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THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER 2020 No. 993 a lighter future? VLR to trial in 2021

Coventry’s vision for affordable, accessible LRT Regulators agree Bombardier takeover Dismay as Sutton extension is ‘paused’ approves 15-year transport plan

Vienna £4.60 A Euro a day to battle Reversing decline one climate change used at a time... 2020

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www.lightrailawards.com CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail 351 Transit Association SEPTEMBER 2020 Vol. 83 No. 993 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL Editor – Simon Johnston 345 [email protected] Associate Editor – Tony Streeter [email protected] Worldwide Editor – Michael Taplin [email protected] News Editor – John Symons [email protected] Senior Contributor – Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Andrew Moglestue, Paul Nicholson, Herbert Pence, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Alain Senut, Vic Simons, Witold Urbanowicz, Bill Vigrass, Francis Wagner, 364 Thomas Wagner, Philip Webb, Rick Wilson Production – Lanna Blyth News 332 systems factfile: 351 Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 EC approves -Bombardier takeover; How the metre-gauge tramway in a [email protected] Sutton extension paused as TfL crisis bites; southern German city expanded from a DESIGN – Debbie Nolan Further UK emergency funding confirmed; small survivor through popular support. Advertising Berlin announces EUR19bn award for BVG. COMMERCIAL Manager – Geoff Butler WORLDWIDE REVIEW 356 Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 fights climate change 337 Athens opens line 3 extension; Cyclone [email protected] ’s Karin Schwarz on how devastates Kolkata ; tramways Publisher – Matt Johnston ’s capital is bouncing back from extended in Gdańsk and ; UK Tramways & Urban Transit lockdown and ‘building back better’. Parliament petitioned on climate law; Work 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, begins on Los Angeles’ Gold line extension. Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK ’s mobility vision 340 Tramways & Urban Transit is published by Mainspring Nicola Small and Dr Nick Mallinson share MAILBOX 362 on behalf of the LRTA on the third Friday of each the vision of a UK city that hopes to radically More background on ; memories month preceding the cover date. change the way it moves. of Curt Elmberg; and... without passengers, how long can we last? Renewal in russia 345 PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION Luc Koenet explores the growing role of CLASSICS : dunedin 364 Warners (Midlands), Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK Russia’s private sector – and how Moscow’s How a New Zealand city plans to bring back gifts are keeping other city tramways alive. its cable-worked cars. Mac Gardner explains. LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up members of the Light Rail Transit Association. Without heritage and wise experience we are all poorer LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY Brian Lomas Rather than talking about the politics, finances or other high-level effects of [email protected] [email protected] the coronavirus crisis, let’s kick off this month by considering a less obvious consequence of the pandemic that has the very real prospect of hitting us all Subscriptions, MEMBERSHIP and back issues hard without us even realising – our heritage and skills. LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 I know many astonishing older people who still dedicate themselves to our [email protected] Website: www.lrta.info industry, not because they are paid the same as when they worked full-time – but because they are passionate and have ‘been there, done that’. Often, there won’t be an obvious for CORPORATE Subscriptions VISIT www.mainspring.co.uk solution when fixing a system that was installed 100, 50 or even 25 years ago: knowing how best to respond requires instinct and experience. So without Fred, Claire, Dieter or Juan LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE around, just how much institutional knowledge are we at risk of losing? Documents can be 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 4TU, UK. produced, manuals written (although sometimes they aren’t or haven’t been, and can never Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 in and Wales. cover every possibility – just remember where we are now). So how is this crucial information being captured and fed through the system? After all, experience lives in people’s heads. LRTA Chairman – Paul Rowen [email protected] Such wise heads have contributed much to the continued operation of transport systems during these past few months. These are people who have lived through crises © LRTA 2020 before and can offer valuable guidance on how to ‘keep calm and carry on’. They share Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution their time and learning, offer practical engineering or operational solutions, or even is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the just act as a sounding board. Such resource is invaluable – but with shielding and other opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of restrictions many have recently been removed from circulation. Safety and well-being the LRTA or Mainspring. All rights reserved. must come first of course, but there is no substitute for in-person interactions. And while No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in there are some very, very good people ‘coming up’ through our industry, there really is no any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including replacement for real-world education. photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from This vital knowledge – and often volunteer labour! – is similarly key to keeping our own the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the transport heritage alive. I fear for the continued existence of such important institutions magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. if the doors remain closed, visitors aren’t attending, and willing and capable indiviudals are not allowed to indulge their passions. As we have said before, please consider COVER: Coventry's innovative Very Light Rail vehicle supporting your nearest museum or working heritage tramline: without celebrating and technology is expected to hit the tracks for trials maintaining our heritage we are all so much poorer. Simon Johnston, Editor during 2021. Courtesy of WMG

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 331 News EC approves Alstom-Bombardier deal Concessions on high-speed , signalling and production facilities ease the of takeover

n 31 July the European February. Under the deal, CDPQ Commission gave (Caisse de dépôt et placement du conditional approval Québec), which currently holds to Alstom’s proposed a 32.5% stake in BT, will become acquisitionO of Bombardier Alstom’s largest shareholder with Transportation (BT), a decision around 18% of capital. CDPQ will welcomed by both companies. reinvest EUR2bn in Alstom as Two weeks previously, Alstom well as investing an additional announced its response to the EUR700m. Bouygues will remain EC’s questions about the planned a 10% shareholder in Alstom. EUR6.2bn takeover, offering The takeover will reshape commitments designed to the worldwide rail market, with overcome concerns over reduced some commentators suggesting competition, in particular that the need for approval was around railway rolling stock driven by a need to secure long- and signalling. These were: the term employment given the transfer of the Bombardier V300 economic instability caused by Zefiro high-speed (built in the coronavirus pandemic. ) to a third party (Hitachi) Maria Leenen, Managing Amongst Alstom’s trams are the short Citadis for the French city of Avignon, seen as well an IP licence for Hitachi Director of industry analyst running on this traditional street tramway in Avenue St Ruf. P. Haseldine to use the Zefiro in future UK SCI -Verkehr, said: “The approval tenders; the sale of Alstom’s sale of the Reichshoffen factory, main line trains and main line is surprising given the strong Coradia Polyvalent EMU and its which employs around 800. signalling, the Commission has market presence of the new French factory at Reichshoffen; The EC has accepted these been able to speedily review and company in important vehicle divestment of the Bombardier conditions as part of its approval. approve this transaction.” segments and countries, and Talent 3 EMU and dedicated “Alstom and Bombardier are Completion of the acquisition the critical stance that the EU production facilities at Berlin leading providers of state-of- is expected in the first half of Competition Commission had Hennigsdorf; access for third the-art trains used every day by 2021, giving Alstom access to the taken during the attempted parties to interfaces for some of millions of passengers across the largest train fleet in the world, Alstom- deal. BT’s onboard signalling units European Union,” said Margrethe although Chinese conglomerate “To what extent the European and train control systems. Vestager, Vice-President of the CRRC is still the largest vehicle railways will be pleased with These concessions were only EU Competition Commission. manufacturer. It is understood the new champion, who today briefed to staff and unions on “Thanks to the comprehensive that concerns were not raised in supplies 70% of the multiple the same day, and did not win remedies offered to solve the respect of the urban rail market. units in and almost universal approval, with French competition concerns in the Alstom announced its plan 100% of the market in , unions concerned about the areas of very high-speed, to acquire 100% of BT shares in remains to be seen.”

Schwebebahn closure București confirms tram orders Societatea de Transport an initial award to Turkish results in new lawsuit București (STB) has awarded manufacturer Durmazlar by Electroputere VFU the contract the National Council for the Weekday service on Wuppertal’s It is now preparing a lawsuit to supply 40 18m low-floor Settlement of Appeals (CNSC). Schwebebahn was suspended against manufacturer Vossloh- trams for the Romanian A re-examination of from 12 August to permit urgent Kiepe, seeking damages related capital, with an option for Durmazlar’s submission repairs, due to excessive wear to loss of income, increased a further 60 cars. The Craiova- revealed that its Panorama from the wheels on the 31 new expenditure for repairs, expert based company beat a rival did not meet the technical GTW15 trains delivered over the reports and consequential costs bid lodged by a joint venture specification. The city will now last five years. As well as damage due to damage to the structure. of Astra Vagoane Calatori and receive 100 Astra Imperio to the wheels, rail breaks and “The lawsuit is our last resort, CRRC Qingdao Sifang. low-floor trams; the company damage have been found on the but after four years of suffering This is separate to the is again working in partnership 119-year-old suspended railway’s for us and our passengers, we RON845.7m (EUR177m) with CRRC Qingdao Sifang. support structures. see no other option,” said WSW deal for a new fleet of 36m Service is to continue at Supervisory Board Chairman articulated low-floor trams, For a detailed review of the weekends, with test runs Dietmar Bell. also confirmed in July city’s tramway and metro scheduled on weekdays to following the overturning of networks, see TAUT 987. evaluate different wheel profiles. The problem is unlikely to be fully resolved until summer Ekova Electric joins the Škoda family 2021; replacement services will help to fill in the gaps. Ostrava undertaking Dopravní for trams, and Operator WSW Mobil says podnik Ostrava has sold tram and , including new vehicles, it has identified around 200 bus maintenance division Ekova investing CZK300m (EUR11.5m) issues with the new vehicles, Electric to Škoda Transportation in expansion and modernisation including problems with door for CZK416.3m (EUR15.8m). of the facilities, including mechanisms, air-conditioning Deliveries of Wuppertal’s new GTW15 Škoda will develop Ostrava additional stabling tracks and and software malfunctions. cars began in late 2015. N. Pulling as a centre for competence adding a further 100 employees.

332 / september 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Sutton tram extension plan paused

TfL funding crisis bites with DLR expansion and D O HIGH ST H O A W Y ’S Croydon tram replacement also on hold D R E O I

N L ALEXANDRA RD L S O R C O

Wimbledon T A T S

ork on the Sutton are underway – the first of which H D E BR WAY H OAD IG extension of is being undertaken by the H Dundonald Road Croydon’s tramway (DfT) Colliers (UK) has been with consultant KPMG, and the MERTON HIGH ST Wood WORPLE ROAD putW on hold, with uncertainty second by the city’s Mayor. morden Merton Park also raised over potential fleet At the time the coronavirus WE ST CHURCH ROAD E R replacement, as Transport for emergency package was unveiled N R O (TfL) reviews its current in May, Mayor Sadiq Khan A KINGSTON ROAD Morden Road D

road projects to ensure it returns said the following months D BUSHEY ROA Phipps to a stable long-term financial would have to see negotiation Bridge M

GRAND DRIVE A R Morden footing. of “a new funding model with TI N W Other future projects for the government” involving either AY UK capital under threat include central government funding, Belgrave Walk the extension of the Docklands local taxes, or both (TAUT 991). D A O Light Railway to Thamesmead In a sign of the scale of R N O D Mitcham and of the Bakerloo Underground TfL’s challenges, non-urgent D A N RO LO L line. Together with 2 infrastructure work has been RA to NT and deferred, and the Central and CE Croydon

Rail, these are among schemes Bakerloo line fleet renewal D G A R O E R EN identified by the authority as programmes as well as Piccadilly T D UD LA R OR N O DR SF currently lacking funding in its line resignalling scheme slowed. IV E P O E H ST.HELIER AVENUE S draft revised budget, presented However, completing Crossrail EPSOM ROAD BI S on 29 July. The report stated: remains a priority, and work is UT TO N “We need to be realistic in continuing on the Northern CO M WRYTHE LANE M discussions with Government line Tube extension to Battersea, O N about what will be affordable design work for new Piccadilly R O A REIGATE AV D over the next decade and we line and DLR rolling stock, and ROAD cannot currently afford to the Bank station upgrade. progress them all.” The DfT review is expected london

D ROSE HILL However, in an indication to offer options on how to A O R S that the Sutton tram extension strengthen TfL’s finances over D L IE F may never now be delivered, TfL the remainder of 2020-21 and D L O explained development work had 2021-22. However, it will also WEST ST HIGH ST been paused as the “transport consider more radical options Sutton extension case is poor and there remains a intended to achieve a sustainable significant funding gap”. position by the end of the current Existing tramline AD In the short-term, TfL was business plan period in 2024-25: Existing rail line SHALTON RO CAR granted GBP1.6bn (EUR1.77bn) Options for maximising in government grants and loans revenue and non-fare based CHEAM RD Sutton in May to keep services running income; revenue yield PARK HILL until October. However, the choices; and changes to road authority estimates it will need up user charging schemes as from the DLR to Tube lines Reviewing the balance sheet to GBP3.5bn (EUR3.87bn)to cover foreshadowed in the Mayor’s that are already automatic and financing structure of TfL its needs for a full financial year. transport strategy Reviewing the prioritisation TfL’s draft revised budget is With estimated debts of GBP12bn Further operational of capital spending available at http://content.tfl. (EUR13.3bn), parallel reviews efficiencies, including Reviewing the current gov.uk/board-20200729-item09- into TfL’s future sustainability extending driverless operation operating model finance-report-revised-budget.pdf

Broadway Subway NEWS IN PICTURES Dubai inaugurates consortium confirmed Expo 2020 link The 15km (9.3-mile) Red line Vancouver’s 5.7km (3.5-mile) delivered through a Design- metro branch to the Expo 2020 Millennium line metro extension Build-Finance model, with the site via the airport was formally from VCC-Clark to Broadway Transportation Investment Corp. inaugurated by His Highness RTA and Arbutus will be built mostly leading delivery on behalf of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid underground on Broadway by Ministry of Transportation and Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE an Acciona-led consortium Infrastructure. Construction is and Ruler of Dubai, on 8 July. The AED11bn (EUR2.5bn) expansion is due to for CAD2.83bn (EUR1.79bn), to begin later this year. open for revenue service in September. The project, a continuation from the it was announced 17 July. Once open in 2025, the existing Jebel Ali station, includes 11.8km (7.3 miles) of elevated tracks and a Financed by the Government commute from VCC-Clark 3.2km (two-mile) underground section, with six intermediate stations. of British Columbia, with Station to Arbutus Station will Alstom has supplied 50 five-carMetropolis trains to supplement the contributions from both the city take 11 minutes, it is claimed, existing fleet of 79 Kinki Sharyo trains. With the opening of Route 2020, the and Canadian governments, the also relieving traffic congestion total length of the will increase to 90km (56 miles). Broadway Subway project is being along Broadway.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2020 / 333 News More emergency funds for UK LRT Announcements in England and to support systems badly hit by pandemic-related losses

further GBP37.4m agency explaining: “The latest the period from July to the end Parliament’s House of Commons. (EUR41.5m) in round of funding – key to safely of September. The deadline for submissions is emergency funding getting young people back in SPT has however said the grant 24 September and the committee for light rail systems education settings and workers is unlikely to be enough to avert is particularly interested in Ain England was confirmed on back to their offices – means total significant cuts considering the potential effects 8 August, supporting services support during the pandemic for and there is concern that no of the pandemic for: for another 12 weeks. The bus and tram services will reach allowance has been made for the  The use of public transport Department for Transport at least GBP700m [EUR777m].” period from March to June when and the way that people (DfT) announcement is part The total allocations for each traffic levels were as much as 97% choose to travel, both locally of a package that includes up system, including the new lower than pre-lockdown levels. and for longer journeys to GBP218.4m (EUR242.5m) grants, are as follows, and will be SPT had previously highlighted  Central and local for bus operators over the next paid directly to operators: Greater a potential deficit of between governmental priorities and eight weeks as public transport : GBP44m GBP5.6-9m (EUR6.2-10m) to funding for transport services are ramped up in (EUR48.9m); Transport Scotland in the first  Devolution of transport the expectation of increased Metro GBP24.7m (EUR27.4m); 12 weeks of lockdown. There is policy-making responsibilities ridership in September. Nottingham Express Transit currently no known structure in and powers Passenger numbers across all GBP12.1m (EUR13.4m); Sheffield place post-September.  Resilience of the transport modes have fallen dramatically Supertram GBP6.8m (EUR7.6m), Also subject to a separate system for future crises due to the coronavirus pandemic Metro GBP5.7m funding deal is Transport for  Decarbonisation and the that began in March, with most (EUR6.3m). London (TfL). A GBP1.6bn capability to meet net zero services still at less than 20% of Following much criticism (EUR1.77bn) emergency grant emissions targets by 2050 normal levels. of the lack of an equivalent and loan package was agreed  Innovation and COVID-19 funds are paid from scheme in Scotland (TAUT 992), with the DfT in May to keep the technological reform. central government sources, the devolved administration UK capital’s services operating in arrears and on a four-weekly there has announced support until October. From 22 June, the Scottish basis. The previous tranche was of up to GBP9m (EUR10m) The longer-term implications Government made it mandatory due to expire on 28 August. for Strathclyde Partnership of the pandemic on public to wear a face covering on public The financing packages from for Transport (which runs the transport services are to be transport; the measure is now in the DfT only cover systems in Subway) and considered by the Transport place across all the UK’s light England, with the government Trams. That money is to cover Select Committee of the UK rail systems. Hannover 601 returns to its home metals

Fifty years ago, on 10 July 1970, reason was that the first subway the German city of Hannover put opened in 1975, and used a fleet two prototype six-axle articulated of cars that Stadtbahn cars on its tracks, car were high-floor with folding 600 from Linke-Hofmann-Busch steps. The decision to adopt 2.4m (LHB) and car 601 from Duewag. rather than 2.5m minimised As with the design in rebuilding to upgrade the surface Frankfurt-am-Main, the network to Stadtbahn standards. two Hannover cars were a So 601 was sent to Canada by consequence of the 1965 decision Duewag to act as a demonstrator to upgrade the conventional in the city of Vancouver, at the tramway with subways in the city time debating how to introduce centre that would feature high an LRT network in time for the On 3 July 2020 car 601 ran outside the depot on the Hannover system, in platforms for level boarding, Expo ’86 World Fair. In the end, readiness for its Golden Jubilee a few days later.A. Fischer but require folding steps to use a decision was made to go for an low-level surface stops. They were Intermediate Capacity Transit River from Strathcona to Jasper and an ex- W2, double-ended to permit turn-backs System (ICTS), the proprietary Plaza. Operation started with a and was receptive to an without loops, 19.5m-long and Urban Transit Development preserved Osaka tram in October enquiry expressing interest in 2.4m-wide, 150mm wider than Corporation’s automated Linear 1979, while sponsorship was repatriating the car to complete the existing tram fleet. Induction Motor mini-metro obtained from the historical collection of Car 600 was scrapped after that was christened Skytrain. to restore 601. Förderverein Strassenbahn being returned to LHB, but 601 has As a result 601 was stored in a In September 1998 car 601 ran Hannover (FSH). crossed the Atlantic twice; now, BC Hydro shed until 1988 when for the first time in 23 years, being ERRS sold it to FSH for CAD1, on its 50th anniversary it could be it was sold to the Edmonton tested on the Edmonton Transit and in October 2016 it was seen on Hannover tracks again. Radial Railway Society (ERRS), LRT line (ironically operated with shipped back to Germany and Car 601, which features the an organisation created to restore Frankfurt-style U2 cars) between posed in front of Hannover’s control system (600 and operate historic trams in Fort Clareview and University. Döhren workshop. Further had Geamatic), did not carry Edmonton Park. The society had a In 2005, it then carried restoration has taken place, with passengers in Hannover for project to operate a public service passengers over the High assistance from Üstra, including many years; it could be seen on across the former Canadian Level Bridge for the first modifying the original Simatic line 14 between Oberricklingen Pacific Railway High Level time. By this time ERRS had system to permit usage under the and Kirchrode until 1975. The Bridge over the Saskatchewan a restored Edmonton tram current Stadtbahn safety systems.

