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DECEMBER 2017 No. 960 DIGITAL DISRUPTION: USE AND SAFEGUARDS

MetrolinkEnergy efficiency at 25: through Big Bang effective and driver beyond training

Nashville’s ambitious light rail plan Hydrogen debuts in Tangshan Edinburgh tenders for Newhaven route

Time to celebrate Detroit 12> £4.40 Global Light Rail Private funds rebuild Awards review a through LRT 9 771460 832050 “I very much enjoyed “The presentations, increased informal networking, logistics networking opportunities and atmosphere were in such a superb venue. excellent. There was a The 12th Annual Light Rail common agreement Conference quite clearly 17-18 July 2018 among the participants marked a coming of age that the UK Light Rail as the leader on light rail Conference is one of worldwide, as evidenced the best in the industry.” by the depth of analysis The UK Light Rail Conference and exhibition is the Simcha Ohrenstein – from quality speakers and CTO, Jerusalem LRT the active participation of premier knowledge-exchange event in the industry. Transit Masterplan key industry players and suppliers in the discussions.” With unrivalled networking opportunities, and a Ian Brown CBE – 75% return rate for exhibitors, it is well-known as Director, UKTram THE place to do business and build valuable and “This event gets better long-lasting relationships. every year; the 2018 dates are in the diary.” Peter Daly – Sales & There is no better place to gain true insight into the Services Manager, Thermit Welding (GB) Voices workings of the sector and help shape its future. V from the T o discuss how you can be part of it, industry… visit us online at www.mainspring.co.uk “An excellent conference as always. or telephone +44 (0) 1733 367600 Well done for such a well-organised and “I had a great time in highly-informative Manchester. Thank you for MEDIA PARTNER ORGANISED BY event.” everything, the conference David Hand was a great success.” Global Lead for LRT Ana M. Moreno – & Divisional Director General Manager, Mott MacDonald Tranvía de CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association DECEMBER 2017 Vol. 80 No. 960 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL 448 Editor S imon Johnston E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK 479 Associate Editor T ony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] Worldwide Editor 484 Michael Taplin Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight P O37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] News Editor John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] Senior Contributor Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors Tony Bailey, James Chuang, Paul Nicholson, Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, News 444 stayi ng safe in a digital world 479 Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, Herbert Nashville Mayor reveals ambitious light rail TAUT looks at the cyber threats to public Pence, Alain Senut, Rick Wilson, Thomas Wagner plans; fuel cell tram debuts in Tangshan; transport and looks ahead to the tighter Pdtro uc ion Lanna Blyth EU investment granted for tramway; regulations that are on the way in 2018. Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] rolling stock orders; Dubai Design ‘Route 2020’ tunnel-boring begins; Tenders sTYS EMS FACTFILE: würzburg 484 Debbie Nolan released for Edinburgh’s line to Newhaven. This Bavarian tramway is continuing Advertising renewal, as Neil Pulling explains. COMMERCIAL Manager streetcar BOOST FOR motor city 448 G eoff Butler Detroit has seen private finance help WR O LDWIDE REVIEW 489 Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] revitalise city centre transport. Preferred route for Sydney’s Paramatta Publisher line announced; Mayor approves H oward Johnston rethinking chicago transit 454 Prokshino – Troitsk tramline; Singapore Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each Mark Walbrun and John Krause lay out a opens Chinatown – Expo . month preceding the cover date. radical proposal to re-establish streetcars. LRTA Website and Diary mailbox 494 Brian Lomas d igital disruption on the rails 458 Why learning lessons shouldn’t take time E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Big Data is revolutionising safety and or money; and making OLE comparisons. LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) efficiency, explains Howard Parkinson. Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up C LASSIC : darmstadt 496 members of the Light Rail Transit Association. l ooking to a mobile future 460 Mike Russell chronicles the survival of a Subscriptions AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES Ashley Murdoch of Corethree looks at the highly-representative collection of tramcars LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. impact of mobile technology on transport. from this German city. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 BACK ISSUES GLOBAL lIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2017 – SPECIAL REVIEW 463 Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. ‘Technology is a useful servant... LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. but it can also be a dangerous master’ Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 Kicking off a bumper issue as we close out 2017, we have much to celebrate. in and Wales. Key themes include expansion, renewal and new technology – and the LRTA Chairman readoption of technologies over a century old. Andrew Braddock Vic Simons visits Detroit to discover how business leaders are driving E-mail: [email protected] a return to the streetcar, helping build a vibrant downtown for a city on LRTA Deputy Chairman its way back from the brink. Elsewhere in the US we outline a radical plan involving P aul Rowen advanced traffic management and green track that seeks to do the same for Chicago. LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, Press deadlines meant we only had time for a brief overview of the 2017 Global Light UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 Rail Awards last issue; this time we have a detailed review of this spectacular event that in England and Wales. showcased everything great about our industry’s people, companies and innovation. © LRTA Publishing 2017 One of the evening’s winners was Manchester Metrolink, and this issue we also have Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also a special publication that celebrates its remarkable success – from humble beginnings a later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the quarter-century ago into its phenomenal growth into the UK’s largest LRT network. opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of There is a definite technology focus this time too, as we look at how digital LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. transformation is shaping mobility choices, with everything from analyses of the future No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in of mobile and wearable tech to that most fashionable of terms, ‘Big Data’. However, in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and our march for ultra-modernity, we must never lose sight of our responsibilities in terms retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from of maintaining privacy and security. A reminder of just how important that is comes the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the with the potentially large new penalties on the way for organisations that fail to do this. magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. My headline paraphrases Norwegian political scientist and Nobel prize winner COVER: Rows of smartphone users on a Singapore Christian Lous Lange, summing up these thoughts well... Simon Johnston, Editor MRT service in November 2017. Neil Pulling

