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OCTOBER 2020 No. 994 : 40 YEARS ON

1980-2020: How the UK pioneer is still breaking new ground VDV -Train tender for 504 LRVs Los Angeles accelerates LRT expansion Phuket light rail delayed until 2026

What does it cost? Rail masterclass £4.60 Pitfalls in preparing Contrasting renewal LRT business cases and repair methods Pre Metro Operations provides rail-based solutions. And we’ve got a proven record.

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Operating in systems a competitive transport network, the Nottingham www.lrta.org factfile Express Transit tram www.tautonline.com system has attracted No. Nottingham, significant local support for further 2020 N O. 994 United Kingdom Nottingham OCTOBER 156 expansion. Sub scribe now! TYNE AND WEAR: METRO 40 YEARS ON Now in its 83rd year, Tramways & Urban Transit is

he East city Totalling 14.4km (nine miles), the of Nottingham (UK) is The expanded the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely to route greatly relied upon access to on Radford Road, is the longer of located around 200km NET system added two sections where NET follows the heavy rail alignments. At the system’s outer residential (125 miles) by rail north route of the city’s first-generation northern end, from NET’s Wilkinson and employment from ’s St Pancras Street depot and control centre to tramway. The other is a short section International.T Mainly situated within centres. On the , the tramway was and between the Theatre Royal (Royal the area, Clifton line in remains on segregated tracks next to Wilford on 20 July Centre stop) and Nottingham Express Transit (NET) an active railway; the short branch 2020, Citadis 229 where the original electric tramway lines extend to some adjoining from to carries the name (1901-36) had a complex junction local government terminus used redundant trackbed. of the Clifton-born serving four directions. This area was areas. The 2019 city population Nottingham Forest This contains the only stop on also a convergence of the municipal estimate was 332 900, although 2011 and single-track serving both directions, trolleybus system which lasted from national census data identified footballer, Viv 1980 2020: How the UK pioneer is still breaking new ground , the name recalling a 1927 until 1966. 729 977 in the conurbation, then the Anderson MBE. colliery which closed in 1986. Old Market Square and the domed light and urban rail developments. VDV Tram-Train tender for 504 LRVs UK’s ninth-most populous urban area. Today’s system has considerable Council House building represent The current NET network, two street-running and space shared with Nottingham’s civic core. From here north-south routes with a common other traffic, although the first phase track heading south rises then falls Los Angeles accelerates LRT expansion core, was created in two distinct had only around 4km (2.5 miles) on- through parts of the city’s oldest stages with over 11 years between street. This included divergence to a areas. Avoiding conflict with road the two openings. Construction of Phuket light rail delayed until 2026 pair of one-way single tracks between traffic and staying clear of what has ‘Line One’ began in summer 2000, become a redevelopment area, a level £4.60 The Forest and Wilkinson Street stops. opening to passengers in March 2004. The more westerly of these, city-bound Words and pictures is maintained by a 300m viaduct by Neil Pulling. What does it cost? Rail masterclass on the (GCR) Contrasting renewal Pitfalls in preparing 392 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org LRT business cases and repair methods

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Please complete this form and send it with your payment to: LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER CONTENTS T he official journal of the Light Rail 379 Transit Association OCTOBER 2020 Vol. 83 No. 994 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL Editor – Simon Johnston 373 [email protected] Associate Editor – Tony Streeter [email protected] Worldwide Editor – Michael Taplin 404 [email protected] News Editor – John Symons [email protected] Senior Contributor – Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors R ichard 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 Production – Lanna Blyth News 373 systems factfile: nottingham 392 T el: +44 (0)1733 367604 VDV Tram-Train tender released; Muni Neil Pulling revisits Nottingham to explore [email protected] Metro closed until 2021; LA to accelerate how NET has attracted significant local DESIGN – Debbie Nolan rail projects; Jena chooses Stadler’s ; support for further expansion. Advertising Phuket LRT delayed by two years. COMMERCIAL Manager – Geoff Butler W ORLDWIDE REVIEW 398 Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 LRT COST MYTHS BUSTED 377 First rails laid in Liège; Rheinbahn halts new [email protected] Mathew Taylor explains just a few of the fleet deliveries; Olsztyn contractor Publisher – Matt Johnston reasons why ‘back of a napkin’ costings for appointed; Kazan completes orbital tramline; Tramways & Urban Transit LRT schemes can do more harm than good. Signalling award for Metro; 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Road, Sacramento expansion rejected; Pandemic Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK HAPPY BIRTHDAY METRO! 379 support donations pour into . Tramways & Urban Transit is published by Mainspring TAUT begins a two-part celebration of the on behalf of the LRTA on the third Friday of each UK’s LRT pioneer, looking at the genesis and MAILBOX 403 month preceding the cover date. recent rebirth of the . Can the lightweight VLR model work elsewhere? Alternatives for Tramlink. SECOND CHANCES COUNT... 388 PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION In the third part of our rail masterclass CLASSIC : the tatra T II 404 Warners (Midlands), Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK series, Daniel Pyke explores and contrasts Mike Russell begins his chronicles of the life tramway maintenance philosophies. of this significant Eastern European tramcar. LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up members of the Light Rail Transit Association. Spending wisely, and remembering to save, save, save LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY Brian Lomas Our sister title Tramway Review is 70 years young this month and to mark the [email protected] [email protected] occasion we have produced a special anthology of its remastered ‘greatest hits’ – available to buy soon at www.lrta.org. Subscriptions, MEMBERSHIP and back issues Why is this shamesless plug relevant? It is because our anthology contains LRT A Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 a number of valuable lessons for anyone involved in transport, detailing how [email protected] Website: www.lrta.info financial troubles accelerated the demise of so many first-generation tramways; the need for strong, unified trade associations; and also why even the most innovative projects for CORPORATE Subscriptions VISIT www.mainspring.co.uk will fail without support from the right people at the right time. is a long-term game. While tramways and light rail systems have a LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE longevity that other modes can only dream of, they are not fully ‘fit and forget’. Effective 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 4TU, UK. and efficient maintenance interventions are key to realising that potential (as Daniel Pyke Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 in England and Wales. explains on page 387), as well as slowly saving the pennies for the inevitable day ten, 20 or 30 years down the line when renewals are required. Nothing lasts forever, after all. LRTA Chairman – Paul Rowen [email protected] Understanding the costs of planning and building a tramway – so we don’t over-promise and under-deliver – is the topic of Mathew Taylor’s enlightening treatise on page 377. © LRTA 2020 Obvious to some, but essential reading to all I would suggest. Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution The ongoing pandemic has exposed years of under-investment in many cities that is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the may be coming back to haunt those who haven’t fully-prepared themselves – and at opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of the worst possible time when revenues are at an all-time low. By the time you read this, the LRTA or Mainspring. All rights reserved. those early funding securities promised to support systems through these tough times No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in will only be a few weeks from running out. How long many can last without a decent any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including long-term plan while passengers are still staying away is a hot topic of debate. photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from We are also celebrating another humble hero this month – the Tyne and Wear Metro. the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the The UK’s first modern light rail system is a wonder, underpinning the prosperity of a magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. region that has seen its own fair share of highs and lows over the past four decades. As work continues on the extensive ‘all: change’ modernisation, preparations are being COVER: Tyne and Wear Metrocar 4054 at Tynemouth, made for a new fleet and on the drawing board are plans for major expansion. Join us as a station that first opened nearly 140 years ago and we delve into the detail of the Metro story on page 379. Simon Johnston, Editor one of the original Metro termini in 1980. N. Pulling

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2020 / 371 News Tenders issued for VDV tram-trains Three-year collaboration results in a joint order for up to 504 new dual-use LRVs

t the start of August, six undertakings in Artist’s impressions of the VDV tram-train German-speaking design. VDV countries issued a Ajoint tender for the supply of 246 three-section, 37m-long, 2.65m-wide, double-ended, standard-gauge tram-trains (with an option for a further 271), with up to 32 years of maintenance to be included. The tender is the culmination of a project started in 2017 by the German operators’ association VDV, and is expected to result in a contract worth EUR4bn. Project managers are the Karlsruhe undertakings Albtal- be single-ended as all Karlsruhe Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (AVG) lines have turning circles. and Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe The will replace its (VBK), joining the Saarbahn, fleet of Bombardier dual-voltage Schiene Oberösterreich, Land cars dating from 1996-2000, Salzburg and Regional- and provide for expansion. Neckar-Alb. Hopes that In 2028 Salzburg Lokalbahn will Chemnitz and Kassel would be replace its fleet of 18 SGP-built involved in the initial tendering cars (fitted with low-floor centre exercise have not been realised. sections from Inekon in recent The project will begin with the years) that date from 1983-2002, approval of a ‘standard’ model, and provide for the extension of with the costs shared by the the line under the city centre to partners, before the production the southern suburbs. of five operator-specific variants. Elsewhere in The Regional-Stadtbahn goal from the beginning was to AVG/VBK needs the new cars (Oberösterreich), the rolling stock Neckar-Alb is a project for keep tram-trains competitive to replace stock dating back to of the Linzer Lokalbahn and tram-train operation over 205km compared with cheaper full-rail 1991. It will be noted that some Lokalbahn Lambach – Vorchdorf- (127 miles) of rail lines based multiple units, and we stuck to it.” of these cars will never operate Eggenberg will be replaced from on Tübingen and Reutlingen, Dialogue with manufacturers over railway tracks because 2026, with extra stock to serve including 40km (25 miles) has shown the possibility of they will be equipped for 750V an electrified section of the of new construction to bring significant efficiencies for all dc only, as used on the city’s Mühlkreisbahn running north passengers closer to the centres partners; it is expected that tramlines. Indeed these cars will from the city of Linz. of towns and cities. The first the joint tender will save up to section could open in 2025. EUR1m/vehicle. AVG and Neckar-Alb cars will be This contract, the largest in Vdv tram-train by operator fitted with toilets in view of the since ordered long-distance services involved. 501 trams in 1924, will no Customer Firm order Options Voltage(s) Thorsten Erlenkötter, VBK doubt be a target for the newly- AVG 75 51-81 750V dc/15kV ac Project Manager, said: “The size expanded Alstom following its VBK 73 57 750V dc of the contract offers a great expected takeover of Bombardier Saarbahn 28 21 750V dc/15kV ac advantage to manufacturers, who Transportation. Alstom already Neckar-Alb 30 57 750V dc/15kV ac will be responsible for vehicle builds its Regio-Citadis tram-train, Salzburg 20 5 750V dc /1000V dc maintenance for the duration while Bombardier is still building Oberösterreich 20 50 750V dc of the expected vehicle life. Our dual-voltage cars for AVG. Two new lines take the Shenzen Metro to 373km The addition of two new lines number of additional noise and to Shuangyong Street, A joint venture of MTR added 78.3km (48.7 miles) and 51 vibration mitigation measures serving 24 stations. This line Consulting Shenzen and China stations to the metro network in and more efficient construction runs largely parallel to line 4 and Railway Electrification Bureau is Shenzen (China) on 18 August. methods such as pre-assembled is designed to reduce congestion to supply rolling stock, systems The 49km (30.5-mile) – ballast-free track. Photovoltaic on this busy route. It is worked and operations for the 22.4km also known as the Guangming cells at the elevated stations by 35 eight-car trains from CRRC (13.9-mile) north–south metro line – is a 100km/h (60mph) provide 30% of their electricity Changchun, capable of 80km/h , due to open in 2023. commuter route running from the needs. The line is worked by 51 (50mph) running, and each Civil works for the route from Science Museum north-west to six-car Type A trainsets supplied carrying 2144 passengers. Bay Port to Shangwu Songgang with 12 underground by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen. An infill station at Gangxia North and 16 stations are being and 15 elevated stations. Work on , the Bantian line, Bei is expected to open in 2021 undertaken by the Shenzhen line 6 began in August 2015, as runs north-south over a 28.9km and further extensions of lines Metro Group. The 30-year part of the city’s ‘green metro (18-mile) underground route 2, 3 and 4 are expected to open PPP contract has a value of programme’ which includes a between Futian Checkpoint on later this year. CNY4.91bn (EUR605m).

372 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org D elhi Metro Muni Metro closes again re-opens Equipment failures see Following a five-month shutdown, the San Francisco’s light (India) re-opened in stages from rail service closed just 7 September. Services on the Yellow and Rapid line were first, days after reopening with the Blue and Pink lines next to re-open on 9 September, and hree days after the Red, Green and Violet lines re-opening, Muni Metro on 10 September. (San Francisco, US) Safety and comfort measures withdrew light rail include temperature screenings at Tservice again from 25 August station entrances, the installation after newly-installed overhead of automatic hand sanitiser wire splices started to break and points, and increased dwell times an employee tested positive for at stations to avoid queuing on coronavirus. The overhead in the boarding and alighting. Market Street subway had been Opening times were phased, renewed during the six-month 07.00-11.00 and 16.00-20.00 22 August saw the restart of Muni light rail service, but not for long. Here Breda closure, with crews dedicated car 1550 calls at Powell Station in the Market Street subway on day one. P. Ehrlich from 7 September, increasing to to fixing the large backlog of a full service from 06.00-23.00. deferred maintenance. Francisco deserves. On day three City Supervisor Aaron Peskin Face coverings and personal hand All Muni Metro light rail of our rail system restart, we called the failed opening sanitiser are a condition of travel; services were replaced by discovered two major problems “unconscionable. This is token payments and feeder on 30 March during the city’s that forced us to retrench. We inexcusable and I am despondent services remain suspended. COVD-19 ‘shelter-in-place’ order. took a risk in re-opening the over that. It is a sordid tale that Muni has now found a US subway in order to take advantage ‘The City That Knows How’ distributor of a Swiss-made of the trains’ larger capacity. This bungled this. It’s miserable – and splice that meets technical time that risk didn’t pay off”. I hate saying that”. Shijiazhuang metro specifications and is durable, San Francisco Municipal The employee who tested reaches 61.6km Shijiazhuang metro line 2 and will replace at least 70 Transportation Agency (SFMTA) positive for coronavirus worked (Liuxinzhuang – Jiahualu, wire splices (half of the total officials have said the splice in Muni Central Control, which 15.5km/9.6 miles) opened on amount) in the overhead, breakages were unforeseen as had to be closed and employees 26 August. The new line features beginning next month. the agency never tested the quarantined, shutting down the 15 stations, offering interchange After all-night work, the bus durability of the overhead under whole communications system with lines 1 and 3. Line 2 takes the shuttles that operated during the full service conditions, and that needed to keep the subway city’s metro network to 61.6km closure were reinstated, covering the significantly increased wire running. SFMTA has identified 54 (38.2 miles). lines J, K, L, N, and T. tension may have been the cause. coronavirus cases among its 6000 A 7.8km (4.8-mile) extension of is under construction and a City Transportation Director On 1 September management employees, while the pandemic further 8.5km (5.3-mile) section is Jeffrey Tumlin apologised for suggested that services may not has left Muni USD200m short in planned to open in 2021. “failing to deliver the service San restart until the new year. its operating budget.

Phuket’s first light rail NEWS IN PICTURES line delayed until 2026 Construction of the Phuket LRT park-and-ride sites are planned project is now expected to begin at the terminus stops. Phase 1 in 2023, with opening in 2026, it is expected to cost THB35.2bn was revealed at a public meeting (EUR947m), with costs met by in the Thai city on 24 August. a PPP consortium in return Mass Authority for a 28-year construction and of Thailand (MRTA) Assistant operations concession. Governor Sarot Torsuwan First announced in 2015, and Phuket Vice-Governor Phase 1 was expected to open in Wongsakorn Nunchukan said 2021. Late last year the MRTA that delays in the studies and announced that bids for the redesigns would now see bids for project were to open mid-2020, private sector involvement in the with the project expected to be scheme open in 2022. completed by 2024. The Bangkok CRRC Zhuzhou CRRC The project, now described as Post reports that Mr Saroj “LRT/Tram”, remains divided said that the MRTA has twice CRRC Zhuzhou reveals Kunming ‘autonomous’ LRV into two phases. The 41.7km sounded out potential partners, What is claimed as the world’s first self-driving energy-storage tram was (29.3-mile) Phase 1, from Phuket drawing significant interest. unveiled by CRRC Zhuzhou in late August. The seven-section tram can carry up to 500 passengers at up to 70km/h International Airport to Chalong Phase 2 will be around 16.5km (43mph) and uses adapted automotive technology to run autonomously. Circle, has been revised to (10.3 miles) long, from Baan Onboard supercapacitors will allow for journeys of up to 5km (three miles) on include and elevated Tha Noon in Phang Nga to Baan a single charge, with the vehicle recharging itself fully in under a minute. sections to further segregate Muang Mai in Thalang, although The low-floor vehicle’s first operational application is planned for a new line the new line from road traffic. details for this are still subject to linking the city of Kunming and Changshui International Airport. As well as 21 stops, two large further studies.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2020 / 373 News LA Metro accelerates rail projects Board approval to fast-track schemes coincides with new taskforce to study the removal of fares

