THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

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JANUARY 2019 No. 973 travel free for all in luxembourg! World-first as new government plans to scrap fares

Six new Guangzhou projects launched Housing funds to pay for DLR growth Two more new US streetcar systems

Barriers to LRT Nagasaki £4.60 Why aren’t there Where the past and more UK tramways? present sit side by side “I am delighted that the UK Light Rail Conference is coming back to Greater Manchester in 2019. “Metrolink forms a key backbone of sustainable travel for the region as it continues to grow, so this important two-day event offers an invaluable chance to network with peers from around the world and share knowledge and best practice as we all aim to improve the way we plan, build and deliver exceptional light rail services to passengers.” Manchester Danny Vaughan 23-24 July 2019 Head of Metrolink – Transport for Greater Manchester “An excellent event, providing a stimulating and varied two-day programme addressing current The industry’s premier exhibition and knowledge-sharing and future issues pertinent to Voices event returns to Manchester for 2019! today’s light rail industry” V from the Clive Pennington With unrivalled networking opportunities, this invaluable Technical Director – Light Rail, industry… two-day congress is well-known as THE place to do Amey Consulting & Rail business and build long-lasting relationships. There is no better place to gain true insight into the “I thought the whole conference was great – there was a workings of the sector and help shape its future. great energy about it.” To discuss how you can be part of it, visit us online at Dr Stuart Thomson – Head of Public Affairs, Government and Infrastructure, Bircham Dyson Bell www.mainspring.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1733 367600

SUPPORTED BY ORGANISED BY CONTENTS 12 The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association JANUARY 2019 Vol. 82 No. 973 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL Editor – Simon Johnston [email protected] Associate Editor – Tony Streeter [email protected] Worldwide Editor – Michael Taplin [email protected] News Editor – John Symons [email protected] Senior Contributor – Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors Tony Bailey, Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Andrew Moglestue, Paul Nicholson, Herbert Pence, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Alain Senut, Vic Simons, Witold Urbanowicz, Bill Vigrass, Francis Wagner, Thomas Wagner, Philip Webb, Rick Wilson 5 20 Production – Lanna Blyth Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 News 4 nagasaki: risen from ruin 20 [email protected] Trams return to El Paso; Luxembourg to One of Japan’s great survivors re-equips to DESIGN – Debbie Nolan make public transport fare-free; Keolis cope with urban growth. By Neil Pulling. Advertising named as preferred operator for Odense; COMMERCIAL Manager – Geoff Butler Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610

Docklands to receive GBP291m to support SYSTEMS FACTFILE: gdansk 23 [email protected] housing growth; Surrey Mayor rescinds Neil Pulling visits this Baltic city to witness Publisher – Matt Johnston light rail funding; Guangzhou launches six how light rail has grown from a traditional metro projects in EUR12.8bn scheme. tramway into vital integrated transport. Tramways & Urban Transit 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK LIGHT RAIL DAY 10 WORLDWIDE REVIEW 29 Tramways & Urban Transit is published by Mainspring Geoff Butler rounds up a few of the highlights Delhi opens elevated metro; Strasbourg’s on behalf of the LRTA on the third Friday of each from the 2018 event in Stockholm. Kehl Rathaus extension opens; Sofia orders month preceding the cover date. more Pesa trams; Waterloo-Kitchener Trams across borders 12 inauguration delayed further. Reg Harman considers how Strasbourg and Basel utilise tramways as cross-border tools, MAILBOX 34 PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION also looking at Mulhouse’s tram-train. The importance of the right terminology. Warners (Midlands), Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) barriers to uk tram progress 16 CLASSIC TRAMS: the MER at 125 36 Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up Tim Kendell assesses the barriers to UK light Mike Russell concludes his review of the members of the Light Rail Transit Association. rail development – both real and perceived. party held for the Manx Electric’s 125th year. LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY Brian Lomas I now know why people wear surgical masks... [email protected] [email protected] Subscriptions, MEMBERSHIP and back issues Exploring a few of the growing cities of South East Asia last month has given LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley me a real appreciation of the sounds, sights and smells of these unique Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 communities. It is with regret that the latter forms this month’s comment. [email protected] Website: www.lrta.info With increased urbanisation, their challenges are providing housing and for CORPORATE Subscriptions VISIT essential services and, possibly most importantly, transport. But these seem www.mainspring.co.uk to be coming at the cost of the environment as a 20-minute walk through the busy streets LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE of Hanoi, Phnom Penh or Bangkok would see most struggling to breathe – it was soon 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling DA16 2BY, UK. obvious why the surgical mask continues to be a must-have and not just a fashion trend. Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 Crowded, ageing buses fill the air with acrid tastes, while the high cost of car ownership in England and Wales. means millions of scooters ply the streets (and pavements), their single-cylinder engines LRTA Chairman – Paul Rowen adding to the toxic mix. These two-wheeled machines are fascinating everyman modes [email protected] – work van, school bus or shopping runabout for three, four or five people at a time! © LRTA 2018 If ever there was a case for efficient mass transit then these cities are it. But where is the Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also money to fund it? Foreign investors are queuing up to build airports and toll roads for later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution more immediate returns, while clean and efficient urban transport falls by the wayside. is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the Yet is this really too dissimilar to some of the more ‘developed’ nations in the northern opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of hemisphere? Investment in high-quality urban transport should take equal priority the LRTA or Mainspring. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in with other public infrastructure as, in fear of becoming a broken record, this is not just any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including about moving people from A to B. We are proposing solutions that will enhance cities, photocopying, recording or by any information storage and improve productivity, encourage sustainable growth and offer clean and attractive retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from places for the ever-growing numbers choosing to live in dense communities. the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the A couple of days in Hong Kong en route proved this perfectly. Although the air quality magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. is far from perfect, removing metro, light rail and tramway services would make the city unliveable. These are my observations, but if you have experiences of places choking Cover images: Francis Wagner (Luxembourg), TAUT under the weight of their own growth, we’d love to hear from you. Simon Johnston, Editor (Manchester Metrolink), Howard Pulling (Nagasaki)

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JANUARY 2019 / 3 News

PPP for Barranquilla LRT The Colombian Ministry of Finance has approved a PPP Trams return to El Paso project for a 12km (7.5-mile) north–south light rail line in the city Rebuilt PCCs provide passenger services after an absence of 44 years of Barranquilla. The plan calls for a route along Calle 30 from Fluvial Intendance to Ernesto Cortissoz Rebuilt PCC 1506 moves into position for the opening International Airport in this north- ceremony on 9 November. R. Ramirez eastern port city of 1.2m people. The consortium delivering the project is made up of Cointer Concesiones, Stadler Rail and Transdev, which will provide 70% of the COP1.8bn (EUR496m) funding in return for a 26.5-year contract. Stadler will provide 22 low-floor LRVs. Italy’s Palermo confirms two new tramlines Palermo city council has approved EUR426m plans for two new tramlines and two extensions to the existing network as well as new park-and-ride facilities. EUR200m treetcar service returned near the airport, where they sat The first rebuilt PCC (1506) will come from a state grant with to the Texan city of El Paso until 2015. arrived by road from Brookville a EUR50m contribution from (US) on 9 November after In 2012 the city decided it on 19 March 2018 for testing; the Municipality and the Sicily a 44-year absence. wanted to create a tramway loop 1504/11/2/4/5 followed. The six Region. The lines will be built SThe border city on the Rio to carry passengers through the cars carry three different liveries: by Amat, a joint stock company Grande river has been part of centre, to be worked by rebuilt blue/green with a white roof owned by the Municipality. the United States since 1848. PCCs from the desert. Final and red stripes representing the The new lines will be Viale It has a population of 684 000 approval for the 7.7km (4.8-mile) 1970s (1506/12), blue/green and Croce Rossa – Mondello and enjoys a desert climate project came in July 2014, white with a dark green stripe (20km/12.4 miles), and Via Duca with over 300 days of sunshine with an allocation of USD97m representing the 1960s (1504/14) della Verdura – Stazione Centrale each year. Central El Paso is the from the Texas Department and orange, green and white (9km/5.6 miles), but the top most historic neighbourhood, of Transportation. In 2015 (NCL ‘fruit salad’) representing priority is an 11km (6.8-mile) important to the city’s economy, Brookville Equipment the 1950s (1511/5). extension of line 1 from Via and home to 130 000 people Corporation was awarded an Pre-revenue service started Balsamo to Viale Croce Rossa. while at the southern end are the USD18.8m contract to refurbish on 10 October and there was an A further approval came for the river bridges linking to Mexico. and modernise six cars. opening ceremony at Cleveland 1.5km (0.9-mile) extension of line There was once a 103km Construction began on Square in central El Paso with 1 from Notarbartolo to Via Duca (64-mile) network of electric 7 December 2017 by Camino Mayor Dee Margo at 11.00 on della Verdura. An 8km (five-mile) tramways, but operator El Paso Real Regional Mobility Authority, 9 November featuring one car extension of line 3 from Viale Electric was sold to National City with project management by in each livery (1506/04/15). della Regione Siciliana to Orleans Lines in 1943 which replaced Atkins. The last rails were laid in From 17.00 free rides were offered station and a 5km (three-mile) the trams by buses by 1947, apart March 2018, with the overhead all weekend, plus Friday-Sunday extension of line 1 to Borgata from the international line to completed shortly afterwards. to 6 January. At other times the Marina of Sferracavallo, were Ciudad Juarez in Mexico, which Unlike the former cars, which flat fare is USD1.50. proposed and will be considered lasted until 1973 (a rump in El ran under trolley wire, the Sun Trams take 45 minutes for a if more funding can be identified. Paso survived until May 1974). Metro PCCs use pantographs and round trip on the figure-of-eight The present network consists This was worked by a fleet of 20 feature a wheelchair lift at the loop, and four cars permit a of four lines totalling 18.3km ex-San Diego St Louis-built 1937 centre door to comply with ADA 15-minute service. (11.4 miles), with 44 stops. PCC cars that were acquired in regulations. Other innovations A detailed article on the return of It is operated by a fleet of 17 1950. After closure some of the include air conditioning, bicycle the El Paso streetcar is to appear in Bombardier Flexity Outlook LRVs. trams were dumped in the open racks and passenger Wi-Fi. our March 2019 issue.

Guangzhou begins work on six new metro projects A ceremony on 19 November • A 9.6km (six-mile) extension stations. A western extension • Line 12 will connect Higher launched work on six new of line 3 between Panya Square to Weichong is already Education Mega Center South metro lines in the capital of the and Haishu, adding four underway to open in 2020. and Xunfenggang on a 37.6km Chinese province of Guangdong stations, due to open in 2022. • A new line (10) will take over (23.4-mile) underground route (population 11.5m), a CNY100bn • A 9.8km (6.1-mile) extension the 6km (3.7-mile) line 3 that serves 25 stations. This is (EUR12.77bn) plan that will add of line 5 from Wenchong to branch from Tianhe Coach planned to open in 2023. 111.7km (71 miles) and 67 stations Huangpu Ferry Terminal with Terminal to Tiyu Xilu, from • A second phase of line 14 by 2023. The city already has a six new stations. where a new 20.9km (13-mile) is to add 11.9km (7.4 miles) 13-line metro, with 15 further • A 21.9km (13.6-mile) north- line with 13 stations will of underground route with projects, totalling 421.2km eastern extension of line 7 from be built to Xilang. The new eight stations between (261.7 miles), under construction. Higher Education Mega Center underground line is planned to Guangzhou Railway Station The new projects include: South to Shuixibei, with 11 new open in 2022. and Jiahewanggang.

4 / JANUARY 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Luxembourg Government to remove fares from public transport New coalition to make public transport across tram, bus and train services free from 2020

ith Luxembourg’s that drivers in the capital spent October national an average of 33 hours in traffic elections returning jams in the previous year. no majority, The new move is the latest in Wa coalition of incumbent a series of progressive policies Prime Minister Xavier Bettel’s aimed at reducing congestion. Democratic Party with the In the summer of 2018 free travel Socialist Workers’ Party and the for young people under the age of Greens was formed in December, 20 was introduced, with capped promising to remove fares from fares for two hours of travel for public transport nationwide in commuters at EUR2. In a country 2020. Prioritising environmental of just 2590km2 (999 sq. miles) issues during his campaign, this covers most journeys. Mr Bettel was sworn in for a The second 2km (1.24-mile) second term on 5 December. phase of the capital’s T1 tramline The capital, Luxembourg City, opened on 27 July 2018, adding Luxembourg’s first modern trams ran in December 2017, from 2020 all public is home to around 110 000 to the initial 4.6km (2.85-mile) transport in the country will be fare-free. F. Wagner people with a further 400 000 eight-stop section that opened commuting into the city each on 10 December 2017. national stadium in Cloche d’Or Services are provided by a day. It suffers from some of Upon completion, proposed and the country’s international fleet of CAFUrbos trams the worst traffic congestion in for 2023, T1 will run for 16.2km airport, around 8km (five miles) operating under battery Europe, a 2017 study suggesting (ten miles) between the new north-east of the capital. power in the city centre.

Delmar Loop opens amid falling ridership in St Louis

The ribbon-cutting for the Fares are USD2 for two hours first major expansion of its LRT anti-social behaviour, a stagnant USD51m Delmar Loop heritage or USD5 all day. Car 003 system in more than a decade, a population and the low cost of tramline in St Louis (US) took (ex-Seattle 512) has still to arrive USD667m Northside-Southside private car use. place on 15 November, though from its rebuild at GOMACO. link from Chippewa Boulevard St Louis County Council public service was delayed due to Public transport ridership in the south through downtown withheld USD5m from Metro a snowstorm. The first passengers across the city is experiencing to Grand Boulevard in the north. Transit this autumn until it were carried on part of the line serious decline with MetroLink Executive Director Jessica is satisfied that rider safety on 16 November (there is still and bus passenger numbers Mefford-Miller told the concerns have been addressed. an insurance issue with the down 20% over the last five St Louis Post-Dispatch that the Ms Mefford-Miller said that University City portion). Service is years. Transport authority Metro worrying fall in passenger enhanced security visibility and initially provided Thursday- Transit is assessing how to reverse numbers is due to a number of a closer relationship with police Sunday afternoons/evenings only. this trend as the city pursues the factors, including serious crime, are high on her list of priorities.

Hello Paris chosen for CDG Express NEWS IN PICTURES On 19 November France’s Hello Paris has said it plans to Danhai trial Ministry of Sustainable use Alstom Coradia Liner trains

operation New Taipei Metro Corporation Development announced that the for the service, noting the design could begin Hello Paris consortium of Keolis ‘has already been approved and in 2018 and RATP Dev had been selected tested for France’s rail network Passenger trials on as preferred operator of the future to ensure the line can be ready in the first light rail line CDG Express airport rail link. time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, in New Taipei City’s The agreement, expected to be and that it provides a reliable Tamsui District could finalised in January 2019, covers a service as soon as it is launched’. begin before the end five-year ‘pre-operational period’ The service is expected to carry of 2018, according to a news release posted and 15 years of operations. six million passengers per year, by New Taipei Metro Corporation (NTMC) on 27 November. The 32km (20-mile) line rising to nine million by 2030. NTMC is the operator of the 7.3km (4.5-mile), 11-stop Green Mountain line of will run from Paris Est to the Hello Paris beat a Transdev- the Danhai Light Rail system, with construction expected to be completed in LGV Interconnexion station at led bid proposing Stadler trains, December. Following approval from the country’s Ministry of Transportation Charles de Gaulle Terminal 2 which challenged the decision and Communications, trial operation of the line could begin by the end of the from 1 January 2024, including claiming that as Keolis and year during which time no fares will be charged. 8km (five miles) of new route RATP Dev are subsidiaries of The basic fare for travel has been set at TWD20 (EUR0.57) with those costed at EUR1.7bn. These works state-owned monopolies the deal holding a city smartcard enjoying a 20% discount, according to the NTMC. are funded and managed by SNCF would hinder the opening of Réseau and Aéroports de Paris. France’s network to competition.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JANUARY 2019 / 5 News Keolis selected as preferred operator for Odense tramway Denmark’s second light rail system of the modern era is due to open in late 2020

n 29 November, used in Aarhus was placed with Keolis was selected Stadler in 2016; the first is to by Odense Letbane as be delivered in 2019. Spanish the preferred bidder contractor Comsa is responsible Oto operate and maintain the new for infrastructure as well as light rail network in the city of the Control and Maintenance Odense, due to open in late 2020. Centre, located next to a major The initial 26-stop line will park-and-ride site for around run for 14.5km (nine miles) from 600 vehicles that offers easy Odense Letbane placed an order with Stadler for 16 Variobahn low-floor trams Tarup Center in the north-west access to the E20 motorway. for its new 14.5km tramway in 2016. Odense Letbane to Hjallese Station in the south Odense is Denmark’s via the city centre, serving the third-largest city, with a central station, the campus of the population of 200 000, and had University of Southern Denmark a first-generation tramway that and its large university hospital. opened on 11 October 1911 An end-to-end journey will take and closed in June 1952. Three 42 minutes, with 7.5-minute of the system’s standard-gauge headways at peak times, reduced trams have survived, with car to every 15 minutes at other times 12 on display at Skjoldenæsholm and weekends. Operating 05.00- Sporvej Museum. 01.00, fares will be integrated Commenting on the contract, with the city’s bus services. Bernard Tabary, International The 15-year operations and CEO Keolis, said: “Our global maintenance contract will expertise in developing networks generate a cumulative revenue of from ‘greenfield’ sites proved approximately EUR230m. relevant and important in this Keolis already runs Denmark’s bid. We now look forward to first light rail network in Aarhus, our collaboration with Odense which opened in 2018. Track Letbane and to bringing our construction in Odense began in international experience and 2018, while a EUR45m order for expertise in support of this 16 Variobahn low-floor trams of exciting project over the a similar specification to those coming years.”

As UKTram enters the next phase of its development as the trade body Work begins on Santa Ana Streetcar for the light rail industry in the UK and British Isles, the organisation The Orange County seat (population 330 000) Pacific Surfliner service is actively seeking candidates Transportation Authority held south of Los Angeles is between Los Angeles and San for three key roles: Engineering Manager, Operations Manager a ground-breaking ceremony spending USD408m on a 6.7km Diego) and Harbor Boulevard and Commercial & Promotions for the Santa Ana Streetcar (4.2-mile) line linking Santa in Garden Grove, with a Manager. Job profiles can be found project (US) on 30 November. Ana Regional Transportation USD220.5m construction at www.uktram.com or on the The suburban city and county Center (a stop on Amtrak’s contract awarded to Walsh UKTram LinkedIn page. All three Construction. Funding is roles are set for a three-year term. coming from federal and state sources, plus a 0.5% local sales tax. ’ Berlin s latest tram order Siemens was awarded a Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) has placed a direct order for another USD51.5m framework contract 21 Bombardier Flexity Berlin trams, for up to 18 S70 low-floor trams as part of its target to increase the in August; the 26.8m vehicles number of ten-minute headways. will feature space for 180 It also allies with the city’s strategy passengers, 70 seated. There is to make all public transport fossil a firm order for eight cars, fuel-free by 2030. It will take the which should carry 7300 total Flexity Berlin fleet to 231. passengers/day, with the BVG justified its decision on remainder being options. technical and economic grounds; reporting that delivery of the new Most of the route follows vehicles could take place in 2022, the original alignment of the whereas a new tender would make Pacific Electric interurban, that impossible before 2026. Local officials and project partners at the ground-breaking ceremony for the abandoned in 1950. Opening is Orange County Streetcar in Santa Ana on 30 November. OCTA planned for late 2021.

