 96, which carries 16m/ platforms, DLR and street levels September 2010; the contract ended trams are 33m long and passengers/year, while Southbank by 2021. price includes maintenance 2.65m wide with three body depot is being upgraded at a cost Dhaka metro work begins until 2017. sections and four bogies. There of AUD24m (EUR16.8m). Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the first 20.1km (12.5- mile) phase of the Dhaka metro on 31 October at Bhawal Badre Alam University College Ground. The first line, designated line 6, is an elevated north-south route with 16 stations, developed with the assistance of a 40-year JPY10.48bn (EUR78.76m) soft loan agreed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency in February. Stockholm Solna extension opens October saw the opening of the 7km (4.3-mile) Tvärbanen Alvik – Solna Centrum extension in Stockholm, in advance of further expansion next year. In 2014 the line is to reach Solna station, an important and recently redeveloped interchange. Further planned expansion includes a branch to Kista – traffic is expected to triple when the Kista and Solna station lines are both open. CAF trams have been delivered for the Solna extension; Tvärbanen also uses Flexity Swift vehicles. In the last days of driver training, Melbourne 6001 follows 6002 down Spencer Street on 5 October. I. Hammond

Sóller tram celebrates its centenary October marked the centenary of the Sóller tramway on the Spanish island of Mallorca, services having started on 13 October 1913. The 4.9km (three-mile) line, which is single track with long passing loops, connects the Sóller station of the Palma – Sóller railway with the coast at Port de Sóller, and both are built to a gauge of 914mm (3 ft) and electrified at 600 V dc, though there is no through operation. Trams run approximately every 30-60 minutes, but the timetable is designed for train connections, and a trainload of tourists arriving at Sóller can fill two tramsets (usually two of the five ex-Lisboa two-axle cars sandwiching two of the eight open-sided bogie trailers built in the workshops), which then run in convoy to the port. Some of the original Cardé y Escoriaza trams of 1913 (1-3 and trailers 5-6) are still in use, running round a trailer at each terminus. Tram 3 and two Jardinera trailers were used to mark the centenary on 4 October with guests carried to the port, where a mural by Joan Miro was unveiled at the old station as part of an evening of festivities. The tramway is busier than ever during the tourist season, hence the sets of ex-Lisboa trams and bogie trailers. Ex-Lisboa 22 has Ex-Lisboa Sollér tram 22, with traditional-style bodywork, at the Port alongside received modified bodywork to make it resemble the original trams. 24, which has yet to be rebuilt. I. Boyle

504 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Radical ‘ring’ Škoda unveils 28T low-floor tram for Konya Škoda’s first tram for Konya (Turkey) was Zal Shahbaz, Senior Vice President of unveiled on 29 October. The 100% low- Sales at Škoda, said: “Our readiness to plans for Zurich floor28T is the first of 60 to be delivered deliver the first tram in a record time is to the Anatolian city. The five-section a clear indication of our commitment The city authorities in Zurich, Switzerland have 32.5m vehicles can accommodate up to to provide competitive pricing and fast presented plans for the Rosengarten Tram that 364 passengers and have been designed to deliveries to our customers. will connect Milchbuck to Albisriederplatz, be like a light metro. Propulsion systems “We are very pleased to have met Konya’s forming a partial ring-route and relieving the have come from Škoda Electric. requirements and look forward to other city centre network of tram congestion. The bi-directional vehicles are similar challenges, given Turkey’s dynamic and Previously the project has been dogged to those supplied to Hungary’s Miskolc; fast growth, and committed investments by political disagreement over what would Škoda announced that it had won the in the development of rail transportation happen with the displaced road traffic, but the EUR105m Konya order in March. and urban public transport”. present scheme proposes a tunnel that would permit all but access traffic to be removed from Rosengartenstrasse, making it easy to accommodate a tram. The project will cost CHF860m (EUR770m) of which CHF220m (EUR179m) will be for the tramway. It could open in 2032. The 13.4km (8.3-mile) Limmattalbahn project from Altstetten to Killwangen-Spreitenbach, estimated to cost CHF670m (EUR545m), has now been granted a concession by the federal department of transport. If all remaining local planning and approval procedures go through, construction will start in 2017 with the first phase (Altstetten to Schlieren) as an extension of city route 2 in 2019. As further phases open, a dedicated new route will be operated with its own rolling stock and identity, as was done for the Glattalbahn. The first Škoda 28T low-floor tram for Konya, unveiled in mid-October. Škoda

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chicago KYIV 2013 in review Chicago’s rapid transit provision Mike Russell visits the Ukrainian Tramways & Urban Transit considers is undergoing a transformational capital and its tramway that is literally some of the key milestones in what rebirth, with both rolling stock and divided by the impressive River has been another impressive year infrastructure undergoing massive Dniepr. A few west bank street routes of growth for light and urban rail improvement programmes. As are complemented by the refurbished projects around the world. We the refurbished southern section express tramway, whilst infrastructure showcase some of the inspirational of the Red line reopens in November works on the east bank have led to schemes that are transforming 2013, Vic Simons reports from the opening of a new express line – all some the world’s greatest cities – the ‘windy city’. served by a variety of rolling stock. and look to the future. JANUARY PLUS... issue + The latest rolling stock orders and movements, new on sale technology, system developments and transport policy. December 20

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 505 Tel Aviv Tel Aviv: Integrated LRT – 120 years in the making

Cultural diversity, unrivalled historic importance, and an enviable beach city lifestyle: Tel Aviv has it all – and soon it will integrate a state-of-the-art LRT system. Project promoter NTA explains the developing light rail scheme for the city, including the design and construction philosophy.

or many visitors, Tel Aviv-Yafo subway system was planned, resulting in between Africa Israel, Siemens, the Egged Bus blends the best of European and one lone station being built beneath Shalom Cooperative, CCECC, Soares da Costa and Mediterranean cities. A variety of Meir Tower in 1967. At Prime Minister Golda HTM – was given a build, operate, transfer open spaces, diverse music and Meir’s behest, Shimon Peres, then Minister of contract in 2006. After four years of delays cultural events, easy walkability Transport, revived the scheme in 1970. resulting primarily from financing issues, the andF a lively café scene all contribute to the There was an approved and budgeted plan Israeli government nationalised the project, vibrant urban fabric of the metropolitan area. by 1973, but work on the initiative was halted handing it to NTA – Metropolitan Mass Structured with world-class architecture, by the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War. System Ltd – which is today responsible for driven as an economic and financial hub, Peres’ influence, however, helped shape the financing and performing project works via a and developing as a high-tech centre with an development and realisation of the scheme budget set by the State of Israel. internationally-renowned university known today. The programme was revived again in Fully government-owned, NTA was for its strength in science, technology and 1993 as part of Roni Milo’s mayoral campaign, founded in 1997 to provide effective mass linguistics, Tel Aviv is a cosmopolitan city which included printed election postcards transit solutions and relieve traffic congestion with its face towards the future. showing a map of the proposed system. problems in Israel’s central Dan Region. Last year, to provide for future growth and Upon Milo’s election, the Ministry Today it is spearheading a transportation development, the city broke ground on the of Transport established the Tel Aviv revolution for the Tel Aviv Metropolitan next phase of the Red line LRT system (most Metropolitan Area Mass Transit Authority Area and the entire Dan Region, supported utility diversions had already been completed to develop the initial concept and in 2000 by transport and engineering experts based on the at-grade sections), the first route of a the subway plan morphed into a more both within Israel and overseas. comprehensive modern transport network. economically feasible light rail scheme, and At the heart of this revolution is a network the project gained significant momentum. of advanced urban light rail services, A long and complex history The ambitious Tel Aviv mass transit project integrated with the region’s existing and The idea for a light rail system for Tel Aviv first is the largest infrastructure project in Israel future transport systems. Light rail will be a took hold as far back as 1892, following the today, overcoming a complicated funding driving force for economic, social and urban inauguration of the Jaffa (Yafo) – Jerusalem history. Previously envisaged as a private growth and will improve both the quality of railway. It wasn’t until the 1960s that a sector-funded scheme, MTS – a joint venture life and the environment.

506 / DECember 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Left: Integrating LRT into the NTA officials at the ground- BELOW: Tricky geological The project in detail city; an artist's view of a proposed breaking ceremony at conditions and restrictive space NTA is pushing forward with design and new pedestrianised portion of Em Hamoshavot in June 2013. constraints require innovative delivery, bringing together complex systems Jerusalem Avenue in Jaffa. construction methods for the to make the long-awaited system a reality. In Above right: Utility diversion underground sections for the Red taking on this challenge, NTA has the rare Above: Minister of Transport works in progress on Jerusalem line, at depths of up to 30 metres opportunity to develop an innovative new Israel Katz (centre left) with other Avenue in Jaffa. below street level. transit system, bespoke to the needs of the infrastructure and using the latest technology. The route for the Red line is one of the most heavily-used traffic corridors and has the highest population density. The line will pass through five municipalities (Bat Yam, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak and Petah Tikva, and in the future a sixth – Rishon Lezion), with an 11km (6.8-mile) underground section, consisting of 21.5km (13.4 miles) of tunnels to be built under the cities of Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and Bnei Brak. The transition from construction to revenue service will be carried out in phases. NTA intends to begin initial revenue operations on the at-grade sections, with services then advancing through the underground tunnels and stations as they are completed. Yet the project has not been without its challenges, as NTA Acting CEO Moshe Ben Alon explains: “Beyond the complexity of the work itself and the lack of experience in Israel, in this project we also have to deal with a lot of bureaucracy, statutory issues, legislation Creating a ‘new and modern era’ by commuters who have little choice but and legal demands. These issues are further The Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area has a radius to use private cars to access their places of complicated as the route of the Red line of 60km (37 miles), with a total population work and leisure and retail sites. Studies1 crosses through five distinct municipalities.” of 3.3 million, including around 440 000 tell us that this has been sustained through However, he sums up the optimism and within the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo itself. The poor planning of transport connections and confidence of the NTA team in meeting these metropolitan area accounts for 44% of existing networks, signifying the need for a challenges: “But despite all this, I believe that Israel’s overall population. thoughtful and comprehensive approach to the dream of Golda Meir and Shimon Peres to “A mass transportation system is the only mass transit. build a mass transit system for the greater Tel solution for the traffic problems in the Tel “The new mass transportation system will Aviv region will come true”. Aviv Metropolitan Area. Every year we see be a game-changer for Tel Aviv, its effects an additional 200 000 cars on the roads, felt throughout all sectors of the economy: Developing the network this means a further one million new cars in real estate, in the labour market, in social The Red line is the first of four planned LRT within five years. Without a good, modern services and more. This project is one of the lines, out of a total of nine lines on the mass transportation system, people in the biggest and most complicated ever carried network. The LRT lines will be joined by Bus metropolitan area will soon lose the ability to out in Israel, and it is being carried out in a Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, improving mobility drive or move on the roads at all,” explained very crowded area, in soft sand, with a high both within and to and from the region. Israel Katz, Minister of Transport. water table complicating construction of the Passing through five municipalities To meet the challenges this population underground elements. in phase one, and a sixth later in the growth puts on the region, the Government "When construction begins on 14 central Dan Region, the Red line will link major is acting to develop the city’s transport intersections throughout the metropolitan commercial, technology, industrial and system and improve the quality of life for its area, I’m sure that it won’t be easy for residential concentrations and facilitate residents. Buses are the predominant current residents but, as I said, we don’t have any the development of more and better mode of public transport, with the remainder other choice. I can promise that, after employment and investment opportunities. of the population using private vehicles to get the difficulties, we will have here in the NTA is confident that the line’s successful around. This dependence on cars has resulted metropolitan area, a new and a modern era introduction will serve as a springboard for in a congested road network, exacerbated of life,” Katz added. the future success of the system as a whole.

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 507 Tel Aviv

2 Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area

57 Netanya Transport Masterplan Intersection Haachdut Bridge Netanya Red – LRT Netania Staium Hashalom Bridge Green – LRT

Sappir Industrial Area Purple – LRT

Poleg Intersection Kfar Kfar Saba Brown – LRT North 553 Ra'anana Me'ir Saba Hospital Ra'anana Yellow – LRT Intersection

531 Blue – LRT Shivat Ra'anana Sokolov Nordau 2 Hacochavim West (Seven Stars) Herzlia Hod 40 Ta'as Hasharon Pink – BRT Hasira Hasharon Int. Herzlia Industrial Area Orange – BRT Herzliya Ramat 6 Marina 20 Hasharon 5 Glilot Kfar Hayarok Interchange Interchange 4 Light Blue – BRT

Ramat Gan Stadium Atidim Petah Tikva Tel Aviv- Kinyat Arye Segula Jaffa Bnei Brak Rosh 483 Ha'ayin Tel Aviv 2000 Jabotinsky Geha Int. Bnei Brak 40 Givat Shmuel Carlebach Ha Givatayim Intersection Shalom Kiryat Ono Hahagana Ramat Gan 471 Aluf Sadeh Interchange Tel Hashomer Yehud Legend 461 461 Mikveh Or Yehuda Yisrael 1 4 20 Azor Connection 40 between 412 6 LRT lines Hashiva Bat Yam Holon Interchange 1

Moshe Bet Dagon 1 Dayan Intersection Underground 44 LRT section

Lod Assaf Hamichlala Leminhal Harofeh Future LRT (College of Management) Beer section 20 Rishon Lezion Yacov Tzrifin Rishonim 431 Kiriyat Hamemshalah 431 Israel (Government Campus) Railways line 44 Nes Ramle Ziona

4 Rehovot 6 Connection

4 40 between LRT & Israel Rehovot Railways line

Kaplan Bilu Intersection A simplified map of the proposed transport network for Tel Aviv, adapted from NTA materials.

