THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2019 No. 980 making tracks... a new way ahead

UITP: Why radical thinking is key to future urban mobility Waterloo Region launches ION service selects CAF for new DLR fleet More cities to trial autonomous

More MARTA Reims £4.60 Atlanta backs bold Style = substance 40-year transit plan for small city LRT 2019 Entries open now!

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www.lightrailawards.com CONTENTS 284 The official journal of the Light Rail 294 Transit Association AUGUST 2019 Vol. 82 No. 980 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL Editor – Simon Johnston [email protected] Associate Editor – Tony Streeter [email protected] A. Grahl Worldwide Editor – Michael Taplin [email protected] News Editor – John Symons [email protected] Senior Contributor – Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors Tony Bailey, Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Andrew Moglestue, Paul Nicholson, Herbert Pence, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Alain Senut, Vic Simons, Witold Urbanowicz, Bill Vigrass, Francis Wagner, Thomas Wagner, Philip Webb, Rick Wilson 316 Production – Lanna Blyth MP T A. Murray A. Murray Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 [email protected] News 284 renewals and maintenance 301 Waterloo opens ION light rail; CAF chosen UK engineers and industry experts share DESIGN – Debbie Nolan for DLR fleet replacement order; English their lessons from recent infrastructure Advertising systems set new records; Hyundai Rotem to projects, and outline future innovations. COMMERCIAL Manager – Geoff Butler Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 build hydrogen LRV by 2020; More German [email protected] cities trial autonomous trams; UITP Summit: SYSTEMS FACTFILE: reims 305 Publisher – Matt Johnston ‘Redefining transport, redefining cities’; Eight years after opening, Neil Pulling revisits MBTA rail funding plan agreed. one of ’s most striking tramways. Tramways & Urban Transit 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK COMMENT 288 WORLDWIDE REVIEW 310 UK CEO Alistair Gordon on the Funding confirmed for Gatineau LRT project; Tramways & Urban Transit is published by Mainspring importance of integration and imagination. new metro routes in , Urumqui, on behalf of the LRTA on the third Friday of each month preceding the cover date. Nanning and Ningbo; Berlin plans to MORE MARTA ATLANTA 290 reinstate Siemensstadt S-Bahn services; MARTA CEO Jeffrey A. Parker explains service planned for Tokyo freight lines; First to TAUT the projects that will improve tests on London’s Northern line extension to connectivity and cut congestion in Atlanta. Battersea; San Diego unveils sales tax plan for PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION six-fold transit ridership increase. Warners (Midlands), Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK trafford park line progress 294 LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) The latest news on Metrolink’s GBP350m MAILBOX 315 Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up extension into Europe’s largest trading estate. Challenging vinyl advertising liveries; members of the Light Rail Transit Association. Why light rail should stay on the surface. LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY trackwork: melbourne-style 297 Brian Lomas Australia’s has a reputation for CLASSICS: Brussels @ 150 316 [email protected] [email protected] high-quality and super-quick asset renewal; Mike Russell’s first in a series of articles, on Subscriptions, MEMBERSHIP and back issues the organisation explains its tips for success. the magnificent pageant in Belgium’s capital. LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 [email protected] Website: www.lrta.info

Searching for the wonder fuel of the future for CORPORATE Subscriptions VISIT It is the most abundant element in the Universe; it’s also the simplest – being www.mainspring.co.uk the first entry on the periodic table. It’s incredibly light, and has no colour or LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE odour. Although currently quite expensive to produce commercially, it is the 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling DA16 2BY, UK. latest wonder-fuel that experts believe may solve our power needs in coming Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 decades. Yes, we’re talking about hydrogen. in and Wales. Both trams and road vehicles have been using hydrogen as a fuel for a few LRTA Chairman – Paul Rowen years already, and rail passengers in northern Germany have ridden on trains powered [email protected] by it over the last year – although many probably don’t even realise it. More is to come. © LRTA 2019 However, hydrogen is just one solution for running trams and light rail vehicles Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also without overhead wires – and until now most of the headlines have been devoted to later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution more ‘conventional’ approaches such as batteries or supercapacitors. Yet it now seems is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the that hardly a month goes by without an announcement about a new manufacturer opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of the LRTA or Mainspring. All rights reserved. getting in on the hydrogen act, or a government looking to do more research on this No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in most basic of elements as the fuel of the future. any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including That is just one aspect that ensures that innovation in our industry keeps rolling on, photocopying, recording or by any information storage and whether it be how to power trams and trains themselves, or how best to look after the retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from assets they run on – the focus of a series of fascinating articles this issue. the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the Alternative traction sources and innovative trackforms are just two of topics up for magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. debate at this month’s UK Light Rail Conference in Manchester, bringing together key COVER: Tracklaying is 70% complete on Metrolink’s industry decision-makers all under one roof. See you there? Simon Johnston, Editor new Trafford Park Line, due to open in 2020. MPT

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 283 News ION light rail welcomes passengers First stage of a planned regional LRT network in Canada’s Region of Waterloo opens on 21 June

he first stage of the Aecon in March 2014, including ION light rail line ten years of operations and 30 in the Region of years of maintenance. Waterloo, Canada, was Originally planned to open in Tinaugurated at a ceremony at Spring 2018, delays related the Fairway stop in Kitchener on delivery of 14 Bombardier Flexity 21 June. The 19km (11.8-mile) Freedom low-floor LRVs (built route in Quebec’s ‘silicon valley’ at the manufacturer’s Thunder features 19 stops on a mostly- Bay and Kingston plants under segregated route between a CAD66m (EUR45m) contract Congestoga Mall in Waterloo and signed in 2013m that includes Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener. options for a further 14 vehicles), Travel was free until 1 July and saw the opening date pushed peak services run every eight back, first to the end of last year minutes, reduced to every 15 and then into summer 2019. minutes at other times, starting The 30.2m five-section ION car 506 on King Street South, approaching Waterloo Public Square station. at 04.36 and running until vehicles have a capacity for 200 Framed with new apartment buildings under construction, more than CAD3.2bn 01.45. Over 73 000 passengers passengers, 57 seated. (EUR2.17bn) has been invested in construction along the ION line. Andrew Grahl were recorded on the opening Stage 1 also includes a 17km weekend. (10.5-mile) Stage 2, which is still in the stations, between Waterloo and The project was awarded on route that continues from planning stage, will see this Cambridge. a PPP basis to the GrandLinq Fairview Park Mall to Ainslie converted to light rail operation consortium of Keolis, Plenary Street in Cambridge, which to provide a seamless 36km For more project background and Group, Meridiam, Kiewit and opened in September 2015. (22.4-mile) journey, with 26 construction detail, see TAUT 966.

Transport for London has chosen Although only slightly longer CAF selected for DLR CAF to build 43 driverless trains than an existing three-car set, for East London’s Docklands the new 88m walk-through Light Railway (DLR), with the trains will add around 20% fleet replacement first vehicles replacing the capacity, real-time digital travel oldest B90/B92 units – some of information, air-conditioning, which will soon be 30 years old USB charging points, and more – by 2023. The approximately dedicated wheelchair, bicycle GBP350m (EUR390m) contract, and luggage space. announced on 12 June, includes Based upon the latest CAF technical support and spares. Metro design, 33 trains will DLR ridership has grown by replace the B90/B92 units, with over 65% since 2010, despite its ten more to increase frequency fleet of 149 driverless trainsets and capacity. Completion of the remaining the same. The network order is due in 2024. Options exist carried 121.8m passengers last for up to 34 more trains; these year, with forecasts suggesting would be required if a suggested a further 20m annually in the night service is introduced. coming decade. Reconfiguring The main depot at Beckton the Thales-supplied CBTC will also require expansion, signalling system has added with additional stabling and test around 12% in capacity since tracks, and a new substation and 2014, with the main limiting trainwash. This is subject to a factor now being the number separate GBP100m (EUR112m) An artist’s impression of the CAF cars due to enter service on the DLR in 2023. CAF and size of vehicles available. procurement.

Government report shows record figures and revenues for English light rail Passenger numbers in England London still accounts for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink (36.4m, up 0.1%) and in the West rose 1.9% to a record level the majority of journeys with remains the most popular system Midlands (5.9m, up 2.5%). Only in the 12 months to March 150.5m made (121.8m on the outside London, with 43.7m registered 2019, according to new figures and journeys – up 6.1% from 41.2m a fall (-3.1% to 11.9m), partly from the UK’s Department for 28.7m on ), an the previous year and more than due to disruption caused by rail Transport. The 272.4m journeys overall increase of 1.2%, yet the double the 19.2m recorded at the replacement works. It was also and 22.5m vehicle miles (36.2m growth was even greater outside start of the decade. the only system to see a physical vehicle km) achieved were the capital, with an overall Increased ridership was also increase in route size, growing both the highest since the first increase of 2.8% across the six recorded in Blackpool (5.2m, up through the launch of the gathering of such comparable systems (to 121.9m passenger 0.3%), Nottingham (18.8m, up tram-train pilot by three route statistics in 1983. journeys). 5.7%), on the Tyne & Wear Metro miles (five route km) in 2018.

284 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org launches T2 and reveals details of future T4 and tram-train plans Latest tram route under the French city opens as the Mayor accelerates further light rail proposals

ice Mayor Christian Alstom has supplied its latest Citadis X05 low-floor vehicles Estrosi inaugurated for the second tramline of Nice’s tramway. Alstom the 2km (1.2-mile) eastern extension of tramlineN T2 from Magnan to Jean Médecin in the city centre on 28 June; the route includes two new underground stations and offers interchange with tramline T1. The initial 7.1km (4.4-mile) section of the line, Magnan – Cadam, opened in June 2018. This was extended by 1.9km (1.2 miles) from Grand Arénas to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in December. The final eastward section to Port Lympia is due to open before the end of the year. An accelerated programme has also been announced for the city’s fourth tramline, with the sur-Mer, originally planned to congestion on one of the main SNCF tracks on the Nice – Breil- mayor saying that the new open in 2030, were unveiled on roads into the city, featuring sur-Roya line to Drap-Cantaron, 6.2km (3.9-mile) westward line 27 June, suggesting five or six 4km (2.5 miles) of new tramway where a large park-and-ride site with 15 stations can be ready new park-and-ride sites. from the current northern would be built. This estimated by 2026. Further details of the A tram-train project is terminus to Quartier Pasteur and EUR190m project could carry new EUR212m line to Cagnes- proposed to relieve traffic 3km (1.9 miles) of route using 43 600 passengers/day.

South Korean hydrogen Darmstadt’s autonomous tram trial On 13 June HEAG, the transport Darmstadt Department of operator in the German city of Mechanical Engineering and trams ready by 2020 Darmstadt, unveiled its summer the systems have been supplied plans to test an autonomous by Continental, a German Hyundai Rotem and a single charge, with a top tram on the city’s metre-gauge company that is involved with Hyundai Motor’s Mabuchi speed of 100km/h (62mph). network. Eight-axle ST14 car the development of technology Research Institute have Recent advancements 0783 (Alstom, 2007) has been for autonomous motor vehicles, signed a Memorandum in technology mean that fitted with cameras and sensors including delivery vans. of Understanding for the hydrogen is increasingly that will enable it to operate development of a hydrogen seen as one of the foremost without the direct input of a On 7 June the undertakings fuel cell-powered low-floor alternatives for rail traction driver, although there will always in Leipzig and Görlitz signed tram – the first in a planned power. From early research be a human presence in the cab. an agreement to develop an series of co-operative rail projects by Spanish narrow- The test tram carries a special innovative tram design for projects. The prototype is gauge operator FEVE in 2011, livery for the project, named rolling stock replacement in due to be completed in 2020 fuel cell-powered trams MAAS (Machbarkeitstudie the mid-2020s. The cities in the and should have a range of from US car-builder TIG/m zur Automatisierung und zu German state of Saxony, together 200km (125 miles) between are in operation in Aruba Assistenzsystemen der Strassenbahn) with Zwickau, will explore the refuelling stops. and Dubai, while Chinese and trials will last until April possibilities for autonomous The 10 June announcement manufacturer CRRC released 2021, when there will a review to driving and digitisation to reduce follows South Korean its own low-floor prototype determine future prospects. operational and maintenance President Moon Jae-in’s in 2015. HEAG is working on the project costs, with plans to test the first reiteration of his government’s Meanwhile, Alstom’s with the Technische Universität trams on the smaller and commitment to making the Coradia iLint train entered less-congested network in nation the world’s leading service on Germany’s rail Görlitz, perhaps as early as 2025. producer of hydrogen fuel network in September 2018 Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe cells and fuel cell-powered and research projects are says it has learned many lessons vehicles by 2030. underway in the UK and US. during the procurement of its Hyundai Motor’s latest A 2017 report from latest Solaris Tramino XL trams fuel cell automobile has a consulting firm McKinsey that will inform the specification claimed 609km (378 miles) in 2017 estimates that the for the new trams. range on a single charge, with hydrogen energy market LVB is seeking to eventually the company also investing could be worth USD2.5trn, replace its NGT8 trams that heavily in hydrogen-powered including the creation of 30 date from the 1990s and will , which it claims can million new jobs worldwide, Modified Darmstadt ST14 tram 0783 soon reach the end of their travel 440km (273 miles) on by 2050. in its new MAAS livery. HEAG economically useful lives.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org august 2019 / 285 News UITP: ‘Redefining transport to better support our changing cities’ Global summit showcases technology, innovation and visions of the future

he International Union Industry leaders debated how of RATP Group went further of Public Transport public transport operators with a more radical suggestion: (L’Union internationale des can harmonise their activities “The city of tomorrow will be transports publics – UITP) with the latest entrants to the a versatile city. During the day Theld its 2019 Global Summit mobility market. UITP you will have roads, but maybe and Exhibition in the Swedish at night it could become parking capital, Stockholm, on 9-12 June. lot, or during the weekend a The event brought together more basketball court.” than 2700 participants from 81 Mobility as a Service (MaaS) countries under the theme of was another key talking point, ‘the art of public transport’. with authorities and operators Among the wide-ranging engaged in key debate on the debates on policy, planning highly-fêted solution for the and finance, this year saw a creation of sustainable cities and focus on automation and digital getting people out of their cars. technologies, particularly for Although trials show great first- and last-mile connectivity, promise, there are still many as public transport operators were questions to be answered, on urged to adapt quickly to the issues such as data ownership, changing mobility needs of cities. regulation, how operators share Uber has already implemented the benefits rather than compete, this as an on-demand service COMPAS builds on existing and how MaaS can be made to in Nice, with a flat fare from six obstacle detection systems work for journeys into more suburban tramstops at times and incorporates vision-based rural areas. when running feeder buses could overspeed prevention. In future David van Kesteren, Chair be cost-prohibitive. This is made it could add vehicle autonomy, of UITP’s Combined Mobility easy for passengers by the Weego beginning in depot and workshop Committee, summed up these app, which allows riders to plan environments, with the firm thoughts while moderating a an optimal end-to-end journey. expecting it to be granted service panel debate on the subject: While urban rail is still seen as authorisation by mid-2020. “If whatever you give the citizen the optimal solution for moving Thales also gave a series of talks is not of quality, he will return to people efficiently, reliably around the theme of autonomy his old habits and take the private and sustainably, autonomous and digitalisation. The company car. MaaS needs to be simple, vehicles and on-demand services showcased software that captures impartial, personal, and creating were accepted as necessary data from passenger flows which extra value.” complements to an effective can can be used to address UITP also used the event to public transport ‘backbone’, platform overcrowding by EC Transport Commissioner Violeta launch its Mobility Innovation Mohamed Mezghani, UITP adjusting train headways in line Bulc told delegates that redefining Partnership with Technology transport needs to be part of a much Secretary General, said. with carriage occupancy. Region Karlsruhe and the wider project to reshape cities to make As an example of them fit for the future. UITP creation of a training centre in how manufacturers are Redfining our cities the German city, best known for commercialising the European Commissioner to redefine the way public pioneering modern tram-train advancements made possible for Transport, Violeta Bulc, transport looks.” operation. The aim of the new by technology, Bombardier’s explained her vision for urban Transport authority and centre is to allow academia, presentation in Stockholm mobility in a keynote address: industry leaders from around the business and the public sector to focused around its Collision “I want people to enjoy their world shared this common goal co-operate in tackling challenges and Overspeed Monitoring and community and land, use it as of making individual transport at a regional level. Prevention Assistance System public space where they can ‘the exception and not the (COMPAS) for trams and LRVs, engage, meet, co-operate and norm’ to reduce congestion and The next UITP Global Public testing of which is soon to start in co-create. In order to make these pollution. Catherine Guillouard, Transport Summit will be held in Blackpool and Wien (Vienna). cities of the future, we’ll have Chairwoman & Chief Executive Melbourne on 6-9 June 2021.

Privatisation plans underway for Adelaide’s tram and rail services The South Australian Knoll claimed that Adelaide’s while train passenger numbers Services Contract Tender, were Government is to privatise public transport network was increased by 3%, according to released on 2 July; tenders for Adelaide’s rail services that are underperforming, with some of figures from the DPTI, although train services will be finalised currently operated under the the lowest patronage levels in the a report released in early July after a market engagement Adelaide Metro brand by the country. Ownership of the assets showed that only 56% of tram process later this year. The full state’s Department of Planning, will remain with Adelaide Metro, and train users and 54% of bus transition to private-sector Transport and Infrastructure which will also continue to set passengers believed the service operation is expected by (DPTI). fare prices, he added. offered good value for money. mid-2021. Making the announcement in Tram patronage was up 7% Tenders for tram operations, The city’s bus services were June, Transport Minister Stephan between 2015-16 and 2017-18, part of phase 2 of the Bus privatised in 2000.