6 / JANUARY 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Greece strike DLR to receive GBP291m causes public transport chaos to support housing growth A 24-hour strike by Greece’s largest private sector union on UK commits funds for new trains, a new station and depot enhancements 28 November saw a near- shutdown of public transport across the country. The General pdating last month’s Confederation of Greek Workers news, London’s (GSEE), which represents 83 Docklands Light trade unions, called the action Railway (DLR) is to following proposed cuts to Ureceive GBP291m (EUR331m) pensions and reversals in labour from the UK’s Housing reforms that included a reduction Infrastructure Fund following in the minimum wage. November’s Autumn 2018 Budget. Train, metro, tram, trolleybus The DLR Accelerated and ferry services were cancelled Growth Programme will see across the nation, although some improvements around two of buses ran in the capital, Athens, London’s ‘Opportunity Areas’, between 09.00 and 21.00. earmarked by the Mayor of The only train running was the London as having the capacity overnight service from Athens for significant development. bound for Thessaloniki that Future DLR investment is confined to the Thames area, with a new station at The money will help fund 14 Thames Wharf planned behind and to the right of this image. Neil Pulling departed just before midnight additional trains, improvements on 27 November. to both Beckton and Poplar will benefit from upgrades and Transport for London has The mass closures gave depots and a new station at additional stabling capacity. already shortlisted bidders for 43 commuters in many cities no Thames Wharf, part of the When the London City Airport new trains with a walk-through other option but to drive to work, Thameside West development. Extension was built in 2005, it layout to increase capacity by up causing major traffic congestion The Poplar plans include included passive provision for to 30%. These are due by 2022 across the country. This was a new housing development an additional station at Thames and it is expected this order will especially felt in the capital, over the depot and bridge links Wharf and the new station will now increase to 57 trains. whose centre was also shut down over the six-lane Aspen Way to sit between Canning Town and Works are expected to start in by two separate strike-related Canary Wharf, while Beckton West Silvertown. January for completion in 2023. protest marches.

Surrey’s new Mayor NEWS IN PICTURES Stadler completes Polish JV takeover Following the completion of CAF’s takeover of Solaris in September, on rescinds light rail funding 20 November Stadler confirmed the purchase of the remaining 40% stake in Immediately after his swearing-in funding agreed was CAD1.65bn the Stadler/Solaris light rail manufacturing joint venture established in 2017. Stadler now becomes the sole owner of the enterprise, and has announced ceremony at Surrey City Hall on (EUR1.05bn). CAD50m a PLN65m (EUR15m) investment to modernise the Solaris facility in Środa 5 November, new Mayor Doug (EUR32.7m) has already been Wielkopolska, including expansion of the main manufacturing hall and McCallum had the council spent on LRT planning, but increasing the already 250-strong workforce. pass a resolution withdrawing McCallum says Surrey will not Stadler Polska is already one of the leading manufacturers of rail vehicles in the authority from the 10.5km pay this back. the country, with over 1000 employees working at its Siedlce plant. (6.5-mile) Newton – Surrey – Translink (the transit authority Guildford light rail project which for Greater Vancouver) stopped The tram manufacturing facility Środa Wielkopolska. achieved confirmed funding in LRT planning immediately and September (TAUT 1018). the Request for Qualification The Canadian Mayor favours process was cancelled. a 16km (ten-mile) Skytrain The 21-member Mayor’s automated light metro along Council, which is made up of all Fraser Highway to Langley that the local authorities involved, has been costed at CAD2.91bn met on 15 November, and (EUR1.9bn), but which he says agreed to cancel light rail and could be built for CAD1.65bn commission additional analysis Solaris (EUR1.08bn) with some to determine how Skytrain to sections at-grade. The light rail Langley might be achieved.

Seoul opens line 9 metro extension Line 9 platforms are built to units – due to be brought into accommodate eight-car trains, service by the end of 2019. Another 9.2km (5.7 miles) was eight stations, including two and the 45 four-car Series 9000 Unlike lines 1-8, which are added to the metro in the South interchanges: Seokchon for line 8 trainsets are being lengthened managed by the city and Seoul Korean capital on 1 December, and Olympic Park for line 5. from four- to six-car sets. Eight Metro, line 9 is operated by bringing the total to 40.6km The first day saw around express service units have already Hyundai Rotem (80%) and a (25.2 miles) with 28 stations. 145 000 passengers on the been through such a programme, RATP Dev/Transdev partnership The eastern route from extended line, an increase of with the remaining 37 – as well (20%) under a 30-year concession VHS Medical Centre serves around 6.4%. as an additional three new six-car that began in 2009.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JANUARY 2019 / 7 News OKC Streetcar to open in December The latest US urban tramway circulator plans grand celebrations and free rides

A OKC Streetcar Liberty on test in downtown Oklahoma in November. OKC Streetcar

hen the new Services are provided by seven city tramline in Liberty vehicles from Brookville Oklahoma City Equipment Corporation, with (US) opens on three colour palettes inspired by W14 December there will be the city’s Redbud trees – two blue, fare-free travel until 5 January, two green and three pink. after which a one-hour pass will The OKC Streetcar cars all cost USD1 and a day pass USD3. feature air conditioning and Monthly fares will be available free passenger Wi-Fi, as well as for USD32 and annual passes at onboard energy storage that USD384m, with reduced rates allows 40% of the route to be for students and passengers over operated catenary-free. Each 65 or with disabilities. Children 20.2m car can accommodate 103 under seven travel free. There passengers, 34 seated. will be no regular Sunday service. Construction on the line was USD570 000 for preparation and the ribbon-cutting, which was The USD135m Oklahoma carried out by Herzog-Stacy and startup costs, USD3.2m in the due to take place at 10.00 on City Streetcar (or OKC Streetcar) Witbeck, beginning in February first full year of operations, rising 14 December, with passenger includes two interconnected 2017 and completed in October to USD3.6m/year if contractual services beginning at 11.00. loops totalling 7.4km (4.6 miles) 2018. Herzog Transit Services standards and performance Late night celebrations in the of route, and a depot and is contracted for six years of targets are met. city were also planned from maintenance facility on operations and maintenance The city has planned a range of 17.00 to conclude the opening SW 7th Street/Hudson Avenue. with a base contract figure of celebratory events surrounding day’s events.

EIB loan for Kraków Wirral ‘Streetcar’ details Is Translohr’s tram purchase future in doubt? Wirral Council and Peel Land and continuing to Birkenhead North Reports emerged in the French On 3 December, the European Property, the company behind Station, Bidston Moss and with media in November that Alstom Investment Bank (EIB) confirmed the Wirral Waters development various one-way routes through is to suspend production of the a PLN376m (EUR87.8m) loan (UK), have launched a the East Float area. Translohr ‘tram’ system in 2019. towards the purchase of up to 90 consultation over detailed The first roadworks and utility Alstom acquired the rights to new trams for the Polish city of proposals for the area over the diversions are set to begin in the guided bus technology in Kraków. The funds will also be next five years, including new autumn 2019. 2012 in order to fulfil a French used to upgrade the existing fleet, tramway connections. For a detailed overview of the Government wish for the helping municipal operator MPK The scheme is a reworking of original proposals, see TAUT 903. technology to be demonstrated deliver its PLN1bn (EUR233.7m) proposals put forward more than in Paris at a time when Lohr commitment to replace all trams five years ago. The heart of the Industrie was in financial with energy-efficient low-floor Wirral Waters Streetscape project difficulty, but the rubber-tyred models within the next few years. will be trams using lightweight system has struggled to find orders. This is the third and largest track, with connections into the It has been installed in EIB loan to MPK for rolling stock Merseyrail network and to Mersey Clermont-Ferrand, Paris, Padova, renewal since 2010, totalling Ferries. The consultation includes Venezia-Mestre, Shanghai, PLN618m (EUR144.4m). additional priority measures for Tianjin and Medellín. MPK has contracted with the pedestrians and cyclists. Padua is reportedly trying to consortium of Stadler and Solaris A plan shows it being based on acquire 4-6 vehicles that are still (see page 7) for 15 new trams the existing heritage tramway available from the factory, while with options for 35 more and from Woodside with a new An artist’s impression of the US- an agreement is under negotiation is set to launch a tender for branch to connect to Merseyrail’s style streetcar planned for the new between operators which would a further 40 trams in 2019. Hamilton Square station, Merseyside development. Wirral Waters guarantee spares until 2040.

8 / JANUARY 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Edinburgh MTR trials light rail speed Trams to take on maintenance role monitoring device Agreement has been given for Edinburgh Trams to take over Home-grown system to improve safety and efficiency to roll out in 2019 responsibility for tramway maintenance from the City of new system that enables Development of Edinburgh Council. Currently, real-time speed and the MTR speed and the council holds contracts position monitoring of position monitoring with Bilfinger/Siemens for Hong Kong’s MTR Light system has been infrastructure, CAF for vehicles, ARail vehicles will be operational underway for two and Parkeon for ticket machines. by the middle of 2019, MTR years on the Tin The reorganisation was agreed Shui Wai areas of the announced in November. on 6 December as part of a new network. Kawasaki The technology, developed operating agreement to replace Phase II LRV 1081 and in-house, is being introduced trailer 1208 beneath that from 2013, which contained in a bid to improve safety and the viaducts carrying provision for such a change. efficiency on the 36.2km MTR West Rail Line It means the municipal operator (22.5-mile) network. at the Tin Shui Wai will pay the council GBP8.5m The result of two years’ work interchange in (EUR9.5m) per annum in an by MTR engineers, the Integrated March 2015. N. Pulling asset fee for the tramline, which Speed and Position Supervision opened in 2014. Edinburgh Trams System (iSPS) is being trialled When track speed limits are Speaking to the South China currently pays around GBP1.7m on three routes in Tin Shui approached, the driver receives Morning Post, Mr Cheung said (EUR1.9m) per year, plus other Wai – 705 and 706 (the Circular an audible warning, and another that MTR has obtained a patent fees including a proportion of line) and 751P (Tin Yat – Yau Oi), if the limit is exceeded. Other for the system and would be advertising revenue. said MTR’s Head of Operations features include reminders to open to discussions with other It is intended that heads of Cheung Chi-keung. perform platform duties when at operators over the technology. terms in the agreement will be Combining onboard GPS stops and pulling away, and alerts Carrying around half a agreed by the end of December. and RFID (Radio Frequency when passing through designated million passengers each day, the The council report accepts that Identification) technologies, the junctions and turnouts. MTR Light Rail network covers the change will mean Edinburgh system uses trackside RFID readers Once the trial is complete, an 11 routes and 68 stops, and its Trams becomes loss-making in to relay an LRV’s position and evaluation will determine next feeder bus lines are the main the short-term (predicting a loss speed to the Tsing Yi Operations steps with an expected roll-out internal transport for the New of around GBP10m (EUR11.3m) and Control Centre via a mobile across the 140-strong LRV fleet Territories, including Tuen Mun in 2018), a situation it intends to communications network. in 2019. and Yuen Long. redress by taking share capital.

Rio completes VLT light rail network Test running on Rio de Janeiro’s VLT FTA allocates USD281m transit grants Carioca tramline 3 began at the end of November, along Rua Visconde The annual announcement of USD75m grant. The line project, a 17.6km (10.9-mile) de Inhauma and Avenida Mal rail transit grants from the US should open in 2021. extension to the University Floriano, using Alstom Citadis trams with APS surface current collection. Federal Transit Administration The USD3.7bn Los Angeles City area, is due to receive • This third route is the final phase on 28 November was low-key Westside Purple line section 3, USD80m in the coming year. of the current network, opened in this year, with just four LRT a 4km (2.5-mile) metro • The USD128.7m Dallas Area June 2016, and covers an additional projects receiving funding: extension from Century Rapid Transit Red and Blue 1.3km (0.8 miles) between • The USD201.9m Tempe City to Westwood, will lines platform extensions will Candelária and Central do Brasil Streetcar, a 4.8km (three-mile) get USD100m towards two receive USD2m from the FTA. with three intermediate stops. line connecting the city stations and 16 new trains. There was also a USD74.1m Kiel tramway proposals centre and Arizona State Opening is set for 2026. grant for the Orange Line Bus Leaders in the German city of University, will get USD25m • The USD2.17bn San Diego Rapid Transit project, to be Kiel voted on 15 November to as the first tranche of a Mid-Coast Corridor light rail built along Interstate 35. develop proposals for a modern tramline, to be known as the Stadtbahn. The project concept should be completed in 2020, to include details of a first line and an eventual network, as well as when work could start and timescales. Almaty attracts nine bidders The tender for the PPP contract to build, equip and operate a 22.7km (14.1-mile) tramway in the Kazakh city of Almaty has attracted nine bids: CRCC (China); China Machinery Engineering Corp; China Railway Beijing Engineering; Norinco; China International Trust Investment Corp; Alstom/Gulermak/Marubeni; CAF/Itochu; PK Transportnye Systemy/Renaissance Construction; and ENKA. The line is planned to open before the end of 2022. The third phase of Los Angeles’ Purple line will take the metro to Westwood in 2026. Metro

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JANUARY 2019 / 9 News focus LIGHT RAIL DAY 2018 Geoff Butler reviews the key points from this year’s Light Rail Day conference in Stockholm.

he Swedish city of Stockholm played host to this year’s Light Rail Day conference (5-6 November), with common themes amongst the presentations aroundT passenger engagement, delivering exceptional customer service and how cities can induce pride in public transportation. Over 100 delegates from across Scandinavia attended this year’s event (its eighth running), which began with a technical tour of the city centre to explore the new line 7 T-Centralen tramstop, opened two months previously. Representatives from the city explained the development of the latest city tram extension – from the initial brief to finding the right solution to suit the requirements of the city. Further descriptions were given of the decision to mount OLE fixings on nearby buildings to remove unnecessary poles; the innovative trackform supplied by Edilon Sedra; and how the city integrates tram and bus services with cars on a daily basis. The new Klarabergsgatan layout in central Stockholm, following the introduction of the line 7 extension in This tour continued to the AGA Lidingö September 2018. Thomas Johansson depot, where delegates were treated to a demonstration of the latest green track and taken in 1985, with construction beginning transitions between bus and tram appearing track damping systems by Strail and Christian in 1989. In June 1991 the first line, funded by simple; the buses require different heights of Berner. Andrea Scholz, Strail Sales Manager, SLL, opened. Line 7 was then extended using both paths and platforms, with trams having gave an overview of the company’s products prefabricated sections to speed this through space on the roads. However, with a bus that reduce noise and vibration, including to remove the increasing congestion. generally able to carry 50 people per journey, its rail-embedded systems, green track, noise Work on the latest 560m extension to and a tram 250, the potential of the latter to reduction systems, mini-sound walls and infill T-Centralen (see TAUT 970, page 367) was move people more efficiently is evident. panels, which can reduce noise by up to 6dB. launched in 2016 and opened to passengers on In June 2013 the Lidingöbanan was closed 3 September 2018. Bringing tram service back All in a few words for two years to permit upgrading of track to city streets brought noise and vibration Magnus Braxell, CEO of Stockholms and stops ahead of the delivery of new mitigation issues, as well as aesthetic concerns. Spårvägar, gave a fascinating insight into low-floor trams to run the line. The 9.2km In a bid to address the latter, catenary wires the city’s mission statement, ‘Present and (six-mile) line from Ropsten to Gåshaga were connected in a sympathetic manner to Available’, explaining this vision in a brygga, offering access to the adjacent ferry buildings surrounding the new tracks, and Nordic context. terminal, reopened in October 2015 and is grooved rail was used with a wheel stop in place Stockholms Spårvägar was formed in 1987, now worked by seven CAF Urbos AXL 40.6m and an added concrete safety barrier behind and since 1991 has been the operator of the low-floor trams that operate from the rebuilt the T-Centralen stop. The city extension also heritage tramway, as well as taking on regular AGA depot. Contracted CAF staff are based at features a scissors crossover manufactured by services on line 7 and line 21 from 2015. the site to maintain the fleet ofA36 vehicles. Vossloh Cogifer in Luxembourg. Hong Kong-based MTR operates the metro The depot can accommodate over 30 trams An extension to line 22 to form a and commuter trains, with the city’s and currently also houses a fleet of buses connection to line 7 is ongoing. municipal operator taking responsibility for operated by Keolis. The site includes the The Stockholm region is split into northern the other tramlines as well as buses. usual maintenance areas, a parts store and and southern sections, with heavy road traffic Mr Braxell said that his vision is for tramwash, all well-considered in their layout. flowing between these areas and creating a Stockholms Spårvägar to become a leading bottleneck in the middle. With sustained operator in Scandinavia – and beyond. An introduction to the city’s system growth across the metropolitan region, The key to this succeeding is in offering a The conference’s introductory session was the city is investigating further rail links high- quality service, bringing a good financial delivered by representatives from Stockholms to the outlying areas as projections show a return, but most importantly, having happy läns landsting (SLL – the County Council), population rise from the current two million customers and employees. This is already setting the scene in terms of the city’s ambitions to almost three million in the next 25 years. evident in Stockholm, as customer satisfaction for growth of its modern tram network and Urban transport consists of metro, rose from 90% to 95% following extension of what is planned to deliver these needs. commuter rail, tram, bus and car, although the line to T-Centralen, he explained. Faegh Adel-Pour and Carl Silfverhielm from light rail is the preferred mass transit choice The main presentations on the event’s SLL gave an overview of public transport in for its ability to carry large numbers around first day were concluded with the award of the capital, from the first tramway opening in the city quickly and efficiently. The tramway’s this year’s Nordic Light Rail Prize. For 2018 1877 and the conversion to electric operation four current lines (7, 12, 21 and 22), equate to the honour was given to Ole Sørensen of in 1901. As in other cities, the motor car 38km (23.6 miles) of light rail, with 65 trams Midtrafik for to mark his achievements and proved popular in its early days and this led carrying 130 000 passengers daily. There are contribution to the installation of the new to the tramway’s decline in fortunes and also four depots. Aarhus tramway that opened in December eventual closure of the city lines in 1967. Detailed plans are currently underway to 2017. The Nordic Light Rail Prize (NLRP) Decisions to reinstate tramway services were better integrate the different modes, with was founded in 2016, recognising those