508 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Providing sustainable transportation is vital to the city’s future, making considerable improvements to residents’ day-to-day the wider network quality of life by reducing commuter times. Red line NTA has included the municipality of cities of Ramat Gan, Setting an example to other high-density Scheduled to open design and build of the Yehud–Monosson. Bnei Brak, Givatayim urban communities in the country, it will with initial at-grade Green line interchange to Holon junction. also cut vehicle emissions (improving air operation in 2018 and station at Carlibach, Brown line Planned to open in 2025. quality) and reduce levels of ambient noise. full line operation enabling future Green A 30km (18.5-mile) The westerly arm of The Red line will operate as a high- in 2021; the first LRT line connection, as part LRT alignment that this route has recently frequency urban rail service offering fast, alignment is 23 km of the Red line contract runs east-west to serve been confirmed as a efficient and comfortable connections at (14.3-miles), 12km of so work can begin the south of Tel Aviv, BRT route, designated beginning at a new as the . the highest level of reliability, anticipating a which is at-grade with following completion Light Blue line 33 stops at an average of the Red line depot near the Moshe demand in excess of 240 000 passengers per spacing of 500m at underground section. Dayan railway station Three BRT routes are day, or 70 million per year. street level, and 1km for and linking the towns of planned to open in The comfort and convenience of the the ten underground Purple line Beer Yacov and Ramle. 2017-2018 and will link end user is imperative to the success of stations. A depot and An east-west LRT Here the line splits with the LRT system. any transport project, drawing the public maintenance facility is alignment of around with a south-easterly The Pink line away from private transport options. NTA to be built at Kiryat Arye 34km (21 miles), branch and a link traverses the northern plans to procure a fleet of 85-90 vehicles in at the end of the north- with a central ‘spine’ north-east to Lod. area, beginning in Kfar total, with speed, efficiency, and reliability westerly spur of the line. that splits into two Saba and continuing branches just beyond Blue line on a segregated surface complementing the targeted 98% of services Green line the Shiba Medical A 21km (13-mile) alignment to Ra’anana arriving on time. Drawing from urban rail The main south-west – Centre in Ramat Gan. north-south line that and on to the Herzliya systems from around the world, the Tel Aviv north LRT alignment is Both branches begins in Rehovot and marina area. system will be designed around the passenger, an approximate 39km will operate as street runs north to serve Nes The Orange line is with thermal comfort and ease of use at the (24-mile) line with 64 routes, with the Ziona, Rishon Lezion, Bet a 16km (10-mile) forefront of rolling stock requirements. stops – four situated northern alignment Dagon and continuing loop that is primarily Bi-directional 70-100% low-floor vehicles, underground). running through to Holon Junction. isolated from the main with a driver cab’s at one end, will feature The line connects Petah Tikva and system and serving the neighbouring the city of Netanya in semi-permanent automatic couplings, the southern Yellow line metropolitan area industrial area to A 34km (21-mile) route the north. It is designed enabling a maximum length of 75 metres. with central Tel Aviv terminate close to the that runs on a surface to connect both sides The system will be able to operate at five- with connections to Israel Railway station alignment to serve the of the city across minute timetabled intervals for the at-grade the Israel Railways at Petah Tikva Segula. north-eastern section Highway 2 and will sections, where Line of Sight signalling network at Rishon The southern branch of the metropolitan only be connected to enables tighter headways. In the underground Lezion, Moshe Dayan, will largely follow the area including Herzlia the rest of the system sections, where the peak demand forecast is Holon Junction and Tel 461 trunk road and and Ramat Hasharon. through Israel Railways higher, signalling in the tunnel will make Aviv University. serve Or Yehuda and It will also connect the and bus services. provision for operating headways down to 90 seconds with timetabled services of Construction 2.5-minute intervals. works on the drained Under normal operation, responsibility underground section for driving within the tunnel sections will underneath Herzl rest with an automatic train operation (ATO) Street in March 2013. system, with a driver present in the front cab. The track layout features pocket tracks in some areas in the underground portion of the route to allow for turnbacks. As underground services demand up to 24 trains per hour, ATO is required to maintain service consistency. Journey times will be dramatically reduced from their current durations – the journey from Petah Tikva’s Beilinson Hospital to the centre of Tel Aviv will be reduced from 45 minutes today to only 19 minutes via the Red line, and the journey from Bat Yam in the south to central Tel Aviv’s Arlozorov Train intercalations of clay to silty sandstones permeability of the Kurkar geology and the Station will take a mere 28 minutes, instead (‘hamra’) and other finer grained sediments. volume of water required pumping from the of the gruelling 1.5 hours it takes today. This geological unit is found in the area excavation, the potential draw down effects Fare collection will be integrated with the and within the full depth of the station and impact on the surrounding structures in national AFC standard, utilising the Rav Kav excavations in four main generic zones, the zone of influence. smartcard system already used on buses, classed depending on the different degrees To overcome the issues with full Israel Railways and the Jerusalem LRT and of cementation of the sand materials. These dewatering, underwater concreting Haifa BRT networks. appear as loose, uncemented sand, behaving technology has been adopted for all the as weak rock, as the bands thicken with depth. stations. With underwater concreting the Geological challenges and The sand layers are also interrupted with majority of excavation is undertaken below environmental impacts bands of reddish firm to stiff clays and silts. the water level with a temporary lowering of Tel Aviv and the Red line route is on the This inherent variability in the the water inside the excavation to allow the coastal plain, underlain by challenging and ground conditions provides challenging installation of the support system. Finally, variable geology and ground conditions for geotechnical issues (strength, deformability the base plug and anchors are installed underground excavation – the selection of and permeability). When combined with underwater, requiring careful construction appropriate geotechnical design parameters the high groundwater table, there will be control and management to ensure the is vital for successful construction. a need to apply appropriate controls as excavation is watertight. The soils and rocks beneath the station sites construction proceeds. Once this process is complete, the comprise mainly of Quaternary sediments of Dewatering will minimise the effect of the excavation can be emptied of all remaining the ‘Kurkar Group’, which are of Pleistocene construction activities, although this brings water without further impact to the age, consisting of marine and Aeolian its own challenges. Full dewatering of the surrounding structures and construction of calcareous sandstones (termed ‘kurkar’) with excavations has been avoided due to the high the inner station can begin in dry conditions.

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 509 Tel Aviv

Once open, the system will have profound, significant and widespread environmental An artist’s impression of the new Tel Aviv Metropolitan benefits on the city and metropolitan region. Area Control Center (TAMACC), which will oversee all The potential exists to significantly reduce traffic operations in the metropolitan area. congestion and the reliance on private vehicles and buses that generate combustion gasses. For residents, the reconstruction of street environments will encourage urban regeneration, and the street landscape environment will benefit from improvements along the Red line route.

Structures and stations All stations and stops will be designed to concentrate pedestrian, taxi, drop-off/ pick-up, and bus transfer activities at the front of the station to reduce walking distances to intermodal transfers and platforms. Station footprints will be designed to reduce capital and operating expenses as well as to reduce emissions and negative environmental impacts. A common design philosophy is planned to enhance the passenger experience as well as providing easy maintenance. The project design aims will result in with full air-conditioning and real-time LRT routes which have close headways, like a recognisable family of components to passenger information systems. the Red line. While regenerated energy is distinguish the Red line. Materials and The stations incorporate familiar typically fed back to the power grid, on the designs reflect the light and bright materials components, and will be either ‘island’, Red line this will be fed back to the system found with the famous ‘white city’ Bauhaus side or staggered platforms, depending on as the traction power substations are not architecture of Tel Aviv dating from the 1920s site constraints and avoiding impacts to directly connected to the electricity utility. and commonality will allow for prefabrication, tree-lined boulevards above. Raising the modularisation and easier replacement during entrance stops above pavement level provides The result of a 120-year old dream construction and future maintenance. level boarding to trams, and ramps allow The introduction of a clean, modern, efficient There are ten underground stations in passengers to descend to pavement level. LRT system in Tel Aviv and the resulting very busy parts of the city, typically 121m There is also a control centre at Arlozorov, quality of life improvements will be the long by 20m wide on three levels: platform, an integral part of the Tel Aviv Metropolitan culmination of over 120 years of dreams and technical, and concourse. The current Area Control Center (TAMACC) which aspirations for this old-new city by the sea. proposal is to construct an outer box using includes control of all traffic in the They began with Tel Aviv’s early diaphragm walls to support the side of the metropolitan area, including buses, traffic designation as a Garden City in 1909, subsequent excavation, and then to excavate lights and emergency services. through the dream of Golda Meir to turn the within the boxes, installing steel props as city into a modern transportation hub, to the excavation proceeds until ground water Green technology the fulfilment of modern planning goals to level is reached. At this point, excavation The Red line has been planned with create a system that efficiently moves people is planned to proceed underwater until sustainability and green technology in mind; through and around the region, getting them the lowest point is reached, at which point it is designed to utilise regenerative braking, from homes to jobs to social scenes and back the approximately 2m-thick unreinforced which will allow the energy generated again safely, comfortably and efficiently. concrete plug is cast, with, if necessary, whenever an LRV is in braking mode to The project has gathered momentum in ground anchors to provide additional be utilised by another vehicle which is recent months as the Red line proceeds to the restraint against uplift. The overall depth of accelerating in the same electrical section, procurement phase. Rolling stock tendering excavation is in the order of 30m, but will leading to approximately 30% in total energy has commenced and is due to be followed vary from station to station. savings for the entire Red line. by tenders for the tunnels, stations and rail Each underground station has a minimum Regenerative braking requires optimisation systems in the coming months. of two entrances, with guardrails and of the operating plan and vehicle schedules inspection points for fare collection and so that, as far as possible, there are always 1 http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/ security benefits, minimising impacts to the two vehicles in the same electrical section – car-keys-can-t-leave-home-wthout-em-1.402223 street environment. With integrated lifts, one accelerating while the other is braking. they will also double as civil defence shelters, This is easier to accomplish with ATO and in All images reproduced courtesy of NTA.

The first formations of the tunnel sections in June 2013. The scheme is one of the biggest construction projects in Israel’s recent history.

510 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org To reach the global light rail, tramway, metro Suppliers and interurban markets, there is no better commerical platform for your organisation SERVICES than Tramways & Urban Transit. &

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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Comment Smarter thinking… For online payments visit: www.lrta.info/personal www.lrta.org and SportS www.tramnews.net carS for all at the weekendS

NOVEMBER 2013 N O. 911 TAUT editor Simon Johnston adds to our new comment section with a few thoughts on a whole new transit lifestyle.

ouldn’t it be great if we could all save thousands per year, have the appropriate and Given these facts, it surely makes sense to adopt a ‘pay as you GOLD COAST LRT: most attractive transport mode ‘on demand’, go’ attitude; we do this with mobile phones and internet usage. boost the local economy and save the planet at After all, transport should be a commodity in the same way as the same time? This may sound a utopian view, any other retail transaction, but cultural idioms in the western butW these options already exist and can prove very attractive world seem to place automobile ownership as key. if we all take a hard look at how we travel and what we expect As EV technology takes a greater hold and the infrastructure is ON TRACK FOR 2014 of that service. The traditional model of car ownership as a put into place in larger towns and cities (eventually, over a 15-20 Student membership available online only. ‘necessity’ just doesn’t apply any more… year period), this ‘new’ model grows even stronger in terms of Let me give an example. A close friend lives along one of the new the environmental benefits. Manchester Metrolink (UK) lines. When the line opened as far as The knock-on effects can be analysed in layers of depth St Werburgh’s Road in July 2011, and of course. Not owning a car means savings on garages and he saw how convenient it was to have a driveways (something in the UK that tramline a few hundred metres from his always adds thousands to the cost of a home, he and his wife started looking home purchase) and the adoption of seriously at their transport lifestyle. smarter land usage policies. Parking Not untypically, as two working spaces are expensive to build and parents with a young child, they had maintain, even for park-and-ride sites two cars. Their families all live in the at transit stops… Manchester area, along with most of This kind of future planning and their social circle, while he works in joined-up thinking is the way to the city and she about 55km (35 miles) drive new industries, increase public away – the coming of the tram proved transport ridership, save money and little short of a revolution. promote environmental initiatives. He now walks a few hundred metres Everyone wins. each morning to the tramstop, catches the ohSU (oregon health and Sciences University) So what are operators doing to Commercial members (12 issues) UK International the tram (dropping their daughter off at waterfront center for h ealth and healing in portland, promote this great ‘new’ transport school or the childminder en route oregon, has become an alternative transportation ), and lifestyle? Simply not enough. walks a few hundred metres at the other hub comprised of the tram, bicycle parking and a stop While some offer ‘bike clubs’ and on the p end. His wife takes the opportunity ortland Streetcar line. here, commuters park organisations like Brompton Dock offer their bikes and take the Streetcar into downtown, to work from home more (she says she folding bike hire in major cities, more a ten-minute ride. Ken Hawkins gets more done) and catches the tram needs to be done between operators into the city, then the train into work to promote inter-modal exchange and three days a week with a second-hand “This kind of joined-up with car and bike clubs. foldable bike to get from the station. thinking is the way to drive Transportation shouldn’t just be For journeys not covered by Metrolink, about moving people from A to B, £54.00 £67.00 feeder bus services offer a wealth of new industries, increase we need to offer true ‘end to end’ reasonable options. capability and make it simpler and Selling both of their family-sized ridership, save money and easier to use mass transit services. cars has brought in GBP15 000 (EUR17 And for those who claim it will 700) in immediate cash, but also saves promote environmental decimate the car industry – a major a combined GBP7400 per year in the employer in most developed countries associated costs of vehicle ownership initiatives. Everyone wins.” – think of it this way: Would car (fuel, tax, insurance, servicing and manufacturers rather rely on less stable maintenance, car parking etc). Even with the addition of public markets of consumers changing their transport season tickets, the savings are dramatic. cars infrequently, and fields full of vehicles waiting to be sold, If they do need a car now, they are part of a car club and or upon large banks of car clubs that guarantee to buy fleets of alongside other hire firms choose the vehicle they need or X-hundred model cars each year? St Louis: 20 years of bi-state operations desire for weekends away or leisure/work trips. This gives extra Driving new, sustainable, and greener economies through flexibility to their lives so they can have a convertible during public transport as a wider more cohesive social force in the Invoices available for Commercial membership only. Shanghai tramway plans progress the summer, a people carrier for school netball team trips or changing modern world can effect many of the changes that birthday parties, or a van for moving and carrying. governments around the world seek. It just takes a little vision. Recent surveys in the US and Europe have shown the average TAUT Editor Simon Johnston has a background in transport, Philadelphia’s ‘doomsday’ rail plan car spends 90% of its time parked and also that 30% of traffic on automotive and technology journalism dating back almost 15 minor roads in towns and cities – that means either expensive years, contributing to newspapers, periodicals and websites car parks, frustration and/or delays and the risk of scratches and across the world on a wide range of topics. His specialities include Record entries for Light Rail Awards scrapes. The latter again has the potential to incur further cost. new technologies, closely followed by his interests in promoting