286 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org plans cross-city and orbital LRT lines MBTA commits funding to The leader of Cardiff Council (UK) has unveiled a GBP1bn (EUR1.1bn) transport vision for the Welsh overdue rail upgrades capital. Proposed schemes include light rail on an east-west corridor dubbed ‘Cardiff Cross Rail’ as well CRRC is n 18 June the as an orbital route around the city delivering Massachusetts to be known as the ‘Circle Line’. over 400 Department of Cardiff Cross Rail is to include a new cars for Transportation and new station at Rover Way/Newport the MBTA’s OMassachusetts Bay Transportation Road, and run via the city’s docks, Red and and the City Authority approved a USD18.3bn Orange lines; line to the north west of Cardiff into 2020-24 Capital Investment officials and Rhondda Cynon Taff. The Circle line Program (CIP) that includes guests attend is planned to connect the Coryton the unveiling over USD4bn in repairs and and Taff Vale lines, and provide for of a mock-up enhancements to the MBTA’s an upgrade of the existing Coryton at City light rail and metro networks. and City line services to four per Hall Plaza, The CIP includes a USD753.7m hour in each direction. Bus and Boston, in contribution towards the CRRC cycling schemes are also included. August 2018. A White Paper is to be produced trains on order for the Red (252 J. Pettigrew cars) and Orange (152 cars) metro in the autumn, with the aim of lines and a further USD1.595bn USD1.1bn towards infrastructure protection systems and USD55m delivering the projects by 2030. Funding is still to be secured. for depot, infrastructure and costs, USD86.7m for the new to renovate Lechmere Viaduct. Cardiff City Council leader signalling upgrades. Such upgrades Type 9 CAF LRVs and USD29.4m A 2015 report into the MBTA’s Councillor Huw Thomas said: should allow three-minute to offset service disruption. This ageing networks put the cost of “Cardiff’s transport network was headways on the Red line and line is planned to open in late rehabiltation at USD7.3bn; an originally designed for a city with a four-and-a-half minutes on the 2021/early 2022. The USD2.3bn updated report from late June population of 200 000, but Orange line. extension to Union Square and now puts this figure at USD10bn. today our population is closer to Modernisation of the College Avenue is being funded While this covers both road and 400 000 and there are another Mattapan light rail line has from federal and local sources. rail infrastructure and vehicles, 80 000 commuters travelling into been allocated USD118m, while Finance for the existing the agency says that elements the city by car every day.” These proposals are in addition the under-construction 6.9km includes USD296m have not yet been fully analysed Metro that should see (4.3-mile) Green line extension for infrastructure upgrades, and costed and that the figures light rail service return to the city from Lechmere to Somerville USD214m towards the purchase are not directly comparable due in 2023-24. and Medford has been given of Type 10 LRVs, USD83m for train to different methodologies.

Finance confirmed for Montréal and LRT

On 26 June, Montréal Mayor construction timelines have In return, the city has The federal government Valérie Plante confirmed an been released and the final agreed to transfer CAD800m has committed CAD5.2bn agreement with the province choice of mode is still subject (EUR534m) in federal (EUR3.5bn) for public transit to fund the western portion of to confirmation. What has infrastructure funds to in the region, although the the ‘Pink line’ west-east light been suggested however is progress Quebec City’s planned majority of this was planned rail from Lachine to Montréal that the route would begin CAD3.3bn (EUR2.2bn) for Montréal due to conditions Nord – a key promise in her in Lachine and cut through tramway. The province has based upon ridership. party’s 2017 manifesto. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce to link been in negotiations with “We had a tramway project This project will now with the métro’s Orange line. the federal government since that was in danger — that of be added to the ten-year The agreement also covers October 2018 over finance for Quebec City — and now we’re CAD110bn (EUR75bn) Quebec metro upgrades, including the the 23km (14-mile) project that going to have two tramway Infrastructure Plan (QIP), installation of platform screen will link Charlesbourg in the projects that will come to although no route plans or doors on the Orange line. east to Le Gendre in the west. fruition,” Plante said.

in your next PLUS... + Building on success: Charlotte’s plans for LRT growth + More from Brussels’ 150th tramway anniversary + The latest news and analysis, rolling stock orders, system developments, and transport policy and UK LIGHT RAIL SYSTEMS FACTFILE: industry comment from around the world CONFeRENCE REVIEW AUGSBURG All the highlights and key debates Neil Pulling explores the from this year’s key gathering extensive, sprawling september 2019 issue of authorities, operators and metre-gauge tram network in industry in Manchester. Bavaria’s third-largest city. On sale – 16 AUGUST

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org august 2019 / 287 Comment New tram networks must be Integrated and affordable Alistair Gordon, CEO of public transport operator Keolis UK, explains why light rail cannot flourish without local and central government commitment to the mode.

ight rail use in England reached record levels in the intends to replicate the successful Transport for London model of year ending March 2019, according to the latest figures bus franchising is therefore welcome news. Re-regulation is a key from the Department for Transport (DfT). More than means of enabling the development of fully-integrated transport 272m passenger journeys were made on the eight networks, which would go a long way to making new light rail major English systems over the period, the highest schemes more appealing. numberL since the collation of comparable statistics began in 1983. At the same time, new funding models must also be considered. Across the three Keolis-operated networks – Greater Manchester’s The majority of UK tram projects have been delivered via traditional Metrolink, Nottingham Express Transit and the Docklands Light public funding, but with public finances – particularly at a regional Railway – we grew our passenger numbers by 5.7m journeys, a 3% level – under intense pressure, this isn’t a viable option any more. increase on the previous year. Nottingham Express Transit (NET) is a notable exception. Fundamentally, passengers like trams. They’ve become Recognising that to wait for public funding may have placed its synonymous with modernity, speed and convenience, and this scheme at the back of a long queue behind Manchester and the West is reflected in their high satisfaction scores. The results of the Midlands, Nottingham opted for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). latest Transport Focus Tram Passenger Yet while the PPP covered project Survey (published in April 2019) show 91% financing, the public sector still needed to satisfaction overall across the four major solve the challenge of how to fund the scheme networks surveyed – in contrast with 79% thereafter. Here, Nottingham also took a new with rail services (National Rail Passenger approach, introducing a Workplace Parking Survey, January 2019). Levy – applicable to employers with more It’s unsurprising then that there remains a than 11 parking spaces. This contributed strong appetite in UK cities to establish new 35% of the scheme’s funding, the remainder systems. In June, Liverpool became the latest coming via central government. It required regional city to discuss proposals for a new creative thinking and aggressive political city centre network, linking its emerging will to make things happen; this clearly Knowledge Quarter development with needs to be the spirit in which we approach Lime Street station. In , a project the future of light rail in the UK. funded by the Government’s Local Growth Globally, while tram operating costs Fund and the West Midlands Combined are often covered by passenger revenues, Authority Devolution Deal, is advancing the investment costs – such as construction, design of a new battery-powered system for rolling stock procurement or major fleet the city. These two early stage proposals are overhauls – require additional sources of indicative of the strong latent demand for “Bus re-regulation is a income. While it’s a financing model that more light rail in the UK. has been tainted in the UK in recent years, in The potential for further schemes is key means of enabling Australia and Canada, cities are increasingly substantial, particularly in England’s smaller using Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to cities where trams can provide a reliable and the development finance tram infrastructure. efficient public transport service from the of fully-integrated In France, companies with more than outskirts into the centre. Yet, to bring more 11 employees pay a transport tax which schemes to fruition, we need to solve the networks, which would finances around one-third of public critical issue of affordability. transport (versement transport). And in Development cost is a major barrier. go a long way to making Germany, tram networks are financed in part We’re all aware that the movement of utilities by electricity suppliers, as trams are a major during construction can be prohibitive, new light rail schemes consumer of this energy. particularly as utilities providers have For a tramline that boosts the historically capitalised on works to upgrade more appealing.” attractiveness of the neighbourhoods it their infrastructure, leading to escalated costs. runs through, some cities introduce specific So we need to think about more affordable ways to deliver property taxes around the network so that real estate developers schemes, looking beyond the current construction methods to also contribute to its financing. perhaps some form of ultra-light rail as an alternative. Clearly, there is much international best practice to draw on. The lack of genuine transport integration outside London If we’re serious about expanding our urban light rail provision also presents financial barriers. This problem comes down to the in the UK, it needs to be emphasised again that we will require a deregulated nature of the UK bus industry, which means when commitment at both central and local government level to address new tramways open they are often competing with buses for some fundamental challenges. patronage, rather than providing a complementary offer to the public. This is in stark contrast to several countries in Europe, As CEO of Keolis UK, Alistair oversees strategy for the UK and Ireland. Keolis operates in 16 different countries and has been in the UK since where the philosophy is to feed light rail systems with buses, often 1996, today employing over 13,000 people across a number of franchises. by redesigning bus networks to align with new tram routes. Through its joint venture agreements, Keolis operates some of the UK’s I see the re-regulation of buses as a necessary step to making busiest rail franchises, in addition to London's Docklands Light Railway, light rail ultimately viable for growing cities. Greater Manchester Greater Manchester’s Metrolink and the award-winning urban light rail Metro Mayor Andy Burnham’s recent announcement that he network in Nottingham.

288 / AUGUST 2018 www.tautonline.com . www.Irta.org As a leading engineering and consulting company in the rail sector, we off er sustainable, made- to-measure mobility and transport solutions. From light rail to high-speed traffi c, from industrial railway to complex logistics concepts – as a full-service provider we take care of consulting, design and realization, from the idea to operations. No matter what challenges you face – we will fi nd the best solution. We always keep the goal in mind: to make your project a success.

www.db-engineering-consulting.com More MARTA Big ambitionS in Atlanta

With regular gridlock on the city’s motorway, Atlanta has extensive plans to combat its congestion issues and prepare the city for future growth. Vic Simons reports from Georgia’s State Capital.

hen TAUT visited Atlanta in in the US, with the metropolitan population and the City of Atlanta to hold ballots to 2015, there were ambitious expected to rise over the current 20-year approve public transport expenditure from regional transit expansion planning horizon to more than six million. The local sales taxes; existing legislation forbids plans – but no funding in Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority the use of the proceeds of gasoline (petrol) tax, place to execute them. (MARTA) was formed by the Georgia General the then-main sales tax, for anything other WJust a year later, the city passed a 40-year, Assembly in 1965, and in 1971 Fulton and than roads and bridges. half-cent sales tax to support the expansion of DeKalb Counties and the City of Atlanta voted At the time of its passing, MARTA public transportation options. This June, the to join, with Clayton County joining in 2014. conservatively valued the proceeds of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority In March 2018, a vote on the membership half-cent sales tax at USD2.7bn (in 2016 (MARTA) board approved the initial timeline of Gwinnett County failed; MARTA dollars); more recent estimates project for what is a multi-billion dollar investment. management has expressed disappointment approximately USD6bn in expenditure year The agency says that the ‘More MARTA in this outcome, but remains encouraged by dollars. CEO Jeffrey A. Parker explained that Atlanta’ programme that has evolved has the support for transit expansion shown by the huge discrepancy is “based on current-day less to do with speed on the often-gridlocked many in Gwinnett leading up to the vote. dollar value versus the sunset of the tax”. I-75/I-85 connector running through the city The agency observed to TAUT that it believes Only when MARTA proposes a project centre, and more to do with providing Atlanta there would have been a much larger turnout sequencing for implementation will the residents with new travel options. The plan than the actual 16% if the ballot had been agency have some idea as to how to approach is therefore primarily designed to increase held at the normal time in November, and and inform the community on a project-by- opportunities for economic growth, both in that the measure would probably have passed. project basis. As this programme is dependent terms of access to jobs and transit-oriented It is hoped to go back to voters in the near on current market conditions, both development. The easing of traffic congestion future, although it should be noted that this economically and from a delivery perspective, was, however, seen as a major side benefit. is the third time that Gwinnett voters have the sequencing will then be refined by the Our 2015 feature (TAUT 932) described the rejected the measure. team accordingly. city’s transit background, together with the The State of Georgia does not generally offer There are no major subway plans in the existing four-line subway and the then-new financial support for public transport projects, More MARTA Atlanta plan, although it does streetcar, so this will not be repeated here. although it does make small specific grants include enhancements to local bus routes, The Atlanta conurbation is made up of nine from time to time. Special legislation was heavy rail station improvements and the counties and is the third-fastest growing region required to authorise the various counties construction of new transit centres.

290 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LEFT: Siemens S70 1003 laying over at Centennial Olympic Park; the livery reflects an advertising deal with a prominent local attorney.

RIGHT: Car 1003 approaching the Peachtree Center, one of the city’s key transit interchanges. Travellers can change to the Red and Gold subway lines here.

BELOW RIGHT: Tracks leading to the streetcar depot.

Funding from the programme is also specific to the expansion of public MORE MARTA ATLANTA transportation within the City of Atlanta benefits AT A GLANCE only, and therefore does not include Clayton County. MARTA has worked with the Atlanta The 40-year, multi-billion dollar investment BeltLine – a not-for-profit corporation programme is designed to increase public formed by the City of Atlanta’s Invest Atlanta transportation provision to 126 Atlanta organisation – and others since the inception neighbourhoods: of the proposals to identify transit needs more Improving access to 350 000 jobs across the precisely, the planned transportation projects, city, providing an estimated 61% greater and how best to create a better-connected city. access to travel options for communities with lower-income populations. Current LRT operations At first sight, the current 4.3km (2.7-mile) Offering connections to 77 medical facilities streetcar circulator does little to improve and 115 educational institutions. the city’s overall public transport offering, although Mr Parker explained that this was A spike in ridership in the early months of have to tap a Breeze card to board, so no exact always envisaged as a starter line and the operation was due to the fact that the streetcar numbers are available. However it was keen to basis of a much larger system. was free to ride for the first year. Patronage point out its satisfaction at the full streetcars The author’s impressions of the system declined noticeably when the flat-rate of seen over the weekend of the Super Bowl in 2015 were that the loop’s key issues were USD1 was introduced in 2016. Fares are now (1-3 February). Estimates put that weekend’s reliability and service performance. When charged as part of MARTA’s fare structure, yet ridership at over 13 000. riding the system in 2019 it was pleasing the system is now reasonably well-used after to note that many of these issues appear to a significant drop-off in the first months after More MARTA Atlanta have been rectified. This may be as a result of fares were implemented. On 13 June 2019 the agency approved the MARTA taking control of the system in 2018 The agency operates a flat fare system with preliminary timeline for the USD2.7bn (it was previously run by the City), resulting reduced rates for seniors, students and disabled initiative, its largest-ever programme. in the agency underwriting the operating passengers. As of May 2019, the fare – with Funding will come in part from the half-cent budget. Bad car parking obstructing the up to four transfers within four hours – was 40-year sales tax voted through in 2016; 80% operation of the system’s Siemens S70 LRVs USD2.50. There is also a concessionary fare of of this will go towards light rail development. seems far less of a problem than it was in 2015, USD1, the same price as a streetcar ticket. It is also hoped to gain federal grants of up to although this still causes occasional delays. Tickets can be purchased at subway station 50% towards the total cost. There is still a ten-minute delay at machines or when boarding buses, but Alongside 22km (14 miles) of BRT and Centennial Park to give drivers a break; this streetcar riders must buy theirs in advance 35km (22 miles) of high-quality bus services is necessary as the service is on a continuous from vending machines located at each – dubbed Arterial Rapid Transit (ART) – More loop. This could be mitigated by means stop. There is a USD1 charge for paper Breeze MARTA Atlanta will bring 46km (29 miles) of ‘step up’ techniques; a not-too-difficult tickets and USD2 for the reloadable smartcard. of new light rail. A collaborative partnership scheduling challenge, but one which may Tickets and cards can be purchased online between MARTA and the City of Atlanta, it is be costly in terms of manpower. Additional and delivered by post. There are plans in intended to deliver the projects on a Public- drivers would be required to accommodate place to facilitate ticketing by smartphone, Private Partnership basis to speed delivery. a change of crew at Centennial Park, with although the agency could not say when Most of the early works will focus on each driver stepping back to the following these will be implemented. bus enhancement schemes, but by 2025 service, thus providing a break for the MARTA went on to explain that streetcar construction will be underway on an eastern duration of the interval. ridership is difficult to track since riders do not extension of the existing streetcar, 3.2km

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org august 2019 / 291 More MARTA

MORE MARTA ATLANTA O

Existing Streetcar loop

A BeltLine Northeast LRT Roswell NE Rd

B BeltLine Southwest LRT Buckhead Moores C BeltLine West LRT Q A Mill L O F D BeltLine Southeast LRT Northside Dr A K E Campbellton Road LRT West Midtown Emory/CDC Bolton Rd Atlantic Virginia- Station Highland F Clifton Corridor LRT Bankhead Hwy O G Streetcar East Extension Bankhead Midtown R J H Streetcar West Extension Dekalb Ave NE Adamsville O C R G R I Capitol Avenue BRT Downtown Edgewood O H Memorial Dr J North Ave – Donald L. Hollowell Pkwy BRT West End I GSU B Stadium O K Northside Drive BRT Cascade Heights D L Peachtree Road ART O

M Cleveland Avenue ART Moreland Ave

O Lakewood Jonesboro Rd SE

N Metropolitan Pkwy ART E N O

O Frequent local bus service P Greenbriar M P Greenbriar Transit Center

Q Moores Mill Transit Center

Main St O R MARTA stations Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

292 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: A northbound subway service at Lindbergh Center An artist’s impression of the new station in downtown Atlanta. Stadler CQ400 subway trains; the first cars are due to enter LEFT: Car 1001 leaving Peachtree Center in May 2015; note service in 2023. MARTA the original livery during the pre-MARTA operating period.