334 / september 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Berlin approves EUR19bn BVG award New 15-year direct contract award includes provisions for over EUR5bn in new investment

he Berlin Senate has average of EUR300m per year on approved a 15-year vehicles and infrastructure; this EUR19bn direct is set to rise to EUR800m/year contract award to with new trams and metro trains TBerliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) to both renew and expand its to provide public transit services respective fleets. for the German capital from In response to the coronavirus 1 September. pandemic, the contract The majority of the contract includes a financing guarantee (EUR12.7bn) is allocated to whereby the state will cover all operations and subsidised services pandemic-related losses until for students and passengers the first revision in 2024. In a with limited mobility. The tariff related move, responsibility compensation totals EUR3.1bn. for enforcing mandatory face Also included are EUR2bn for the covering rules is transferring construction of new tramlines, to BVG from the city’s police to provide for a 40% expansion department. of the network, EUR1.7bn for “This transport contract maintenance and renovation marks the beginning of a new projects, and EUR600m for era of investment,” said Berlin ongoing projects such as the Senator for the environment, BVG’s latest U-Bahn rolling stock is currently being delivered; new IK20 trains 2.2km (1.4-mile) U-Bahn from Stadler Pankow entered service on U5 in June. UndergroundBerlin transport and climate protection, extension from Regine Günther. “This is to Gate. charging infrastructure. The announcement is exactly the right way to make A further EUR2bn is to support Federal grants are expected to designed to help remedy years of public transport so attractive transport decarbonisation efforts, bolster these investments, but under-investment in the capital’s that Berliners and their guests including the introduction of exact contributions are still to transport network. Over the last will make the switch from 227 electric buses and associated be confirmed. decade, BVG has invested an private cars.”

NEWS IN PICTURES PK TS unveils new tram cab Praha’s new identity with extra safety features On 3 August, a new unified currently includes 27 operators, Russia’s PC Transport Systems identity for public transport 67 types of vehicle and at least (PK Transportnye Systemy) has in Praha () and the 12 different liveries. revealed details of a new tram driver’s cab format that includes advanced surrounding regions was The new red, white and light driver assistance systems, a single unveiled. The Czech capital grey livery will be applied to all emergency shutdown button, and region’s integrated transport new vehicles. To reduce costs it automatic braking functions that can network (known as PID) will only be applied to existing detect if the driver’s seat isn’t occupied. trams, metro cars, buses and “We plan to install the new cabin trains when they into trams that will be operated both are overhauled or require repair. in Russia and abroad. As the cabin Introduction of the branding will and tram body are manufactured begin this year and is expected to separately and integrated during the final assembly, no additional body take 15 years to complete. changes are needed. This modular Addressing concerns of a loss approach allows for the production of of the city’s transport heritage, various tram modifications, depending it has been confirmed that the on the order,” said Felix Vinokur, PC iconic red of the city’s Tatra Transport Systems President. The striking new three-colour design, T3 The first modular cabs are due to be modelled here by one of the city’s trams and their modernised completed later this year. Škoda 14T trams. Superlative.works sub-types will remain. PK TS

‘World first’ biomethane ULR car on test US associations publish A demonstration Ultra Light Movers Class 139 railcar with free new safety guides Rail Vehicle using a mixture of a new frame, driveline, A comprehensive list of suppliers of safety and protective biomethane and kinetic energy powertrain and fuelling system; equipment to help the US public storage was demonstrated at the other project partners include transport sector respond to and Motorail test facility in Alternatech, Biomethane recover from the coronavirus Long Marston (UK) on 22 July. Ltd, Severn Lamb, Pre Metro crisis has been published by the The ‘Bristol Biomethane’ Operations and the American Public Transportation project, claimed to be the first of College of Technology, as well as Association (APTA) and the its kind, has been made possible support from IDEA Institute at Community Transportation via a DfT/SBRI Innovate UK City University. Association of America (CTAA). It is free to view and will be research and development grant It is claimed that the new The UK designed and built ‘Bristol updated bi-weekly – www.apta.com to Ultra Light Rail Partners. railcar could be produced for Biomethane’ railcar was demonstrated and www.ctaa.org. It uses an adapted Parry People GBP2m (EUR2.2m) per vehicle. to the press and industry in July. P Abell

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2020 / 335 News

Details emerge of two new Chinese tramways Siemens rebadges North On 22 July construction began on a 27.3km (17-mile) tramway in the Chinese city of Turpan (population 700 000, Xinjiang American low-floor cars Uyghur autonomous region). The CNY1.87bn (EUR230m) project consists of two lines – a 23km Redesignation confirmed for all post-2014 S70 cars, now called the S700 (14.3-mile) city loop and a 4.3km (2.7-mile) branch to connect to the iemens Mobility USA city’s high-speed railway station. Completion is forecast for 2023. is currently the most Meanwhile, construction is to successful of Siemens’ begin shortly on the Jinan – Jiyang divisions when it comes tramway (Shandong province) toS winning orders for trams with the first 17km (11-mile) section and LRVs, offering both high- expected to be completed within floor and low-floor vehicles to 18 months. Starting at Jinan East cities across North America. Station in the south of the city, Our analysis of the worldwide the full 35.5km (22-mile) route will serve the Yang, Pioneer and tram and LRV market earlier in Licheng Districts with 16 stations. the year (TAUT 988) showed the Rolling stock will be provided Sacramento, CA, factories had by 35m LRVs with a maximum orders for 239 cars (plus options speed of 70km/h (44mph). for another 294). Edinburgh develops The company is building ‘alertness’ wristband high-floor cars for Calgary and (UK) is leading San Francisco under the S200 development of a wristband to designation, while customers monitor and analyse tram driver for its low-floor cars include fatigue and well-being, with trials Houston, Orange County, The first Siemens S700 for Seattle (WA) was delivered in July 2019. planned for later this year. Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento B. Englehardt / CC-BY-SA 4.0 Data would be analysed in real (20 since our April article was time, triggering alerts at the published) and Seattle. in 2014 or later for Portland (18 to-back. None of the vehicles are operational control centre if the Since 2007 the low-floor car TriMet Type 5), Houston (37 plus 100% low-floor; there is a step up biometrics indicate a risk such as microsleep or a health condition. for the North American market 14 on order), Minneapolis-St Paul to reach seating situated over the The aim is to identify a future has been the S70, originally for (63), Charlotte (36), Seattle end . loss of consciousness, rather than Atlanta (4), Norfolk (9) and Salt (152, still being delivered) and With around 600 cars delivered a reactive system which would Lake City (77), updated since 2018 San Diego (121), or on order for or on order, the S700 and its intervene to stop the tram. to the S700, with a redesigned Phoenix (11), Orange County predecessors are a familiar sight The technology is being central bogie adapted from the (8), Portland (26 TriMet Type 6) on North American systems. developed in conjunction with Portland SD660 design of the and Sacramento (20) are now UKTram and consultancy IHF Ltd. mid-1990s to permit longitudinal designated S700. Michael Peter has become The first stage of development seats in the centre section of the These vehicles range in length ’s sole CEO will be the creation of functionality to identify if a user is exhibiting three-section vehicle. from 24.69 to 29.26m (81-96ft) from 10 July. Sabrina Soussan, symptoms of COVID-19. It is Now Siemens has retroactively and most are double-ended, his former co-CEO, is to remain expected that initial trials will applied the S700 designation though Portland has single- in an advisory capacity until start in late summer. to all S70 cars built since 2014. ended cars with doors on both her contract ends at the end of Consequently all S70 cars built sides that operate coupled back- the year. in your next PLUS... + S ystems Factfile: Nottingham. Neil Pulling reports from England’s East Midlands. + M ike Russell begins a personal multi-part triubute to the venerable +  All the latest news, analysis, rolling stock HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOW TO MAXIMISE orders and system developments from METRO! RAIL LIFE around the world The holds a In the third part of our urban very special place in the hearts and rail masterclass, Daniel Pyke minds of the millions of people it contrasts grooved rail maintenance serves. TAUT pays a special tribute philosophies, examining some of OCTOBER 2020 issue on its 40th birthday – and looks the solutions that could reduce the forward to an exciting future. need for costly renewals. On sale 18 September

336 / september 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Vienna A EURO A DAY KEEPs the CLIMATE CRISIS AT BAY Wiener Linien’s Karin Schwarz describes how the Austrian capital is bouncing back after its pandemic lockdown.

ienna has been recently named the “World’s Greenest City”. In the latest index published by Resonance Consultancy on Earth Day 2020 (22 April), the VAustrian capital beat the German cities of (second) and Berlin (third). The criteria defining this ranking included analysis of the percentages of public green space, total energy needs served by renewable sources, population who use public transportation to go to work, the level of air pollution, per capita water consumption, walkability, availability of city-wide recycling and composting, as well as the number of farmer’s markets providing sustainable produce. With almost half of Vienna’s residents Wiener Linien CEO Günter Steinbauer (left) and CFO Alexandra Reinagl, seen in front of one of the city’s holding an annual travel pass, paying a Euro a latest Flexity Wien low-floor trams (this image was taken before the national requirement for social distancing day, the city is currently regarded by many as and face coverings was introduced). All images courtesy of Wiener Linien ‘the European benchmark for public transit’. Prior to COVID-19, 2.6m journeys were Environmental benefits are a further at the station in Ottakring. This is used made on the capital’s extensive public key driver as each person using public to operate escalators, elevators and lighting; transport network each day. Wiener Linien transportation helps to reduce the city’s CO2 in peak times, up to 50% of the energy (WL) has followed a multi-modal approach emissions every year. Wiener Linien prides required to operate the station now comes for residents and visitors alike, seeking itself on its reputation as ‘Greener Linien’, from solar energy. pragmatic ways to cover the ‘first and last continually looking at initiatives to further In a more visible demonstration of the mile’ issue within its WienMobil initiative. improve its environmental performance. city’s environmental credentials, green light WienMobil stations connect public transport Several recent initiatives are noteworthy. rail tracks are installed on many parts of hubs with environmentally-friendly onward One that has gathered a lot of interest is a the network to help redevelop biodiversity. travel modes like citybikes, car-sharing, and programme to reduce urban heat build-up The RemiHub project also enables the e-scooters. WienMobil is also the name of the through the implementation of ‘green-roofed’ delivering of packages by freight bicycles mobility app which combines this portfolio tramstops. This is ongoing, with the next directly from WL depots in the inner city. into a single app, offering a convenient way installation being setup in July in front of the By 2030 over two million people will live and to plan and pay for journeys – no matter Austrian Houses of Parliament. work in Vienna. In order to keep pace with this whether you want to buy a tram or metro At the U-Bahn station (served by growth, services have to be further expanded ticket, reserve a car, or order a taxi. lines and , also offering interchange and modernised. As part of this programme, Around 50% of residents have the annual with tramway, bus and regional rail services), U-Bahn line U2 will be extended from ticket that costs EUR365 and offers unlimited ‘green islands’ will be created as well as the by 6km (3.7 miles) to Wienerberg – with six new travel. This initiative was introduced in 2012 covering of the walls of the station itself with stations, making it the longest line in the city. and has further increased the use of public more than 4600 different plants. Elsewhere on The driverless U5 line, that incorporates part transport; in 2019, 852 000 such tickets were the metro, photovoltaic films have been of the existing U2 alongside 3km (1.9 miles) of sold (a record high), an increase of 30 000 installed recently to generate clean electricity new tracks, will also mark a first for the city. over the previous year. More people in Vienna therefore now have an annual public transport ticket than own a car. ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT TRAMWAYS The statistics are striking: 38% of all journeys in Vienna are now made using The most easterly of Austria’s Electrified in 1897 (at 600V produced for decades. Three public transport, corresponding to 29% by tramways, the capital’s network dc), the system’s longest line variants of the high-floorE class covers 220km (137 miles), making is around 14.5km (nine miles), (motor and trailer units) trams car, 26% on foot, with the rest (7%) by bicycle. it one of the most comprehensive the shortest 3.4km (2.1 miles). were delivered in the three It is hardly surprising then that the model in the world. It is joined by 83km Most routes run on surface decades to 1990, and low-floor has drawn a great deal of attention from other (51.5 miles) of U-Bahn lines and alignments, although in variants from Siemens (the cities keen on driving a similar modal shift. bus routes covering almost the south of the city are still used ULF, developed specifically 850km (530 miles). by city and trams. for Vienna) and more recently ‘Greener Linien’ Represented across the 23 Viennese transport is covered Bombardier (Flexity Wien – Alongside the obvious cost-effectiveness municipal districts, coverage is by the regional timetable 119 vehicles on order, with an of public transport, another key reason less extensive in the east, but west and fare co-ordination body, option for a further 37) should of the central area trams provide Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region. see the remaining high-floor for its popularity is convenience – around intricate street coverage of a Both tramway and metro cars withdrawn within the next 90% of the population have a tram, bus or type long-gone from most cities. rolling stock have been locally five years. underground stop within walking distance.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2020 / 337 Vienna

Recovering from COVID-19 With the nationally-imposed lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ‘flatten the curve’ starting in mid-March, WL’s ridership decreased by as much as 80%. Even with such a dramatic reduction in patronage, the priority remained for safe and efficient seamless journeys for essential workers. Vehicles are regularly and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, face masks are compulsory for travel, rear door boarding is required on buses and trams and doors open automatically. For all employees, WL has provided reusable fabric face masks and 3D-printed protective face shields (designed and produced in-house) to make work on construction sites and in workshops more bearable under these challenging conditions. Thousands of these protective items have been produced. As well as safeguarding employees, operational and security staff across the WL network inform passengers about the ABOVE: regulations to keep everyone safe. Installation of the This range of measures has proved very photovoltaic panels effective in eliminating transmission of the at Ottakring U-Bahn novel coronavirus. A study conducted by the station; the panels Austrian Agency of Food Safety indicates that can provide up to no registered infections can be traced back to 50% of the station’s public transport. Passengers have adapted to energy needs. the new measures well and the vast majority of riders voluntarily comply. LEFT: The ‘green walls’ at the “We managed to keep essential services Spittelau U-Bahn running, knowing that we had an obligation and multi-modal to the community. We were extremely interchange. quick to implement measures to keep both our employees and passengers safe. Urban mobility needs to be safeguarded and public transport plays an essential role here,” said WL CFO Alexandra Reinagl. In an effort to reduce some of its revenue losses and in a gesture of goodwill towards customers, WL has extended the validity of student passes for the spring-summer semester “Prior to the pandemic Although service frequencies cannot be throughout the summer holiday period until increased further without a long procurement 30 September. public transport was more process for new vehicle orders, overcrowding has so far not been an issue. “The pandemic Restoring confidence and modal share popular than ever... has hit us all hard, but we should never forget Austria was one of the first European Now cars are getting more that we have an even bigger crisis that we countries to relax confinement measures and need to tackle: the climate catastrophe. Public travel restrictions; since 18 May, operations popular again everything transport will play a key role in overcoming have returned to pre-COVID service levels this challenge,“ says CEO Günter Steinbauer. and passengers are gradually returning; more we have achieved to date Greenpeace Austria recently conducted a than 70% of passengers have now returned to survey to gauge opinions surrounding the network. is put at peril.” climate change: 90% stated that they felt climate change already affected their daily lives, while 84% believe that tax revenues should be used to boost the economy following the pandemic as well as to mitigate climate change. “Prior to the pandemic we had reached a peak and public transport was more popular than ever. Over 852 000 customers hold an annual ticket, and modal share amounts to 38%. Now cars are getting more popular again and everything we have achieved to date is put at peril,” explains Ms Reinagl. With this mind, the focus is now on getting passengers back to using public transport. “Every person in Vienna has a public transport stop within roughly 300m of their home. The main challenge now consists of ABOVE: Reducing the need for delivery lorries in ABOVE: The interior of one of the new X-type restoring trust in public transport, as well as the inner city, the RemiHub cargo bike scheme uses metro trains – produced by Siemens – for the future overcoming the challenge around the famous bus and tram depots as transhipment points. driverless U5 U-bahn line, due to open in 2024. ‘last mile’”, concludes Mr Steinbauer.