£3.80 environmental initiatives, urban development and 'smart cities'. Linz Urban planning System integration LRT’s role in French cities examined www.tramnews.net pays dividends . www.Irta.org JUNE 2013 / 233

233_TAUT1306_Comment_SJ.indd 1 08/10/2013 16:02 04/05/2013 15:39 For online payments visit: www.lrta.info/commercial TAUT1311 Cover.indd 1

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Forename...... Surname ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Address ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Now in its 76th year, Tramways & Urban Transit is the �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ...... Postcode ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely to light and urban rail developments. We deliver I enclose a cheque £ ...... payable to ‘LRTA Subscriptions’ comprehensive news and analysis, incisive technology Please complete this form and send it with your payment to: LRTA Membership features and key interviews each and every month. Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 511 Integrated networks Why high-speed plans need urban transport investment to succeed Paul Dawkins, Technical Leader – Rail at GHD, explores the arguments for a better overall return on investment if urban transport development is linked with that of high-speed rail.

or the last three decades, the UK principles set out in the Passenger Demand network, which is much more plausible, has steadily been reintroducing Forecasting Handbook (PDFH). This was particularly for the southern section between light rail to its major cities (adding met with the challenge from some quarters Birmingham and the South East. to the sole survivor in Blackpool as that the PDFH assumed that time spent on The other argument used to support the well as the Manx Electric Railway an interurban element of a public transport high-speed concept is that there is only Fon the Isle of Man), even though funding journey was time lost. a small incremental cost associated with has often been an issue, with cities having However, with improved communications designing for 350km/h (approx. 220mph), to fight for what has been made available networks it is now possible to stay in touch or even 400km/h (250mph), over 200km/h by central Government through the likes of whilst travelling, in addition to being able (125mph). This may be a simplification, but Regional Development Funds. to select from a number of other options it is widely acknowledged that it is not really At the other end of the scale, it has proved which have always been available on long conceivable that a modern railway would difficult to establish a clear business case for train journeys, such as conversation, reading, be built for 200km/h running in this day the high profile HS2 high-speed rail project writing, thinking, resting and the taking of and age. from publicly available material. The initial refreshments. Likewise, it can be argued that the duration hype was justified originally, it is believed, The raison d’etre for HS2 is now, more of the ‘inter-city’ element of a journey is on the basis of the value of a minute saved realistically, based on the forecast need for not as important as the reliability of the in accordance with the time-honoured additional capacity on the national rail timetable; the ability to get to the mainline service from the point of origin quickly and reliably; and the ability to get to the final destination easily, quickly and reliably. The argument put forward here is that GBP40bn-plus (approx. EUR47bn), with the risk of further increase, could buy a significant amount of relatively low cost urban transport infrastructure as well as funding a more limited HS2 initial stage. If money were no object then we could have both, but the UK still has a huge budgetary deficit to address and money remains tight, so the argument is perhaps how much of which should come first, interurban or urban. Properly planned and co-ordinated radial and orbital urban public transport networks, accessible at the extremities by park-and- ride facilities and integrated with cycleways and walking routes, would go a long way toward adding additional capacity to public transport corridors and shortening overall door-to-door journey times.

Urban transport working well Transport for London is in a unique position within the UK by virtue of having at its disposal a commonly branded bus network, the London Underground and now a London Overground rail service which comprises elements of the radial and orbital heavy rail routes in the capital, all of which are accessible through use of the Oyster card. Unlike in most provincial UK cities, London buses are used by virtually all socio/ economic groupings, but that is probably because many provincial cities treat buses as an almost necessary evil to be tolerated – and the attractiveness of the service reflects that. The Tyne & Wear Metro was developed ahead of Bus Deregulation in 1986. When it opened it was claimed to be the hub of The UK’s high-speed rail ambitions are the UK’s first integrated public transport important, Paul Dawkins argues, but must system. Metro was intended to cover trunk be linked to urban transit developments to maximise the once-in-a-generation journeys, while buses were reoriented toward opportunities offered by the scheme. GHD shorter local trips, integrated with the Metro schedule to bring passengers to and from

512 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Why high-speed plans need urban transport

Metro stations. Integrated ticketing and HS2 and a common branding were used to make a Manchester investment to succeed Metrolink will journey as seamless as possible. Much was made at the time of the Tyne & benefit from Wear Metro’s interchange stations such as each other with a proposed new Four Lane Ends and Regent Centre, which high-speed combined a large parking facility with a bus station adjacent and Metro station. to the existing Public transport networks in European Piccadilly cities, especially Zurich, have long been station, examples of best practice in this repsect. The facilitating easy principle in Zurich is that nowhere within interchange to the metropolitan area is more than 500m Metrolink across the Greater from an access point to the network of buses, Manchester trams, Stadtbahn, U-Bahn or mainline Swiss region and local Rail network. It is noted that Zurich operates rail services. a road user charging system, but frankly the Neil Pulling public transport system is so reliable and easy to use that it seems unlikely that anyone would prefer to use a car.

Principles for public transport For example, the redoubling of 12km to create value in the overall plan. It therefore success (7.5 miles) of the Great Western Mainline to follows that development of plans for urban Journey time is not necessarily the prime Penzance between Burngullow and Probus transit in parallel with the Hybrid Bills will be factor in selecting a mode of travel. Possibly has removed the potential of a ten-minute required. Such plans need to be developed by more important to potential customers are delay which could cascade across the country the regions and supported by HS2 so they can the following factors: given the fact that Cross Country services run claim the benefit from the predicted returns Comfort, reliability, safety and security over the section. More recently, a flyover north to the economy. Ease of use through: of Hitchin has removed the conflict between Accessibility through wide network Cambridge-bound trains and southbound Finally, a suggestion coverage East Coast Main Line (ECML) services. It is suggested that HS2 should provide a source Simple, logical integrated ticketing systems The quadrupling of Welwyn Garden of funds for Local Authorities (LAs) and Local Uniform branding for ease of recognition Viaduct, which would have a major impact on Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to undertake Well-co-ordinated connections the capacity of the ECML, is not currently on studies of the local impact and how benefits Value for money. the agenda as far as the author is aware. The can be maximised in their own context. These factors apply universally. There is point here is that there are ways of adding It is currently difficult for LAs and LEPs to nothing more irritating than not knowing capacity which would be less damaging find the funding for such studies, although what tickets are valid on what service, so a environmentally than the full scope of they will become critical to informing the unified, integrated approach is a must. There HS2 – and that may create more widespread debate around the Bills and the Business is no reason why this cannot be delivered benefits. Perhaps a better option would be to Case benefits the HS2 project can claim. The with private sector involvement, but there develop a framework of projects into which a formation of the HS2 Growth Taskforce by is a benefit to keeping a common branding, high-speed spine would effectively fit as the the Treasury is therefore welcomed. Aspects as is seen with London Buses. The industry final part of the jigsaw. of its remit are consistent with the arguments can attribute revenue fairly amongst the And let’s not forget freight. Demand for presented here: mainline train operating companies and more freight paths has been increasing and is How HS2 can be used as a local catalyst for it should be relatively easy to extend this forecast to continue over the coming decades. economic growth and regeneration process across all modes. This is one good argument in support of The potential to use the buying power So what is the thrust of this argument? developing a high-speed passenger railway, to of HS2 to improve supply chains and The need to reduce the journey time of the free up capacity on the West Coast Main Line manufacturing capacity across the UK interurban element of a journey can be for freight on its heaviest demand corridor. How the UK Government can make British challenged as it represents the element where industry ready to respond to the time can be put to good use as described Summing up opportunities and maximise employment earlier in this article. The emphasis needn’t be one or the other; potential. It is far better to develop comprehensive what is needed in the UK is a strategic national urban networks that link effectively to a approach that recognises that high-speed high-speed or classic interurban system as and classic mainline passenger and freight about the author this is where a more significant contribution networks and urban systems are mutually can be made to the overall journey. These dependant. The case for the development Paul Dawkins is actively engaged benefits could be delivered incrementally of urban systems alongside HS2 and/or in the UK and Australian light rail sectors, having held posts within, say, ten years, if the will was there. existing network capability and capacity including Project Engineer for enhancements is too compelling to be London Tramlink and Engineering Building new or making the most of ignored. Grand national visions are enticing Team Leader for Transport for what we have? – and historically have created a sense of Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Team. Meanwhile, there is still potential for national pride – but these need to be optimised Gutteridge Haskins Davey (GHD) is one of improving the capacity and capability of the alongside other projects to guarantee success. Yarra (Melbourne) Trams’ long-term framework national rail network. Around 15 years ago The need for individual projects should be consultants and is currently assisting in the the industry developed a portfolio of projects analysed in the context of benefits and best redevelopment of Preston Workshops having recently successfully completed the redesign of aimed to provide small improvements, value, but not necessarily in isolation. The Domain Interchange. including track redoubling, new turnback HS2 business case, when fully developed, will GHD is also contributing to the Gold Coast Light facilities, grade separation of junctions, only work if the destinations served have the Rail project as outlined in detail in TAUT 911. platform extensions and the like. ability to facilitate the local benefits required

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 513 Grooved rail to carry you far into the future

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TS_Rail Sector Ad_Revised.indd 1 25/09/2012 08:57 Kaliningrad

The first new PESA Swing for Kaliningrad in late A New hope for 2012.Transphoto.ru Kaliningrad trams Recent years have seen the closure of many routes in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, however the introduction of new low-floor trams could signal an end to system decline. Witold Urbanowicz spoke to Mayor Aleksandr Yaroshuk.

he history of Kaliningrad trams dates back to 1881, with electric traction introduced in 1895, making this the oldest system in modern Russia. Yet, like many Tother cities in the nation, policies in recent years designed to create additional space for cars to ‘solve’ traffic congestion have seen a Far left: The massive reduction in tram services. appalling state of both The 21st Century started with a process trams and track in the of reducing the narrow-gauge network – city caused concern including removing tracks from Pobedy over the future of the Avenue, Nevsky, Gorky, Suvorov, Frunze ability to maintain and Gagarin streets – with the last tramline services. V Volkov withdrawn in July 2012. In 2001 the city had 52km (32 miles) of tramway, now 12.5km (7.8 Left: Kaliningrad miles) is served by the two remaining lines. Mayor Aleksandr Yaroshuk. In October 2012, a three-section low-floor PESA Swing tram was presented in the city’s As one PESA tram is already in service 2014-15 we will start buying new trams. main square, and it has already made a big Q – what are your initial impressions? Maybe we will create a joint-stock company impression on Kaliningrad citizens used to Only two Russian cities use the narrow [with PESA] for maintenance and production Soviet-era Tatra trams and a few secondhand A gauge (1000mm) and we have old tracks so that these trams can be sold more widely German trams bought in the 1990s. on which the tram service is maintained. We in Russia. The city had to look elsewhere for a tram chose a vehicle that meets the demands of the manufacturer as Russian companies focus on local infrastructure without the need for What further plans do you have for the wider 1524mm Russian standard gauge extensive track modernisation. Amongst all of Q public transport, especially as The first newSwing 121NaK was officially the manufacturer offers, we chose PESA. Kaliningrad is one of the host cities for brought into operation on line 5 on 28 You can talk a lot and make promises, but the 2018 World Cup? December 2012, and at 15cm wider than we like to check how the vehicle performs. We want to completely change the the existing fleet it required minor track For just under a year we have used this tram A scheme of public transport and the line layout modifications in three places. Half and are very satisfied in terms of its technical layout by 2015. We are also actively of the cost of the vehicle – EUR1.45m – was characteristics and how it has met the introducing new trolleybuses and buses and covered by the regional authorities. promises of the manufacturer, who declared we want to renew the whole bus fleet. As modernisation plans continue, PESA it would be quieter, ride better and cope well appears well-placed, although a cheaper with our curves. In most Russian cities tram routes overhaul of the existing trams – including Based on the experiences we have gained we Q are closed to make way for cars adding low-floor sections – by a company would like to change all rolling stock by 2018. – what are the experiences in your city? based in Minsk hasn’t been ruled out. It was the same here in the 1990s, It is also believed that this contract So when do you hope to order the A however we have stopped this process helped open the doors for PESA in Moscow, Q next batch of new trams? and we want to modernise what is left of which ordered 120 trams from the firm in We have sent an application to the federal the system. co-operation with Uraltransmash in June, A programme to receive money from the with deliveries to begin in March 2014. state for such an order and I think that by Will you construct new tramway Q lines in the future? That is in our plans, but this is a serious Remaining Kaliningrad tram routes A financial commitment and undertaking. First we want to focus on accelerating 3: Ulitsa Basseynaya – Festivalnaya alleya – Sovetskij prospekt – ploschad Pobedy – ulitsa passenger journeys and this can only be Chernyakhovskogo – ulitsa 9 aprelya – Moskowskij prospekt – Oktyabrskaya ulitsa – ulitsa Bagrationa – achieved with dedicated and separated tracks Leninskij prospekt – Yuzhnij vokzal (right of way) and increasing the speed of the 5: Ulitsa Basseynaya – Festivalnaya alleya – Sovetskij prospekt – ploschad Pobedy – ulitsa trams. We will also use the experience of our Chernyakhovskogo – ulitsa 9 aprelya – Moskowskij prospekt – Oktyabrskaya ulitsa – ulitsa Dzerzhinskovo – alleya Smelykh – Myasocombinat colleagues in Gdansk, who have already dealt with these issues.