(two miles) from Ponce de Leon Avenue to the Atlanta BeltLine. This will be followed “MARTA CEO Jeffrey A. Parker highlighted one of the in time by a further western projection of approximately 5km (three miles) through current disincentives to public transport use as the low Downtown. Under planning by 2025 will be 8km (five miles) of high-capacity transit from cost of parking downtown – as little as USD6 per day.” Oakland City Station to a new multimodal hub, the Greenbriar Transit Center, and as a major priority for the programme. It is interesting to note that when the improvements to Five Points station. Non-MARTA member Gwinett County has an Canadian city of Calgary introduced a Phase one of the Clifton Corridor involves extension of the Gold line to Norcross in its property tax on downtown parking spaces, new light rail from Lindbergh Center station own future transit plans. public transit usage rose to more than 50% to Emory University and Hospital, while the As subway construction is considered of all the commuter journeys into the city. BeltLine Southwest envisages 5.6km (3.5 expensive, the agency wishes to focus its But this strategy will only work if both miles) of light rail from Oakland City station efforts on opening a number of infill stations adequate transit provision and station parking to Westview Drive, where it would connect on the existing network and diverting local are available; fortunately, this is the situation to the future western streetcar extension. bus routes to serve them to take the pressure in Atlanta as large free car parks are located BeltLine Northeast is to create 5.6km off existing transit hubs. However, one area at most suburban subway stations, although (3.5 miles) between Ponce City market and that the agency is focusing on is rolling stock, those near the airport do incur a charge and Lindbergh Center. Further LRT schemes are announcing the signature of a USD600m offer overnight parking. included in the More MARTA Atlanta plan. order with Stadler USA for 127 two-car trains Mr Parker added that with major ongoing In addition to the planned LRT and BRT, in March 2019; options exist for two further Downtown and Midtown development, the ART services are proposed for three schemes. tranches of 25 trains each. land available for parking would gradually MARTA is still in the process of defining its Under the Swiss-based manufacturer’s diminish, thus driving up the cost – but he ART standards, which will dictate future largest US contract to date, the trains accepted that this will take time. service details such as frequency and station will be built at a new US plant in Salt amenities. Lake City to comply with the 60% ‘Buy plans The next stage is for detailed planning to America’ provisions. With a planned In addition to the schemes outlined here, be undertaken to determine timescales and 2023 entry into service, the new CQ400 MARTA is also examining a commuter rail more accurate costings for each scheme; this trains will dramatically improve the quality project to link to the subway at East Point analysis will also form the basis for grant of riding the subway and assist in the south into Clayton County at Lovejoy via applications where appropriate. overall goal of taking people out of their Jonesboro. Although there are no costs as MARTA and the City have recognised cars. Each new 45.7m train has a maximum yet available for the planned 35km (22-mile) the important role of Transit-Oriented operating speed of 113km/h (70 mph) and line, implementation is planned for 2023 on Development (TOD) close to rail stations, can seat 128 passengers in each two-car unit, surplus existing right-of-way that parallels a particularly in the Midtown area, and are with Wi-Fi provision throughout. Norfolk Southern Railway freight route. keen to encourage opportunities to maximise In operation, trains will comprise up to Aside from the major construction the impact of their own investments. four two-car units (permanently coupled, projects, the agency’s next immediate aim is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International these are referred to as ‘married pairs’) and to further improve first/last-mile connectivity Airport (the southern subway terminus) to there is a platform lengthening objective for by expanding upon its partnerships with TNC the south of the city is also a massive traffic Bankhead station to accommodate eight-car operators such as Uber or Lyft. This follows a generator. However the subway only runs to trains. The current plan assumes that further path increasingly taken by public transport the domestic terminal; a 12-minute bus ride enhancements will be made in 2024 at an operators around the world to offer true (although available 24 hours a day) is still estimated cost of USD16m. ‘door-to-door’ journeys. required to reach the international terminal. The new trains will replace existing rolling Developments are clearly moving forward This reflects Atlanta’s importance as a stock (dating from the 1980s and early 2000s) – and quickly. MARTA certainly understands major internal US hub with comparatively and also increase capacity on the subway, the importance of avoiding gridlock in the few international departures. Despite being future-proofing it as part of an enhanced and city at peak times and offering transportation the world’s busiest airport, the emphasis integrated network. options in Georgia’s capital city. It is good has always been on the huge number of Mr Parker highlighted one of the current to see that it is taking such comprehensive domestic flights. disincentives to public transport use as the action to plan for the future. low cost of parking in downtown Atlanta Subway enhancements – as little as USD6 per day. People would All images by Vic Simons unless otherwise Subway expansion, other than a small appear to prefer sitting in traffic lines in their stated. Grateful thanks are extended to Jeffrey eastward projection from the present Blue air-conditioned cars rather than taking the A. Parker and Stephany Fisher of MARTA for their line terminus at Indian Creek, is not seen subway, he explained. assistance in the preparation of this article.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org august 2019 / 293 Metrolink expansion Metrolink: Next stop… Trafford Park With the opening of the Trafford Park Line in 2020, Metrolink will be accessible to even more key areas of Greater Manchester – TAUT explores the latest progress.

espite the completion of Greater Manchester’s light rail ‘Big Bang’ back in 2017, the region’s ambitions for an even greater network haven’t stood still. DAlready the UK’s biggest network at 97.5km (60.6 miles) across seven lines, Metrolink is set to add another 5.5km (3.4 miles) and six stops with the completion of the westward Trafford Park Line (TPL) extension of the Eccles line, set to open in early 2020. As of June 2019, the majority of the twin-track alignment is already laid, with the skeletons of the stops in place and preparations underway for the overhead to be installed. So far just another example of the An aerial view of construction on the eastern end of the Trafford Park Line in May 2019. Running along the seemingly unstoppable juggernaut that is quayside, the 5.5km line will add six new stops and is due to open in 2020. Metrolink then. But there’s far more to this latest addition to the network that makes it Costing an estimated GBP350m stand out in terms of both engineering and “The new Trafford Park (EUR390m), the TPL diverges from the construction innovation. existing network at Pomona on largely Line will bring Metrolink segregated formation, and adds six stops – Two decades in the planning provisionally named Wharfside (located Following the opening of the Second City into the heart of Europe’s at the edge of Trafford Park), Imperial War Crossing in February 2017 – a new route Museum North, Village (on Village Way), through the heart of Manchester and the largest industrial estate.” Parkway (on the Parkway Circle roundabout), final piece of the original nine-year Big Event City, and Trafford Centre. Parkway Bang programme – Transport for Greater saw the line excluded from phase 3b of the stop will have a park-and-ride facility, with Manchester’s Head of Metrolink Danny Big Bang. It seemed therefore that this project roughly 500 parking spaces. Vaughan described the challenges of such would have to wait until new funding could With more than 1300 businesses and phenomenal growth: “There was a period be made available. 35 000 people employed in the Trafford Park in 2014 where we had some new piece of area, the new line will bring Metrolink right infrastructure opening every couple of Funding the new line into the heart of Europe’s largest industrial months… Looking back over the last 12 Despite being put on hold in 2008, passive estate as well as to the intu Trafford Centre, months we’re at 44m passengers carried on provision had been made for the new line, one of the biggest shopping centres in the the network each year now. In 2010 that was projecting the future vision of a route to UK that attracts 30m visitors annually. just around the 20m mark. So we’ve more Trafford Park with a short stub from the Another stop will serve the Old Trafford than doubled patronage and the current Eccles line on the viaduct at Pomona that was stadium, home to another famous resident of challenge is to try and balance that service constructed more than a decade earlier. the area – Manchester United Football Club. across Manchester.” The necessary funding to start work on The next generation of Bombardier/Kiepe Since then Metrolink has seen signalling the scheme came with the adoption of M5000 LRVs, ordered as part of a further upgrades, improvements to network ‘Devo Manc’, Greater Manchester’s option exercised in 2018 and funded by the resilience and reduced headways across all Devolution deal that was signed by the UK Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, lines, with the TPL being just one aspect of city-region’s leaders and central government will not only add to the current fleet of 120 that realisation to balance the network’s in November 2014. The agreement includes a vehicles to increase capacity on the existing services and deliver an improved light rail devolved and consolidated transport budget, network but also cater for the new extension. offering to further areas of the Greater the ability to reform local bus services and The first of 27 new vehicles are due to arrive Manchester conurbation. integrated smart ticketing, as well as powers in 2020 and will increase overall network The TPL also fulfils a long-held ambition over strategic planning. capacity by 15%. to reach the huge Trafford Park industrial The public was obviously on side as a and retail centre, an ambition that dates back 2014 consultation found that 89% were in Joining up the dots to the earliest days of Metrolink. Originally favour, and in October 2016 the necessary When creating any new light rail route included in the Transport Innovation Fund construction powers were granted. through a busy urban area, a sizeable portion (TIF) bid proposals to grow the network Subsequent mobilisation happened quickly of the budget – and complexity – is always that were rejected in a December 2008 and ground-breaking for the new route began rolled up in utility diversions. The budget referendum, a post-TIF prioritisation exercise in January 2017. for this significant first stage of works on the

294 / AUGUST 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org The physical connection to the Eccles line at Pomona is largely complete The award-winning Joint Utilities Trenching (JUT) programme has seen all (far left), with the new route bringing the TPL down to the southern bank of the subterranean utilities along the route sorted and relaid neatly for the future, Manchester Ship Canal. maximising the benefits for stakeholders and the project team alike.

TPL was estimated at GBP27m (EUR30m), but away with the traditional “inefficient, The future is bigger and even bolder through innovative working practices and uneconomical, unsustainable, wasteful and Although an official opening date has yet close collaboration between stakeholders, irresponsible” approach to utilities diversion, to be announced, construction is now in just GBP23m (EUR25.7m) has been spent. according to MPT. its advanced stages, with over 70% of the line While this preparatory phase is so often Joint trench locations were agreed and already laid. When the ribbon is cut on the painfully difficult, Transport for Greater a single contractor was hired to undertake new line in 2020, Metrolink’s network will Manchester, delivery partner WSP and design the work, designing a sequenced order of reach 103km (64 miles) with 99 stops. and construction partner MPT appear to have services in the trench to suit the Successful innovation drives confidence solved many of the major issues – so much geophysical conditions and available space. and leads to continuous growth. This typifies so that the judges at the 2018 Global Light This methodology guaranteed separation Metrolink’s approach to light rail development, Rail Awards praised their innovation with an and that the correct reinstatement and is something that looks set to continue honour in the Project of the Year category. specification was not compromised. It also as although some might see the TPL as the ‘Joint Utilities Trenching (JUT) and means that detailed plans are in place so end of the current phase of major projects, in Global Traffic Management’ is the lengthy that, in the future, huge swathes of asphalt reality it may just be the end of the beginning. and technical terminology for what is needn’t be overturned, and other utilities In June 2019 the Mayor of Greater actually a simple, common-sense approach needn’t be disturbed – each company will Manchester Andy Burnham launched that others would do well to follow. Its lateral know exactly where to easily access its ‘Our Network’, which sets out his ten-year approach has meant huge project savings apparatus, and in the most time- and vision of creating an integrated, modern in terms of both money and time – also cost-effective manner. and accessible public transport system – of reducing waste in the process. Consequently, MPT delivered 3.2km which further Metrolink extensions and the In the past, repeated excavations have (two miles) of JUT and accomplished a introduction of tram-train are focal points. taken place to install or repair pipes or two-year diversion programme in less than The plans include a continuation of the cabling for any number of utilities providers half the time. If undertaken in a conventional TPL to Port Salford, as well as new extensions that have their apparatus underneath the manner, this would have extended to to Stockport, Stalybridge, Middleton and a roads and pavements. Sadly this came 16.8km (10.4 miles) of excavations and ‘western loop’ that would complete the circle with extensive road closures and scarce reinstatements and far more complex traffic of the Airport line and bring Manchester consideration for the everyday lives of management arrangements. Airport’s Terminal Two into Metrolink’s residents and businesses – this hasn’t Hundreds of wagon miles and thousands sphere. Links to the large teaching hospital happened with the TPL. of tonnes of waste have been saved using at Wythenshawe and a connection to the The JUT approach joins the dots between this strategy, and frustrating delays and contentious HS2 line are also in discussion. these providers by encouraging co-operative inconvenience to stakeholders have been Three ‘pathfinder’ routes are progressing discussion from an early stage, doing minimised as far as possible. to the business case stage: Altrincham – Hale;

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 295 Metrolink expansion

Bury – ; and Manchester Airport – “With over 44m passengers in the past year, Wilmslow. It is likely that the Bury – Rochdale Metrolink is already a critical component of route would partly share the alignment of our public transport network, and it is set to the heritage East Railway. These become even more so as we move forward with projects would be used to test the viability ambitious plans to better integrate all modes of tram-train technology ahead of a wider across the city-region and beyond. roll-out to several local rail corridors, “We’re in the midst of some very exciting including Manchester – Wigan via Atherton, changes designed to make using the network Manchester – Warrington Central and easier and more attractive, such as the new Manchester – Glossop. contactless payment system – which has put So while the TPL might be the latest us at the forefront of ticketing innovation. Metrolink project that TfGM is working “Also, with the excellent progress on the on, delivering service to seven out of the Trafford Park Line and the anticipated arrival ten Greater Manchester Boroughs, it looks to of new trams, there’s no doubt the future be far from the last. is looking bright for Metrolink and I look ABOVE: The TPL will serve a number of key TfGM’s Head of Metrolink Danny Vaughan forward to welcoming even more people landmarks to the east of Manchester’s city centre, including the striking Imperial War Museum North told TAUT: “It’s more important than onto our network as we continue to expand (seen here) and Media City. ever that we have a modern, reliable and and grow.” integrated network if we’re to encourage BELOW: The stop on Barton Dock Road is one of six more people to leave their cars at home and TPL map courtesy of Transport for Greater along the route providing access to Barton Square, use public transport. Manchester; all images supplied by MPT. the intu Trafford Centre and Event City.

TPL FAST FACTS

1 Over half a million hours have gone into the 5 Approximately 8000 twin-block sleepers will TPL design. be utilised across the project. 2 Over 240 000m3 of earthworks have been 6 4.5km (2.8 miles) of the TPL route runs adjacent moved during the construction. to existing highways, which have been renewed 3 100% of the waste in the last working quarter has or improved at the same time. been recycled, reused or reclaimed. 7 As well as the new light rail line, an additional QR codes 4 The line includes the installation of 236 new 4.2km (2.6 miles) of dedicated cyclingQR code routes 1 – Pomona – Cleveland have Bridge OLE poles and associated equipment. been created – doubling the existing provision.

QR codes QR code 2 – Crumpsall QR code 1 – Pomona – ClevelandWith Bridge absolute alignment of our three partners MPT continues to deliver the design & construction of the multi-million pound Metrolink expansion with the Trafford Park Line Extension

QR code 2 – Crumpsall QR code 3 – Pomona Blockade

QR code 3 – Pomona Blockade

Delivering Certainty

Trafford Park Line QR code 4 – TPL 24

QR code 4 – TPL 24 QR code 5 – Event City

QR code 5 – Event City

296 / AUGUST 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Tony Streeter examines how the international drive to offer barrier-free public transport has brought low-floor vehicles to a traditional metre-gauge tramway on the outskirts of Berlin.

Melbourne E-class 6008 on Bourke RENEWALS: THE Street in March 2019. MELBOURNE WAY Ev Brown / CC-BY 2.0 Members of Yarra Trams’ Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal Team explain the process of asset replacement on one of the world’s busiest tramways.

elbourne's tramway carries The degradation of assets in recent years A minimum of six months lead time is more than 240m passengers has increased, but this can be attributed to allocated to procure materials using our each year over a network of 25 a range of factors that include the greater global supply chain and to book tram routes with more than 5000 frequency of services and an increase in the replacement buses with the Yarra Trams vehicle movements daily. use of longer and heavier low-floor trams Network Occupations Team. The next step is OperatorM Yarra Trams (YT) and authority – both of which are necessary to serve the detailed consideration of road closures and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) have a tramway’s growing patronage. traffic management, and this is planned a well-deserved reputation for speedy and minimum of two to three months ahead with efficient renewals, with projects often held Planning and customer engagement the state road authority (VicRoads – which up as examples of how to complete essential Arguably the most important function merged with PTV on 1 July) to develop and maintenance with minimum disruption. of any maintenance or renewal project is implement effective and comprehensive Although the city’s tramway assets are planning. Such planning is timetabled in stakeholder and community engagement owned by VicTrack, responsibility for their detail to ensure that resources are obtained plans. This involves a range of channels to upkeep is managed by PTV and franchisee and allocated, stakeholders, businesses and clearly outline the scope of the works due to YT – a joint venture of Keolis and Downer residents are informed well in advance, take place, the longer-term benefits they will Rail – to carry out the works as required. and that alternative transport measures are provide and the alternative measures in place Regular maintenance reports are undertaken, arranged and well communicated to the for people to complete their daily journeys. using both manual inspections and specially- travelling public. With such an extensive and On the ground, works are notified and equipped test trams to gauge the condition of established network, YT now has this down residents are individually door-knocked to key components across the network. to a fine art. ensure any issues with access are addressed

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 297 Melbourne renewals

Works to break up the concrete surrounding the tracks along Glen Huntly Road. Once the rubble is cleared and the trackbed prepared, the new tracks are laid. well ahead of time. We also engage with local • As Melbourne’s tram network shares 75% of more efficient. This includes the use of a new traders to ensure that business operations its routes with motor vehicles, this means semi-resilient track structure which insulates are protected as far as possible during the occupations often result in little to no the track from the road surface using sleepers works, and that a range of business activation access for vehicles, residents and traders (similar to a traditional railway), rubber techniques are implemented to encourage (except for footpaths). We work closely with insulating pads and clips. The replacement customers to continue to support businesses. VicRoads to develop a traffic management structure encases only the sleepers with Onboard tram announcements and plan for road closures. In most cases, concrete, with the remainder of the road passenger information displays, also at stops, tramlines are located within arterial roads surface made up of crushed rock and/or asphalt. give further advance notice of the planned and in live traffic lanes so this also requires The benefit of this approach is that in the asset replacement, with these messages co-ordination with other public transport future, rail replacement will only require replicated on the tramTRACKER digital app. providers as well as communications with the crushed rock/asphalt to be removed, More traditional methods include the the wider commuter network. significantly reducing the noise and time strategic placement of signage and customer • Due to the disruption of closing sections associated with renewals. service employees, and enhanced social media of arterial roads to install new tram assets, We are continuing to refine and streamline engagement to respond to passenger enquiries this work is limited to a one to two-week the construction methodology to reduce the and provide alternative travel information. construction period. This requires crews overall occupation time required to install Bus substitution services are implemented working around the clock. new tram assets even further. This includes on a 1:1 ratio and on routes that deviate as • The rail is delivered in 18m segments and prefabrication of special works such as little as possible from the usual tram route. each rail weld takes between one and connecting and curved track sections, and two hours. To reduce the duration of the the assembly of switches within our Melbourne’s unique challenges works, rails are welded into ‘strings’ of maintenance yard. When it comes to the works themselves, up to 90m a week prior to the occupation We are also always looking at continuous occupations – major works and/or full road where possible; however finding a suitable improvement with our construction closures – are carried out by YT as part of location for these works can prove tricky contractors to increase efficiency and its maintenance and renewal plan, agreed given the space required for creating and enhance labour management. Minimising with PTV. But on a complex network, storing strings. waste is also a key consideration, so we are the following challenges presented by • To add to the complexity, assets such as implementing a comprehensive and tailored maintenance and renewals include: rails, sleepers, and switches are unique to programme during major road occupations • The location and protection of third party the Melbourne tram network so we cannot that considers the optimal use of resources and redundant underground assets, some use ‘off the shelf’ components. They need reflective of the site environment. of which can be in excess of 70 years old. to be manufactured and installed as per • Managing noise and waste. Old tracks custom specifications developed by YT. Track renewal images courtesy of Yarra Trams. are encased in concrete which need to be We use several techniques to make With grateful thanks to the teams from Yarra carefully broken out, often with up to ten occupations faster, smoother, and help make Trams and Public Transport Victoria for their excavators operating simultaneously. future works on the network infrastructure assistance in the preparation of this article.