apital projects in Extension and the Expo LRT line Wilshire Boulevard and then percentage of low-income riders Los Angeles County between 7th Street/Metro Center continue to the B (Red) metro in this country and this could (US) received a and Santa Monica. line in Hollywood. Civil works be a valuable economic tool.” boost in late August According to Metro’s draft 2022 on the extension are slated to About 75% of Metro bus and followingC approval by the Metro Long Range Transportation Plan, start in 2041, with start of service light rail passengers are currently board to accelerate works on the released in April, completion of in 2047, although Metro is classed as low-income, he added. Sepulveda Transit Corridor and the USD5.7bn first phase (San co-ordinating with the city of The task force will report back Crenshaw Northern Extension Fernando Valley – Westside) is West Hollywood and the city of to the Metro board by the end LRT schemes. Extra funds were scheduled for 2033-35, with the Los Angeles to advance planning. of the year, considering issues also allocated to the Purple line USD3.8bn extension to LAX to The board also voted to such as: metro expansion. be completed by 2057. However, allocate unused funds from the l The availability of potential The Sepulveda Transit Corridor under Metro’s 28 by 2028 Expo line, completed in 2016, local, state, or federal grants, project receives USD48.3m for initiative, the Valley – Westside to cover additional costs on the as well as the reallocation of environmental studies and section has been identified as Purple line that have increased Metro funds from sources like conceptual engineering for this a candidate for acceleration the budget of the first 6.3km advertising or sponsorships proposed high-capacity rail as it is seen as a key transport (3.9-mile) section from l The potential impact on other line connecting Van Nuys, the component in the city’s hosting USD2.77bn to USD2.97bn. LA county transit agencies, San Fernando Valley, Westside of the 2028 Olympic and both in terms of ridership and and Los Angeles International Paralympic Games. LA Metro to study plans also allocation of state and Airport (LAX). Envisaged for At the same time, the to eliminate transit fares local funding delivery through a public-private board approved advancing Metro has also created a new task l The current cost of fare partnership, the new studies for three potential routes for the force to investigate options for collection in terms of staff, this USD9.5bn scheme are to USD4.74bn Crenshaw Northern removing fares from light rail equipment and enforcement begin in 2021. Extension (CNE) light rail and bus services in an effort to l The impact on ridership and Designed to dramatically project, as well as a USD50.3m stimulate the region’s economic the passenger experience, improve journey times in one contract for environmental development in light of the service levels and operations, of the most heavily-used urban analyses. The three routes for COVID-19 pandemic, CEO Phil and road traffic. corridors in the US, reducing study would follow parts of Washington announced on If adopted, the proposal reliance on the congested I-405 San Vicente Boulevard, Fairfax 1 September. would make Metro the world’s highway, when finished the new Avenue or La Brea Avenue. “We believe that transit, like largest public transport to go line would connect the future The CNE will extend the firefighting and the police should entirely fare-free. In 2019, the East San Fernando Valley LRT under-construction 13.7km be made available to the populace agency collected USD250-300m project, the Chatsworth – North (8.5-mile) Crenshaw/LAX line – through the public purse,” Mr in fare revenues, recovering Hollywood BRT G line (Orange), due to open in 2021 – north to Washington said in a press about 13% of its annual the future D metro line (Purple) the D (Purple) metro line on conference. “We have the highest operating budget. FTA commits USD400m to advance US rail projects On 26 August, the US Federal Kansas City, MO: KC Streetcar in late 2021 for a 2025 opening. of a 27.2km (16.9-mile) second Transit Administration (FTA) Main Street Extension The city has requested USD174m track on the Northern Indiana committed a further USD400m A 5.6km (3.5-mile) extension in overall federal funding Commuter Transportation to advance rail projects in of the Downtown Streetcar towards the USD351m project, District (NICTD) South Shore Arizona, Indiana, Missouri from the existing Union Street expected to be allocated over the commuter line between Gary and New Jersey. The funding terminus to the University of next four years. and Michigan City. This will allow the four projects to Missouri campus. Gary, IN: Double-Track USD460m project includes progress towards a Full Funding The FTA’s latest USD50.8m Northwest Indiana four new rail bridges and 1359 Grant Agreement under FTA’s contribution will see works begin USD50.6m towards the creation additional park-and-ride spaces. Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Hudson County, NJ: Portal Programme. North Bridge Project Construction of a new, two-track Phoenix, AZ: Northwest LRT rail bridge across the Hackensack Extension Phase II River to increase frequency and A 2.6km (1.5-mile) extension capacity along the Northeast of the Valley Metro LRT system Corridor (NEC) between New from the current 19th Avenue and Newark. The USD1.8bn terminus to the Metrocenter Mall, project will replace the existing including three new stations and bridge, which is more than 100 a park-and-ride facility. years old, with a new 366m The latest grant allocates span and long approaches to USD50.6m towards the remove a significant operational USD401.3m extension, bottleneck for both Amtrak and construction of which began NJ Transit services. in August. In 2016, Phoenix The latest USD248m allocation City Council voted to accelerate follows the approval of elements of its future light rail USD767m in funding by the expansion, bringing this project TAUT was there for May 2016 of the KC Streetcar. The latest FTA funding FTA on 1 July, and an additional forward by two years; it is now commitment will see the line extended by 5.6km. CAF Urbos 801 at Union Station USD55m provided to Amtrak on expected to open in 2023. on opening day, 6 May 206. H. Retallick 26 May.

374 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Ludwigsburg’s Jena chooses Stadler tramway plans New order for 24 low-floor trams of two lengths, deliveries due from 2023 The Baden-Württemberg town of Ludwigsburg (population 93 500) ena Nahverkehr, operator has finally confirmed its decision of the 23.5km (14.6-mile) to build a new tramway network tramway system serving the rather than . Thüringen city, has signed It will work jointly with Remseck, J a contract with Stadler for Möglingen and Markgröningen 24 metre-gauge, double-ended to build a 28km (17-mile) low-floorTramlink vehicles, system, including use of the rail with an option for 19 more. alignment between Ludwigsburg The EUR92m contract includes and Markgröningen. 24 years of maintenance Discussions about the provision (which can be possibility of a tramway for extended to 32 years). the German town have taken The European Fund for place for over a decade, a report Regional Development is having been produced in 2008. contributing EUR23.4m towards The EUR250m project could be the order, with the State of carrying passengers by 2030, and Thüringen providing EUR21m. would connect with the Stuttgart Stadler’s Tramlink will enter service on the streets of the German city of Jena The order is split between 42m from 2023. Stadler Stadtbahn at Remseck. seven-section trams (16) and 32m In contrast to the Stuttgart five-section units (eight); all will of accommodating up to five with a fleet of 38 trams. The new light rail network, the be 2.4m wide. The longer trams wheelchairs. There will be five cars will start the replacement Ludwigsburg system is expected will carry up to 234 passengers or six doors on each side. Special of the ADtranz GT6M low-floor to be low-floor, partly on cost (75 seated) and the shorter attention is also being paid to trams delivered in 1995-97 and grounds and partly due to the trams up to 174 passengers reducing energy consumption. make provision for the future greater ease in accessing central (46 seated). Both will feature Jena (population 111 000) extension of the network. areas, as well as the possibility of multi-functional areas capable currently operates five tramlines Deliveries will start in 2023. adopting catenary-free running.

Bath’s US-style streetcar Moskva ends 87-year trolleybus era could be privately funded The Bath Area Trams Association Trolleybus operation in the City authorities embarked on position. In 2020, the era of (BATA) has confirmed that is in Russian capital (Moskva) came to a removal of routes from 2016, trolleybuses will end in Moscow talks with US manufacturer TIG/m an abrupt end on 25 August, after with gradual replacement by and the era of a new type of and infrastructure specialist 87 years. The network was once other modes. This included the transport, i.e. electric buses, TenBroeke Co on a tramway the world’s largest, although introduction of battery-powered begins.” project for the UK city that could be cessation of service came without buses; as of 2020, 450 such buses In the days immediately implemented using private finance. formal ceremony. The last full have been purchased, serving following the suspension it was BATA is proposing vehicles with onboard energy storage, favouring day of operation was 24 August. 36 routes and using stop-based announced that a heritage route, hydrogen fuel cells, and lightweight The city’s first trolleybus line recharging gantries. T, would be retained to run 3.5km trackform to reduce wayside opened in 1933, connecting The city has confirmed that (2.2 miles) from Komsomolski infrastructure, minimise disruption Beloruski railway station with by 2024 its electric bus fleet will Square to Novoryazanskaya and reduce project costs. the present Sokoł . be 2600-strong, serving a third Ulitsa. This was launched on Awaiting a full feasibility study Growing steadily over the of the former trolleybus network, 4 September, with a ten-minute for four planned lines, the group’s following decades, by the early adding in a statement: “The frequency between 08.30 and early analysis claims delivery 1990s the length of the network process of switching from one 19.00. The latter was the location costs of less than GBP10m/km (EUR11.2m/km). It is liaising with exceeded 1000km (620 miles). mode of transport to another has of the city’s second trolleybus both the West of England Combined At its 1997 peak there were 85 been going on for 150 years. depot, opened in 1937. The route Authority and Bath & North East lines, covering much of the city Buses are now losing importance will also serve the city’s transport Somerset Council over its proposals. and its suburban communities. and the tram is regaining its museum.

NEWS IN PICTURES Sofia inaugurates M3: Europe’s ‘cheapest and most beautiful’ metro line Described by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov as the ‘most beautiful and cheapest’ metro line in Europe, the first 7.8km (4.8-mile) phase of line M3 opened on 26 August. It runs east-west from Hadzhi Dimitar to Krasno Selo; construction on the EUR400m eight-station line began in 2016. A consortium of Siemens and Newag has supplied 30 three-car 60m Inspiro trainsets, based upon the design supplied to Warszawa (), but fitted with pantographs as the partly-underground line features 1500V dc overhead power supply. Capacity is for 617 passengers, 110 seated. A 3.8km (2.4-mile) western extension from Krasno Selo to Gorna Banya with four stations is planned to open in 2021. The total project cost is estimated at

Sofia Capital Municipality Sofia Capital EUR500m, with a EUR350m EU contribution.

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New LRSSB CEO Operations Director Carl Williams has been Tatras still going strong appointed Chief Executive of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Praha’s icon celebrates Board, the organisation responsible for UK light rail safety standards. over 50 years in service Mr Williams has 25 years’ experience in the transport sector, fter work was including management positions at Greater ’s Metrolink, commissioned in Supertram and Keolis 1958, 1960 saw the first UK. He was also a project manager prototype of the Tatra on Nottingham’s successful NET AT3 tram tested on the streets of Phase II extension programme. the Czech capital Praha (Prague); He will join the LRSSB full-time at series production (70 for Praha) the end of the year, with a phased started in 1962 and continued introduction from the autumn. until 1990. Some 14 000 T3 trams Macau LRT heads were produced during that time, underground making it the most successful On 3 September the Hong Kong design of the post-war era, and a Government revealed that the tribute to the design team at KD eastern line of the Macau LRT Tatra (František Kardaus, Antonín Praha T3R.P 8427 was delivered 50 years ago as T3 6723, and leads a coupled set through Palmovka on 6 March. Prazske Tramvaje system (Pac On – Portas do Cerco) Honzik and Vladimir Zouhar). will be built largely underground. Under the COMECON new ones in 1985-89 and the In recent years the has been The 7.65km (4.7-mile) T3 continuation of the 9.3km (six-mile) agreement, KD Tatra was type regularly achieved 98.9% recognised as an icon of Czech line that opened in December 2019, designated as a tramcar supplier reliability. However, with the design and DPP has used some of adding six stations, is expected to to the Soviet bloc, and T3 cars collapse of the Soviet Union and its non-rebuilt cars on nostalgia take five years to complete. were delivered across eastern the return of the free market, line 23. However, despite the Tram-Pro expands Europe and the Soviet Union KD Dopravní Systémy (as it delivery of 60 Škoda 14T and UK simulator specialist Tram-Pro (Moskva received over 2000). had become) lost its largest 250 15T low-floor trams, the moved to new premises in Milton Compared to its predecessor, the markets and despite privatisation modernised Tatra T3R.P cars are Keynes from 1 August. At the same T3 adopted plastic and glassfibre fell into bankruptcy. still seen in everyday service on time the company’s delivery arm and achieved an unladen weight Operators of T3 fleets sought to the main route network. adopted a new name – Avansim. of 16 000kg. It was a single-ended modernise their cars, improving Many of these are 50 years old, The award-winning Tram-Pro 14m tram, 2.5m wide, passenger information, installing but with no more new trams on product will now be marketed by with a floor height 915mm above new seats and, more importantly, order, and newer T6 trams still Avansim, enabling creator Ian rail level and 23 seats (plus 87 replacing the PCC control with being withdrawn, it does not Rowe Associates to focus on its human factors and operational standing). Four 40kW motors IGBT thyristors to reduce current look as if they will be leaving consultancy. The consultancy will gave fast acceleration and a top consumption. A total of 316 Praha service anytime soon, though be based at the new office. speed of 65km/h (40mph). cars from 1966-76 were upgraded some will be rebodied to offer a To expand European operations, Praha was the best central to T3R.P standard in 2000-10 and low-floor at the centre door. German subsidiary Avansim GmbH European customer for the renumbered 8211-45 (dealt with has been added to the group. T3, with 1193 cars delivered. by Pars Sumperk) and 8300-8579 Our three-part study of the T3’s Its originals were replaced by (by Hostiva workshops). predecessors begins on page 404. Cork tram plans Barcelona trams new and old developed The end of July saw Transports renewal of trackwork, catenary The work will also involve Metropolitans de Barcelona and the 139 traction poles, as well moving the lower terminus from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TMB) approve the first part of the as a wholesale refurbishment of the Art Nouveau Rotonda side and the National Transport Diagonal link between the city’s both the route (Plaça Kennedy, of Avinguda Tibidabo to the Authority have appointed Jacobs two tramway networks, covering Avinguda Tibidabo, Plaça Bosch opposite Jardins de la Tamarita Engineering to develop route Glories to Verdaguer, possibly as i Alsina) and Carrer Bosch i side. The fleet of two-axle trams options and initial designs for a a catenary-free line. Three more Alsina (the road connecting the will be modernised to bring them 17km (11-mile) east-west LRT trams will be required. line to the depot) in addition to into line with current legislation line for the city of Cork. The joint council/TMB project a renovation of the exterior and (except museum tram 2 of 1901). The proposed line will for the Tramvia Blau heritage interior of the latter, located in The programme is expected to serve destinations including tramway will consist of a complete Plaça de la Central. cost EUR19m. Ballincollig, the proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork University Hospital, NEWS IN PICTURES A vision for ‘post-COVID’ metros London-based design agency Tangerine has University College Cork, Cork developed a ‘post-COVID’ metro concept, with an city centre, Kent Station/Cork interior designed to be easily reconfigured to minimise North Docklands, Cork South the risk of transmission during pandemics. Docklands and Mahon. ‘Metamorphosis’ can be optimised for high peak Both Project Ireland 2040 and occupancy, but then quickly switched to support the National Development Plan social distancing with sliding screens to create smaller 2018-2027 make commitments zones during local outbreaks and flexible seating to to progress the scheme. A fleet angle passengers away from each other. Other features include localised air filtration, touchless of 27 trams is envisaged, hand sanitation points and QR codes to support a ‘track providing a five-minute headway and trace’ system. Traffic light-style door illumination with end-to-end journey times Tangerine would aid socially distanced boarding and alighting. of 47 minutes.

376 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LRT cost analysis LRT costs: be careful what you read... CNNCT’s Mathew Taylor outlines why realistic LRT project costings are more complex than you may think

ith just ten minutes of online research I came up with five benchmark figures to help me calculate the likely costs of constructing a Wnew light rail system in the UK. What did we do before the internet? Where did we get all of this amazingly accurate data from? However, to avoid any accusation of using biased or incorrect data, I looked carefully at when this data was published and inflated the costings given to current prices using the Government Retail Price Indices so they are all consistent. That exercise completed, I’m now in a good position to press on with my draft costing exercise, aren’t I? No. My internet research gave me figures ranging from GBP8m to GBP55m (EUR9m-62m) per kilometre. Such a range LRT projects often result in fantastic new urban structures – but remember that these come at a cost. Lyon's bow-string Pont Raymond Barre was constructed in 2013 to allow T1 crossings of the River Rhône on the is far too large to be deemed sensible, so I route extension to Gerland. It is a multi-modal bridge, used by trams, cyclists and pedestrians. N. Pulling averaged the five benchmarks found to give a rate of GBP30.8m/km (EUR34.6m/km). Surely I must now be in a logical place to “The most commonly-discussed – and possibly continue with my costings? No. On I go, researching how many stops are under-estimated – cost driver on new light rail schemes included on each of the previous projects making up my benchmark data. I count the is the diversion of known (and unknown) utilities.” vehicles in the fleet and attempt to calculate how much of the route is segregated and whether the project we are considering Key cost driver 2: Public realm costs on-street using both system and online maps. is likely to cost GBP20m (EUR22.5m) or It is unwise to assume that local planners Now I can fine tune my data, am I now in a GBP200m (EUR225m)? will limit the responsibilities of the light rail position to create a realistic model for how To answer this, it is essential that we have project team to the footprint of the proposed much my proposed LRT scheme will cost? No. an understanding of the key cost drivers for track, without additional works to existing The simple fact is that this type of all rail-based projects. These drivers, if not surface water drainage systems and cabling two-dimensional approach runs the very considered at the earliest opportunity, will associated with traffic signals. real risk of actually damaging the potential have considerable impact upon the accuracy Additionally, the primarily aesthetic- future of light rail projects in the UK. My and efficacy of subsequent estimates. based enhancements to the streetscape will basic research has shown that numerous require upgrading to ensure the LRT corridor quotes from industry representatives includes Key cost driver 1: Utilities offers a significant return to businesses and information available on Wikipedia – so can The most commonly-discussed – and possibly members of the public who are expected to be we trust all that we read or hear from our under-estimated – cost associated with new supporters, and users, of the areas serviced by colleagues in the sector, let alone interested tramway or light rail schemes is the diversion the new and improved transport. This is parties who have no formal training or of known (and unknown) utilities. Having to rarely a ‘kerb-to-kerb’ approach, but more experience within the industry? divert major under-street apparatus away from likely the ‘façade-to-façade’ enhancement Promoters of LRT alternatives often proposed LRT routes can add between GBP3m seen in major continental projects. Many of highlight the highest costs per kilometre to and GBP9m/km (EUR3.4-10m/km) to your the pavement-borne services are likely very support their case. Objectors to LRT schemes city centre project, so be sure to make sensible shallow also, thus increasing the costs of may employ similar tactics to support their allowances within your budget. Key cost driver 1. objection. Likewise, misguided sponsors Assuming these utilities are buried at the Take the surface finishes for example: the and advocates of light rail development – correct depth to enable a shallow trackform – difference between standard asphalt type no matter how well-intentioned – will often this is far from guaranteed, especially in older surfacing and granite paving can be circa use the lowest benchmarks available to town and city centres where accurate plans GBP100 m2 (EUR112/m2). With an average support their business case. Without due may not exist – does not negate the regulatory road and pavement width of 10-12m, this diligence on the data – where it is from, requirements placed upon LRT sponsors, additional cost would increase a project’s when it was created, where was it published? but it may help in reducing the project budget by GBP1.2m/km (EUR1.35m/km). – there are a number of traps that are all too risk allowances. Further discussions and Such ‘extras’ do not only apply to the direct easy to fall into. agreements are required between the sector route of the LRT either: often a much wider So how do we, as professionals, provide and utility regulators to enable reductions in zonal refurbishment is required by planners, these initial ‘order of magnitude’ (or back of the costs and risks that significantly impact thus further increasing the out-turn costs of a napkin) costs that are essential to establish upon a project’s bottom line. the project.

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these associated works subsequently reduces, “Take all these factors into account. which equals an increase in costs. Difficulties relating to access are not only Do not ignore them... also more data ‘in’ applicable to segregated track sections. means more reliable data ‘out’.” As was commonplace pre-lockdown, local events such as fairs, performing arts and Christmas markets are seen as an important boost to our struggling high street economies and cultural calendar. Such events can have a significant impact upon urban LRT projects in terms of planning and managing the work areas, traffic management and materials deliveries, all of which drives project costs up.

More reasons to be a non-believer So back to my internet research and what it has told me... or what it hasn’t told me. Is my average of GBP30.8m/km for a single line or double-track line? Obviously, this could double or half my benchmark. Does this include land acquisition, vehicle costs, the associated depot and spare parts? Does the depot have a wheel lathe, a paintshop and washing plant? Does the rate include a façade-to-façade public realm allowance? Have the drainage proposals allowed for the expansion of our storm water capabilities that all local authorities are factoring in to their highways programmes? What risk allowances have been included, and how was the project procured? The list of uncertainties contained within such cost data is seemingly endless.