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2017 / 443 News Nashville mayor’s light rail plan USD5.2bn plan to transform the urban transit network in Tennessee’s state capital by 2032

he mayor of Nashville, surcharge on business and excise Tennessee (US), tax, and on rental car charges, a announced the 0.25% increase in hotel taxes and USD5.2bn ‘Let’s Move a 0.5% sales tax to be introduced Nashville’T plan on 17 December, from 1 July 2018, increasing including 41.6km (25.8 miles) of to 1% in 2023. Metro will also light rail to be delivered between seek Federal grants. The plan is Dickerson 2026 and 2032. This would serve dependent on a referendum vote Gallatin Gallatin Rd to Briley Parkway, in May 2018 to achieve citizen Murfreesboro Rd to the airport, approval following consultation Bordeaux Nolensville Rd to Harding Place, in October and November at a Northwest Charlotte Avenue to I-440, and series of public meetings. the city centre to State University; In 2017 Governor Haslam and Charlotte 57 trams will be required to the State Legislature enacted the provide the full service. Metro IMPROVE Act that increased Nashville Airport Authority has funding for state road projects and West End agreed to fund the line from enacted a local option for voters Murfreesboro Murfreesboro Rd to the airport. to adopt a transit improvement The plan includes rapid plan with dedicated funding. Hillsboro Nolensville transit, electric and a city Mayor Megan Barry said: “This subway under 5th Avenue from is a balanced funding proposal Charlotte to Lower Broadway, that will ensure that visitors and Light Rail while the existing Music City out-of-county residents who may Rapid Bus Star service would use our roads or transit system Transit Center see frequency improvement. pay their fair share along with Downtown Tunnel Funding for the ambitious residents, who will have access to scheme would come from a 20% better jobs and transportation.”