Concrete is poured to cover the sleeper blocks before the final surface is laid. With the surface finished, road markings are reapplied and the job is complete.

298 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org FURRER+FREY Pioneers of Moveable OCS since 1987

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Rosehill Rail - TAUT Half page Ad_185x130mm_AUG2019.indd 1 03/07/2019 09:38 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 299 Advertorial rail re-profiling: challenging the norm Derek Greer, Senior Delivery Manager – Track Services Grinding at Transport for London, explains the continual improvement process required to maintain the network.

t was back in 1999-2000 that London Underground first dipped its toe into the concept of rail grinding and rail milling as an option for long-term preventative maintenance. Rail defects Iand their impacts, as well as issues surrounding rolling contact fatigue, prompted a whole new approach to looking at wheel/rail interface management on the London Underground network. Major accidents on the UK’s heavy rail and built-in machine-mounted thermal network such as the Hatfield rail crash also imaging cameras and state-of-the-art gas focused the minds of those responsible for monitoring systems to the latest machine, delivery and maintaining our ageing network, the Schweerbau RGS train, which was the oldest metro system in the world. introduced to and approved to operate on What happened next was a journey that the London Underground network in 2015. saw London Underground go through many All these machines need to be able get organisational changes from the PPP (Public around the system easily, so in the early days Private Partnership), full circle back to how they all had to be modified to operate with it is today where all maintenance is centrally the then-legacy trip cock signalling, the only managed and carried out in-house. system operating on the network. With the In 2000 we began a series of trials with exception of the Victoria line, which has Schweerbau to look at ways of developing been operating automatic trains since the These machines will deliver our wheel/rail the use of rail-borne grinding and milling 1960s, as other lines become automated (such interface maintenance aspirations, working machines. The first of these machines was as the Central, Victoria, Jubilee and Northern between five and six shifts per week as we also the RGU/2000 metro-type rail grinding lines, with the District, Circle, Metropolitan look at other ways to enhance the process. unit, followed by the RG8 model, and later and Hammersmith & City lines to follow), progressing to the SFU rail milling train and so our planners and engineers were tasked Better serving the community the latest RGS rail grinding train. with coming up with more ideas to get these Noise and vibration is one of the many The London Underground had, and still machines around the network in a logical, environmental issues our customers and has, many obstacles to overcome in order safe and cost-effective way by utilising surrounding businesses face when in close to be able to use these machines in the possessions and other access procedures. proximity to the network. confined spaces of our ‘deep tube’ railway Our rail re-profiling costs have reduced We recently responded to a complaint network. Thousands of hours were put into dramatically over the last two decades from the Royal Festival Hall where excessive making this process a success. Ventilation, and this has come from our drive for rail-borne train noise was finding its way airflow, signalling and Tube-gauge tunnels continuous improvement and close working into the main stage area. Through a targeted were just a few of the major challenges, not relationships with suppliers and sponsors. approach from our teams we were able to to mention the limited two-hour window of Rail grinding is now a regular nightly deliver a rail grinding train directly to the time available each night in which to deliver activity, managed by a centrally-managed area, resolving the issue within two days. a mountain of maintenance work. delivery team. This delivers 200-300km Issues such as these are just some of the Over the last two decades, numerous (approx. 120-190 miles) of corrective challenges we deal with on a daily basis, machines have been used from a number maintenance each year, with measurable which we can – in many cases – resolve of suppliers, although none have been improvements in rail and track quality. This through our rail grinding works. specifically built for London Underground. has allowed London Underground to greatly On any given night or weekend you can be A lot of mitigating works and modifications reduce its annual spend on rail replacement, sure that a rail grinding train will be at work had to be carried out, and to make them as well as maintaining a much better, safer somewhere on the network, maintaining more user-friendly and safe to operate within and reliable system for its customers to enjoy. and removing rail defects while the rest of the delicate confines of our network. Our push towards ‘Lean’ practices has the capital sleeps. also seen our rail grinding budget reduce This echoes London Underground’s ethos: Purpose-built rail equipment year-on-year, which ultimately lessens the ‘Every journey matters’. Today we have a number of machines draw on the public purse. With the new approved to operate on the Underground, rail grinding contract awarded for the all supplied by our maintenance partner next five years you can be sure that further FIND OUT MORE Schweerbau. We have worked closely innovations and improvements will follow, with them to modify the units: from as we continue to work closely with our adding machine-mounted ventilation key suppliers to further improve fans; enhanced water and fire suppression performance and cut costs. systems; installing the cleanest of diesel The new contract will give us two rail www.schweerbau.de/en engines and SCR exhaust-cleaning systems; profiling machines for up to 47 weeks per year.

300 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Asset renewals ASSET MAINTENANCE AND RENEWAL LESSONS Engineers and experts on track and asset renewal gathered in Nottingham for the latest LRT Excellence Day – here are some of the lessons they shared.

esigned to improve the sharing of best practice and innovation between operators, infrastructure managers and the wide network of product and service providers Dwho help us all to keep our respective systems running smoothly, the latest LRT Excellence Day was attended by around 70 delegates – all keen to learn and share their experiences.

Challenges and innovation Craig O’Brien, the recently-appointed Engineering Manager for industry body UKTram, began with an overview of recent The creation of new tramway assets for the extension of Dublin’s Green line, also known as the rail replacement projects in Sheffield. Cross-City line, involved extensive remodelling of the historic centre of the Irish capital. TII His opening remarks summed up the sentiments of many engineers in the room: (5.5%) and Scout Hut (8.5%) (2017); and forewarned is forearmed. He then outlined “We need to focus on the the latest projects at Shipstone Street (three five simple principles to success: understand horizontal curves – 20m, 60m and 50m, the effect on stakeholders and employees; lifecycle picture and inclines of 4.5-8.5%) and Gregory Boulevard/ data capture and analysis is key; identify understand the The Forest (interlaced track and both manual critical challenge areas early; preventative points and powered switches). maintenance is a must; and finally, renewals requirements of both now It was emphasised by Mr Cundy that are inevitable so they must be properly wherever possible it is important to not planned for. and the future.” only look at like-for-like renewals, but for Mr O’Brien also beseeched delegates improvements that could either remedy to share their knowledge: “While we all When choosing contractors and suppliers, possible design issues with the original accept that our tramways are unique, they he suggested, it can be a tricky balance as installation, or incorporate upgrades made also share fundamental similarities. So do those with a proven reputation may not possible by new technology. In Nottingham’s not ignore lessons from the past, and do always focus on innovation: “Do we go with case these included improved points drainage share information as, chances are, someone the tried and tested, which keeps the market and track lubrication systems. somewhere will have already experienced small, or take the risk of going with a more Due to differences between the similar problems and may have a solution.” unknown quantity? original documentation and the installed The importance of planning works “Also plan as far ahead as you can as, for specification, the team has had to learn effectively and considerately was a theme example, the amount of rail required may be as they go along in some cases, but this that would run through the day. No-one likes beyond the amount held in stock by suppliers, has helped inform a new set of optimum replacing assets, Mr O’Brien said, but it is and other components may be needed so principles that should see longer life and important not to get ‘caught out’ by deferring there may be a substantial lead time on easier maintenance. These include raising the maintenance or not communicating effectively procurement. The UK is hardly flooded with track foundation slightly and increasing the with passengers, residents and businesses who embedded rail experts, so do not assume they base and side supporting structure to give a depend on reliable tram services. will be available when you need them – look more stable base to avoid side roll. And while laboratory data can be very at what other systems may be doing to see if The latest renewals have installed useful, he argued, there is no substitute there are ways of working together.” heat-treated grooved rails, seen very much as for real-world experience. This is why a ‘put in and forget’ solution. Improvements benchmarking is vitally important: “Often Improvements and upgrades in materials composition include enhanced we recognise the importance of analysis The next case study came from Neil Cundy polyurethane embedding systems, where based on maintenance costs, but we focus and Marek Szwej of Nottingham Trams, the profile and density of the material can be on the short-term. We need to focus on who explained their recent track renewal adjusted to provide an optimal combination the lifecycle picture and understand the programmes (2016-18); Nottingham Trams of lateral support with lower vertical stiffness requirements of both now and the future.” Ltd is contracted as the operations and to improve noise and vibration mitigation. Referencing the practice of gauge weld maintenance concessionaire for the tramway During such works, maintaining and restoration, he explained that while it is a in the East Midlands city until 2034. stabling trams on the ‘dark side’ has also very useful tool in the shorter-term, it would Planning was again the focus of the first raised particular challenges. As Nottingham ultimately never prevent renewals. He further section of their presentation, detailing the only has one depot, Wilkinson Street, there showed how effective groove grinding had various challenges of five projects that posed have been times where the network has been prolonged rail life in Sheffield by two to three individual challenges: tight 20m horizontal “cut in half”. This has seen the establishment years, combatting flange running without curves at Lace Market (2016), tight horizontal of a “flying squad” of Alstom engineers who the need for full renewals. curves with steep inclines at Radford Road can respond to vehicle issues anywhere on

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 301 Asset renewals

LEFT: Engineers and suppliers from across the industry gathered for the lively day of discussion in April. TAUT

RIGHT: The team from Robel and Plasser demonstrated a number of new products and tools for track maintenance. TAUT

BELOW RIGHT: The PCAT test track at Long Marston; further trials are due to be conducted later this summer. PCAT

the network, looking after a revised daily at junctions on the existing Red and Green finished in granite setts and is accompanied by maintenance and cleaning programme, for lines had shown premature damage, Mr Corsi additional ‘no entry’ and ‘trap warning’ signs. example. During such programmes, trams are explained), it was decided to increase rail and While pleased with the overall result, Mr stabled overnight on the bridge at the railway road stability at the rail edge by using concrete Haworth said that the UK’s attitude to risk station, for security purposes, and some infill laying over the structural slab, brought may make widespread adoption more tricky, exams are carried out early to minimise the up to minimum distance from the top of rail. but it is worth pursuing where appropriate: risk of any issues when vehicles are unable to “Getting the shoulders right is so “It is very popular, so be prepared that if you return to the depot. important,” he said. “As the wheel and rail do install it you will be asked for more!” wear, the wheels can run on the concrete. Two other innovative trackform approaches New-build projects in Dublin This is bad for stray current transmission, were presented at the LRT Excellence Day, Later in the day, Marcello Corsi from Transport it’s bad for the wheels and it causes cracks. both seeking to reduce both the cost and Infrastructure Ireland shared lessons from the Granite setts with concrete shoulders are build time for light rail infrastructure. creation of Luas’ new EUR360m Cross-City structural, long-lasting, easy to maintain and The first is a design featured inTAUT before route. The new 5.6km (3.5 miles) of double- support encapsulation. They look fantastic that is now making real progress as part of the track route installed through the heart of the and last longer than concrete or tarmac, but UKTram Low Impact Light Rail programme. Irish capital threw up a number of significant do come at a cost.” PCAT technology uses macro-synthetic engineering tasks, including new and polypropylene (MSF) fibre-reinforced slabs to strengthened bridges and major remodelling Lessons from alternative trackforms replace steel fibres; pioneered by Greenwich of O’Connell Street near the landmark GPO Amongst a number of sessions on alternative University in the 1990s, synthetic fibre- building, he explained. The project involved trackforms, Chris Haworth from Transport reinforced concrete offers dramatic weight six years of planning and design before the for West Midlands shared experience of reductions and improved thermal properties. two years of construction began. It opened to the installation and maintenance of the Five kilograms of synthetic fibre replace 30kg passengers in December 2017. short section of green track put in at Snow of steel, helping to reduce the construction Focusing on the embedded track sections Hill as part of the Birmingham City Centre depth by 25% and the carbon impact by 50%. of the project, Mr Corsi first outlined TII’s Extension in 2015. It can also be easily recycled. extensive European benchmarking exercise Used widely across Europe, examples of A patented dry joint system allows precise and how he had found a wide range of green track are few and far between in the location and curved connectors are inserted different approaches to embedded track UK, although the choice to install 150m of from the top of the slab and tensioned; this design and gauge control (some mechanical grass track (using the STRAILastic_R system) allows individual sections to be removed in and some fastening based). This helped to at Snow Hill came partly at the request of the two to three hours if required. Geopolymer inform the following requirements for the neighbouring property developer as a revision resin injection fills the gap under the slabs, Cross-City track design: to the initial design. It now complements providing a resilient material to cushion • Reinforced track slab construction for the ‘living wall’ and high-quality aesthetics pressure on subterranean utilities. With a track and road sections of the Snow Hill estate and is mowed and predicted lifetime of 120 years, the system is • Using sleepers for construction support, treated at night by the developer. made even more attractive in that any surface alignment and gauge control As well as the aesthetic improvements can be laid on top and utility ducting and • Continuous encapsulation to manage stray and better noise and vibration attenuation, manhole covers can be incorporated into currents and vibration control probably the most obvious benefit is the the design. Laboratory testing has indicated • A preference for no filler blocks for better attraction for passengers, Mr Haworth added, a 300-400% whole-life saving compared to stability on shared-running sections serving as a further visual demonstration of established ballasted track designs. • Learning lessons of rail shoulder and road the environmental credentials of light rail. A 100m test track has been installed at surface joint degradation. For others looking at such systems, location Long Marston and it is estimated that the The foundation is a continuously reinforced is key, he explained, with maintenance, concept’s simplified installation process jointless slab track with a design life of 60 drainage, long-term durability and potential would allow up to 100m to be installed in a years. This was chosen as the best arrangement vehicle incursions being other considerations. single day in an urban carriageway, with up for the eventual surface solution of granite There have been 66 incidents of road to 250m achievable when upgrading from setts on key city centre sections, without vehicles travelling over the tram-only grass ballasted track. Wireless monitors record the precluding the use of asphalt elsewhere. section since it opened in 2015, often causing stresses placed upon the connectors and track Various trials were subsequently carried out major damage. This has seen the addition of movement, so action can be taken before this on a section at Red Cow park-and-ride. anti-incursion methods such as a 150-170mm movement becomes so severe that it risks Learning from previous encapsulated vertical kerb at the entrance to the section, tram or train derailment. We await the results track design issues (around 60% of shoulders that also incorporates drainage. This has been of the next round of trials with interest.

302 / AUGUST 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Much has been made of the ground- life therefore requires optimal selection of breaking lightweight vehicles being provided the profile and rail steel grade. for the (VLR) Dr Jaiswal said that “networks should programme, but Dr Nick Mallinson from not be considered as a single linear asset as WMG outlined the initial requirements for different stretches will degrade differently. the equally innovative trackform for the The rate of degradation (and life) is never project, due to open to passengers in 2024. uniform throughout any rail network, so In 2017, Coventry City Council choosing a single rail grade is unrealistic.” commissioned WMG to lead the Instead, he argued, tailored solutions for development of a low-cost rail-based system sub-sections should be based upon with the aim of achieving a “whole-system knowledge of influencing factors such as cost of around GBP7m/km”. One of the areas curve radius, cant deficiency, gradient, and of focus is a new ‘ladder-form’ track design vehicle type and loading. that is quiet, cyclist-friendly and can be A methodology for segmentation and laid in 6-8m sections, requiring minimal determining susceptibility to degradation installation depth to reduce as far as possible has been established at the University of the requirement to relocate utilities. Early Huddersfield, but this needs to be extended consultation has been crucial, Dr Mallinson for all UK networks in the creation of an reported, with discussions with utility industry database of rail grades, lessons from providers to date being “very constructive”. their maintenance and where they are used An ‘innovation partner’ for the trackform to allow accurate comparators. Only once is due to be appointed in the coming months we have a comparative study can we develop ahead of the installation of a test track in ABOVE: The grass track section installed in guides for optimisation of maintenance and in 2020, for full-scale testing in 2021. Birmingham (UK) has become a new visual landmark design of future networks and the selection of as part of the stylish new Snow Hill development. TAUT rail steel grades, he argued. New thinking on rail grade selections R260 (shallow curves or tangential track) In a wide-ranging exploration of rail steels, “Grass track is very and R340 HB (curves susceptible to side wear) Dr Jay Jaiswal of ARR Rail Solutions – also account for 99% of European rail assets, Dr a Visiting Professor at the University of popular, so be prepared Jaiswal said, and hardened and heat-treated Huddersfield’s Institute of Railway Research rails are increasingly becoming the ‘standard’. – described the key rail degradation that if you do install it you Summing up, a total rethink is required mechanisms, their causes and some when considering rail grade selection, he considerations for both flat-bottom and will be asked for more!” suggested. For tangent track, authorities and grooved rails that can affect the choice of operators should consider the use of the most grades for renewals and new-build projects. wear-resistant grade – no weld restoration He started by explaining that while the will be required and the harder grade reduces wear of mating components is inevitable, rail corrugation growth. For shallow curves life – and consequent replacement – should (i.e. >250m radius), choices need to be based be dictated by safe wear limits being reached. upon avoidance of keeper wear before the Any other replacement should be regarded as vertical wear limit is reached; for tighter premature. Although acceptable wear limits curves, he suggested opting for the most vary from system to system, he added, how wear-resistant grade that can also be weld often are these mandated limits reviewed? restored. Experiences in Sheffield have While side wear can be restored on selected shown that this can significantly increase the steels, vertical wear cannot so grooved rail life before replacement is needed. life should only be dictated by the magnitude of vertical wear. As the threshold for vertical The latest LRT Excellence Day was organised wear is dictated primarily by the need to Gauge weld restoration in Sheffield (UK); this by Mainspring in partnership with UKTram avoid flange running (i.e. groove depth and technique has significantly increased the life of the and took place on 30 April in Nottingham – flange height), achieving the maximum rail South Yorkshire system’s rails . C. O’Brien/Supertram www.mainspring.co.uk/lrt-excellence-days/

ROLLING STOCK LRTEXCELLENCE Rotherham – 13 September 2019 LRT Excellence Days are designed to enhance understanding and co-operation between the teams responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of light and urban rail systems, those with procurement responsibility, and the supply chain. Complimentary places are available for local authorities and rail operators.