What should you do? Most importantly, you should take all these factors into account. Do not ignore them. Hopefully, this short article will show how Paved city centre alignments, barriers and street furniture can also dramatically increase a scheme's costs. TAUT problematic coming up with ‘quick costs’ for new LRT schemes can be. It is not all Key cost driver 3: Structures equipment would be required. doom and gloom, however, and by planning Most road bridges on the UK’s arterial routes What happened to the costs of the charging your project around the above cost drivers, can accommodate heavy goods vehicles and points – either on-route or at the depot? Also, economically-viable LRT projects can be should theoretically be of sufficient capacity what about the additional capital costs for the planned and constructed. to safely carry trams or LRVs. vehicles themselves? Also, engage with the UKTram Centre When dealing with structures however, For a fairer comparison, surely the of Excellence. It is available for all project many other factors need to be considered. expenditure for charging points should promoters and can offer advice on all matters These include the depth of the construction of be identified and compared against the related to LRT based upon years of real-world the structure itself, the impact that frequent applicable wire-based alternatives? experience. CNNCT and UKTram have been tram crossings may have on its lifespan, When pricing OLE for extensions to collecting data in order to provide reliable cost and its ability to cope with HGVs and trams existing routes, an addition of say 500m data benchmarks based upon detailed and simultaneously. Structures must not fail, so if could result in an extra GBP1m-1.5m fully-understood project costs – and will soon a new LRT line places them at any additional (EUR1.1m-1.7m) for a new substation because be publishing a guide for the industry. risk then the asset owner will understandably the existing substations are at capacity. If you are responsible for project costs, want remedial works to protect and preserve please send any cost data you have to their bridge. Key cost driver 5: Access UKTram. Full confidentiality exists Replacing a 25m crossing, ten metres wide, Having suitable access to LRT sites is essential. throughout the collection, analysis and will add around GBP1m (EUR1.1m) to your To demonstrate this, consider a disused blending of the data, however more data ‘in’ project. So it is obvious that having to add the rail corridor that may appear prime for an means more reliable data ‘out’. building of new structures, and potentially economic conversion to light rail. Then strengthening others, will add significant consider the route as a long thin corridor costs. Any need for underpasses or tunnels often enclosed by housing and/or industrial ABOUT THE AUTHOR may well kill the project off completely, with premises, thus making access to the mid- the typical costs for these being between point extremely difficult to get heavy plant Mathew Taylor is the owner of specialist GBP20m-30m/km (EUR22.5-34m/km). and machinery in and out. Furthermore, transport consultancy CNNCT Ltd, as well as a member of the UKTram Centre of Excellence and a throw into the mix a well-established patch of Director of Pre Metro Operations. Key cost driver 4: Power Japanese Knotweed or an old stabling location A qualified Quantity Surveyor, Mathew spends Technological improvements in onboard contaminated from years of stored engines much of his time advising promoters and sponsors energy storage systems, such as batteries, dropping oil, diesel or other contaminants. on the likely costs, risks and opportunities supercapacitors or fuel cells, will continue Suddenly our simple and economic associated with Light and Very Light Rail projects. to drive infrastructure costs down. The conversion of this line becomes a logistical He has provided commercial advice to the transport reduction, however, will not be as dramatic nightmare through having to remove such sector for over 20 years and while working at Mott as some would have you believe. deleterious material. MacDonald led the team responsible for the Little A recent press release from one promoter Understandably, the local authority Black Book – Construction Benchmarks Light Rail. CNNCT is currently leading an initiative of indicated that traction power costs would be may also impose stringent working hour advising investors interested in providing private zero, simply because the vehicles would be restrictions because of the proximity to funding for infrastructure projects. entirely powered by batteries and therefore no domestic dwellings. The overall efficiency of

378 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Tyne and Wear Metrocar 4041 calls at , one of the major station transformation projects delivered under the 11-year Metro: all change programme. Nexus

BELOW: Two Newcastle icons: the Metro and St James’ TYNE AND WEAR METRO: Park stadium. N. Pulling 40 YEARS AND COUNTING part 1 With many official events have been cancelled due to the current coronavirus pandemic, TAUT pays its own tribute to the UK’s light pioneer and its amazing 21st Century transformation.

he Tyne & Wear Metro was A significant step came with the Local project was to put the North East light years the UK’s first modern light Government Act of 1972 that saw the ahead of other parts of the country, although rail system, opening between creation of six metropolitan counties from its gestation was not without its difficulties. Haymarket and Tynemouth on 1 April 1974, with the Tyneside Passenger These were caused by differences between 11 . The network’s Transport Authority expanding to encompass the Tyne and Wear PTE, , and the Tfirst phase expanded over the next four and become the Tyne and Wear railway unions about who should own and years, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II PTE. This bolstered the case for lobbying of operate the new system, and partly as a result officially opening the route to on central Government and in December 1972 of the financial crisis of 1976 which saw a 6 November 1981, the loop plans for the Metro were agreed with a central Government freeze on major public sector opening a year later in November 1982, and Government contribution of 75% towards capital projects. the line on 23 March 1984. the construction costs; the formal green light Nevertheless, the power of local support Work on the first rail-based mass transit came with the Tyneside Metropolitan Railway and a strong and persuasive business case system outside London began in 1974, Bill receiving Royal Assent in July 1973. prevailed. A key strength that helped get although initial plans date back to the start With Metro planning taken forward by the Metro across the line is its reach. Since of that decade with the publication of the new PTE, Britain’s largest urban transport the beginning it has connected areas of newly-created Tyneside Passenger Transport deprivation with areas of opportunity; today, Tyneside PTA Executive’s Transport Plan for the 1980s. 23 of the system’s 60 stations are located produced the This visionary document promoted a detailed report in places falling within the bottom 20% of continental-style integrated transport system Public Transport nationally-defined areas of deprivation. based around a modern light rail backbone, on Tyneside: A Plan Metro’s contribution to social inclusion with new tunnels under Newcastle and for the People in and accessibility to jobs, education, health Gateshead, to link heavy rail, bus and ferry September 1973 and social facilities is hugely significant, services with, crucially, through-ticketing. that outlined not as current Nexus Director General Tobyn Tony Ridley, Director General of the only the Metro’s Hughes explains: “As we are a local authority Tyneside PTE, famously said “You’ll never get construction and body, we have fares set by our political operation, but also away with it,” when the idea was presented to the implementation bodies and we’re highly accountable to the him in 1971. Professor Ridley, also President of a fully integrated communities we serve. We have some of the of the Light Rail Transit Association between regional transport lowest fares in Europe per kilometre travelled 1973 and 1992, ended up masterminding the system. TAUT and the profile of Metro users shows a diverse project as one its key local champions. archive range of people, and a variety of workers,

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Going underground segregated light rail service from surface traffic. Additional stations were constructed and a landmark 360m bridge was constructed over the as well as a curved 815m viaduct at Byker; these new sections of key infrastructure allowed for dramatically enhanced journey times and knitted together the patchwork of suburban lines. Another important rehabilitation project covered a stretch of the freight-only railway between South and Bank Foot, closed to passenger services in 1929. Metro also introduced a number of significant UK firsts: it was the first fully- accessible rail network; the first to be non- smoking; and the first to provide mobile phone coverage underground. Further stations were added at , and Palmersville in the late 1980s to reflect the growth of suburbs near the ABOVE: The first day. The 05.27 service at many of whom are on lower wages and some existing line, and in 1991 a 3.5km (2.2-mile) Tynemouth station on 11 August 1980. Nexus who aren’t on a wage at all. They all need extension from Bank Foot connected Metro mobility, so we’re not in it to make money, to Newcastle International Airport across the BELOW: HM Queen Elizabeth II formally opens the we’re here to provide a public service.” fields behind Woolsington village, providing system – and the bridge that carries her name – on a 23-minute journey to the city centre. 6 November 1981. Nexus Standing on the shoulders of giants Bus and taxi interchanges at locations such England’s North East is the birthplace of the as Heworth, Sunderland Park Lane, Regent railway and this heritage is embedded within Centre, Gateshead and Four Lane Ends enable the Tyne and Wear Metro’s DNA. Part of the integrated journeys. Ten Metro stations network’s genius lies in its repurposing of feature park-and-ride sites and almost all have both Victorian infrastructure and that of the bicycle storage facilities. Interchange with ‘Tyneside Electrics’ suburban rail system of national and local rail services is provided trackbeds, embankments, bridges and tunnels at Newcastle Central Station, Sunderland that in some cases are over 180 years old. and Heworth. However, the most important The route between Chillingham Road and element for passengers is simple and good North Shields has been in constant use since value cross-ticketing, and single customer 1839, when it was opened as the world’s first service and information points. dedicated route, connecting The first major expansion came in 1994, Newcastle with its emerging coastal suburbs. with conversion of 14km (8.7 miles) of BELOW: The Queen Elizabeth II bridge carries the Joining these lines into a cohesive network existing route between Pelaw Metro over the River Tyne and is now one of the city that reached into the heart of key commercial and Sunderland to shared operation and of Newcastle's landmark structures. N. Pulling and employment centres saw tunnels driven re-opening of a 4.5km (2.8-mile) disused under the streets of Newcastle and Gateshead, alignment to . The GBP149m running through thick coal seams that were (EUR167m) Sunderland line opened in 2002. mined as Metro construction continued. Conversion entailed electrification of the existing freight line – requiring track lowering and the reconstruction of four bridges – LEFT: Joining up the suburban rail lines required the creation of new tunnels under the heart of , as seen here at Central Station. Nexus

BELOW: A four-car train passes over the Byker viaduct in 2014, wearing the Metro’s new livery. N. Pulling

signalling work, and both modernised and new stations. The culmination of eight years development and planning, this project was innovative for the UK in pioneering the operation of light and heavy rail vehicles on the same infrastructure. Much of the learning served as a precursor to the tram-train pilot that would open some 15 years later. In 2014, then Director General Bernard Garner told TAUT: “Those promoting tram-train should take encouragement from the fact we have been running light rail on a very busy national rail route for 12 years. I invite anyone to stand on and watch a Metro train followed into the same platform by an ABOVE: Original Metrocar 4001 approaches Pelaw Intercity 125 a few minutes later.” station in early 2009. This section of the Metro Incremental growth came with new features shared-running of light and heavy rail stations at Northumberland Park (2005) services, marking a UK first when it opened in 2002. N. Pulling and Simonside (2008), underlining Nexus’ continuing desire to extend Metro’s reach, LEFT: A late 2017 aerial view of South Gosforth proving the case for light rail time and again. depot. Dating from the early 1920s, this 12-acre (5 ha.) The Tyne and Wear Metro is arguably more site has been the home of the Metro since it opened important to the region it serves now than it and will soon undergo major rebuilding to house a has ever been. new fleet. Nexus

The current Tyne and Wear Metro map. Nexus

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOber 2020 / 381 ABOVE: Nexus DG Tobyn Hughes is proud of the ‘bolt-by-bolt and sleeper-by-sleeper’ replacement of much of the network. Here new sleepers are laid through Hadrian Road during a 23-day route closure in early 2011. Nexus

RIGHT: Metro: all change has seen much of the original track relaid; here St James’ Park football ground can be seen in the far distance as work takes place in Wallsend in March 2011. This section of route has been in constant use since 1839. Nexus

Metro: all change By the early 2000s, the network’s success – allied to a lack of ongoing investment in the modernised Victorian infrastructure – led Nexus to declare the system at risk of failing by 2018 without fresh financing to sustain core assets. So lobbying of Government “In the early 2000s, Nexus began again, with the revitalisation declared that the system works described as ‘the most important was at risk of failing by 2018 infrastructure project in the North East’. without fresh financing to ‘Metro: all change’ However, with waterproofing, and major improvements were envisioned not only sustain core assets.” the installation carried out to the tunnels. the renewal of life- of a Coalition The Nexus Rail engineering division was, expired infrastructure Government in 2010 before 2010, structured primarily to fulfil a and vehicles, but a far more wide-reaching commitments came for a range of transport maintenance function, so a dedicated renewals initiative to prepare the network for the future. schemes – and Metro: all change became a team was thus formed, creating hundreds A robust business case was therefore made, reality. The funding deal provided a total of jobs and opportunities for a new wave of based upon economic benefits. As Mr Hughes of GBP350m (EUR395m), including a 10% young graduate engineers to cut their teeth in explains: “When we were contemplating local contribution, for an 11-year scheme to project management with major contractors. expanding our rail coverage, Metro or rebuild the Metro from the ground up. As a ‘newcomer’ to Nexus himself, Nexus otherwise, we needed to understand the But before works could began, the authority Chief Operating Officer Martin Kearney economic contribution to the area as it stood. needed to truly understand the task at hand. has spent the last 30 years in the industry A study by Mott MacDonald showed that Documentation from the 1970s existed but working on transport delivery across a every journey on the Metro generates GBP8.50 was fragmented, so Nexus set about a series number of UK train operators as well as (EUR9.50) for the UK’s economy, most of that of comprehensive asset and ground surveys train services in Auckland, New Zealand, is generated locally. That is an outstanding to unlock the secrets of the foundations on and ferry services in Sydney, Australia. With level of return and that’s why I believe which Metro relies, many of which date experience of such a diverse range of roles and investment in the Metro and expansion of back to railway pioneer Robert Stephenson. corporate cultures, he clearly understands the local rail provision is a no-brainer – I don’t Mr Hughes described this task to TAUT: “Our value of people: “It is vitally important that think that anybody disagrees with that.” asset knowledge was patchy to say the least, we’re not only bringing new people in, but The environmental benefits are similarly but we’ve now built up a really good asset also investing in the people we have. Earlier impressive. The Metro takes more than 11 knowledge and we’re very proud that we’ve this year I appointed Stuart Clarke as our million cars off local roads each year. Nexus delivered extremely good value for money for Metro Infrastructure Director; he started as Chief Operating Office Mr Kearney believes the government and passengers alike. What an apprentice and has worked his way all the this makes the region the envy of others: we’ve ended up with is a system that in many way up through the organisation – and he’s “How many UK cities would love to have a respects has been rebuilt bolt-by-bolt.” not the only one. We’ve got some incredible system like the metro? Just imagine putting This once-in-a-generation strategic talent here and we’re putting investment into all those cars back on the roads! We’re part of opportunity has also given Nexus the all the right areas. Stuart’s dad still works here the heartbeat of the North East.” chance to make long-term infrastructure too, so we’re a generational railway.” Despite such proven benefits – the enhancements. Some embankments were Mr Hughes also cites how this development benefit-cost ratio of the asset renewals was of ash construction – crude by modern has permeated the whole organisation and in the same ballpark as the wider economic standards, with heavy foliage now integral how it is one of his highlights: “As a business, payback to the region – securing finance to them. A number of long-disused bridges Metro: all change transformed us. Nexus for such a long-term programme proved beneath the tracks have been filled in, while went from a local authority light rail provider challenging: rather than the oil crisis 30 years innovative methods have been used to ensure into a synchronised major engineering, before, this time the application took place ballast is better retained on the embankments construction and procurement body. against the backdrop of the 2008 banking themselves. Overbridges across the core The benefits of having an 11-year funded crunch, which led to severe pressures on UK network were also subject to interventions programme have been absolutely fantastic; Government spending once more. including underpinning, strengthening and it gave absolute clarity on how we could set

382 / OCTOber 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Tyne and Wear Metro

out a long-term programme of renewals, and enable additional infrastructure renewal making sure assets were replaced when they works, although we will need more and are needed to be replaced rather than when the talking about another multi-year settlement.” money was there to do so or because you’ve This is further emphasised by Mr Kearney: left it too late and they’re broken.” “A lot has been achieved, but this work needs Although a vast amount has been achieved to be ongoing and we’ve still got a lot to do. over the last 11 years and the core asset We can’t fall back to the days of ‘everything’s renewal programme is near completion, the fine now, let’s just not do anything for a long importance of maintaining the network to time’. But it has to be one step at a time, as the highest standards is now paramount in while I’m excited about the next few years I’m the eyes of Nexus management. Mr Hughes also cautious we don’t take on too much.” continues: “We’ve been talking to the Government for some time now about Improving the passenger experience ABOVE: One of the first enhancements was a new continuing that approach of long funding A key component of the early phase of Metro: ticketing system, this touchscreen machine at Kingston windows. As with everything, sign-off has all change was a full ticketing overhaul. is just one of 225 installed on the Metro. Nexus been delayed by COVID but we do have the Beginning in 2009, all 225 ticket machines BELOW: A key improvement has been in meeting support of the for were upgraded to accept credit and debit the latest accessibility standards. The at getting about as much longevity of funding cards, smartphone payments, physical Haymarket station are amongst 27 replaced across as the Treasury is willing to provide.” currency, as well as the Pop smartcard the network; there are also 12 new lifts. Nexus “So far we’ve been given GBP20m (available in Pay as You Go, Season and (EUR22.5m) for the next financial year, Corporate versions) launched in 2011. which is enough to start our planning and Approximately two-thirds of transactions registered in 2019 used contactless payment. OverheadBelow: line replacement is another key As well as improvement works to stations Metro: all change project, carried out in conjunction across the network, key interchanges have with Swiss specialist Furrer+Frey. Nexus been rebuilt and enlarged to provide modern standards of accessibility, staff facilities and TheBot MonkwearmouthTOM: railway bridge dates from 1879 and has carried Metro services enhanced retail space. It was always stated across the on the Sunderland line since that that all stations and major route sections 2002. Metrocar 4001 is seen crossing the Victorian had to remain open as far as possible during structure in March 2014. N. Pulling such a massive network overhaul; long-term closures were not acceptable and detailed sales and travel data have been used to avoid North Shields was one of the early projects, such events wherever possible to minimise completed in 2012 and, standing on the site the impact on passengers. of several older buildings of different sizes, its Martin Kearney explains this rationale modernisation presented unique engineering and the importance of clear communication: issues. For example, excavations near the “People love the Metro. Yes, they recognise 1848 east of the station, partly below we’ve got some major challenges – 40-year-old the new concourse, uncovered a potentially rolling stock, the amount of renewals work, live electricity cable unknown to both Nexus the line closures – but we don’t have a choice. and the utility companies. Believed to date We have to renew the assets, it has to happen. back to the previous era of suburban electric I think people understand that.” train operation on Tyneside, ended in the Two flagship examples of the station 1950s, this had to be safely disconnected works are North Shields and Haymarket. before works could begin. Tyne and Wear Metro

ABOVE (BOTH): Over a three-year period between 2007 and 2010, Haymarket station in central Newcastle was completely rebuilt while remaining substantially open to passengers. The new five-storey structure was carefully constructed over the top of the existing ‘drum’ building which was then removed from within. Nexus