338 / september 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial TDI: Leading the future of Very Light Rail

ransport Design International Ltd. (TDI), founded in 1987, is a world-leading, innovative transport systems provider based in Stratford-upon-Avon (UK). The company specialises in the design, engineering and supply of low-cost, sustainable solutions for both road and rail. TWorking with strategic partners, TDI is developing a number of Very Light Rail (VLR) vehicles, leading the field in the design with composite bodyshells using recycled materials. As part of a consortium that includes WMG, Eversholt Rail, RDM, Cummins and Transcal – TDI has developed the 18m diesel- electric hybrid Revolution, designed for use on branch lines and other segregated railways. The company has also fully designed the more urban-orientated ‘shuttle’ for the Coventry VLR scheme (see page 340 more detail on this project). This vehicle, due for delivery in 2021, is 100% battery-powered and will be capable of 70 passengers, 20 seated. A computer-generated image of the award-winning Revolution VLR concept. TDI Alongside its VLR commitments, TDI is also commissioned to In 2016, TDI won the Global Light Rail Award for ‘Outstanding undertake feasibility studies, concept styling and interior design Engineering Achievement’ for its own ULR Express diesel-electric projects, and production engineering assignments, for high-speed, railcar, enjoying further success at last year’s ceremony winning metro and light rail vehicles, , automated peoplemovers, the ‘Technical Innovation of the Year for Rolling Stock’ category in buses and commercial vehicles. collaboration with partners FAR Composites, Composite Braiding The company is able to visualise potential solutions via a multitude Limited (CBL) and WMG. of different and platforms: this expertise includes all aspects of development, starting with the definition of vehicle performance, styling and ergonomics, right through to detailed body structures, FIND OUT MORE driver’s cabs, saloon interiors and powertrain development. Its design James Taylor, Commercial services include 3D modelling, human factors, interior design, liveries and branding, mock-ups and prototypes and vehicle styling. Director – [email protected]

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www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 339 A virtual representation of the future , complete with VLR connection. Coventry CC

VLR: coventry’s vision for Future mobility Nicola Small of Coventry City Council and Dr Nick Mallinson of WMG update TAUT on the latest progress with the UK city’s radical new lightweight urban rail concept.

magine a city where residents, was named as the UK’s first ‘Future Transport The importance of collaboration workers and tourists alike have a Zone’ in October 2018. This title came with Analysis of existing policy, plans, and number of attractive, emissions-free GBP20m (EUR22m) in funding for the West strategies has demonstrated that the and sustainable transport options, Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and introduction of VLR in Coventry all connected within a network its transport arm Transport for West Midlands (population 365 000) will help to deliver thatI allows for seamless door-to-door (TfWM) to develop innovative new solutions several critical policy objectives. journeys. E-bikes and scooters, electric taxis, to make journeys quicker, cheaper and more A number of challenges have been autonomous pods and urban rail solutions environmentally-friendly. identified that are holding back the city’s all offer improved alternatives to private car The VLR R&D programme is being funded potential. Like most cities in the UK, we have usage, encouraging modal shift and new jointly by the WMCA and the Coventry and a heavy reliance on the private car; prior travel behaviours. Local Enterprise Partnership to this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, around This vision is being embraced by the 2021 (CWLEP) with GBP14.6m (EUR16.2m) two-thirds of work-related journeys in the UK City of Culture, Coventry, seeking to city were by car, leading to high levels of build upon its proud heritage of innovative both road congestion and tailpipe emissions. transport solutions by creating a new model “The initial proposed These problems have contributed to poor air of mobility. At its heart, Coventry City quality in the city and restricted economic Council (CCC) is developing a new, affordable, route serves a key development and growth. environmentally-friendly concept in urban Ambitious targets in terms of housing mass transit – Very Light Rail (VLR). Using corridor, making VLR and employment growth are already in proven concepts derived from world-beating an attractive, affordable place to help the city grow, but without local automotive expertise, allied to co-development within an integrated cutting-edge materials and construction and accessible option.” transport framework these would add further methodologies, the city’s VLR pilot seeks to pressure onto the already congested road establish the wider West Midlands within network if they were developed in isolation. which it sits as a centre of excellence for Very derived from Growth Deal and Devolution Establishing a working partnership with the Light Rail design and manufacture. Deal sources. On 4 August a further GBP1.8m neighbouring Dudley It is envisaged that this ‘new industry’ will (EUR2m) in grant funding was confirmed Council (DMBC), CCC is collaborating with utilise a regional supply chain to create jobs from the UK Government’s Get Building WMG (based at the University of Warwick) and prosperity, while at the same time having Fund. This is part of a wider GBP66m and TfWM to establish the West Midlands as a the potential to revolutionise urban mass (EUR73.2m) package that is to be shared world-class investment location. To fulfil their transit for smaller cities and towns who may amongst projects across the West Midlands. ambitions, the region requires world-class currently struggle to make the business case As well as new modal concepts such as VLR, transportation to maximise its potential, and stack up for a traditional LRT system with TfWM is working closely with technology this is a key driver behind the establishment its average costs of upwards of GBP25m/km providers to trial new ideas such as Mobility of a VLR ‘backbone’ that will dramatically (EUR27.5m/km). as a Service, car sharing programmes, e-bike improve urban connectivity, and drive up skill Although the genesis of VLR dates back and scooter initiatives, as well as using levels through a focus on the development to early 2000, it now sits within a wider advanced data analytics to reduce congestion of the associated technologies for future regional framework as the West Midlands on the region’s roads. commercialisation.

340 / SEPTEMBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Coventry VLR

Some of the city’s challenges – and how Zero-emission battery High-power charging at the Urban VLR will help – include: electric vehicle with end of the line, no overhead 20km range equipment

Challenge 1: Constraining infrastructure in Capacity for the city centre, leading to congestion and 56 people, 20 under-capacity on the road network. seated Urban VLR solution: Frequent headways, especially during peak times when commuter demand is greatest, and a high quality and Lightweight highly reliable service, will lead to high construction passenger confidence and remove the need – and desire – for independent journeys.

All axles driven for Challenge 2: Above average unemployment maximum traction and areas of high deprivation and inequality (Coventry’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in Low-floor for easy entry 2019, compared to a UK average of 3.8%). Urban VLR solution: New development Regenerative braking projects and employment sites will emerge Low lifetime-cost track along the corridor – the Designed for tight designed for easy (15m) curves ‘regeneration effect’ – due to the improved construction and long life connectivity. This is reflected in the Coventry City Council Local Plan (2017) which ABOVE and LEFT: makes provisions for a minimum of 24 600 The future VLR Shuttle vehicle additional dwellings between 2011 and 2031. is being designed, engineered Such developments will help to make and manufactured within Coventry a more attractive place to live and do the UK’s West Midlands. business. Proposed growth and employment Courtesy of TDI sites expected to be established by 2031 will benefit directly from VLR connectivity.

Challenge 3: Poor connectivity between key locations and varying levels of access to a car. Urban VLR solution: The initial proposed route serves a key city corridor, making VLR an attractive, affordable and fully-accessible option for those with no private means of Urban VLR has been identified as a and towns will have a new, attractive and travel around the city. significant intervention to combat these affordable option for rail-based transit as part Secondly, for those who currently use the issues, at the same time helping to of their integrated public transport offer. highway network to travel within the city, ‘future-proof’ the city’s mobility network. VLR will be an option as part of a full or Environmentally, VLR will improve air R&D already well underway… multi-modal journey. It is also likely that quality within the Coventry Air Quality Thanks to the GBP14.6m from CWLEP and commuters into Coventry by car (31 483) 1 Management Area and assist CCC in WMCA, the R&D phase is well underway. who are also able to use the achieving its challenging Climate Change and Engineers from WMG have worked with network will choose to travel to the city by rail Air Quality targets, due to the expected modal their subcontractor, Transport Design and finish their journey via VLR due to its fast shift from cars which will reduce carbon and International, on the design of a battery- and frequent service. other damaging emissions. powered VLR vehicle, with the first prototype Due to its state-of-the-art vehicle due to be delivered in late 2020 ahead of Challenge 4: Poor air quality – and one technologies and innovative track system, initial performance trials starting in February that is only getting worse. VLR offers a lightweight, rail-based mass 2021. To avoid any confusion with traditional Urban VLR solution: As we enter a transit solution that is relatively simple, trams, we refer to this as a shuttle. post-COVID world, the need to offer quick and cost-effective to construct. The longer-term objective is that the shuttle attractive, safe public transport that meets The target cost is GBP10m/km (EUR11m/km). will be autonomous – removing the operational the needs of the ‘new normal’ whilst Once proof of concept is achieved, cost of drivers – with the capacity to carry over addressing the ever-present challenge of a first route is planned to be built in Coventry. 50 passengers on a high-quality ‘turn up and climate change will be essential. Once proven in service, smaller cities go’ service much like a modern metro, and with reliable journey times competitive to Surface course the private car. The vehicle has been designed Novel trackform system to be very lightweight using a multi-material Binder course structure approach to achieve a stiff structure at an economic cost. Using a steel chassis, there is Base course widespread use of aluminium components and glass fibre composite panels. The body design is Total target modular to minimise the number of panel types Sub-base system height and maximise any economies of scale that can 300mm be achieved in manufacture. Onboard battery power coupled with rapid charging removes Buried utilities the need for overhead catenary, which is both Sub-grade costly and unsightly, especially in the historic street environments that remain in Coventry. In parallel, a R&D programme is underway to deliver a shallow low-cost trackform which can be easily installed into the city’s roads. WMG is working with CCC and French civil engineering company Ingerop Conseil et ABOVE: A simplified side profile of the novel trackform, currently under development. Ingénierie to deliver this novel track solution;

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 341 Coventry VLR

the ultimate aim being an affordable modular re-establishing a proud heritage system that can be quickly and easily removed if necessary to allow access to utilities. This Coventry operated steam-powered double-deck hired from other undertakings) were brought in will reduce the need for under-street apparatus trams on a 3ft 6in-gauge system from 1884, with to take over operation of services. to be relocated at significant cost (often electrification coming in 1895. The network grew Re-establishing an urban rail service to the city multi-millions of pounds) during the route’s steadily in the early years of the 20th Century, from 2025, the basic principles of the future VLR construction; such costs and the associated being taken over by Coventry Corporation on operation are: 1 January 1912 and reaching its fullest extent in 1930. • A five-minute peak frequency disruption have proved significant barriers for Increasing road congestion saw the tramway • Service flexibility by running vehicles in traditional tramway systems. shrink route by route from 1932 onwards, multiple The integrated system (vehicle and novel although the system’s fate was ultimately sealed • Junction priority to achieve high commercial trackform) will be tested at the Dudley by the devastating bombing raids of October speeds Very Light Rail National Innovation and November 1940 which made much of the • Reliable journey times which are competitive Centre (VLRNIC), which is currently under tramway’s infrastructure unusable. with the private car construction and due to formally open in The final three routes were formally • High quality passenger experience Autumn 2021. However, a 2.7km (1.7-mile) abandoned in February 1941, with the remaining (smooth ride, level boarding access, trams and equipment sold for scrap or to other real-time information and high levels of wireless test track is scheduled to be ready for use in systems. Motor buses (some of which had to be connectivity). January 2021, with testing of the demonstrator vehicle commencing in February 2021 and continuing throughout the year. A prototype of the trackform is planned to be ready for Coventry’s vision for testing in Summer 2022; this will be achieved the future VLR 'clover leaf' network. through the construction of a second test track which will allow the trackform, vehicle Coventry East () Coventry performance and integrated testing to be Coventry South West Arena carried out by December 2022. Coventry North The VLRNIC is intended to be a one-stop- shop for R&D in VLR technology, working Coventry South-East Ansty Park collaboratively with the industry and public South West extension University Hospital Coventry and sector to deliver low-cost rail solutions South East extension Warwickshire relevant to traditional railways and urban (UHCW) tram systems as well as encouraging the development of better connected public Proposed UK Growth Hub / transport services. HS2 Interchange / The VLRNIC will not be connected to the City Centre rail network (vehicles will be transported in

Coventry Binley Business and out on low-loaders) but it will be adjacent Tile Hill Railway University Park to a tramstop when the Railway Station Station new route from to opens, making the centre easily accessible. University of Warwick JLR Whitley The first route Kings Hill CCC is working with its framework development Coventry consultants, WSP, to develop the business South Station case for the first route across Coventry and (proposed) beyond. A Strategic Outline Business Case is already in place. The data used by WSP for the assessment included information on the method of journey to work, traffic delay, queueing and bus reliability data. Based upon the queuing assessment, the initial issues identified include: • High car usage within the city centre • Lower than national average walking and cycling modal share for short distance trips • Longer than scheduled journey times during peak periods on public transport corridors into the city from the east and west • Poor journey time reliability on key corridors such as the Eastern Bypass • High traffic volumes on the A46, A45, Ring Road and main radial routes into and out of the city • Housing & employment growth in areas away from key public transport corridors • Large delays at the UHCW access junction • The , A429 south and A4600 Ansty Road are forecast to have the largest traffic increases within the study area.

LEFT: Using onboard battery power, rapid charging will take place at the termini using commercially-available chargers developed for electric buses. Courtesy of TDI

342 / SEPTEMBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org The first viable Coventry VLR route therefore rooms and bathroom facilities, alongside a ABOVE: The future VLR National Innovation Centre, aims to provide enhanced connectivity across new 633-space multi-storey car park. under construction in Dudley and due to open in late the city, running for approximately 6.5km The ultimate goal is to have a series of routes 2021. Courtesy of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (four miles) from the railway station, through in a ‘clover leaf’ VLR network that will add the city and out to the University Hospital further strategic locations such as the large The VLR option performed better than the Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). There is Jaguar Land Rover campus, the University alternatives on its potential to better connect further potential to extend to a new park-and- of Warwick, and of course the proposed HS2 communities and employment sites along the ride site near M6 Junction 2 north east of the interchange near Birmingham Airport. corridor, along with its political acceptability city centre. It is hoped that once proven the system will and contribution to local job creation. The University Hospital is a major travel be made available to other cities. Interest in Ranking highest overall, it has therefore been generator, offering a full range of healthcare the project has already been generated, both taken forward as the preferred solution. services and also being a major employer. from within the UK and around the world. As a new class of rail technology, focused The city centre includes four large academic on vehicles which are both lightweight institutions, while Coventry’s railway station Why VLR? and self-propelled, allied to lighter weight is located to the south of the city centre, With passenger demand for a new mass infrastructure, VLR’s primary objective is to providing inter-urban rail connectivity to transit corridor established, WSP hosted reduce the cost of light rail systems. Providing key national cities, such as London and a collaborative workshop to generate a frequent passenger service, it was agreed Birmingham. Along the route there is a range objectives for such a corridor. Following that smaller vehicles would be appropriate, of major employers and business sites, further the identification of a range of issues, the alongside high-quality modal interchanges. helping the creation of a robust business case. potential opportunities to achieve improved The shuttle will be 11m long and Work has just begun on a major GBP82m transport connectivity were set out. 2.65m-wide, meaning it would be able to (EUR91m) project to rebuild Coventry’s railway An Options Appraisal Framework (OAF) was operate on the West Midlands Metro network station. One of the fastest growing stations developed, using four assessment stages to in the future, with a maximum laden axle outside London in terms of year-on-year identify the best performing options against weight of 3 tonnes and weighing just one passenger numbers, a new seven-storey station four specific criteria: WMCA objectives; tonne per linear metre. This allows for a building is under construction between scheme objectives; deliverability; and location. lightweight shallow trackform to create an Station Square and Warwick Road. This is This process sifted through a long and affordable integrated system. One challenge planned for completion in Spring 2021 as the diverse list of transport interventions, for the trackform will be to also withstand the city takes on the role of UK City of Culture. including , cycling and high axle loads of Heavy Goods Vehicle loads Once finished, the station building will be walking infrastructure improvements and – this and the utilities issue form the crux of home to a range of new retail units, waiting traffic speed reductions in high accident areas. the current R&D programme. Given our likely ‘new normal’, the team needs to ensure that VLR offers a contactless Very Light Rail Utility diversions transport choice, using materials that do not hold bacteria or microbes, allowing airflow Light Rail within the vehicle to minimise the risk of Preliminaries infection, and autonomy, to enable larger fleets to operate to reduce crowding. With the significant investment in the Overhead catenary VLRNIC, all future technologies can be developed, designed and tested in the heart of the West Midlands, retaining know-how and Earthworks creating future jobs in the region.

0 2 4 6 8 10 GBP (millions) references

1 – 2016 West Midlands Travel Trends ABOVE: Cost comparison of VLR and traditional LRT per km. Courtesy of RLB (quantity surveyors)

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 343 Advertorial POWERING innovation urrer+Frey is delivering both the charging infrastructure and the vehicle-mounted OppCharge connector rails for the Very Light Rail R&D project, which is using the latest automotive battery expertise developed in the UK’s West Midlands region to deliver an innovative and affordable light rail system. FRepositioning public transport to make it a real alternative to the car, and helping to improve air quality and reduce congestion will prove to be a game-changer, supporting Coventry’s green ambitions. These ambitions attracted Furrer+Frey to the project, fitting with the company’s vision of a new generation of low-cost, sustainable transportation systems. A key goal was also to create a charging system that will be interoperable with future battery buses in the city. Working closely with project manager WMG and vehicle designer and manufacturer TDI International, Furrer+Frey has developed the charging technology using the All-In-One (AIO) Charger that can charge the VLR shuttle in a short period of time by delivering high power through its patented technology. A key feature is the integrated electronics; removing the need for a separate rectifier unit and charger box simplifies on-street installations. Other advantages Furrer+Frey’s All-In-One (AIO) Charging Station is compliant to OppCharge a range include modular build, a small footprint (0.72m2), and plug-and-play of vehicles. WMG technology with easily replaceable power modules for upgrades. Furrer+Frey has been developing ultra-rapid charging technology Furrer+Frey’s GB Engineering Manager Ankur explains: “We have for public transport systems for over ten years. The VLR project marks a worked hard to develop a charging unit that is reliable, but also one key milestone however, as while the company has already successfully that is easy to maintain and upgrade. We need to take lessons from deployed ultra-rapid charging technology in , , , the car industry to reduce costs and increase reliability in public Canada and , this will be the first UK installation. transport – that is why it has been great to work on this project”. The VLR will be tested at a brand-new facility in Dudley, and the AIO charger will be deployed at the site from February 2021. Noel Dolphin, Opportunity charging (OppCharge) eMobility Director at Furrer+Frey GB, said: “It has been a great challenge The AIO and vehicle both use the OppCharge technology platform, to work towards Spring 2021 deployment during lockdown. A high level providing for interoperability for many different vehicle types. of collaboration has been required between all the parties involved.” For example, single- and double-deck buses, trams, LRVs and lorries It is hoped that successful tests will give the green light to further can all use the same charger, reducing the amount of units required in implementation, improving air quality and helping to get people out each town or city. of their cars and onto new generations of public transport.

Pioneers of High Power Charge Stations

Furrer+Frey are delivering the charging infrastructure k for the Project.