10 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Delegates were welcomed with a technical tour; city representatives explained the The programme began with a tour of Stockholm’s system, including a behind the challenges of creating the new tramstop at T-Centralen, pictured. Geoff Butler scenes look inside the depot at Lidingö. Geoff Butler who have distinguished themselves and EUR140m contract. Design revisions have He made the point that as part of a city’s delivered a lasting legacy to the development seen a final configuration with interior strategic future, attracting people to use public of city tramways. layout and colourscheme changes, including transport has become more important than NLRP prize money does not go to the greater provision for prams and wheelchairs. ever. The city’s art, culture, architecture, winner, but instead towards a scholarship Delivery of the first vehicle for evaluation and furniture and lighting are all factors in fund for a selected student; the winner dynamic testing in the city is planned for 1 attracting people to a city, and this should be does, however, have significant influence in July 2019, followed by a second in August and reflected in the design of its transport as well. choosing this student. Sponsored projects a third in January 2020. The remaining 37 will For example, he described the level of detail must involve tramway systems (driving be delivered by June 2021. that has gone into the internal appearance of on sight), involving at least one Northern Stefen Menzel, Operating Manager of the Arlanda airport express to make it more European country. Stadtwerke Solingen (Germany), continued passenger-friendly, and the alterations made the day’s presentations with a discussion of to the exterior of the front end of the SLC30 Vehicle and power supply design the importance of respectful and engaging Bombardier trams. The second day of the event opened with a staff management. SWS has a dedicated Idesign’s design process begins with an lecture from Martin Ignell, head of Göteborgs health management manager, a social services initial brief from the client consisting of user Spärvägar’s ‘Project M33’, discussing the staff member and a full-time physiologist. Mr studies, client values and intentions. This introduction of Bombardier trams in his city. Menzel demonstrated how such staff welfare progresses through phases that emphasise Göteborg (Gothenburg) has a city tramway measures have resulted in a happier and more key words and initial sketches, through to that celebrates 140 years of operation in 2019, productive workforce and fewer absences. CAD and CMF (colour, material and finish). with a network that covers 81km (50 miles) of Johan Larsvall, CEO of Stockholm-based Refining these concepts includes seating double-track and serves 133 stops. Carrying industrial design agency Idesign, spoke about ergonomics, for example, plus the limitations 123.5m passengers in 2017, journey times the Nordic markets’ outlook for tram design, for, say, materials that can be used to combat average 12 minutes. including a look at the unique challenges the any emergency that might arise. With the switch to right-hand traffic in climate presents to passengers, operators and Lighting is very important for well-being 1967, Göteborg was one of only two Swedish maintainers alike. He described the process and the ‘feel-good’ factor, he explained, while cities to retain its city-centre tramway, the of working within these constraints to give passenger information systems can be better other being Norrköping, 160km (100 miles) aesthetically-pleasing vehicles that give integrated into interiors to create a ‘roomier’ south-west of the capital. customers the best overall experience. feel. Mock-ups are produced to user test areas Although the network itself is expanding like seats and lighting, and revisions are made along with the frequency of trams, much of before full-scale prototypes are built. the current rolling stock is over 50 years old, One of the final presentations was given and with shortages and reliability issues, by Joakim Boström of German electrification more reliable, efficient and higher-quality specialist Rail Power Systems. Elaborating on trams are required to cope with the daily the already-described brief of minimising challenges. The city’s current rolling stock visual impact of power supply systems, roster comprises M28/29s, dating from the Mr Boström gave examples such as the 1960s and ’70s, M31 cars built by AESA/ABB installation of the 750V dc supply with between 1984 and 1992, and two tranches of ‘hidden’ fixing points under a bridge in M32 low-floor vehicles from AnsaldoBreda Stockholm’s central area. He explained how (2004 and 2012). there are no extra suspension arrangements The M28/29 and M31 cars have been for rail vehicles with fastenings of cross-spans extensively rebuilt and modernised over and pull-offs having the same surface as the the decades and the reliability issues with poles themselves. the M32 cars are well-known. With such a A special reflective coating applied to diverse and ageing roster, the intention is to the poles reflects light, and these were to be introduce 40 new M33 vehicles by 2021 – a placed in ‘tree rows’ to try to disguise them steep but necessary challenge. further. Light grey colours were also used so The uni- and bi-directional trams (types A as to be unobtrusive, with the weights and and B) will be 33m long, but there is also an suspension contained within the poles. option to purchase a third type (C) which can Overall, the 2018 Light Rail Day provided be up to 45m long. Tenders were gathered a useful and fascinating insight into the from Bombardier, Alstom, CAF, Pesa, Škoda Andrea Scholz of Strail showcased a number of Scandinavian approach to LRT development and Stadler and an eight-month evaluation innovative methods of mitigating rail-related noise – the 2019 event is to be held in København concluded with Bombardier winning the and vibration in urban environments. Geoff Butler (Copenhagen) on 4-5 November.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org january 2019 / 11 Alsace

Most tramways are localised units, but Crossing Strasbourg and Basel have crossed key boundaries to help boundaries realise multi-national ambitions for light rail as a tool in urban strategy. in Alsace Reg Harman finds out how.

lsace on France’s eastern border has a complex and interesting history. Although now firmly French, as part of the Grande Est region it has at various times Abeen closely associated with German and Swiss territories and still retains Germanic and Swiss influences in its culture, place- names, buildings and cuisine. So perhaps it is not surprising that its tramway networks include three examples of services crossing boundaries that distinguish it from the rest of the country. One of these is the Mulhouse tram-train line, arguably the only true tram-train route in France. This owes its existence to the willingness of different organisations to work together across borders between different forms of rail operation. The other two are among the world’s few tram routes to cross national borders: Strasbourg tramline D (which crosses the River Rhein (Rhine) to terminate in the German town of Kehl); and Basel tramline 3 (which crosses the city boundary to terminate in the neighbouring French municipality of St Louis). Both reflect Place de la République in central Mulhouse. Tram-train TT27 bound for the station crosses Solea 25 on international co-operation; but in reviewing tram route 1 for Chataignier. the context and operation of these three and out to the modern high-rise suburb of The trackwork design allows for SNCF lines, it is worth noting specific issues that Chataignier. Line 2 runs between Nouveau wheel flange depths. have arisen in their realisation. Bassin northeast of the centre and the Planning for the tram-train required close modern suburb of Coteaux to the southwest, co-operation between SNCF, regional and city Mulhouse tram-train passing through the university area. The two authorities, Solea and different regulatory The city of Mulhouse has at various times cross at the junction of Porte Jeune, a square bodies. The first part of the route involves a been part of what are now France, Germany on the north side of the city centre. Operated separate line parallel to the main line from and Switzerland. A part of France since 1918, it by Solea, it is electrified at 750v DC and run Daguerre to the station of Lutterbach. This is retains an international feel: where else in the by a fleet of yellow AlstomCitadis 302s. electrified at 750V dc, and is part single-track, country would you find restaurants termed The tram-train line, which adds an with simple colour light signals. Beyond ‘winstubs’ with choucroute (sauerkraut) and additional 16km (ten miles), was developed Lutterbach the route continues northwest rostis (grated fried potatoes) on the menu? in parallel with the tramway. The urban to Thann – the entrance to the Thur Valley Mulhouse’s city tram network, opened tramway design allowed for this: at 2.65m – then along the branch line up through the in 2006, is small: its two lines total about wide it accommodates the SNCF tram-trains Thur valley to Kruth in the Vosges mountains. 16km (ten miles). Line 1 runs northwards as well as the city trams. Almost all other This section is single-track, electrified at 25kv from the main station around the city centre, French tramways have 2.4m tramcars. ac, and signalled under SNCF regulations.

LEFT: TT27 bound for Thann St Jacques waits as TT20 arrives on its journey to Mulhouse. This is a typical SNCF country station; note the town centre (with church) in the background. RIGHT: At Musees, Solea 25 on tram route 3 for Lutterbach runs on to the single-track section alongside the main line to Strasbourg.

12 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Seen from the German river bank, a CTS Citadis on line D approaches Kehl Bahnhof on the bridge over the Rhine – note residential development on the French side.

The tram-train service begins from the line stations. In between the route is served The tram-train service, opened in 2010, stop just in front of the main railway station, to Lutterbach by a half-hourly tram service, is operated by a batch of Siemens Avanto runs to the junction stop at Porte Jeune and line 3, giving a tram every 15 minutes. vehicles, equipped to operate from both 750V then follows line 2 west to Daguerre, where it On Sundays both run every hour. Beyond dc and 25kv ac. Within the city these serve branches off round a tight loop to continue Thann the non-electrified section to Kruth all stops, functioning as part of the tramway along the section to Lutterbach. This section is served by an SNCF TER train running from system. Although SNCF stock, they are serves lower density residential areas, Mulhouse station over the railway line to driven by a combination of SNCF and Solea and also, at Musées, the Cité du Train (the Lutterbach, and along the branch through drivers and are maintained at Solea’s depot. national railway museum) and Electropoles Thann. This runs hourly: a very frequent Announcements onboard and at tram-train (electricity museum). service by SNCF branch standards. stations reflect the usual SNCF principle of At Lutterbach the tramway island platform With the tram-train the Thann district naming every single station, with urban tram is parallel to the main SNCF station. Just to has a very good service providing access into stop names all preceded by ‘Mulhouse’. the north of this, the tram-train line merges the heart of the city and, via interchanges, to Solea urban tickets are valid on the with the Kruth line as it branches off the much of the conurbation. Traffic has grown tram-trains (and T3) as far as Lutterbach. main line and continues northwest, the main steadily and appears to include some trips The areas beyond this point are included line veering north. There are crossing points along parts of the line and into Mulhouse. in new outer zones for Mulhouse travel. at the intermediate stations of Wittelsheim- Appropriate SNCF TER tickets, validated Graffenweld and Cernay, both serving small before boarding, may also be used. No doubt towns. In Thann, the tram-train serves five many regular users hold period or multiple stations: two in Vieux Thann (industry and tickets for their journey. The one difficulty residential); Thann Gare, the former main in travelling on to Thann via Lutterbach station, near the town centre, still a typical when using an urban day ticket is that the French country station; and two new stops only ticket machine and validator lies at the just beyond, Thann Centre with a single far end of the station building, reached by an platform face, and Thann St Jacques with underpass from the tram-train platform. an island platform where the tram-train terminates in a bay. Here the town narrows Strasbourg tramline D into the Thur valley, up which the branch From its initial 9km (5.6 miles) opened in line continues to Kruth. 1994, Strasbourg’s tramway has grown into The tram-train service runs between a substantial and still expanding network. Mulhouse Gare and Thann St Jacques Thann Centre, just north of the level crossing on the It is a complex one, with a close network of every 30 minutes, all day from Monday to single-track station close to town centre, with TT24 several routes covering the more densely Saturday, serving all tramstops and branch starting its return trip to Mulhouse. occupied area of the city. This is exemplified

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org jnauary 2019 / 13 Alsace

by the almost continual procession of trams passing through triangular junctions such as Landsberg on the eastern side. Services are run with three generations of trams: the original Eurotrams built in Derby; and two successive batches of Alstom Citadis 403 designed to look like the Eurotram. Strasbourg’s history includes close and sometimes complex links with the German town of Kehl in the State of Baden, just across the Rhine on the eastern bank. France and Germany are members of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, so there is total freedom of movement across their borders. Kehl functions in part as a valued catchment area for Strasbourg, and in turn benefits from the employment and facilities of its large neighbour. This is recognised in the formal Eurodistrict Strasbourg-Ortenau, fully established in 2010, with the recognition of French and German Governments. This represents Kehl and two other German Landsberg; a CTS Eurotram on line C turns east. towns together with the Eurométropole de Strasbourg (the city region since 2015, The decision to extend tramline D across The section to Kehl Bahnhof runs formerly the Communauté Urbaine de the Rhine to Kehl Bahnhof was made by from Aristide-Briand for some distance Strasbourg, CUS); it aims to develop close the CUS in 2009, and supported by Kehl through the Strasbourg port area, with an bonds between authorities, institutions and council in 2011. An additional aim was to intermediate bowstring bridge over an arm individuals on both sides of the border. The support development on vacant land around of the Rhine. Two stops in the port area are population is over 900 000: Kehl with 35 000 Strasbourg’s port. The extension, 2.9km planned when development takes place and the Strasbourg Metropole 500 000, of (1.8 miles) long and opened in 2017. around them. Major development, mostly which Strasbourg city has 280 000. Strasbourg funded the portion to the residential, has now been built around the Regular bus and local train services have mid-Rhine, while the cost of the section new stop of Port-du-Rhin near the river. long provided links across the Rhine. beyond was split between the various partners. Beyond here the line climbs to a spectacular Latterly the bus route has operated between Further extension south to Kehl Rathaus (town 290m double bowstring bridge over the Kehl station and the tramstop at Aristide hall) was subsequently agreed, funded by Rhine. At 16m wide, this carries two tram Briand, former terminal of line D from the German authorities; construction of this tracks plus a pedestrian and cycleway. There western and central Strasbourg. With short section is now nearing completion. is a reversing siding before the bridge. On the continual growth in movement over the river, linking Kehl fully into Strasbourg’s At Port du Rhin – looking to the bridge over the city transport system was always potentially Rhine – a CTS Eurotram arrives from Kehl on line valuable, on a similar basis to links with D , passing a Citadis sitting in the reversing siding. similar adjacent municipalities in its French catchment. Indeed, the risk of congestion offered by the single bridge made the creation of a quality transit link even more important.

14 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org German side the line runs forward a short way to terminate (currently) in front of Kehl railway station. Line D services run every 7.5 minutes during the main part of the day, but alternative trams terminate at Port-du-Rhin so that the service to Kehl runs every 15 minutes. It forms part of the CTS network and normal CTS tariffs apply.

Basel tramline 3 The city of Basel forms one of Switzerland’s major centres in terms of commerce, industry and population, and is a key On the northern edge of Basel, 5008 heads for the The customs post at Burgfelderhof – looking into transport hub at the south end of the Rhine. border while 5012 is bound for the city centre. France – with 5004 pausing en route into Basel. Lying on the borders with both France and Germany, adjacent towns in these countries have become as much part of the metropolitan region as its own suburbs. This is recognised in the formal Trinational Eurodistrict Basel (TEB) of 62 suburban communes, which includes municipalities in neighbouring countries and which has a population of over 830 000. The Swiss municipalities within this have a population of over 540 000, the city itself 200 000. The French part of the TEB includes St Louis, a small commune of 20 000 people but forming the focus of a group of districts (agglomération) with a total population of 70 000. Within it an area west of the main Basel to Mulhouse railway line is largely undeveloped at present, but is designated as the location for major development (Euro3Lys) under the 2013 strategic plan (SCOT) for St Louis. Euro3Lys will include a Technopark, a commercial and leisure centre (Trois Pays) and a large residential area (Quartier de Lys). Just to the northwest, within French territory, is the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, a very unusual airport that is divided, in principle at least, Just on French side of the customs point; Basel 5038 reaches the border point from St Louis Gare. into separate French and Swiss sections. Switzerland is a member of the Schengen 3 instead, following an alignment serving Basel tickets; specific tickets are needed to Area, like France and Germany, and thus parts of the new Euro3Lys development. cross the border either way. Separate (Euro) does not maintain barriers to movement of Construction went ahead and the line was tickets are available for travel within the people across borders with them. But it is opened through to its terminus at St Louis French section. Through trams pause at not a member of the European Union and railway station in December 2017. It is Burgfelderhof for a short while, presumably so maintains a customs border to check and 3.4km (2.1 miles) long, running for 2.6km to allow customs checks if required. tax goods. In practice this means only the (1.6 miles) on the French side. occasional check, rather than tight controls From Waldighofferstrasse stop, near A wider reach? on vehicles crossing the border points. the previous terminus, the extension The last 30 years have seen phenomenal Basel’s metre-gauge tramway dates back to runs between allotments on one side and expansion of tramways in France as an 1895. Continual development and extension open land on the other. The border point effective transport tool in its city development created a dense network by the 1950s, which has a customs shed and office, with tram strategies. This reflects the widespread forms the basis of today’s modern system, stops incorporated either side, named economic and social connectivity tramways run on the whole by BVB. On the north Burgfelderhof. There is a turning loop for create, their low environmental impacts side the tramway lines extend up to the trams not going on to St Louis; this briefly and effective use of resources, and role borders with France and Germany. By the crosses the border line into French territory. underpinning sustainable development. new millennium, planning was in hand to Just beyond, the line runs down a hill The examples reviewed in this article extend lines across the borders into adjacent between a sports field and light industry indicate that these effects can be achieved urban areas. The first extension approved and in French territory and goes through the across even wider boundaries. Perhaps this constructed was of BVB line 8, extended in western edge of St Louis, where three is attributable to the history of Alsace as a 2014 into the adjacent German town of stops are located. Finally it runs between border territory where co-operation between Weil-am-Rhein east of the river. fields forming the future Quartier de Lys. different groups of people and organisations In the area adjoining France, two lines It terminates on the west side of St Louis has long been the norm. It offers a valuable terminated at the border with St Louis: station, in a bus/tram/car set-down area lesson to us all. line 11 at St Louis Grenze, just south of the with multi-storey car park. An underpass built-up part of St Louis town; and line 3 at leads to the station booking office on the east Burgfelden Grenze, some way southwest. side; the town centre lies beyond that. FIND OUT MORE Extending line 11 would have linked straight The daytime frequency to Burgfelderhof is Valuable information has been drawn from into the contiguous urban area (as did the eight trams per hour, but every second service volume 4 of Brian Patton’s excellent series through-line from Basel that opened in turns there, giving four trams per hour The Tramway Revolution in France 1985-2015 1910, when St Louis was the German town through to St Louis. Services are operated by (2016), Rail Passions’ le tramway en France of Sankt Ludwig, and closed in 1950). new single-ended Bombardier Flexity 2 trams. aujourd’hui (2017) and from various web sources. But the decision was taken to extend line The extension is not covered by standard

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org january 2019 / 15 Barriers to UK progress UK Barriers to progress

Edinburgh was the last British city to open a new city tramway; opening day at the Gyle Centre, 31 May 2014. V. Simons

UK light rail projects can be difficult to get off the ground, but in Europe they’re flourishing. Tim Kendell analyses the barriers, both real and perceived, to further development of the mode.

ow often have you heard that it Scoping a new transport service The transport case forms the basis of the is too difficult to build a tramway The most important question, and one overall business case, which looks at the in Great Britain? This is the that is all too often overlooked, is ‘what is financial and wider economic benefits against country that invented both the transport need?’ This is what should the installation and running costs. Where fare railways and street tramways, yet determine the most appropriate transport revenue covers operating costs and also services theseH days it seems to take forever to get a new mode for any given scenario. This may sound the construction debt, there is a financial case project started, whereas they just get on with it elementary, but so many times this is brushed and this could be left to market investors to in France and Germany. You only have to look under the carpet because an enthusiast says, provide. Often though, the operational costs at how many have been built in Europe since ‘We NEED a tram on this route’. In this can be covered by fares but the debt cannot, the 1960s, adding to those first-generation scenario, ‘we need’ is actually ‘I want’, without and this is where the wider economic case is networks that were never lost – yet the UK has much study or justification. Fortunately, such required to justify the investment of public only seven tram systems and two light metros. fantasies are usually ignored and only those money and any ongoing subsidy. Another ‘fact’ bandied around is that it is with a real transport case proceed. much more expensive to build a tramway or Where a transport problem can be Planning a new tramway light rail scheme in the UK. Edinburgh and demonstrated or an opportunity created A commercial developer with a good financial the recent extensions in Nottingham are cited through residential or commercial case could propose to build and operate a as examples, said by some to be two to three developments, it is time to undertake a study. tramway without public subsidy. If the land times the price of a system built in mainland Experience shows that where a development required can be purchased or leased by private Europe. However a study undertaken for is planned alongside a new transport link treaty and any interference with rights of way UKTram has demonstrated that this is not the both can succeed; just look at London’s is agreed with the appropriate authorities, case and that most British costs are on a par Docklands area. then planning permission may be considered with the European norms when you compare Having identified a potential need, it is time adequate, particularly for a tourist service with apples with pommes und äpfel. to gauge demand to select the most appropriate limited opening times. Compared with our European colleagues, transport mode. Modelling techniques give a This method is rarely followed for a there are differences in the way the UK prediction of demand and growth over time. commercial service however, as there are plans and approves new infrastructure and Modest flows may only justify an infrequent many reasons to pursue an Order under the manages the impacts on the local population. bus service, whereas for 3000 passengers per Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWAO) to This article will look at the choices available for hour per direction you may be able to present gain authority to build and operate such a new transport systems, as well as the essential a good case for a tramway. As we approach tramway (in Scotland these powers are gained processes that need to be completed before a 10 000 passengers/hour/direction you are via the passing of a ‘Scottish Act’ through the new system can be brought into service. likely to be looking at a segregated metro. Holyrood Parliament).