A crucial element of the success of pandemic revenues all but disappeared. Metrocars were showing their age. Despite an all: change has come from its partnership Where we would normally expect to carry extensive ‘three-quarter life’ refurbishment working. For example, the extensive around 100 000 people on an average working by Wabtec in as part of Metro: rebuilding of North Shields station required day, we were carrying just 5000 per day at all change, maintaining the 45-year-old additional funding and support from North the height of the lockdown. So along with rolling stock has become increasingly Tyneside Council, English Heritage, and the missing passengers went all of their farebox uneconomic. The Wabtec rebuilds included owner Station Developments Ltd. income. At one point we were losing just shy addressing corrosion damage, remedying In central Newcastle, Haymarket interchange of GBP900 000 (EUR1m) per week. increasingly failure-prone door mechanisms was rebuilt in another GBP20m (EUR22m) “I’m pleased to say that after some and some rewiring work, but in the main project, creating a spacious new travel and persuasion, and working with colleagues it was important to upgrade the passenger retail hub that also incorporates a new at other English light rail systems, the saloon and driver areas. New seating and permanent artwork, Canon, featuring dynamic Government has provided some emergency lighting was installed, and improved on-train flashes of colour that run through the bright funding. That funding has been renewed passenger information displays introduced. new curved platform spaces and up into the twice now [GBP24m/EUR27m in total], “It just didn’t offer value for money to concourse above. At street level a kaleidoscopic running up until the end of October at which replace the traction motors, the braking mosaic is designed to reflect the vibrant city system, the power supply,” Mr Hughes and the six million passengers who pass through the station each year. Another major “How many UK cities artwork is Platform 5, commissioned by Nexus would love to have a METRO: ALL CHANGE in 2009 for the shared space at Sunderland station and featuring ghostly images of system like the metro? Phase 1 (complete): A transition to smart passengers moving across a light wall. ticketing, major modernisation of city centre With hundreds of active projects on the go We’re part of the heartbeat hubs in Newcastle and Sunderland and the at any one time, managing open heart surgery Chillingham Road – North Shields route. on an active network that carries around Phase 2 (largely complete): The central phase of the North East.” encompasses the bulk of the ‘core’ renewal – 36m passengers per year involves careful including track, structures, electrification, vehicle planning. On occasions where major closures point there’s a Spending Review scheduled and system modernisation on the original are unavoidable, the benefits of an integrated where we will find out what happens Tyneside network – to future-proof the Metro. transport system mean that Nexus is well- thereafter. As you can imagine we are busy Phase 3 (ongoing): Fleet and signalling renewal, placed to minimise the pain through greater making the case again that we will continue depot improvements and feasibility work for co-ordination of replacement bus services. to need emergency COVID funding, frankly potential network expansion. Mr Kearney continues: “We are planning a until the end of social distancing no longer So far Metro: all change has delivered: two-week central blockade next year, which affects the amount of people on the Metro.” 225 ticket machines replaced is basically the city centre stations, and that’s 35 stations refurbished 63km (39 miles) of new track going to be really hard. But at some point we’re The Metrocars 23km (14 miles) of re-railing going to have to do it to renew our overhead The system’s original 90 Metrocars were built 2 5 sets of points renewed, 25 sets refurbished lines so it has to happen otherwise it would be by Metro-Cammell in the West Midlands, to and 50 sets of point motors replaced another six weekends on top of the weekend a design influenced by West Germany’s high- 23km (14 miles) of overhead line replacement blockades we’ve got planned already.” floorStadtbahnwagen B developed in the early 85km (53 miles) of signal cabling replaced The avoidance of major closures has 1970s. Using Düwag allied to many 31km (19 miles) of cable troughing refurbished avoided undue impacts on fare revenues, domestically-supplied components and a new 6.5km (four miles) of new track drainage which Nexus retains to cover the majority body design, the first trains arrived from 1975 2 km (1.2 miles) of earthworks repaired (ballast retention and stabilisation) of Metro operations; a fact the authority and were tested on a purpose-built 2.4km Purchase of a new tamping machine is rightly proud of. “As a PTE we have (1.5-mile) track – complete with tunnel D etailed assessment of 54 bridges, 27 bridges responsibility for transport in the round in section, control room and training facilities repaired and five removed the region, so we get a levy payment from the – from the following year. Interestingly, in Three footbridges repaired local authorities each year; we also receive a early 1978 two Metro-Cammell-built trains 27 escalators and 12 lifts replaced Government subsidy in the form of a revenue for the new Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway 86 metro cars refurbished operating grant,” Mr Hughes tells TAUT. undertook proving trials on Tyneside before A new metro vehicle wash and a new wheel “But the pandemic has hit us hard. Metro costs shipment. With all commissioning complete, lathe at South Gosforth depot

GBP104m [EUR117m] a year to run. We receive this facility closed in summer 1980 with the 54 multi-functional relays installed Ten line current relays installed GBP48m a year in fare revenue [pre-COVID], route being taken over for heritage rail use. A new radio system with the rest made up by an operating grant Due to the need for more intensive M odernised control room and new traffic from Government of GBP53.6m and a local services than intended and forthcoming management system levy contribution of GBP2.8m. During the accessibility standards, by the mid-2000s the

384 / OCTOber 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org explains, “but even now some passengers say, ‘why are you replacing the trains? They’re relatively new!’ “Sadly there isn’t any real residual value in the existing fleet, but there is of course a heritage value. We’d love for the NRM [] to take one, and there are a number of heritage railways and museums in the area that have expressed an interest.” The first of the original fleet to be scrapped was 4022, which was damaged in 2017 and considered uneconomic to repair.

Operations and maintenance For its first three decades, Metro was run by the PTE (rebranded as Nexus from 1996) and saw a peak in ridership of 59.1m annual journeys in 1985-86. But within the package agreed for capital funding to underpin Metro: ABOVE: Metro-Cammell built all change came a requirement to demonstrate Metrocar prototype 4001 on test value for the money being put into the at the specially-constructed system by the Government. To do that, Nexus facility in North Tyneside. Nexus carried out a market-sounding exercise to put train operations out to competitive tender. LEFT: The first Metrocar is This would also allow the teams at Nexus to carefully placed on a low loader focus on strategy and future planning. at Hylton Street yard in August On 1 April 2010 successful bidder DB Regio 2011. It was to undertake a 185km (115-mile) journey to Wabtec’s Tyne and Wear (a subsidiary of Germany’s works in Doncaster as the fleet state-owned railway ) took overhaul process began. The red, over ‘day to day’ running of the trains and green or blue livery dated back customer service functions under a seven- to the 1990s and was replaced year concession, with an option for a further by the current grey, black and two years. Nexus retained responsibility for yellow colourscheme. Nexus the fare structure and service specifications, as well as maintaining the infrastructure and barriers between two groups of staff, two retaining the revenue risk. management teams, two different cultures Things began promisingly, with a new – and often financial battles over who was structure that included the introduction of responsible for particular liabilities – without a Service Quality Regime (SQR) by which the corresponding benefits. Nexus could monitor its new operator and “So that was quite an unhappy experience penalise it on performance failures. The SQR for both sides, and there were times when measures included cleanliness, customer people were trying to shovel money over information, graffiti, management of slips, the fence because of a delay to a particular trips and hazards, help point response times Metro train. People could occupy hours and the headline commitment of a ‘100 Day arguing about issues rather than working Clean Up’ programme. This initiative saw together to find a solution and focus on the ‘deep cleans’ of the fleet and stations, repairs passenger. That’s nobody’s fault necessarily, at all stations, improving station lighting it’s just a structural weakness in the system as and directional signage, tackling graffiti, it was designed.” nominating dedicated Customer Services Managers for individual stations and the The North-East’s light rail ‘bargain’ introduction of digital asset management The original cost of the Tyne and Wear Metro and fault reporting systems. came in at GBP280m, a lot of money in 1980 Tobyn Hughes reflects on the concession when the country faced financial hardship with mixed sentiments: “DB Regio delivered at both local and national levels; many a good service, but its incentives were ABOVE: Bank Foot station was one of the first to complained, both within the region as well as more focused on pleasing us through the receive a ‘deep clean’ under DB Regio custodianship; the capital, about the cost. contract as the client rather than pleasing the German operator held the train operations Yes, the project came in over budget and the passenger and that can obviously give concession between 2010 and 2017. N. Pulling yes, there were delays. But Tyne and Wear some perverse outcomes. Nexus has always PTE’s boss at the time, Desmond Fletcher, been highly efficient in the value for money we learnt about the management of rail sums it up well when describing the Metro as it gives and I think there might have been an contracts and we gained a much greater a ‘Rolls Royce system for the price of a Mini’. assumption by some private sector bidders affinity with the UK rail sector. Before that we But with potentially over a billion pounds that they would be able to drive more efficient were quite remote, but, coupled a few years of investment over the two decades between practices and therefore get a higher rate of before with the opening of the extension to 2010 and 2030 and returns of GBP8.50 for return. In practice that was not the case.” Sunderland using ’s lines, those every journey, even such figures make it look However, disputes relating to punctuality two things combined to make us more of a like the bargain of the century… and customer satisfaction increased and saw ‘rail operator’ than a light rail operator. a number of significant financial penalties “We also learned that our system should imposed, resulting in a decision in 2016 not be vertically integrated. That doesn’t mean to exercise the two-year extension with DB it can’t be operated by a contractor or a next month Regio. Instead, Nexus opted to run out the concessionaire, but the mistake we made A new fleet, ‘Metro Flow’, final year of its contract and take operations was to only outsource the train operations further expansion plans, and back in-house from 1 April 2017. and not the infrastructure. Our system is Nexus’ pandemic ‘bounce back’ As Tobyn Hughes told TAUT: “We learned too small for this really and we ended up a lot from that period. On the positive side, with disadvantages such as commercial

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOber 2020 / 385 Tyne and Wear Metro

ABOVE: Metrocar 4001 following the application of a 40th anniversary special livery that incorporates the original 1980s blocks of white and yellow, the 1990s red and blue colours and the current metallic grey, black and yellow. Nexus

LEFT: 4051 passes South Gosforth depot; this site is soon to undergo expansion in preparation for the arrival of the new Stadler fleet. N. Pulling

RIGHT: Nexus also owns three battery locomotives for engineering works: BL1 and BL3 at the depot in March 2018. N. Pulling

STADLER IS DELIVERING 42 NEW TRAINS FOR THE TYNE AND WEAR METRO

www.stadlerrail.com

386 / OCTOber 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial A CULTURE OF TEAMWORK

n the context of major projects there is a tendency to focus on Challenging environments technical details, standards, hard facts and tangible aspects, As the system is located near the coast, saline and humid environment while the relevance of soft factors such as people skills, was expected to affect the equipment, specifically between the steel relationships and consensus-driven project management is U-bolts and aluminium tubes. The weather conditions also required often marginalised. the use of a silicon insulator; this had not been foreseen as glass-fibre INexus’ Metro OLE renewals programme is a perfect example of how reinforced polymer insulators were originally considered. without well-developed soft skills and the involvement of driven goal- Additionally, after the entire suite of drawings had been signed off oriented individuals, the project would be in a different and certainly it came to light that the proposed registration arm would infringe the less promising place at this point in time. pantograph gauge of the new trains. As the old pantograph gauge had been specified in the tender, this was a significant engineering change. From the 1970s to the 2010s Special catenary clamps were required in situations where cantilevers Since 2017 Furrer+Frey and Nexus have been working to renew the were required to have a low bracket separation on masts, but the 1500V dc overhead line infrastructure of the UK’s Tyne and Wear system height of 900mm had to be maintained. The result is a stand-off Metro, first installed in the 1970s. At 40 years old, a mid-life renewal of catenary clamp with an increased radial load capacity of 2.8kN. the existing dc overhead was envisaged as a ‘like-for-like‘ replacement of the cantilevers and other existing electrification equipment. Yet this Future-proofing the system approach did not take a few key issues into account: Experienced fitters from went to train the UK-based l The installation teams were untrained, and training would be given installation teams and Furrer+Frey also compiled installation manuals on the job on by far the largest renewal ever undertaken by Nexus that had not been previously envisaged by Nexus; these allowed a step- l The world has changed significantly since the 1970s: there are new change in knowledge and development. standards, some items were now obsolete, and technology and The teams also created a ‘digital twin’ of the existing infrastructure performance has evolved using train-mounted scanners. This was built-up in Furrer+Frey’s FALP l Like-for-like replacement required detailed knowledge of the existing software, giving designers an accurate record of renewed infrastructure system, its parameters and components; 1970s records exist, but and for use as a platform to partially automate design processes. generally they were inadequate compared to modern record-keeping. This project is now on track to becoming a successful modernisation, l Structures were corroded and could take reduced loads. Without mainly down to a brilliant and persistent culture of collaboration detailed civil and static calculations at each structure, it would not be between the project teams in solving complex issues. With open and safe just to replace the equipment that hung from them. honest communication, regular meetings discussed solutions in a l Finally, like-for-like did not take account of the new train fleet – for goal-orientated way rather than just a commercial focus. example, modern pantograph gauges and power requirements. By the end of 2019 the engineering phase officially came to an end, Through close collaboration and engineering diligence, the teams with installation picking up the pace and light at the end of the tunnel responsible for this renewal project overcame these major challenges. coming into sight.

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Furrer+Frey’s FL200-Light electrification system chosen for Tyne and Wear Metro

[email protected] @furrerfreyGB www.furrerfrey.ch Rail masterclass RAIL masterclass: second chances count

An automated submerged arc welding machine undertaking gauge corner restoration.

In the third part of our series, Daniel Pyke explores and contrasts rail maintenance philosophies and examines some of the solutions to maximising the life of grooved rails. The answer to the age-old question ‘repair or replace?’ is never as easy as it may first seem…

he operating environments Tortuous track alignment Once again, many traditional rail engineers for tram and light rail systems Typically, tramway and light rail systems would be looking for a misplaced decimal pose interesting challenges follow existing roads through established point as gradients of 10% are not unheard of. around rail maintenance, so cityscapes. As such, curves are often tight – to explore contrasting sometimes very tight (you might even call Aggressive environment philosophiesT we must first explore the them corners); 25m radii are not uncommon Embedding rails in the road surface also causes rail structure and its functions. and many traditional railway engineers environmental challenges as the groove sits Grooved rails are used wherever rail and might ask if you had missed a zero from the below the road surface and so collects water, pavement, or indeed roadway, meet. drawing! In shared streets, the use of rail cant dirt, debris and litter from the road surface. Where the route is shared by pedestrians and/ – a banking of the curve sometimes called In some climates roads and footpaths are or road vehicles, grooved rails provide two superelevation – is not easy, if indeed possible salted, sanded or gritted in winter to melt ice key functions combined into one item. and provide other road users with enough The first is the rail head, which supports traction to continue their journeys. Grooved and steers the tram passing over it just like “Typically tight radius rails act as a natural trap for such materials a ‘standard’ rail. The second is to provide a so drainage is a key factor when the network protected flangeway for the vehicles’ wheel curves have zero cant... is built as the presence of such debris at the flanges to run unimpeded. Asphalt road wheel/rail interface can increase wear rates by surfaces are more flexible than many would giving rail designers some acting as an abrasive between the two. imagine and without being restrained during interesting headaches Both alignment and environment use and seasonal changes, the road surface contribute to accelerated rail wear, but this could end up obstructing the flangeway, in minimising wear.” wear is not equally distributed around the rail. leading to obvious safety hazards. As vehicles negotiate sharp zero cant curves The ‘keeper’ part of the rail ‘keeps’ the they carve out the side of the rail which is road surface at a safe distance from the rail at all. This typically means tight radius curves known as side wear. This is probably the most head preventing the ‘groove’ from becoming have zero cant. Both factors give the rail (and familiar to many, but both keeper wear and obstructed. The head and keeper are also indeed vehicle) designers some interesting head wear can limit the useful life of the rail. typically at very similar heights to provide the headaches in minimising the acceleration of The keeper which usually has the job of minimum impact to other road users, although both rail and wheel wear. keeping the road surface away from the groove the gap between the two can pose a challenge Many cities have grown up nestled between can also act as a ‘check rail’ restraining the where cyclists travel along the same route. hills in the local landscape. Famously, flange back of the wheels, providing additional The complex shape of grooved rails makes Sheffield was founded upon seven hills and guidance around sharp curves. The author production challenging and so the number the presence of such changes in elevation does not endorse this practice for several of global suppliers is much smaller compared poses real challenges as rail vehicles are not reasons, but also acknowledges it is an accepted to conventional rails. When installed, buried naturally good at climbing or descending standard practice in many networks. to the top of the head and keeper, grooved steep gradients, requiring more tractive and So we have established that grooved rails rails pose interesting rail inspection and braking effort, meaning wear rates that are can be subject to high wear. We now explore maintenance issues too. typically higher than for mainline railways. how high, and what can we do about it?

388 / october 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Do nothing – replace rails as required because this approach necessitates the regular Head 2. Apply wear-resistant weld deposits to replacement of rails on tight curves, it also limits Keeper wear-prone areas corrosion of these areas, limiting this difficult Groove 3. Use more wear-resistant rails to predict and manage degradation type. 4. Weld repair rails in situ 2. Apply wear-resistant weld deposits Each option has its merits and drawbacks to wear-prone areas and there is no ‘best’ answer as each situation Before embedded rails are installed you can depends on many factors. The author favours apply a hardened layer to wear-prone areas, an approach that leads to lowest total lifecycle sometimes referred to as hard facing. costs, but many projects are not procured This is done by machining or grinding away with this as a priority. the rail surface, installing a wear-resistant weld using a special alloy and reprofiling 1. Do nothing – replace rails as required the rail to the original profile. This process is Rail nomenclature. Courtesy of British Steel Although this approach may sound unwise, completed in a factory environment to give it does have some benefits as in the first a high quality weld and requires a high For the most part, the highest-wearing areas instance it minimises and simplifies the initial pre-heat temperature not achievable in a of any track system are the sharpest curves. installation/project costs. This often makes it street environment; it is a slow process and Let us take as an example a 25m radius curve therefore costly too, but it does increase the and an R260-grade grooved rail. Depending “The fact that grooved life of the rail significantly. on the vehicle type, an operator could be looking at 9mm of side wear per year on an rails are embedded in the 3. Use more wear-resistant rails intensively-used system, equating to a rail life This philosophy will be recognised by those of under two years if repairs are not carried road makes replacement a familiar with the heavy rail industry where out; this could be even shorter if less many strive to use more wear-resistant steels wear-resistant rails are used. complex task. It may cost to increase rail life. It seems obvious that if The fact that grooved rails are embedded you use more wear-resistant rails then life is in the road surface also makes their five times more to replace increased, however other factors often come replacement a complex, disruptive and into play such as rolling contact fatigue very expensive task. In fact, it may cost five than a Vignole rail.” (see Rail Masterclass – TAUT 991). times more to replace a grooved rail than Moving from an R200 grooved rail to an a flat-bottomed (Vignole) rail. Closing the the default solution where the construction R260 grade improves the wear resistance route to all traffic (road, rail and pedestrian) contractor does not go on to own and maintain (and therefore usually the rail life) by a in the middle of a densely-populated city is the asset, and build costs are a priority. factor of around three times. Grades such as hardly going to be popular, but is necessary Essentially it trades lower capital costs for R290GHT and R340GHT can increase this as intrusive methods are required to break the higher future maintenance expenditure. still further. There are two main methods of rail free compared to traditional trackforms, Once a system is operational, regular making rails harder and more wear resistant: which adds time, cost and noise nuisance. measurements can be taken to allow wear you can vary the composition of the steel So, there are obvious very clear drivers to rates to be calculated. This means replacement (alloying), or you can accelerate the cooling maximising the life of the rail. There are schedules can be planned well in advance, of the rail (heat treatment). Heat-treated several different schools of thought on just minimising their impact to some degree. grades use the suffix HT. This article does how to approach this problem: Also, an often-unquantified benefit is that not try to cover every grade available from

400 160

Hardness Wear rate

360

120

320

280 80 Hardness (HB) Hardness

240 Wear rate (mass loss per m of slip) (mass rate Wear

40

200

160 0 R200 R220G1 R260 / R260GHT R290GHT ML330 R340GHT

Comparison of wear rates and hardness for different grooved rail grades

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2020 / 389 Rail masterclass

1379mm Tram wheel

Rail

Head wear Keeper Side Head wear wear wear

ABOVE: An example of failed gauge corner restoration repair welds.