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org decEMBER 2013 / 515 Bielefeld

Neil Pulling reports on a German light rail systems system under continuing Bielefeld development, including the prospect of trams once again running through factfile GERMANY No. Bielefeld, city centre streets. 75 Germany

Newest and oldest twinning also represented on vehicle around the lines that converge in, and ielefeld is on the classes, Vossloh 5013, ‘Rochdale.’ mainly under, the central area. main railway between Kiepe-HeiterBlick Branded moBiel, a full subsidiary To clear the roads of track and Dortmund and Hannover, Vamos 5009 and of city-owned Stadtwerke Bielefeld shorten journey times, tunnel Düwag M8C 557 about 110km (69 miles) has been responsible for local public construction began in autumn 1969 at Rathaus on 10 equidistant from September 2013. transport since 2000. It also has a and the first underground section, both.B Unlike many major cities in All pictures by quarter-share in the regional railway 250m in length and including Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) state, Neil Pulling. company, WestfalenBahn, and is a Beckhausstrasse stop on today’s line it has an upland site and does not partner in the area’s VVOWL transport 2, opened in September 1971. The merge with other large communities. planning and tariff group. Of moBiel’s official transition toStadtbahn came With a population of around 330 000, 56.5m passengers in 2012, 32.77m in April 1991 upon the complete (lines it is the prosperous main centre of (58%) travelled on its light rail system 1-3) tunnel opening, with continuing Ostwestfalen-Lippe region. designated Stadtbahn. Including the installation of high platforms for level Textiles began industrialisation night service, there are over 70 bus entry to new vehicles. Street boarding in the city, the economy now being lines in the network. remains, notably along the small- broad-based with about a quarter Similar to Frankfurt (Main) and Köln town surroundings of Brackwede of the workforce in manufacturing. in putting tramways below ground Hauptstrasse where line 1 extends south Several internationally significant when modernising, the fundamental of the main ridge to Senne, but high companies have headquarters here, difference in Bielefeld is scale. Only a platforms predominate overall. Folding including construction suppliers small part of the 34.7km (21.7-mile) steps on Stadtbahn vehicles make the Schüco and the bakery-brewing metre-gauge system and seven stops are two platform heights compatible. conglomerate Dr. Oetker. underground. The tracks radiate from The system is a mix of shared street Bielefeld also remains a garrison for the city centre, just north of the main running, reserved space on or alongside the reducing British Army presence Teutoburger Wald ridge. Over 60% of roads and separate alignments. Many in Germany, host to the Rochdale the municipal area is classified as green locations are fitted for turning stock Barracks, named after a town- space, with forest and hills prominent before the line termini.

516 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org

THE FLEET

The advancing Stadtbahn project hastened departure of Düwag GT6 and GT8 trams to Łódź, Innsbruck, Mannheim and Würzburg in favour of new bi-directional Düwag M8C, batches from 1981 and 1986. Depleted by withdrawal (Łódź again a customer), this is now the oldest type. For the same operational capability, single-cab Siemens-ABB M8D delivered 1994-1999 pairs run back-to-back. These can be supplemented by an intermediate MB4 trailer, five bought to handle line 4’s opening. The three-section, 35m bi-directional Vamos (‘Let’s go’) is built by HeiterBlick in Leipzig with Vossloh Kiepe electrical equipment. A EUR47m order for 16 (options on 25 more) was placed in 2009 with deliveries in 2011-12. Public operation began in December 2011. The body bulge above the platform-edge level gives a 2.65m width (other stock width is 2.3m) which, with five double-doors per side, makes it ideal for line 4 loadings when operating in multiple. Capacity is 162 standing, with 68 fixed and folding seats, the trams also feature air-conditioning and 12 information screens that include transfer information at impending stops. Replacing orange and white as on M8C, the standard livery is now all-over white with orange and blue detailing.

ABOVE: Street boarding M8D stock at Brackwede Kirche, future terminus for some line 1 services if line 5 is implemented.

LEFT: Paired Vamos for heavy line 4 loadings: 5008 and 5007 at Universität.

BELOW LEFT: The three-platform upper level at Hauptbahnhof, the largest underground Stadtbahn stop.

BELOW: A system pinch- point – the running lines, siding and junction between Landgericht and Rathaus.

“The transition to Stadtbahn came in April 1991 upon the complete (lines 1-3) tunnel opening, with high platforms for level entry to new vehicles.”

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 517 Bielefeld

Line 2 terminus and interchange, Sieker is also the location of the moBiel depot. There is no covered connection between Bielefeld Hbf and the Stadtbahn’s Hauptbahnhof.

Rebuilt from a loop and with park and ride facilities, Milse has been prepared for a new extension.

Greater width above platform level helped create the spacious interior of the Vamos.

The Stadtbahn was developed from just to the west. Minor compared to The factory the electric tramway that first opened Hauptbahnhof, there is one other arch on Nikolaus in 1900. As it grew, lines focused in designated heavy rail interchange, a Dürkopp Strasse network facts Berliner Platz, now titled Willy Brandt signposted walk at Brackwede Bahnhof. will gain traffic if Opened: 1900 line 4’s terminus is Platz. The main Stadtbahn convergence Immediately south of Rathaus are relocated. Lines: 4 differed, becoming linear and in a different aspects of the system. Line 3’s Distance: 34.7km (21.7 miles) tunnel between Hauptbahnhof (the Stieghorst arm sharply diverges east Depots: 1 largest underground stop, a 150m walk near the platform ends, entering from the DB station entrance) and Nikolaus Dürkopp Strasse, a section Approx. weekday hours: Rathaus where platforms are on the retaining a traditional tramway 05.00-00.30 southern tunnel ramp. All four regular appearance. In contrast, towards Main frequency: 10 minutes lines operate between these stops, with Landgericht is a delta junction and a Gauge: 1 000 mm intermediate Jahnplatz’s long, single holding siding between the running Stops: 62 island platform providing the easiest lines where line 4 vehicles are turned Power: 750V dc overhead supply interchange. back, a severe constraint for restoring

Hauptbahnhof has two track levels, service disruptions. A plan to solve this Fleet: 76 with city-bound lines 1 and 2 on the problem with a new line 4 terminus, City network: moBiel single lower platform 4 and the rest ‘Dürkopp Tor 6’ off Nikolaus Dürkopp above through platforms 1-3. The Strasse, has met with local opposition. INFORMATION configuration results from complex Added in April 2000 and the City network: www.mobiel.de track separations for the junctions shortest normal service, line 4 was Future transport plan: www. of the northern lines. These all extended at the northern end between zukunftmobielefeld.de reach the surface amongst suburban Universität and Lohmannshof in Area network: www.vvowl.de surroundings, whereas Rathaus 2002. Serving the modern campus Civic and tourist information: features the bustle of the city centre, and with adjoining multi-storey www.bielefeld.de the rebuilt historic core of which lies car parking and covered walkways,

518 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org

The Bielefeld system as of June 2013; future line 5 will run from Heperholz in the west and through the main Rathaus interchange, then continue around the outside of line 1 (with an interchange at Bethel/Gadderbaum) and on to Sennestadt in the south. Courtesy of moBiel

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 519 Bielefeld

“Further conversion to Stadtbahn standard was part of the rebuilding of Detmolder Strasse, completed in April 2011.”

Universität is the most elaborate of the 7.2km (4.5 miles) from the eastern TOP LEFT: In a gap services. With high demand and surface stops. As with schools around Heepen district, through the city via of railway, road and infrastructure limits, vehicle capacity the system, the university clearly has a Jahnplatz, curving south to connect Stadtbahn, Bethel will is important. All three types run strong influence on peak loadings. with an existing junction near be a line 1 terminus, in multiple within the same class. with line 5 trams Further conversion to Stadtbahn Adenauer Platz. Infrastructure modifications were continuing to Senne. standard was part of the 37-month With surface trams to replace and needed to accommodate the larger rebuilding of Detmolder Strasse. restructure several bus routes, new line ABOVE LEFT: Vamos vehicles delivered from 2011, Completed in April 2011, this brought 5 low-floor vehicles would also replace Reducing reliance on currently confined to lines 2 and 4. greater road and track segregation the Stadtbahn beyond Bethel, although buses on the east-west The special fare ‘OldtimerBahn’ along the main south-eastern city line 1 would continue to Brackwede axis, line 5 will return runs between Senne and Sieker with approach and here line 2’s Sieker Kirche during peak periods. Extension trams to Jahnplatz. 1962 Düwag GT8 814, returned after terminus and interchange is next to beyond Senne to Sennestadt is also over 25 years as Innsbruck 53: visit the ABOVE: One of the combined bus and tram depot envisaged. moBiel offices or see the website for several rail-only and works. There is rail access from Lines 1-4 each have ten-minute surface alignments, more details. both ends of the site, the northern frequencies through most of the line 3 between Using a specially-fittedGT8 rebuild, connection joining line 3 near Sieker day. Numbers from 10-upwards are Luther Kirche and ‘SparrenExress’ is a party tram Mitte where it changes from street used for end-of-day moves or special Sieker Mitte. operation. running to a rail-only alignment to Stieghorst Zentrum. As at all termini, there are adjoining bus stops. essential facts The original Milse terminus loop was remodelled in 2008 to double Local travel: If using DB’s NRW EUR5.60 (single) ‘9 Uhr Tages Niederwall from Rathaus stop track and a park-and-ride site added. SchönerTagTicket (EUR28.50 Ticket’ – a day ticket valid after with a moBiel office nearby: multi- This is in preparation for extending single; EUR39.50 for up to 5 09.00. Tickets are available from language, high quality materials persons per day) to reach Bielefeld, moBiel offices (main centre at from both. Sparrenburg Castle line 2 by 1.2km (0.75 miles) and two as from Dortmund or Düsseldorf Jahnplatz Stadtbahn) or platform tower is uphill from Landgericht stops to Milse Ost for serving an airports on Regional Express 6, machines; no onboard sales. and there are many industrial expanding residential area. this covers moBiel. Locally from What is there to see? The tourist museums. The main public events In July 2013 approval in principle EUR1.50 short trip, EUR2.30 office in the Neues Rathaus venue is Alter Markt, the old prior to seeking finance was given normal single. Best value is building is a short walk north on market square near Rathaus. for line 5. This would run for

520 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org NOW AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM THE Approved by Network Rail MANUFACTURER Cert No. PA05/01732 ROSEHILL RAIL

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Rosehill Anti-Trespass_TAUT Advert.indd 1 05/11/2013 14:11 Auckland

Auckland’s importance to New Zealand’s economy makes its Auckland’s transport arrangements more than just a local interest. Years of planning are about to yield much-needed rail future improvements, as Neil Pulling reports.

eveloping urban transit for the demands of New Zealand’s biggest city reached a significant point in August 2013. The arrival of the first of 57 new DElectric Multiple Units to work Auckland’s rebuilt suburban railway promised imminent upgrading of vehicle quality and of the service itself after years of ‘making do.’ Rapidly growing in number and area, Auckland was home to a million people by 1995, with a further 50% of that total added since then; around one-third of New Zealand’s population now lives in the metropolitan area. Auckland’s pro-rail mayor Len Brown, re-elected in October, identifies that a million more residents are expected over the next 30 years. The city’s complex water-fringed site includes a curving neck of land connecting the bulk of North Island with its northern extreme, mainly the Northland region. The isthmus funnels transport routes including the railway south of the city. Part of the 1067mm (3 ft 6 in) national network, this North Island Main Trunk (NIMT) section carries infrequent long- distance passenger trains, growing freight traffic and an arm of the suburban service. Track north of Auckland is freight-only Staff on hand to promote then-imminent TA HOP cards for rail use; this was track level at Britomart Transport beyond Waitakere on today’s suburban Centre on 25 October 2012. network. North Shore passenger connections are by ferry and bus, with the section, Auckland remained unwired. It now times. The first test beyond the newly-built Northern Busway beyond the harbour uses diesel multiple units or locomotives plus Wiri depot in south Auckland took place in bridge opening in 2008. stock, the former coming second-hand from early October. Re-opened to passengers in Auckland is not unusual in having an Western Australia with the latter including 2010, the short Onehunga Line will be the urban service grafted onto infrastructure re-gauged ex-British Rail Mk 2 coaches. first to change to EMUs during April 2014. created for the wider railway system. Under the Developing Auckland’s Rail Other lines will be added up to 2015, by However, relatively low capacity has become Transport (DART) project, the physical decline which time all units are due for operation. ever more unsuited to Auckland’s own needs. was arrested, alongside raising the profile With rail use already increasing, AT expects After a series of reorganisations, including for public transport. The ongoing NZD1.6bn that the new service will further encourage privatisation, New Zealand’s railway was (EUR974m) for suburban modernisation and public transport use overall. Increased re-nationalised as KiwiRail in 2008, restoring expansion includes about 80km (50 miles) of ticketing integration is another stimulus, stability and investment. It is largely freight- electrification with 25 kV ac overhead supply, with growing cross-mode coverage by the only, as long-distance buses hold the surface resignalling, station rebuilds and the new AT HOP stored value card. public transport role. Very high car ownership trains. The new three-coach multiple units allowed for public transport neglect, yet this from CAF, which also has the maintenance has further exacerbated delays and pollution. contract, will increase individual train F BRITOMART The nation’s capital, Wellington, and capacity by 40%. Transport Centre Orakei Auckland retain suburban rail services, the The initial order for 38 was increased to 57, F former with 1.5kV dc overhead supply. In allowing for them operating most services, spite of the NIMT having a central 25kV ac with better frequencies and shorter journey

Newmarket F

Remuera Waitakere Swanson Ranui Sturges Henderson Sunnyvale Glen Eden Fruitvale New Lynn Avondale Mt Albert Baldwin Morningside Kingsland Mt Eden Grafton F F Road F Road F F Avenue Eden Park Greenlane Ellerslie F Ellerslie Racecourse F

522 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org With platform and access improvements under After city centre display, the CAF EMU mock-up Decked for Halloween 2012 events, Melbourne SW6 way in October 2012, DC class locomotive 4035 went to MOTAT in September 2012. 893 on the dual-gauge line between the MOTAT sites. propels SD stock into Otahuhu in south Auckland.