Register your interest by calling +44(0)1733 367600 or visiting mainspring.co.uk/lrt-excellence-days

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 303 TRACKELAST TEL: +44 (0) 1579 320808 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.trackelast.com Specialist Rail Solutions Experts in noise and vibration attenuation in rail track SYSTEM DESIGN Floating slab track, rubber bearings & steel housings. Noise and vibration evaluation. Transition zones for bridges and turnouts.

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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Reims

Striking shapes and bright colours drew systems Reims attention when Reims opened its modern tramway, www.lrta.org factfile FRANCE www.tautonline.com but Neil Pulling found that serious purpose Subscribe now! No. Reims, France underpinned the creation AUGUST 2019 N O. 980 142 of this small system. MAKING TRACKS... A NEW WAY AHEAD Now in its 82nd year, Tramways & Urban Transit is

n Saturday 16 May 302 opportunities being accessible 2011, parallel running Reims’ appeal and local economic 111 on APS-fitted Cours across the population. from both ends of a Jean-Baptiste Langlet on base remains important, an agenda Although Champagne brings new tramway brought 1 April 2019. Notre-Dame related to the tramway and the current the city international distinction, 12 trams to the centre de Reims cathedral is in ‘Reims Grand Centre’ renovation ofO Reims. Guests and winners of the background. Reims also holds significance in programme. competitions aboard these services national history and is Marne Nearly all of the tramway is in the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely to Département’s disembarked, swelling a crowd already biggest community Reims commune, population 118 300, – yet it is not amongst France’s 30 gathered for the ceremonial opening. with most of the urban spread’s 16 biggest metropolitan areas. Sitting Revenue operations began after two communes being served by buses. 133km (83 miles) north-east of Paris, days of free travel and entertainment, The main stations, Champagne- the Reims conurbation of around all aimed at bringing attention to the Ardennes TGV (5km/3.1 miles south 300 000 is in a context of the wider new service. of central Reims) and the city centre area’s depopulation. Previously in At 11.2km (seven miles) long, it Gare de Reims, also TGV-served, are the Champagne-Ardenne region, remains a small tramway by French both on the tramway. Another tram to it passed into the newly-formed standards. Like many of its larger train transfer is at Franchet d’Esperey, and much larger Grand Est in 2016. uitP: Why radical thinking is key to future urban mobility counterparts, it was developed as a suburban station opened in 2009. a response to the unsuitability of Reims Métropole, a title originally The destruction of much of Reims shown on tram ends, became Waterloo region launches ioN service road vehicles, public or private, in during World War One included meeting local transport needs or Communauté Urbaine du Grand light and urban rail developments. the original metre-gauge tramway. Reims in January 2017. environmental expectations. Opened in 1881, this was electrified London selects caF for new dLr fl eet The A4 motorway and the LGV Est Contrary to the Champagne from 1900. In a restored state it high-speed line (45 minutes from identity, Reims is far from being operated until closure as a five-line Gare de l’Est), which opened in More cities to trial autonomous trams a uniformly wealthy community. service in 1939. A new tramway project The tramway was felt to be a route June 2007, place Reims within the £4.60 that reached advanced planning All pictures by French capital’s commuter belt. to greater cohesiveness, with during the 1990s was rejected. Neil Pulling. For local authorities, enhancing More MARTA Reims Following political changes and a new Atlanta backs bold Style = substance for small city LRT www.tautonline.com 40-year transit plan . www.lrta.org augu St 2019 / 305

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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 2019AUGUST Reims

Striking shapes and

bright colours drew Reims systems attention when Reims opened its modern tramway, FRANCE factfile but Neil Pulling found that serious purpose No. Reims, underpinned the creation 142 France of this small system.

n Saturday 16 May Alstom Citadis 302 opportunities being accessible Reims’ appeal and local economic 2011, parallel running 111 on APS-fitted Cours across the population. base remains important, an agenda from both ends of a Jean-Baptiste Langlet on Although Champagne brings related to the tramway and the current new tramway brought 1 April 2019. Notre-Dame the city international distinction, ‘Reims Grand Centre’ renovation 12 trams to the centre de Reims cathedral is in Reims also holds significance in programme. the background. Oof Reims. Guests and winners of national history and is Marne Nearly all of the tramway is in competitions aboard these services Département’s biggest community Reims commune, population 118 300, disembarked, swelling a crowd already – yet it is not amongst France’s 30 with most of the urban spread’s 16 gathered for the ceremonial opening. biggest metropolitan areas. Sitting communes being served by buses. Revenue operations began after two 133km (83 miles) north-east of Paris, The main stations, Champagne- days of free travel and entertainment, the Reims conurbation of around Ardennes TGV (5km/3.1 miles south all aimed at bringing attention to the 300 000 is in a context of the wider of central Reims) and the city centre new service. area’s depopulation. Previously in Gare de Reims, also TGV-served, are At 11.2km (seven miles) long, it the Champagne-Ardenne region, both on the tramway. Another tram to remains a small tramway by French it passed into the newly-formed train transfer is at Franchet d’Esperey, standards. Like many of its larger and much larger Grand Est in 2016. a suburban station opened in 2009. counterparts, it was developed as Reims Métropole, a title originally The destruction of much of Reims a response to the unsuitability of shown on tram ends, became during World War One included road vehicles, public or private, in Communauté Urbaine du Grand the original metre-gauge tramway. meeting local transport needs or Reims in January 2017. Opened in 1881, this was electrified environmental expectations. The A4 motorway and the LGV Est from 1900. In a restored state it Contrary to the Champagne high-speed line (45 minutes from operated until closure as a five-line identity, Reims is far from being Gare de l’Est), which opened in service in 1939. A new tramway project a uniformly wealthy community. June 2007, place Reims within the that reached advanced planning The tramway was felt to be a route All pictures by French capital’s commuter belt. during the 1990s was rejected. to greater cohesiveness, with Neil Pulling. For local authorities, enhancing Following political changes and a new

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org august 2019 / 305 Reims

ABOVE: Campus Croix Rouge and the generation of trams established in the building cluster as stylised in the Reims Champagne-Ardenne University logo. Reims French transport mainstream, impetus is the main site of this polycentric institution. was regained to bring the mode back to Reims. Creating and running the new BELOW: The only tram in this livery – the tramway as part of a fully restructured other seven each appear on two trams – 115 network was underpinned by France’s approaches Campus Croix Rouge. first use of a Public Private Partnership for such purposes. From two final bids, the Mobilité Agglomération Rémoise (MARS) consortium won a design, build and operate concession in July 2006. Once construction began, it took about two years to create the infrastructure, nearly all in dedicated ABOVE: Despite a space, much of which was taken from letter as per the tram lines, C indicates existing roadways. Alstom’s Appitrack the circular Citybus technology was used for about 60% of service which the route, mainly at the system’s outer includes use of ends. With many direction changes to electric Bolloré connect population and employment Bluebus. concentrations, the overall orientation LEFT: Tram 115 at is north-south. The local authority Neufchâtel. Nearby identifies that trams serve a third of is a park-and-ride the population, about 27% of jobs and site close to Reims’ 75% of those in education. Junctions northern ring-road. and track stubs were installed near Comédie and at the turn from Place Myron Herrick, an anticipation of these becoming where a future east-west line would join the system. The transport brand name was changed from TUR (Transports Urbains de Reims, for which Keolis was a former operator) to CITURA in 2011. A bold livery format chosen for the trams began spreading to all network vehicles. Weather in France’s northern uplands can be harsh, doing ABOVE: With most other fleet members little to enhance the look of stone ABOVE: Developments around Champagne-Ardenne TGV station. marshalled outside to form processions buildings or the concrete prevalent in Currently used by pedestrians and cyclists, there is space for doubling during the ceremonial opening the next day, the suburban spread. Such conditions track towards Leon Blum stop. tram 101 is in the depot on 15 April 2011. prompted the adoption of eight pastel

306 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

THE FLEET Georges Neufchâtel Hébert Inaugurated in November 2010, the A B compound of the depot and CITURA bus and tram control centre is visible from service track between Léon Blum and Polyclinique Reims Bezannes. De Fermat The area allows for service expansion, potentially accommodating 40 trams. Maintained by Alstom, the fleet Jean Macé remains as per the service’s opening. There are 18 APS-fitted, bi-directional Alstom Citadis 302, assembled in Belges Aytré, La Rochelle. Paris-based MBD Design styled the trams. The distinctive cab ends are shaped to resemble a Champagne flute glass, not that such a requirement was in the design brief. Danton-Rauseo The air-conditioned, fully low-floor trams (101-118) have five sections; 32.4m long, 2.4m wide with a capacity for 206, 54 seated. There are eight colours used on network vehicles, within which are Saint-Thomas other colour graduations. Seating is grey on all trams, although external colours are represented on internal panels. Except for citron/lemon only on 115,

each colour is used on two vehicles. Schneiter Trams 116-118 are finished in grey and are intended for advertising use. The network’s own promotions also Gare appear on the others. Centre

Langlet colours to brighten up the city. Also respecting the climate, there are Opéra - Cathédrale pairs of substantial tram shelters on Vesle each platform which incorporate the colours in lighting panels. The 45m platforms allow for lengthening the Comédie modular trams as per the 43m Citadis 402 version. As with the unused junction installations, trams remain in the original form. Courlancy There is a single wire-free section that uses Alstom’s APS ground-supply system between Schneiter, the stop beyond Gare de Reims, and Comédie. Franchet D’Esperey Although only 1.9 km (1.2 miles) long, Saint-John Perse this was sufficient to cover a stretch following a park, the cathedral view along Cours Jean-Baptiste Langlet and around the elegant buildings on Campus Croix Rouge Place Myron Herrick. APS continues along Rue de Vesle, a main shopping street now appearing to have a retreat of retailing at its outer end. Nearer Kennedy Comédie, tracks use a bridge spanning the Aisne-Marne canal, Vesle river, the A344 motorway and a park. The transition between overhead and Arago ground supply takes place during the Médiathèque dwell times at Schneiter and Comédie. Croix Rouge The vehicle and control equipment Hôpital supplier Alstom and service operator Léon Blum Debré Veolia (as Transdev Reims) A are in the reconstituted MARS, which DEPOT holds the tramway concession until 2041. A deficit led to a cost-cutting reorganisation of services in 2015 that mainly affected bus routes, now Polyclinique Reims numbering 18. In 2015 the overall Bezannes rate of fraudulent travel was reported at almost 16%, peaking in some 0 1 2 areas at 40%. Inspection by plain- B Gare Champagne TGV clothes teams was introduced in 2019. Kilometres Publicity campaigns for other adverse

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RIGHT: This stop is named after network facts adjoining parkland, Saint-John Perse, Opened: April 2011 (former system a French Nobel 1881-1939) Prize for Literature Length: 11.2km (7 miles) winner. The park Lines: 2 borders the tracks towards Croix Rouge Depots: 1 university campus. Approx. weekday hours: 05.30-23.50 Gauge: 1435mm Power: 750V dc, overhead and APS third-rail ground supply Fleet: 18 Local authority: Communauté Urbaine du Grand Reims www.grandreims.fr Metropolitan network: Citura www.citura.fr Operator: Transdev Reims www.transdev.com Civic information: www.reims.fr Tourist information: www.reims-tourism.com

BELOW: Literally an advertising vehicle, ABOVE: Like Gare Centre, Gare Champagne ‘wrapped’ grey tram 117 is on Pont de Vesle TGV tramstop has a slightly different name to approaching Comedie stop, one of the two the station it serves. The LGV Est station is on APS/overhead changeover points. the embankment in the background. ABOVE: Even on a behaviour aboard and around city sunny day, grey 117 at Arago in a public transport are in use. housing district The CITURA network covers 16 illustrates why communes and is reckoned to serve Reims chose bright around 230 000 residents. Both of the colours as a network tramlines, A and B, use most of the feature. route and both now have Neufchatel as the northern terminus. The A-B distinction lies in the direction taken from a delta junction on Avenue du Général Bonaparte in the south of Reims. With a main 5-6-minute frequency and scheduled for 31 minutes, line A runs east of this junction beyond Médiathèque Croix- Rouge. Here it passes a concentration BELOW: of medical facilities, terminating at Anticipating the Robert Debré University Hospital, addition of an location of the busiest amongst three east-west route, tram-based park and ride sites. junctions were installed at a Line B initially used Gare Centre as corner near Opera- a northern terminus, the reason for Cathedrale and also the turn-back facility that remains in near Comédie. place towards Schneiter. Switching to

ABOVE: Jean-Mace stop on Boulevard des Belges takes the name of a nearby school, one of several educational establishments bordering the tramway.

308 / august 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Originally just as Opera, Opera-Cathedrale stop on Place Myron is in the city’s compact commercial and cultural core where vehicle movements are very restricted.

Neufchatel improved service on the use has appreciably increased here RIGHT: Opening north of the system, which is mainly since the tramway opened. Most of the day, 16 April 2011. bordered by housing and has two southern arm has single track, but Since then park-and-ride sites. The change also the space for doubling is apparent. Boulingrin stop made line B the longer of the two Becoming the system’s 24th stop, has been renamed Schneiter, is at 10.3km (6.4 miles) and with a Polyclinique Reims Bezannes opened no longer a 34-minute duration. In the south in January 2018, named after a terminus and the it takes the longer arm from the complex thought to be France’s metropolitan title delta junction, entering Bezannes biggest private hospital. Line B on tram fronts has commune just beyond the depot terminus Gare Champagne TGV is changed. Charles De access track to provide the tram about 200m from the station, with a Cazanove is the only connection for Champagne-Ardennes more convenient transfer ruled out by Champagne ‘maison’ TGV station. Line B has irregular the height difference and considerable next to the tramway. timings at about three services per slope between the two. hour, deemed acceptable for the A long-serving councillor, mayor present density of land use on the of Reims and champion of the tram southern section and for the fairly projects, Jean-Louis Schneiter was infrequent stopping trains on the cheered as an honoured guest during high-speed line. Extra services are run the 2011 opening. Shortly after his RIGHT: Tram 108 for events at Auguste Delaune stadium death in 2016, Boulingrin stop was with a line B service (between Comédie and Courlancy), re-named as Schneiter. Danton- climbs from Leon home of Stade de Reims football club. Rauseo and Opera-Cathedrale are Blum stop towards Bezannes has an Urban extended forms of their original the junction of the Development Zone (ZAC) and land names. two lines.

essential facts Local travel: A staffed information office ‘Boutique Citura’ is located on Rue Chanzy near Opéra-Cathedrale for network maps and timetables. Tickets covering trams and buses are also sold at multi-lingual machines. A one-hour duration ticket costs EUR1.60 (x 2 for EUR2.80; x 10 for EUR12.80). ‘Journée’ one-day tickets cost EUR4.10 (group rates available). There are also Thursday-Saturday Noctambus night buses. Prices correct as of July 2019.

What is there to see? The city’s core spreads from around the ornamental column of Subé fountain, set on the main thoroughfare from Gare de Reims. The greatest single attraction is the cathedral, site of French coronations and, given the 1914-18 bombardments, a masterpiece of restoration. A tourist office is nearby; another is to the right when leaving Gare de Reims. There are tours to Champagne vineyards, mainly around the picturesque Montagne de Reims and Épernay to the south. Champagne ‘maisons’ with tours include Charles de Cazanove (opposite Schneiter stop) with G. H. Mumm and Halles du Boulingrin art-deco ABOVE: The nearest stop to the main city station, Gare Centre is covered market nearby; Lanson is located near Courlancy stop. In April 2019, others near Promenades de Reims. This is within a sequence of parks being including Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger became marked on the circular Citybus route. restored under the Reims Grand Centre project.