LEFT: Examples of wear and where it is experienced in different areas of the rail. every manufacturer but shows some typical The first practice leads to the rather Some European systems use very basic manual examples. counter-intuitive situation where some stick weld repairs, accepting the risk that they tramways utilise softer rails on their tightest will need more frequent repairs, while others 4. Weld repair rails in situ curves. They do this in the belief that they can are more risk averse and drive for a In a similar way to weld repairing using hard undertake weld repairs in situ more reliably to highly-controlled and reliable, more deposits, processes exist to repair rail side wear deliver longer lifetimes than a non-weldable sophisticated weld repair such as those while they remain in the road surface. rail would deliver. produced by automated submerged arc Often called ‘Gauge Corner Restoration’ More recently, the second option has been welding machines. (GCR), this takes several different forms championed by some manufacturers who Those networks that accept and manage but has undergone developments in recent have introduced grades specifically aimed to the risks of gauge corner repair welding years to offer improved alternatives to deliver both a weldable and a wear-resistant can extend rail life so that it is no longer traditional techniques. rail, although their approaches to the determined by side wear, instead being So far we have only discussed the ‘First- dictated by rail head wear. life’ of a rail, i.e. the time or traffic until wear “Once a system is reaches a limit where intervention is needed. Strategy comparison However, if you can weld repair rail back away operational, regular Let us look at how these philosophies from such limits safely then you give the rail a compare throughout the life of a fictitious rail second chance or ‘second-life’. As this process measurements can be curve using a heavily-trafficked 25m radius is generally repeatable, so long as the rail curve as a harsh but reasonably common case remains in good condition and the head wear taken to allow wear rates study. Some assumptions are made to simplify is not excessive, a rail may be repaired perhaps the examples. It has been assumed that the six or more times giving it multiple lives. to be calculated.” rail head wear safety limit is 14mm, the side Although focused on side wear, this process wear limit is 13mm and when we consider can also be used to prevent excessive keeper metallurgy are quite different. For example strategy number four, any weld repair has the wear. Weld repairing the gauge corner of one one uses lower carbon grades and heat treats same properties as the original rail. The last of rail prevents keeper wear of the other as the them to higher hardness levels. Another uses these assumptions may not be 100% accurate, distance between wheels is fixed. advanced metallurgy compared with weld but simplifies our calculations significantly. For weld repairs to be successful, two repair processes to deliver a naturally hard but For the purpose of the comparison it only different and contrasting approaches tend to weld-repairable rail steel. affects the number of weld repairs required, be found. The first is to use a rail with a lower One important factor, which many not the overall rail life as that is governed by carbon content: generally higher carbon networks learn the hard way, is that all head wear. steels are more wear resistant but are also welding done in-track carries some level harder to weld – although there are important of risk. No matter how much you control Strategies 1, 2 and 3 exceptions. The second is to utilise clever the process failures will occasionally occur, When looking at the three strategies in metallurgy and advanced welding techniques especially when producing long lengths isolation the ‘hard-faced’ rail achieves the to help make steel grades that are both of weld material around entire curves. longest life. It should come as no surprise wear-resistant andcan be welded in situ. Network attitudes to this vary considerably. that this method is well-embedded in the industry. However, it is also by far the costliest and most time-consuming as the rail must be specially prepared and welded in a factory before being installed. The next best choice Tram wheel for a long life is to use more wear-resistant rail grades; these are now often cost-effective enough to consider their usage on an entire Rail Keeper wear Gauge system rather than just the sharpest curves. arrested Corner Restoration Adding strategy 4 – (GCR) weld Second chances count The implementation of GCR as standard practice on a tramway network changes the picture enormously, but it must be noted Gauge Corner Restoration (GCR) of one rail can be used to arrest keeper wear on the opposite rail. that not all rail steels are repairable in situ.

390 / october 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Strategy Total rail life (years)

R200 1 0.6

0.6

R260/R260GHT 1 1.4

1.4

R200 (hard faced) 2 4.3

4.3

ML330 3 An example of gauge corner weld repaired rail 2.9 (Removed from road surface for clarity). 2.9 Courtesy of British Steel.

“Many networks learn the R340GHT 3 3.5 3.5 hard way that all welding

done in-track carries Time = First life

some level of risk.” = Factory weld preparation

Factory hard-faced rails and the hardest always shared by all tramways. So when Lastly, in a world where European steel heat-treated grades for example are considering which is the ‘best’ option, the and rail producers are often under financial generally unsuitable. type of project and its funding mechanism pressure, the answers may be dictated not The use of weld repairs on compatible often affect the answer. by any strategy and budget, but simply by wear-resistant rails can transform the life of If the question is phrased as ‘Which is which rails are available for the project at the rail from less than three years to over 23. the lowest installed cost?’, then you are any given time… Whilst any weld repair process is not usually looking at most basic lower grade risk-free, the benefits to networks can be rails – e.g. R200 – trading a lower capital colossal both in financial terms, but also to expenditure for higher maintenance and minimise network disruption caused by rail replacement costs. ABOUT THE AUTHOR replacement. It is no surprise then that much Rephrasing again to ask, ‘Which rail results Daniel Pyke is a development work has been carried out in this in the lowest maintenance costs?’, then you technically-focused area by both rail manufacturers and service may well choose the hard-faced option to business development providers alike to provide rails compatible minimise repair operations while increasing manager, working for with in-track GCR repair and to optimise the rail replacement budget. Kloeckner Metals UK. these repair processes. If the question asked incorporates With a strong installation, maintenance, and replacement background in rail, steel Which strategy is best? costs, then often the time horizon used for and materials science, he helps infrastructure The million dollar question! While the the calculation can be important in favouring owners, maintainers, author promotes the use of the lowest one grade over another. In the example above installation contractors and operators build lifecycle cost options for rail, it must also be you would likely get different answers for a stronger, safer and more sustainable railways by noted that due to various and sometimes ten-year horizon to one that looked at 20 years using the right products in the right places. complex financial drivers, this is not or more.

Strategy Total rail life (years)

First life Secondary life R200 1 & 4 4.7

0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Side wear weld repair Factory weld preparation

R260/R260GHT 1 & 4 11.7 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3

R200 (hard faced) 2 4.3 4.3

ML330 2 & 4 23.3

2.9 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6

R340GHT 2 3.5

3.5

Time

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2020 / 391 Nottingham

Operating in a competitive transport network, systems united the Nottingham kingdom Express Transit tram factfile system has attracted significant local No. Nottingham, support for further Nottingham 156 United Kingdom expansion.

he city Totalling 14.4km (nine miles), the The expanded on Radford Road, is the longer of of Nottingham (UK) is route greatly relied upon access to NET system added two sections where NET follows the located around 200km heavy rail alignments. At the system’s outer residential route of the city’s first-generation (125 miles) by rail north northern end, from NET’s Wilkinson and employment tramway. The other is a short section from London’s St Pancras Street depot and control centre to centres. On the between the Theatre Royal (Royal Clifton line in International.T Mainly situated within Hucknall, the tramway was and Centre stop) and Old Market Square Wilford on 20 July the Nottingham City Council area, remains on segregated tracks next to 2020, Citadis 229 where the original electric tramway Nottingham Express Transit (NET) an active railway; the short branch carries the name (1901-36) had a complex junction lines extend to some adjoining from Highbury Vale to Phoenix Park of the Clifton-born serving four directions. This area was Nottinghamshire local government terminus used redundant trackbed. Nottingham Forest also a convergence of the municipal areas. The 2019 city population This contains the only stop on and England trolleybus system which lasted from estimate was 332 900, although 2011 single-track serving both directions, footballer, Viv 1927 until 1966. national census data identified Cinderhill, the name recalling a Anderson MBE. Old Market Square and the domed 729 977 in the conurbation, then the colliery which closed in 1986. Council House building represent UK’s ninth-most populous urban area. Today’s system has considerable Nottingham’s civic core. From here The current NET network, two street-running and space shared with track heading south rises then falls north-south routes with a common other traffic, although the first phase through parts of the city’s oldest core, was created in two distinct had only around 4km (2.5 miles) on- areas. Avoiding conflict with road stages with over 11 years between street. This included divergence to a traffic and staying clear of what has the two openings. Construction of pair of one-way single tracks between become a redevelopment area, a level ‘Line One’ began in summer 2000, The Forest and Wilkinson Street stops. Words and pictures is maintained by a 300m viaduct opening to passengers in March 2004. The more westerly of these, city-bound by Neil Pulling. on the Great Central Railway (GCR)

392 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

THE FLEE U sed interchangeably, the two NET types are bi-directional, fully low-floor, air-conditioned and have five sections. With capacity around 200 (62 seated), they are 32-33m long and 2.4m wide. The models relate to the original and succeeding consortia members. Arrow chose Bombardier Incentro AT6/5 trams, 201-215, assembled during 2002-03 in nearby . Their mainly green exterior recalled Nottingham City Transport liveries on buses and trolleybuses. The type has carried many advertising schemes. Despite Nottingham Tramlink’s internal Incentro revisions to resemble the incoming trams, a dissimilar mainly silver livery was adopted. This is now being replaced by a scheme closer to the Alstom Citadis which Nottingham introduced to UK operations. Numbered 216-237, the 302 models were built in Barcelona and received between September 2013 and November 2014. Since introduction, large cab-roof fleet numbers have been applied to the Citadis. Both tram types are maintained by Alstom, a partner in the Tramlink Nottingham consortium. Community involvement was fostered from the outset by naming trams after people of significance to the area, from famed historic figures such as Lord Byron,D . H. Lawrence and to more recent ‘local heroes’. Two Citadis are renamed annually to take account of community award winners.

LEFT: Overlooked by Nottingham’s landmark Council House, a Citadis rises along sparsely-populated Poultry and Victoria Street during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BELOW: One of the ‘story poles’ carved from trees removed during Queen’s Walk Phase 2 works is to the right. Incentro 211 has the newer Incentro livery approximating to NET’s Citadis trams.

BOTTOM LEFT: Trams passing around the Highbury Vale on the Phoenix Park branch on 17 September 2018: another platform serves the Hucknall line.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Southbound 233 between David Lane (by the footbridge) and Basford stops. Making room for railway and tramway to each have two tracks needed alignment reclamation and extension.

“yT’soda system has considerable street-running and space shared with other traffic, although the first phase had only around 4km on-street.”

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2020 / 393 Nottingham

ABOVE: A park-and-ride site was created on the western end of The for Line One. The extra platform face here can be used for additional event-related services, such as the city’s annual Goose Fair.

RIGHT: Inham Road crossing on 20 July 2020, with Citadis 224 halting a Scania biogas Enviro 400 run by Nottingham City Transport, a partner in the original NET Arrow consortium.

ABOVE: A 2014 view of the newly-expanded Wilkinson Street site. The temporary structure ABOVE: The longer of two sections which follow the route of Nottingham’s in the background was for receiving Citadis trams, seen here awaiting commissioning. original electric tramway, the city-bound single-track on Radford Road.

ABOVE: Advertising-liveried 211 on the southern ramp at . The tram in the far right-background is near the junction of the Clifton and lines.

394 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org alignment. This former main line closed here in 1968, with the original southern NET terminus, Station Street, network facts and a crossing using brick supports of the otherwise Opened: 2004 (horse tramway removed GCR structure. 1878-1902; electric 1901-36) Partly financed by City Council Length: 31.9km (19.9 miles) levies for business parking spaces, Lines: 2 NET’s 17.5km (10.9-mile) second phase Depots: 1 more than doubled the system’s length. Stops: 51 It added a further 28 stops and long Approx. weekday hours: 06.00-00.00 sections bordered by cycleways and Line frequency: 7-10 minutes footpaths. Amongst several notable

Phase 2 structures, a new 104m span Gauge: 1435mm over the railway station (immediately Power: 750V dc, overhead supply south from Station Street) is titled to Fleet: 37 recognise a civic bond which includes Operator: Nottingham Trams – the German city’s contribution to NET www.thetram.net planning. Karlsruhe Friendship Bridge City transport network: incorporates Nottingham Station stop, www.robinhoodnetwork.co.uk opened in July 2015, a month before Civic information: the rest of the second phase. This www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk through-stop replaced Station Street Tourist information: terminus; the stair and lift access from www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk street level and from the station was amended for the new arrangement. Turning west after a steep descent to street level south of the station, the tracks diverge for the Clifton and Chilwell (Toton Lane) lines. On the Clifton line, tree-lined Queen’s Walk leads to the system’s only River Trent crossing, re-engineered from a former toll road bridge. Taking NET into the Rushcliffe district, the GCR route is regained in Wilford with the tracks initially beside remaining embankment. It then shifts onto re-profiled alignment until just beyond the bridge under Clifton Boulevard, part of Nottingham’s western bypass road. Re-crossing the city boundary, the line’s passage across the Fairham Brook meadows and through Clifton is within Nottingham. Post-1945 the city authority turned the former village into a large public housing area, for which Phase 2 brought much-improved connections. Like its Toton Lane counterpart, the Clifton South terminus park-and-ride is positioned to attract the maximum number of road users, both having good access from M1 motorway junctions. The five other such sites are more embedded in built-up areas, giving a total of over 5000 spaces. Adding to residential demand, the Chilwell (Toton Lane) line also serves significant employment centres. Closest to the centre is a modern business park styled ‘ng2’ that is home to some of the city’s biggest employers. Indeed the city claims that 20 of its 30 largest organisations are now located within 800m of a tramstop. the hilltop university campus. remodelled Styring Street. High Road- The line passes on viaduct through This contrasts with Nottingham Trent Central College stop has become a the Queens Medical Centre, the UK’s University which has a stop directly partial misnomer due to the buildings second-largest hospital complex, outside its central site. Connecting having ceased use by students, a then over another Clifton Boulevard Lower Road and Fletcher Road for casualty of educational consolidation. crossing, the Ningbo Friendship tram use required some building ’s new central Bridge which references a Chinese demolition, similarly on the Clifton ‘City Hub’ is under development by civic connection. Nottingham line at Farnborough Road. the tram viaduct. The nearest stop is University and University Boulevard In Broxtowe borough, the combined Nottingham Station, although there stops are better-placed for serving Beeston Central bus and tram is potential for a stop to be added near parkland and sports facilities than interchange was installed on the the viaduct’s city end.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2020 / 395 Nottingham

ve abo : In the silver livery adopted after the change of concession, ABOVE: The high-level route through the Queen’s Medical Centre where the NET power Incentro 205 is at Old Market Square during the 2018 Christmas Market. supply had to be compatible with sensitive equipment used around the hospital site. Promoted by public sector passengers between Highbury Vale bodies, NET’s planning, building (combining the platforms on each and operation has involved two route) and Nottingham Station. commercial groupings. The initial Although NET’s creation and later Arrow consortium included growth drew criticism, the system Bombardier (then as ADtranz), now scores very highly in customer and the municipal bus satisfaction surveys and local support concern, Nottingham City Transport has grown for the services to be (NCT). To facilitate a unified system extended into more areas. Expansion with delivery of Phase 2, the original plans include north-west to Kimberley contract was bought out. from Phoenix Park; a link with the Following a competitive process, East Midlands hub station on the Tramlink Nottingham was awarded projected HS2 high-speed railway, a 22.5-year concession in 2011; with potential for extension into operations passed to the present ; serving the future ABOVE: Phase 2 created a link between the ng2 business park, holders, Nottingham Trams, a joint 600-acre Clifton Pastures Nottingham station and western residential areas. Tram 218’s name, venture of Keolis (80%) and the development beyond Clifton South Jim Taylor, honours a key figure in NET’s creation. (20%), represented and a first spread east of the city into locally as Trent Barton buses. This led borough via a park-and-ride BELOW: Karlsruhe Friendship Bridge spans Nottingham’s main to the end of onboard ticketing and site at Nottingham Racecourse. railway station; the lift tower was part of the former Station Street terminus. The view illustrates the distance between the centre of travelling conductors. Valid ticketing Nottingham and its station, part of NET’s original rationale. before boarding became obligatory, bought for example through ticket esls entia facts machines, passes or the NETGO! phone app. L ocal travel: Tickets and information NET’s Wilkinson Street compound are available from the NET Travel contains the depot, administration Centre, located offO ld Market Square and control centre. Storage space was at 4 King Street. Ticket machines and validators are sited at all stops. Sample increased due to Phase 2 more than fares from GBP1 (EUR1.10) for travel doubling the fleet size. Although within any one of nine ‘short hop zones’ confined by the railway, revenue and GBP2.40 (EUR2.70) for other single tram tracks and the River Leen, the fares. Day tickets are GBP4.20 (EUR4.70) adjoining park-and-ride area could , while Robin Hood Day Tickets cover yield more space for NET operations. the whole tram system, buses and Contrasting with widespread trains in the Greater Nottingham City European practice, but representing area at GBP5.10 (EUR5.70). There are UK deregulation outside Greater other pay-as-you-go options (see www.robinhoodnetwork.co.uk). London, Nottingham’s tramway had Information correct as of August 2020. limited integration with other modes. This condition has improved since What is there to see? 2015 through multi-operator ticketing A noted local viewpoint, the and promotions branded as the redeveloped Robin Hood Network. Not directly (www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk) is due to re-open in 2021. In the base of Castle relevant to users, tram line number Rock, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and designations were for development the Bell Inn near Old Market Square and operational purposes. Official are notable for their antiquity and cave system diagrams feature colour access. The ’s differentiation but services are also has tours. Hockley primarily identified by end points, and the Lace Market (east of the normally Toton Lane-Hucknall and emponymous tramstop) has become Clifton South-Phoenix Park. These are an arts and entertainments district. Urban green space can be found amended on trams and live displays at Highfields Park below the main as required, as with the summer 2020 campus of Nottingham University and city centre closures for track renewal. Hall, the latter being the site Toton Lane terminus is well-sited for extension, as for the projected The line frequency, mainly between of Nottingham Industrial Museum. HS2 East Midlands Hub station and also to and Derby. seven and ten minutes, doubles for