The system is currently designated as four lines: Western, Southern, Eastern and Onehunga. Some outer sections will remain outside of the electrification project, although campaigning has begun to extend to Pukekohe, about 50 km south of central Auckland. Rail’s main presence in Auckland’s Central Business District (CBD) that clusters around the north-south spine of Queen Street is Britomart Transport Centre. Behind the classical frontage of the former main post office, a short walk from the ferry quays and many bus stops, Britomart opened in July 2003 as the public transport hub. Rail’s five-platform terminus layout occupies an underground site approached from the east by a 425m tunnel. In spite of diesel traction, fumes are handled reasonably well, but noise can be oppressive: electrification will be specially welcome here. The inherent problem of services turning back at Britomart should end with a 3.4km (2.1-mile) underground City Rail Link extension to Mt Eden where it will join the present Western Line. Linked to ridership targets and with a potential 2020 opening, national funding support was announced in July for the project. Twin bores will extend from Britomart’s outer tracks, with three intermediate stations added. Former Melbourne X1 466, car 257 on the now suspended Dockline service. Envisaged for future tram A slender presence of trams coverage, Viaduct Harbour and CBD can be seen in the background. Trams brought the first electric rail traction to New Zealand. Once the main public A popular and functional exhibit, a 2km heritage collection to operate. The base is the transport for a much smaller Auckland, the (1.25-mile) line at the Museum of Transport Great North Road site which also houses the electrified system lasted from 1902 until and Technology (MOTAT – www.motat.org. ‘I Am The Last Tram’ exhibit documenting the 1956. Subsequently two short tramways have nz) connects the two museum sites with an city’s tramway. been installed, both geared to urban tourism, intermediate stop for Auckland Zoo. MOTAT’s In contrast to MOTAT, the Dockline Tram rare in a country where the great outdoors is Western Springs Tramway has dual 1435mm has led a troubled life since opening in the main attraction. and 1219mm gauges to allow more of the August 2011. Dubbed with some justification by a local politician as a “tram to nowhere,” the track is a 1.5km (0.93-mile) circuit in the Meadowbank Wynyard Quarter redevelopment site. This KEY includes the former Gaunt Street tram depot, Transfer station for bus services Eastern Line to Auckland Airport now used for buses, with two hired Glen Innes F Southern Line Train Interchange Station ex-Melbourne trams using a new facility. Built to standards for running modern light Western Line F Fare Stage rail vehicles, the project was conceived to Panmure Onehunga Line F Note: a 2 Stage fare applies between Papakura and Pukekohe extend to the neighbouring Viaduct Harbour before reaching east along the waterfront to Sylvia Park link with Britomart and the CBD. Penrose (1&2) Manukau F Dockline Tram’s future became uncertain Mt Smart Stadium however after falling well below the target of 10 000 monthly passengers. Far from Penrose (3) Westfield Otahuhu Middlemore Papatoetoe Puhinui Homai Manurewa Te Mahia Takanini Papakura Pukekohe Mt Smart F F F F F attaining the expected budget-neutral Stadium performance and with the Council’s Waterfront Auckland development agency Te Papapa withdrawing subsidy, services are suspended until October 2014, ostensibly due to F Onehunga building works.

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org december 2013 / 523 Worldwide Review

ARGENTINA BUENOS AIRES. Metro line A was extended from Carabobo to San Pedrito on 27 September. urbanrail.net

AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE. A second H class tram has been overhauled at Glengowrie depot after the success of the trial heritage service on the Glenelg line in August using 351. LAUNCESTON. Plans have been unveiled for a 1.2km (0.75- mile) heritage tramway along Lindsay St on the North Bank redevelopment area. ‘The Examiner’ MELBOURNE. The first of eight pop-art liveried W trams, 925, was unveiled on 30 September. It will be used on the City Circle, and the others will be distributed around Yarra Trams’ depots. Routes 19, 57 and 59 were cut The new extension of tramline T4 in Lyon passes a new development of high-density housing on its way to Part Dieu. Y. Allain back from 5 to 9 October to permit tracks on Elizabeth St to be relaid is being rebuilt by a green for a further 3.6 km (2.2 miles) to making it the first metro line and the installation of three new propulsion company as a testbed Águas Claras. to cross the city boundary into accessible stops. for a diesel-electric/battery A new 24.2km (15-mile) line 2 Jiangsu province. In a further rolling stock powertrain. T-2000 between Lauro de Freitas Avenue Completion of the CNY1.85bn modernisation project, the 132 LIEGE. There are three consortia and Bonocô Avenue, with 13 (EUR224m) elevated extension, B class high-floor articulated cars in the bidding for the design, stations, will also be built. with three additional stations, are to receive an interior refit in construction and equipment of Construction is anticipated to take takes the total length to 72km a programme costing AUD4.4m the new tramway, led respectively 42 months. RGI (44.7 miles), making it the city's (EUR3m). J. Chuang by Alstom, Bombardier and CAF. longest metro line.urbanrail.net, IRJ SYDNEY. A stabling area Final offers will be invited in CANADA to accommodate up to four trams November and a contract awarded OTTAWA. On 9 October the CZECH REPUBLIC has been created in the former in May 2014. T-2000 mayor announced a CAD500m PRAHA (Prague). Permanent Rozelle freight yard, near Lilyfield OOSTENDE. All the Hermelijn (EUR355m) plan to extend light changes to the tram route network tram stop. TA low-floor trams borrowed for rail east from the Blair terminus dating from 29 June are: 2, Petriny the summer were returned to of the line under construction, – Stresovice – Dejvická – Divoká AUSTRIA Antwerpen or Gent by the end of to Place d’Orléans, instead of a Sárka; 4, now peak periods only; 5, WIEN (Vienna). 134 E1 six-axle August, except for 7267, which will busway. He also wants to expand Podbaba – Nám Republiky – Flora articulated trams remain available spend the winter on the coast. O-train service south from – Úsredni Dilny; 7, cut back from for service, a number that will T-2000 Greenboro to Bowesville. Úsredni dilny to Cernokostelecká; be reduced as A1 low-floor cars Construction of the 2.5km 8, diverted via Letenské nám 92-131 enter service in 2013/14. BOSNIA (1.55-mile) city centre light rail and Strossmayerovo nám; 11, Line U6 station SARAJEVO. Tram and trolleybus subway started on 11 October. extended from Olsanské hrbitovy Philadelphiabrücke was renamed services came to an abrupt ‘Ottawa Citizen’ to Spojovaci; 13, new line Nám Bahnhof Meidling from halt in the morning peak on TORONTO. TTC is proposing Bratri Synkú – I. P. Pavlova – Flora 5 October, affecting buses and 30 September for several hours to allocate line numbers for its – Cernokostelecká. trams calling here also. as utility EPBiH cut electricity subways as follows: 1, Yonge - Metro cars 2159+2213+2429+ The new year will see the start supply owing to an unpaid bill Spadina; 2, Bloor - Danforth; 3, 2637+2504 are now used as a of a EUR335m project to refurbish of BAM332 000 (EUR170 000). Scarborough RT; 4, Sheppard. heritage train on special occasions. the infrastructure of line U4, Local government initiated talks Under this system the Eglinton The city council has approved much of which dates from the to resolve the problem, but GRAS subway/surface light rail would plans for the 10km (6.2-mile) Stadtbahn era. EB has outstanding bills of over become line 5. metro line D to serve the southern BAM100m (EUR51m). VA Gazette Utility work that caused the suburbs of Lhotka, Libus, Nové BELGIUM temporary closure of tramlines Dvory and Písnice. The new ANTWERPEN. The tracks of BRAZIL 509 and 510 on Queen’s Quay line will connect with line A at lines 2 and 3 in Merksem was FORTALEZA. The 12.4km is running six months behind nam Miru and line C at Pankrac. modified from 2 September, to a (7.7-mile) metro East line will be schedule, so re-opening is unlikely The target for passenger service new alignment avoiding Abrelaan; built by a consortium of Acciona until next summer. is 2022. BS 250m of track in Bredabaan was and Cetenco Engenharia, using The first trial with a coupled upgraded from the depot link to four Tunnel Boring Machines, set of Bombardier Flexity low- DENMARK regular tramway. T-2000 under a BRR2.3bn (EUR760m) floor trams (4401+4402) was on KØBENHAV N. The 27km (16.8- BRUXELLES/BRUSSEL. Den contract awarded in October. RGI 10 October. Normally this will mile) light rail line Ring 3 from Haag has purchased 30 PCC bogies SALVADOR. A 30-year PPP happen only if a disabled tram Lundtofte to Ishøj via Lyngby, from withdrawn 7700-series trams. concession for the USD4bn needs to be rescued. E. B. Havens Gladsaxe and Glostrup will cost In early October just eight trams phase 2 of the metro expansion DKK3.9bn and should carry its remained in the old yellow livery: has been awarded to CCR. CHINA first passengers in 2020. 7718/24/9/55/7/9/61/2. T-2000 The contract covers a 5.6km SHANGHAI. Metro line 11 was Plans are being developed for a HAN-SUR-LESSE. Diesel autorail (3.5-mile) line 1 extension to extended 6km (3.7 miles) from branch from Glostrup Station to AR145 of the Grottes de Han line Acesso Norte, and preparation Anting to Huaqiao on 18 October, Lufthavn Kastrup. BT

524 / DECEMBER 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org FRANCE Bremen for the first time in 32 WUPPERTAL. Car 22 was the and now operates Leidschendam AMIENS. Egis Rail has been years and will be restored by a last of the existing fleet of Leidsenhage to Delft Noord awarded a EUR200m contract local group. The tram has been Schwebebahn trains to receive (Nieuwe Plantage) using double- to build the new tramline. part of the HSM collection at heavy overhaul, in September. ended RandstadRail cars. The four Completion is planned for May Wehmingen. DS New stock will arrive in 2015. newly-converted brine cars have 2019. A. Senut DRESDEN. Although Tatra trams Schwebebahn service had to been painted in yellow and grey BESANÇON. The second CAF were withdrawn from regular be suspended after 18.40 on 17 works car livery. digitaltram.nl tram, named Freres Lumiére, service three years ago, a three- October when an 80m section of ROTTERDAM. The introduction arrived on 13 September, and the car set of T4D can still be seen on power rail became detached and of the winter timetable from 2 third, Colette, on 27 September. schooldays on route 11, 14.00 from fell on vehicles passing below. September saw the re-introduction A. Senut Trachenberge depot, and then Passengers were evacuated from of trams along Coolsingel, with LYON. Two extension projects 14.45 from Zschertnitz. DS car 22 by the fire brigade. Service a relocated Beurs stop, and the can be seen on line T3. Between DÜSSELDORF. Rheinbahn is did not resume for a week. DS re-entry into service of some Décines Grand Large and Meyzieu about to issue tenders for the 700-series trams as overhauls start a triangular junction has been supply of 40 new 30m high-floor INDIA on the first series ofCitadis ; 717/41 installed for the future branch to Stadtbahn cars for delivery in HYDERABAD. The first are now regarded as museum cars. the 60 000-seat Grand Stade (due 2017-19. They will replace the last prototype stainless steel metro car On 16 September Marconiplein for completion in 2015). This 600m, of the 1980s GT8SU cars and are from Hyundai-Rotem was put on was cleared for routes 4, 8 and 23 EUR33.7m, branch will include a expected to cost EUR3.5m each. display on 2 October; 171 cars in to resume normal operation. Route subway under Avenue Jean Jaures. The last GT8SU in regular 57 three-car trains will serve the 24 is cut back from Vlaardingen The branch will be used when there passenger service in red-and-white 72km (44.7-mile) elevated line, Holy to Schiedam Woudhoek are events at the planned stadium livery ran on 11 October. DS with the first phase operational from 9 September to 1 December with trams providing a one-stop KARLSRUHE. It is now in April 2015. Series delivery will for infrastructure work. Work at shuttle service to and from Part- expected that light rail service start in March. A. Bailey Kruisplein split routes 4 and 8 into Dieu Sud with metro interchange between Heilbronn Harmonie KOLKATA (Calcutta). The two parts from 30 September to 17 to line A at Vaulx-en-Velin - La Soie and Neckarsulm will open on 15 Esplanade – Tollygunge tramline November. (where two additional platforms December, with 2km (1.24 miles) 29 re-opened on 10 October after Metro sets 5220/4/51/62/3/7 have been built). of railway alignment between seven years of suspension while have been scrapped. OR Meanwhile, a short extension Kaufland and Neckarsulm Hbf various authorities argued about UTRECHT. Completion of beyond Meyzieu is being built reclassified from EBO to tramway relaying the track. ‘Times of India’ trackwork permitted SUN trams to a park-and-ride site, Panettes. regulations to permit use of MUMBAI (Bombay). T he to revert to Jaarbeursplein Here TCL customers will have ET2010 dual-voltage LRVs that opening of the first section of terminus from 2 September. 600 spaces, while another still await their EBO certification monorail, 8.8km (5.5-mile) Remaining ex-Wien sets 3200 parking spaces will be for (deliveries had reached 936 by the from Wadala to Chembur, 4905+1941+4929, 4916+1937 customers attending events at end of September). BS was announced for the end of +4925 and 4948+1935+4943 Grand Stade, with bus shuttles KASSEL. It is confirmed that the November. A. Bailey are back in use providing express providing the link. E. Stuart timetable change on 15 December service at peaks. OR MARSEILLE. B omba rd ie r will see coupled tramsets on route INDONESIA delivered the first of six 42.5m 1 at peaks, and the use of RegioTram JAKARTA. T h e m e t r o NEW ZEALAND seven-section Flexity Outlook low- sets along Holländische Strasse groundbreaking ceremony was CHRISTCHURCH. After delays floor trams for network expansion (where tracks were relaid in the held on 10 October. The 15.7km erecting the overhead, the first on 17 October. The existing fleet summer with wider clearances). BS (9.8-mile) line will connect the part of the heritage tramway to of 26 trams is five-section cars. IRJ MANNHEIM. Variobahn 4149, city centre with the southern be restored after the February RENNES. On 1 October Siemens loaned to Bombardier as a Primove suburb of Lebak Bulus, on a half 2011 earthquake (New Regent St signed a EUR178m contract with test car and also used in Augsburg, underground and half elevated – Canterbury Museum) was due to Rennes Métropole to supply has returned to its home system. alignment. Construction is being re-open in the week commencing project management, track, It carries an all-over livery as the financed in part by a JPY125bn 28 October. The full loop will be electrification andTrainguard MT Bombardier ecotram. DS (EUR940m) soft loan from Japan. available in March 2014.’ CBTC signalling for the 12.6km MÜNCHEN (Munich). On Public service should start in the (7.8-mile) VAL automated metro 1 October the Bavarian safety first quarter of 2018. RGI PANAMA line B. The line links the south-west authority finally issued an PANAMA CITY. The first test suburb of Mermoz with Champs unrestricted permit for the use IRELAND run on the new metro was carried Blancs in the north-east; work is of the Stadler Variobahn type S DUBLIN. Works are scheduled to out on 13 September. The 13.7km due to be completed in 2019. RGI trams. DS commence before the end of the (8.5-mile) line was 92% complete TOULOUSE. The new 3.4km NORDHAUSEN. The EUR1.8m year on utilities diversion for the at that time, and should carry (2.1-mile) Garonne tramline from depot rebuilding project was Cross City extension. passengers in the first quarter Les Arenes to Palais de Justice completed with a ceremony on of 2014. RGI was energised on 7 October and 7 October. LATVIA the first trials carried out ten days The new timetable from DAUGAVPILS. The first new POLAND later. Passenger service is planned 15 December sees weekend tram Belkommunmash low-floor bogie GDANSK. ZKM has ordered five for 20 December. A. Senut services reduced to a 30-minute tram was delivered on 25 September, 128NG double-ended Jazz Duo frequency. DS and started trials fitted with a 100% low-floor trams from PESA GERMANY PLAUEN. With two new trolley pole while work to convert for PLN43m (EUR10.3m), for AUGSBURG. The new trackwork Bombardier Flexity low-floor the overhead for pantograph delivery in 2014. The 29.7m five- at the rebuilt Königsplatz was first trams entering service, KT4D 234 operation continues. DS section cars will carry 28 seated visited by the track scrubber at the has been sold to a private museum and 179 standing passengers. end of October. Services revert to group in Zeulenroda. DS NETHERLANDS Gdansk has previously bought their normal routeing with the ROSTOCK. Tatra T6 810 has been AMSTERDAM. Leidesestraat PESA Swing trams. December timetable change. DS withdrawn after an accident. BS was relaid during the period ELBLAG. The first of the ex- BERLIN. Further GT6 trams STUTTGART. Financing has 16 September to 15 November, Augsburg Duewag M8C trams, refitted with new electrical been agreed for the EUR70m, 3.1km with trams on routes 1, 2 and 5 rebuilt by Modertrans with a equipment and renumbered are (1.9-mile), extension of Stadtbahn diverted. Eight-axle trams 782/5 low-floor centre section, arrived 1008/14/7, now 1508/14/7. BS line U6 from Fasanenhof-Ost and 810 have been withdrawn for on 18 October. DS BREMEN. Works car AT3 to the airport by 2018, with a scrapping. OR TORÚN. M Z K h a s (delivered from Lindner 1941 as major cost being a new bridge DEN HAAG. From 7 October awarded PESA a PLN92.5m motor tram 281) has returned to across the motorway. DS route 19 was cut back at each end (EUR22m) contract to supply