Vehicle design by Transport Design International

[email protected] @furrerfreyGB www.furrerfrey.ch Russian revival

Russia: Tschizhik 010 and 009 pass at the junction of Prospekt Nastavnikov and Irinovskiy Prospekt on Saint-Petersburg line 59 on 27 January 2020. The rigorous timetable, fully synchronised INVESTMENT with the city’s traffic signals, allows impressive commercial speeds of around 22km/h (14mph). AND RENEWAL part 2 Luc Koenot concludes his study of Russian tramways, exploring the movement of second-hand vehicles to the regions and the growing role of the private sector in system development.

he billions of roubles that the city authorities in Moscow have invested, and continue to invest, in new trams, are part of a much wider city plan. Improvements to Tthe city’s transport systems will primarily benefit the image of the city, and of the government amongst the local populace. At the same time, such investments strengthen the capital’s influence across the entire Russian Federation. The ‘old’ trams – all between ten and 20 years old and generally in very good working order – are being donated to cities in the regions, which only pay for their transportation. Who gets these trams, and how many, is subject to a discussion between Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and his colleagues. Those with strong ties to the capital can send their application and make their case to the mayor, who will then give the necessary instructions to Mosgortrans. This practice is typical of Russian society, where backroom discussions are more important than formal procedures. Provincial mayors can boast of their power Moscow is moving towards a unified fleet of modern 100% low-floor cars by the end of 2023, with the ‘old’ and connections with the distant capital, trams donated to cities in the regions. Car 1284 (ex-Moscow 4918, 5907), built in 2010 by the Peterburg Tramway- and this is very important for their image Mechanical Plant (ex-VARZ) in Saint-Petersburg as model 71-153 (also known as LM2008), has operated in the and popularity. It is also a ‘win-win’ situation city of Ulyanovsk since July 2018; seen on Ulitsa Rozy Lyuksemburg on 4 February 2020.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2020 / 345 Novosibirsk is the third-most populous city in Russia. Twenty 71-619K cars from Moscow, built 2001-05, were donated to this Siberian city in 2019; 3133 (ex-Moscow 5089, 4336, 2073, are repainted in Novosibirsk colours) and 3127 (ex-5270, still in Moscow colours) at the tramstop Teatr opery i baleta on Ulitsa Ordzhonikidze on 2 February 2020. for Moscow, as such generosity is generally remains idle for ten days – to make the long cheaper than sending trams to the scrapyard. drive to pick up the gift of the ‘new’ trams. Through measures such as this, Moscow’s Road transport is deemed safer than using An ever-DWINDLING tramway will therefore help to secure the the railway for such purposes; Trans-Siberian SECOND-HAND MARKET future of several smaller tram undertakings freight transport has a reputation for being across the nation, saving them from looted during the often long wait times at The 1524mm does not make it easy otherwise inevitable closure. remote stations along the route. to repurpose second-hand western trams for A good example is Vladivostok, a network The number of recipient cities as operation on Russian systems, although Tatra cars are the most suitable as their bogies are near to collapse that is located approximately Moscow replaces its tramway rolling stock designed in such a way that adjustment is not 9000km (5600 miles) from the capital is substantial and it will be interesting to difficult, and new car bodies can also be easily in Russia’s Far East. In December 2019, see who will get the 60 fairly new low-floor placed on existing bogies. Moscow donated ten 71-619 trams to the 71-623 cars in the coming years. One city is Many German cars have found a new home in city; the oldest sub-type from 2001-02 was already known: Ulan-Ude. Russia: KT4D trams from Berlin run in Izhevsk deliberately chosen, the technology of which and Novosibirsk; Ufa has T3 cars from , does not deviate greatly from the KTM8 cars Further support from the Federation Vladikavkaz has received T3D/T4D units from from the 1990s that would be familiar to the The Federal Ministry of Transport is not Schwerin (now out of service), and Vladivostok workshop. standing still either. In October 2019, a . The narrow-gauge undertakings in Kaliningrad and Pyatigorsk have also benefitted The city was so grateful that it immediately budget of RUB20bn (approximately from KT4D cars from Cottbus, and Gera sent ten low-loader lorries – during New EUR250m) was committed for public and T4s from Halle. Year’s week, when everything normally transport equipment over the next five years. An important change in the rules from 1 January 2015 means that Russian public companies are obliged to procure anything they buy from within the Eurasian Economic Union. Consequently, they cannot acquire even second-hand units from western undertakings, and trams can only now be supplied from factories in Russia and .

Federal regulations in force since 1 January 2015 forbid the acquisition of western equipment. Just before the ban, Izhevsk purchased ten cars The tramway in Krasnoturyinsk (347km/216 miles north of Yekaterinburg) receives no support from the city from Berlin: Tatra KT4DM 6153 (built in 1986) is administration. The population is declining rapidly and is currently less than 55 000, down from 67 000 in 1989. now modernised and running as Izhevsk 2409; The last tramline narrowly avoided closure thanks to the transfer of two 71-605 (KTM-5) cars from Nizhniy Tagil in seen on Ulitsa L’va Tolstogo – 7 February 2020. June 2019, ensuring its survival for a few more years – seen on Ulitsa Popova, 27 February 2020. Dmitry Grishchuk

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Many cities are sending their older cars to local manufacturers for modernisation. Another example of local modernisation is the transformation of this KTM5 car The outcome in some cases is unique models such as Magnitogorsk car 2250. It is in Zlatoust. The model dates from the early 1970s, with a small low-floor section the first of 14 KTM5 cars modernised by the factory NPP OOO ‘Gorizont’ from 2016. at the rear; the new ramp is motorised and can be operated from the driver’s cab. Seen on Ulitsa Sovetskaya at the junction with Ulitsa Truda, 10 February 2018. Seen on Prospekt Mira on 5 February 2018.

This funding is applicable to 104 cities, Welcome gifts from Moscow catalogue. The first of these units, tested for a including the regional capitals and all those One city that has re-embraced the tramway year in Moscow, is now in service in Perm. counting more than 100 000 inhabitants, is Ulan-Ude, the capital of the republic of excepting Moscow and Saint-Petersburg. Buryatia, located between Lake Baikal and A new model of efficiency The ministry will cover 60% of the Mongolia. At the end of 2018, this republic It is well-established that tramway cost of any order, with the other 40% as a transitioned from Siberia to the Far East development can play a major role in local contribution guaranteed by the local Federal District and as a welcome gift the city revitalising a city. This model is now being authorities. Vehicles will be purchased by received 15 new low-floor trams, a dramatic applied in a unique construction in the the federal transportation leasing company, improvement to its 75-strong fleet. Ulan-Ude Krasnogwardejskij district, a large residential with the only condition being that they must is very proud of its new trams and now enjoys a area in Saint-Petersburg. Located on the right be of a minimum length of ten metres and greater profile in this otherwise forgotten area. bank of the River Neva, this area offers plenty for use on main lines that run 06.00-23.00 The new vehicles are from the PK-TS of space for urban development and already with a frequency of at least six journeys per factory and are of the Lvyonok (or ‘small lion’) features a rail connection as the Ladozhskaja hour during peak hours and four journeys per type, model 71-911EM. Ulan-Ude is the first (line 4) is just a few stations hour in off-peak periods. Applications will customer for this 100% low-floor four-axle away from the city centre. It is therefore an be scored against a series of criteria, such as car, successor to the City Star that was the ideal commuter location, other than for the development of the electric or gas-powered first vehicle that PK-TS built (in 2014) for its fact that the four tramlines with interchange public transport network over the previous home city of Tver. Incidentally, these eight at this metro station previously offered ten years, the number of vehicles equipped City Star cars are currently lying dormant in the same service as elsewhere in the city: with cashless payment systems, the length the Tver depot as the city’s tramway has been unreliable, slow and dirty. of private right-of-way routes, traffic-safe and closed pending track renewal. Five vehicles The return on investment for the private accessible stops, capacity standards and so on. of the same type have also been delivered to enterprise which has leased the tramlines lies The extent to which the transport network Kazan, as have 30 others on standard-gauge not only in their improved operation, but also is compliant with the social standards for (1435mm) bogies to Rostov-na-Donu. in the added value derived from both private public transport that were set in 2017 is The new Lvyonok will undoubtedly appear and commercial properties located along also decisive: a maximum distance between in other Russian cities, with Perm already the route. Never before has a public-private homes and stops of 500m (for high-rise taking delivery of eight cars. There is also a partnership been so promising for passengers, neighbourhoods) or 800m (elsewhere) and the ‘big lion’ variant – the Lev (model 71-934) is a because ultimately their appreciation of the existence of a monthly pass that is valid on double-articulated, double-ended car, which service will determine the sale or rental price both public and privately-operated routes. at 34.7m is the longest vehicle in the PK-TS of apartments and offices in the area. The cost of these passes may not exceed 7% of the average income in the given city – a criterion that helps to combat the proliferation of private shared (marshrutkas). Those cities with the most points will qualify; about 20 are expected to benefit from this federal aid. Such a funding envelope is equivalent to 347 Vityaz-M or 733 Lvyonok trams or 2750 buses. It is expected that it will cover a combination of both trams and buses, with 40-50% of the budget related to plans that include new tramway stock. Furthermore, experts are advising the Ministry of Transport on the creation of a more consistent approach with regular federal support for public transport infrastructure. Only time will tell whether this approach is adopted, although the future seems promising as the government is not currently favourable to metro expansion. As an example, a recent demand for support for a new metro line from Yekaterinburg was answered by the Russian Deputy Prime Minister with a negative reply, explaining Fifteen PK-TS Lvyonok trams were donated by the Far East Federal District to the city of Ulan-Ude, capital of the that it is better to invest in trams instead. Republic of Buryatia. Car 09 is on route 1 in the Gagarina ulitsa, 30 February 2020.

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Concessionaire Transportnaja Konzessionnaja Kompanija (TKK) has made maximum efforts to guarantee an attractive, comfortable and fast ride on its four lines – 8, 59, 63 and 64. The lines total 12.3km/ 7.6 miles (excluding terminus loops), including 1.8km (1.1 miles) of new tracks as an extension of route 59 to the TKK depot; the other 10.5km (6.5 miles) comprises upgrades to lines previously part of the original city network. Presenting a unique commercial approach in Russia, the service runs under the name Tschizhik, a small green bird with a strong reputation in the traditions of Saint-Petersburg. The appropriate bright green livery of the trams stands out in the otherwise grey cityscape and the youthful staff are friendly and presented in neat uniforms. Clear, and most importantly correct, digital information is ubiquitous and ticket sales are undertaken via onboard ABOVE: Since March 2018, four vending machines or digitally on the tramlines in the Saint-Petersburg app. Stop infrastructure is modern district of Krasnogwardejskij Tschizhik have been operated by the and fully-accessible, and through-ticketing private concession Transportnaja is provided with other city tram and metro Konzessionnaja Kompanija (TKK). services. Unlike other city tram operations, Car 013, a Metelitsa low-floor tram there are no conductors, although inspectors built by Stadler Minsk, enters ulitsa do have a noticeable presence. Kovalevskaya stop on Ryabovskoye While the presentation is good, the shosse, 27 January 2020. operations are even better with a punctual, fast and frequent service. The main lines 8 RIGHT: The four Tschizhik lines operate a high-quality service far above and 64 operate a six-minute peak , that normally seen in Russia. For such and a nine-minute service at other times. a precise operation, a screen (right, Travel times have more than halved – a above the main dashboard) shows any journey on line 8 used to take more than deviation from the timetable. half an hour with the city tram; the Tschizhik “Travel times have more than halved – a line 8 journey used to take more than half an hour; the Tschizhik takes just 13 minutes at a commercial speed of 22km/h (14mph).”

takes just 13 minutes at a commercial speed just above 22km/h (14mph). The track was completely renovated for this purpose, railway crossings were limited and fences have been placed along large sections of the routes. Traffic lights are adapted to the timetable and vice-versa; by having trams pass in both directions simultaneously at the large busy intersections, exactly at the time provided for the tight timetable, a frequent tram service with four lines can be offered whilst keeping road traffic flowing smoothly. Any deviation from the anticipated journey time, to the second, is indicated to the driver on a clear screen in the cab. To operate the new service, 23 Metelitsa trams (type B85600M) were purchased from Stadler’s factory in Minsk (Metelitsa means little snowstorm). The first was delivered in November 2017, the final car in April 2019. They are of a three-section 100% low-floor Saint-Petersburg's design, 34m long and 2.5m wide, with room privately-operated TKK tramlines. for 376 passengers, 66 seated. Customer comfort is also unprecedented by Russian

348 / september 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org standards: air conditioning, 220v and USB charging points and free Wi-Fi. To limit the impact of any disruption to the overhead power supply, they can also run using onboard battery power for up to 500m. The depot is similarly high-tech, contrasting sharply with other facilities in the city. The Tschizhik lines are currently isolated, but two connections with the city network will soon be available. On the one hand, the now-shortened city line 10 will be extended by one stop along its original route to meet the terminus of line 63, and on the other side work is being completed on a 1.5km (0.9-mile) extension of the TKK routes across the Granitnaya Ulitsa from the Ladozhskaja metro station to the existing loop of the city network on Novocherkasskiy Prospekt. This new concept opened on 7 March 2018, with the entire operation running since 1 September 2019. Early figures indicate a doubling of ridership in a few months. This Moscow is proud of its tramway heritage, organising a parade in April/May each year (although cancelled success has led to the development of plans for in 2020). Mosgortrans keeps a remarkable fleet of historic cars, which can also be hired for private tours; bogie car 2170 (model KM, 1930) and trailer 2556 (model KP, 1932) are followed by two-axle BF 932 (1927) on Ulitsa a similar scheme in the industrial south-west Sel’skokhozyaystvennaya on 23 March 2013. of the city. The area between the new Shushary terminus of metro line M5, opened on having the largest collections. These cars can The 17.2km (10.7-mile) tour, with 16 stops, 3 October 2019, and the district of Kolpino generally be operated on request. takes over 90 minutes and passes successively offers many opportunities. A 13.5km (8.4mile) In Saint-Petersburg, for several years the the Tuchkov most, Sampsonievskii most, tramline is proposed, similarly without a museum operated a tourist tram during the Liteinii most, Ploshchad’ Belinskogo, Troickii connection to the existing network. summer months (April-October) and the city most and Tuchkov most – an interesting is now taking this a step further. Since route through the city centre. On the section A new tourist attraction 7 November 2019 this service runs daily as between the Finlandsky Voksal loop and the Many Russian companies in one way or line T1, including in the winter (except for ulitsa Sadovaya, the line runs through streets another pay tribute to the heroes of the the first Monday of the month). The starting without a regular service. For this purpose, past and tramways also participate in this point is the tram museum in Prospekt two LM-99 cars from 2007-08 were converted fine tradition. Specifically, this translates Sredniy on Vasilievsky island, at 10.00, into replicas of the 1930s LM-33 in 2019, now into a museum tram (either real or replica) 13.00, 16.00 and 19.00. Since 22 February, bearing the numbers 0001 and 0002. The displayed as a monument or within a small two trams run each weekend (although this interiors feature wooden, partly longitudinal, museum in the depot. Larger cities have a has been suspended since 19 March due to partly transverse benches. true fleet of museum vehicles, with Moscow, the pandemic), with additional departures at Saint-Petersburg and Nizhniy Novgorod 11.00, 14.00 and 17.00. Grateful acknowledgement to Mike Russell.

As the first initiative of its kind in Russia, Saint-Petersburg offers a regular tourist tram service; from November 2019 this also runs during the winter. Two LM-99 cars from 2007-08 were converted into replicas of the venerable LM-33 for this operation; 0001 (ex-3916, ex-1324) enters Sadovaya ulitsa on 28 January 2020.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org september 2020 / 349 Advertorial PC ts: ready for europe C Transport Systems Tver. The Tver Mechanical Plant of Electric (PK Transportnye Systemy) is Transport is unique in Russia as a full-cycle the leader in the Russian tram site for the production of aluminium bodies engineering market. Our entire for urban electric transport; with the capacity range is based upon a patented to produce more than 150 vehicle bodies and Plow-floor rotating bogie, a unique product that over 450 tram bogies annually, it uses state- underpins eight tram models, between 16m of-the-art equipment to process aluminium and 34m, designed for cities with different profiles, welding, painting and the assembly passenger traffic and easily adaptable for track of tramcars. Nevsky Plant of Electric Transport gauges of both 1435mm and 1534mm. is in charge of railcar assembly, from the In 2019, we completed the delivery of 300 installation of electrical equipment to setup. Vityaz M trams (model 71-931M) to Moscow New for 2020 is the 71-921, codenamed and have since signed a contract for a further Corsair, designed for narrow-gauge (1000mm) ABOVE: The Vityaz M (model 71-931M) in Moscow. BELOW: A Lionet tram (model 71-911EM) in Ulan-Ude. 90 trams of this type. Today, the Vityaz M tramways. “We decided to introduce a new accounts for half of Moscow’s tram fleet, and product that will address the issue of rolling also operates in another seven Russian cities. stock renewal not only in Russian cities, In the same year, we also completed our first but in Europe as well. A fully low-floor body export order: eight single-section 71-911 City is able to speed up passenger traffic, also Star trams for the Latvian city of Daugavpils. making journeys both more comfortable and This autumn we will launch the first ever accessible for people with disabilities. Russian tram to feature an aluminium body: “Most of the Corsair interior will be made “The use of aluminium in the body and interior of aluminium alloys, and it will also feature significantly reduces the fire load; ensuring the best options from our other models – the safety of passengers is our top priority. such as uprated air-conditioning, advanced Aluminium is also lightweight, making it multimedia systems, road traffic monitoring possible to equip the tram with additional safety system – and at a price that will make our elements and batteries to boost the autonomous narrow-gauge tram competitive on the world travel range. I am confident that these products market,” explained Mr Vinokur. FIND OUT MORE will be in high demand both in the Russian and The production of rubber-tyred electric European markets,” explained Feliks Vinokur, vehicles is another promising area, with PC President of PC Transport Systems. Transport Systems also producing the Pioneer E-mail: [email protected] PC Transport Systems has three production electric bus (with a trailer-based mobile battery Website: www.pk-ts.org sites in Russia – in St Petersburg, Engels and system) and the Admiral 6281 . Ulm