396 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Certifi cate: PA05/04429

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METRO LOOKS TO ha a ifa – n zareth SYSTEMS FACTFiLE: THE FUTURE light rail HONG KONG LRT The second part of our Tyne and Wear TAUT explores the proposals that will Hong Kong may be more famous for Metro special looks in detail at the draw on European and US tram-train its tramways, but this time Neil Pulling introduction of the new fleet, ‘Metro Flow’, technology to provide a modern LRT explores the multi-line MTR Light Rail and the planning for future expansion connection between two of northern system in an intensively settled part of of both Metro and local rail services. Israel's fastest-growing cities in 2027. Hong Kong’s New Territories. NOVEMBER PLUS... 2020 issue + Exporting a legend: Mike Russell continues the story of the Tatra TII + T he latest news and analysis, system developments, transport policy On sale announcements and industry comment from around the world 16 October Worldwide Review

AUSTRALIA to support the purchase of 15 BROADBEACH – HELENSVALE. new trams. RGI Work has started to draw up the business case for Stage 4 of the BRAZIL Gold Coast tramway, 13km (eight SÃO PAULO. A preliminary miles) from Burleigh Heads to the engineering design and Gold Coast Airport at Tugun. IRJ environmental impact study is SYDNEY. Three consortia to be carried out for the planned have been shortlisted for the metro line 20, which will now be first two major Metro West a 31km (19.3-mile) conventional tunnelling contracts. Bidders will metro rather than a monorail. initially compete for the Central Completion should be in 2023. RGI package, 11km (6.8 miles) of twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney CANADA Olympic Park. Once the winner EDMONTON. Expressions of is selected, the remaining two interest have been invited for will bid for the Western package, the supply of 40 low-floor 40m 9km (5.6 miles) from Westmead double-ended LRVs for the 27km to Sydney Olympic Park; the (17-mile) Valley Line West in 2027. The new Comtes terminus of line F in Strasbourg with Alstom Citadis 205 selected partner for the central The first stage of the Valley line is awaiting departure. A. Thompson package will not be eligible for being equipped with 26 Bombardier this competition. RGI Flexity Freedom trams. IRJ build and maintain contract. TORONTO. Two Requests for PARIS. T4 was extended from Results of tendering will be AUSTRIA Proposals have been issued for Arboretum on the one-way loop announced in 2022. DS, IRJ GRAZ. MVG four-section Siemens the 7.8km (4.8-mile) Scarborough to Hôpital de Montfermeil (900m) CHEMNITZ. Tram-train 442 has Avenio 2501 arrived from München metro extension from Kennedy on 31 August. The tram replaces received a special livery to mark on 12 August and was used as to McCowan and the Eglinton bus lines 601 and 645. urbanrail.net the city’s forthcoming status as a a demonstrator until 24 August. West Crosstown extension, STRASBOURG. The EUR42m, European City of Culture. DS It was not used in passenger with contracts to be awarded in 1.7km (1.1-mile), extension of DARMSTADT. The new route service. tramreport summer 2021. tramline F to Koenigshoffen (Allée concept for December 2023 has WIEN (Vienna). Following the TTC has recalled 150 of the des Comtes) opened to passenger been announced: 1, Eberstadt arrival of Bombardier Flexity 314 450 drivers laid off due to the service on 29 August. It includes – Hbf – Kranichstein; 2, Hbf – in August, these low-floor trams coronavirus pandemic as ridership the park-and-ride station Parc des Luisenplatz – TU-Lichtwiese; 3, Hbf ran on from 5 September. reached 40% of normal levels. Romains. The line between here – Luisenplatz – Lichtenbergeschule; The Vienna Ring Tram service R. Barrows and the terminus is single track. 4, Griesheim – Luisenplatz – resumed on 3 July after being A. Thompson Kranichstein; 5, Kranichstein suspended since 14 March due to CHINA TOULOUSE. On 31 August – Luisenplatz – Böllenfalltor; the coronavirus pandemic. HONG KONG. On 29 August, an tramline T1 was extended by 6, Arheilgen – Luisenplatz – Type B ULF tram 783 was given MTR light rail service bound for 800m from Aéroconstellation to Alsbach (express); 8, Arheilgen – a special livery of blue with US and Yuen Long derailed on approach the new MEET conference centre. Luisenplatz – Alsbach; 9, Griesheim Austrian flag hearts to mark the state to Siu Hong station. No injuries Completed earlier in the year, the – Luisenplatz – Böllenfalltor; 10, visit of US Secretary of State Mike were reported, although services opening was due to coincide with a Griesheim Wagenhalle – Hbf – Pompeo in mid-August. K. Matzka on routes 614 and 614P were major global aerospace exhibition Arheilgen. This will cost EUR9.5m/ disrupted for several hours. SCMP at the new centre in June, although year more to operate than the GUANGZHOU. A further 42 this event was postponed due to existing network, with a 26% VITEBSK. We regret that the aluminium-bodied eight-car metro the coronavirus pandemic. increase in timetable-km. DS item in last month’s issue was trains have been ordered from At the same time, Casselardit, DÜSSELDORF. On 13 August incorrectly posted under . CRRC Dalian under a contract Cartoucherie and Zénith stops Rheinbahn put a stop on delivery B. Schenk worth CNY2.5bn (EUR309.2m). on lines T1 and T2 were renamed: of further Bombardier HF6 A total of 286km (178 miles) of Zénith becomes Hippodrome, Stadtbahn cars after welding faults new metro lines are currently Cartoucherie becomes Zénith, were identified on the frames ANTWERPEN. Due to heatwave under construction in the city. IRJ and Casselardit becomes of seven cars already delivered. conditions in early August, XIAMEN. CRRC Tangshan has Cartoucherie. Actu.fr As a result the October timetable non air-conditioned PCCs were delivered ten new metro trains for TOURS. The new administration improvements have been deferred. not used in service. This meant the line 2. They feature permanent has confirmed the construction MAGDEBURG. Trams resumed withdrawal of lines 11 and 12 on magnet synchronous traction of tramway line B is one of its operation through the Hbf days classified as ‘Code Red’. motors that offer reduced energy priorities. Work should start at underpass from 27 August. The De Standaard consumption. IRJ the end of 2022 for completion same day also saw the ex-Berlin BRUXELLES/BRUSSEL. Flexity in 2025. lineoz.net Tatra KT4D enter service on lines 3 3125 was used on 27 August to test EGYPT and 5. Two Tatra T6+B6 sets remain clearances on the rebuilt tramline EL QAHIRA (Cairo). The 7km GERMANY in peak service on lines 2 and 3. DS 39 to Ban Eik. T-2000 (4.3-mile) elevated extension of BERLIN. The extended U-Bahn HAMBURG. Federal approval LIÈGE. The first rails for the new metro line 3 east to Adly Mansour line U5 (Hönow–Hbf) will start has been received for the tramway were laid overnight in the New Administrative Capital carrying passengers on 4 December. extension of S-Bahn service on 6-7 August at Pont Atlas. was opened by President Abdel Tenders have been issued for two S4 from Ahrensburg to Bad The 11.7km (7.3-mile) standard- Fattah Al Sisi on 16 August. The S-Bahn packages, the North-South Oldesloe by 2027. IRJ gauge tramway, with 23 stops, is extension features six new stations, package from 13 December 2027 KARLSRUHE. The first two of to open in late 2022. T-2000 and a depot has been built at the and the Stadtbahn package from 20 Bombardier tram-trains on new terminus. 7 February 2028. There are separate order (965/6) were delivered to BOSNIA Future east and west extensions lots for new trains, 170 four-car AVG in early August. SARAJEVO. The European Bank are planned for line 3, including a for the North-South and 157 for The first test run in the new for Reconstruction & Development branch to the city’s main airport. the Stadtbahn. There are options tram subway under Kaiserstrasse has approved a EUR10m loan This would take the route length of 125 and 88 respectively. was made using tram 305 to city transport operator GRAS to over 45km (28 miles). RGI Rolling stock will be a 30-year on 4 August.

398 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LEIPZIG. The city council has had arrived in late July. In August given the green light to a mobility 13 of the existing fleet had been strategy that will bring 14.6km lengthened from 43m to 55m and (nine miles) of extensions to the were in passenger service. A further tramway network, including a 13 trams are included in the current radial line across the southern extension programme, which suburbs on Antonienstrasse should be completed by early 2021. and Kurt-Eisner-Strasse, a link By the end of the year, Alstom’s to S-Bhf Wahren, a link from eMapping technology will be fitted Stötteritz to Meusdorf and an to four trams to compile energy extension to Thekla Süd. usage data. Alstom and Transport LUDWIGSHAFEN. Monday Infrastructure Ireland are aiming 14 September was to see the to reduce energy consumption re-opening of the tramway on ’s tramways through from Berliner Platz across the energy efficiency measures. Konrad-Adenauer-Brücke to Daily passenger numbers on Mannheim for lines 4, 7, 8 and public transport dropped from 9, returning the network to more than 950 000 at the beginning normal. The three trains of Düwag of March to below 100 000 between The first Alstom Citadis vehicles for the Greek capital, Athina, were unloaded at articulated cars are now used for the end of March and into May. the port of Piraeus in August. Ypidomes line 6, 8 and 9 peak periods. DS By April and early May, usage MANNHEIM-HEIDELBERG had shrunk to as low as 3% of its first entering service in February on line 3, so the termini of lines 3 (RNV). The delivery date for the late February level. On 10 March 2021. They will replace the Series and 5 were exchanged with first Škoda low-floor tram of type the tramway carried almost 7000 units from the 1970s that running to Van Hallstraat. RNT2020 has now slipped to 142 000 passengers compared were last refurbished in 2007. IRJ Work at Centraal Station was December 2021, with passenger with just 5500 on 18 April. completed in time for the new service expected in summer 2022. As a consequence of remote LATVIA terminal arrangements to be Delivery of all 80 trams should be working, TaxSaver season ticket LIEPĀJA. The order for Končar introduced from 1 September. OR completed by February 2024. DS holders will have their passes NT2300 low-floor trams has been DEN HAAG. A power cut NÜRNBERG (Nuremburg). extended by six months to doubled from six to 12 using an affected much of the city on The firstG1 Siemens-built U-Bahn compensate for the period when option in the original contract 17 August, leaving trams stranded train finally entered passenger they were unable to use them. from 2018. The new order is along the lines. service on 19 August. The train was worth EUR8.8m, co-financed by PCC 1227 returned to Den Haag delivered in May 2019 but has been ISLE OF MAN the European Union, with all from the Amsterdam museum line awaiting TAB authorisation. DS GENERAL. Despite the island vehicles due to be delivered by on 20 August and will eventually be only being open to holiday-makers the end of 2022. A further two-car overhauled as a further member of from the island of Guernsey, option remains. SeeNews the tourist tram fleet. digitaletram.nl ATHINA. The first two Alstom more than 11 500 passengers were ROTTERDAM. In place of the Citadis from the Barcelona factory carried on the Manx Electric and MALAYSIA city tour tram 10, the RoMeO were delivered through the port of Isle of Man Railway lines in the KUALA LUMPUR. Bombardier organisation arranged to operate Piraeus on 26 August and moved first month after services restarted has delivered a further 27 tram set 515+1001 (or 385) on by road to Hellinikon depot; in July. automated four-car Innovia line 15 on Wednesday/Saturday/ 25 are on order. ypodomes.com The five-day virtual railway 300 metro trains for the Kelana Sunday until the end of festival attracted nearly half a Jaya line, with local assembly October, leaving Willemsplein INDIA million views. It was hosted by by Hartasuma. IRJ at 11.00 and 14.00. Advanced KOLKATA (Calcutta). The West Isle of Man Heritage Railways reservation is required at Bengal Transport Corporation Volunteers, Manx Electric www.stichtingromeo.nl OR (WBTC) is planning to rent out Railway Online, Groudle AMSTERDAM. CAF has unused tram depot spaces to Glen Railway, Crogga Valley increased production of 15G POLAND support lost income due to Railway, Manx Steam and Model low-floor trams by opening a OLSZTYN. Kraków-based the COVID-19 pandemic. Engineering Club, and Douglas second production line at its Besain contractor ZUE SA has been named The undertaking has invited Bay Horsetram Online. factory (the first cars are coming preferred bidder to build the 6km expressions of interest from A petition has been launched from Zaragoza). The first Besain- (3.7-mile) tramway extension banks, restaurants, cafes, shops in a bid to reinstate the former built tram, 3022, was delivered to Pieczewo with a contract and car dealers for its seven tram Douglas to Peel railway. It is on 9 July. On 15 July the price of PLN382m (EUR86.5m). depots, most of which have large suggested that this would provide Inspection Authority authorised This includes a 270m flyover and and under-utilised compounds; economic benefits to Peel and their use for passenger service. a 50-space park-and-ride site. initial nine-year lease periods reduce congestion. Since closure, The first coupled set of CAF trams Construction is expected to take are planned. Indian Express the tracks have been lifted, with (3008+3004) ran over the rebuilt line two years. infotram.pl VARANASI. The detailed mobility part of the line used as the access to Westwijk, including the stabling POZNAŃ. On 1 September trams plan for this city in Uttar Pradesh road during TT racing events. yard at Legmeerpolder (where started using the 700m of new state that includes proposals for A Heritage Trail runs its length there was almost immediately a track for line 5 from Zegrze I to a modern LRT network, submitted from Quarterbridge to Peel. graffiti incident). Passenger service Unii Lubelska. This was part of by Rail India Technical and is to start in October. significant changes to the network Economic Service (RITES) in JAPAN The introduction of the winter with the completion of one set of December 2019, are under TOKYO. The first Hitachi-built timetable from 23 August saw infrastructure works (return of review. RITES has proposed a Series 17000 train for the Yurakucho the withdrawal of line 11 and the trams 3, 4 and 10 to Wilczak and light rail route between Tarna and Fukutoshin metro lines was re-introduction of lines 2 and 12. Polabska terminus) and the start and Lanka following studies that unveiled at Shinkiba depot on A two-year project to rebuild of another (in Dabrowskiego). ruled out metro construction 11 August. The streamlined units Bullebak, the bascule bridge over Construction began in July 2019. as inefficient use of both land have been designed to meet Brouwersgracht, from 19 August Modertrans has been awarded and finances. Times of India the common specifications required the curtailment of line a PLN6.8m (EUR1.5m) contract required for through operation. 3 from Haarlemmermeerplein to modernise Tatra RT6N trams IRELAND A fleet of 180 trains, formed into to a temporary terminus at 399-400. infotram.pl DUBLIN. The first two of the eight six ten-car and 15 eight-car sets, are Zoutkeetsgracht. This required SZCZECIN. Tramwaje Szczecińskie new 55m Alstom Citadis trams to be introduced by 2022, with the double-ended trams to be used has ordered another two kits of

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If the option for 45m trams is route features stops that are exercised, they will become integrated with cycle lanes. M34 601-660. None had entered Daily Sabah passenger service by the end of August. LUND. In order to move DNIPRO. The purchase of 20 Tatra newly-delivered CAF trams T4D trams from Leipzig has been around the depot, the undertaking agreed for UAH20m (EUR610 000). has hired diesel-electric These four-axle cars were ex-Stockholm works tram 9236 modernised in the mid-1990s. from Malmköping museum. This All should arrive and be regauged was A4 169 of 1925, used as a this year. The city already has Stockholm works tram from 1951 20 ex-Leipzig trams in service. until 1967. D-E Göransson Eurailpress

SWITZERLAND UNITED KINGDOM APPENZELLERBAHNEN (AB). . Services increased The Altstätten – Gais section, from 16 August, with extended New tramway construction in the Russian city of Kazan has restored circular which requires rack-equipped hours of operation and improved tram service 5/5a. A 5a service is seen here worked by 71-407 tram 1120. D. Kaneki trains, could be closed in around headways. Weekday services 2035 when the existing rolling now commence at 05.30 from bodies, sub-assemblies, mechanical TEMIRTAU. It is reported stock falls due for replacement. Starr Gate and end with a 23.00 and electrical components for the tramway will close on The Altstätten Stadt – Altstätten tram from Fleetwood Ferry, with self-assembly of Beta partially 14 September. Since 17 April it SBB section of line was closed in trams running early morning and low-floor trams from Modertrans. has been operated only to cover 1975, reducing the attractiveness evenings every 20 minutes and The finished vehicles will be shift changes at local industrial of the whole line. TR during daytime every 15 minutes. double-ended 32m articulated plants 05.00-10.00 and GRINDELWALD – Only the middle doors are in use at cars, a novelty for TS, with a floor 16.00-22.00. The system was JUNGFRAUJOCH (WAB/JB). stops and trams are sanitised each height of 350mm and capacity opened in 1959. transphoto.ru From 12 December 2020 visitors time they reach Starr Gate. for 200 passengers (40 seated, OMSK. An order has been placed will be able to reach Jungfraujoch Heritage operations resumed including four folding seats). with Uraltransmash for 24 new 46 minutes quicker when the from the August Bank Holiday with The PLN12.6m (EUR2.85m) trams, 20 15.9m 39% low-floor 6.4km (four-mile) cableway from pre-booked Illuminations Tours contract includes a ten-year 71-407 and four 100% low-floor Grindelwald to Eigergletscher is and some other weekend tours. warranty period and the option 15.8m 71-412 cars. transphoto.ru opened providing a 15-minute This year the Illuminations have for two further kits, to be ULYANOVSK. It is reported that connection from the WAB. been extended to 3 January, but it exercised by the end of 2021. TP 29 PK-TS 71-911EM Lionet 100% A JB shuttle will run from has not been announced when the low-floor bogie trams are being Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch tram tours will cease. RUSSIA leased under a ten-year contract in 60 minutes, supplementing Work on the Western Train was KAZAN. On 29 August the final worth RUR1.36bn (EUR15.3m). the trains from Kleine Scheidegg, disrupted during a period of staff section of orbital express tramline Delivery should be completed by which take 90 minutes. EA furlough and the refurbished tram 5/5A was opened to traffic the end of the year. RGI LUGANO – PONTE TRESA set was unlikely to appear until the between Midkhata Bulkatova (FLP). A 20-year contract has end of the season. and Boriskovo (1.8km/1.1 miles). SLOVAKIA been signed with Stadler to Fares were rationalised from A circuit of the full 33km BRATISLAVA. Operator DPB maintain the nine trams ordered 9 August with any single adult fare (20.5-mile) line, with 45 stops, is applying for EU funds to in 2018. The first is due for on the Tramway costing GBP2.10 takes 1hr 45 mins. transphoto.ru purchase 40 new trams and 50 delivery in February. (EUR2.40) regardless of distance. KRONSTADT. The former naval trolleybuses. The tram order would MONTREUX – ZWEISIMMEN Prices of a number of Saver ticket base island near Sankt Peterburg is comprise 30 single-ended and (MOB). The introduction options were reduced. being redeveloped for recreational ten double-ended cars, worth a of the Goldenpass-Express CAMBRIDGE. The leader and tourist purposes. A 1.2km total of EUR100m. from Montreux through to of Cambridge City Council is (0.75-mile) cableway project is Events to mark 125 years of Interlaken with gauge-changing forecasting completion of the set to open by 2025. N. Semyonov tramway operation were held bogie equipped stock has been Cambridgeshire Autonomous MOSKVA. Metro station on 27 August, including the postponed until summer 2021. EA Metro (CAM) in 2031 rather Rizhskaya, dating from 1958, was operation of museum trams in ORBE – CHAVORNAY than the 2023-29 delivery period closed from 22 August to permit passenger service: 104 (1910), 314 (TRAVYS). The track across expected by the Cambridgeshire a year of reconstruction work to (1938) + 135 (1954), 38 (1958) and Bahnhofsplatz at Chavornay and Peterborough Combined improve the interchange with 275 (1964). infotram.pl SBB is to be replaced by a new Authority. the BCL circle line. N. Semyonov 1.3km (0.8-mile) alignment that A report from the Combined NIZHINY TAGIL. Uraltransmash SOUTH KOREA will permit the electrification Authority’s technical advisory is the preferred bidder for three SEOUL. Revenue service on system to be changed from 750V committee in May said the cost 100% low-floor bogie trams, the 4.7km (2.9-mile) eastern dc to 15kV ac at the end of 2023. EA of the project could be reduced offering its newly-developed section of metro line 5 to Hanam VITZNAU – RIGI KULM (RB). from more GBP4bn (EUR4.5bn) 71-415 model. transphoto.ru Pungsan started on 8 August after The 150th anniversary of this rack to under GBP2bn (EUR2.25bn) by PERM. Tenders have been invited an inauguration ceremony the mountain line will see various using smaller vehicles to enable for 26 new low-floor trams, previous day. A further 2.9km events held on 22-23 May 2021. EA smaller tunnels and stations, which will probably be acquired (1.8 miles) is under construction. particularly the proposed tunnel through a leasing arrangement. Tenders have been invited for under Cambridge city centre. The city previously submitted 36 more metro cars for to konya . A special tram service An outline business case was a proposal to the Russian boost capacity. IRJ has been introduced exclusively expected this summer, but has Ministry of Transport for for cyclists as part of a project to been delayed to take into account 75 vehicles, however this promote cycle use. An ex-Köln the new work necessary to cater for application was reduced to GÖTEBORG (Gothenburg). GT8 car (used for the system’s 1991 the use of small vehicle technology. the current number with The 40 Bombardier Flexity being opening before fleet replacement COVENTRY. A prototype carbon the other 49 trams expected delivered are 33m double-ended by Škoda 28T low-floor cars) has fibre and metal vehicle structure for to follow in tranches in the trams M33B 490-9 and 33m been converted with ramp access the city’s urban VLR programme coming years. infotram.pl single-ended trams M33A 501-30. and racks for 21 bicycles. The trial was unveiled at NP Aerospace’s

