LRT Alternatives Tram vs trolleybus: They can’t be seen as enemies Trolleybuses fell out of fashion in the Left: The Solaris Trollino operates in UK in the 1950s, but they are ‘cleaner’ a number of cities in Eastern Europe than motor buses and can pave the way and on the new for trams. Robert Davidson puts the line in Landskrone, Sweden. Solaris case for their place in the transport mix also supplies Swiss systems also he recent announcement of UK Government plans to providing some of electrify nearly 300 miles (500km) of ‘heavy’ railway these elegant buses over the next decade was accompanied by the Prime to the new system TMinister’s statement that “This will reduce carbon dioxide in Rome. Solaris emissions and mean faster and more reliable services for millions.” This recognises that electric public transport is more TROLLEYBUSES... Critics allege that generating electricity from fossil fuels efficient and attractive, and that the state is investing to simply shifts pollution up the energy chain to the power improve the environment. To hit the UK’s planned 80% ...have lower station. However, the University of California found that target cut in carbon emissions however, it will not be and more even with low-grade coal producing large amounts of CO2 enough to rely on renewables and technical ‘fixes’ – we also predictable (as used in Germany) electric traction almost completely have slash our daily energy consumption by 40%. operating costs. eliminates carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Diesel Transport has a vital role in achieving this. While it is Diesel fuel is engines are only 40% efficient at best and if you include true that motor buses are not the only vehicles which create imported, and we idling and part loads, this plummets to below 30%. Engines tailpipe pollution, bus-derived exhaust is the easiest to get have no control powered by other fossil fuels achieve even lower figures over prices and rid of. This is because buses generally follow fixed routes availability. – and all the pollution hits the street. along comparatively few of the roads in a city, so equipping ...can last longer Rome chose trolleybuses after examining all options just a few roads for trolleybuses is a very quick fix. than diesel for cleaner urban air and benefits from reduced healthcare buses, offsetting costs, and the first route opened in 2005. A 3km (2 mile) The right solution for the problem higher initial costs unwired city centre section is covered on batteries which Passengers prefer trolleybuses to buses; they prefer trams to give lower recharge while running under the wires. This unwired even more, but there are situations where light rail cannot be lifecycle costs. capability reduces the need for complex junction work justified. Thus the message should be given loud and clear: ...regenerate and allows turnbacks anywhere. The first route has been Go for trams where you can, go for trolleybuses everywhere current when so successful that January 2008 saw Rome announce an else. Trolleybuses and trams are not enemies and converting braking and expanded 60-vehicle system. busy bus routes could begin almost immediately. feed this back, Hard-line TAUT readers will vociferously argue against reducing overall Growing European adoption trolleybuses, but they are missing the point in a 21st network power Trolleybuses are generally popular with the customers who Century world. We all know that the most effective way demand. use them every day and also with the local residents whose of electrifying urban transport is by tram, as Croydon, ...accelerate properties they pass. Low noise and ride comfort, coupled Manchester and Nottingham demonstrate. These systems better than with the sense of permanency provided by investment in are hugely popular, a catalyst for urban regeneration and diesel buses, wires, sends a positive message to property owners and getting people out of their cars. Unfortunately, tramways reducing overall investors. journey times and require significant investment and take a long time to build, therefore fleet In Arnhem, Netherlands, ridership has risen 20% on so will probably only open in our largest and best-organised numbers. routes converted from diesel buses. In Salzburg, Austria, cities. Something simpler, quick, and lower cost is needed ...can be business is up 16%. Surveys in London have shown that elsewhere – and that is the trolleybus. combined with people have an overwhelming preference for trams and trams. Many trolleybuses over buses of any type. Why trolleybuses? European It is pleasing to see that British consultants recognise The technology is well proven, and every required networks the potential benefits; Mott MacDonald and Steer Davies component can be found in the catalogues of established combine trams Gleave are working on trolleybuses plans for the Leeds manufacturers. That is why over 60 European cities are sold and trolleybuses, ‘NGT’ system, and TAUT’s last issue showed trolleybuses on the idea. sharing electricity are also part of the package of measures proposed by MVA sub-stations and and Mott MacDonald for greater Glasgow. maintenance to Supporters of better public transport must fight to ensure cut the cost of these proposals are not salami-sliced away by uninformed both. politicians and Treasury officials. The bottom line? We ...cannot easily all deserve better urban public transport and our children overtake each deserve to inherit a better environment. TAUT other. This . Robert Davidson is the nom de plume of a leading UK transport forces operators professional. He has had nearly 30 years’ worldwide experience of to provide a planning and delivering public transport systems. railway-like service - rather Left: Leeds wanted trams, as in this artist’s impression of 2002, but than the free-for- the Government would not fund them. The current NGT proposals all experience on motor bus routes. provide the opportunity to provide clean, electric public transport, albeit with smaller trolleybuses rather than big trams. WYITA 338 SEPTEMBER 2009 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org .