Popular support helped Ulm’s systems much-reduced tramway survive the 20th Century – GERMANY factfile Neil Pulling finds a modern accessible No. Ulm, service that has grown 155 Germany from what was saved. Ulm

ocated on a convergence of Siemens M 62 Donau (Danube) river, forming the including aspects such as planning, railway routes, Ulm in leaves Ehinger Tor on state boundary. Embracing Ulm service and fares co-ordination. Baden-Württemberg 17 April 2019. Giving the and Neu-Ulm, there are remnants Ulm’s tramway opened with two state is about 75km name to the transport of a fortress which was the largest electrically-powered lines in May (47 miles) from Stuttgart interchange, the in the 19th Century German 1897, with one extending to Neu-Ulm, gateway (left) was part Land 120km (75 miles) from München Confederation. A lengthy presence using an island – locally ‘Insel’ – as of the 19th Century (Munich). Many visitors will arrive Ulm fortress. of American forces after 1945 a stepping stone across the Danube. at the city’s main railway station, and a continuing NATO presence Vehicle factories, a strategic railway which in recent times has also been also attest to the area’s military presence and military installations an arrival amongst a building site. significance. brought bombing raids in 1944-45 A roadway with tram and bus platforms SWU Mobilität provides public that destroyed over 80% of Ulm’s threads through the re-development transport over about 220km central area. Inevitably tram operations zone on the station’s city centre side. (138 miles) of route – about a tenth were affected by the devastation. Hauptbahnhof is one of three stops of which are tram services – in the A trolleybus system partly filled the shared by the uni-directional two municipalities. SWU Mobilität role from 1947 (including the Neu- metre-gauge system’s two lines, is part of Stadtwerke Ulm/ Ulm link via Insel) until 1963, with designated as 1 and 2. They diverge Neu-Ulm GmbH which became motor buses overall becoming the at junctions just beyond the stops a municipally-owned limited main form of local public transport. either side of Hauptbahnhof, Ehinger liability company in 1982. A four-line system from 1927 had, Tor and Theater. Its transport network has an by the 1990 German reunification, Ulm had a population of 126 790 average 93 000 daily journeys. become a single-line operation. No at the start of 2020. Partly growing Heavy rail provision by Deutsche longer serving the heart of the city through the incorporation of Bahn and other contractors around the landmark Ulm Minster, neighbouring communities, it gained are amongst the operators who it passed west and north of that area. city status in 1980 upon reaching extend provision beyond these Re-routed and reduced in stages, it had 100 000 residents. The urban spread communities. All are covered by become the former West Germany’s includes neighbouring Neu-Ulm in All images by Neil the regional body, Donau Iller shortest tramway at 5.6km (3.5 miles). Bayern state () with a population Pulling, except André Nahverkehrsverbund GmbH In 1999 a project for a five-line, of 63 000. They are separated by the Knoerr as credited. (DING), since January 2003 1435mm-gauge system with potential

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 351 Ulm

RIGHT: Siemens 46 climbs from central Ulm on Kienlesbergbrücke on 25 October 2019. With pedestrian and cyclepaths, the bridge can also be used by city buses. André Knoerr

BELOW: Track to the depot (in the background) is from the former Westplatz, re-named Theodor Heuss Platz in 2013 to commemorate the Federal Republic of Germany’s first for main line connections was president. rejected. Limited expansion of the remaining line 1 section and a new tram fleet was however to proceed. Low-floor SiemensCombino vehicles took over from Maschinenfabrik Esslingen GT4 cars, these former Stuttgart vehicles having replaced GRW4 that were new to Ulm in 1957. Both types are represented in the SWU heritage fleet, used for hire and special services. Re-growth of tram operations was from a remnant approximating to today’s line 1 section between Söflingen and Donauhalle. The latter stop was relocated to better serve the entertainments venue, as was the turning loop. Intended to RIGHT: Wohnpark serve Böfingen district (terminus Friedrichsau stop is between a housing Ostpreussenweg) which was zoned district and parkland BELOW: Ostpreussenweg terminus on the for residential growth, a northern which extends to the Bofingen extension, opened in 2009. extension with seven stops opened banks of the Danube. in March 2009. The extra 4.6km (2.9 miles) included a long climb LEFT: Traffic on Böfinger Steige is with views over the Danube valley. halted by city-bound This follows the weaving route of Combino 41 with a Böfinger Steige between Eugen driver training run. Bolz Strasse and Egertweg. As well as having tram connections with BELOW: At line 2’s northern end in the Eselberg district, Hochschule on Albert Einstein Allee is located amongst research local buses, Egertweg is the location and education premises. André Knoerr of Ulm’s long-distance bus station. Steeper although much shorter inclines than Böfinger Steige already existed on the system at the railway underpass near Ehingertor, a re-routing which opened in 1967. Line 1 has 22 stops and is scheduled for 30 minutes for the approximately 10km (6.3 miles) journey between termini. The 9.3km (5.8-mile) line 2 with 21 stops has a slightly shorter running time. ABOVE: Science Park II terminus in April A reminder of the service’s early 2019, with buses replacing line 2 trams due to days, the line 1 southern terminus remaining works on the newly-opened route. at Söflingen is on a single-track loop

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Mecklenburgweg

Thüringenweg 1 0 1 2 Böfingen (Former tram routes) (Ostpreussenweg) Kilometres Haslacher Weg Böfingen

Kliniken Egertweg Wissenschaftsstadt Botanischer Garten 2 Science Park II Alfred Delp Weg Universität Universität Eugen Bolz Str. West Süd Manfred Börner Str.

Hochschule

Eselsberg Eselsberg Hasenkopf Donauhalle

Michelsberg

Wohnpark Ulm-Ost Friedrichsau Multscherschule Lehrer Tal

Donaustadion

Stadtwerke Staufenring

Ulm Söflingen Willy Brandt Platz Offenhausen Theater Justizgebäude

Weststadt Ulm Hbf Hauptbahnhof

Söflingen SWU Betriebshof 1

Ehinger Tor Neu Ulm Söflingen Martin Luther Kirche Königstr. Sonnenstr. Magirusstr. Blücherstr. Römerplatz

Theodore Heuss Platz Finningerstr. Kuhberg Saarlandstr.

Grimmerlfinger Weg Gewerbeschulen Königstrasse Kuhberg Schulzentrum 2 Schwaighofen

LEFT: Introduced in 1967, short ramps for the railway THE FLEET underpass between Hauptbahnhof and The first eight of the ten Siemens Ehinger Tor have the Combino NGT 6 UL (41-48) were received system’s steepest in 2003, with 2008-built 49 and 50 gradients. added for the Böfingen extension. Fully low-floor, they have five sections over 31m and are 2.4m-wide. Each has capacity for 175 passengers with 72 fixed and six folding seats. For the projected line 2 and to increase services overall, 12 Vienna- built Siemens Avenio M were ordered in 2015. The first of the series numbered 51-62 was received in January 2018, the last in November that year. All are fitted with the Siemens Tram Assistant collision warning system. They have space for 185 passengers, 69 seated. Unlike the 1435mm Avenio derived from the Combino Plus which has all sections supported by a bogie (as used in München and Den Haag), Ulm’s 31.5m Avenio M trams have the same configuration as itsCombinos . Both types are used interchangeably on the two lines; each carries the name of a person with significant local connections.

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RIGHT: On a single-track return network facts loop, Soflingen is the most confined of the Opened: 1897 termini. Soflingen Lines: 2 gained its tram Depots: 1 connection in 1906, the year following Approx. weekday hours: 04.45-00.15 incorporation Main line frequency: 10 minutes with Ulm. Gauge: 1000mm Power: 750V dc, overhead supply Fleet: 22 City network/operator: Stadtwerke Ulm, SWU Mobilität – www.swu.de Regional network: DING – www.ding.eu Civic and tourist information: BELOW LEFT: www.ulm.de An Ulm Avenio M: the upholstery Tourist information: includes the SWU https://tourismus.ulm.de identity.

around buildings. It is approached by a short section of road shared with other traffic; otherwise the system is mainly laid as twin-track within dedicated space on roads (also for bus use) or in separate rights of way. There are intermediate loops to handle extra services for events at Donauhalle and Donaustadion. A mainly ten-minute interval is enhanced during morning and evening peaks on lines 1 and 2, also the bus lines 4 and 5. The depot and ABOVE: Building works site is connected by non-revenue works have become a long-standing tracks from a delta junction near feature of the Theodor Heuss Platz (formerly route near Ulm Westplatz) stop. The depot’s location Hauptbahnhof. accounts for services running as early as 04.07 from this stop. Renewal on LEFT: Tram 60 the site in 1997 was followed by an leaves Donaustadion, extension for the line 2 project. with Ulm Minster in A significant factor in the case for the the background. line 2 project, for which construction began in October 2015, was the demand generated by the educational establishments lining the route. The names of many line 2 stops attest to this, most evident in the upper Eselberg (Donkey Mountain) district. This is the main location for the University of Ulm, founded in 1967, home to BELOW: Just many research and technology-based beyond the left of facilities in the ‘Science City’, requiring this view, Ulm’s long-distance the tramway’s power supply not to bus station is part interfere with such activities. of the Egertweg Another location with a turning interchange. loop, Botanischer Garten at almost

354 / september 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org The Böfinger extension was from a re-sited Donauhalle stop, here just over a year after the 2009 opening. The Donauhalle and trade fair complex includes a park-and-ride site.

619m above sea level is regarded as Germany’s highest . Line 2’s south-western arm, which leaves the line 1 route just west of Ehinger Tor, serves several schools 40% higher than the 2015 estimate. amongst the residential surroundings. Continuing Science City The southern terminus, Kuhberg developments may prompt a short Schulzentrum, includes a park-and-ride extension. Space in the Otl Aicher with close access from Ulm’s ring-road. Allee median was designed for In the line 2 project, the 270m extended coverage in Böfingen. Kienlesberg bridge is on the climb A project to take tram services to BELOW: Almost a west of central Ulm towards Eselberg. Ulm’s Wiblingen district has been year after opening, Lise Meitner Strasse Designed by London-based Knight considered by the city council. on the line 2 route Architects, the bridge incorporates The option of routing via Ludwigsfeld shows signs of ABOVE: Line 2 is characterised by many pedestrian and cycleways, also in Neu-Ulm would potentially attract continuing works in educational establishments along the route: providing panoramic views to the more users and broaden the scope October 2019. Kuhberg Schulzentrum terminus on the south. It spans part of the railway of funding. André Knoerr south-western arm of the line. André Knoerr junction north of Ulm Hbf, including the southern portal of the Albabstieg for the future high-speed Stuttgart-Ulm rail line. Line 2 termini follow the layout of a double platform at the end of a single-track return loop, as used for line 1’s Ostpreussenweg. Line 2 had a ceremonial opening on 8 December 2018 and normal services began within a revised network timetable the following day. The works were incomplete however, ABOVE: Heritage fleet Maschinenfabrik requiring some service suspensions Esslingen trams GRW4 car 1 and former during 2019. At almost EUR236.9m, Baden-Baden Lindner T2 16 at the depot the outturn cost of line 2 was around on 12 September 2011. André Knoerr essential facts

Local travel: SWU’s staffed information centre is at 79 Neue Strasse, just south of the Minster. For zones 10/20 covering Ulm and Neu-Ulm, the single adult fare is EUR2.40; a day ticket (Tageskarte Single) EUR4.40 – fare details on DING website from January 2020. The system is also covered by DB Länder-Tickets for both Baden- Württemberg and Bayern, respectively EUR24 and EUR25, primarily day tickets for local and regional rail services.

What is there to see? Born in Ulm in March 1879 and only briefly a resident, Albert Einstein developed little affection for his birthplace but is commemorated in several locations – and on tram 43. An 1890 addition made Ulm Minster – not a cathedral – for a time the world’s tallest building at 161.5m; a tiring but rewarding exercise, ABOVE: Hauptbahnhof, Theater (pictured) steps give access to viewpoints and the lattice spire. The picturesque restored ‘Fishermen’s Quarter’ extends and Justizgebäude are the nearest stops to south from the Minster towards the Danube and features a variety of hotels, restaurants and bars. the city centre. Theater was re-sited to serve The Friedrichsau riverside parklands are east of line 1 between Donaustadion and Donauhalle. both lines: the junction is just beyond tram 51, operating a test run.

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ARGENTINA Onboard contactless payment BUENOS AIRES. Siemens has was introduced from 30 July. been chosen to install CBTC train The first of 43 six-carM7 metro control and digital passenger trains was delivered by CAF on systems on metro line D. RGI 13 July. The driverless trains are due to be used on line 3 (using the rebuilt north–south tram subway), GOLD COAST. Cubic has begun but can be used elsewhere on the the installation of contactless network in manual mode, and payment equipment on the light will appear on lines 1 and 5 from rail system under an AUD371m early 2021. T-2000 (EUR226m) contract awarded OOSTENDE. The summer by regional agency TransLink. transfer of Hermelijn trams from MELBOURNE. With the Gent and Antwerpen to the re-imposition of the coronavirus coastal tramway did take place lockdown, temporary route this year, involving cars 6332- Delivery of a new generation of metro car to Brussels has started. As prominently changes were introduced to run 6/8/41 and 7225/9/36/46/66/70/1. advertised here, the new design is the M7 series. STIB from 14 July to 1 November. With delivery of new CAF Urbos Line 30 was withdrawn and line trams underway, this is likely to CHINA TOURS. The new city council, led 12 was diverted via La Trobe Street be the last year these transfers HARBIN. CRRC Nanjing Puzhen by a Green mayor, is to proceed between St Vincent’s Plaza and need to take place. T-2000 has delivered the first train for with a second tramline, 13km Batman Park. Line 11A shuttles metro line 2, a 28.7km (17.8-mile) (eight miles) from La Papoterie to operate between New Preston route that is expected to open in Prieuré de St-Cosme de la Riche, depot and Victoria Harbour at peak SOFIA. Bids for 25 new trams June 2021. IRJ estimated to cost EUR330m and periods Monday-Friday. R. Youl were received from Durmazlar, to open in September 2025. Also . A 12m section of the Pesa and Skoda, with Pesa making CROATIA on the agenda is the 700m future Light Rail route the best offer at BGN81.46m ZAGREB. Tram service through extension of line A to the airport has been planted with different (EUR41.6m). The city already has the city centre returned to normal at a cost of EUR21.5m. Lineoz.net types of grass in a 12-month trial to 38 trams, delivered from 2 July after the completion assess durability and growth rates. in three tranches (2013, 2016 of safety work following the GERMANY The light rail project, which will and 2019). Transport Publiczny 22 March earthquake. R. Holliday BERLIN. BVG has announced that connect Westmead to Carlingford it intends to rename Mohrenstrasse via Parramatta in 2023, includes CANADA U-Bahn station in December a kilometre of grass track in the OTTAWA. Service on the BRNO. The last two ex-Praha T6 because of racist connotations, Cumberland Hospital heritage Confederation line was reduced for passenger service are 1225/6 possibly to Glinkastraase (although precinct, Robin Thomas Reserve to seven active sets during July (ex-8664/6); 8656 of this type this too has its detractors). and Tramway Avenue. after cracks were found in the has become the depot shunter at The station opened in 1908 as wheels of three Medlanky and is numbered 4922. Kaiserhof, and was subsequently AUSTRIA Spirit LRVs. An investigation is in More Alliance TW Team EVO2 renamed Thälmannplatz and then GRAZ. From 12 September lines progress by the Transportation trams are 1824-8; eventually there Otto-Grotewohl-Strasse (names 3 and 4 will swap termini. Safety Board. will be 41 cars, replacing all K2 associated with the former East The extension of line 6 to OCTranspo had its full fleet articulated trams. BS German regime), before becoming Smart City is due to open on of 17 LRVs available for the first PRAHA (Prague). Eighteen Mohrenstrasse in 1991. 26 November 2021. BS time from the start of August, trams are running a shuttle service The first Stadler IK20 U-Bahn WIEN (Vienna). Plans have although additional daily wheel (32), between Hlubocepy and train, 5065+5066, was delivered been unveiled for three regional inspections reduced this to 13. Barrandov from 1 June until the on 25 May and entered service on tramlines that would cross J. Hayward end of October during track works line U5 on 27 June. The first test the city boundaries: Aspern TORONTO. The TTC has at Nadrazni. train on the new link between U5 – Essling – Gross-Enzersdorf; postponed a decision on buying a The last T6 trams (dating from and the former U55 ran on 22 June. Simmering Hauptstrasse – further 20-60 new trams for a third 1995-97) will be withdrawn by the The first ten trains of the new Schwechat – Rannersdorf and time, and will now consider it at its end of the year; until then they air-conditioned Siemens/Stadler a tram-train operation based October board meeting. can be seen mostly on line 32 S-Bahn stock will enter service on the Wien – Baden Lokalbahn A reliability improvement from Motol; 8702 will be retained on lines S47 with the December reaching Perchtoldsdorf and project for the 204 Bombardier for museum purposes. BS, UTM timetable change. Eventually Klatenleutgeben. low-floor LRVs has identified a there will be 21 two-car trains On 23 June tracklaying began seven-point programme to address FRANCE (type 483) and 85 four-car trains on the 700m branch for line O to failures, including train and cab NANTES. The Pays de la Loire (type 484). The builders are Taborstrasse. It is hoped it will be controls, train management region is to publish tenders for providing a 30-year guarantee. BS ready before the city elections on systems, vehicle doors, the operation of the Clisson – BÖBLINGEN – 11 October, but work was delayed communications, high-voltage Châtaeubriant tram-train and DETTENHAUSEN. On 26 June by the coronavirus pandemic. power system, brakes and inter-car regional rail services. Under the CAF delivered the first of 12 trams up to dampers and articulations. draft terms, the region would three-car EMUs to the newly- 312 had been delivered by the end The last CLRV on TTC property provide suitable rolling stock, electrified 17km (10.6-mile) of July. Withdrawn are E1 4539/45 (4187) left for a private buyer at with the operator(s) responsible Schönbuchbahn. The new trains and 4855 plus c4 trailers 1301/55; the end of July; 4001 and 4089 for maintenance. Subject to should start carrying passengers 4855+1301 will be retained are designated museum pieces, further discussion, the ten-year on 13 December, with a train for museum purposes. BS, EB while 4081 and 4124 are being contracts could be awarded either every 15 minutes, boosting converted for works duties. individually or as a package, to ridership to 14 000/day. It is reported that opening of take effect from the December . Planning consent BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. The the first section of the Eglinton 2023 timetable change. RGI has finally come through for the resumption of line 39 service to Ban Crosstown line is provisionally . The 6.4km (four-mile) extension of line 8 beyond the Eik in August after infrastructure scheduled for 6 May 2022. Thirty northern extension of metro line city boundary to Stur and Weyhe. works was not achieved; early of the 74 Bombardier cars have 14 to Marie de St-Ouen will open The new route could open in 2021 is now the expectation. been delivered. D. Drum, P. Webb in December as scheduled. IRJ late 2023. Kreiszeitung