400o / oct BER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org plant at Foleshill in August. The ISLE OF WIGHT. The Ryde to vehicle has been designed by WMG Shanklin railway will be closed and TDI, with a target mass of less 4 January-31 March 2021 for than one tonne per linear metre. work ready for introduction of The prototype is due for the Vivarail Class 484 sets that completion this year, beginning are to replace the Underground tests in 2021 at the new VLR 1938 Stock. Work will include National Innovation Centre in installing a passing loop at Dudley. Brading to allow 30-minute The Coventry VLR project is headways, track enhancements, described in detail in TAUT 993. upgrades to platforms and EDINBURGH. A voucher installation of new ticket machines scheme to encourage people to at Shanklin, Sandown and visit businesses on Leith Walk Ryde St John’s Road. was launched on 24 August as Conversion of the Class 484 part of the Trams to Newhaven sets is in progress at the Vivarail project which re-commenced plant at Long Marston. work in the street in June. LONDON (DOCKLANDS). A Shoppers and diners have been new report from national rail The new tramway in Lund, Sweden, has borrowed a preserved Stockholm offered a GBP10 (EUR11.25) infrastructure manager Network electro-diesel works tram to move its CAF trams around the nearly-completed voucher for GBP5 spent, with Rail recommends the removal of depot. B. Sjöberg up to three vouchers available the Tower Gateway DLR stop to per person. This is part of the make room for an expansion of (EUR253m) Luton DART (Direct South Yorkshire body along the GBP2.4m (EUR2.7m) Support for the Fenchurch Street heavy rail Air-Rail Transit) linking Luton lines of similar organisations Business scheme during tramway station, due to reach capacity Airport Parkway station to the in Greater Manchester and the construction. by 2025. airport terminal. The project is West Midlands. GREATER MANCHESTER. Modelling suggests a preferred being funded and delivered by Tramway rail replacement The Rail Accident Investigation approach of moving Fenchurch Luton Council’s airport company, works which started at Branch has issued a report into Street 350m to the east, adding London Ltd. Townend on 25 July were an incident in May 2019 when a sub-surface DLR interchange The scheme will be a double- extended with a later finish on a tram passed through the with the Tower Hill Underground shuttle, automated, cable-driven 14 September. Planned works will centre platform of Deansgate- station. DLR trains could people-mover. The promoters continue along Ridgeway Road Castlefield stop without making its then be diverted to Bank, also expect the line to operate in 2021. to Hollinsend before moving on scheduled stop. The tram exited increasing capacity on the NOTTINGHAM. The annual to City Road, the Spring Lane the platform at around 9mph heavily-used branch. Goose Fair – one of the main Curve and finally Manor Top. (14km/h) and passed a stop LONDON (TRAMLINK). revenue earners for the tramway The final area of rail replacement signal, placing it in the path of Infrastructure work led to – has been cancelled due to an for this year was planned at Crystal a second tram. The driver of the closure of sections during August inability to control the expected Peaks and near Elcroft Gardens second tram was able to stop in and September. Trams from 400 000-plus visitors in line with and this is now to commence on time to avoid a collision. Wimbledon terminated at Wandle social distancing regulations. 15 September continuing to 4 The RAIB made three Park, and over the Bank Holiday In 2019 the tram network carried October. Replacement bus services recommendations, addressed to weekend trams did not operate more than 455 000 passengers are provided and the Blue and operator KeolisAmey Metrolink. beyond Sandilands on the Elmers over the event period. The fair has Purple tram timetables are revised. The first concerns a review End and Beckenham Junction only previously been cancelled Stagecoach has introduced a and updating of its strategy lines. on eight occasions during its ‘Flexi Day 5’ ticket, which provides for managing the risk of trams LONDON (UNDERGROUND). more than 700-year history; it was five Supertram-only day tickets for passing signals at danger or stop. A new iPhone app has been due to take place 30 September- the price of four. This can only be The others relate to factors that developed by Transport for 4 October. purchased via the Stagecoach Bus were not causal to the incident, London (UK) to provide real-time The full timetable resumed app on a mobile phone. but which address safety issues information encouraging travel from 3 August. This replaced SOUTH WALES. Siemens identified during the investigation. at quieter times to help maintain the Sunday timetable that was has been awarded a three-year From 24 August, Metrolink social distancing, suggestions introduced on a daily basis from contract to upgrade the signalling services were extended for an for alternative routes including 24 March. on the Core Valley Lines (CVL). extra hour until midnight from walking and cycling options, and SOUTH YORKSHIRE. An The company will provide and Monday to Saturday, with the accessibility information. It is additional tram-train stop is to install trackside equipment, as last services on Sundays extended hoped to expand the TfL Go app be provided at Magna Science well as supply the new integrated from 22.00 to 23.00. to an Android version and Adventure Park between Tinsley control centre at Taff’s Well. Sunday frequencies were increased to include bus and lift status and Central, with 150 When completed in 2023, to a tram every 15 minutes information. park-and-ride spaces. An additional the upgrade is expected to 07.00-23.00. Metrolink services CRRC Shandong has completed 300 spaces will also be offered reduce journey times, improve now operate at a ten-minute the first of 71 (66 open and five at Rotherham Parkgate. The punctuality and increase train frequency across all lines daytime flatbed) wagons for use with proposals will cost around GBP8m frequencies from two trains per Monday to Saturday, with a LU track maintenance trains. (EUR9m); funding is provided from hour to four on each route. 20-minute evening frequency. The wagon order, placed in 2017, Rotherham Borough Council’s The CVL upgrade is part of the INDUSTRY. UKTram has is believed to be the first for a share of GBP166m (EUR187m) wider project launched an initiative aimed Chinese manufacturer for a allocated to the region through the which will provide improved at improving professional European metro network. Transforming Cities Fund. train, light rail and bus services competence across the industry The wagons’ specification means The Sheffield City Region across the region. with a new occupational training they are also suitable for use on Combined Authority is launching TYNE & WEAR. The 40th programme for traction and the national rail network, using a review of the conurbation’s anniversary of the Metro was rolling stock technicians. ‘innovatively developed’ braking bus network. It also plans to celebrated on 11 August with all The National Occupational systems, couplers and bogies to fully integrate South Yorkshire five local authorities in the area Standards (NOS) project is being meet the different standards. Passenger Transport Executive praising the social and economic developed in partnership with LUTON. A Transport and Works into the combined authority impact of Metro over four decades employers and operators from Act Order submission was made structure. This could lead to the of operations. During that time across the UK. in August for the GBP225m formation of a Transport for the network has carried 1.5bn

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45 more. The first batch should all season. The project has been be in service by 2025. R. Barrows supported by The Pilgrim Trust, SACRAMENTO, CA. O n an Arts Council National Lottery 24 August the Regional Transit Project Grant and a restoration board voted to abandon plans grant from the Association for for the 1.8km (1.1-mile) West Industrial Archaeology. Sacramento tramline, crossing CARLTON COLVILLE (UK). The Tower Bridge on a street-running East Anglia Transport Musuem re- alignment, and return USD50m opened on 9 August and expects in FTA funding received for the to operate every Thursday and project. Funding for the remaining Sunday until further notice. 50% had not been secured. No pre-booking is necessary but The project was envisioned as limits will be placed on numbers the first part of an eventual 6.4km accessing at the site. (four-mile) line from downtown Due to COVID-19 restrictions Sacramento to West Sacramento it will not be possible to operate City Hall, but first ran into Santa Trams in December. trouble in 2019 when a first round There will be a museum opening of construction bids exceeded the with a free bus service to Lowestoft USD200m budget. on 1 January 2021. During the On 30 August, SacRT restored closure period a supply of track its LRT timetable to pre-pandemic was sourced for the extension of When the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia bought metre-gauge trams from Zürich in levels. J. Hayward, Sacramento Bee the tramway onto the extra land 2007, their traditional blue colourscheme quickly became the norm on the city acquired next to the museum. tramway. Now one of these cars (235, ex-VBZ 1425) has been adapted for works UZBEKISTAN SEATON (UK). On 28 August duties and given this striking red livery. EVD TOSHKENT. The three-line metro the organised passengers. Events marking the respectively; other cars are S70. re-opened on 15 August after a an event to see all 13 operating occasion included a virtual Metro Similarly the Houston figure five-month closure caused by the trams in action to celebrate the depot tour, the launch of a new should have been ‘14 on order’, the coronavirus pandemic. 50th anniversary of acquisition online Metro game, and presenting existing 37 being S70. S. J. Morgan On 29 August the Yunusobod line of the closed railway line between the first original Metrocar (4001) KENOSHA, WI. Streetcar was extended by 2.9km (1.8 miles) Seaton and Colyton in 1969. in an anniversary colour scheme. service resumed on 1 August from Shahriston to Turkeston, The first tram, 8, departed For the first in our two-part with a limit of 15 passengers at while on 30 August the first 11km Riverside Depot on 28 August celebration of the Tyne and Wear any one time and masks required. (6.8-mile) elevated section of the 1970 for the short journey to Metro, see page 379. Due to civil disturbance service circular metro line was opened Bobsworth Bridge. The full line to VOLK’S ELECTRIC RAILWAY. was suspended again between between Dustlik-2 and Kuylyuk Colyton opened in 1980. The Volk’s Electric Railway 25 and 29 August. Rynok. Services are provided using June’s week-long virtual Association has turned its MIAMI – WEST PALM BEACH, five four-car Metrowagonmash ‘Tramathon Live’, which attention to ex-Southend car 9 FL. Commuter rail operator Type 81-765/766/767 trainsets. culminated with a full 24 hours which it has owned since 2008 Brightline gave notice to Virgin When complete, the line will of continual non-stop journeys and which has been stored at Enterprises at the end of July. form a 52km (32-mile) mostly between Seaton and Colyton Hassocks Garden Centre. The The branding in elevated orbital route with stations, raised GBP31 000 Association has decided to find use since November 2018 is 35 stations. transphoto.ru (EUR35 000). alternative accommodation and being removed. IRJ to undertake the restoration itself. MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, MN. MUSEUM NEWS CONTRIBUTORS WEST MIDLANDS. The Promoters of the 21km (13-mile) BALLARAT (AU). Tenders have Worldwide items for inclusion redundant railway over bridge at Blue line light rail project in the been issued for the construction should be sent to Michael Sedgley Road in Tipton has been Bottineau corridor are reported and equipment of a new Taplin at Flat 8, Roxan Villa, demolished and will be replaced to have given up trying to reach depot building alongside the 33 Landguard Manor Rd, Shanklin, next year by a new structure for agreement with the BNSF railway existing one. P. Nicholson Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill to co-locate light rail and freight CRICH (UK). The fundraising Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or e-mail extension. railway tracks. Other options campaign to overcome lost [email protected] for the alignment will now revenue raised GBP41 000 UK and Ireland items are USA be explored, while the planned (EUR46 000) and the museum welcomed by the Home News BETHESDA – NEW 2024 completion date will slip. has been granted GBP250 000 Editor, John Symons, 17 CARROLTON. The State of Metro Transit reinstated a (EUR281 500) emergency Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Maryland has told Purple line ten-minute service on its Blue and funding from the National Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. subcontractors it will take over Green lines from 12 September Lottery Heritage Fund, and E-mail: [email protected] management of the light rail to reduce crowding and help GBP25 000 (EUR28 000) from Acknowledgements are due to project if the current PPP is maintain social distancing. Borough Council’s Actu.fr, Daily Sabah, digitaletram.nl, dissolved. A judge has ordered the Ridership was 75% down Local Authority Discretionary De Standaard, Drehscheibe (DS), partnership to remain working year-on-year in July. Star-Tribune, Grant fund. It is believed this Edinburgh Evening News, Eisenbahn on the project until at least Progressive Railroading should sustain operation for the Amateur (EA), Eurailpress, Indian 14 September. J. Hayward NEW YORK, NY. The contract rest of the year. In the first month Express, infotram.pl, International CINCINNATI, OH. City centre has been awarded to rebuild the of re-opening in July there were Railway Journal (IRJ), Irish Times, tramway service resumed on Rutgers Tube that carries line F over 11 000 visitors. lineoz.net, Newcastle Chronicle, Op de 2 September after being under the East River. This is the The 19th Century cabmen’s Rails (OR), Progressive Railroading, suspended since March due to the 11th and final MTA tunnel that shelter at Wakebridge has been Railway Gazette International coronavirus pandemic. A city vote requires repair after Superstorm dismantled and transported (RGI), Sacramento Bee, SeeNews, has also removed fares for the Sandy in 2012. Overnight and to Bristol for renovation by South China Morning Post (SCMP), service. J. May weekend service will be re-routed Dorothea Restorations. After being Star-Tribune, Times of India, INDUSTRY. Clarifying last over the C line until March 2021. returned to Crich, the interior Today’s Railways (TR), tramreport, month’s report on Siemens S700 The MTA has awarded Wabtec will be fitted out and information Tram-2000, Transport-publiczny cars, the figures for San Diego, a USD233m contract to supply and learning resources added. It (TP), transphoto.ru, urbanrail.net, Minneapolis-St Paul and Charlotte 25 hybrid battery-diesel locos for is hoped that completion will be Wolverhampton Express & Star and should have been 45, 27 and 0 works trains, with an option for in time for the start of the 2021 ypodomes.com.