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2013 / 525 Worldwide Review

12 low-floor articulated Swing codenamed ZEBRA, were in proposed GBP100m (EUR117m) temperature of around 14°C. If metre-gauge trams in 2015. Six use by mid-October, when the Belfast Rapid Transit project which successful, the technique would will be three-section cars, and six new signalling system became was approved by the Stormont cut both heating and maintenance will be five-section. An alternative operational. 7005 was to follow. Executive last year. Although costs and reduce disruption for bid from Solaris was rejected. RGI Of the 1980s stock, Be4/4 16 originally proposed as a tramway, Subway passengers. and 17 are to remain in reserve, it is more likely that the scheme LONDON (CABLE CAR). RUSSIA while ASm is hoping to buy a would rely on Bus Rapid Transit. Passenger numbers on the NOVOSIBIRSK. The first motor car and driving trailer, EDINBURGH. Tram testing Emirates Air Line Thames cable Belkommunmash type 62103 and CJ the other four motor cars. began between Gogar depot car service have nearly halved tram was delivered on 12 October Driving trailers 113/4 have been and Edinburgh Park Station on compared to those in the Olympic as 3122; ten more are on order, scrapped. A. Moglestue 8 October and will continue Games period, leading to calls though nine of these will VISP – DISENTIS (MGB). The until the service is operational. for the London Mayor to decide incorporate parts from withdrawn first two of 11 low-floor trailers Crossings of two roads are whether to allow the use of Oyster KTM-5 trams. transphoto.ru ordered from Stadler entered protected by traffic lights and and other travelcards or whether service on 11 October. The pedestrian crossings, which have the cable car should be operated SAUDI ARABIA new cars include a wheelchair- been brought into operation. purely as a tourist attraction with RIYADH. T h e G B P 75 m accessible toilet. RGI Councillor Lesley Hinds, the commensurate fares. (EUR88.7m) contract for the design city’s Transport Convener, has LONDON (UNDERGROUND). of metro lines 4, 5 and 6 (64.6km, TURKEY confirmed that the target for Bids have been called for to cover 40 miles) with 25 stations, two GAZIANTEP. Comsa EMTE services to be launched is now the design of new stations on depots and seven park-and-ride has been awarded a EUR20m May 2014 but this could be the Underground’s Northern sites) has been awarded to a contract to build the third stage brought forward if the testing, line extension to Battersea. The consortium of Atkins and Typsa. of the city’s tramway network, commissioning and driver extension from Kennington The BACS consortium, selected the 6.5km (four-mile) line to the training programme allows. includes two new stops, at Nine to build lines 1 and 2 (63.3km, northern suburb of Ibrahimli. RGI The testing phase between the Elms and Battersea. 39.5 miles) has contracted with ISTANBUL. Commuter rail service Gogar depot and Edinburgh Park Next year marks the 150th Siemens to supply 74 Inspiro metro through the 13.6km (8.5-mile) Station will eventually see more anniversary of the Paddington cars, arranged in two and four-car cross-Bosporus Marmaray tunnel than 150 test journeys along the to Hammersmith branch sets for driverless operation. RGI was inaugurated on 29 October. line each day (five days per week). (Hammersmith & City line) A 3.2km (two-mile) trail path and to mark the occasion SPAIN UKRAINE that skirts Carrick Knowe Golf Transport for London is asking MALAGA. The authorities have DRUZHKIVKA. F r id ay 6 Club, connecting Station Road in for experiences and anecdotes decided the 1.8km (1.1-mile) city September saw the reopening of Corstorphine to the Balgreen tram for a commemorative book. centre section of the light metro the tramline to Farforovyi Zavod, stop, is to be upgraded by City Submissions are required by the subway from Guadalmedina to served by re-extending route 2 of Edinburgh Council to allow end of this year. La Malagueta will not be built, every 13 minutes 06.23-17.08. local residents to walk or cycle to MANCHESTER. Tram testing on and instead the line will run The former double track is now the tram stop. The path formed the Oldham town centre Metrolink 300m beyond Guadalmedina, singled and the peak run-out part of the former Corstorphine line started at the beginning of to a new terminus at Atarazanas, on the system has now increased branch railway that has previously October, initially using trams saving EUR108m. Service as far from a low point of one in 2004 to only partly been brought up to 3067/69 on overnight tests under as Guadalmedina should start in seven KTM-5. K. Kozlov standard as a cycleway. police supervision. These trams December. Junta de Andalucia KHARKIV. Former Praha driver- GLASGOW. P i o n e e r i n g were stabled at the new Mumps training T3 trams 5506/9 have technology is to be used to convert stop when not needed for tests. SWITZERLAND entered service here as passenger ingress water from the Subway Passenger services on the CASTIONE – CAMA (SEFT). The trams 3050/49. into a sustainable heat source. extension will begin next year, concession for this 13km (eight- Water ingress has always been a with four new stops at Westwood, mile) line has been cancelled and UNITED KINGDOM problem to the 117-year-old line. Oldham King Street, Oldham the last train ran on 27 October. The BELFAST. A cross-party Glasgow Caledonian University Central and Oldham Mumps line previously carried BM passenger Stormont Committee report is scientists are to work with (which will also have a major new service between Bellinzona and to recommend privatising part Strathclyde Partnership for park-and-ride site). The line’s final Mesocco until 1972. EA of Northern Ireland’s public Transport to develop an effective extension from Rochdale station FRAUENFELD – WIL (FW). transport network. It will also method of harvesting heat from to Rochdale town centre, although New Stadler Abe4/8 LRVs 7001-4, suggest moving forward the the water, which already has a substantially complete, has yet to

Solaris has delivered the first new low-floor Tramino to the The rebuilt Stadtbahn-B cars , originally built by a consortium of Duewag , Siemens and Kiepe, are now German system in Jena. Solaris appearing in the German city of Köln (Cologne). M. Vogelfanger

526 / DECEMBER 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org The first Belkommunmash BKM62103 partly low-floor tram to be delivered to the On the morning of 8 October, tram 267 made a gauging run from Gogar depot to just Latvian city of Daugavpils makes a powered run with a temporary trolleypole beyond the Edinburgh Park Station tram stop; here clearances are seen being checked while track re-alignment and rewiring for pantographs is in progress. L. Gaybovich at Edinburgh Park Central between the platform and the tram’s doorway. Mike Haddon see intensive testing but is also systems in use by public transport Network Rail’s Durham Coast Executive Nexus, supported by likely to open early in 2014. operators in the area. The heavy rail line. operator DB Regio Tyne & Wear), Satisfaction with Manchester’s new CityCard would be widely • South Shields to Doxford Park improvements to the radio system tram service has fallen over the available and would have the with low-floor trams and on-street in use on the network (Nexus), last two years. More than 60% ability to have individual operation. and the emergency door release of Metrolink passengers feel the operators’ card offers incorporated. • Newcastle city centre to West handles on the Metrocars tram service doesn’t offer value The smartcard system is part of a Newcastle, as previously proposed (DB Regio Tyne & Wear, supported for money and is also poor for GBP1.5m (EUR1.76m) scheme with low floor trams on-street. by Nexus). service reliability, crowding and of improvements Nottingham • South Hylton – Washington – information on delays. City Council is funding through Pelaw as a Metro extension part- USA Only six car diagrams now government grants. using the former Leamside railway ATLANTA, GA. The 4.3km (2.7- require the use of T68/T68A SOUTH YORKSHIRE. Tram, bus alignment with a new alignment mile) city centre tramway will trams and these only occasionally and rail users have all said they are through Washington town centre. open for passenger service next run in multiple. New trams up to happier with the service than 12 • Gateshead town centre – Team April, and free rides have been 3074 had been delivered by early months previously. Satisfaction Valley with low-floor trams on- promised for the first three months October and subsequent deliveries on Stagecoach Supertram is street. of operation. E. B. Havens will have six extra seats installed. rated at 89%. Current tram usage • Gateshead town centre – BETHESDA – NEW MERSEYSIDE. Proposals for averages 44 000 passengers per Metrocentre with low-floor trams CARROLLTON, MD. M TA a Combined Authority for the day, or 15m journeys per year. on-street. planners have signed a legal Liverpool City Region have been TYNE AND WEAR. Passenger • Howdon – Cobalt Business agreement with the influential submitted to the UK Government. Transport Executive Nexus is Park – Northumberland Park, Columbia Country Club at Chevy Creation of the new authority firming up plans to extend the using a former railway alignment Chase that removes a major source is supported by all six local Tyne and Wear Metro network, as connecting the two sides of the of opposition to the proposed authorities in the region, as well well as to eventually introduce a Metro Coast loop with possible light rail Purple line in return for as by Merseytravel and the local new fleet of vehicles. Some seven extension north towards Blyth and relocating the alignment to avoid business community. corridors have been identified Ashington in Northumberland. most of the club’s golf course. NOTTINGHAM. T he R a i l based on technical feasibility Nexus is exploring potential E. B. Havens Accident Investigation Branch and demand forecasts and these funding sources. BUFFALO, NY. The LRT line has has made four recommendations would be operated in more than The Rail Accident Investigation lost around 25% of its passengers following the fatal accident one mode depending on their Branch has issued its report on the due to disruption caused by between a tram and a young person configuration, meaning a fleet of fire that took place on a Metro train city centre works to re-introduce on the Bayles and Wylies crossing both high-floor and low-floor cars, in January. The train was travelling traffic to the Main St tram and at Bestwood last November. the latter for on-street operation. from South Shields to St James pedestrian precinct. The 12-minute They cover the manner in which As part of the GBP389m when it experienced an electrical headway has been stretched persons in the path of a tram are (EUR455m) renewal programme of fault soon after leaving South to 20 minutes to accommodate audibly warned; the marking the existing network, the current Gosforth station. A fire developed the work. E. B. Havens of the boundary of pedestrian fleet of Metrocars is undergoing under the rear vehicle of the two- CAMDEN – TRENTON, NJ. 14 crossings of tramways; the three-quarter life refurbishment, car train as it came to a stand, October saw the opening of the prompts to pedestrians to look for which will allow a further life and smoke entered the passenger USD40m interchange between approaching trams; and the best of perhaps ten years. Nexus accommodation. Although there the diesel LRT line and the Atlantic means to illuminate pedestrian is considering a dual-voltage were 45 passengers aboard they City line at Pennsauken. A crossings to avoid glare that could specification for new vehicles, were all safely detrained, although 280-place park-and-ride site is affect the ability of pedestrians to which would allow Metro to the protection system associated included. E. B. Havens detect approaching trams. operate on the existing network, with the electric power supply CHICAGO, IL. The Dan Ryan rapid The crossing, covering both on Network Rail electrified routes, to the train did not operate until transit line re-opened as planned tram and rail tracks, was closed by as well as potentially on street. 45 seconds after the fault started on 20 October after infrastructure Network Rail in February and is to be Corridors identified as having and there were problems with the refurbishment. E. B. Havens replaced by a pedestrian overbridge. the most potential for light rail communications system. CINCINNATI, OH. The five new An ‘Oyster’-style system for use are: The RAIB has made CAF Urbos double-ended 100% buses, trams and trains is likely to • Sunderland to Seaham, through recommendations covering the low-floor trams for the USD133m be introduced in 2014, although extension of existing joint fault in the line breaker (to Tyne city centre tramway will carry it may not replace individual card running beyond Sunderland on & Wear Passenger Transport an orange, grey and white livery,