16 / JANUARY 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: Manchester Metrolink (left) and Nottingham Express Transit (right) are fine examples of how local champions and political and community unity have managed to get tramway schemes not only off the ground, but also with expansion to cover ever larger sections of the regions they serve. Simon Johnston/Neil Pulling If public money is required, a TWAO shows it takes many years to gain agreement Assuming you have the finance secured would be required for the protection of to even start the processes. The champion (or at least enough to develop your proposals), public investment. A TWAO can grant will need to guide the proposal through the next step is to apply for the Order under powers such as compulsory land purchase, hoops and over hurdles, and stop it becoming the TWAO. These powers used to be granted the creation of byelaws, blocking or bogged down in the waiting bureaucracy. through a Private Act of Parliament; however interrupting public and private rights of The fundamental problem with creating Parliament became tired of considering these way, interference with utilities, and a a new system in a city where none currently proposals and created the TWAO process statutory defence against ‘Actions in exists is that it will be seen as unaffordable; instead, which is similar to that required for Nuisance’ as it would give the tramway and it will be argued that the same quality of major road schemes. Statutory Undertaker Status. service can be provided by road transport, A series of documents need to be prepared, Before applying for a TWAO, or indeed which seemingly can achieve the required many of which are virtually incomprehensible planning permission, a considerable number outcome at a fraction of the price. Thus, the to the uninitiated – with one exception, of ‘processes’ need to be completed, first barrier is in finding funds for an initial the Environmental Statement. This must be documents prepared and consultations feasibility study with an outline transport written in clear English and accompanied undertaken. Both routes are likely to lead and business case. The UK’s Department for by a ‘Non-Technical Summary’ that considers to a planning inquiry as, except for the Transport (DfT) provides guidance in these and describes all impacts of the proposal and smallest of projects, objections can be where they can be mitigated. expected which are unlikely to be resolved Anybody can support a TWAO application, without a public hearing. “To get a new tramway and anyone can object. If objectors cannot These processes are often considered to be satisfied, there is usually a public inquiry. be barriers, as they can take a considerable off the ground it is A consultation period takes place before time to work through and cost substantial important to have a the inquiry where the promoter should amounts of money, with an uncertain discuss the reasons for the proposals with outcome. The preparation for a TWAO will ‘champion’ who can all objectors, and perhaps come to some involve the management of most matters agreement (financial, if appropriate). considered as a ‘barrier’. negotiate their way While many promoters see this compensation To ask the question then – are there really as a major cost, it may be cheaper in the long barriers preventing British cities or city through local and central term than fighting objections and potentially regions from building a tramway? Merseyside losing at significant further expense. and South Hampshire would say ‘yes’ after government scepticism The granting of a TWAO and Statutory the then-Transport Secretary Alistair Darling Undertaker Status will in time be financially cancelled both schemes (in 2005). That was in and process.” and legally beneficial. In particular, the ability a climate of rising prices and fiscal restraint. to make byelaws, approved by the Secretary of Since then, only Edinburgh’s tramway has areas called WebTAG, and this is used to State, can make such things as fare dodging a been built from scratch and some existing gauge the Value for Money of the options criminal offence rather than a matter for the systems have been extended or refurbished. studied. Many tram supporters argue civil courts. The Statutory Defence against The real success of these projects, and that WebTAG favours road transport and ‘Actions in Nuisance’ can prevent individuals demonstrable love the travelling public show underestimates the value of non-cash gaining injunctions preventing services from their trams, should show politicians that sustainability benefits however. operating because, say, the noise or lights where ridership levels are right, tramways Funding is another barrier that used to from trams disturbs the sleep of an adjacent should be considered a prime option as part of be simple to overcome: persuade the DfT, resident. It should be noted that ‘nuisance’ an integrated transport plan, rather than an find some local matching finance and away does not extend to matters of safety, and expensive and unaffordable luxury. you go. Since 2015 the DfT’s cash for local this defence is not appropriate against – for transport schemes has been given to Local example – rails making the road more slippery. Finding a ‘champion’ Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), which have To get a new tramway off the starting blocks the role of deciding how public money Typical objectors it is important to have a ‘champion’ who should be spent according to local priorities. Public utility companies affected by the new can negotiate their way through local and If the LEP does not support your proposal tramway are almost certain to object until their central government scepticism and process. you have a lot of persuading to do; if it does interests are satisfied. Utilities have a protected This champion will need to have forethought you will still need approval from the DfT right to be in the street under the terms of the and perseverance to succeed, and history and HM Treasury. New Roads and Streetworks Act. Section 82 of

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JANUARY 2019 / 17 Barriers to UK progress

East London's Docklands Light Railway is known as the 'Regeneration Railway', Busy bus lanes in Bristol, a city that would benefit from a modern light rail with the first line forming part of a major programme to revive a run-down area of scheme. There are many examples of smaller and less economically prosperous the UK capital. cities in Europe that have tramways. that Act requires the utility undertaker workshop for the EU SINTROPHER project. extensions in Nottingham, and repairs to the to compensate the transport authority for The French Regulator had charged the project extensive tramway in Brussels, and they are all losses resulting from its street works or EUR50 000 for the safety certificate for that different. Brussels was the lightest by far, but emergency works. Consequently, it is not trip, making it by far the most expensive tram I could not see its methods being considered in the utility company’s interests to allow ride I have ever undertaken. A few months acceptable within the UK environment. apparatus to remain in a position where later at the UK Light Rail Conference in access could be affected by tramway Nottingham I was on a demonstration tram Disruption and approvals operations in the future, without a suitable travelling over an as-yet-unopened section of The disruption expected during construction agreement being in place. that city’s new extension; I asked the railway in streets has a considerable impact on A promoter agreeing to ‘stopping the inspector on the ride if the ORR had charged residents and businesses. Those affected who trams and allowing access’ may seem and he said no, it was the responsibility of the do not perceive an overall future benefit advantageous at an early stage, but as ever operator to verify it was safe to run. may object against the project and look for with shortcuts, the sting comes later. When compensation. Objectors’ fears can be allayed access is required many organisations will with good planning and early consultation require compensation. The utility may require “Another oft-heard and ongoing engagement. Extended roadworks compensation for added access difficulties, are seen as a major issue, but I have yet to particularly if the trackbed has to be lifted criticism is that British see a realistic option to reduce disruption or broken up. The tramway concessionaire tramways are built to significantly. The best way is to plan any will want compensation for loss of business roadworks and utility diversions upfront, and the additional costs of offering bus heavy rail standards – with the roadworks contractor co-ordinating alternatives. access for utility contractors. Of course, anyone’s business that is but with my heavy rail The outcome of the Edinburgh Tram significantly affected by the tramway works Inquiry by Lord Hardie may give guidance should have the opportunity to object and background, I see little to reduce the impact and cost of utility (usually) come to some mutually acceptable diversions as part of the construction process. agreement. Likewise, this should apply evidence of this.” The lack of general standards for tram to individuals who may have their access vehicles is seen as a barrier to progress disrupted and who are subject to noise during because it makes products from the various construction and future operation. This is Design and construction standards manufacturers incompatible and adds the only time such individuals have the Another oft-heard criticism is that British difficulty for the operator to specify fairly. opportunity to complain as once the order is tramways are built to heavy rail standards – Conversely, tram manufacturers all produce made, the clauses protecting against actions but with my heavy rail background, I see little a series of vehicle types that can be adapted in nuisance comes into play. This is why evidence of this. I agree that there is a lack of in small ways to suit the city or operator. the TWAO process can seem tortuous to the standards for light rail in the UK, and in due Normally about 20% of the tram can be promoter and unfathomable to the time the Light Rail Safety & Standards Board easily modified to suit the operator’s visual individual objector. (LRSSB) will be looking to address this. and seating layout preferences, as well as Also, how often is it said that Britain It seems true that every system in the UK works the country’s legal requirements for road follows all regulations to the letter and that to different standards, but if you visit just a vehicles. There are some European Standards its regulations are too prescriptive? From my few tramways around Europe you will find the applicable for structural strength and experience of Europe, particularly France and same, with each being developed to suit the crashworthiness according to the type of Germany, this is not the case. UK Health and particular needs of the municipality they serve. tram; these standards have and will continue Safety Legislation is generally less prescriptive British tramways have always had to follow to be adopted as British Standards, which and more risk-based than that of its European the ORR RSP2, now Tramway Principles and ensures comparability between suppliers and counterparts. The Office of Rail and Road Guidance, a document the LRSSB will be taking suitability for the UK market. expects risks to be assessed, reasonable over management responsibility for from However, there are differences between mitigations to be applied, and that final risks UKTram. As there are few tramway standards, national standards, and in particular the way are ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ and at a designers and contractors have tended to the UK enforces its Rail Vehicle Accessibility ‘tolerable’ level. In other words, think before design afresh for each system and they may Regulations (RVAR), which are subtly you act and work out the safe way to do it. use certain heavy rail practices as a guide. different to those in other countries and in I travelled on a demonstration tram along I have observed the new Cross City line being places quite prescriptive. a new route between Valenciennes and a constructed in Dublin, the extension from The approvals process is decreed by the town near the Belgian border during a Snow Hill to New Street in Birmingham, the Railways and Other Guided Transport

18 / JANUARY 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org The French city of Bordeaux has fully embraced the modern tramway, creating a three-line network over the last 15 years and using ground supply power systems to remove overhead lines in the city centre. The issue of overhead power lines is often a cause célèbre for objectors to light rail schemes in areas of cultural or historical significance.

Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 and requires the operator to undertake safety verification and have it confirmed by an independent and competent person. The ORR enforces both safety and compliance with RVAR, but does not give any approvals itself. This puts the onus on the operator to ensure safety rather than relying on ORR diktats. With the introduction of the new tram- train service running over both Sheffield Supertram and Network Rail tracks in South Yorkshire, interoperability becomes a matter to be considered. This pilot scheme has not been easy and was never going to be; The French city of Besancon5 is held up by Bombardier Flexity Outlook 3055 on new tracks neither was it easy when the concept was some within the UK as a model for how to build near Da Vinci stop in north-east Brussels. The route first introduced in Karlsruhe (Germany). a pared-back tram scheme in smaller cities. was extended further to Leopold III-laan in 2014. Safety and compatibility between different With the devolution of local transport networks using a different set of standards and “The implementation spending, LEPs may select a tramway as a operating under a different legal basis local priority, but any funds allocated need was never going to be straightforward. of a new tramway scheme to be confirmed by the DfT and the Treasury, The trams need to be compatible with which will use WebTAG to judge if funds mainline track, signalling, electrification and means that any such should be released. communications systems; the mainline might Past under-estimations of cost and need changes to mitigate incompatibilities project will span the time have given tramways a bad name in including flange width, platform height and government circles, and the implementation vehicle shape or gauge; and drivers need tenure of several ministers timescale means that any such project will to be trained to operate under two distinct span the tenure of several ministers and practices, line of sight and fully signalled, and senior officials.” senior officials, whereas other options can and there are human factor issues at the be achieved in a much shorter time. changeover point. The most difficult barrier to overcome is The minister or councillor who cuts the the business case, against which different ribbon is the one remembered. Conclusions? transport schemes are judged when it We must remember that it wasn’t Jo Johnson Are there really so many more barriers to comes to allocation of central government MP (a transport minister in 2018 who has since the introduction of new tramways in Britain funds. The current system using WebTAG resigned) who started the tram-train pilot; where compared with Western Europe? can make it difficult to incorporate the were the other five or more former ministers I think there are barriers, but they are more full benefits that a tramway has over other who have helped it along the way? Long political and to do with funding, project forms of public road transport; for example forgotten. This is typical, and does not help get appraisal and planning rather than cost, it does not allow for the allocation of long-term infrastructure projects started. standards and utilities. Where there is political monetary equivalents for the many will and strong leadership, a tramway scheme environmental and social economic benefits. All images courtesy of Neil Pulling unless has a chance, but the road to delivering it The use of discounted cashflows to otherwise stated. will be more difficult than in a country where determine the present-day value of the trams are recognised as an essential mode and project (Net Present Value) means that early environmentally superior to other forms of infrastructure costs are included in full and urban transport. operational costs reduce with time. A bus-based ABOUT THE AUTHOR Planning rules throughout Europe require operation has the cost of new vehicles, but the Tim Kendell is the Technical Director of the that individual rights are protected, but with more frequent replacement costs are reduced or LRTA. After a railway career spanning over differences in how that is achieved. In Britain discounted as they are future costs. This means 40 years, he retired from the DfT where he was the legal system is based on an adversarial that the cashflow profile for a new tramway the technical lead for the tram-train pilot. He had approach rather than the inquisitorial project is more heavily loaded with early costs been the engineer for the development of approach common in Europe, which can lead than a bus-based scheme, which can lead to several major projects up to TWAO stage. to extended proceedings and greater costs. affordability constraints.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JANUARY 2019 / 19 Nagasaki

Nagasaki:

Hamaguchi-Machi (Atomic Bomb Museum stop) in April 2014. Risen from ruin Images by Howard Pulling It may be remembered for one event at the end of World War f it were not for one event of worldwide importance, the city of Nagasaki Two, but Nagasaki is also home to a tramway with more than would be far less recognised outside 100 years of history. Neil Pulling considers the city today, where Japan than it is. With around 420 000 residents, it does not today number its past is still very much present. amongstI the country’s 30 biggest cities. International fame would have mainly rested upon historic trading links and being the setting for the opera, Madame Butterfly. Combined circumstances led to Nagasaki becoming the target for the second use of an atomic bomb in wartime, on 9 August 1945. Well into its mission, Boeing B29 Bockscar carrying the ‘Fat Man’ plutonium device was diverted from Kokura, the primary objective. About 160km (100 miles) north-east of Nagasaki, Kokura had also been a secondary target for the US atomic strike on 6 August, but weather conditions meant that Hiroshima met its unwanted fate. Trivial in the context of such events, Hiroshima and Nagasaki both had tramways at the time of their attacks. Restoring local transport was a crucial element of the rebuilding for both cities. In Nagasaki, an area with around a 2.5km (1.5-mile) radius from the hypocentre – the ground directly below the explosion – was obliterated. The northern part of the tram system, about half of the fleet and nearly a quarter of the staff were lost. The initial return to service nevertheless came by In the system’s busiest area, Nagasaki Eki-Mae (stop 27) serves the main railway station and commercial area. November 1945. Flash floods in July 1982

20 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org A line 4/Yellow service leaves Shokakuji-Shita terminus. About 33 years separates the operational debuts of trams 374 and 1506.

Urakami Depot illustrates Nagasaki’s diverse fleet.