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AUSTRALIA to suburban operator CPTM for use CANBERRA. The first week of on the 12.2km (7.6-mile) line 13 to paid service on the new tramway Guarulhos Airport. The 3000V dc saw 77 668 passengers recorded, sets are built to 1600mm gauge. compared with 106 279 the Work is to begin in week before when fares were not September on a 2.6km charged. P. Nicholson (1.6-mile) monorail to link the MELBOURNE. VicRoads and three terminals of Guarulhos Public Transport Victoria were Airport and line 13. The BRL175m merged into a single agency on (EUR40m) project is to be funded 1 July in a move designed to by the airport concessionaire better integrate road and rail under a state grant that includes planning and operations. The Age the estimated annual BRL60-70m SYDNEY. The NSW Government (EUR14-16m) operational costs. has pledged AUD6.4bn (EUR4bn) With a planned capacity of 2000 over the next four years for passengers/hour/direction, the the Sydney West metro, an fare-free line is expected to open AUD18bn (EUR11.15bn) project in 2021. RGI, Rio Times to link Sydney and Parramatta in A second tramline is planned for the French city of Brest and will branch from the 20 minutes. CANADA existing line at Place de la Liberté, where this Alstom Citadis is seen. Y. Allain The first test of AlstomCitadis GATINEAU. The Quebec trams on the city centre portion of Government has promised to The next phase, 9km (5.6 miles) Blanche via Hôpital Morvan. It is the new eastern suburbs tramline fund 60% of the cost of a planned south-west from Liangmu Lu to hoped to complete the reserved- was on 23 June, marking the return CAD2.1bn (EUR1.4bn) 26km Laoyuhang, and 31km (19 miles) track route by 2025. Y. Allain of trams to George Street after an (16-mile) tramline linking Aylmer from Shanxian to Guniangqiao is CAEN. Services on the new absence of 61 years. and Plateau with the city centre, due to open later this year. 16.8km (10.4-mile) tramway The first section of the line then across the Ottawa River on CRRC Nanjing Puzhen has will be free from 04.30 on between Circular Quay and the Alexandra Bridge to an supplied 61 six-car AH trainsets, inauguration day, 27 July. The Randwick is due to open in interchange with the Ottawa LRT which are stabled at a depot near new network, which replaces TVR December, with the second stage line. There will be two years of Wuchang station. RGI operation, comprises 37 from Randwick to Kingsford in studies and the project is unlikely URUMQI. A 10.7km (6.6-mile) stations on three lines: 1, Hérouville March 2020. Sydney Morning Herald to be ready before 2028. CBC extension to the city’s metro Saint Clair - Ifs Jean Vilar; 2, VICTOR HARBOR. The South OTTAWA. The consortium line opened on 28 June, running Caen Campus 2 – Peninsula; 3, Australian Government is delivering the new Confederation south from Balou to Santunbei and Caen Quatrans – Fleury-sur-Orne. providing AUD20m (EUR12.4m) line LRT project missed another adding nine stations. The line now Around 60% of the network uses to repair the causeway so that deadline by failing to open by totals 27.2km (16.9 miles). grass track alignments. the horse tram service to Granite 30 June. No formal opening date A northern extension is expected A team of 150 drivers has been Island can resume before the end has been set, but Mayor Jim Watson to open in 2023 and plans exist trained to operate the network’s of June. Friends of Victor Harbor has said he hopes the line will carry for another seven lines, totalling 23 Citadis X05 trams. Each 33m passengers in September. D. Drum 257km (160 miles), with line 2 five-section tram has a capacity AUSTRIA TORONTO. Mosaic Transit Group, opening next year and line 3 for 210 passengers, 48 seated, WIEN (Vienna). Work has the builders of the 11km (6.8-mile) opening in 2021. RGI and features six double doors on begun on a new turning circle light rail line between Finch West NANNING. The city’s third metro each side, extra-large passenger at Geiereckstrasse in readiness metro station and Humber College, line opened on 6 June, linking information screens and windows for the planned split of line 6 has selected Thales to supply its Keyuan Dadao and Pingliang that cover 45% of the bodyshell. into two routes: 6, Stadthalle – SelTrac CBTC-based signalling Overpass (27.9km/17.3 miles); A single ticket will be EUR1.5, Geiereckstrasse and 11, Otto-Probst- system. Opening of the new route 28 six-car trains have been with day tickets costing EUR4. Platz – Kaiserebersdorf. The change is scheduled for 2023. RGI supplied by CRRC Zuzhou (16) and caenlamer.fr will likely come in September CRRC Nanning (12). urbanrail.net PARIS. Five years of operation on after the school holidays. EB CHILE NINGBO. The first phase of the the 6.6km (4.1-mile) T5 tramline SANTIAGO. Metro de Santiago 16.7km (10.4-mile) north-south were marked on 6 June with a BELGIUM has chosen SYSTRA as its design metro line 3, Datong Bridge street festival 09.00-14.00. The line BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. A new and consultancy partner for the – Gaotang Bridge, opened on carries 56 000 passengers/day and heritage tram service is operating 25km (15.5-mile) driverless east- 30 June. CRRC Zhuzhou has service was boosted by the addition on public holidays only (10 June west metro line 7, one of three supplied an additional 17 six-car of two more trams in January and 15 August) as line BS between new routes and four extensions Type B trainsets. 2019, permitting peak headways Legrand and Ste-Marie via Place announced by President Sebastián The city’s first metro line opened of four-and-a-half minutes. Royale and Rue Royale. M. J. Russell Piñera in June 2017. Work on the in 2014, and the latest opening Keolis has been awarded the USD2.5bn line, that will partly takes the network to 91.4km five-year contract to operate BRAZIL parallel line 1, is expected to begin (56.8 miles) with 66 stations. RGI services in Val-de-Marne from RIO DE JANEIRO. The first of in 2020, for completion by 2026. 2020, including the new tramline the new Stadler cars for the As part of the city’s Integral CZECH REPUBLIC T9 (Porte de Choisy – Orly Ville). Corcovado rack line (Bhe4/8 1) Mobility Plan, the expanded PRAHA (Prague). The oldest T3 This will be the first of Paris’ was shipped from Bussnang in network will place half of the tram, 6102 of 1961, is being used tramlines not operated by RATP Switzerland on 26 April. EA city’s 5.6m population within to operate as a third car on line 2, or SNCF. Le parisien SÃO PAULO. Metro line 2 is to walking distance of the metro. featuring a conductor who opens STRASBOURG. The first be extended by 8.3km (5.2 miles) and closes the doors. BS commercial services on the 1.6km north-east from Vila Prudente to CHINA (one-mile) line E extension from Penha, with construction taking HANGZHOU. The first phase FRANCE Boecklin to Robertsau L’Escale place in 2020-23. Tenders are of metro line 5 opened on 24 BREST. Public consultation began on 17 June. The EUR19.4m being issued for 22 new trains and June. The 17.8km (11-mile) route has started on plans for a 5.4km extension features three new installation of signalling. links Liangmu Lu with Shanxian, (3.4-mile) extension of the tramway stations, with services operating CRRC Qingdao Sifang has started serving 12 stations, including an between Gare SNCF and Centre at seven-minute headways at peak delivery of eight class 2500 EMUs interchange with line 2 at Sanba. Hospitalier Régional de la Cavale times. Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace

310 / AUGUST 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org GERMANY of public consultation. A decision BERLIN. An agreement was signed will not be made until 2020, on 28 July between national rail meaning the new line is unlikely operator Deutsche Bahn and the to open before 2025. BS capital’s mayor to fund studies DUISBURG. Operator DVG into the reopening of the 4.5km has been struggling with the (2.8-mile) S-Bahn branch to availability of its GT10NC trams Siemensstadt and Gartenfeld. due to ageing of components and Diverging north-west from the rust; on occasions just 25 of the S-Bahn ring at Jungfernheide, the 45 cars have been available for line closed in 1980, and although traffic. Because of this there has the stations at Wernerwerk and been significant bus substitution Siemensstadt remain largely on lines 901 and 903. BS intact, the viaduct carrying the DÜSSELDORF. The 30-year- line over the River Spree has been old LZB automatic signalling in demolished and a further 150m the Stadtbahn subway has been section at Wernerweg requires replaced by a new moving block replacement. system, PZB, resulting in the Siemens plans to invest closure of the signalling room at EUR600m redeveloping the 70ha. Heinrich-Heine-Allee. Lines U74, site as a new manufacturing, U75, U78 and U79 were switched A Bombardier Eurotram arrives at the new Robertsau L'Escale terminus of research and residential district, to surface routings while the Strasbourg line E on 17 June. John S. Wilson with 3000 new homes, called changeover was made, with some ‘Siemensstadt 2.0’. bus replacement. will be used as much as possible. RHEIN-RUHR. The introduction Depending on the outcome of LZB signalling on the lines ET2010 953 has received a special of S-Bahn service S28 between the studies, which will also look at to Duisburg and Krefeld will be livery to mark the event. Mettmann Stadtwald and the feasibility of reactivating the changed when the Stadtbahn-B cars KARLSRUHE. NET2012 LRV Wuppertal Hbf has been postponed northern section from Gartenfeld are replaced, probably in 2024. BS 348 has been fitted with special to December 2020 due to issues to Hakenfelde, S-Bahn services FRANKFURT/Main. The city is measuring equipment in a joint with planning permission for could be running again by 2029. aiming to reduce motor traffic by project between operator AVG electrification. BS The 90th anniversary of the 25% and one idea is to close the and the Karlsruhe Institute ROSTOCK. The city is to offer creation of BVG has been marked road along the north bank of the of Technology (KIT) to more all schoolchildren resident in the by the issue of a new customer river Main. The freight railway accurately determine ride and city free public transport travel magazine Berlin lieben, and tracks of the Hafenbahn could be track characteristics on the city’s from the start of the new term; the donation of 90 new trees modified for tramway operation tramway and tram-train routes 24 000 children will benefit at a towards the Stadtbäume für Berlin using battery cars (new T class trams and inform future vehicle designs. cost to the city of EUR3m/year. BS campaign to encourage the will be equipped with batteries for The car is used in regular creation of city green spaces. wire-free operation). BS service across the network, and INDIA A new interchange hub has HAMBURG. An additional 32 uses underbody and interior DELHI. Bombardier has been been created at Prinzenstrasse three-car DT5 metro trainsets microphones, sensors and GPS awarded a contract to supply 40 U-Bahn station, bringing together have been ordered from the to gather a wide range of data on broad-gauge Movia metro cars BVG trains and buses, car-and bike- Alstom/Bombardier consortium issues such as noise management that will be formed into eight-car sharing. Advance bookings can be in a contract worth EUR186m. on the network’s curves. Other trains to boost capacity. RGI made on the Jelbi smartphone The 40m trains will be assembled sensors monitor environmental KOCHI. The State Government app. Der Tagesspiegel, BS at Alstom’s Salzgitter factory and factors such as solar radiation, of Kerala has approved the

BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. are expected to enter service in humidity and CO2 content, feeding construction of the 1.2km BOGESTRA has exercised a further 2021, taking the total number of the data back to KIT for analysis. (0.75-mile) extension of the option on its 2015 framework DT5 sets to 163. With all 75 Vossloh/Stadler metro to Tripunithura main agreement with Stadler for another HVV has opened a new NET2012 LRVs delivered, the last railway station. The INR3.56bn eight metre-gauge Variobahn customer service centre at Hbf Süd, of the 1983 GT6 500-series (EUR45.8m) project will be all trams, taking its total number of equipped with electronic tablets Stadtbahn cars was withdrawn on viaduct and take the line to the type to 95. Delivery is expected that offer route planning with from passenger service after 19.2km (11.9 miles). IRJ in 2021. IRJ maps and the opportunity for an operation on line S1 on 8 June. BRAUNSCHWEIG. A new online chat. The principle will 502 will be retained as a museum INDONESIA tramway route network will be rolled out at other locations if car. ka-news.de, DS JAKARTA. After a temporary soft be introduced in October, the successful. RGI, BS KREFELD. The complete fleet opening last year, trial passenger first change for ten years: 1, HANNOVER. Stadtbahn car 3031 of 31 trams and 95 buses was operation started on the initial Stöckheim – Hbf – Wenden; has been equipped with radar equipped with free passenger 5.8km (3.6-mile) elevated section 2, Heidberg – Rathaus – and video cameras by Bosch as a Wi-Fi during April. BS of the light metro, between Kelapa Siegfriedviertel (via Hbf after prototype for assisted driving. NORDHAUSEN. The 85-year-old Gading and Jakarta International 19.30); 3, Weserstrasse – Rathaus The first of 40 6000-series historic tram 23 is again available Velodrome on 11 June. Service – Volkmarode (Monday-Saturday, Stadtbahn cars to be overhauled for special operations after the operates 05.30-23.00 and travel not evenings); 4, Helmstedter for further service was 6259, back installation of new braking was free until 21 June, when Str – Rathaus – Radeklint; 5, in service in early June. DS equipment. BS revenue service started and a Broitzem – Leonhardplatz – Hbf HEIDELBERG. Track scrubber NÜRNBERG. Siemens is trialling 1.3km (0.8-mile) extension from (Monday-Saturday, not evenings); 3200 (formerly Düwag tram 214) cast spoked wheels on a U-Bahn Kelapa Gading to Pegangsaan Dua 10, Hbf – Rathaus – Rühme has returned to service after a train as part of the European was inaugurated. Hyundai Rotem (Monday-Friday, not evenings). BS major rebuild by Schörling. BS Shift2Rail TD1.4 Running Gear has supplied eight two-car trains DARMSTADT. Work on the new HEILBRONN. The site of the Demonstrator project. Cast using for the third-rail system. IRJ tramline to Lichtwiese has been 2019 Bundesgartenschau is near a new heat-treated ductile iron, delayed due to a legal wrangle over Hbf and two million extra the spoked wheels are claimed to IRELAND the removal of trees on the route. passengers are expected to use lines be as resilient as traditional forged DUBLIN. Confirming last month’s Plans are being developed S4, S41 and S42 to the nearest stop, steel wheels, but offer benefits news, Transdev has signed a new for the extension of line 3 Neckarturm, over the opening including increased fatigue and contract to operate Dublin’s Luas from Lichtenbergschule, with period (17 April to 6 October). wear resistance, with reduced tram system from December. alternative alignments the subject Coupled sets of dual-system cars mass and rolling noise. IRJ The six-year deal is likely to be

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purchased and are being lightly SOUTH KOREA modernised before entry into SEOUL. A new entrant to the service. traminfo.pl rolling stock market, Woojin POZNAŃ. The last of the Industrial Systems, has been ex-Düsseldorf eight-axle Düwag awarded a USD314.7m contract trams was withdrawn on 21 June for 336 metro cars, 200 for line with the implementation of the 5 and 136 for line 7. Deliveries summer holiday timetable the will run from August 2020 to following day. Delivery of new November 2022. The new trains Modertrans Moderus Gamma will use permanent magnet low-floor cars should make it synchronous motors, saving unnecessary to return the Düwag up to 30% in energy compared cars to service after the school with induction motors. IRJ holidays. DS WARSZAWA. The contract for SPAIN 213 air-conditioned 100% low- MADRID. The metro saw a 5% floor trams from Hyundai Rotem increase in passengers in 2018, was signed on 12 June, with to 657m, and operating costs 123 (20 single-ended 24m, 18 (EUR983m) were outweighed The Tramway Museum offers charters on the Gråkallbanen tramway; single-ended 32.5m and 85 double- by revenue (EUR1.05bn). Metro on 14 June a set comprising four-axle motor car 29 (built by Strømmen/NEBB ended 32.5m) to be delivered by Madrid is buying more trains and delivered in 1957/58) is seen in St Olavs Gate with 71, a four-axle ex-Vicinal trailer the end of 2022. There is an option hiring more drivers to meet the built at Hasselt in 1951 and sold to Trondheim in 1956. C. F. Isgar for a further 90 32.5m trams (45 growing demand for its services. IRJ worth EUR200m and has the Kanamachi. JPY20m (EUR165 000) single-ended, 45 double-ended) to option for a five-year extension. is to be invested in a feasibility be delivered in 2023. All trams will SWITZERLAND The Luas park-and-ride site at study. JLGC be able to operate for at least 120m LAUSANNE. On 13 June the Sandyford reopened on 6 May TOYAMA. It is hoped to link without external power. Government of Vaud canton following completion of basic the Portram light rail line to the At least 60% of components will sought approval from the work to extend the adjoining city tram network in May 2020. be sourced within the EU and 40% parliament for CHF153.7m Sandyford Depot to accommodate To facilitate the subsequent of the vehicles will be assembled (EUR138m) towards a double- maintenance and storage of the operation, from 22 February at a new factory in Poland. tracking project to increase new 55m trams. Toyama Light Rail will become Power electronics will come from capacity on the m2 automated part of the Toyama Chiho Railway Polish supplier Medcom. metro line between Grancy, ISLE OF MAN (operator of the city trams). BS The company has confirmed it Lausanne-Gare and Flon (costed DOUGLAS. New clearances is seeking to win further tram at CHF228m/EUR204.8m), have been provided during NETHERLANDS orders across Europe. traminfo.pl and for construction of the reconstruction of the horse AMSTERDAM. The diversion WROCŁAW. Tenders have 4km (2.5-mile) line m3 station, tramway, through demarcation of line 2 via Lairessestraat, which been issued for a tramline in costed CHF582m (EUR522.6m). of the route where it shares road ended on 19 May, was the second ul. Rogowska to a new turning These projects coincide space with other traffic. This has occasion the tracks of the former circle at Nowy Dwór, including a with a CHF1.3bn (EUR1.17bn) been provided at the request of Isle have been used since their new park-and-ride site. The 2km programme to rebuild the city’s of Man Transport to potentially closure to normal tram traffic. BS (1.2-mile) line will be financed by main railway station as part of allow through operation of a DEN HAAG. Avenio 5061, the the EU Cohesion Fund. traminfo.pl the Léman 2030 programme to Manx Electric Railway heritage first of the latest tranche of ten increase capacity on the Genève – service or possible future light rail Siemens low-floor trams, was PORTUGAL Lausanne corridor; m2 works are system; 1km (0.6 miles) of new delivered on 7 June. Deliveries will LISBOA. The Monday-Friday due to be completed in 2025, with track has now been laid. be completed in November. inter-peak frequency on line 24 was line m3 fully open a year later. IRJ The Manx Government believes digitaletram.nl improved from 22 minutes (three LAUSANNE – BERCHER (LEB). a modern tramway could help meet cars) to 17 minutes (four cars) 1964 SWS-built set Bt151+B141 its target to cut the island’s carbon PHILIPPINES from 24 April. M. J. Russell has been scrapped. EA emissions. Parliament agreed the MANILA. A ground-breaking MONTREUX – ZWEISIMMEN principle that the Promenade ceremony for the 11.7km RUSSIA (MOB). On 30 April the newly- horse tramway rails should be laid (7.3-mile) southern extension of INDUSTRY. Transmashholding installed gauge-changers on in such a manner as to support metro line 1 to Bacoor was held unveiled a mock-up of its tracks 6 and 7 at Zweisimmen any future alternative use in 2016, on 7 May. Alstom is supplying ‘Metro 2020’ concept at the were demonstrated to the press, when it approved the Promenade signalling, communications, SmartTransport public transport bringing a conclusion to the reconstruction. power supply and trackwork. exhibition on June 19-21. long-held ambition of through Civil engineering work is by The design features wider doors trains from Montreux to Interlaken. ITALY Bouyges and Mitsubishi/CAF will and an improved cab layout over Four test coaches have been fitted GENOVA. The city and state deliver 30 LRVs in 2020-22. RGI existing Russian designs. RGI with the newly-developed Alstom railway Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane SANKT PETERBURG. bogies that permit operation on have signed a memorandum POLAND Expanding last month’s news, both 1000mm and 1435mm tracks; of agreement that will permit GDAŃSK. A tender has been additional trams in the 25 May 58 sets are on order to equip 19 redevelopment of railway land issued for construction of the heritage parade were 1877 (MS-1 new Stadler coaches at a cost of and extension of the metro to Nowa Warszawska tramline, a 2km of 1929), LM57 5148 and LM47 CHF76m (EUR68.3m). Martinez and Canepari. EUR152m (1.2-mile) link in the southern 3521 + LP47 3584. G. Mackinger Delivery will be completed in in finance will be available for the suburbs that will permit trams ULAN UDE. This city in Russia’s 2020 to permit the first through extension and 14 new trains. IRJ to run direct from Nowa Bródon far east is the launch customer trains from the timetable change Pólnoc to al Havel. It is hoped to for the PK Transportnye Systemy on 13 December 2020. EB JAPAN complete the work in 2021 with Lionet 71-911 100% low-floor VITZNAU – RIGI (RB). The TOKYO. Politicians in Katsushika the help of EU funding. traminfo.pl bogie tram; 15 will arrive by the existing rolling stock is to be ward are discussing the possibility ŁÓDŹ . The first of the end of 2019 under a RUR498m replaced to permit a capacity of introducing tram service on ex-Bochum-Gelsenkirchen NF6D (EUR6.96m) contract. The order increase to be offered, with six a north–south freight railway low-floor trams has entered service is partly financed by the Ministry Bhe4/6 ordered from Stadler for (Shinkin line). The service repainted in Łódź red and cream for the Development of the Russian delivery from 2021 to enable a would run from Shinkoiwa to livery; 34 of these trams have been Far East. RGI 30-minute service from 2022.