Bombardier partnership ‘possible’ after Siemens-Alstom merger Could Bombardier merge Transportation (along with with one of the world’s other others) could join the new major rail systems suppliers, Siemens-Alstom European rail perhaps even China’s CRRC? giant (TAUT 959), both CDPQ’s The prospect was not ruled out Michael Sabia and BT President by a major shareholder in the Laurent Troger have suggested Canadian firm when questioned this is unlikely. Mr Sabia on 1 November. According to added that “If a door opened news agency Reuters, Caisse de and there were an interesting depot et Placement du Quebec transaction to be done, would (CDPQ) Chief Executive we have any objections in Michael Sabia told journalists principle? No. But those are A PESA-built 120Na Duo Swing tram from 2012, one of six double-ended trams of “Every opportunity that comes very difficult to get done.” this type, which are useful when routes are temporarily shortened. M. J. Russell up ought to be looked at”. CDPQ, which had more than However, he described CAD130bn (EUR87.6bn) of net rail as a “long-run asset of assets in 2016, took a 30% stake EU funds approved for Bombardier” and said he did in BT in 2015. Assuming the not see “an opportunity to go merger of the rail divisions of Warsaw tram expansion down the sale path.” Siemens and Alstom goes ahead, Yet while ’s Finance the combined business will The EU Infrastructure and Waszyngtona and 18 new single- Minister Bruno Le Maire have revenues of EUR15.3bn – Environmental Operational ended trams. The programme is has suggested Bombardier second only to CRRC. Programme is to contribute the largest tramway investment PLN617m (EUR145.5m) towards in for 60 years. tramway expansion in Warsaw, Five tenders have been received the purchase of 68 new trams for 37 seven-car metro trains, UITP’s new Secretary General and construction of a new depot. with the lowest price from Škoda A 12km (7.5-mile) tramline at PLN1.61bn (EUR379m). The UITP has confirmed that International Association of will link Warsaw West station EU is contributing nearly PLN2bn Mohamed Mezghani will take and has had a with Wilanów, requiring (EUR471m) towards the 6km over as the association’s Secretary 25-year career in public transport, 50 double-ended trams and (3.7-mile) extension of metro General from 1 January 2018, graduating in industrial the new depot at Annapol. , including rolling stock. succeeding Alain Flausch who engineering from Ecole Nationale A 4km (2.5-mile) line from Tenders have also been invited has held the role for six years. d’Ingénieurs de Tunis, Tunisia Aleja Waszyngtona to Goclaw for the supply of eight five-car Tunisian/French national in 1987. He also has a Master in will include rebuilding of the and five four-car EMUs for SKM Mezghani is currently deputy Transport from Ecole Nationale existing tramline along Aleja commuter rail service. secretary general for the des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris.

444 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Fuel cell tram debuts in Tangshan Latest hydrogen-powered low-floor tram begins trials in China; maximum range is 40km

66-seat low-floor Passenger service is provided tram built by CRRC on a 13.8km (8.6-mile) section of Tangshan and powered the Tang Xu railway, connected by a 200kW Ballard fuel to the CRRC factory and several cellA entered trial service on industrial heritage sites which 26 October. The three-section have been provided with new tram – capacity for 336, 66 seated stations featuring 350mm – has a range of 40km (25 miles) platform heights to match the on 12kg of hydrogen, a refill of floor level of the car. The terminus which can be achieved in 15 is the station built for the 2016 minutes. Its maximum speed is World Horticultural Exposition. 70km/h (43mph). The Tangshan factory was The FCveloCity fuel cell is established in 1881 as China’s combined with a battery and first rolling stock manufacturer. . Canadian-based Eight hydrogen fuel cell trams Ballard signed a CAD3m deal are due to enter city service on a to supply fuel cells to China 17.4km (10.8-mile) line in Foshan Southern Rail (now CRRC) in City in 2018. 2015. The fuel cell has a lifespan For more on the evolution of fuel of at least 20 000 operating hours. cell technology, see TAUT 959. The fuel-cell powered tram awaiting its first passengers in Tangshan. CRRC