A single-track section near Ouratenshudo-Shita (stop 50) at the system’s southern end in July 2018. took 299 lives and brought another need for The east-west branches, all east of the main and monuments, all signed from tramstops. extensive repair and renewal. route, are short by comparison. At Hamaguchi-Machi (stop 20 for the Atomic A survivor in these most extreme of Nagasaki has a left-hand running, 1435mm Bomb Museum), tracks run through the circumstances, Nagasaki was one of many gauge system with 600V overhead supply. Nagasaki Western Pavilion which also houses Japanese tramways that had opened in the Mainly double-track, the route length is a small tramway museum. Dejima and China 20th Century’s first quarter. Services began 11.5km (7.2 miles), with 10.2km (6.3 miles) Town also have convenient stops. in 1915 and it is one of the country’s few on roadway. Much of this uses dedicated true tramways to remain, especially in so space in the centre of major thoroughfares. The fleet complete a form. It is run by the Nagasaki Stops here often feature stepped platform The fleet has a high proportion of single-car Electric Tramway Company. access only from overhead walkways. bogie vehicles, many of which date from The city of Nagasaki is capital of the The normal full service is organised as four the 1950s and ’60s. Most are between 11 prefecture of the same name on Kyushu numbered and colour-coded lines: 1, Blue and 11.7m long. There are small numbers of island. Being at the south-western edge of (7.3km/4.5 miles); 3, Red (7.4km/4.6 miles); many classes among the 75 vehicles in total, the Japanese archipelago has bequeathed 4, Yellow (2.9km/1.8 miles) and 5, Green with a wide range by years of manufacture. a lasting feeling of remoteness. A sense (3.5km/2.2 miles). The longest service, with In a manner associated with San Francisco’s of difference has also been brought by scheduled timings of 43 minutes over 8.8km Market Street Railway, several trams from centuries-old trading links with other (5.5 miles), is also the least operated: line 2 other systems support promotion of the countries. Even during the ‘Sakoku’ (chained (White) runs only as the final trip of the day. service’s heritage credentials. Specially fitted or closed country) period of isolation lasting Of particular use to non-Japanese readers, ‘beer tram’ 207 runs during the summer. over 200 years until 1853, Nagasaki was one each of the 39 stops has a number in an More modern styling came with the 1800 of four locations allowed to maintain links 11-51 series. Destinations are also displayed series (1801-1803) in 2000, made by Alna with the outside world. It had particular on trams in the Roman alphabet. Sharyo (Aruna Corporation) of Sh jaku, ties with China, Korea and Portugal, the Although opened for local needs, Nagasaki’s Osaka. Nagasaki’s only multi-section vehicles latter creating Dejima artificial island for tramway has become a means of reaching are from the same supplier; five from the trade, which was later incorporated by land several locations relevant to a considerable Little Dancer low-floor LRV range. The ‘ultra reclamation around the harbour. tourist trade. This includes being a cruise ship low-floor’3000 series (3001-3003) came in Stemming from the activities of the Dutch port and the terminal for many ferries. 2004. The 5000 series (5001-5002), in service East India Company, the Netherlands featured The tram service is also an attraction in since 2011, is the newest and longest (16.3m) in Nagaski’s development. For a time, the its own right. Some stops have had names type in the fleet, with space for 73 passengers, Oranda (Dutch) identity became synonymous amended to identify with local points of 27 seated. Many vehicles carry advertising with things western. Present reminders are interest. The north-south line 1, with a and there is little livery uniformity. the Dutch Slope (Oranda zaka) hillside area five-minute frequency and taking 31 minutes The main depot is near Urakami Eki-Mae and, from as recently as 1992, Huis Ten Bosch, between termini, connects key locations stop and there is covered storage just beyond a Dutch-themed entertainment park in including the commercial district and the Hotarujaya terminus. nearby Sasebo. principal station. Nagasaki’s connection The service operates from around 06.00 with Japan’s Shinkansen high speed rail and ends by midnight. Single journeys have Concentrated land use network is via JR Kyushu’s 1067mm-gauge a JPY120 (EUR0.90) fare, with a one-day pass Mountainous and fractured terrain means interchange at Hakata Station in Fukuoka. at JPY500 (EUR3.85); longer-term passes are that land use has been concentrated by the Nagasaki’s station generates a high level of available. As is common with Japan’s buses shore and in valleys, especially bordering the local demand at Nagasaki Eki-Mae – the name and tramways, boarding is at the rear or centre Uragami River. The tramway’s configuration relates to this stop being near the station’s of the vehicle with stops by request. Payment reflects this irregular urban spread. The most main entrance. This is one of three tram/rail is at an integrated farebox, or by showing a northerly point at Akasako terminus is about interchanges. There is no escaping Nagasaki’s pass to the driver at the front exit. 6.8km (4.2 miles) in a straight line from the past in putting it on the tourist trail. southern limit at Ishibashi. This constitutes Three of the lines use tracks through the area For further information, including long distance the tramway’s main (slightly indirect) axis. containing the Hypocenter Park, Peace Park and local transport, see https://visit-nagasaki.com

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org january 2019 / 21 Musée du EU Light Rail brings together leading opinion-formers and decision-makers for two days of open debate around the role of Transport Urbains technology in the development of sustainable urban travel.

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22 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Gdansk

A multi-faceted and economically Gdańsk systems important city that attracts many visitors, Gdańsk factfile has a substantially POLAND updated and extended No. Gdansk, tramway coverage as 135 Poland Neil Pulling finds out.

population of around Linking Gdańsk’s early into Sopot via Oliwa ended in Although the city centre is set back 460 000 makes Gda sk tram operations and 1961, in part due to demand for from the shore, waterways connecting Poland’s sixth-largest modern expansion, space on a main road connecting with the Baltic remain a picturesque city, with varying the former Siedlce the Tri-City communities. feature of Gda sk’s ostensibly terminus gives access definitions for the Gda sk is the capital of medieval cityscape. Distinctive to the line 10 and 12 metropolitanA area of between 1.1 Pomeranian Voivodeship architecture style recalls a trading extensions opened and 1.4 million. The city lies 290km in 2015. (Województwo Pomorskie), one past as a member of the Hanseatic (180 miles) north-west of the of several civic identities during League. Buildings at the heart of the capital, Warsaw, and is the an eventful history, including city’s important tourist business country’s biggest port. being a semi-independent ‘Free speak of past wealth and power. They Gda sk is one of three adjoining City’. The name of Danzig came are, however, largely reconstructions yet distinct cities constituting the with Prussian/German control following a war in which Gda sk Tri-City (Trójmiasto). This urban of the region. It was the purchase suffered greatly. Westerplatte, now spread, interspersed with forest and of Danziger Strasseneisenbahn, the location of Gda sk’s modern ferry beaches, borders a western arc of the a horse tram operation begun in terminal, is attributed as experiencing Bay of Gda sk, a large Baltic inlet. 1873, by Berlin-based AEG which the first shots of World War Two. Gda sk is gaining residents, whereas led to electrification by 1896. Photographs of the ruins at the war’s Gdynia and the much smaller Sopot In early years through competition end show tramway features, although have declining populations. Of these, with other companies, the system the service had to be suspended. only Gda sk has trams. The system’s Words and pictures grew to include city centre and It was rebuilt and re-opened under short-lived post-World War Two reach by Neil Pulling suburban lines. a new unified transport body.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org january 2019 / 23 Gdansk

Dworzec Główny (the stop THE FLEET for the main station) is located between busy roads at the edge Around 30 survivors from a large of Gdańsk 's historic centre. fleet of Konstal105Na variants – the Former Kassel tram 1161 recalls last delivery being in 1990 – are the an old system livery. city’s remaining fully high-floor trams. Usually in pairs, most leading cars feature replacement driver cabs. Built in 1997 and requiring several modifications, Gdańsk’s 1501 and 1502 (now as 114Na-MF12) represent an unsuccessful attempt by Konstal (later Alstom) to create a standard low-floor tram for Polish systems. The substantial Düwag N8C modernisation by Modertrans of Poznań included new cabs and interiors, with a replacement centre car to add low-floor space. The first group of these, 26.6m bi-directional N8C-MF 01 (1107-1137), were originally used on the Dortmund system and N8C-MF 18 from Kassel (1161-1176) were added in 2015. A current project of further upgrading of all N8C-MF is due for completion by 2022. Polish-built Bombardier Flexity Classic NGT6-2GD (1005-1007) and The intensively Alstom Citadis NGd99 (1001-1004) served section are both around 70% low-floor. north-west of central Fully low-floor 30m trams by Pesa Gdańsk: Pesa Swing are the uni-directional Swing 120Na 1012 nears Opera (1011-1045) from 2010-11 and Bałtycka on 7 June bi-directional Jazz Duo 128NG 2018. (1051-1055) from 2014. A contract for another 15 Jazz Duo with options for 15 Stogi Plaża more was signed in February 2018. arrival platform; the departure counterpart is a little closer to Stogi beach. As in several Polish cities when The tram/ under communist administration, bus interchange tram coverage was removed from at Łostowice- central Gda sk. Some abandoned rails Świętokrzyska, remain visible in roads, their function terminus of the replaced by alignments by-passing the southern extension centre. As with over 80% of today's completed in 2012. near 57km (35.5-mile) system, these new lines had dedicated rights of way. In places such installations have come at the expense of convenience, for many platforms need pedestrian subways for safe access. This applies at the stop for Gda sk Główny, the principal station for long distance and local railway services. Constrained access/exit points and having several trams at the platform can make boarding a prolonged process. Today’s preponderance of long cross-city routes reflects a system fashioned to connect outer population clusters with key employment locations. During 1980, events at one such workplace, the Lenin Shipyard, took the city’s name around the world: labour protests, the Solidarity union founded there, and the Gda sk Agreement which contributed to the collapse of European communist regimes. Plac Solidarno ci stop is next to a monument to shipyard workers killed in 1970, the emblematic Alstom Citadis dockyard Gate 2 and adjoining NGd99 1004 at European Solidarity Centre museum. Brzeźno, a stop that Next to a railway counterpart, is a short walk from Stocznia SKM tramstop is outside the beach. the active shipyard.

24 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

0 2 4 6 8 1 Osiedle Jelitkowo Wejhera Kilometres Helska Gospody Pomorska - Pomorska Osiedle Subisława Piastowska Baltic Sea

Opacka Czerwony Dwór Oliwa 2 12 Wczasy Mazurska 3 Obrońców Bora Komorowskiego Brzeźno Westerplatte Krasickiego Rybołowców Derdowskiego Dworska Kasztanowa Sternicza Przy- Kołobrzeska Latarnia chodnia 5 7 Tetmajera al. Hallera Gdańska Morska Nowy Port Oliwska Na Zaspę 11 Nowy Port Góreckiego Bażyńskiego Zaspa Uczniowska Marynarki Polskiej Władysława IV 10 Startowa Zajezdnia Grudziądzka Nowy Port Uniwersytet Jana Plac Pawła II Wolności DEPOT Kolonia Strzyża Żwirki i Uroda Śnieżna PKM Wigury 5 9 Bajana Stadion DEPOT Zajezdnia Wojska Energa Gdańsk Polskiego Kościuszki

Zamenhofa Legionów Mostostal Plac Mickiewicza Galeria Komorowskiego Żaglowa - Martwa Wisła Bałtycka Reja AmberExpo Klonowa Jaśkowa Kliniczna - Swojska Dolina Wyspia- Szpital ńskiego Węzeł Kliniczna Miszewskiego Twarda Politechnika 8 Stocznia Stogi Plaża Opera Północna Bałtycka

Traugutta

Uniwersytet 10 Medyczny Stocznia Brętowo SKM Rozłogi PKM Chodowieckiego Lessowa Kaczeńce Stogi Pasanil Brama Kolumba Oliwska Plac Solidarności 3 Warneńska 9 Sucharskiego Zimna Dworzec Przeróbka Lenartowicza PKS Budapesztańska Belgradzka Urząd Miejski Nowe Dworzec Główny Ogrody Migowo Powstańców Piekarnicza Warszawskich Hucisko Głęboka 12 Skrajna Ciasna Brama Wyżynna Paska Okopowa Zakopiańska Pohu- Brama Żuławska Siedlce Żabi Kruk lanka Śródmieście SKM Odrzańska Węzeł Grod- Chmielna decka Akademia Muzyczna Chałubińskiego

Cebertowicza Sikorskiego

Wilanowska Cieszyńskiego Chełm Witosa 11 Przemyska

Płocka

Łostowice Świętokrzyska 2 4 6 7

Gdańsk’s network today Set between modern developments, (Pomeranian Metropolitan The system has been extended in the track west of the former Siedlce Railway) in 2015. 21st Century to cover some of the terminus opened in August 2015. If using Gda sk Lech city’s inland expansion. Much of the The short southern branch of this Airport’s station (Port Lotniczy newer track is between carriageways extends from a delta junction, Gda sk) and PKM trains – not all of of major roads and on much hillier ending at Migowa with the which go to central Gdansk – easy terrain than previously covered. potential for lengthening through transfers between trams and trains at This introduced significant and this mainly residential area. PKM are useful. Unlike the lengthy gradients, as on the south- The northern branch uses a long Chełm extensions, these lines do western route via Chełm (terminus viaduct to cross a main road and attain not have turning loops. opened 2007) to the Łostowice the track level of PKM station. Gdansk’s diverse fleet includes interchange (2012). This opened as part of the PKM uni- and bi-directional trams.

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Akademia Muzyczna stop on the southern by-pass of the city centre. The titular music academy and hotel is housed in former Prussian army barracks (background).

“Today’s preponderance of long cross-city routes reflects a system fashioned to connect outer population clusters with key employment locations.”

One of Gdańsk’s two Konstal 114Na-MF12, network facts 1501 at Stocznia Opened: 1873 (electric 1896) SKM terminus loop, next to the Lines: 11 station opened in Depots: 2 September 2015 as Approx. weekday hours: part of the airport 04.30-23.00 line project. Main frequency: Ten minutes 1301 and 1132 cross (wide variations) at Plac Solidarności, Gauge: 1435mm site of labour Power: 600V dc, overhead supply protests in 1980 and now of the European Urban transport administration: Solidarity Centre. ZTM Gdańsk – www.ztm.gda.pl Operator: Gdańskie Autobusy i Tramwaje – www.gait.pl Tri-City public transport association: www.mzkzg.org Civic information: www.gdansk.pl Tourist information: https://visitgdansk.com

26 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org For better reliability, coping with Odrzańska stop demanding new parts of the system on the Chełm and for improved passenger access, line, which is Gda sk reduced its reliance upon a characterised by some steep once-extensive fleet of Konstal gradients. 105N /105Na trams. Great savings on replacements were brought Below left: Near through a rebuilding programme the end of the 18km based upon a German model retired (11.3-mile) line 8 run by the original operators. Entering to Jelitkowo, Konstal Gda sk service from 2009, the most 105Na 1234+1233 are numerous type are now the Düwag at Pomorska. N8C-based trams from an original Below right: The 1978-86 build. Fully low-floor stock capacious Stadion by domestic producer Pesa of Energa Gdańsk Bydgoszcz represents the system’s stop, where special most recent new equipment. services handle The system’s main orientation is match-day demand north-west from Gda sk Główny. at the stadium built The city’s spread, including the for the 2012 UEFA shipyards, was initially on the flatter European Football Championship. land bordering the coast. Growth was accelerated by the arrival of the Bottom right: railway in 1852. Two tram routes Former Dortmund would later broadly shadow the N8C 131, the railway’s arc on both sides. Most of the 2010-modified tramway’s 11 regular lines (2-12) use 1131 enters historic either of these routes to some degree. Zajezdnia Nowy Long-distance passenger and freight Port (depot). Ex-MPK trains share the railway alignment Wrocław Konstal 102Na as Gdańsk – albeit with separate tracks – with heritage tram 3001 is stopping services by Tri-City’s SKM. just visible. Part of the PKP national railway group, SKM is primarily a suburban service; its EMU fleet serves 27 stations on the intensively-served core urban Gdynia – Sopot – Gdansk section, just a few of which provide reasonable tram interchange. The transport body, ZTM Gda sk, was formed in 2005. The largest group of services which it contracts is run by the municipal bus and tram operator, previously known as ZKM Gda sk. This became Gda skie Autobusy i Tramwaje (GAiT) in January 2017. It runs 232 buses, with almost 70 lines including the night service.

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A PKM Pesa 218Mc at Gdańsk Brętowo PKM station, a convenient interchange for airport users..

Originally from Kassel (1164) and Dortmund (1143), are these Düwag-Modertrans N8C-MF at Migowa, one of the few Gdańsk termini without a turning loop.

There are seven tram types, with multi-line, multi-platform Jelitkowo, GAiT identifying 126 ‘tram sets’ in another terminus near a beach. It is use. Most carry the corporate red and well-served due to both routes to this cream livery. A few have a ‘retro’ beige most northerly point of the system and blue livery and there are some passing through residential districts promotional schemes. The names, including high-density estates. With which are mainly applied to the more less intensive normal coverage than modern vehicles, honour those with a Jelitkowo, there are supplementary local association. summer tram services to Stogi Pla a Trams serve three beach areas, and the beach area. which in a manner common along the Both of the two active depots are Baltic have little seafront commercial towards the north of the system. development. Tramstops here are The larger and more readily visible set back from the shore. Due for a is Wrzeszcz, opposite a terminus EUR26.5m upgrade, the south-eastern loop and the modern PKM arm to Stogi crosses the Port station. Dating from 1899 and Island, bordered by the sea and river with recent modernisation having outfalls. En route, the line passes to meet heritage conditions, through the municipal forest beyond Nowy Port depot is just off the a large public housing area. Stogi uni-directional circuit of single simple layout contrasts with track in the ‘new port’ district.

An SKM railway EN57 formation pauses at Gdańsk essential facts Stocznia (shipyard), a key location Local travel: Available from ZTM vending machines, single- of the 1980 protests, trip tickets for Gdańsk trams and buses (not SKM or other with the tram trains) from PLN3.20 (EUR0.74); PLN3.80 (EUR0.88) for 60 stop beyond. minutes; PLN13 for 24 hours from first validation. For Gdansk Bay coverage using all modes, 24-hour (PLN23/EUR3) and 72-hour (PLN46/EUR10.67) Metropolitan tickets are available at SKM sale points, as at Gdańsk Główny and some tourist information outlets. The counterpart 'Transportation Package' tickets including free or reduced cost entry to attractions are One of Gdańsk’s respectively PLN43.00 (EUR9.98) and PLN66 (EUR15.32). newest trams and a type with more on What is there to see? The tourist information office is in the order, Pesa 128NG historic city gateway Brama Wyżynna, opposite the eponymous Jazz-Duo 1053 is on tram stop. Dluga, a main street of the historic centre, extends the circuit of track beyond the gate towards the old harbour. Amongst many at Oliwa. features here is the Gdańsk-launched cargo ship 'Sołdek' from 1948, now a museum. Products made of amber are a Gdańsk speciality. Westerplatte peninsular by bus or F5 ‘water tram’. Born of political division, comparatively modern Gdynia is an interesting contrast with Gdańsk. Between these two, Sopot is a refined spa and seaside resort. ZKM Gdynia's 12-line trolleybus system, opened in 1943, extends into Sopot. As well as SKM trains (about 40 minutes between Gdynia and Gdańsk main stations) the main parts of the Tri-City area have seasonal tourist boat connections.