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2013 / 527 Worldwide Review

unveiled by the Mayor on 7 in 2004. Catenary-free technology SALT LAKE CITY, UT. Test General Manager, Tony Hill, is October. The orange colour will will now be examined. E. B. Havens running on the Sugar House hoping that more trams could be match that formerly carried by MINNEAPOLIS, MN. The latest Streetcar central area modern operated in service on weekdays the city’s PCC cars. E. B. Havens plans for the Southwest Corridor tramway began on 17 October, in and more displayed for inspection KANSAS CITY, MO. CAF USA light rail line to Eden Prairie feature readiness for the opening of the outside the confines of the depot has been awarded a USD17.9m a bridge sandwiched between two line on 8 December. E. B. Havens buildings. He is also hoping that contract for four Urbos 3 low-floor shallow subways at the Kenilworth SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BART). the Glory Mine terminus can trams, an extension to the order for pinch point. However on 15 With the 60-day cooling-off period become accessible to passengers five trams placed by Cincinnati. October State Governor Mark expired, negotiations between wishing to alight there, either for The trams will be assembled at Dalton ordered a three-month management and unions on pay the views or for tram photography. Elmira Heights, NY, and delivery delay on the project to scrutinise and pensions failed to achieve There will also be a number of will take place before the end the environmental impact. an agreement on 17 October, so events to celebrate 50 years of of 2014, to permit passenger The city council has voted for a a strike started the following day. operation at the Crich site. service on the 3.5km (2.2-mile) modern tramway as the preferred BART has been spending Some work has been undertaken city centre circulator in autumn alternative along the Nicolett and USD400 000/day on providing on recently-acquired Blackpool 2015. A mock-up has been Central Avenue corridors. The trans-bay buses for the morning 762 and it was taken for trial trips displayed in the city. E. B. Havens 5.4km (3.4-mile) line is estimated and evening peaks. No resolution on the line at the end of September. LOS ANGELES, CA. The owner to cost USD200m; federal funding seems to be in sight. ‘SF Gate’ It is hoped the tram will join the of The Grove shopping mall has will be required. E. B. Havens SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). operational fleet in 2014. started studies to see if the battery- OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. On From 4 October a three-car LRV DEN HAAG (NL). The five- powered tramway can be extended 24 September the city council set was operated in peak service as year restoration project on HTM off the site to the proposed Purple approved the 7.2km (4.5-mile) line S between Embarcadero and interurban centre-entrance line metro station at LACMA. city centre tramway circulator. St Francis Circle. E. B. Havens motorcar 58 has been completed. Work has started on the 38km The USD130m project is planned SAN RAFAEL – LARKSPUR, CA. digitaletram.nl (23.6-mile) extension of Metrolink to open in 2017. E. B. Havens The FTA has awarded the diesel LRT KINGSTON, NY (US). 1936 commuter rail service to Perris. PHILADELPHIA, PA. The project development approval for Brooklyn and Queens Transit USD170 000 has been set aside for reconstruction of the Schuylkill its Small Starts grant programme. prototype PCC 1000, the only a study of transit alternatives along River bridge was completed in SMART hopes to obtain USD2.5m such car built by Clark Equipment Van Nuys Blvd. Tramway is one of time for the re-extension of light for development work on and with aluminium bodywork, the options. J. May, E. B. Havens rail service to Norristown from the project. SMART is already has been listed on the New York MEMPHIS, TN. A USD2.2m 11 November. E. B. Havens building the Santa Rosa – San State register of historic places. federal grant has been approved to PHILADELPHIA– Rafael section of line, for It is being restored at the Trolley refurbish the Main Street heritage LINDENWOLD (PATCO). completion in 2016. E. B. Havens Museum of New York. E. B. Havens tramway. E. B. Havens The first pair of refurbished cars RIVERSIDE, CA. This city east SKJOLDENAESHOLM (DK). MIAMI, FL. Planners have revived were due to be delivered on 11 of Los Angeles has commissioned 150 years since the start of plans for light rail to link Miami November, with an eight-car train a USD300 000 study into a tramway operation in Denmark and Miami Beach, with a nine- available by the end of the year for 19km (11.8-mile) tramway along (København horse trams, 22 month study to update work done acceptance trials. J. W. Vigrass Magnolia Avenue. The city was October 1863) were marked by a served by Pacific Electric service cavalcade of all operable trams at until the 1940s. E. B. Havens the Danish Tramway Museum. SHS TUCSON, AZ. The first powered daylight run with a United CONTRIBUTORS Streetcar tram took place on Worldwide items for 3 October. The second tram consideration should be sent to arrived from United Streetcar on Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin 15 October. E. B. Havens at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, WASHINGTON, DC. T he Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK – Fax: shutdown of government services +44 (0)1983 862810 or e-mail from 1 October saw an immediate [email protected]. 25% reduction in metro patronage. UK and Ireland items are WMATA has launched a study welcomed by the Home News into the feasibility of a 14.5km Editor, John Symons, 17 Whitmore (nine-mile) north-south tramline Avenue, Werrington, Stoke- from Takoma in the northern on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail suburbs to Buzzard Point in the [email protected] south. This could replace four bus Contributors this month include routes that together carry 60 000 Mike Ballinger, Colin Brown, Mike passengers/day. E. B. Havens Haddon and Eric Pounder. Acknowledgements are also due MUSEUM NEWS to Birmingham Mail, BS Blickpunkt BLACKPOOL (UK). Two further Strassenbhan, digitaltram.nl, DS restoration-project trams have been Drehscheibe Strassenbahn, EA transferred from the Lancastrian Eissenbahn Amateur, EATMS, Transport Trust premises to the Edinburgh Evening News, Irish Rigby Road depot home of the Times, IRJ International Rail Journal, heritage fleet – BlackpoolStandard Manchester Evening News, MTMS, double-deck 143 and Railcoach 279. Nottingham Evening Post, OR Op De These movements are in advance Rails, Ottawa Citizen, RGI Railway of the proposed charity being Gazette International, Seaton established to ensure the continued Tramways, SF Gate San Francisco preservation of these vehicles. Chronicle, SHS Sporvejsmuseet CRICH (UK). The fall in visitor Skjoldenæsholm, T-2000 Tram numbers over the last few years is 2000, The Examiner, Times of India, to be tackled in 2014 by improving TA Transit Australia, Transphoto. the attractiveness of the museum ru, urbanrail.net, VA Gazette, during the whole week. The new Wolverhampton Express & Star.

528 / DECEMBER 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org SAFE • RELIABLE • VERSATILE • FLEXIBLE ERECTING CATENARY AND CONTACT WIRES - THE SRS WAY

THE BASE VEHICLE SRS wiring ‘trains’ are based on a single 26 tonne SRS road rail wiring unit. It carries two hydraulically operated cable drum carriers and is fi tted with wire manipulating rollers both fore and aft. The drum carriers are designed to dispense wire at up to 75% full tension. They can push wire out and reel it in. The manipulating rollers move both laterally and vertically, and horizontal rollers within the roller assembly allow two wires to be dispensed simultaneously, one above the other. This versatile vehicle may be used for many different wiring tasks. Typical is its incorporation in an SRS ‘train’ for putting up catenary and contact wires together.

Using four vehicles, the SRS wiring train eliminates the Using this SRS procedure: need for temporary rollers and slings. The vehicles are: Kinks and wire deformation are virtually eliminated because One 26 tonne SRS wiring unit wires are run at 75% full tension. Also wire run at 75% full tension is unlikely Two 17 ton SRS mobile elevated platforms (MEWPs) to roll over. Thus the task of chasing and fl ushing out twists is removed. A single run through to check the groove is usually suffi cient. One 17 ton SRS scissors platform Sag between rollers and temporary tie wires is minimised They proceed, at half span intervals, as follows: by running near to full tension reducing the risk of kinks and protecting 1. The base vehicle carrying two cable drums, one with catenary and the wire from the damage or contamination which may occur if it one with contact wire. This moves along the track dispensing both touches the ground. catenary and contact wires simultaneously, the catenary above the Flaking is made easy by the variable resistance of the hydraulic contact wire. drum, particularly at the start of a new run. 2. The fi rst MEWP with the catenary wire running in a purpose Correct positioning is ensured by hydraulically controlled guide made grooved roller which is fi xed to the MEWP basket. It can be rollers which may be manipulated both vertically and horizontally so positioned precisely by moving the basket so that the linesman can that wire may be run out as close to the required route as possible clip it directly into the catenary clamp on the contact registration arm. Pulling or towing wire out is eliminated because the drum can ‘pump’ wire out. 3. The second MEWP follows. This time the contact wire is running through a purpose made grooved pulley fi xed to the MEWP basket. Safety is ensured by guide rollers which completely encompass the Again it is positioned by moving the basket and, if the span is long, wire so that it cannot jump free, important for the safety of following fi xed to the catenary by a temporary wire. linesmen. 4. Finally, the scissors platform follows closely, carrying droppers to be It is possible to dispense wire at 5 kph. Speed is usually clipped to both catenary and contact wires limited by the rate at which linesmen can work.

This is just one of many wiring tasks which SRS vehicles can perform with their highly trained and motivated operators. Tell us the task. We will provide the tools and the people.

INTERNATIONAL HIRE & SALES To hire or buy road rail at its best call: +44 (0) 870 050 9242, email [email protected], or visit our website www.srsrailuk.com

SRS0079_CateneryAndContactWires_210x290mm.indd 1 20/05/2013 20:32 Letters

Mailbox Get your views into print Letters should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. [email protected] +44 (0)1733 367615 We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication.

High-floor vs. low-floor: Has Manchester chosen the wrong route?

It was heartening to read in your special supplement how the Manchester network system (Metrolink) is expanding. But one thing worries me: it’s a high-floor system. It is convenient when expanding over existing railway lines to continue with the system of high-level platforms and employ vehicles with high-level entry doors. The disadvantage is that where the system leaves the railway tracks, high-level platforms must be constructed for stops in the street. This was already apparent in the centre of Manchester and I note that another raised town centre halt is being built in the centre of Oldham. Such structures are very obtrusive and might be objected to, especially in an historic urban environment; they mitigate against the advantages of trams, which can integrate seamlessly into the urban structure. The future is surely low-level vehicles for ease of entry of all passengers, including those with prams, the disabled and cyclists. The Croydon system, for example, which took over extensive rail trackage, has low-level entry throughout. It is also the trend worldwide, so surely Manchester will have to follow suit? The Metrolink extension of the East Manchester line to Ashton-under-Lyne opened on 9 October, adding a further four stops. This is the route’s new Paul Fletcher, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hants (UK) terminus, with a service to Bury waiting to depart. Mike Haddon

Congratulations on another excellent supplement, this time modern light rail systems in that they integrate seamlessly on Manchester Metrolink, its history and its plans for the into the fabric of the urban environment. future (TAUT 910). The growing system is indeed impressive, That said, the system is a magnificent achievement and is a fine example of political unity in making a project and your supplement highlights well how much has been happen as your columnists suggest. But I believe that achieved in a relatively short space of time. I believe that continuing with high-floor development in the long-term Metrolink has helped drive the development of modern may well turn out to be an error. tramways in the UK immeasurably and given inspiration to I understand the reasoning behind adopting a high-floor, other cities to develop their networks. high-platform approach as the first phases of the system took Beyond just the current plans, I also believe that there over a lot of existing railway alignment, but as more and more is still much more to come with the tram-train plans you firms focus on low-floor equipment will the system eventually suggest are in the early development stages. find itself tied to Bombardier for no other reason than the fact Once the first lines of any system are in place it is easier to that no other ‘major’ manufacturer makes high-floor trams? expand and gain momentum for further extensions. I wouldn’t I know that similar debates are being had in Germany [an be surprised if in another 21 years TAUT is reporting on a article in TAUT in June 2010 reported on such a debate in Metrolink network that covers over 200km – and with Hannover] as high-level platforms in city centres are ugly and tram-train services that even reach, dare I say it, into Merseyside! ungainly and surely go against one of the key advantages of Ivan Hamilton, by e-mail

More on energy storage cheapest and simplest method in most giving a total battery capacity of 33kWh. At the risk of boring your readers with too circumstances. Presumably, although the author does much detail, I would be interested in an In Fig.6, the function of L2 is given as not make this clear, this battery was then explanation for the apparent anomalies in smoothing, whereas its primary function restricted to a working capacity of only the article on energy storage systems that is, in fact, energy storage in both buck and 16.5kWh in order to reduce the depth of appeared in TAUT 910 (October 2013). boost modes. the charge/discharge cycle to 50%. Firstly, there appear to be several minor The purpose of the two devices ‘FS1’ and If the total daily energy saving was errors in the article: ‘FS2’ is not clear. Whilst FS1 appears to be 1.48MWh using 16.5kWh of battery Under “Field Test Results” the BESS 450 a spark gap to short-circuit surges on the capacity, this implies that the equivalent unit is stated to have a power rating of OHLE, a similar device across the batteries of at least 90 charge/discharge cycles were 450kW, but it is also said to be rated at would either never operate, or would create taking place each day. In a substation 750V dc and 500A, which is equivalent to widespread destruction if it ever did. with a moderately frequent tram service, only 375kW. However, the statements that puzzle that figure seems about right and it results Whilst it is quite correct that onboard me most are those relating to the battery in 32 400 cycles per year. resistors can be eliminated by this system, capacity and lifetime and which suggest In the section of the article headed the author does not mention that some that this article may not be as reliable a ‘Storage Components’, the lifetime of alternative form of onboard braking will guide to the economic use of Lithium cells the ‘nLTO’ cells is given as 16 000 full still have to be provided in case the vehicle as it first appears to be. DOD (Depth of Discharge) cycles. Even if loses contact with the wayside equipment. The battery consisted of 12 blocks of 24 we make the improbably over-generous Retaining onboard resistors would be the cells of 2.3v and 50Ah nominal capacity, assumption that the relationship between