312 / AUGUST 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Vitznau depot and station will be re-liveried in a mainly grey platforms will have to be rebuilt. scheme to match that on the large Existing cars BDhe4/4 21-22+ fleet of buses now in a similar Bt 31-2 will be switched to the ‘Palladium’-style livery. Arth-Goldau – Rigi line. CAIRNGORM. Audit Scotland Beh2/4 4 has been given an is to look into Highlands & all-over paintscheme for Migros Islands Enterprise over its role in Marke, the first time an advertising Cairngorm Mountain and its out- livery has been applied; BDeh2/4 7 of-service . The body will will no longer undergo review the engineering reports planned overhaul. EA already prepared on the line as ZÜRICH. The extension of part of its investigation. line 2 from Farbhof to Schlieren EDINBURGH. With work on the Geisswald will open on Newhaven extension expected 2 September. Passenger service to start in December, traders on the first section of the affected by construction are to be Limmatalbahn is due to start in offered free electric ‘Cargo Bikes’ December 2023. EA to secure deliveries during periods of disruption. This will be a trial THAILAND for extending use to other PHUKET. Thailand’s Mass Rapid businesses across the city centre Transit Authority (MRTA) has to also help meet emission targets. The latest delivery of new trams to the Polish city of Poznań is the Moderus revised the budget for the first The tramway is showing Gamma type from local builder Modertrans. BoBo2003 phase of the light rail project with continuing growth year-on-year, Most of the estimated GBP1.2bn Delivery of the new fleet is a 10% increase – to THB34.8bn with revenue rising by 18% in (EUR1.34bn) project cost has been expected to start in late 2021 to (EUR1.05bn). 2018 from GBP12.9m (EUR14.4m) raised through an agreement allow a phased withdrawal of the The 42km (26-mile) section to GBP15.1m (EUR16.85m) and between the UK Government, existing fleet (dating from the covers 21 stations between annual patronage growing by Mayor of London and Wandsworth system’s 1980 opening, albeit Phuket International Airport and 10% from 6.6m to 7.3m journeys and Lambeth councils, and heavily refurbished) from 2022. Chalong Circle. Costs for the over the same period. property developer Battersea The successful bidder will also 16km (ten-mile) second phase, INDUSTRY. National rail Power Station. This included the design, build and maintain a fleet from the airport junction on infrastructure manager Network creation of a 25-year enterprise and maintenance facilities, with Thepkrasattri Road to Tha Noon Rail has made an offer for British zone covering the Vauxhall, Nine a new depot constructed at the in Phang Nga province, are still to Steel’s rail service centre, the Elms and Battersea areas, which existing site in Gosforth, Newcastle. be confirmed. division that covers rail welding, came into force in 2016 and is NOTTINGHAM. Nottingham Construction is due to begin at finishing and storage at the intended to provide the ability Express Transit has recorded a the end of 2020, with passenger company’s Scunthorpe site, as a to regenerate these areas for million extra journeys in the last services planned to start in 2024. backstop to ensure continuation residential and business purposes. year and is the most used tramway Phuket News of supply for its ongoing works. SOUTH WALES. Transport for per head of the population. Some British Steel is a key supplier to Wales has awarded the first major 18.8m passenger journeys were TURKEY the rail industry and was placed infrastructure contracts for the made in the 12 months to March Erzurum. The Ministry of into compulsory liquidation in project. 2019, with a rise in revenue Transport & Infrastructure May after unsuccessful rescue talks Alun Griffiths is to undertake from GBP19.1m (EUR21.3m) to has approved plans for the first between the UK Government and station and civil engineering GBP20.6m (EUR23m) over the phase of an eventual 20.2km former owner Greybull Capital. works, as well as site preparation same period. (12.6-mile) tramline. It is understood that as many as for the new GBP50m (EUR55.8m) > For more on light rail usage in Planning for the first 15.5km ten other bidders were likely tram-train depot and integrated England (UK), see News. (9.6-mile) phase, to link the city’s to submit offers to the Official control centre in Taff’s Well. WEST MIDLANDS. Track has railway station with Yakutiye in Receiver for the business or parts Balfour Beatty’s work packages been laid along Birmingham’s the southwest, began in 2015 and of it in July. cover permanent way and traction Paradise Circus on the Westside the confirmation of TRY890m LIVERPOOL. Mayor Joe power, while Siemens Mobility extension. Testing, commissioning (EUR141m) should see this built Anderson has said he believes a will deliver signalling works and and driver training is to take place within the next five years. new 24-hour eco-friendly light control systems. in time for Paradise Circus to be re- A second phase would extend transit service is important to TYNE & WEAR. The Metro opened to other traffic and public the line north-west by 5.7km the next stage of the city centre’s line between South Shields service to start in December. (3.5 miles). RGI regeneration. Studies are to and Chichester was to close for To mark the milestone, time- be undertaken with the city’s four weeks from 8 July to allow lapse footage has been released UKRAINE universities and Merseytravel completion of the town’s new by the Midland Metro Alliance LVIV. All 30 Tatra KT4D trams into the introduction of ‘trackless GBP21m (EUR23.4m) bus and capturing the construction purchased from Berlin in 2018 trams’ to link Lime Street station Metro interchange, which is due progress from the date of the are now in service, 11 on line 3 and and the Knowledge Quarter. to open on 4 August. The existing closure to the first tracks being laid. the rest on line 6. traminfo.pl LONDON (UNDERGROUND). terminus at King Street will close. Construction of the second Trackwork on the Northern line Construction of the interchange, phase of the route to Hagley UNITED KINGDOM extension has been completed which forms the second phase Road, which is expected to open BLACKPOOL. The largely and tested by an engineering train of the GBP100m (EUR111.6m) for passenger service in 2021, is complete tram extension to along the full length of the new ‘South Shields 365’ regeneration underway following the closure of Blackpool North station is unlikely route for the first time. masterplan, began in 2018. Five Ways underpass in June. to open before 2020-21, due to The 3.2km (two-mile) extension Three bidders have progressed to delays with the move of the Wilko is now expected to be completed in the next stage in the procurement USA store near the station to a new September 2021. It connects with process for the supply of 42 trains DALLAS, TX. On 27 June, the site. The existing shop is on the the existing Northern line tunnels to the UK’s Tyne & Wear Metro: Federal Transit Administration site of the terminus facility and at Kennington and will run to CAF, Hitachi Rail and Stadler. Final confirmed a USD60.76m proposed bus interchange. Battersea with an intermediate offers are due later this summer, contribution towards the platform The first 16 members of the station at Nine Elms. Boring of the with Passenger Transport Executive lengthening programme for 28 light rail fleet will receive a five-year twin 5.2m diameter tunnels was Nexus expected to announce a stations on the Red and Blue light refurbishment during 2020 and completed in November 2017. preferred bidder in January. rail lines. DART estimates the

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 313 Worldwide Review

reopened on 15 June after long 33 has returned from Gera in renovation works. The event Germany after its overhaul there was marked by the operation of (started in 2010) was delayed by museum trams 4408, 6451, 7386 the Gera tramway insolvency. BS and 9994 (Vicinal) on various routes during the day. M. J. Russell CONTRIBUTORS CRICH (UK). London County Worldwide news items for Council tram 1 has been stripped inclusion should be sent to to its steel frame body with work Michael Taplin at Flat 8, Roxan including replacement of lower Villa, 33 Landguard Manor Rd, deck side panels, re-canvassing Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 the roof, controller overhaul, 6EA, UK. Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 and work on the wheel sets and or e-mail [email protected] traction motors. The overhauled UK and Ireland items are trucks were placed under the body welcomed by the Home News earlier this year. A new air system Editor, John Symons, 17 Whitmore has been fabricated to replace Avenue, Werrington, Stoke- items removed when the tram was on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail operated in Leeds. [email protected]. Propane-powered El Reno Heritage Express 145 at Bickford Street on 14 June. The vehicle is being restored with Acknowledgements are due Repairs to the trackwork that have seen services curtailed in recent months are funding from the LCC Tramways to Blickpunkt Strassenbahn(BS), visible in the background. R. Sykes Trust. No date has yet been set for caenlamer.fr, Canadian scheme, that will allow three-car SAN FRANCISCO, CA. the tram’s relaunch. Broadcasting Corporation trains to operate on the two lines, Bombardier has been awarded DÖBELN (DE). On ten-year loan (CBC), David Richards, Dernières will increase capacity on the two a new USD220m contract to from Dresden is horse tram 106 of Nouvelles d'Alsace, Der Tagesspiegel, lines by 12%. renew its operations and the Dresden administration of the digitaletram.nl, Drehscheibe The total project cost is maintenance of the SFO AirTrain Tramways Company of Germany (DS), Edinburgh Evening News, estimated at USD128.74m, with automated peoplemover at San (Brill Philadelphia 1886). DS Eisenbahn Amateur (EA), Eisenbahn other contributions coming Francisco International Airport. DÜSSELDORF (DE). The museum (EB), Friends of Victor Harbor, from the Texas Department of The ten-year agreement has the collection at Steinberg depot International Railway Journal (IRJ), Transportation Mobility Fund option for a further five years. has been enhanced by 3601, the Irish Independent, ka-news.de, Le Grant (USD60m) and DART The company supplied the 10km prototype VÖV tram from 1990 parisien, Liverpool Echo, Manchester (USD7.79m). (6.2-mile) system, which carries that never generated a follow-on Evening News, Mass Transit, Metro EL PASO, TX. A timetable 7m passengers/year, and has order. Also joining the collection News, Mike Russell, Nottingham change now sees service starting at operated and maintained it since is 1913 two-axle water car 5151, Evening Post, Phuket News, Railway 11.00 with later evening running. it opened in 2003. Metro News restored to 1970s condition after Gazette International (RGI), Rio Travel on the streetcars has been SAN FRANCISCO, CA (MUNI). 15 years of voluntary effort. BS Times, Sydney Morning Herald, The free from 17 June. An extension to The San Francisco Municipal SKJOLDENAESHOLM (DK). Age, traminfo.pl, urbanrail.net and the east with the refurbishment of Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Former Flensburg two-axle tram Wolverhampton Express & Star. the further three PCCs is a future has announced the unlocking of possibility. R. Sykes the back door and the resumption EL RENO, OK. The route of of two-car service with its new the propane-powered Heritage S200 SF LRVs following Express has been temporarily cut modifications by manufacturer back as trackwork is being renewed Siemens after a series of incidents due to its collapse at a trunk road between November 2017 and April crossing. R. Sykes 2019 that resulted in passenger INDUSTRY. Bombardier has injuries. announced that it will open All single-panel doors, located a railcar assembly plant in at the ends of each car, have Pittsburg, CA, to initially build been retrofitted with additional most of the 775 metro cars sensors and the couplers have ordered by BART. This will free-up been modified to allow operation capacity at its facility in of two-car train service. Metro News Plattsburgh, NY, for orders from SAN JOSE, CA. The Santa Clara east coast undertakings. RGI Valley Transportation Authority SAN DIEGO, CA. The San Diego is moving forward with plans Association of Governments to extend light rail to Eastridge (SANDAG), which is responsible Transit Center after unanimously for transportation planning, has approving the Environmental unveiled proposals to increase Impact Statement. The extension transit ridership from 1.5% of from the existing Alum Rock vehicle trips to 10%. Transit Center will probably start Tens of billions of dollars will building in 2021 for completion be needed to build new transit in 2025. lines and the first step will be to put a sales tax increase on the 2020 ballot, followed by its own tax measure sometime thereafter. The first priority would be the www.idesign.se Purple line, light rail from Mesa through National City and San Diego to Oceanside for interchange MUSEUM NEWS with the Sprinter diesel line. ANTWERPEN (BE). The tram Mass Transit and bus museum at Groenenhoek

314 / AUGUST 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Letters

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

Challenging the use of all-over advertising on trams

In the modern world we are told that branding is fundamental to marketing. Branding sends a message to consumers about what is being sold and why it should be bought. It is therefore intriguing how many public transport authorities undermine it. In particular, vinyl advertising on vehicles is increasingly being applied to cover the windows, with perforations so that passengers can see out. The result from the exterior, however, is that tram resembles a large moving advertising hoarding. While advertising on public transport vehicles is not new, the perforated vinyl takes this a crucial stage further. The brand of the operator is not weakened, it is obliterated. Subsuming the tram’s identity within a wrap-around message undermines patronage by degrading the presentation of the vehicle. Worse, with the tram appearing seemingly windowless, it can generate feelings of claustrophobia. The vinyl over the windows then makes the tram’s interior dingy. To counter this, operators sometimes leave lighting An example of all-over tram advertising on Adelaide’s North Terrace, switched on during daytime; this emphasises the feeling of (Australia) in December 2018. P. Kain being inside a cage, especially when the tram is crowded. The I appreciate that tram manufacturers and politicians may perforated window vinyl also markedly reduces visibility, not mind these modifications as ribbons are cut and publicity undermining passengers’ ability to gaze at the outside world photos are taken before these detrimental modifications or simply to see when their destination is reached. Vision is are applied. If it is believed that wrap-around vinyl does not hindered, in particular, when sitting adjacent to the window, undermine service appeal or patronage then perhaps money with the passenger having to actively adjust their focal plane could be saved by dispensing with the marketeers who would to view beyond the perforation. Worse, visibility is lost entirely otherwise have been responsible for product branding. when rainwater attaches itself to the perforation. Peter Kain, Canberra, Australia

Don’t place light rail underground! this was to facilitate new entrances to the Mr Ryder’s arguments in the latest issue station, not a new line. Certainly the huge (‘Is the CAM plan another ill-conceived white ‘cut and cover’ disruption was far greater than elephant?’ – Mailbox, TAUT 979) were a little for any surface tramway! difficult to follow, but I do agree strongly I observed plenty of progress with tramway with his sentiments. Putting public transport extensions. At the Aéroconstellation underground should only really be considered terminus, adjacent to the depot/workshops if there is no other option. complex, a new extension to T1 is almost Trams and light rail systems serve complete. Track is down – laid in mass communities best when they are visible and concrete, not grass – and a line of overhead easy to hop on and off. For short journeys poles recede into the distance. The of a couple of miles, any time saved compared photograph (left) shows this, in addition to walking is negated by going down to the barriers at the end of the current T1. escalators or steps and then back up at the This is not a connection with any metro other end of your journey. line, but extends northwards towards as-yet Works underway on an extension to Toulouse T1 in Such suggestions only make schemes June 2019. M. Braine undeveloped suburbs. even more unaffordable – we have a hard In addition, the depot/workshop site at the enough time with that perception already. operated, as the authors state, in Lille and terminus is extensive, far larger than needed Far better to stick to city streets and remove Paris (and Rennes, also, although this is not for the current fleet, and built perhaps with conflicts with other road users through mentioned). further extension in mind. pedestrianisation schemes. Nearly all mid- to large-sized French cities The current city terminus, at Palais de H. L. Palmer, by e-mail now operate surface tramway systems as Justice, is a little remote from the centre, they are more accessible, cheaper and highly although it intersects with metro route B, four Trams make more sense for Toulouse visible. The article makes scant reference to stops from the city. Reservation continues In connection with the article Toulouse creates the tramways, routes T1 and T2, apart from beyond the tram terminus, which would new connections (TAUT 979), I would like to suggesting that the proposed new M3 route provide a good starting point for a loop make a few observations. would intersect T2 at Jean Maga providing bringing T1/T2 closer to the centre. Certainly This month, whilst visiting the city on connection to the Airport. As the map shows, all-day loadings on the trams were high business, I took the opportunity to ride on all this is already served by trams of T2, which enough to justify such an extension. of the lines operated by Tisséo – metro and divert from T1 at Ancely. The authors quote that the mayor favours tram – and make close observation of current Nowhere did I see any evidence of new sub-surface construction to “minimise the practice and developments. metro construction; at Jean Jaurès metro effect on road traffic during construction”, The article concentrates mainly on the station in the city centre, at the junction of yet no such disruption was visible in the metro, which is the increasingly obsolescent lines A and B, a huge excavation was being construction works for T1 that were observed. (here in France) VAL rubber-tyred variety, dug, but large information boards stated that Mark Braine, by e-mail