28 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Worldwide Review

ALGERIA They will start service in 2021 ALGER. On 13 November, to permit a 7.5-minute headway Transport Minister Abdelghani on the interurban tramway, Zaâlane oversaw the inauguration subsequently also replacing of two new metro stations; existing vehicles. The deal is also Ali Boumendjel in the north to include maintenance, which of the city centre and Gué de is to be the responsibility of Constantine in the south. Bombardier but carried out in the Five new six-car CAF Inneo sets WLB workshops. will serve the new extensions, from an order for 12 trains placed BELGIUM in July 2017 to augment the ANTWERPEN. Correcting earlier existing 14-train fleet. news, the curtailment of line 12 to Alger’s first metro line opened Schijnpoort, necessitating the use in 2011 and carries 16m passengers of ex-Gent double-ended PCCs, yearly. It is planned to expand the will not occur until 7 July 2019. network to 54km (33.5 miles) with A combined bus and tram depot 55 stations by 2030. El Moudjahid is to be built in the northern The first new Flexity LRV for Toronto’s Crosstown line has been delivered to suburbs at Havana (next to P+R Metrolinx by Bombardier. Bombardier AUSTRALIA Luchtbal). Plans are also being ADELAIDE. Further to last developed for a new depot and The original delivery date marked by a parade featuring month’s news about the new workshop at Kiel (Lagerweg) to promised was spring 2015. museum cars 78 (Ringhoffer 1929, extensions, the government replaced Hoboken. The TTC cars being built at ex-Usti-nad-Labem), 117 (6MT has decided against providing BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. The Kingston rather than Thunder Bay 1953, ex-Brno) and 1973 T3 8106 an additional curve from King new line 8 was due to be extended will be 4570-4604, with the lead (ex-Praha). It is rumoured that two William St (south) to North Terrace over rebuilt tracks to Forêt from tram of this series also expected of the withdrawn T2 cars will be (east), to permit through-service 13 December. before the end of November. sold to Praha (Prague), which will from Glenelg to east Adelaide in The long-planned CAD9m receive standard-gauge bogies and future after an independent report BULGARIA (EUR6m) rebuild of the Grand become 6003/4 in the historic fleet found the cost had increased SOFIA. A further 13 1009mm- Union at the junction of King/ (Praha received just two T2 trams, from AUD37m (EUR23.8m) to gauge Pesa Swing trams have Queen/Roncesvalles/Queensway, 6001/2, in 1955, of which 6002 is AUD117m (EUR75.2m) and an been ordered for delivery in last relaid in 2001, is to take in the Stresovice museum). DS unacceptable risk of derailment 2019-20. The city already has place in 2019. Work is to start on would be created. I. Hammond 25 of the vehicles. traminfo.pl 3 April and include the entrance to EGYPT MELBOURNE. Following a Roncevalles depot. The work will ALEXANDRIA. The first Tatra-Yug petition, and a meeting between CANADA be staged over seven months, with tram was due to arrive in December. PTV CEO Jeroen Weimar and Paul MONTRÉAL. Société de transport buses replacing trams as necessary. The Ukranian-built trams are O’Brien of the Colonial Tramcar de Montréal has ordered 17 more During this time it is probable designed to cope with the coastal Restaurant, the PTV has agreed rubber-tyred metro trains from a that there will be no CLRVs or city’s extreme weather conditions to make the next upgraded W8 consortium of Bombardier and ALRVs in service. D. Drum and will be the first to offer air tram available to be fitted out as Alstom for CAD448m (EUR297m); WATERLOO – KITCHENER. conditioning and passenger Wi-Fi. a restaurant tram in December. 60% will be Canadian content. With nine of the 14 cars on the Following the completion of a The existing ones will be assessed The Green line order was premises by November, the 2018 three-month trial, the city will for upgrade also. It is understood announced on 12 November; inauguration has been postponed receive 14 vehicles, with capacity that museum trams S 164, T 180, delivery is due from 2020. STM/RGI to April/May 2019. D. Drum for 140 passengers, for the Raml – X 217 Hawthorn 8 and the cable O T TAWA . The estimate for start San Stefano line. Egyptian Streets grip and trailer are to be transferred of service on the Confederation CHINA from Hawthorn Museum to the line is late March/early April 2019. GUIYANG. The 22.3km (14-mile) FRANCE TMSV at Bylands, while W 73995, A final decision was expected second phase of metro line 1 was CAEN. Trial operation on 902/96 and 1001 are to return from on 2 January. Ottawa Citizen inaugurated on 1 December. the new tramway started on Bylands to Melbourne. The Age QUÉBEC. The city and Réseau The underground line is electrified 3 December between the depot in de transport de la Capitale (RTC) at 1500V dc overhead and adds 14 Fleury-sur-Orne and Blvd AUSTRIA have awarded Systra Canada a stations to the city’s first metro Raymond Poincaré. Construction INNSBRUCK. New lines 2 and 5 seven-year CAD12.5m (EUR8.3m) line, opened in December 2017. work is due to be completed in will start carrying passengers from contract for engineering design Work on the first 26.7km March with passenger service 25 January. BS of the planned 23km (14-mile) (16.6-mile) phase of line 2 began in the early autumn. F. Roski WIEN (Vienna). The winter tramway, with an underground in September 2015 and phase two NANCY. Keolis has been timetable sees an increase in the section of 3.5km (2.2 miles). in February 2017. Phase 1 is due selected by the greater Nancy peak tram run-out from 392 to It follows a call for tenders in to open in 2020, with the second metropolitan council to operate 399. E1 trams remain in service on July 2018. The tramway will cost section in 2023. IRJ its Star urban transport network lines 5 and 49. The surviving 55 E1 CAD3bn (EUR2bn), be operational INDUSTRY. Siemens has signed for six years from January 1 2019. and 33 c4 have been concentrated by 2026, and consist of two main contracts to install CBTC systems The contract covers bus, electric at Rudolfsheim and Floridsdorf routes connecting Cap-Rouge on Suzhou line 5 and Nanjing shuttle, transport on demand depots (apart from Vienna Ring and Charlesbourg via Parliament line 7, using Trainguard MT and paratransit and park-and-ride cars 4866/7, at Favoriten). EB Hill. There will also be an entirely technology. traminfo.pl facilities across 20 communes with WIEN – BADEN (WLB). Wiener electrified 17km (10.6-mile) BRT a total population of over 250 000. Lokalbahnen has announced line with articulated buses. RGI CZECH REPUBLIC It would generate a cumulative Bombardier Transportation TORONTO. The first of 76 OSTRAVA. After 51 years, the turnover of EUR346.8m. Austria as preferred bidder for up standard-gauge Bombardier last two Tatra K2 articulated With steel-wheeled trams to to 34 air-conditioned low-floor Flexity vehicles for the Eglinton trams (802/3) were replaced on replace the existing rubber-tyred TW5000 LRVs for the ‘Badner Crosstown light rail line was 3 November by Stadler Tango nOVA. guided trolleybuses from 2023, Bahn’. The initial EUR93m order delivered to Metrolinx from the LIBEREC. The last day of Keolis will provide replacement is for 18 low-floor vehicles, with Kingston factory in late November. operation of 1958 T2 trams bus services during construction, options for a further 16. Five more are due by mid-February. 17-19 on 17 November was then operate the new tramway.

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of 43 are due to be delivered. of withdrawn trams to Iaşi in The search for a new CEO is Romania. Essen low-floor tram underway after the decision not 1530 has been given a special to continue with the previous livery to mark 125 years of incumbent after October. BS tramway operation, including the GOTHA. There will be logo of the pre-municipalisation special events on 31 August operator Süddeutsche and 1 September to mark Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft. BS the 90th anniversary of the WUPPERTAL. An investigation Thüringerwaldbahn and the has been launched into how a 125th anniversary of tramway 300m section of power rail was operation in Gotha. tram dislodged on 18 November, HANNOVER. The 100th part falling into the road and 3000-series Stadtbahn car, 3100, hitting a car. The incident was delivered on 1 October and is took place between Stadion/ now in service. The fleet of these Zoo and Varresbecker Strasser. cars is due to reach 153 in 2020. Service on the line was suspended, North West Rail, a Transdev with bus replacement; no date for subsidiary, has been confirmed to resumption of service had been The new terminus of Strasbourg line D at Kehl Rathaus in Germany. J. S. Wilson have won the 12.5-year contract given by end November. WDR to operate S-Bahn services from ORLÉANS. Transport authority subject to customer research in the December 2021 after an appeal HUNGARY Orléans Métropole has signed coming months. A decision will by incumbent DB Regio was BUDAPEST. A H U F 3 b n a new six-year contract (from then be made whether to expand dismissed. Sixty-four new Stadler (EUR9.27m) contract has been 1 January 2019) with Keolis to the new signage to other stations. Flirt EMUs will be ordered. IRJ awarded to local companies to operate and maintain the city’s Tao U-Bahn trains are not stopping in HEIDELBERG. RNV8 Variobahn plan the extension of metro transport network. It is expected to the Rudow direction at Eisenacher 3278, the last to carry the line 3 northwards by four stations generate revenue of EUR395m. Strasse while a lift is installed on traditional blue and white livery, to Káposztásmegyer (interchange Under the new contract, Keolis the station. Work is expected to has been repainted in standard with tram 14). IRJ plans to introduce an on-demand take until March. RNV orange/white/blue. DS transport service as well as Refurbishment by DB of the KÖLN (Cologne). Consultation INDIA introducing contactless payment. S-Bahn station at Schöneweide started at the end of October DELHI. The elevated 17.9km PARIS. The dummy timetable was means revised train/bus/tram into four options for an east- (11.1-mile) section of metro line 7 introduced on the 4.3km (2.7-mile) interchanges. west tram subway across the between Shiv Vihar and Trilokpuri extension of line T3b from Porte de BONN. Service improvements city centre, with costs ranging Sanjay Lake was opened on 31 la Chapelle to Porte d’Asnieres on from the December timetable from EUR300m to EUR1.05bn. October. At present this is not 5 November, with service from change were to include moving In contrast to Frankfurt/Main, connected to the rest of line 7 24 November. Lineoz.net to a ten-minute service on line the 50th anniversary of Stadtbahn (Pink line) pending completion STRASBOURG. The 1.2km 66 (Bad Honnef – Siegburg operation on 11 October was of the link between Trilokpuri (0.75-mile) extension of line D Bahnhof), as well as extending marked only by eight-axle tram and Lajpat Nagar. The network from Kehl Bhf to Kehl Rathaus the Monday-Friday 10/20-minute 3764 positioned in Neumarkt now exceeds 300km. The 3.2km was opened on 23 November, service on lines 61/62 by an hour giving away leaflets. BS (two-mile) southern extension with an opening festival set for to approx. 20.30. Further service MÜNCHEN (Munich). DB Netz of the Violet line 6 from Escorts 8-9 December. DS improvements are planned by has awarded the first EUR189m Muiesar to Ballabhgarh opened TOURS. Keolis has signed a new operator SWB for 2019. contract for main construction on 19 November. urbanrail.net seven-year contract to operate A group of councillors is works for the second S-Bahn city KOLKATA (Calcutta). Transport and maintain the Fil Bleu public trying to force the closure of crossing. Design and construction Minister Suvendu Adhikari said in transport network, beginning tramlines 61 and 62 between of the Overground West package, November that plans are underway in January 2019 and expected to Hbf and Dottendorf on grounds covering the 11km (6.8-mile) to create new tramway routes in generate revenue of EUR427m. of noise and vibration suffered section Laim to Donnersberger the townships of Nabadiganta The Métropole and Keolis aim by local residents. Temporary Brücke, will be undertaken by a and New Town, adding that to increase passenger journeys bus replacement during July consortium of Ed Züblin, Wayss the reintroduction of services across the network by 26% by and August is supposed to have & Freytag Ingenieurbau, Max Bögl into central parts of the city are 2025, from 37.5 to 47.6 million. shown that buses can cope with Stiftung and Bauer Spezialtiefbau. unlikely due to the difficulties The contract period includes the the passenger loadings. SWB/BS Construction is to start in late in implementing new lines in introduction of a second tramline DARMSTADT. T he H e s s e 2019, for an opening in 2026. RGI congested city streets. from Chambray to La Riche regional government is to NÜRNBERG (Nuremburg). VAG The city once had an extensive and connecting two hospitals contribute EUR12.3m towards has ordered a further six four-car tram network, with over 400 at Trousseau and Bretonneau. the EUR19.6m cost of extending metro trains from Siemens, for trams catering for over a million This is due to open in 2025, and the tramway by 1.1km (0.7 miles) use on line U1 from 2021 (replacing passengers. The network has from 2021 the city’s bus fleet is to between Hochshulstadion and the 12 original two-car sets). RGI shrunk dramatically in recent start a transition from diesel to Lichtwiese campus of Darmstadt’s RHEIN-MAIN (RMV). Since decades with route closures due to natural gas, with electric services technical university. Work is to 8 October the section of the highway and metro construction, inaugurated on two routes from begin in 2019 and take two years. former OEG between Weinheim many becoming permanent. September 2019. There are also The line will be largely two-track and Viernheim and line 5 has The network now carries around plans to introduce an on-demand and run parallel to Lichtwiesenweg, been split by a bus bridge. 250 000 passengers/day with a transport service and a further two with an intermediate stop at Infrastructure work will last for fleet of around 85 vehicles, most park-and-ride facilities. Kletterhalle and new terminus at 40 weeks. BS of which have been rebuilt locally. TU Lichtwiese/Mensa. STUTTGART. From the timetable A senior official from New GERMANY DÜSSELDORF. No date has change on 9 December, new line Town Kolkata Development BERLIN. A new system of yet been announced for the U16 was introduced as a Monday- Authority (NKDA) welcomed directions for exits is being trialled introduction of Bombardier HF6 Friday peak service linking the announcement, saying that at Stadtmitte. The U-Bahn station into passenger service. Trials in Fellbach and Giebel. DS it will support both the national has ten exits and two lines (U2 October saw 4303’s bogies hit the RUHRBAHN. Mülheim authorities and operator Calcutta and U6). Almost 100 signs were platform edge where rails were Stadtbahn-M trams 288/91/2/4 Tramways Company. The NKDA changed for the trial, which is to be canted through a station. A total have completed the shipment also has plans to construct a

30 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org options for a further ten or 20). station from being situated entirely The single-ended 100% low-floor south of the peripheral motorway cars would be delivered from 2020. to being approximately centred Financial difficulties on the underneath it, which permitted extension of VAL line 1 to Piazza the addition of an entrance on the Bengasi mean that it may not motorway’s north side. make the planned summer 2020 The first six of the Bombardier opening. The extension and two TEG-15 LRVs designed for line 1 new stations have faced numerous entered service on 22 September delays, with construction 2017. With all station platforms continuing albeit at a reduced on the 1989-opened route now pace. Tunnelling was completed lengthened, the first operation in June 2017. of three-car trains in service on The 13.2km (8.2-mile) line 1 line 1 occurred on 29 November opened in February 2006 and is 2018, when two sets were in served by Siemens VAL rubber- use alongside 14 two-car trains. tyred cars. IRJ, La Reppublica A gradual increase in three- car trains is planned, with all LATVIA The heritage tramway in the German city of Naumburg has been re-extended on peak-period service on line 1 to use new tracks in front of the railway station. K. Matzka DAUGAVPILS. On 26 November three-car sets. S. J. Morgan a EUR4.1m order was signed with monorail in the area, subject to is to start in 2019, will replicate the UAB Railvec for eight single- NETHERLANDS securing finance. The Statesman frontage of the current structure, section partially low-floor trams. AMSTERDAM. Rooseveltlaan is MUMBAI (Bombay). A new which dates from 1896. The Lithuanian company was closed 1 November-30 June 2019, fleet of 63 six-car automated Services are to restart on 25 April named as preferred bidder in so line 4 is diverted to terminate at metro trams have been ordered between Derby Castle and Castle March and is partnering with PK Station Amstel instead of Station from public sector undertaking Mona Avenue/Broadway with Transportnye Systemy of Tver, RAI. A contract for 30 three-car BEML for INR30.2bn an assurance that for the 2020 which is likely to supply a version metro trains was signed with CAF (EUR377m), with delivery in season the full route will again be of its Lionet vehicle. The only on 28 November. They will enter 2020-22. The trains will be built available, but on a new single track other bidder was Riga-based service in summer 2021. BS, RGI at BEML’s plant in Bengaluru with passing loop alignment along Virtus SV, working in partnership DEN HAAG. The extension (Bangalore) and will incorporate the Harris and Loch Promenades. with Belkommunmash. of RandstadRail service in driverless capability. The new The restored cable tram flywheel The first tram is due to arrive Zoetermeer to Lansingerland did stainless-steel vehicles are to be has now been installed at the in June for testing by operator not open in December, but has used on Mumbai Metro Corridor Bottleneck car park. Daugavpils Satiksme. The operator been postponed to May. 2A, 2B and 7. RGI MANX ELECTRIC. A new claims that the delivery of the new ROTTERDAM. Cars 2129 and NAGPUR. The first of 23 CRRC tram depot at Derby Castle trams is now urgent as the existing 2131 have been badly damaged Dalian three-car metro sets was could be provided at no cost fleet ofKTM-5 models date from in a collision with another set, rolled out at the end of November. to the government, if a deal is the early 1990s and second-hand and are unlikely to be repaired, The 19.7km (12-mile) north-south agreed for redevelopment of the T3D units from the German city unless one car can be fashioned line is the first of two metro lines adjacent former Summerland site. of Schwerin are incurring rising from the two. OR being built in the city. RGI Further discussions are expected maintenance costs. The new to take place during January. trams are also planned to reduce PHILIPPINES IRELAND energy consumption on the MANILA. The Japanese DUBLIN. The Luas park-and- ITALY three-line network. Sputnik News International Co-operation ride site at Sandyford was closed BRESCIA. EUR400m plans for a LIEPAYA. The order for six Agency has agreed to provide a from November until the end two-line tramway were submitted metre-gauge low-floor trams 40-year JPY38.1bn (EUR297m) of December to facilitate works by FS Group and its partners to has been awarded to Končar of loan that will be used to rehabilitate on the Sandyford Depot, which the city council on 31 October. Croatia, which has been the the 16.9km (10.5-mile) LRT-3 line is being extended to facilitate The Municipality is to evaluate supplier of trams to Zagreb, but is by 2021, including a fleet of 72 maintenance of the new longer the PPP proposal by the end of mostly involved in railway orders. new LRVs to replace the 73 Tatra Citadis trams. Users were directed the year so it can be formally The first tram will be delivered RT8D5 cars delivered in 1999, to the Stillorgan and Carrickmines presented to the Ministry of in 2019 and the contract is many of which are already out of sites as alternatives. Infrastructure & Transportation worth EUR8.83m. RGI service due to poor maintenance As in previous years services for a public contribution of 49%. and lack of spare parts. were due to be extended until The remaining 51% is expected to MEXICO The PHP65bn (EUR1.08bn) 03.00 in the two weekends before come from private finance. GUADALAJARA. Light rail line 1 southern LRT-1 extension to Christmas and on New Year’s The first line is to run southwest was extended northwards by 1km Bacoor in the Cavite province Eve, with no trams running on through the city from Pendolina (0.6 miles) and one station, to a may begin construction in the Christmas Day, and Saturday or to the new Pala Eib sports centre, new terminus named Auditorio, first half of 2019, according to its Sunday service patterns at other mostly following the current bus on 22 November. It was closed private sector operator. Already times in the holiday period. route 2. The second west-east line four days later when a derailment three years behind schedule, a For more on the recent changes to would connect Via Vallecamonica caused damage to the track, but new completion target of early Luas, see TAUT 972. with Viale Bornata. Opening is was opened again on 28 November, 2022 has been set. expected in April 2027. RGI with a formal ceremony featuring The government awarded ISLE OF MAN MESSINA. Tramway service the Governor of Jalisco. the 32-year operations and DOUGLAS. Tynwald (Parliament) between Repubblica and Museo The new section is underground maintenance contract for LRT-1 – has agreed to continue funding the was withdrawn from 24 October. except at the station and the full the oldest of three elevated light horse tramway; it had previously The city is evaluating its tramway’s line is now 16.5km (10.3 miles) rail lines in the city, opening in only agreed until the end of future, due to financial difficulties long. Correcting our report 1984 – and its 11.7km (7.3-mile) 2018. Also agreed is GBP1.5m and lower patronage, although the in TAUT 959, what opened on Cavite extension to Light Rail (EUR1.68m) for a new depot to mayor said in November that he 16 September 2017 (not Manila Corp. (LRMC) of Ayala replace the current Strathallan hopes to continue operations in a 22 September) was a partially and Metro Pacific Investments building; demolition of the old reduced form. transphoto.ru relocated Periférico Norte station. Corporation in 2014. structure started in November. TORINO. GTT has announced Its platforms were shifted about The delays have mainly been The new building, work on which a tender for 30 new trams (with 80m to the north, moving the ascribed to alignment and land