402o / oct BER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Letters

Mailbox Get your views into print [email protected] Letters submitted by post should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication. : Yet another missed opportunity The excellent article on Coventry’s thinking for the future Surely the Coventry approach makes more sense? Small, (TAUT 993) struck me due to the contrast with the Island Line lightweight units, or trams (preferably on bogies for a smooth here on the Isle of Wight. The differences in requirements and ride), battery-operated with suitable recharge points, and environment could not be more extreme, yet there are aspects capable of being run coupled as two- or three-car trains for the which could well be related. peak. In quiet periods they could be run singly. Further, the Our local line has become more and more run-down, partly track and infrastructure requirements (including the actual due to the difficulty of maintaining ancient trains and ageing pier), and therefore maintenance costs, would all be reduced. track, and the new franchisee is planning some major update Additionally, the ‘frequent lightweight’ approach leaves works which will see the line closed for three months. What an the future open to further improvements or realignments if opportunity! Yet it seems all the thinking and planning has these should be seen as worthwhile. But surely the key point is taken place inside a ‘heavy rail’ box, despite numerous and that a much more frequent service becomes possible, with the varied forward-looking suggestions. obvious improvement in customer-attraction and the removal A couple of days ago we were treated to news of the of the need to plan around departure times. stock now being beautifully refurbished for the line, and The present stated aim of a train every half hour is a joke, as the proposals to carry out major upgrades of track and anyone can pop into their car and do the whole journey in less infrastructure, all overdue, and including a new passing loop time, and even the buses can approach that time. at Brading to enable – wait for it – a half-hourly service. Sadly, it seems that the die is cast, no-one has listened, and a This will be heavy rail stock, running largely empty except at great opportunity has been missed. the peak times. Howard Burford, by e-mail

When did we become a burden? well-used, it will give a much quicker service in network maps, timetables and other Some excellent points made by your ‘lead’ that still serves the St Helier area well, and promotional information. Accessibility and correspondents in the last Mailbox. I would Haydons Road and Tooting stations will be connectivity are key tools of French urban just like to add two thoughts: when did able to relieve the Northern Line. planning. One description I have come quality transport stop being an essential A friend in Tooting tells me that, convenient across more than once is that the French public service, and how are subsidies seen as the route would be for him to get to do not so much build a tramway as plan as a drain rather than an investment? work, it is impossible to get onto today’s few their city’s development round a number of Sensible, sustained infrastructure overcrowded rush-hour trains. The Hackbridge corridors for regeneration and construction spending has proven time and time again side of the loop can be served by a 15-minute and then build a tramway along these. to be an effective driver of economic Overground service from Dalston Junction to l The value of the contract approach. development. If ever this was needed, Banstead, particularly as the East London line In Britain we are too fond of dismissing then surely the time is now. Piecemeal needs more trains through its core. so many opportunities as not feasible commitments won’t cut it; we need bold, Finally, I would recommend, for the sake of on the basis that they are handled by a long-term visions to improve mobility both clarity, renaming Mitcham Junction station different public authority. In France too within and between our towns and cities. Mitcham Common and Tooting station there are different levels of authority: While the COVID crisis is the most obvious Tooting Graveney. typically the citizen of a city has aspects of pressure, the climate crisis and wider need Andrew Rixon, Hertford (UK) their life decided by the municipality, the for levelling up of society run far deeper conurbation/agglomeration authority, the and are not going away. So if we don’t want French lessons for the uninitiated departement and the region. All of which will the current pandemic to set back another For anyone interested in the French tramway be keen to maintain their rights and roles, generation, then wise investment in green, phenomenon of recent decades, Brian not least so that the mayor/chair can get sustainable transportation is a must. Patton’s self-published five volumes form re-elected! Yet they have no serious S. Hargreen, by e-mail an excellent and comprehensive record. But problems in developing projects such Michael Taplin’s pair of articles complement as tramways coordinated with urban Improving South London’s rail service these by giving a very informative overview and economic planning. Much of this is With the Sutton extension of Croydon’s of recent developments. A good reminder for achieved through agreements defined in tramway on hold (TAUT 993), perhaps we all of us and a valuable reference to pass on to contracts set out between authorities. should rethink it in favour of a greatly- those less-informed to highlight key aspects l There is a very strong focus on qualitative improved heavy rail service from Wimbledon. which offer us some lessons. aspects of tramway development. The An obvious Tramlink extension is up Of course France has a very different numbers are important, but they do not Hartfield Road, along Wimbledon Broadway culture. But the experiences of its cities offer a dominate thinking in the way that WebTAG and High Street, across Wimbledon Common lot of valuable material for anyone who wants does in England. But then WebTAG dusts and through ill-served Roehampton to Barnes, to learn. There are three aspects I think we under the carpet a range of professional and even up Castelnau to Hammersmith, should take on board in Britain: assumptions and political decisions which possibly closing the bridge to all other traffic, l The role of the tramway in providing actually have a huge influence, whereas in although it would still be useful to the south accessibility across a large conurbation or France these are very visible throughout side if it cannot cross the bridge. an ‘agglomeration’ around a small city. This the process of tramway development. The Wimbledon rail loop can be severed, is seen in the focus on its impact brought I sometimes think it weird that Britain puts with a ten-minute service, possibly out and considered in the urban transport so much stress on number-based decisions just from Blackfriars, to Sutton, preferably into plans (PDU) and used as a basis for its even when a national characteristic is our a new platform to the west of the bridge over development and appraisal. It then emerges very poor numeracy levels! the station. Plenty of publicity will ensure it is in the listings of main destinations served Reg Harman, by e-mail

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2020 / 403 Classic Trams The T2 Story 1 The Tatra T2 was less conspicuous in Central and Eastern Europe than its more prolific successor, the T3, but nevertheless holds an important position in tramcar development. Mike Russell chronicles its life in a new three-part series, PART beginning with its genesis and historical background. ONE

n 17 November 2018, a tramway The initial result was the production of two ground plan dimensions, with 14m-long, event took place in Liberec prototypes and 23 pre-series PCC bogie cars, 2.5m-wide bodywork and increasing the intended to mark the end 5001-25, built at Tatra’s Smíchov works in wheelbase between the bogie centre line from of an era – which, by right, 1951-52. Designed for Praha, they followed six to 6.4m. Gone was the extreme taper of should have occurred many the city’s 1947 specification to minimise the the T I body, replaced by a split windscreen Oyears earlier. This was the last day of normal need for track reconfiguration; constricted extending over the full width of the bodywork, passenger service, anywhere in the world, operation through narrow city streets, coupled whilst the roof contours were extended over by Tatra T2 tramcars. Quite remarkably, with close track separation, necessitated a the angled cab windows to give a recessed though, the era of the T2 is fortunately still maximum overall width of 2.4m. The design effect that gave the T II a ‘frown’ – clearly not completely over, as we shall see over the featured a tapered cab with split windscreen – distinguishing it from subsequent models. course of this detailed three-part review. surmounted by a domed roof sporting a large Such distinctive styling was the brainchild In 1945, most Central and Eastern European red star – and typical Praha full longitudinal of renowned industrial designer František tramways were in a very poor state, with both seating; the cars were also equipped with Kardaus, responsible for many Czechoslovak permanent way and rolling stock having trolley poles. For a short time there was also tramcar designs, including the later Tatra T3. suffered terribly through wartime depredations. a plan to operate older, lightweight centre- The dimensions of the T II became the In Czechoslovakia, this resulted mainly entrance trailers with these cars. Tatra standard for many years, also being from huge pressures placed upon tramways Presentation of the first prototypeT I, 5001, applied to the T3. The T II also introduced a under wartime conditions, with dramatically was at Motol depot on 22 November 1951, with new configuration of electrical equipment, increased ridership and greater use of rolling commercial service beginning on 17 March with more reliable construction of contactors, stock to convey workers, as well as accumulated 1952. Praha immediately ordered another better cooling for the accelerator, and arrears of maintenance and renewals. series of the same design, but only a small multiple-unit control (first applied to theT I percentage of the orders, reaching 133 in 1956, type from 1954). During the design process Licensing deals and prototypes was fulfilled due to insufficient production some operators had required alternative Bohemia had a long tradition of railway and and later operational capacity. configurations for pulling trailers, but tramway vehicle construction, centred the final concept of solo or multiple-unit largely upon the well-established works Creating a new standardised platform operation was asserted by engineers from Ringhoffer-Tatra (formerly Franz Ringhoffer of It was considered uneconomic to support ČKD and the Praha undertaking. Due to the Prag-Smichow (Prague, today Praha)), renamed two competiting tramcar projects for Praha versatility of the T II proposition, cars were Tatra in 1945 as it became a nationalised (PCC) and Brno (a Swiss-inspired concept) designed with the alternatives of current enterprise. The immediate post-war need was and subsequent small batches for provincial collection by trolley-pole or pantograph to reinstate the full level of tram service on all operators, so a technical panel to oversee this and two interior layouts, featuring either systems and renew infrastructure damaged standardisation was created in late 1951. longitudinal or transverse seating. in military operations and air raids. Another Around 1953 the state departments decided Another important task of the research important task was to replace fleet damage to use the Praha T I design for other operators and design studies was the construction of by reconstructing old cars and reactivating and a new specification was finished in 1955. the bogies, with consideration to encompass cancelled wartime orders. In the same year the first production examples three basic gauges: 1435mm (Czechoslovak The resultant “new deal” included the were delivered to undertakings outside Praha. standard), 1000mm (the most widespread designing of modern, large-capacity vehicles. The total number of T I cars built reached 287, narrow-gauge) and 1524mm (for export). Two competing projects had been started, of which 265 were for Czechoslovakia, two The initial idea was for a new design, evading one under the auspices of Tatra and ČKD, for Poland (used as templates for their own the TRC patents – the so-called non-licence both based in Praha, and the other by production in Konstal’s Chorzów works, but layout. At this time, the Communist Prvni brnenska a Kralovopolska strojirna from with different General Electric-based electrical authorities planned to replace most western Brno and Škoda of Plzeň. equipment) and 20 for the Soviet Union, licence agreements with home-produced In the period 1936-37, ČKD – and joined in supplied to the only operator capable of taking designs, mainly due to their being billed in 1946 by Tatra – had entered into negotiations cars built with standard gauge (1435mm) foreign currencies. This new layout was finally with the Transit Research Corporation (TRC) bogies, Rostov-na-Donu. This city’s tramway used only on narrow-gauge bogies, others in the USA for a licence to build bogies of its had been laid to that gauge under Belgian following the original TRC design. PCC patent design, successfully developed to auspices in 1897 and, uniquely in Russia, Two standard-gauge prototype cars were halt the decline in American transit ridership. retain it to this day. built in 1954-55 and extensively tested in Negotiations re-opened after the war and a The PCC technology presented by the Praha during 1955-56. The first, 6001, featured licence agreement was concluded in 1948 for Tatra and ČKD works was considered the longitudinal seating, whereas 6002 was built production of standard-gauge bogies by Tatra. most suitable and declared to be the only with 2+1 transverse seating, later reversed. ČKD would provide electrical equipment, basis for future production of 1435mm- and Since 1952, the T II had been envisaged as drawing on its existing association with 1000mm-gauged vehicles for Czechoslovak the future national standard tramcar and much Westinghouse Electric. This all-new tramcar operators. All competing projects or visions research and design work was invested in the would be built at the ČKD Stalingrad works, were cancelled. A modified technical panel licence-free bogie intended for both gauges, but later (1960) renamed ČKD Trakce. (This plant formulated the specifications for this finally adopted only for 1000mm-gauge bogies. was not based in the Soviet Union, but one new standard PCC car, called “Jednotný The two prototype T II cars had standard of several important manufacturing bases in čtyřnápravový motorový tramvajový vůz T II” TRC-style bogies with some adaptations; three Czechoslovakia renamed in 1950 in honour of (standardised four-axle motor tram vehicle major variations of licence-free bogies were strategic military wartime victories). T II). The new project introduced all-new tested under Praha T I cars.

404 / OCTOBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. The two T II prototypes, 6001+6002, operating under multiple-unit control near Postovka station during their test journey to obtain approval for commissioning in April 1955. Robert Mara collection

2. Return of the natives. On 19 February 2020 the two Tatra T II cars, now fully restored for inclusion in the Praha operational fleet as 6003 and 6004, pause outside what remains of their birthplace – the preserved façade of the former Tatra factory near Anděl in Praha’s Smíchov district – on their way to a formal press unveiling ceremony. Robert Mara

3. An early view of Praha 5023, one of the pre-production series of Tatra T I cars – the lineal predecessor of the T II – taken at Lihovar loop shortly after entering service in 1952. Robert Mara collection

4. A rare glimpse inside the 2 Tatra works at Praha – Smíchov in 1958, showing a set of TRC-licensed PCC bogies under construction for fitment under a T II. Factory photograph, Robert Mara collection

5. A mid-life image of Praha 5033, one of the production series of T I cars built in 1954. By now fitted with a pantograph, it was seen passing the factory in which it was built at Smichov on 5 September 1972 while working on line 32 to Kotlářska, a short-working on the main 3 4 line to Motol. It remained in service until 1983. Mike Russell

6. The atypical interior layout of T II prototype 6001, with its full longitudinal seating, seen in 1955. Factory photograph, Robert Mara collection

7. The first T II prototype, 6001, pictured during trial runs in Hostivař in 1956. Factory photograph, Robert Mara collection

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NEXT MONTH: Production and distribution of the first cars begins, both within Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union, and the story of the fascinating stop-gap construction of a small batch of cars as the new T II 7 narrow-gauge bogies were not ready.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2020 / 405 NEWS FROM THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ASSOCIATION

Obituary: John Tyne and Wear Metro Cadisch (1930 – 2020)

John Alan Cadisch was the third of four children born to Leon and celebrates 40 years Marie Cadisch. He enjoyed close relationships with his brothers Dick ramForward/LRTA congratulates Nexus schemes such as , and Tim, and sister Pam throughout and the North East Combined Authority and Croydon Tramlink. their lives. T on 40 years of successful operation Nexus set the standard in terms of accessibility, John’s life was a full and happy and expansion of the Tyne and Wear Metro. multi-modal integration, and the sharing of one, and he died just five days before Opening in August 1980 it was the first of tracks between light and heavy rail services. his 90th birthday. He was a man Britain’s new generation of light rail systems, It has laid the foundations for what is now a renowned for his wide-ranging and at GBP280m the UK’s largest transport popular and established mode of transport.” interests and enthusiasms, his sense infrastructure project of the 20th Century. Former LRTA President Tony Ridley was of humour, and his gift for nurturing On completion it was described by Director General of the PTE in the 1970s, and friendships and family relationships. then-Tyne and Wear PTE boss Desmond one of the driving forces behind the system’s John spent his early life in north Fletcher as a ‘Rolls Royce system for the price planning and inception. Indeed, the LRTA’s London and worked throughout his of a Mini’. How right he was. Diamond Jubilee in October 1997 was marked career for the family firm R. Cadisch With an operation that encompasses such by the unveiling of a plaque onboard one of and Sons, founded by his grandfather. a wide section of the North East, including the Metrocar fleet. It’s a record of the small He married Rita Whiteley in April multiple local authorities and covering part that the LRTA played in establishing a 1977 and they enjoyed nearly 40 56km/35 miles (in 1984), it was a remarkable new generation of light rail. years together until Rita’s death in achievement – not least because it was built at Over the last ten years Nexus has invested 2015. Following their marriage, John a time of austerity. The Labour Government around GBP350m (approximately EUR395m) and Rita moved to St Albans, where of the time had to borrow money from the in the upgrade and renewal of the system’s he became active in the Prae Close IMF and make massive public expenditure infrastructure, which pre-COVID carried 36 estate management company. cuts. Nevertheless, the North East authorities million passengers a year. A state-of-the art John was a prolific correspondent secured a 75% grant from the Government new fleet has been ordered, which should with a unique and humorous style. for its new metro scheme, joining London, come into service in the next few years. His life-long interest was transport, Moscow, New York and (amongst Paul Rowen commented: “I hope one of the especially trams, canals and trains, others) with a genuine metro rail service. iconic Metrocar fleet can be preserved, perhaps and he was an active member of many LRTA Chair Paul Rowen said, “There is no at the nearby, to remind local and national societies; he was doubt that the success of the Metro helped future generations of how the North East once also a supporter of many charities. reinforce the argument for future light rail again led the way in innovative rail transport!” John was active in the LRTA for many years, serving as a Council TAUT is paying Member from 2004-10, but his a special two-part greatest contribution was in the field tribute to the past, of publications where he assisted present and future of in the preparation of new titles the Tyne and Wear and in their sale and distribution. Metro, beginning on Publications committee meetings page 379 of this issue. were held at his home in St Albans, with Rita ensuring those attending always had a plentiful supply of pizza The Tyne and Wear and cups of tea for refreshment! Metro has repurposed John will be fondly remembered by and amalgamated all who knew him as a real gentleman former commuter and much-travelled expert on railways in the North East to form a cohesive tramways who will be greatly missed. urban transit network AJB that is the envy of cities across the UK. Nexus Future online members’ meetings

Following the launch of the first of our online 28 October members’ meetings last month, details Tim Kendell – LRTA Technical Director have been released of the next series of Tram-Train presentations from the LRTA’s experts: All meetings begin at 16.00 (UK time) on 7 October Zoom. To join, members need to complete the Vic Simons – LRTA Treasurer online form, following which an invitation Tramways of the US and Canada – Part 1 will be sent. Members can join from 15.30. Bookshop

Order online from www.lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 38 Wolseley Road, SALE, M33 7AU (Please provide telephone contact details and quote LRTA membership number if appropriate)

Tramways & Stadtbahnen in Hannover 1950-2020 TR Celebrating 70 years Tramway Review: A 70th Anniversary Retrospective Describes the pioneering nature of the extensive network in and around the city from Anthology of tramway studies drawn from the 19th Century, through the conversion of the LRTA’s historical journal and contributed most routes to the light rail lines of today. by several authors. > A4 softback; 232 pages, 110 colour and 224 black & white pictures; 34 maps. > A5 softback; 144 pages, fully-illustrated in £35.50 (UK addresses); £42.50 (outside colour and black & white. UK); £47.50 (Airmail beyond Europe £16.00 (UK addresses); £18.80 (outside except USA); £53.00 (Airmail USA), UK); £21.50 (Airmail beyond Europe); LRTA Members: £3.25 discount LRTA Members: £1.40 discount

Scottish Transport No. 72 – 2020 Edition Biel/Bienne – Transports publics II Annual magazine of the STTS History of this Swiss city’s public transport system, covering bus Glasgow’s lightweight cars, the Ballater and trolleybus. French text. Battery Railcar, Edinburgh’s ‘Wood Standard’ > A5 hardback; 460 pages, 350+ colour and 130+ trams, and 100 years of Aberdeen buses. black & white pictures, numerous maps. £56.50 (UK addresses); £62.50 (outside UK); > A5 softback; 58 pages, illustrated in colour £67.50 (Airmail beyond Europe except USA); and black & white. £74.50 (Airmail USA); LRTA Members: £8.90 (UK addresses); £11.70 (outside UK); £4.50 discount £12.90 (Airmail beyond Europe); Other titles in this series on Biel/Bienne public LRTA Members: £0.75 discount transport are available from www.lrta.info/shop

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Straßen- und Stadtbahnen in Deutschland Napoli – le filovie urbane e vesuviane Band 20: Sachsen-Anhalt Tells the 80-year story of trolleybuses in Detailed history of tramways in the former East Naples and the lines extending towards German cities of Dessau, Halberstadt, Halle, Mount Vesuvius, with detailed fleet lists. Magdeburg and Naumburg, in addition to small Italian text. systems that have closed. German text. > B5 softback; 132 pages; fully-illustrated in > B5 hardback; 328 pages, 23 colour and colour and black & white. 349 black & white pictures, several maps. £20.00 – EUR45.00 – www.ekshop.de www.nationaltrolleybusassociation.org

Historie Městské Hromadné Dopravy v Hradci Les Tramways Belges en Egypte 1894-1960 Králové 1928-2020 History of Belgian-built tramways of Cairo, Extended second edition of the history of Heliopolis, Alexandria, Port Saïd, and light public transport in this Czech city, first railways in the Lower Egypt and Fayoum published in 2013. Czech text. areas. French text.

> A4 hardback; 298 pages; 441 black & white and 219 colour pictures, 12 maps. > A4 hardback; 172 pages, 296 colour and black £25.00 – & white pictures, 16 maps. www.nationaltrolleybusassociation.org EUR48.00 – www.tramania.com Discover the latest innovative WOLVERHAMPTON financing and urban planning models. Learn from case studies on successful projects from the around the world.

24-25 NOVEMBER 2020 Understand the importance of integrated transport and land usage policies.

Now in its 15th year, this invaluable two-day congress and exhibition is Explore the latest innovations in our exhibition area of key suppliers. well-known as THE place to do business and build long-lasting relationships in our fast-moving and vibrant sector. Forge relationships with industry With over 50 speakers from across the UK and around the world, a partners and innovators. busy exhibition area with leading suppliers such as Siemens Mobility, Workshop with peers on the creation of Mott MacDonald, Hanning & Kahl, Lucchini Unipart Rail, Schweizer safe, secure passenger environments. Electronic, Pre-Metro Operations and Smart-Train – and eight hours of dedicated networking time, there is no better place to gain an insight See first-hand how the West Midlands into the workings of the sector and help to shape its future. is trebling the size of its light rail network in the coming decade.

To join us, visit www.mainspring.co.uk Our venue for 2020, Wolverhampton’s historic Grand Station, has been certified as ‘Good to Go’ or call +44 (0)1733 367600 by Visit Britain, a new industry standard for UK venues that have demonstrated the adoption of COVID-specific risk assessments and procedures.