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 315 Classic Trams celebrating in fine style Mike Russell presents the first of a trio of articles focused on the magnificent pageant staged by Belgium’s capital to showcase the city’s 150th tramway anniversary. 1

e are amongst the 150th original routing between place Louise and double-ended cars without trailers could anniversaries of some of rue Royale is no longer served by trams (it was terminate at Legrand stub, while trolley-only Europe’s greatest tramways, partially replaced by metro line 2 in 1988), cars are limited to Legrand – Sainte-Marie, so but none so far has come trams still run over most of the original route, the trailers behind 984, 1305 and 1348 were close to matching the event allowing celebrations to take place on the taken off at Legrand and towed to Ixelles in Wunveiled to Bruxellois and visitors alike on historical connection Bois – place Louise – one train (46+301+671+29). All single-ended 1 May, the exact date of the Bruxelles (Brussels) place Royale – Église de Sainte-Marie. A site of historical trams with trolley only also retired tramways’ sesquicentenary. Almost 2km (1.2 around 4km (2.5 miles) was thereby dedicated from proceedings at Legrand. miles) of a principal city axis was transformed to historic trams for anniversary day. In exchange, six other -equipped into a magnificent rolling stock display To operate the historical electric fleet it was single-ended veterans arrived, most of them covering almost 150 years. On a fine day in necessary to reconvert the from introduced immediately after the parade at Brussels, the visitor count exceeded 50 000. pantograph-only compatibility (to which it Sainte-Marie. These cars are allowed on all Belgium, especially its capital, enjoys a had been converted in the 1970s) to trolley- surface sections of the network; however, they reputation for some of the best tramway pole and pantograph mixed operation. Work need loops or a depot to turn. During the free celebrations anywhere. We recall the parades was carried out by STIB technicians, probably rides, they operated from place Stephanie via in 1985 Public Transport Year; the 1988 unthinkable anywhere outside Belgium. place Janson to Barrière St-Gilles and back, works car day; the line-up of cars for the 1994 Events started with the line-up of tramcars on characteristic Bruxelles track in narrow electric operation centenary; and UITP day all the way from place Royale to place Poelaert, streets with complicated junctions and tight- in 2010 (see TAUT 876). May’s events were in chronological order. The three horse-drawn radius curves. Meanwhile, some continued arguably superior to those of the past. vehicles arrived earlier by low-loaders; one beyond Legrand and travelled via the grand- Three years of intensive planning, with also brought veteran Barnum snow-broom 95 union junction at Buyl to Ixelles depot. meticulous attention to detail worthy of of 1904 for a successful test run to Sainte- The standard-gauge trams that took part successful military operations, went into the Marie and back. The public inspection in were: cross-bench horse car 509 of 1888, pageant. Every one of the hundreds of car rue de la Régence lasted all morning and was rebuilt from Liège 568; Chemins de Fer movements was scheduled to the minute. arranged on the ‘wrong’ (southbound) track, Économiques Déraillable car 6 (M, 1887) That the whole event unfolded almost not only to allow more space for visitors at and Tram-car Nord-Midi omnibus pavé 2 entirely as planned is a tribute to those who the right side of the cars, but to create the (Heynadier, 1891). Electric cars were 830 brought such an ambitious programme best photographic opportunities. Starting at (Franco-Belge, 1901); 346 (M, 1903); 428 to fruition. It also reflects highly upon 12.30, after a ceremony in which the Minister (M, 1904); 984 and trailer 301 (M, 1906 and representatives of those authorities and of Transport of Brussels Region handed over 1901), 1750 (M, 1914), 1348 (M, 1914) with public bodies whose support was essential: the controller key of 830 to the motorman, cross-bench trailer 29 (Godarville, 1910); not just officials of the tramway museum a convoy of four of the oldest electric cars 5025 (Exposition bogie, 1935, Dyle); 1259 (TB group (MTUB) or the tramway operator brought VIPs and invited guests from standard, 1936) with trailer 2118 (Baume (STIB), but the police and political figures. Legrand along the northbound track to form et Marpent, 1930); 1305 and trailer 671 (M, up at the head of the electric cars displayed 1910); 1763 (M, 1914, rebuilt 1931); 1002 (TB, Royal launch at place Royale. The VIPs were then offered 1938) with trailer 102 (Familleureux 1928, Proceedings formally started on 30 April, a short trip with horse car 509 from place rebuilt 1951); 7047 (LB PCC, 1952); 9098 when His Majesty King Philippe of the Royale to metro station Parc via rue Royale. (STIB, 1960); 7500 (LB 1962, rebuilt 1974); Belgians visited an exhibition hall in place Once all VIPs reached the podium at place 4032 (STIB, 1965); 1505 (TB 1936, rebuilt Royale. There, one of the first Brussels electric des Palais, the formal parade started at 14.00. 1967); 7093 (LB PCC, 1957); 7171 (LB, 1971); trams, 415, reconstructed in 1992 from a This was led by horse car 509 and two other 7786 (LB, 1972); 7916 (BN, 1977); 2001 (BN, horse car built by Tramways Bruxellois (TB) in horse cars heading north on the southbound 1993); 3026 (BN, 2006); 4070 (BN, 2014); and 1888 and in 1893 rebuilt for electric service, track, followed by the four oldest electric cars 7601 (ex-7765, LB 1972 – restaurant tram). was on display. Together with it was 3200, on the correct track and the great convoy Works cars were Brill Barnum snowbroom a mock-up of the front modules of the next of other historic and modern cars on the 95 (1904); 272 (Godarville, 1927 – ballast generation of vehicles; 79 six-axle and 11 ‘wrong’ track. All except the horse cars moved carrier) and trailer 289 (1910); 7 (rebuilt 1970 eight-axle cars due for delivery from 2020. to the correct track at Botanique crossover. as breakdown car from 1411); 16 (rebuilt 1971 The original horse tramway route opened Here trams found themselves in a true street as snowplough from 1404); 33 (rebuilt 1972 as on 1 May 1869 between Bois de la Cambre setting, as the section between Botanique and general purpose car from 1194), with (just beyond the present Legrand terminal), Sainte-Marie had not been closed to traffic. weed-killer trailer 131 (STIB, 1973); 2 (rebuilt along the imposing avenue Louise to place The parade returned along rue Royale to 1977 as breakdown car from 5021); 7055 Louise and then, turning north-east, to a finish at the Palais des Beaux Arts. The three (LB 1956, general purpose car) with 117 terminus at Porte de Namur. A few months horse cars then made a final trip to place (crane trailer, rebuilt 1985 from 9000-class); later, it was extended via avenue de la Toison Royale before returning to Sainte-Marie. 46 (rebuilt 1972 as slow-motion car from d’Or, place du Trône, rue Ducale, place des 1205); 7019 (LB 1952, adapted for servicing Palais and rue Royale to place de la Reine, Popular free rides pre-metro tunnels); and the four-car diesel where the church of Sainte-Marie was under After the parade, free rides were given to the Windhoff train (1+102+101+2, 2007). construction. In 1872 came the extension public from 16.00-19.30 and an estimated LB = La Brugeoise; M = Métallurgiques; of the rue de la Régence to place Poelaert, 3000-plus journeys were made. Planning of TB = Tramways Bruxellois. connecting place Royale with the new this special service had to take into account courthouse (built 1866-1883). While the the characteristics of each tram: Only the To be continued next issue.

316 / AUGUST 2019 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Some of the paraded trams retired to the tranquillity of Ixelles depot and did not take part in the subsequent public service, for which substitute cars from the museum fleet were introduced. Standard motor car 1002 and trailer 102 have been preserved in the condition to which they were rebuilt in 1949-51 and are here at rest in the depot. Luc Koenot

2. Trams, trams, trams – and visitors – all the way from place Royale, from which this view was taken, along rue de la Régence to the Palais de Justice at place Poelaert. Luc Koenot

3. A magical scene at place Royale showing Déraillable car 6 in the foreground, with horse cars 2 and 509 on the right, the Vicinal electric exhibits on the far right and the steam tram train on the left, with a line of Bruxelles urban trams stretching into the distance along rue de la Régence towards place Poelaert. Luc Koenot

2 4. All aboard the leading vehicle as horse car 509 departs from place Royale with dignitaries at the head of the parade. Luc Koenot

5. Bruxelles was once a haven of mixed-gauge tram track. This image in place Royale shows the nearest that can be achieved today, with adjacent gauges on the east side of the square. Tramways Bruxellois motor car 1348 of 1914, now detached from its cross-bench trailer, passes the Vicinal steam tram rake during the public service 3 4 after the parade.Luc Koenot

6. Delivered in 1971, 7171 was the last bogie PCC car to come to Bruxelles, and survived until the type was withdrawn from passenger service in February 2012. Latterly it was one of several given the yellow and blue livery and ended its days in operation on routes 39 and 44 from Montgomery metro station. It is shown as part of the pre-parade line-up in rue de la Régence. Mike Russell

7. Brill Barnum snowbroom 95 5 6 always attracts great interest on its rare excursions outside Woluwe museum. On 1 May it has just arrived at place des Palais by low-loader and poses for photographs before performing a test run to Sainte- Marie and back. Mike Russell

8. The exhibition hall in place Royale contained a mock-up of one of the new trams due for delivery next year with the oldest surviving electric car, a non-operational rebuild of horse car 415 of 1888 that was converted for use as an electric 7 8 tramcar in 1893. Mike Russell

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2019 / 317 NEWS FROM THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ASSOCIATION A new PM – ‘same old, same old?’

ith two of our main political That’s a powerful argument, but one of parties (the Liberal Democrats course that ignores the fact that towns and Wand Conservatives) having cities across the globe are adopting light rail elected new leaders, one of whom is our systems as a solution to not only enhance Prime Minister, it is tempting to speculate urban mobility but also in improving the what new ideas we can expect when environment. Parliament returns in September. When I was an MP I raised the issue of A cynic might say it will be ‘same old, asbestos in schools and the dangers its use same old’ – but the UK is crying out for new posed for staff and children alike. It took ideas to move the Brexit stalemate forward. seven years, two governments and the last Since its inception in the 1930s, the act of a Coalition Minister (David Laws) for LRTA has campaigned for the adoption of the Department for Education to release trams and light rail as core components of details of its use in our schools. Successive modern integrated transport systems. governments followed civil service advice In the last few years we’ve highlighted and hid the facts. the dangers of PM10s and the ‘Oslo Effect’ Last June, the May government – the particulate matter produced by promised a new Clean Air Act in response the wear of rubber tyres on our roads. It to a joint Select Committee Report on Air has been a hard process to convince the Quality. Despite this, nothing has been powerful bus lobby that their vehicles are a forthcoming – so much so that even the major source of this damaging pollution. old Thunderer (The Times) has launched its Sadly, the UK Government – like own campaign for a Clean Air Act. many others around the world – appears Will this include action on PM10s? complicit in not recognising the full effects If you believe this is important for our of these harmful emissions on public children’s future, join the LRTA in health. Cleaning up the environment campaigning for action in this promised costs money, and if we ban the bus how are Clean Air Act. We will certainly be ensuring LRTA/TramForward Chair Paul Rowen opposite the people going to get around? the new PM has it on his agenda. Houses of Parliament. More people, more revenue – all good news for UK light rail

The latest Department for grow with the expansion projects So, as proven yet again, light Transport figures show yet either planned or underway in rail works. Now it’s time for more another increase in both Blackpool, Greater Manchester, new schemes to move from the passenger figures and revenues for the West Midlands and London. ‘wishlist’ pile to construction. tramways and light rail systems It is worth noting the initial RIGHT: Putting its troubled in England – to new record levels. successes of the tram-train pilot development well behind it, Accounting for over 272m as well, something that is already South Yorkshire’s tram-train pilot is journeys in the last 12 months, driving ambitions for adoption one of the UK’s passenger success these figures will surely only of the mode across the UK. stories of the past year. TAUT

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

July 2019 tramway garden party. Venue: Old September 2019 Saturday 21. Taunton 14.00. Sirs, Westhoughton, BL5 2ED. (TLRS) Richard Hargreaves: A tale of Saturday 20. Holt 14.00. Tuesday 03. Southampton 19.30. Peter two cities – Lancaster and York. Cedrock Greenwood: Films of August 2019 Keat: Portsmouth Direct. (LRTA/SEG) (TLRS) trams in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Tuesday 10. Cardiff 14.00. TBA Saturday 28. Beeston 14.00. Aberdeen. (TLRS Norfolk) Monday 19. Wickham 19.30. Monday 16. Liverpool 19.45. Dave Astill: Ones, collars and Lilac Saturday 27. Beeston 14.00. Alan Terry Chase: Once upon a time in Tony Kuivala; Threlkeld Quarry Leopards – NCT in the 1970s. (TLRS) Murray-Rust: Tramway films. (TLRS) the North. (TLRS Solent) Light Railway. (TLRS) Saturday 28. Garstang 14.00. Saturday 27. Garstang 14.00. Saturday 31. Beeston 14.00. Monday 16. Wickham 19.30. Jim Saunders: Portugal tramways Visit Arthur Dawson’s G-scale Bring a thing. (TLRS) (TLRS Solent) in 1979. (TLRS)

For more information on the Association and its activities visit www.lrta.org Bookshop Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage included (2nd class UK; Airmail Europe; Economy rest of world).

Die Wiener Stadtbahn Sporvognene på Østerbro 1865-1969 Mit GD und WD durch die Bundeshauptstadt – N und N1 im Portrait A detailed review of the eight lines that served this district of Copenhagen before the wanton destruction of the A superb album for lovers of the Vienna of city’s network, with details of the trams the 1950s to the 1980s - the era of the N-type used and the depots they operated from. tramcars and their predecessors on the city’s Danish text. interesting urban rail network. German text. > A4 softback; 108 pages, 66 colour and > A4 hardback; 168 pages, 197 black & white 124 black & white pictures, nine maps. and 118 colour pictures; two maps. £27.00 (UK addresses); £29.50 (outside £38.00 (UK addresses); £45.00 (outside UK); UK); £33.00 (Airmail beyond Europe) £50.00 (Airmail beyond Europe) LRTA Members: £2.40 discount LRTA Members: £3.50 discount

Filobus a Torino The Electric Tramways of East Kent

Full history of the trolleybus Detailed history of the tramways of system in Turin from 1931-80, Dover and Thanet from their inception with special emphasis on the at the turn of the 20th Century development of the network through to replacement by buses of during and after World War Two. the East Kent Road Car Company Italian text. in the 1930s.

> 210 x 210mm softback; 126 pages, > A4 hardback; 112 pages, 100+ 36 colour and 72 black & white black & white pictures, several maps. pictures, ten maps. £28.00 (UK addresses); £34.00 (outside £19.00 (UK addresses); UK); £40.00 (Airmail beyond Europe) £22.00 (outside UK); £26.00 LRTA Members: £2.50 discount (Airmail beyond Europe). LRTA Members: £1.65 discount

Mit der Straßenbahn durch das Berlin Cincinnati Streetcar Heritage der 60er Jahre Band 10: Die Linien 70, 71 und 73 Streetcars operated in this city from 1888-1951, and the system unusually used twin trolley-poles to allay Another evocative album of images of a fears of corrosion of underground Berlin all but disappeared, with emphasis installations. Includes the modern on some of the longer lines that served streetcar loop opened in 2016. the eastern half of the city. German text.

> 210 x 240mm hardback, landscape > 275 x 215mm softback; 128 pages, format; 96 pages, 100 mainly black & white 200+ largely colour photographs. pictures, four maps. £21.50 (UK addresses); £23.00 (UK addresses); £31.00 (outside £25.00 (outside UK); £29.00 See our website for (Airmail beyond Europe). previous volumes still UK); £37.50 (Airmail beyond Europe). available in this series. LRTA Members: £2.00 discount LRTA Members: £2.00 discount

Quarante Ans de Tramways en France END Straßenbahn Esslingen – Nellingen – Denkendorf An interesting technical study of und andere Verkehrsmittel in und um Esslingen the origin and development of the modern tramway and its impact on One of the last interurban tramways in 30 French cities, from the viewpoint Germany, operating 1926-78 to the east of of planners, architects, engineers and Stuttgart, is described along with a glimpse operators. French text. of other local railways and the surviving Esslingen trolleybuses. German text. > B5 hardback; 508 pages, 100+ colour and black & white pictures. > A4 hardback; 192 pages, 365 colour and £30.00 (UK addresses); £36.00 black & white pictures, several maps. (outside UK); £41.00 (Airmail £38.50 (UK addresses); £42.00 (outside beyond Europe). LRTA Members: UK); £45.50 (Airmail beyond Europe). £2.70 discount LRTA Members: £3.60 discount