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org january 2019 / 31 Worldwide Review

EDINBURGH. Christmas period Mayor of London Sadiq Khan services were to follow the general has reiterated his commitment to pattern of previous years, with no safety on the tramway. Speaking trams after 21.00 on Christmas on the second anniversary of Eve or at all on Christmas Day. the Sandilands accident, he On 30 December after 18.00 and said work to strengthen tram all day on 31 December trams windows was expected to be were to operate only between the finished by March, and that airport and West End to allow installation of automatic braking Hogmanay events to take place in is anticipated by September. Princes Street. A 15-minute service LONDON (UNDERGROUND). was planned for the shortened Siemens Mobility has been route until 05.00 on 1 January, confirmed as supplier of a new providing free transport from Piccadilly line fleet. The contract midnight. After 05.00 the regular was signed in November, after the timetable was to be followed on failure of a legal challenge by other the shortened route until Princes bidders. Siemens was announced Street re-opened at around 09.30. as the preferred bidder for the A trial of autonomous buses Deep Tube Upgrade Programme Work on the Blackpool North tramway extension continues, with the connection built by Alexander Dennis is to rolling stock in June 2018. of tracks to the system taking place in mid-November. Tony Stevenson take place between Edinburgh The initial GBP1.5bn purchase issues, now described the projected line 2 and Villanueva and Fife. Services are expected to (EUR1.7bn) contract is to cover as ‘fairly complete’ by LRMC de Gállego, which is on RENFE begin in 2020, using Enviro200 94 small-profile units for the President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso. infrastructure. IRJ vehicles, following GBP4.35m Piccadilly, with future orders to Negotiations are advanced with (EUR4.88m) in funding from follow for similar trains for the utilities providers to relocate SWEDEN Innovate UK. The vehicles will Central, Bakerloo and Waterloo facilities along the Cavite NORRKÖPING. Plans to expand continue to carry drivers. & City lines. The trains would extension’s route. the tramway system have been GREATER MANCHESTER. be built in a new factory at Goole The new route is planned to announced, with a new branch re- A campaign to enforce byelaws with delivery from mid-2023. increase capacity from 500 000 opening the line to Klingsberg by is to be launched in January with NOTTINGHAM. Nottingham passengers/day to 800 000 and 2022. Two new lines are proposed prosecutions which could lead to Express Transit has issued a video ease congested roads south of for the period 2028-35, to give fines of GBP1000 (EUR1115) levied showing near misses between Metro Manila. Metro Manila four distinct services. BS on offenders, including those trams and road traffic at crossings. who swear, vape or drop litter. In the past year 43 accidents were POLAND TURKEY A trial of ‘earlybird’ fares recorded and there were 179 POZNAŃ. A tender has been issued ISTANBUL. A 37.4km (23.2-mile) took place in the six weeks until near-misses across the network. to purchase a track monitoring express metro line M11 will be Christmas Eve in a bid to help PRESTON. Preston Trampower tram, a 13.5m bogie car. The opened in 2019 connecting the tackle road congestion. They were has appointed Snowball project will be part-funded by the business centre of Levent with to be available every weekday and Alternative Finance to try to European Regional Development the new airport in Arnavutköy, exclusively on the ‘get me there’ secure the GBP25m (EUR28m) Fund. The car will be used on opened in October. IRJ app. Analysis of the offer will be funding needed for the initial several Polish tramways. traminfo.pl used to help inform a possible demonstration line. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES longer-term ‘pre-peak’ ticket offer. Snowball will advise on the PORTUGAL DUBAI. The first of 50 five-car Ten stops, principally on the funding strategy for the line PORTO. The date for the 2019 metro trains for the Route 2020 Eccles and Manchester Airport and its future expansion, as well annual tram parade has been extension was delivered from lines, have been awarded the Safer as produce business plans and confirmed as 4 May. M. J. Russell Alstom Katowice on 12 November. Tram Stop Award. It is hoped to financial models. The first stage The 15km (nine-mile) line to nominate 12 more stops in 2019. of the scheme is to involve a pilot RUSSIA the Expo 2020 site will open in Headways on the Ashton-under- line being built on a stretch of YEKATERINBURG. F o u r the first half of 2020. RGI Lyne line will be increased to every the former Longridge – Preston partly-low floor71-412 trams have six minutes during daytime by railway, with a second phase to been ordered from Uraltransmash UNITED KINGDOM extension of services currently provide a 5.6km (3.5-mile) link for RUB77m (EUR1m). RGI BLACKPOOL. R e c e n t l y terminating at Etihad Campus. between the city centre and refurbished ‘Open Boat’ 227 This follows a trial in 2018. employment sites. SINGAPORE has been named in honour of LONDON (TRAMLINK). SOUTH YORKSHIRE. As a result INDUSTRY. Automotive circus clown Charlie Cairoli, Consultation on three possible of the damage to Citylink 204 manufacturer Continental and who was a frequent performer tram or Bus Rapid Transit routes caused in the collision with a lorry French autonomous vehicle at the Blackpool Tower Circus between Merton and Sutton runs on 25 October (TAUT 972), 206 specialist EasyMile have signed a for 40 years until the late 1970s. until 6 January. Option 1 (tram or has been prepared for tram-train Memorandum of Understanding The ceremony was carried out by BRT) runs from South Wimbledon operation on the Parkgate line. to form a research and his son, Charlie Cairoli Jr. to Sutton; option 2 (also tram It had been planned for 201-204 development team as part of the The programme of Heritage or BRT) from Colliers Wood to to operate the tram-train service Singapore Smart City Initiative to Tram Tours has again been Sutton; and option 3 (tram only) and 205-207 to operate only on the work on autonomous vehicles for extended for 2019, with trams from Wimbledon to Sutton. tramway network. eventual testing in the city. each weekend and during school Transport for London considers A collision took place between Founded in June 2014, holidays as well as for special options 1 or 2 to best achieve the Citylink 202 and a car in EasyMile develops software events. These include a ‘Gold project’s aims. Either of those Attercliffe on 30 November; one and autonomous vehicles, with Weekend’ each month including could be potentially delivered person was taken to hospital. Alstom becoming an investor in over Bank Holiday weekends. by 2025, while option 3 would TYNE & WEAR. The Department January 2017 and Continental also Evening Ghost Tours are planned be delivered later, potentially in for Transport has issued an investing in July of the same year. for several Friday evenings and conjunction with Crossrail 2. exemption to the Rail Vehicle a ‘September Spectacular’ for Estimated costs are GBP425m/ Accessibility (Non-Interoperable SPAIN 28-29 September. It is hoped EUR477m (tramway) or GBP275m Rail System) Regulations 2010 ZARAGOZA. A tender has been that Standard 143 will have its (EUR309m) (BRT) for options 1 or to allow continued use of issued for a feasibility study into restoration completed in time for 2, and GBP300m (EUR337m) for non-refurbished prototypes 4001 a tram-train project connecting operation during 2019. option 3. and 4002, 4040 and 4083.

32 / january 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Approval has been given to build one day, one week and four week approved by Metro Council on ISLE OF WIGHT (UK). An 1889 the planned temporary depot passes. If the project proves a 15 November, the final local Pollard electric tram that used on a landfill site on Wallsend success, a network-wide rollout government approval needed. to work on Ryde Pier and was Road in Howdon to undertake will follow in 2019. The Environmental Impact subsequently stored by the Isle of maintenance on up to ten trains Statement will be produced in Wight Council has been passed to at night, while the main South USA 2019, and if federal funds were the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Gosforth facility is rebuilt. The BUFFALO, NY. N F TA has allocated in 2023, the line could It is now on display at Havenstreet. new depot will also play a role in proposed a revised route for the be running in 2027. E. B. Havens The railway is also restoring delivery of the new Metro fleet, Amherst LRT extension, saving SAN DIEGO, CA. Duewag U2 a Drewry vehicle of the expected to arrive from 2021. USD200m by shortening the LRV 1002 has been donated to type which succeeded the Chichester’s Platform 2 closed section in subway, and eliminating the San Diego Electric Railway Pollard tram in 1927. from 4 November and will one underground station. An Association and moved to its site at PERRIS, CA (US). The Orange remain shut until about August application for a federal grant has National City. PNAERC Empire Railway Museum has 2019 due to signalling constraints been made under the New Starts SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BART). acquired Los Angeles LRV while building work on the new programme. Buffalo News Proposals for a second rail tunnel 144 built by Nippon Sharyo in South Shields interchange takes MINNEAPOLIS – ST. PAUL, MN. under the San Francisco Bay have 1989. It joins ex-San Diego LRVs place. Passengers from Chichester On 14 November the Federal been discussed by the BART board. 1003/8. PNAERC towards Pelaw should travel Transit Administration issued a Predicted population increase WEHMINGEN (DE). Two LHB- via South Shields while anyone Letter of No Prejudice in respect will put the existing tunnel under built Stadtbahn cars have arrived wishing to leave at Chichester of the planned South West light strain; peak demand already from Hannover, 6129 and 6166; after travelling from South rail line to Eden Prairie, and next exceeds 45 000 passengers/hour. 6129 will be stripped for parts. BS Shields should stay on the train to day the civil works contract was An economic assessment will be Tyne Dock, change platforms and awarded to a joint venture of launched in 2019. IRJ CONTRIBUTORS return to Chichester. Lunda and C. S. McCrossan for SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). Worldwide news items for Cycles are now allowed on trains USD799.5m. The FTA decision With 34 Siemens LRVs in service, inclusion should be sent to between Callerton Parkway and means that Met Council can Muni held a press conference Michael Taplin at Flat 8, Roxan Jesmond; Manors and Jesmond now submit the application for a on 6 November to announce Villa, 33 Landguard Manor Rd, (via Whitley Bay); and Gateshead Full Funding Agreement, worth an acceleration in the delivery Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 Stadium and South Shields/South USD929m. The ceremonial schedule. Sixty-eight cars will 6EA, UK.Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 Hylton on Mondays-Fridays ground-breaking took place on be available by the end of March, or e-mail: [email protected] 10.00-15.00 and from 19.00 30 November. With construction with the following 151 delivered UK and Ireland items are until end of service. There are in 2019-22, the 23.3km (14.5-mile) from April 2020 to March 2023, welcomed by Home Editor, John no time restrictions at weekends. line will open in 2023. E. B. Havens instead of delivery stretching Symons, 17 Whitmore Avenue, Bikes are not allowed through the NEW YORK (MTA), NY. Thales- into 2027. This will permit early Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 busy stations in tunnels under supplied CBTC technology was elimination of the Breda fleet, 0LW, UK. E-mail [email protected] Newcastle and Gateshead or at the activated on the 7-Flushing saving USD85m in maintenance Acknowledgements are due Newcastle Airport Metro station. Subway line on 26 November. costs. E. B. Havens to Blickpunkt Strassenbahn Fares are to rise from 2 January The 16km (ten-mile) line is not (BS), Buffalo News, Drehscheibe with GBP0.10 added to most shared with other Subway routes, MUSEUM NEWS (DS), Eisenbahn (EB), Electric single and DaySaver ticket running from 34th Street/Hudson CRICH (UK). The museum is Railroaders’ Association (ERA), prices, and GBP0.30-GBP0.70 to Yards in Manhattan to Main to reopen after the winter on Egyptian Streets, El Moudjahid, weekly tickets. Smartcard fares Street, Flushing, via Queensboro 16 March. The Octagon structure Paul Jackson, Irish Times, will not be increased. Plaza, carrying both local and at Wakebridge will be repainted International Railway Journal (IRJ), WEST MIDLANDS. Work has express services at peak times. during the closed season as part La Reppublica, Lancashire Post, begun in Dudley Town Centre to The 7-Flushing route becomes of its restoration for use as a Lineoz.net, Manchester Evening confirm the locations of utilities, the second Subway line to utilise new interpretation space; also News, Metro Manila, myGC. in preparation for delivery of CBTC, following the L-Canarsie being restored is the Wakebridge com, Nottingham Evening Post, the Wednesbury – Brierley Hill where work was completed by former Birmingham tram shelter. Op de Rails (OR), Ottawa Citizen, extension. The new line will Siemens in early 2009. These works are part of a wider Preserved North American Electric provide links to the heavy and Further installation on a Heritage Lottery Fund-supported Railway Cars (PNAERC), Railway light rail networks, including section of the Queens Boulevard project that will bring further Gazette International (RGI), Sputnik High Speed 2. It will also provide line, used by several routes, enhancements to the Woodland News, Sun Sentinel, The Age, The access to the intu Merry Hill is underway under contracts Walk for 2019. Cabin Crossing is Statesman, tram, traminfo.pl, shopping centre. Passenger service awarded in July 2015. RGI receiving a new hard-standing transphoto.ru, urbanrail.net, is expected to start in 2023. NEW YORK – NEWARK, NJ for pointwork and overhead West Deutscher Rundfunk (WDR), A GBP10m (EUR11.3m) grant (PATH). The modernised and component maintenance. and Wolverhampton Express & Star. has been agreed towards the expanded Harrison station opened proposed new Metro and bus on 30 October; the project cost station interchange planned USD256m. Platforms have been for Dudley Town Centre. extended for ten-car trains. ERA This will finance a significant OAKLAND, CA. A l a me d a part of redevelopment of the County has voted to implement existing bus station. The money a demonstration project for Ultra will come from the Government’s Light Rail Transit by CyberTran Transforming Cities Fund. International. E. B. Havens TfWM has launched a trial of PHOENIX, AZ. Valley Metro mobile ticketing using Google has launched a free smartphone Pay on the West Midlands Metro app , AlertVM, for passengers network. The pilot project is to discreetly report vandalism, funded by the Midlands Connect suspicious activity and regional partnership, which is maintenance issues on the system looking to develop the technology and receive notifications about across the wider Midlands region. service delays. RGI It is initially available for the first PORTLAND, OR. The preferred 500 users to sign up on the Swift route for the Tigard light rail on Mobile app and available for line to Bridgeport Village was

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org january 2019 / 33 Letters

Mailbox Get your views into print [email protected] Letters submitted by post should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication.

We need to take care over the correct terminology

It was disappointing to see in Worldwide Review (TAUT 972) the derailment processes, except in the case of Sandilands to Sandilands overturn referred to as a derailment. The initial highlight the integrity of the wheel-rail interface for anyone ‘derailment’ myth took root as deeply, as firmly and as willing to notice it. The Middlewood overspeed in Sheffield on stubbornly as the tram’s fateful overturn-inducing grip that 19 July again highlighted tramway derailment resistance. day on the track. Even the final disengagement of the On the other hand, the parting of a tram from the track flange-tip(s) with the gauge corner during the overturning in St Peter’s Square, Manchester, on 29 June 2008, was a true process was not really a ‘derailment’ – this term cannot be derailment caused by failure of the wheel-rail interface, the applied helpfully to any aspect of Sandilands. root cause of which was ‘keeper confusion’ about the function Neither can the term ‘derailment’ be usefully applied in the of the continuous check, which is such an integral feature of context of the recent collision of a Sheffield tram-train with a grooved rail. But even in this case the location of the point of lorry. The tram-train was lifted off the track by its impact with derailment was misunderstood, fuelling confusion. the lorry. It was hardly likely to drop back cleanly onto the Until we come to terms properly with real derailment track. There is no justification for implying in either case that processes and the nature and technicalities of the wheel-rail the wheel-rail interface failed. In fact, neither the Sandilands interface, ambiguity and doubt will persist. overturn nor the Sheffield collision had anything to do with David Holt, by e-mail

More focus on the passenger please More detail on the Cross City origins shed. As can be seen, even then the yard was The article on ‘sensory design’ in the latest A great article on Luas and the Cross also used by buses and coaches. issue (972) provided an insight into an area City route in the latest issue (TAUT 972), Tony Sullivan, by e-mail that is often overlooked by transport designers. although I should correct the statement We seem obsessed with colour and styling that the extension of the Green line uses in the integration of new transport services the former branch line of the Midland Great as part of a city’s identity, and are even more Western Railway (MGWR) from Broadstone obsessed with engineering solutions, but not to Broombridge. This was not a branch. enough attention is paid to the passenger. Broadstone was the Dublin terminus of The examples given of the importance the MGWR. of touch and smell into the look and feel of The current line from Broombridge into tramways were very interesting, but there is the city was, I think, originally a goods line so much more to say. Can we have more such into Dublin Docks. This picture, taken on articles on the passenger experience please? 3 December 1955, shows class D5 4–4–0 Steven Porritt, by e-mail

625 by the turntable at Broadstone steam Sullivan T.