Singapore limits city cars Stockholm orders more new trams On 23 October Singapore’s Land Transport Authority announced that it is to cap the number of and extends Tvärbanan line private cars and motorcycles Storstockholms Lokaltrafik has trams and A35 CAF trams with a a track connection with the in the city from February 2018. The current growth rate set by exercised a EUR37m option for headway of 7.5 minutes, taking national railways at LTA is 0.25% per year and this will another 12 CAF Urbos double- care of 80 000 passengers/day. as freight trains use the tram remain unchanged for buses and ended trams, it was announced The new signalling system allows tracks for a few hundred metres goods vehicles until a 2021 review in on 25 October. Delivered in late headways down to 2.5 minutes. to reach Liljeholmen harbour. order to provide businesses time to 2019 will be two four-section cars There is no connection yet Construction has started on a improve their logistics operations. for the Lidingöbanan and ten between the tramline and the new 8km (five-mile) branch line CITAL delivers for Sétif three-section for the Tvärbanan. Saltsjöbanan at Sickla station. north of Alvik passing Stockholm The first of 26 Alstom/CitalCitadis Adapted for temperatures as low Track connections with the City Airport Bromma, Kista trams for the new tramline in the as -40°C, this will bring the total metro exist at Alvik and between Science Centre to Helenelund Algerian city of Sétif was delivered number of CAF trams to 42. Globen and Gullmarsplan commuter rail station, planned on 18 October. Each 44m double- In late 2010 SL ordered 15 stations. Furthermore there is to be ready in 2023. ended car has a capacity of 302. Urbos trams with an option for A joint venture of Alstom and up to 121 more; subsequent Yapi Merkezi was awarded the options have so far required 15. contract to build and equip the new 15.2km (9.4-mile) line, in Algeria’s On 2 October tramline 22 fifth city to adopt modern LRT in Tvärbanan was extended by less than a decade, from El Bez 700m to Sickla station on the University to Eastern Maintenance Saltsjöbanan local railway. Centre in 2014. The line has 27 The line is now 18km (11.2 miles) stations and a peak capacity of long with 26 stops, taking 55 6000 passengers per direction per minutes from end-to-end. At the hour. It is due to open in 2018. same time a new signalling system Ranken wins in China was brought into use, eliminating China-based Ranken Railway the need to change trams at Alvik. Group has won contracts worth The line is operated by multiple CNY856m (EUR111m) on a pair of units of class A32 Bombardier A CAF Urbos tram arrives at the new Tvärbanan Sickla station. Nacka kommun transit lines in the country. A CNY561m (EUR72.7m) contract for Metro line 5 (24.5km/ 15.2 miles) will see Ranken build Ganjingzi and Shanhua St stations, Smart technology to replace NY MetroCard as well as the section between Shanhua St and Barracuda Bay. The New York Metropolitan operates the world’s largest open Cost savings can be made by Ranken is also to build a 3.6km Transportation Authority has payment system. reducing duplication of systems (2.2-mile) section of the Ürümqi selected a partnership of Cubic, The base USD539.5m contract and through the phasing out of Airport Rail Transit line 2, worth Mastercard and Transport for includes the supply of fare 20-year-old equipment. CNY295m (EUR72.7m). The full London to supply a new validators and ticket vending The contract includes options project covers more than 13km (eight miles). Ranken is currently account-based fare collection machines for 472 Subway stations worth USD33.9m to supply building , due to open in 2018. system to replace the current and 6000 buses to enable payment equipment to the Long Island Sapphire Corp, which took over MetroCard, introduced in 1992. by a dedicated card, contactless Rail Road and Metro-North Rail Ranken in 2015, is based in Singapore. Transport for London currently bank card or mobile device. Road commuter networks.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 445 News Subway works begin on Route 2020 extension tunnel-boring programme begins; on track for testing in 2019

unnel-boring on the are expected to be complete by subway section of July 2019, with testing of the new the 15km (9.3-mile) line to begin in February 2020. Route 2020 extension Passenger services are to begin on Tof the Dubai Metro Red line 20 May 2020, five months ahead was officially launched by His of the opening of the Expo. Highness Sheikh Mohammed A joint venture of Parsons and bin Rashid Al Maktoum on 24 SYSTRA is project managing October. Twin 8.8m-diameter the scheme, with construction tunnels are required for the undertaken by the Expolink 3.2km (two-mile) underground consortium of Alstom, section from Discovery Gardens and Gülermak. Thales is to to The Green Community at provide railway systems as a depths of up to 36m. subcontractor to Alstom. Ground-breaking for the As leader of the consortium EUR2.6bn branch from Nakheel Alstom is also supplying 50 Harbour & Tower to the Expo Metropolis trainsets from July 2020 site took place in September 2018, with 15 of the five-section 2016 with construction of the 88m units required for the new elevated sections starting in line and a further 35 to increase The first mock-up of a Route 2020 Metropolis was presented to representatives August 2017. Civil and rail systems capacity on the existing system. of the RTA in Paris in July. Alstom