356 / SEPTEMBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org CHEMNITZ. With the entry into LEIPZIG. NGT10 trams are being service of the last of 14 new Škoda delivered to a three-week rhythm, ForCity Classic trams, the remaining with 1024-7 entering service Tatra cars were withdrawn from in May and June. Despite this, service in mid-July. Three sets Tatra T4D 2107/10/3/6/20/2/5 remain in reserve; 523+524 have have been refitted so they can been displayed on temporary track operate in three-car sets. at Stadtpark. DS The rebuilt Plagwitzer Brücke DESSAU. Tramway service has been used by trams again resumed on 6 June after ten weeks since 5 June, initially on temporary suspension. Tram and bus travel line 32, but from the end of August will be free on 19 September to the regular line 14. BT mark European Mobility Week. BS LUDWIGSHAFEN. Demolition ERFURT. City tours by museum of the ‘concrete cancer’-affected tram restarted on 13 June, with highway viaduct started on Saturday departures at 11.00 and 11 June, and it is hoped the tram 14.00 from Domplatz, and a fare network can return to its normal of EUR10. BS routing on 14 September, after In Chemnitz, Germany, the Tatra T3D trams have been replaced by Škoda 35T FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN. The nearly a year of disruption. BS low-floor cars. V. Dornheim delivery of the firstT class trams, MAGDEBURG. Tenders have being built by Alstom in Spain, been invited for the delivery of 35 – Howrah Bridge line from 3 has been delayed until May 2021. new NGT10D trams from 2023. ATHINA (Athens). The 4km July. Line 25 Esplanade–Gariahat Plans are being laid to celebrate The Land of Sachsen-Anhalt (2.5-mile) extension of metro line 3 re-opened on 21 July. 150 years of the city’s trams in has offered EUR61m towards the to Nikaia was inaugurated on There are concerns that the West 2022: two-axle set F 411+ f 1508 cost of around EUR130m that will 6 July with revenue service from Bengal government, which keeps are being overhauled to carry replace both older vehicles and the following day. Work continues publishing plans to reduce the passengers again. The tramway cater for capacity improvements on a further 3.6km (2.2 miles) to tramway network to a rump that museum re-opened on 5 July. BS across the network. The tender Dimotiko Theatro, in Piraeus, due can be operated by air-conditioned GERA. The city council decision specifies 38m-long vehicles, for completion in 2022. RGI trams, will use the damage as an to finance just six new trams around 9m longer than the existing excuse to implement these plans. DS (achieved by a CDU/AfD coalition), cars. is being challenged because it MANNHEIM. Work will start DEBRECEN. The launch of the IRELAND does not permit the undertaking in 2021 on a 1.6km (one-mile) ‘Debrecen 2030’ plans in June DUBLIN. Public consultation to achieve the targets in the branch from the tracks of line 5 revealed plans for the creation of a has opened for the 4km (2.5-mile) adopted traffic plan for 2021-26. BS at Bensheimer Strasse to the new new tramline to link the city centre extension of the Green line GOTHA. The first test run with development Benjamin-Franklin- and Tócóskert in the west. from Broombridge to Finglas and one of the moderrnised ex- Village (on the site of the former Reconstruction work on tramline Charlestown. There will be three trams homologated for German US Army base). From 2023 there 1 has already been confirmed other stops at Mellowes Park, regulations took place on 8 June. will be a one-car shuttle service under the plans, which will Finglas Village and St. Helena’s. It is hoped they will be carrying connecting with line 5, but once receive HUF48.3bn (EUR140.1m) Two new bridges are required, passengers in October. BS Käfertal tram station is rebuilt in in government support between one across the Royal Canal and HANNOVER. The last of the 2027 a new line 16 will link BFV 2021 and 2023. railway line, and the other over current batch of new Stadtbahn and Rheinau-Nord via Mannheim A further line to the airport and the River Tolka valley. The line will cars, 3153, was delivered to city centre. BS southern industrial development also run through three public parks Hannover on 2 July. MÜNCHEN (Munich). The zones is also planned. Dehir.hu and Finglas village; to mitigate KARLSRUHE. Studies are second and final option for 22C2 these effects as much of the underway in preparation for the six-car U-Bahn trains from Siemens INDIA extension as feasible will be grass 2022 launch of a prototype freight has been exercised. This will bring AGRA/KANPUR. Uttar Pradesh track with cycle and pedestrian service. The regioKArgo pilot will the total to 67 trains by 2022. Metro Rail Corporation has routes alongside. No costs have demonstrate the concept, using PLAUEN. The tramway route ordered 67 three-car trains from yet been announced. Consultation LRVs to transport freight between network was changed from Bombardier for the projects in runs until mid-September. suburban consolidation centres 8 August as follows: 1, Neundorf these two cities. IRJ Opening could be in 2030, and central city hubs. From there – Preisselpöhl (this direction HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH. following a three-year consultation goods would be forwarded to their only); 2, Preisselpöhl – The Unified Metropolitan and design process, one year final destination using emission- Waldfrieden (this direction only); Transport Authority in the state for tendering, and construction. free modes such as cargo bikes. RGI 3, Waldfrieden – Neundorf (this of Uttarakhand has approved KÖLN (Cologne). The city direction only); 4, Reusa – Obere construction of a 73km (45-mile) council and transport undertaking Bahnhof; 5, Südvorstadt – Plamag; light metro, with 32km (20 miles) GENERAL. Limited operation KVB have reached an out-of-court 6, Reusa – Plamag (only Saturdays to be completed by 2024. of the and settlement with the builders of until 07.45). BS Hindustan Times the the north-south Stadtbahn tunnel RHEIN-NECKAR (RNV). This KOLKATA. Super-cyclone restarted in late July. From where the city archive building year will see the delivery of 38 Amphan on 20-21 May caused 23 July-13 September the IMR will collapsed on the site in March class 463 Siemens Mireo three-car 19 deaths and widespread operate Thursdays-Sundays. The 2009. The contractors will pay EMUs for S-Bahn service, with 19 devastation in the city, including MER is open Saturdays-Tuesdays, EUR600m to settle all claims and more due in 2021. IRJ extensive damage to the tramway 25 July-13 September. A basic carry out structural reinforcement SCHWERIN. Tram 824 system, with much overhead service on each line will cater work to permit the Heumarkt– introduced a new livery on 16 June: brought down and traction for residents plus visitors from Severinstrasse line to be competed. white with a medium-blue skirt, poles uprooted; all services were Guernsey, the only part of the Services were disrupted on black window surrounds, grey suspended. Most of the city was British Isles currently with free 1-2 July when vandals smeared roof and yellow cantrail and door without power for 14 hours. access to the Isle of Man. a lubricant on steps leading to surrounds. The tram was named Tram service 24/29 between The Snaefell Mountain Railway subway stations, and later on Alexandrine. BS Tollygunge and Ballygunge celebrates its 125th Anniversary tracks in outer suburban areas. WIESBADEN. A referendum to resumed on 15 June, and it was this year, but apart from a special The culprits wore masks and approve plans for the Citybahn hoped to have three more lines in June no service is operating. hooded tops, so CCTV could not light rail link to Mainz will be held running by 22 June, but this was Any anniversary event is likely to be used to identify them. Express in November. BS postponed to just the Rajabazar be transferred to 2021.

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TORUŃ. Only one bid was TIMIŞ OARA. The short received for five new 30m tramway branch to Shopping City trams, from Pesa for PLN46.4m Timişoara was brought into use (EUR10.6m), and this has been on 15 June; the 100m line is served accepted with delivery of the by route 2. UTM Swing cars to be completed by summer 2022. The city already RUSSIA has 17 vehicles of the same type, INDUSTRY. Sinara Transport from an order placed in 2013. Machines has acquired a 49% infotram.pl stake in rolling stock manufacturer WROCŁAW. The PLN204.6m Vagonmash, giving it a controlling (EUR46.5m) contract for 25 interest; other shareholders 32m Modertrans Moderus Gamma are Kirovsky Zavod and Škoda trams was signed in August; Transportation. Investment of the order includes spares and an RUB1.5-2bn (EUR17.4-23.1m) option for a further 21 trams. in the Sankt Peterburg factory Pesa was the only other bidder. is promised, making it a key Car 3001, the first of the production facility for the After 37 years of service, the SIG-built trams on the Utrecht-Nieuwegein line 17 Škoda 16T low-floor trams Sinara-Škoda joint venture carried their last passengers on 3 July. E. de Jong (dating from 2007), departed formed in December 2019. IRJ The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway with the enhanced quarantine for refurbishment on 20 July. MOSKVA. On 19 July the route will also not operate on a regular conditions imposed by the local The PLN60m (EUR13.6m) contract changes resulting from the basis this summer. The Groudle government. Times for the whole batch was awarded completion of track reconstruction Glen Railway re-opened on 5 July to Spaatz sp. and should be at Pavletsky Vokzal took effect. operating Sunday daytimes and completed within 24 months. Lines A and 38 were re-routed, Wednesday evenings. GDAŃSK. The 3.2km (two-mile) Modernisation of tram tracks line 35 withdrawn, and line 49 A virtual Manx Heritage PLN243m (EUR55.3m) extension along . Olszewski and the retained its temporary route from Transport Festival was held online of tramline 12 from Migowo to Biskupin loop began on 25 July. Nagatina to Novodanilovsky from 29 July-2 August. Lawendowe Wzgórze was opened The PLN20m (EUR4.6m) project Passage on a permanent basis. on 30 June. includes rebuilding the stops Lines A, 1, 39, 47 and 49 are now ITALY The contract for the along a 2km (1.2-mile) section. worked by low-floorVityaz-M cars. MILANO. The Limbiate tramway modernisation of N8C trams has Modertrans is readying Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has is replaced by bus route 165 been placed with Modertrans. to refurbish the 20 Protram announced a city festival for 12-13 from 20 July to 3 September, to urbanrail.net WrAs205 trams for PLN73.8m September, but it is still uncertain permit further upgrading work to KATOWICE. The first of two (EUR16.8m), adopting a new blue if the tram parade will be revived. be carried out. DS Modertrans double-ended bogie livery chosen by passengers in an N. Semyonov PALERMO. AMAT has selected trams (1019-20) entered service online survey. infotram.pl OMSK. Tenders have been invited a joint venture of CAF Italia and on the 1.35km (0.8-mile) Bytom WARSZAWA (). for 24 16m trams with a 34% EDS Infrastrutture as maintenance shuttle tramline 38 from 9 July. Metro Warszawskie has launched low-floor area, which could be partner for its tramway vehicles This restores passenger service a tender for a new ticketing second-hand as long as they were and infrastructure in a new four- to the line, suspended in March system for metro line 2 that also built in 2019 or later. year deal announced in late July. due to the inability of the two- supports QR ticketing. infotram.pl The third of four batches of axle N trams to permit social 71-619A trams arrived from NETHERLANDS distancing. The single-ended cars Moskva on 11 July, the final batch . CAF trams up of this type are 1001-1008. LISBOA. All services, including (making ten in total) was expected to 3011 had arrived by late July, The first Pesa 2017N low-floor the Bica and Gloria , in early August. transphoto.ru but they had still not entered air-conditioned tram from the returned from 1 June. The Lavra SANKT PETERBURG. passenger service. OR 2018 order (27 25m cars and 8 resumed on 15 June. Novokrestovskaya metro station DEN HAAG. Metropoolregio 32m cars) was delivered in the The EU has allocated EUR50m is to be renamed Zenit to mark Rotterdam Den Haag has allocated early hours of 12 July. infotram.pl towards the modernisation the 95th annivesary of the EUR462m to cover the purchase of KRAKÓW. Services were of the Cascais commuter local football club. Fontanka a further 60 low-floor trams, and extensively revised, on a temporary rail line, including upgrading VITEBSK. On 15 July the changes to track infrastructure basis, from 27 July due to the electrification from 1500V dc to rebuilt Polotsky viaduct was and workshops to permit wider roadworks in the city centre. A new 25kV ac by the end of 2023. BS, RGI opened, permitting tramlines 6, vehicles. The new trams will line 0 was created. PORTO. A consortium of 8 and 9 to return to their normal replace the remaining high-floor Eight (840-847) of the 50 Ferrovial and Alberto Couto Alves routes. Line 4 is withdrawn. GTL trams by 2026. DS Stadler Lajkonik 100% low-floor has been awarded a 42-month On 21 July Ulitsa Gagarina was ROTTERDAM. The rebuilt trams had been delivered by the EUR288m contract to build two closed for reconstruction with Rotterdam Alexander station, end of July. infotram.pl light rail extensions, for lines lines 1 and 3 cut back to the depot. providing interchange between ŁÓDŹ. Some work has been D (3.15km/1.95 miles) and G Line 5 is withdrawn. transphoto.ru train, metro and buses, opened on completed on a 2.8km (1.7-mile) (3.1km/1.9 miles), from Santo 10 July. A 1000-space bicycle shed extension of line 43 from Brus Ovído to Vila d’Este and from SINGAPORE will be provided shortly. depot to Plac Wolnosci. This Casa da Música to São Bento MASS RAPID TRANSIT. The Tourist tram line 10 will not could be the first stage in the railway station. IRJ Singapore – Bahru Rapid operate this year. re-introduction of tram service to Transit Link project was relaunched The 75th anniversary of the Lutomiersk. TR on 30 July. It will now be a city’s liberation was marked SZCZECIN. On 25 July the CRAIOVA. Tatra-Jug has won standalone 4km (2.5-mile) on 8 June by the operation of 1.5km (0.9-mile) extension the contract to supply 17 new international light rail link to museum tram set 556 + 1355 on of line 3 from Las Arkonski to 25m K1 trams. The Ukrainian by a new bridge rather the network. IRJ, OR Rondo Olszewskiego opened. manufacturer’s EUR28.9m bid than an extension of the Thomson– Modertrans was the only beat rival offers from Pesa, East Coast metro line. Completion PHILLIPINES bidder to respond to a tender for Durmazlar and Bozankaya. has slipped to the end of 2026. MANILA. Operations were delivery of two low-floor articulated The new 27m trams will have a Four contracts worth suspended on the LRT-1 and trams and assistance with further capacity for 190 passengers and are SGD682.5m (EUR421m) have LRT-2 light rail lines between assembly in the undertaking’s to be delivered from late 2021. been awarded to a Daewoo-led 4 and 18 August in compliance workshops. urbanrail.net Club Feroviar consortium for the construction

358 / SEPTEMBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org and equipment of stage 2 of the double-ended trams 81-89 could Jurong Region metro. IRJ be operated, which meant the line was cut back to Zytglogge. trams ran between HB and BEOGRAD. The French Fischermätteli. Tram, BS Government is funding an CHUR – DISENTIS (RhB). The 18-month metro feasibility study, firstABe4/16 Capricorn set entered based on two lines totalling service on a Lanquart – Filisur 42km (26 miles). The study, to working on 17 June. The order be carried out by engineering with Stadler for these sets (which specialist Egis, is in preparation cost CHF865 000/EUR802 848 for the first phase of the planned each) has been increased from EUR6bn network. SeeNews 36 to 56. EA GENÈVE. The extension of line SLOVAKIA 14 from P+R Bernex to Vailly is STRBA – STRBSKE PLESO. unlikely to open as planned on Sunday 5 July marked the last 13 December due to delays caused day of operation for the 50-year by the coronavirus pandemic. BS old SLM metre-gauge rack trams. ZÜRICH. Canton Zürich has The Gorzów, Poland, tramway has re-opened after several months of closure for reconstruction and delivery of a new fleet of Pesa Twist trams. naszemiasto The line is now closed for released funding for the CHF280m rebuilding and will be equipped (EUR259.8m) tram link from EDINBURGH. A new single INDUSTRY. An online petition with new rolling stock in 2021. Affoltern to Bucheggplatz, with transport company is the has been set up to urge the UK transphoto.ru building due to start in 2024. BS favoured option of a report Government to legislate for Clean published in July. If carried out, Air. The move comes after the SPAIN the reform would bring together introduction of the Environment CERCEDILLA – COTOS. RENFE TAIPEI. An Alstom-led , Edinburgh Trams Bill earlier this year which had has awarded CAF a contract for consortium has been awarded and , no clauses binding the UK to six metre-gauge two-car trains the EUR424m contract to supply although retaining the bus and adopt World Health Organisation to replace the existing stock automation and rolling stock tram brands. guidelines by 2030. The petition dating from the late 1970s on the (16 four-car Metropolis) for the Transport for Edinburgh was can be found at https://petition. 18.2km (11.3-mile) line C-9. IRJ automated light metro line 7, due formed by the Council in 2014, parliament.uk/petitions/318989 MADRID. Plans have been to open in 2025-28. RGI with a wholly-owned subsidiary NOTTINGHAM. Services approved to extend metro line Edinburgh Trams and a 91% returned between the Royal 8 north-east from Aeropuerto to ownership of Lothian Buses, with Centre and Old Market Square on Valdebebas and line 5 from Alameda . The tramway East Lothian, and 14 July, earlier than the intended de Osuna to Aeropuerto. RGI re-opened on 19 July with a daytime Midlothian Councils as minority 19 July, following track MÁLAGA. Metro de Málaga 20-minute service terminating at shareholders. The council also replacement by VolkerRail. Full has extended its maintenance 19.30, the route then being covered wants to review the Lothian service resumed on 3 August, contract with CAF for the system’s by bus service 1 operating to 22.15. Buses network. with trams operating every seven 14 Urbos trams for a further Heritage Trams will begin Electrification, Supervisory minutes, alongside a re-opening five years. running over the August Bank Control and Data Acquisition of the NET travel centre on King Holiday weekend (29-31 August) (SCADA), telecoms and tram and Street in the city centre. SRI LANKA with a limited service and all road traffic signalling equipment Emergency DfT funding for the COLOMBO. The planned 15.7km seats requiring advance booking. for the 4.9km (2.9-mile) Newhaven tramway is likely to continue to (9.8-mile) light rail line between Two tours will be provided, both extension will be supplied by cover the reported GBP404 000 Colombo Fort and Malabe is with North Pier as the pick-up Siemens Mobility following a (EUR448 000) a week losses, reported to be going ahead for point. Four Promenade Tours will contract award in July. according to a council completion in 2026, thanks to a run each day covering the North INDUSTRY. A new body is report quoted by the local 40-year Japanese loan. RGI Pier – Little Bispham – Pleasure being established to facilitate Nottingham Post. Beach – North Pier circuit in an transport projects in the North of SOUTH YORKSHIRE. Supertram SWEDEN hour, plus a single Coastal Tour England. The Northern Transport track reconstruction moved to . The first of seven CAF at 13.00 which includes the Little Acceleration Council (NTAC) will Ridgeway Road in the Gleadless trams was delivered on 29 July Bispham to section be chaired by Transport Secretary Townend area in Sheffield from and was on test from 17 August. as well as the full Promenade and Northern Powerhouse 25 July. The works were due to Passenger service is now scheduled Tour. A limited Heritage service Minister Grant Shapps, with its continue along Ridgeway Road for 13 December. SVT nyheter will continue in September and membership made up of council through Hollinsend to Manor then over the Illuminations leaders and elected mayors from Top and finally on to the SWITZERLAND period, details of which have still across the region. Its first meeting Spring Lane Curve at the junction BASEL. The 5-6 September events to be released. will be in September. The NTAC of City Road until 1 September. to mark the 125th anniversary The eight companies owned will be supported by Department No service is provided from of electric tramways have by Blackpool Council face losses for Transport staff based in to Halfway, with been cancelled. Some may be of up to GBP18m (EUR20m) due northern cities. the Purple route withdrawn and rescheduled for 2021. to COVID-19, with the worst INDUSTRY. A review of the Blue route curtailed to operate The new tramway museum affected being Blackpool Transport system switches and crossing between Sheffield Station and at Dreispitz opened on 19 July, Services. Although three tranches maintenance regimes is set to Malin Bridge. A limited bus opening every third Sunday until of central government support be funded by UKTram and the replacement service is provided the end of October, although are expected to raise GBP11m Light Rail Safety and Standards between Fitzalan Square and feeder heritage tramline 7 is (EUR12m), non-budgeted Board, partnering Huddersfield Halfway. The Yellow route and not operating. M. J. Russell expenditure during the pandemic University. The project is being Tram-Train services are unaffected. BERN. The 4.45km (2.8-mile) is GBP24m (EUR26.4m) and no carried out in line with a push by From 2 September rail Ostermundigen extension will specific grant has covered tram the Office of Rail and Road, replacement will be carried out be built in 2024-28. service operations, unlike most requiring those responsible for in the Crystal Peaks area, due On 18 May a road vehicle of the other UK tram and rail maintenance to review standards to continue until 25 September. accident damaged a point at services. The council expects to and processes and, where necessary, THAMES GATEWAY. Thames Siloah. Until a replacement was be able to cover additional costs implement a more robust regime Gateway Tramlink – proposer of installed on 20 June, only RBS through its reserves. for maintenance and renewal. the KenEx tramway between the