Obituary: Michael Corcoran From an early age, Michael was Transport. In a lengthy review in interested in road transport and when The Irish Times, the reviewer observed The death occurred in a Dublin hospital Dublin’s tramway closed in 1949, he and that “No detail is too obscure or on 6 September of Michael Corcoran, a few others rescued three representative irrelevant. The transport enthusiast transport preservationist and founder examples of the fleet with the vision will be enthralled. The conscientious member, in 1947, of the Transport of creating a future running museum. layman will be mesmerised.” Museum Society of Ireland. Michael Due to a dire lack of funds and official Michael married Ellen (Nellie) McGrath served for many years as its President and indifference, the cars were eventually in 1958. She survives him with their three was also an historian and a distinguished placed in an open field at Sutton, near children, Janet, John and Ellie, and two author. He died of a cancer-related illness Howth, where tragically they ultimately grandsons, Mickey and Evan. at the age of 88. succumbed to weather and vandalism. Sadly in later years, Michael had to Michael Gabriel Christopher Corcoran He was, however, in the early 1980s undergo a leg amputation and was was born in Dublin, on 23 August 1930. able to assist in the establishment of the thereafter confined to a wheelchair. He The family settled in Drumcondra and National Transport Museum at Howth also lost the sight of an eye. But at least in he was a talented pupil who gained a Castle, near Dublin, which now has a these years he was able to derive comfort scholarship to the Good College, New collection of some 170 vehicles. from the return of trams to Dublin. Ross, in County Wexford. He had hoped Aside from his preservation work, One of his last outings was to travel to study engineering at university, but in Michael was a regular columnist for the along O’Connell Street by Luas tram prior 1947 his father died suddenly and Michael Fleet Transport magazine and published to the official opening on 9 December had to seek employment to support his several books. His first, in 1986, co-authored 2017, bringing back emotional memories mother and sister. He joined the staff of with Gary Manahan, Winged Wheel, dealt of his last tram ride along that street Dublin County Council and then Dublin with CIE buses. His finest work,Through before the line closed on 9 July 1949. Corporation, working as a draughtsman. Streets Broad and Narrow, was published A fitting finale to one who shunned After 47 years in public service, he in 2006. This was a tribute to the former the limelight other than to impart retired but was later asked to return to tramways of Dublin and was launched knowledge and pride to all who wished assist with the Corporation’s archives, on the open platform of a preserved to be better acquainted with his beloved which he did until the age of 84. tramcar, with Mary O’Rourke, Minister of Dublin. EC, JSK, IAS & GBC

34 / JANUARY 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NEWS FROM THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ASSOCIATION Trams for Bath meets Members’ day out with conference success The LRTA tram-train Members Day will be on 7 February 2019. ramForward congratulates Transport and Highways, Bath place of trams in Bath’s future Members interested in travelling Bath Trams and its & Northeast Somerset Council; transport policy being taken on and finding out about T Chairman, Dave Andrews, as well as several experts from seriously by the Bath & North the UK’s first tram-train are on a successful Conference on the tramway and light rail East Somerset Council, and now asked to arrive at The Source, Trams for Bath on Saturday field, including a number of also being considered for the a community meeting room 24 November. The conference, members of the Light Rail Transit wider Bristol region by the West near the Meadowhall South sponsored by Colas Rail and Association. of England Joint Committee tramstop between 12.00-14.30. Ultra Light Rail Partners, was Jim Harkins, Chairman of the and the West of England Refreshments will be provided. introduced by Wera Hobhouse, LRTA Campaigns Group, who Combined Authority.” At 12.30 Simon Coulthard, MP for Bath, and chaired by spoke at the event, said: Network Rail (NR) sponsor for the LRTA Vice-President Andrew “It is encouraging to see the https://bathtrams.uk/ project will give a presentation Braddock. The session was on NR’s experiences. attended by around 75 delegates, Jim Harkins from the LRTA spoke at We will then set out to including several councillors the conference on Trams for Bath, Rotherham Parkgate, where Tim from the Bath & North East which set out to explore the Kendell will commentate on the Somerset Council and the West re-introduction of light rail to the city. important features and history of England Combined Authority. of the project. Tim is the LRTA’s The conference explored Technical Director and Council the re-introduction of trams to member, previously working for Bath as a solution to the traffic the Department for Transport on congestion and associated the specification of the project. pollution issues in the city, Email [email protected] or write to: with the potential to be a 246 Queensway, Rochdale OL11 stimulus to Bath’s economy 2NH if you wish to attend. The by facilitating movement into cost is GBP3 plus the tram fare. and within the city. Presentations were made by Councillor Tim Warren, Deputy Mayor for the West of England Combined Authority and Leader of Bath & Northeast Somerset Council; and Cllr Mark Shelford, Cabinet Member for

Compiled by the LRTA. For a full list of the year’s events and MEETINGS & EVENTS meeting places please visit www.lrta.org

December 2018 Saturday 12. Birmingham 14.00. Saturday 19. Taunton 14.00. e-mail treasurertlrsmerseyside@ Brian Edwards: The last days of AGM and members’ slides. (TLRS) btinternet.com (TLRS Merseyside) Saturday 22. Beeston 12.00. Wellington and other exotic places. Monday 21. Liverpool 19.45. Friday 25. Edinburgh 19.00. Christmas Dinner then TBA. (TLRS) (LRTA/TLRS/ERS (TMS invited)) Bill Barlow: Buses displayed on Jim Harkins: Pollution and the Monday 14. Holt 14.00. Cedric commercial postcards. (TLRS Oslo Effect. January 2019 Greenwood: Tramways of Lisbon Merseyside) Friday 25. Leicester 20.00. and Porto 1987-2012. (TLRS) Wednesday 23. Liverpool 13.45. Alan Murray-Rust: Toronto Saturday 5. West Midlands 14.00. Monday 14. Thames Valley 19.30. Meet Jane Cole, Managing Director Vancouver and Seattle. (TMS) General modelling meeting and Eddie Dawes: Requests from the of Blackpool Transport Services. Saturday 26. Beeston 14.00. AGM Area AGM. (TLRS) archives. (TLRS) Venue: Rigby Road Transport plus photo competition, then Bob Tuesday 8. Southampton 19.30. Tuesday 15 Leeds 19.00. Offices, Blackpool, FY1 5DD. Hall: Tramways of Austria. (TLRS) Mike Russell: Tramways around the Tony Wilson: Trams on cinefilm. GBP2 admission; advance booking is Thursday 31. Manchester 19.00. globe (including China, France, Tuesday 15. London 19.00. John essential – please contact Brian Yates: Basel, Mulhouse and Gold Coast and Seattle). (LRTA/SEG) Laker: Poland & East Germany 2018. Tony Kuivala on 01704 546351 or the Waldenburgerbahn.

For more information on the Association and its activities visit www.lrta.org Classic Trams Manx electric past & FUTURE Mike Russell surveys the special events that PART took place for the Manx Electric Railway’s 125th TWO anniversary celebrations – and looks to the future. 1

arallel-running has previously weight trailer, important when hauling extend the railway to terminate at a loop been undertaken on the Manx passengers up the long incline north of Laxey near the Villa Marina, the reconstructed Electric Railway, with organisers to Bulgham. Other unusual formations also street-running double-track south of Derby mindful that any such exercise appeared: on 5 September, cross-bench car 32 Castle being shared with the horse tramway. must be carefully programmed. hauled open wagons 8 and 10, and Mail Van Operation is planned to commence in 2020. September’sP celebratory week started with 16, between Douglas and Ramsey, while on The peak of MER passenger loadings may one such event, the two 1893 cars travelling the Monday ‘Tunnel Car’ 6 hauled the two have long passed, but it is heartening to see a between Derby Castle and Groudle through open wagons to Ramsey and back, recreating continuing increase in recent years, likely to the mist-enshrouded headland at Howstrake. a typical Edwardian MER goods service. be enhanced by the future arrival of visiting Previous experience permitted a greater The week clearly belonged to the MER, cruise ships. To cater for this increased measure of parallel operation in 2018, and but the electric railway is not the island’s demand, more rolling stock will be required, cars 1 and 2 again featured during Monday only vintage transport. On 2 September, the and further restoration will see works car 34, 3 September, when they left Ramsey at 18.00 Director of Transport ceremonially cut a cake motor cars 26 and one of the 28-31 batch for a complete parallel journey to Douglas. supplied by local confectioner Fenella Cakes, returned to traffic along with trailer 54, There were two subsequent instances of in the style of 1893 car 2, at an MER birthday currently under renovation. Re-roofing parallel-running. On 4 September, the four party in Laxey. The island’s three tramcars of the original 1893 Derby Castle depot is cross-bench cars (14, 16, 32 and 33) operated numbered 1 were paraded, with MER 1 joined also programmed. Watch also for news of shuttle journeys each side of Laxey as far by Snaefell Mountain Tramway 1 of 1895 and developments on the Snaefell line, whose as Minorca (on the Ramsey section) and Douglas horse car 1, accompanied by Douglas own 125th anniversary will fall in 2020. South Cape. These continued into the hours the horse. The horse car was conveyed to Much MER track has been relaid and of darkness and culminated in a parade at and from Laxey by low-loader and is the several traction poles replaced. However, Bulgham, the line’s summit. The next evening newest in the fleet, dating from 1913. while MER rails have traditionally been cars 14 and 16 were in action again, operating A finale to the week involved a further spiked to wooden sleepers, recent relaying a parallel-running trip between Ramsey re-enactment of the horse car parade staged has used concrete sleepers in a switch and Laxey. On arrival at Laxey darkness had in 2016 for the Douglas line’s 140th birthday made mainly on cost grounds but also to descended, the saloon lights profiling the cars. (TAUT 946). Seven cars participated. Of the prolong life expectancy. Several voices have fleet taken over in 2016 from Douglas expressed concern at the suitability of this Historic recreations Corporation, five of the regular service cars approach for use by veteran rolling stock, The ‘Tunnel Cars’, so called because of their have now been overhauled at Derby Castle so it will be interesting to see whether the internal profile, which were delivered for and the remaining four will be this winter. effects ultimately result in increased tramcar the summer 1894 extension to Laxey, have Attention will then turn to the four cars maintenance costs. long been favourites of enthusiasts. The four retained for museum purposes. Tynwald has invested heavily in the MER survivors of the class (4 and 8 were lost in the For the MER, the high point was on the since 2009 and displayed an appreciation of Laxey depot fire of 1930) were granted their anniversary day, 7 September. A ceremony its tourist potential in boosting the island’s own special day on 5 September, when all was performed at Derby Castle by the island’s economy. This has paid off and justified the operated many timetabled journeys over the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, faith placed in it by both politicians and line hauling various trailers. Car 9 worked who unveiled a plaque and made a speech management, with the operating seasons of the evening shuttle services between Douglas emphasising the worth of the MER. After the all four vintage modes being extended and a and Groudle; this is the illuminated motor journey to the original 1893 Groudle range of special promotions introduced. car, first decorated for the 1993 centenary. terminus, local historian Charles Guard Over the anniversary week, passenger For its subsequent nocturnal excursions gave an account of the line’s inception and numbers were 2533 more than in the on 7 September it hauled trailer 58, history, and reminded guests that Tynwald’s previous week and almost twice the number newly-restored with improved LED lighting. 1975 decision to close the Laxey – Ramsey of the equivalent 2017 period. A particularly A feature of MER operations until 1975 section was now acknowledged as a blunder. lucrative scheme has been the Ultimate was the contractual conveyance of mail in Sir Richard was presented with a presentation Driving Experience courses for amateur special vans behind service tramsets, with pack of the Manx Post Office postage stamp motormen and women. Where else can post collected from roadside boxes. On 4 collection produced to mark the anniversary. you drive a tram over 100 years of age? September this practice was re-enacted, with These have proved especially popular a serving postman accompanying the set, Exciting prospects with German-speaking visitors, and 2019 formed of Winter Saloon 20, trailer 43 and So what about the future? Can the MER marketing will feature adverts in German Mail Van 4, the latter restored in red livery. survive and prosper to be around for its 150th transport journals to further promote this The event was preceded by a short speech or 200th birthdays? The answer seems to be initiative. at Ramsey by Maxine Cannon, General a resounding ‘yes’. Exciting developments Director of Transport Ian Longworth Manager of the Isle of Man Post Office’s are in prospect, one of which will see both formally retires shortly, leaving behind Stamps and Coins Division. the present temporary Ramsey terminus and a transport system transformed. His expertise Earlier that day, cross-bench car 33 had the original 1899 version given up in favour will not be lost to the island, though, as he hauled two passenger trailers, 60 and 51, of an extension to Peel Street in Ramsey. will continue to see through the various between Douglas and Dhoon Quarry. This is enthusiastically supported by local capital projects outlined. With an The cars were selected so that one of the 1906 representatives and will represent the MER’s enthusiastic staff and strong political cars, equipped with more powerful motors, first-ever on-street running. At the southern support, the future of the Manx Electric was coupled to one standard and one lighter- end of the line, plans are well advanced to Railway will be in safe hands.

36 / JANUARY 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Cross-bench motor car 32 of 1906 hauls open wagons 8 and 10 and Mail Van 16 on the descent to Laxey at Ballaragh on 5 September. Restored mail vans and goods trailers behind normal service journeys were a feature of the programme.

2. The remarkable line-up of three tramcars carrying fleet number 1 that took place in connection with the Laxey Day on 2 September. On the left is Douglas Bay horse tramcar of 1913; taking pride of place in the centre is Manx Electric motor car 1 of 1893; and on the right is Snaefell Mountain Tramway car 1 of 1895.

3. The full variety of MER rolling stock was to be seen in traffic on the 125th anniversary day. Approaching the reverse curves at Howstrake on their return to Douglas are cross- bench motor car 32 and trailer 62, together with Mail Van 16, making up a ‘green train’. 2 4. On 5 September cross-bench cars 14 and 16 operated in parallel between Ramsey and Laxey. Here they are posed as dusk falls near Cornaa amongst the typically rural surroundings of the Ramsey section.

5. Tuesday 4 September saw the re-enactment of the MER’s former mail service, in which mail was collected from lineside postboxes for transport to Douglas. Recently restored mail van 4 was attached to trailer car 43 and Winter Saloon 20 for this event; here it is seen at Glen 3 4 Mona crossing, heading north to Ramsey for the return journey.

6. The Manx Electric Railway’s 125th anniversary week concluded on 8 September with a parade of the Douglas Bay horse cars. Seen from the verandah of the Villa Marina is part of the line-up on the return journey towards Derby Castle. Leading the parade is enclosed car 1, followed by cross-bench car 12 and double-deck 18.

7. On 3 September, Tunnel car 6 hauled the two recently- 5 6 restored open freight wagons, 8 and 10, for a return journey between Douglas and Ramsey, recreating a typical Edwardian MER goods service. The convoy is seen approaching Howstrake from Groudle.

8. The first of two evenings during which cross-bench cars were operated in parallel was 4 September. Cars 32 and 33 are seen crossing Laxey Viaduct at the start of their journey to South Cape.

7 8 All photography by Mike Russell.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JANUARY 2019 / 37 Bookshop Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage included (2nd class UK; Airmail Europe; Economy rest of world).

Lost Tramways of England

Bristol Coventry Nottingham Southampton The system that was never Also closed due to wartime The conversion to trolleybus Source of the first tramcar modernised due to the constant circumstances, this relatively operation brought the trams preserved by the LRTA’s threat of takeover by the City small system included an to an end in 1936, but the forebears, this port city’s key Council, finally closing due to interesting interurban line out system included track-sharing feature was operation through enemy action in World War Two to Bedworth. with the Notts & Derby the historic Bargate. still with an all open-top fleet. tramway company.

> Each book 150x200 mm, hardback; 64 pages; fully illustrated in black & white. £10.70 (UK addresses); £13.90 (outside UK); £16.50 (Airmail beyond Europe). LRTA Members: Deduct £0.90 from the prices shown. Special Offer – all four books: £38.00 (UK addresses); £45.00 (outside UK); £52.00 (Airmail beyond Europe). LRTA Members: Deduct £3.50 from the prices shown.

London Trolleybus Depots The Tramways of The Potteries Part Two Tells the intriguing story of the tramway The second volume in this series covers network in Stoke-on-Trent and the Acton, Bexleyheath, Carshalton, Chiswick, surrounding towns from 1862-1928. Fulwell, Hammersmith, Hanwell, Isleworth and Wandswoth. Large-scale plans included. > A4 softback; 96 pages, 78 black & white and > A4 hardback; 176 pages, 217 black & white and three colour pictures, five maps. 19 colour pictures. £27.0 0 (UK addresses); £30.00 (outside £42.00 (UK); £51.00 (outside UK); £58.00 UK); £32.00 (Airmail beyond Europe) (Airmail beyond Europe). LRTA Members: LRTA Members: Deduct £2.50 from Deduct £3.90 from the prices shown. the prices shown. in your next issue of 4.0 - SA BY / CC oehrensee R trams return to city connections SYSTEMS FACTFILE: milwaukee in toulouse OLOMOUC Continuing his review of the rebirth of US Sandrine Vielhescaze and Yves Montaron Although small, Olomouc’s tramway light rail, Vic Simons travels to Wisconsin explore the development and future of has seen expansion and development for the opening of ‘The Hop’ streetcar – this French city's fascinating integrated across many years in response to which reintroduces street-running transport network, focused around a changes in this eastern Czech city. rail service after a 60-year absence. tramway and metro backbone. Neil Pulling pays a visit. PLUS... FEBRUARY + Mike Ballinger reports from Graz’s 140th anniversary cavalcade 2019 issue + The latest news and analysis, rolling stock orders, system developments, and transport policy and industry comment from On sale around the world 18 January

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population of around Linking Gdańsk’s early into Sopot via Oliwa ended in 460 000 makes Gda sk tram operations and Although the city centre is set back the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely to 1961, in part due to demand for Poland’s sixth-largest modern expansion, from the shore, waterways connecting space on a main road connecting city, with varying the former Siedlce with the Baltic remain a picturesque definitions for the terminus gives access the Tri-City communities. feature of Gda sk’s ostensibly metropolitanA area of between 1.1 to the line 10 and 12 Gda sk is the capital of medieval cityscape. Distinctive

extensions opened Pomeranian Voivodeship and 1.4 million. The city lies 290km architecture style recalls a trading in 2015. (Województwo Pomorskie), one (180 miles) north-west of the past as a member of the Hanseatic of several civic identities during capital, Warsaw, and is the League. Buildings at the heart of the an eventful history, including country’s biggest port. city’s important tourist business being a semi-independent ‘Free Gda sk is one of three adjoining speak of past wealth and power. They yet distinct cities constituting the City’. The name of Danzig came are, however, largely reconstructions with Prussian/German control Tri-City (Trójmiasto). This urban following a war in which Gda of the region. It was the purchase sk Six new Guangzhou projects launched spread, interspersed with forest and suffered greatly. Westerplatte, now beaches, borders a western arc of the of Danziger Strasseneisenbahn, light and urban rail developments. the location of Gda a horse tram operation begun in sk’s modern ferry Bay of Gda sk, a large Baltic inlet. terminal, is attributed as experiencing Housing funds to pay for DLR growth 1873, by Berlin-based AEG which Gda sk is gaining residents, whereas the first shots of World War Two. led to electrification by 1896. Gdynia and the much smaller Sopot Photographs of the ruins at the war’s In early years through competition have declining populations. Of these, end show tramway features, although Two more new US streetcar systems with other companies, the system only Gda sk has trams. The system’s the service had to be suspended. £4.60 Words and pictures grew to include city centre and short-lived post-World War Two reach It was rebuilt and re-opened under by Neil Pulling suburban lines. a new unified transport body. Barriers to LRT Nagasaki Why aren’t there Where the past and present sit side by side www.tautonline.com more UK tramways? . www.lrta.org j AnuAry 2019 / 23

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