530 / DECEMBER 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org duty capacity and battery life is governed However, my eye was caught by the by a square law, so that halving the duty opening comment that, by 2015, the Paris Obituary: T.B.Maund (1924-2013) cycle quadruples the life of the cells, we network will be the largest tram passenger Born and educated in Wallasey, Thomas reach the conclusion that these batteries carrier in Europe, behind Prague and Bruce Maund retained vivid memories are only going to last a couple of years. Budapest. Whilst it is a credit to the of the town’s trams (abandoned in 1933) Furthermore, reducing the working success of the tramway revival in France and in recent years he was delighted by duty cycle to one-fifth of the cell’s capacity that such growth is occurring, I find this the restoration of Wallasey 78. will extend the lifetime to 12.5 years, not claim a little hard to believe. From 1948-1987, he had a distinguished 20 years as the author states. Together with a couple of Australian career in the bus industry working in No doubt the author will be able to transport academics, I have been England and then in Kenya and South quote a reference to support the claim of compiling (albeit casually) international Africa. He was a Fellow of the Chartered a 20-year lifetime at 20% duty, however, a tram statistics for a few years. I have a Institute of Transport and a long-standing brief search through the manufacturers’ reasonably firm tabulation at least of member of the Omnibus Society. data sheets suggest to me that this figure those carrying over 100 million passengers He will be known to many TAUT usually represents the shelf life of the cells, per annum and thus some basis for readers as joint author with John Horne not their operational life. comparison - subject to the disclaimer of the magisterial history of Liverpool Perhaps the author could supply a that various factors such as variable Transport, published in part by the graph of cell lifetime against the criteria between systems, make annual Light Railway Transport League and derating factor, so as to clear up any patronage figures a slightly rubbery then by the Transport Publishing misunderstandings. basis for comparison that must be Company. This exemplary study is an Finally, the primary advantage of supplemented by other figures such as outstanding achievement; meticulous lithium cells is their low weight, but passenger kilometres. research was one of his ‘obsessions’. He weight is of no great importance for Prague and Budapest move in the range revelled in making new discoveries, and wayside energy storage systems - and the of 320-360m passengers per annum. St in debunking oft-repeated factually environmental cost of producing and Petersburg is officially listed at about inaccurate statements. Often blunt and disposing of lithium cells must surely 470m per annum. On the other hand, my forthright he was, however, striving for reverse any small gains due to the energy last reliable figure for the combined Paris accuracy and grammatical excellence. saved by their slightly better charge/ tramways is about 108m per annum. John Horne recalls wondering if discharge efficiency. On these figures, Paris has about two Fowler’s Modern English Usage was going to Could the author please explain why years to accelerate past (in ascending appear as an appendix, so often did the lithium technology was chosen for this order) Stuttgart, Amsterdam, Gothenburg, great man enliven the steady exchange project when other safer, well-proven, Istanbul, Dresden, Berlin, Yekaterinberg, of airmail packages between Hampshire longer-lasting and lower-tech solutions Brno, (Melbourne, not in Europe), Zurich, were already available? Zagreb, Vienna, Moscow and Warsaw and South Africa. Fly-drive holidays cleared the logjams and made work on Adrian Tuddenham, Southdown (UK) before even tapping Prague on the shoulder. Best of luck to them! the five-volume Liverpool history more Hilly Leeds is a tram city If they could get trams to move along enjoyable over a number of years. Following comparisons I have seen of as niftily as those in Prague and Budapest Undoubtedly one of our most the UK city of Leeds to Lyon in France in that would be achievement enough... prolific transport historians, he latterly relation to its trolleybus scheme, I would Tony Prescott, Bomaderry, Australia produced almost a book per year, suggest a better comparison would be covering subjects such as the Tramways to Bradford, which is a far more hilly Why statistics matter of Birkenhead and Wallasey and the location and therefore more suited to It’s good that Passenger Focus is turning its Mersey Ferries (co-authored in part with trolleybuses. attention to trams (TAUT 911), helping us Martin Jenkins), bus books on the Wirral In my opinion, the tramway option is all build a clearer picture of the reaction of municipalities, St Helens, Crosville still a better solution for Leeds, which has the public at large to modes. and Ribble – with whom he had been a always been a tram city. Plus, while it’s nice for operators to senior manager – plus excellent histories I C Peirson, Rotherham (UK) receive positive scores at the ‘top’ end of the of the Chester & Birkenhead Railway scale, I’d suggest those at the ‘bottom’ are and the Wirral Railway. Paris tramway claims just as important.... and the West Midlands A devoted family man, our I found the article by Christophe Chaillou figures show that people are unhappier sympathy is extended to his two sons, (Running a Modern Tramway Depot: Paris with buses (though not trains) than trams! granddaughter and great-grandsons. MJ T3) in TAUT 910 most interesting. Name and address supplied

The full list of the year’s meetings and meeting places MEETINGS & EVENTS can also be found at www.lrta.org

november 2013 Tuesday 19. London 19.00 Vic Saturday 30. Garstang 14.00 TBA. Transport film, (Road & Rail). (TLRS) Wednesday 13. Brighton Simons: New Tramways in N. America. (TLRS) Friday 13. Glasgow 19.30. Garry (Southwick) 19.40. Roy Austen: The Thursday 28. Manchester 19.00. Ward: The Western Story – Part 3. story of the Hastings Tramways. Brian Yates: British trolleybuses – december 2013 (STTS) (TLRS) The final years. Tuesday 3. Southampton 19.30. Saturday 14. Taunton 12.00. Thursday 14. Dartford 19.30. Martin Wednesday 20. Bristol. Alan Railway slides from the late John (Note one week earlier than usual). Pamphilon: Polish Trams and AGM. Wilkins: Switzerland. Bell's collection. (LRTA/SEG) Christmas meal and seasonal (TLRS) Friday 22. Leicester 19.45. Alan Monday 9. Liverpool 19.30. Annual entertainment (TLRS) Saturday 16. Taunton 14.00 David Murray-Rust: Travels with a Christmas Dinner at the Adelphi Monday 16. Wickham 19.30. Edwards: Dresden and the Czech camera. (TMS) Hotel, Liverpool. (TLRS) Members evening: Christmas Bash Republic. (TLRS) Friday 29. Edinburgh 19.30 Monday 9. Thames Valley and videos. (TLRS) Monday 18. Liverpool 19.30. Tony Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport 19.00. John Prentice: Hong Kong Tuesday 17. London 19.00. Kuivala: Confessions of a footplate Convener City of Edinburgh Council: tramways (TLRS) Alan Pearce: Experiences on the junkie. (TLRS) Integrated Transport for Edinburgh. Tuesday 10. Leeds 19.00. Mike Docklands Light Railway. Monday 18. Wickham 19.30. Martin Saturday 30. Beeston 14.00 Paul Waring: More European tramways. Saturday 21. Beeston 14.00. Roger Jenkins: More vintage images from Fox: Dearne and District Light Wednesday 11. Brighton Benton: Tramway films from the the On Line archive. (TLRS) Railway. (TLRS) (Southwick) 19.40. John Bishop: TMS Archive. (TLRS)

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2013 / 531 Classic Trams spanning the andes In the final part of his survey of museum and heritage tramways each side of South America’s Andes mountain range, Mike Russell visits Bolivia and Peru to examine two remarkable survivors.

he landlocked country of Bolivia no longer has any working Part tramways, but a visit here will be rewarding for those with an 4 interest in authentic tramcars Tof the earliest years of the 20th Century. The administrative capital, La Paz, lies at an altitude of 3650m (11 975ft) and the area above the city, El Alto, where the present international airport is situated, is 432m (1417ft) higher still. In December 1905, a tortuous and spectacular metre-gauge single-track electric tramway began operations, linking the city with El Alto and worked by four Brill seven-window four-wheel cars on 21E trucks. Opening of this line predated by four years the introduction of urban tramways in the city of La Paz; these were worked by similar Brill four-wheel cars with six side windows. The city lines were closed and replaced 1 by motorbuses in 1950, but the El Alto line soldiered on, still worked by three of the original 1905 cars, until closure sometime “In 1996 the remains of a order; as all Lima tramcar running-gear around 1974 (the exact date has never been had been lost, an adapted railway truck was established). After closure, two cars were set Lima tramcar were found, used for the purpose. To demonstrate the aside and stored in the La Paz railway works car, the electricity company also re-laid a and subsequently repainted in a dark green and the local electricity single-line section of the former Chorrillos livery and used as passenger trailers behind a tramway about 800m in length. Operation steam locomotive in a feature film, for which company has now restored commenced on 22 August 1997. the platform control gear was removed. The car operates on demand from Tuesdays Some 96km (60 miles) by rail from La Paz, it to full working order” to Sundays throughout the year between on the edge of Lake Titicaca (the highest approximately 09.00 and 17.00. This means navigable lake in the world), lies the port services in 1878 and a busy electric tramway, visitors cannot guarantee how long they of Guaqui. This was once an important featuring both urban and interurban will have to wait to experience an operating transhipment dock for goods traffic between routes, was opened in 1904; the first line, to journey and, for guidance, the writer found Bolivia and Peru. However even the railway, Barranco, opened on 17 February and was four operating journeys during his day’s opened in 1903 as Bolivia’s first, has now extended to Chorrillos on 31 March. The visit. Entrance to the museum itself is free of closed and today the port presents a very run- system carried on until it was closed abruptly charge but a fare of PEN2 (about EUR0.58) is down appearance. In the former engine shed in the wake of a prolonged strike in 1965: the payable for a return trip on the tram. here, however, has been gathered the basis of municipal operating company (La Compañía The car was one of a batch of 56 double- a future railway museum, containing several Nacional de Tranvías, CNT) went into ended two-axle units supplied by Ernesto steam locomotives, most of which are being liquidation and the government revoked its Breda & Cie of Milano (Italy) in 1927 for slowly worked upon, seemingly by former operating concession. It seemed that nothing Lima urban service. It features a mixture of railway employees. The building doubles as a had survived from this former system until a transverse and longitudinal passenger seating. makeshift museum as well as a workshop. surprise was unveiled in 1997. Current collection, originally by trolley- Towards the back of the shed will be found In the southern suburb of Barranco will pole (though the interurban cars had used the two exhibits of greatest interest to our be found the national electricity museum, pantographs) is by roof-mounted pantograph. readers: two of the original Brill cars (10 and opened in August 1994 by Electrolima, the The fleet number carried, 97, is not original; 12, originally 100 and 102) from the El Alto city electricity undertaking. It contains a it represents the last two digits of the year of line of 1905. Now protected from the elements variety of artefacts and displays relating to the car’s restoration, because no evidence of its by the substantial railway premises, these cars the generation and use of electricity in all its original number has ever been found. have clearly been carefully safeguarded for the forms, with some interactive exhibits that In conclusion, it should be added that the future. With their full wooden longitudinal are of particular interest to visiting school continent of South America still contains seating and Brill 21E trucks, the cars could parties. One room contains displays relating three further tramways, all in Brazil, these spring straight out of the Brill works catalogue to the former Lima tramways, and the being the heritage operation at Santos, the and it is greatly to the credit of the authorities museum shop sells an illustrated history of industrial line between Itatinga and Bertioga, and railway administration in Bolivia that Lima tramways, published in 2009. and the Santa Teresa line in Rio de Janeiro, they have been saved from destruction. What From the outset, the museum held a currently closed sine die following the fatal the future holds for them is uncertain, but desire to feature a real exhibit relating to accident in August 2011. at the very least they are currently sheltered the city’s former electric tramways; after from the elements. all, the 16km (ten-mile) interurban line The help of Allen Morrison in the compilation to Chorrillos had passed its door. In 1996, of these articles is gratefully acknowledged. He Surprise survivor the remains of a former Lima four-wheel is a leading authority on the tramways and light The final tramway survivor west of the tramcar were discovered in a local scrapyard. railways of South America, and further details Andes is back at sea level, in the Peruvian Commendably, the electricity company and images of most of the systems referred to can capital, Lima. Lima horse tramways started retrieved it and restored it to full working be found on his website www.tramz.com

532 / DECember 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org 1 The restored section of Lima tramway’s Chorrillos line used by the present-day heritage line passes by a series of restored Spanish colonial buildings.

2 Two of the four 1905-built Brill two-axle cars that formerly operated on the steep line linking La Paz with El Alto are now safely stored under cover in the old Guaqui railway works.

3 The interior layout of one of the surviving La Paz – El Alto Brill cars, showing the twin full longitudinal wooden benches, surely little altered from the day on which the car left the factory.

4 There is no depot building to house the museum tramcar that operates on Lima’s heritage line and it resides overnight opposite the electricity museum. In this early morning view it is receiving engineering attention prior to commencing the day’s operation. 2 5 The heritage line operated in conjunction with Lima’s electricity museum uses paved reserved track throughout, shared by occasional motor vehicles requiring local access.

6 The unusual interior configuration of the Lima museum tramcar features both longitudinal and transverse seating.

7 The operational limit of the Lima museum line is shown here, with one of a handful 3 4 of remaining normal-control motorbuses heading city- bound on the main road.

8 In the absence of authentic equipment for use beneath Lima ‘97’, a purpose-made truck was built up in the state railway works from redundant materials in stock.

5 6

7 8 All photography by Mike Russell in February 2012.

www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org DECember 2013 / 533 BOOKSHOP Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage & packing – Any UK address: Add 10% (minimum £2.00, maximum £7.50) All addresses outside UK: Add 20% (minimum £4.00, maximum £15.00)

BRAND NEW Trams in Amsterdam – From horse car to Combino By Ray Deacon From the author of Innsbruck’s Alpine Tramways (and also of a book published Trams in Amsterdam in 1980 on the trams of the Dutch capital) this new work tells the story of the From horse car to Combino Amsterdam network right up to the present day. It covers a wide range of topics in depth, from the electrification of the horse tramways through the transfer to municipal ownership and the closely-fought battles to retain trams in the 1950s and ’60s to the “Lijnen voor Morgen” report that transformed the system into a model for other cities to follow. A detailed description of all the tram routes and the wide variety of rolling stock used over the years, along with numerous maps and a rich variety of previously-unpublished pictures, makes this a ‘must have’ book.

A4 softback; 264 pages, fully illustrated – mostly in colour. Ray Deacon

Price: £28.50 – An LRTA publication. Trade rates available to bookshops, libraries and museums. Contact [email protected] for more details.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED Tramways of Metropolitan Middlesex and North London By George Atkins The author brings together personal memories of riding on north London trams before the late-1930s trolleybus conversions with a comprehensive history of the Metropolitan Electric Tramways and its predecessors. Evocatively illustrated in black & white with numerous maps and depot layout drawings, the days of horse, steam and electric traction are brought to life. The iconic “Feltham” cars are described, including their subsequent disposal in 1952.

A4 softback; 196 pages, fully-illustrated in black & white.

Price £28.50 – An LRTA publication. Trade rates available to bookshops, libraries and museums. Contact [email protected] for more details.

50th Anniversary Issue As you are reading the world’s premier magazine devoted to trams and light rail, why not consider reading the world’s premier magazine devoted to trolleybuses?

Trolleybus Magazine

Journal of the National Trolleybus Association Trolleybus Magazine Published six times per year, Trolleybus Magazine provides all you need to know about world-wide trolleybus news, current events and developments, includes well researched articles and features, carries informed reviews of the latest publications, is packed with high-quality colour pictures and comes free with an annual subscription to the National Trolleybus Association.

Full membership of the NTA costs just £23 in the UK, £28 in Europe and £33 for the rest of the world. It is easy to join, just log on to our website www.trolleybus.co.uk/nta

For more information and a free sample copy, please email the Editor at [email protected] Vol. 49 No. 312 November-December 2013 or write to him at 24 Heath Farm Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8JW

TM Cover Nov Dec 2013.indd 5 10/30/2013 11:23:38 AM

534 / december 2013 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org

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