CAF trams to join to Hochbahn builds new workshop Thursday 12 October saw the a ‘green’ roof to give exemplary Inekon cars in Seattle laying of the foundation stone environmental credentials. for a new EUR44m Billstedt It joins the main maintenance Expanding on our late news will cost USD177m, with a workshop for Hamburg’s facility in Barmbek and a service last month, the Seattle USD75m federal grant. Hochbahn, designed to cater for workshop in Farmsen, which Department of Transportation The combined tramway will growth on the system that saw have no room for expansion. has awarded a USD50m be operated as two ten-minute 232m passenger journeys last Hochbahn plans to purchase contract for new trams to CAF services, from Fairview Avenue year and is forecasting growth of new rolling stock and build USA, which will supply ten to 7th Avenue in Chinatown, a further 3.5m in 2017. new lines in the coming years;. double-ended 18m three- and from Republican Street in Due to open in 2019, the new a one-station extension to section Urbos low-floor cars. South Lake Union to Capitol facility lies east of the and Elbbrücken is to open in late 2018, There is an option for ten more. Hill. Three Inekon-built trams U4 line between Legienstraße and detailed design is underway The new cars will be equipped used on South Lake Union, and Billstedt stations and will on a further continuation to with onboard energy storage which do not have the facility include a 135m covered area Horner Geest. Construction of a for off-wire operation. for off-wire operation, will be with four tracks to accommodate fifth metro route is also planned The additional cars are sold, almost certainly to the 120m trainsets, a trainwash and in the longer-term. needed for the opening of the city of Portland. Seven Inekon under-construction 2km Trio trams with batteries will (1.2-mile) City Center remain to form a joint fleet Connector (CCX) line in 2020, with the CAF cars. connecting the two standalone In further Seattle news, tramways in the city, the South the Broadway extension of Lake Union line (2.1km/ the First Hill line has been 1.3 miles) and the First Hill line shelved due to opposition (4km/2.5 miles). The First Hill from businesses and property line features a portion with owners, while Sound Transit off-wire operation using is spending USD295m to carry existing Inekon trams out preliminary engineering equipped with battery power. studies for the expansion of The new line will run from its light rail system to West Westlake Avenue via Stewart Seattle and on the Ballard Link Street and 1st Avenue to South (a second subway under the Jackson Street. Construction city centre). The Billstedt facility will allow cleaning of up to 28 trainsets per day. Hochbahn

R abat-Salé chooses The new 32m 100% low-floor 19km (12-mile) network, adding The new Citadis trams will be Citadis to cater for vehicles will run in coupled pairs eight new tramstops. These are assembled at Alstom’s La Rochelle and will join the fleet of due to open by the end of 2019, factory, with facilities in Le system expansion 44 Citadis trams supplied for the forming part of the 2014-18 Creusot supplying the , Morocco’s Société des Transports opening of the network in 2011. ‘Rabat: City of Light, Moroccan Villeurbanne the electronic and de Rabat-Salé has awarded the Earlier in the year the Culture Capital’ programme passenger information systems, EUR45m contract for a further city council approved the that follows the desire of King Tarbes the power modules, and 22 low-floor trams to Alstom, construction of two extensions, Mohammed VI to turn the twin Sesto San Giovanni () the for delivery in 2019. totalling 7km (4.3 miles), to the into mega-metropolises. traction equipment.