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 359 Worldwide Review

service this winter. , DC. Metro Galveston Island Trolleys frequency and operational hours LOS ANGELES, CA. On 10 July reverted to normal from 16 August. work started to build the 14.6km (9.1-mile) Pomona extension MUSEUM NEWS of the Gold light rail line, with BALLARAT (AU). The 50th completion programmed for anniversary celebration for 2025. ERA the tramway museum is being PHOENIX, AZ. A contract has scheduled for 19 September 2021. been awarded to a joint venture of M. Rowe Kiewit and McCarthy to build the BEAMISH (UK). The museum 2.6km (1.6-mile) northwest light reopened on 23 July, with advance rail extension to Mountain View booking but no tram rides. Road, planned to open in 2023. RGI Beamish has a fundraising appeal. PORTLAND, OR. The closure See: https://beamish.digitickets. of the 1912 Steel Bridge for co.uk/category/13841. An example of the temporary boarding ramps currently being installed on the refurbishment of light rail tracks CRICH (UK). The Tramway Muni light rail system in San Francisco (US). SFMTA from 2 to 29 August led to major Village re-opened from 11 July for counties of Kent and Essex – is to best value fare. This is available to changes to MAX service. The five days per week (not Mondays hold a conference in Thurrock on holders of a Swift travelcard. The Blue line operated Hillsboro – and Fridays, although it is to 17 October. The event is seen as facility is to be extended to bus and Old Town and Rose Quarter – open on Bank Holiday Monday key to influence the inclusion of local rail services in 2021. Gresham, the Green line Rose 31 August). A timed slot for a a tram network in the formation Dudley’s castle has inspired a Quarter – Clackamas, the Red line return tram trip must be obtained of a transport plan by the name change for the proposed Gateway – Airport shuttle, the at the main entrance. Trams can Association of South East Local town centre Metro stop, from Yellow line Expo Center – Rose only be boarded and alighted Authorities (ASELA). Station Drive to Dudley Castle. Quarter, and the Orange line at Town End. September and TYNE AND WEAR. Nexus, has Midland Metro Alliance is Union Station – Milwaukie. Bus October opening dates are still to secured GBP20m (EUR22.1m) undertaking preliminary works shuttles filled the gap. be confirmed. Donations are being of central government funding on the future tramline, including From 2 to 22 August the Green sought at https://www.tramway. for additional infrastructure utility diversions and upgrades and Yellow lines were through- co.uk/contact/make-a-donation. renewal works, including track until September in Castle Hill routed at Rose Quarter. The nine SEATON (UK). Services resumed and replacement, and Trindle Road in Dudley, and Orange line trains had to be from 4 July, initially with a after the current GBP350m the removal of a railway bridge in stored and maintained on the 30-minute headway that was (EUR387.8m) upgrade programme during August. line overnight until 11 August, increased to a 20-minute headway that began in 2010 ends in 2021. after which trains were able for the summer holiday period The body is also working to secure USA to run onto the bridge without (25 July-28 September). additional funding for capital AUSTIN, TX. The meeting on passengers to reach Elmonica A 30-minute service will then works through to 2025 in this 27 July to approve Project Connect maintenance facility. S. J. Morgan be provided until 1 November. year’s Spending Review. (TAUT 992) decided on an 8.75% SACRAMENTO, CA. California’s The new temporary Metro depot municipal tax increase to go on Department of Transportation CONTRIBUTORS at is close to completion. the ballot in November. This will has made a USD3.75m award Worldwide news items for The former landfill site has been raise USD3.85bn, reduced from under its Low Carbon Transit inclusion should be sent to Michael transformed with new tracks the original proposal of a local Operations Program to support Taplin at Flat 8, Roxan Villa, and overhead lines and a new contribution of USD6.5bn, so the the purchase of additional low- 33 Landguard Manor Rd, Shanklin, maintenance shed with facilities planned 9.7km (six-mile) Gold floor LRVs and expanded evening Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. for staff. The site will be used for line is deleted, as are extensions Gold line service. Mass Transit Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or e-mail the cleaning and preparation of of the Orange line, which will ST LOUIS, MO. The Loop Trolley [email protected] up to a quarter of the fleet while now link North Lamar Transit was operated at weekends in July, UK and Ireland items are the main depot at in Center to South Congress Transit 11.00-19.00 with free rides. welcomed by the Home News Newcastle is rebuilt, with that Center. The Blue line to the airport J. Hayward Editor, John Symons, 17 GBP70m (EUR77.6m) project is included. A new transit agency SAN DIEGO, CA. The North Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, expected to begin this summer. will be created to implement the County Transit District has Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. As part of the order for new expansion programme. awarded Bombardier a USD43m E-mail: [email protected] Metro cars, Stadler has moved CHICAGO – SOUTH BEND contract for 11 double-deck Acknowledgements are due its new management team into (IL/IN). In an attempt to coaches to permit to Blickpunkt Strassenbahn (BS), Gosforth depot. The trains are to restore patronage, all westbound the Coaster service to operate Club Feroviar, David Richards, enter passenger service by 2023; rides (towards Chicago) on the every 30 minutes. RGI Dehir.hu, Drehscheibe (DS), the first of the original fleet interurban were free in July and SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). Edinburgh Evening News, Eisenbahn to be scrapped is 4022, which August, and up to three children Re-opening of the Amateur (EA), Eisenbahn (EB), was damaged in 2017 and not aged 13 or younger could ride free system, with consequent route Electric Railroaders Association considered economical to repair. with an adult. Monthly tickets for changes, took place on 22 August (ERA), Fontanka, Galveston VOLK’S ELECTRIC RAILWAY. July were also valid in August. rather than 1 August, relieving Island Trolleys, Hindustan The railway re-opened on 25 July. Contractors have been pressure on overcrowded buses. Times, Hoodline, infotram.pl, No pre-booking is required but appointed for the design and Temporary boarding ramps International Railway Journal only contactless payments are construction of the West Corridor were erected for the inbound (IRJ), Irish Times, Kreiszeitung, accepted. Halfway station and branch line, whichis awaiting a and outbound transfer points at Lineoz.net, Manchester Evening the main visitor centre are closed. federal grant. J. Hayward West Portal and Church and News, Manila Times, Mass Transit, The line will be open Wednesday- EL PASO, TX. Further testing Market streets. NBC, Hoodline National Broadcasting Corporation Sunday 11.00-16.00, with trains on the city tramway took place TRENTON – CAMDEN, NJ. NJ (US), Nottingham Evening Post, every 15 minutes from both during the last week of July, but Transit is trialling the use of vinyl Op de Rails (OR), Railway Gazette Aquarium and Black Rock stations. no resumption of service had been wraps for its GTW 2/6 LRVs. It is International (RGI), SeeNews, SVT WEST MIDLANDS. Ticket announced by early August. estimated that applying the wrap nyheter, Today’s Railway (TR), machines in use with conductors on GALVESTON, TX. Diesel to the River line’s 20-strong fleet Transport Publiczny, transphoto.ru, West Midlands Metro are now able trams 501-3 have been returned would save USD570 000, also Tram, Tram-2000, urbanrail.net, to add a new fare-capped facility from GOMACO after complete lasting up to ten years compared to Urban Transport Magazine (UTM) which guarantees commuters the refurbishment, and may re-enter just five years for paint. Mass Transit and Express & Star.

360 / SEPTEMBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Certifi cate: PA05/04429

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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Ulm

Popular support systems helped Ulm’s much-reduced tramway survive the www.lrta.org 20th Century – factfile GERMANY www.tautonline.com Neil Pulling finds a No. Ulm, modern accessible service that has grown SEPTEMBER 2020 N O. 993 Germany from what was saved. 155 Ulm Subscribe now! A LIGHTER FUTURE? VLR TO TRIAL IN 2021 Now in its 83rd year, Tramways & Urban Transit is

ocated on a convergence of Siemens Avenio M 62 Donau (Danube) river, forming the railway routes, Ulm in including aspects such as planning, leaves Ehinger Tor on state boundary. Embracing Ulm Baden-Württemberg 17 April 2019. Giving the service and fares co-ordination. and Neu-Ulm, there are remnants state is about 75km name to the transport Ulm’s tramway opened with two of a fortress which was the largest (47 miles) from Stuttgart interchange, the electrically-powered lines in May andL 120km (75 miles) from München gateway (left) was part in the 19th Century German 1897, with one extending to Neu-Ulm, (Munich). Many visitors will arrive of the 19th Century Confederation. A lengthy presence using an island – locally ‘Insel’ – as Ulm fortress. of American forces after 1945 at the city’s main railway station, a stepping stone across the Danube. which in recent times has also been and a continuing NATO presence the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely to Vehicle factories, a strategic railway also attest to the area’s military an arrival amongst a building site. presence and military installations significance. A roadway with tram and bus platforms brought bombing raids in 1944-45 SWU Mobilität provides public threads through the re-development that destroyed over 80% of Ulm’s transport over about 220km zone on the station’s city centre side. central area. Inevitably tram operations (138 miles) of route – about a tenth Hauptbahnhof is one of three stops were affected by the devastation. of which are tram services – in the shared by the uni-directional A trolleybus system partly filled the two municipalities. SWU Mobilität metre-gauge system’s two lines, role from 1947 (including the Neu- is part of Stadtwerke Ulm/ designated as 1 and 2. They diverge Ulm link via Insel) until 1963, with Neu-Ulm GmbH which became at junctions just beyond the stops motor buses overall becoming the a municipally-owned limited either side of Hauptbahnhof, Ehinger main form of local public transport. Tor and Theater. liability company in 1982. Coventry’s vision for a ordable, accessible LRT A four-line system from 1927 had, Ulm had a population of 126 790 Its transport network has an by the 1990 German reunification, light and urban rail developments. average 93 000 daily journeys. Regulators agree Bombardier takeover at the start of 2020. Partly growing become a single-line operation. No Heavy rail provision by Deutsche through the incorporation of longer serving the heart of the city Bahn and other contractors neighbouring communities, it gained around the landmark Ulm Minster, Dismay as Sutton extension is ‘paused’ are amongst the operators who city status in 1980 upon reaching it passed west and north of that area. extend provision beyond these 100 000 residents. The urban spread Re-routed and reduced in stages, it had communities. All are covered by Berlin approves 15-year transport plan includes neighbouring Neu-Ulm in become the former West Germany’s All images by Neil the regional body, Donau Iller Bayern state (Bavaria) with a population shortest tramway at 5.6km (3.5 miles). £4.60 of 63 000. They are separated by the Pulling, except André Nahverkehrsverbund GmbH In 1999 a project for a five-line, Knoerr as credited. (DING), since January 2003 Vienna Russia 1435mm-gauge system with potential A Euro a day to battle Reversing decline one used tram at a time... www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org climate change SEPTEMBER 2020 / 351

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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 SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 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. Without passengers, how can long can we last? To add to the ongoing debate about pandemic finances I would Plus of course, home working might not be so popular when hope you will indulge a few of my personal observations. the utility bills show an increase in domestic usage. Not all Firstly, I would begin by saying that I am sick and tired of the employers will reimburse such costs and nor are they legally comparisons being made with wartime conditions. This is totally obliged to. Additionally, home workers can be easily distracted different. During the war if anything it was the tramways and by visitors, shopping trips, dogs, kids and noisy neighbours. trolleys that kept our cities moving. This pandemic has no clear Leisure travel will pick up again eventually (it’s difficult to end. There will be likely be a ‘second wave’, and a third, and e-mail yourself to your parents or a tourist attraction for the a fourth, and even if community transmission rates do drop, weekend!) and to avoid permanent traffic congestion it is vital until a proven vaccine is found or we develop more effective that the car isn’t the first or only choice. So if new housing is treatments there will always be the potential for further built then good quality public transport should be there before outbreaks. And outbreaks mean lockdowns, travel restrictions the first residents, subsidised either by the local authority or and social and economic carnage. developers as part of planning permission if necessary, so that This pandemic is devastating for transit, with buses and new owners don’t get used to having a car as their only option. LRVs (trams) running at a tiny percentage of their capacity. When schools return fully, many of those students will need As such private automobiles are forming the basis for our to travel by bus, coach, train and light rail. Are governments ‘recovery’, bringing with them congestion and environmental really expecting private cars to carry all those children? complications. So until the requirement for social distancing Perhaps it is also time to rethink the practice of reduced ends – and I think this will be here for some time yet – we need timetables on Sundays and Bank Holidays to account for to rebalance the finances of transit agencies away from fare changing travel behaviour. revenues and towards grant funding. It must be strongly emphasised that public transport hasn’t Your average LRV or subway train at two-metre distancing suddenly become dangerous overnight. It is still very safe from can carry (at best) 15% of its normal loading. At one-metre an accident point of view and encouraging hundreds of electric this improves to 25-30%. I note recently that the UK Transport cars to flood towns and cities will do nothing to solve congestion, Secretary Grant Shapps said “I think especially in the winter when cycling and it is fairly obvious if I say that, you “It is the responsibility of walking might not be as attractive. know, if you’re not able to run your Continued government funding is services with 100% capacity then it is of Government to maintain therefore vital, especially at the present course difficult to make those services time to stop operators going under and profitable.” With statements such as financial support... the leaving no alternative for millions but the this if you recognise the problem and do car. Quieter roads are perfect for digging nothing to solve it, then you are indeed bailouts are welcome, but up streets to move utilities, lay track, part of the problem. install substations or traction poles etc in So echoing the sentiments of your will only last so long.” anticipation of planned light rail lines. columnists in recent months, now is the This would also provide a much-needed time to ‘pause, reflect and rethink the boost to the construction industry. role of public transport’. A good start would be to pause road Despite the above, I am still optimistic that investment in building schemes to free up resource to accelerate new transit light rail (supported by electric buses where there isn’t enough schemes so we can build better cities for the future. A clean potential traffic) is the right long-term solution. The challenge slate if you like; it just depends now on what we write on it. now is to persuade the politicians, media and money men With this in mind it is the responsibility of Government to (and sadly they are still nearly all men) that service cuts, and maintain financial support and recognise the role that efficient deferring new rolling stock or upgrades is not the answer. public transport has in society. The current bailouts are welcome, Colin Brazier, by e-mail but will only last so long. Here in the US we are pushing hard for a consistent and long-lasting ‘new deal’ for transit – and it is up Before the coronavirus really took hold, the majority of my to us all to up our efforts, no matter where we are. local journeys were made on public transport. I am lucky P. W. Anderson, by e-mail enough to live in a suburb of Nottingham and have generally excellent tram, bus and rail links across the Midlands. While I Now is a perfect time to rethink both the operation and do own a car, I am now advancing in years and have always ownership of public transport, not just going back to what was preferred public transport anyway. It provides a vital service in there before because that’s what we have always done. my community, as it does up and down the country. Firstly, it is vital that investment is kept going, and indeed Since lockdown measures have been eased (June) I have not increased, despite the temporary downturn in passenger used public transport and have not yet made up my mind when numbers. It is definitely not an excuse to cut services. I would feel safe to do so again. Despite all the “everyone is staying at home” messages from I have seen many local trams, buses and trains pass me the general media, there will still be the need to visit a central near-empty. My own confidence in public transport aside – as a location even if only for a few hours a week – for instance for pensioner, I am still to remain fully convinced of my safety – confidential briefings, medicals or interviews etc. There are also I ask myself how long this situation can continue before plenty of people who hate doing so or either can’t work from wide-ranging and permanent cuts to services will be needed. home because of the nature of their job or miss the social aspect By the time I feel comfortable to use them again I fear it may of being at work. This is especially true if you are single and/or be too late for many operators. don’t have a garden or extra room at home to work in. Name and address supplied

362 / september 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Personal memories of Curt Elmberg It was very sad to read about the death of Curt Elmberg (TAUT 992). His achievements in Gothenburg are well-known amongst tramway professionals, making it a leading example of good practice in the light rail world. What is perhaps not so well-known is his influence on light rail developments in Britain. I first met Curt when he hosted the LRTA visit in September 1967 for ‘Högertrafik', the change from left-hand to right-hand traffic. That was a masterpiece of planning and implementation in itself. Despite having his own massive responsibilities in making it all work that weekend, he still found time to put on a warm welcome for LRTA members. Two years later he accepted my invitation to come to Salford University to present a paper to a symposium on ‘Planning for Public Transport’. He was at that time Director of Planning for Göteborgs Spårvägar. Over 50 professionals and academics attended the symposium, including delegates from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield Ulan-Ude is benefiting from fresh tramway investment; new trams such as this PK-TS Lvyonok have dramatically and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. improved the quality and attractiveness of the service. Not all Russian cities are so lucky. Luc Koenot All those places went on to develop light rail projects, although it was another 30 years of private companies which could have acted in North End, but he resisted that, quoting the before some of them carried passengers. It a discriminatory manner towards competitors.’ Chester experience. I particularly remember is highly probable that Curt Elmberg sowed If the change was to reduce land costs I an argument we had on Amsterdam’s seeds in many minds over those two days would ask why the LRT PFI Unit (which had Leidsestraat as the rain fell heavily and the which bore fruit years later. not been involved in the promotion or design, trams glided serenely by. He had a vision that We therefore owe him a great deal of nor consulted those who had six years of work removing the traffic from North End would gratitude, not only for being our honorary on the scheme) should agree to this change, allow the pedestrianised shopping centres [LRTA] Vice-President, but for advancing the particularly as the private sector elements of (of which Croydon then had three – all state of light rail in Britain and beyond. the Tramlink Steering Group had submitted a adjoining) to grow, amalgamate and prosper Tony Young, Skipton, UK BAFO to build the tramway as designed. It all as one, integrated shopping area. seemed to be something of a jumble to those Denis saw transport as the lifeblood of Further background on Tramlink standing outwith the ‘magic circle’. the town and that was the purpose of most It was a pleasure to hear from my friend and of the transport developments he delivered. former colleague Alan Murray (Mailbox, TAUT Croydon was not to become a playground for 992). Our memories of events that took place “It is highly probable that bus operators, nor could it become clogged 30 years ago tend to grow rusty and I am Curt Elmberg sowed seeds with private motor cars. He wanted to secure always happy to discuss errors and omissions. modal transfer – something he recognised The Tramlink team and our Consulting in many minds over those trams can achieve, but motor buses rarely do. Engineers were working on a cross-platform If Alan thinks Dennis was ‘anti-bus’, can design for Addington Interchange since early two days [in 1969] which he explain the countless hours we spent, 1989. We discussed this, and the number of sketching on large-scale maps in his office, buses, fully-accessible minibuses and taxis bore fruit years later.” working until after midnight to find an that would serve the interchange with our alignment and a traffic management plan that ‘friends’, and were confident that we had I am also upset by Alan’s attack on a would get trams from Sandilands to Reeves a layout that suited our future passengers, long-serving public servant. Dennis Coombes Corner AND produce one of the longest, London Borough of Croydon, local residents, has been dead now for over a decade and mostly- segregated bus corridors in London? potential tram and bus operators. De mortuis nil nisi bonum would be a Hardly something cooked up by Dennis It was a requirement that this be presented for gentlemanly maxim. To call someone Coombes and myself if we were ‘anti-bus’! local consultation months before the Tramlink ‘virulently anti-bus’ is to question their Alan concludes by saying “It is possible Bill was deposited. Members of the House impartiality and demonstrate an almost that earlier discussions were held pre-1990 to of Lords Bill Committee had visited modern fanatical obsession with buses. which we were not party and that these are tramways on the European mainland, showing Dennis’ major objective was to ensure the what were being referred to.” Yes Alan, that’s particular interest in bus/tram interchanges. continuing economic success of Croydon, by what happened. Alan acknowledges that the best improving its environment and supporting Scott McIntosh, by e-mail arrangement is a ‘wrap around’, giving sustainable services. He also recognised cross-platform interchange. This is what the the benefit of moving private motor traffic Demystifying a tramway great Tramlink Bill plan achieved. The design of from main streets. Having been to part- I would like to express my appreciation for the this was carried out in conjunction with a pedestrianised town centres in London and excellent first part of your survey of Russia’s Steering Group consisting of LB Croydon, the south, I took him to a number around tramway landscape in TAUT 992. As a part a civil engineering firm, a car-builder and Manchester and he was particularly impressed of the world with so rich a tramway history, an experienced operator, which was a by the city centre manager in Chester who but so little English language coverage, privatisation of one of LRT’s bus companies. told him it ‘was not much of a success, it Mr Koenot’s obvious extensive knowledge It therefore came as a surprise to all those who weakens the case for closing the road to other and highly readable style give a really good had put so much effort into the design to find traffic and once the other traffic pollution is overview of the current situation. that it was discarded in favour of what Alan removed people become aware that the buses As well as the technical detail, the historical admits is a ‘sub-optimal’ arrangement. are noisy, polluting and no less dangerous background and context of the decision- If this change came about to suit the than they were before. When it’s politically making processes of city authorities made operating convenience of the bus operator I possible we will get the buses out.’ this a fascinating read. I can’t wait for the would ask how this stood in relation to BPI’s Dennis and I had long – often heated second part! remit to ‘put... passenger interests above those – discussions about letting the trams use R. Nicholson, by e-mail

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 363 Classic Trams return to dunedin Mac Gardner reports on the exciting plans to bring cable cars back to the New Zealand city of Dunedin, that in 1881 was only the second in the world to introduce them. 1

e may not know what were needed: some (109, 110) were adapted rampant of all, the diesel bus, unconstrained song the sirens sang, but from horse-drawn carriages; others (111, 112) by tracks or wires. For the little cable cars, this the source of the similarly were built in the Dunedin City Corporation was an unequal battle. The Kaikorai line closed seductive sweet swishing workshops, to cope with traffic to the 1920s in 1947, the Roslyn line in 1951, and the sound between the tracks in New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. Maryhill extension in 1956. someW San Francisco streets is well understood. Street-running cable cars (not to be The Mornington line lasted until 1957, The endless cable, running over, under or confused with funiculars) arrived in 38 but eventually capitulated, its profitability alongside a series of pulleys, hidden in an other cities around the world in the late undermined by the buses. It went not without underground conduit, and held and released 19th Century, between the fading days of a fight: pleas were made, petitions forwarded, by ‘little cable cars, climbing halfway to the horse-drawn and steam-driven urban rail editorials written, as was earlier the case in San stars’ (to paraphrase the Tony Bennett song), transport, and development of the electric Francisco. But Dunedin folk proved less able hums and strums its tune to delight those with tram. Had that period been shorter, the cable to confront ‘progress’ than Californians and attuned ears. To those not of a mechanical car might never have had a role. The triumph the last car, 101, carrying two or three times bent, as Rudyard Kipling wrote in 1889, “If it of the electric tram was not, however, long its allowed load and preceded by the Dunedin pleases Providence to make a car run up a slit in coming: the advantage of a single light Ladies’ Highland Pipe Band, made its final in the ground for many miles, without any overhead wire and a finely-controllable journey up High Street on 2 March 1957. visible means of support, then who am I to onboard motor, versus an under-street seek an explanation of the miracle?” heavy cable needing regular replacement, …and the return and a fairly crude control mechanism, was But is ‘final’ too strong a word? There is now a Dunedin, the second city unarguable. Except, that is, in cities with steep group whose hope is that the period between Only eight years after Andrew Hallidie hills: namely, San Francisco and Dunedin. 1957 and the 2020s may prove to have been introduced the cable car to San Francisco in At the peak, there were three major routes merely a temporary suspension of service. 1873, a second urban system came into being in Dunedin, all running to hill suburbs: Three of the old cars have returned to Dunedin, in Dunedin, New Zealand – a perfect fit for the Roslyn and Mornington lines from the having spent decades under the custody of an equally, if not more, hilly city, with many Exchange (the business area), and the Kaikorai the Tramway Historical Society at Ferrymead, suburbs looking down towards the city centre. line, commencing 1900, from the Octagon Christchurch: Roslyn grip car 95 and trailer The first route, the Roslyn line, began (the official city centre). Two feeder lines from 111, in beautiful condition, and Roslyn car operation in 1881. A curve in the steep street Mornington served adjacent suburbs: the 97, less so. They are displayed at the recently- around St Joseph’s cathedral presented a Maryhill and short-lived (1906-10) Elgin Road built Cable Car House by the Mornington challenge: letting go to pick up another extensions. The former had a remarkable 1:3.5 shopping centre, where the tracks used to run. straight-running cable was not an option! (28.6%) gradient at its origin, and unwary Trailer 4, at MOTAT, the only representative The ‘pull curve’ was thus invented by first-time passengers might have found the of the 1800s, is expected to make the trip local engineer George Duncan, who later initial, sudden steepness mildly terrifying. home in due course. Another car, 105, at the established the Melbourne cable car system. Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Pulleys enabled the car to retain its grip on The cable and gravity USA, may be too far away. the cable as it took the curve. To offset the The cable provided uphill traction; downhill, These homeward-bound cars now serve as flexing of the gripper as it passed around the the tractive power was gravity, kept in check by tangible evidence that progress is being made, horizontally-set curve pulley drums, he set a gripping the cable, the main braking for most and as a focus for support and fundraising rail in the conduit just above the cable that of the journey, except at stops, where track for track installation and cable machinery to the gripper could slide around, obviating and wheel brakes were applied. Combined use proceed. A registered charity, the Dunedin the flexing which could have weakened the of gravity and moving cable allowed for an Heritage Light Rail Trust, has been formed. gripper shaft. San Francisco soon followed suit. almost theatrical performance when the set The rails will lie exactly where they used to, The next route, opened in 1883, ran arrived at the lower High Street terminus. and the century-old cars will all be originals up High Street from the city centre to the First, both vehicles having applied brakes, observing historical authenticity so far as suburb of Mornington. About a mile (1.6km) some passengers alighted and the current regulations allow. This historic in length, with the endless cable 2¼ miles separated the trailer from the grip car. character will be an attraction for a new (3.6km) long, the track made only one turn, The car then ‘dropped the cable’, free- class of passenger – the visiting tourist – not at the top of High Street, again using George wheeled along the down-track to the points a demographic much considered years ago. Duncan’s pull curve. First to operate the route joining the up-track; stopped, and the rest of Funding and the current viral epidemic were locally-built ‘dummy’ grip cars, and the passengers got off; picked up the cable, present challenges. But at least some time in enclosed trailers from the Jones Company of and moved clear of the points. Now, the trailer the 2020s, visitors to Dunedin may once again West Troy, New York, essentially horse-drawn released its brakes, coasted to the end of the marvel at what Kipling saw as a miracle. vehicles modified for cable tram propulsion. line, and the grip car reversed to reconnect. A disastrous fire in 1903 destroyed all the This process used slippage on the cable, rather Those wishing to support the project can dummy cars and all but one trailer, 4 (later than the brakes, to maintain precise control. donate, or purchase a beautifully-illustrated renumbered 107), now partially restored at 2021 calendar (High Street service from 1884 to the Museum of Transport and Technology The decline… 2020), for GBP15 P&P (airmail from NZ), from (MOTAT) in Auckland. New grip cars were In post-war years, in Dunedin as in many places www.dunedincablecars.co.nz built to a local design, with enclosed cabins where electric tram systems suffered closure, Grateful acknowledgment is offered to Don and open seats along each side and the other forms of public transport triumphed. McAra and Bill Campbell for their expert critical gripman ensconced in the middle. New trailers Here these were the trolleybus and, most comment on the draft article.

364 / SEPTEMBER 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. The design of the first cars dating from the 1880s. Hocken collections (MS-3801-031)

2. Trailer 111, hauled by one of the post-1903 grip cars, descending High Street on the Mornington line in the 1950s. Photographer not recorded

3. An atmospheric view of High Street in the 1950s, showing the topography of a route ideally suited to cable cars, with grip cars ascending and descending. Reginald McGovern

4. The Dunedin-invented ‘pull curve’ at the top of High Street, allowing the car to make a turn without letting go of the cable, in 1954. Hugh Ballment

5. An animated scene at the lower High Street terminus of the Mornington line; the grip car is about to back down to pick up the loaded trailer in 1950s Dunedin. Don McAra, 2 Tramway Historical Society 6. Trailer 111 now restored and on its short temporary track at the Cable Car House at Mornington, alongside Car 95 (with grip handle visible), and awaiting their new lease of life. Mac Gardner

7. Car 108 with Trailer 112 ascending Lower High Street in the 1950s. Graham Stewart

8. CAD demonstration of the Mornington car infrastructure. The shank of the grip extends 3 4 through the ‘slot’ in the middle of the track, into the under-street conduit. The two rhomboids (light grey colour) of soft iron come together to grip the cable. Note that there is no bogie, the axles being attached directly to the frame. At a maximum speed of 17km/h (10.5mph) and anticipated to be running on new heavy-grade rail, bumpiness should not be too problematic (and will in any case be authentic!). Lawrie Cooper, Tramway Historical Society 5 6

7 8

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2020 / 365 NEWS FROM THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ASSOCIATION

Obituary: Dieter New study reveals Ludwig (1939-2020) On 16 July the death was announced in Karlsruhe of Dr Dieter Ludwig, one global PM2.5 damage day after his 81st birthday. Dr-Ing E. H. Ludwig was General yre and brake dust has been found Manager of Verkehrsbetriebe deposited in Arctic ice. A recent report Karlsruhe (VBK) and Albtal- T co-authored by Andreas Stohl, Professor Verkehrsgesellschaft (AVG) from of Meteorology from the University of Vienna 1976 to 2006, also serving as (Austria), found that up to 426 000 tonnes of President of the Verband Deutscher PM2.5 microparticles from tyres and brakes Verkehrsunternehmen (VDV) public are deposited each year. Because of their size, transport association from 1995 to these particles are swept up into the air and 2003. He was made a Freeman of the blown long distances. city of Karlsruhe in 2006. The report, published in July in Nature He was best known for the Communications, provides a conclusive link planning and implementation of the that these particles are contributing to global ‘’, the pioneering warming. Like soot from fossil fuels and wood, project that saw dual-voltage LRVs they darken the surface of the ice and cause introduced to run through from it to absorb more heat from the sun and melt railway tracks on more quickly. This causes the Arctic ice pack to to the city’s tramway, delivering retreat more quickly, raising sea levels globally passengers into the heart of the city. and leaving wildlife such as polar bears at This was a logical follow-on from greater risk as they need to cover larger areas to the integration of regional operator hunt and mate. AVG with the VBK as part of the modernisation of a network that The presence of large amounts of tyre and brake Government has no plans to legislate dust in the Arctic has grave ramifications for the provided the backbone of public Last year the UK Government’s Air Quality survival of polar bears and other native wildlife. transport in a small city (population Expert Group reported that well over half of 300 000). all particle pollution was caused by PM2.5 from tyres, the road surface and plasticisers. Also National and international figures particles. Despite this, when the Government known as PM2.5, the major source of this invisible from across the transport world have published its Environment Bill in February microparticulate pollution is buses and lorries. paid tribute to Dr Ludwig for his 2020 it included no plans to reduce the Environmentally-friendly and sustainable transport steadfast efforts to promote public emissions of such microparticulates. solutions must be found for our busy towns and transport in general, and tramways The LRTA has launched a Parliamentary cities which should include light rail systems. and light rail in particular. MRT Petition calling for legislation to address this Parliament should recognise and support in serious challenge to air quality. The full text law efforts to clean up the air in our towns and of the petition is as follows: cities. This should include the provision of a new local transport infrastructure fund to enable Action on non-exhaust emissions transport authorities to develop sustainable clean The Government should adopt as legally binding alternatives including light rail. the World Health Organisation guideline levels for PM2.5 of 10µg/m³ as an annual mean To sign the LRTA’s petition, please visit threshold by 2030. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/318989 The Environment Bill must include legislation If 25 000 or more people sign up then the on non-exhaust emissions – these are particles Government has to respond. LRTA members’ meetings go online Dr Ludwig at the controls of a Karlruhe The LRTA, like many similar organisations, has meeting. After each presentation there will Stadtbahn LRV. U. Deck been unable to organise its usual local and area be the usual opportunity for questions and meetings and talks during the pandemic. discussion with the speakers. However, from next month we are Details of the first two meetings are: launching a series of online discussions and John Cadisch presentations using the Zoom platform. 9 September These are open to all LRTA members and will Andrew Braddock – LRTA Vice- President It is with great sadness that we also start in September on the second and fourth Golden Opportunities Missed report the death of John Cadisch, Wednesday of each month at 16.00 (GMT). 23 September a former LRTA Council Member Full details can be found at www.lrta.org and Publications Group Chair, on Simon Johnston – TAUT Editor To join us, members will need to submit 2 July. We will carry a full obituary Transport publishing during a pandemic their e-mail address and membership number. in next month’s TAUT. A link will then be forwarded to join the We hope you can join us. Bookshop

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

Tramways & Stadtbahnen in Hannover Trolleybuses in East Central London

Describes the pioneering nature of the Pure nostalgia from the last century! Album extensive network in and around the city from of bygone inner city street scenes showing the 19th Century, through the conversion of the capital’s trolleybuses in a variety of most routes to the light rail lines of today. places they served for less than 30 years. > A4 softback; 232 pages, 110 colour and > A4 softback; 184 pages; 13 colour and 224 black & white pictures; 34 maps. 430 black & white pictures; insert map. £35.50 (UK addresses); £42.50 (outside £33.50 (UK addresses); £39.50 (outside UK); £47.50 (Airmail beyond Europe except UK); £45.00 (Airmail beyond Europe USA); £53.00 (Airmail USA), except USA); £51.50 (Airmail USA), LRTA Members: £3.25 discount LRTA Members: £3.00 discount

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Els Troleibusos de Barcelona Trams, Trolleybuses and Buses in Spain & Portugal in the 1960s A brief history of the city’s trolleybuses, with mainly full-page images of the varied fleet Photographic record of two trips by British – including double-deckers on British chassis, enthusiasts in search of ex-London Q1 which operated from 1941 to 1968. trolleybuses operating in eight Spanish cities, Catalan text. with views of many other types of vehicle in both countries. > A4 softback, landscape format; 124 pages; 19 colour and 88 black & white pictures; 11 maps. > A4 softback; 72 pages; 206 colour pictures. £25.00 – www.nationaltrolleybusassociation.org £18.00 – www.nationaltrolleybusassociation.org

De Belgische kust met de tram Zahnradbahnen der Welt La côte belge en tram Die Enzyklopädie

A superb collection of full-page images of Rack (cog-wheel) railways are associated with the coastal tram, mainly recorded during mountain peaks and beautiful views all around the coronavirus lockdown in ideal weather the world, and this book describes 60 still in conditions. Dutch, English, French & operation and 11 that are no more. German text. German text. > 230x265mm hardback; 256 pages, > A4 softback, landscape format; 108 pages, 100 colour pictures. 350 mainly colour pictures. EUR20.00 – www.photorail-collection.com EUR29.90 – www.motorbuch-versand.de

New from Trolleybooks

The amazing story of a trolleybus returned from Spain A seventy-two year old vehicle takes centre stage in this detailed and intriguing account of the export of 125 London trolleybuses to nine cities, their operation in eight of them and the incredible repatriation of no. 1812 by volunteer effort.

A4 hardback, 122 pages, 143 colour and 49 black & white photographs, 4 maps. £25 + P&P from trolleybooks.co.uk or order by post from Trolleybooks, 22 Sandfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LA +44 (0)7772 709563 email: [email protected]

The British Trolleybus Society and the National Trolleybus Association created Trolleybooks four decades ago, to publish definitive books about trolleybuses, their history and operation. All profits go towards trolleybus preservation.