446 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Edinburgh pushes on to Newhaven Tenders are launched for the tramway extension as the Inquiry probes council decision-making

he City of Edinburgh Council (UK) has launched the first tenders for the extension of the Scottish capital’s tramway to Newhaven. Potential Tcontractors have until 12 December to submit bids for two ‘lots’ – infrastructure and systems (lot 1) and the swept path contract (lot 2). The latter, to be carried out first, includes utility diversion and removal, while lot 1 is estimated to be worth GBP90m (EUR101m) and includes 4.6km (2.6 miles) of embedded, slab and ballast track, eight new tramstops, two substations, bridge works and demolition of the existing stop at York Place. The launch of the tender process follows the approval in September of the Outline Business Case for the GBP165.2m (EUR185.9m) extension. The current 14km (nine-mile) line between York Place and the city’s airport opened in 2014. The former chief solicitor of the City of Edinburgh Council has explained why she thought bringing in outside legal advice on the major infrastructure contract for the tramway was unnecessary. The explanation came on 27 October, during the public hearing of the inquiry he believes national bodies rather than councils The existing stop into the tramway’s construction being chaired should take on major procurement schemes as at York Place will be demolished as the by Lord Hardie. Instead, Gillian Lindsay had councillors involved in various project boards line continues on to Newhaven. argued for using the same advisors as the council’s lacked the legal or technical experience to make S. Johnston arm’s-length company TIE (Transport Initiatives informed decisions on such complex projects. Edinburgh); this position was disputed amongst her Following a preliminary hearing in October Multimodal transport colleagues, the inquiry was earlier told. 2015, the public hearing began on 5 September. app launched for Utrecht Announced in 2014, the inquiry was set up The inquiry is expected to result in a written report. In a first for the , Keolis has launched the helloGo to “establish why the Edinburgh Trams project New red-surfaced cycle lanes are to be installed app that allows a combination of incurred delays, cost more than originally at key points along the tram route in the city planning, booking and purchasing budgeted and through reductions in scope centre. They are designed to help road users keep to be undertaken across different delivered significantly less than projected.” safe while crossing tracks and to give cyclists extra transport types. Former City Transport Convener Gordon space and the safest route to cross the tracks to Introduced in Utrecht, the Mackenzie told the inquiry on 1 November that avoid slipping or getting their wheels stuck. multimodal app covers modes including train, bus, cycle, taxi and car rental. Based upon the results from Utrecht it is planned to roll helloGo out more widely in the Keolis and Ivado sign urban Škoda wins Netherlands and across Europe. ‘Surferlab’ to research mobility partnership Sofia tram deal digital technology A joint research and development Keolis and the Institute for Data transformation, passengers Škoda Transportation has laboratory has been launched by Bombardier together with Valorisation (IVADO) have are increasingly considering signed an order for 13 ForCity software business Prosyst and signed a strategic partnership for mobility as a service. To cater for Classic trams for the Bulgarian the University of Valenciennes & the sharing and analysis of Big this Keolis is forming strategic capital of Sofia, in a deal worth Hainaut-Cambrésis. Data to support the development partnerships with experts and CZK610m (EUR23.8m). To be known as Surferlab, the of innovative mobility solutions. leaders in their respective fields The contract includes the supply organisation is to be based at the The five-year collaboration to address the needs of the of spare parts and training. University of Valenciennes in was signed on 31 October at future and accompany transport Škoda Transportation France. With more than EUR2m the ITS World Congress 2017 authorities in this transformation. Chairman Tomáš Ignačák said: in funding, Surferlab is to research in Montreal (Canada) and IVADO is an industrial “Thanks to this, passengers will embedded digital technologies, particularly in the area of vehicle brings together one of the and academic initiative that be able to travel in our trams in and infrastructure maintenance. world’s biggest public transport is working to develop a new almost one fifth of [the] EU’s operators with one of the largest economy around Big Data metropolises.” New Beta for Szczecin scientific communities on Big analysis. Particular objectives The 100% low-floor vehicles Modertrans is to supply parts Data, created by HEC Montréal, include creating more are to be based upon the design for two partially low-floor 28m Moderus Beta trams for assembly Polytechnique Montréal and the personalised journey experiences supplied to the Turkish city of by Tramwaje Szczecińskie in a Université de Montréal. better suited to passengers and Eskişehir, adpated to Sofia’s PLN9.75m (EUR2.3m) deal. Research and development better real-time information unusual 1009mm gauge. The Szczecin operator has projects will initially focus into how the network functions The procurement is to be previously assembled a pair of on Quebec, followed by other (rolling stock condition, vehicle supported by EU grants. Moderus Beta itself – the only territories where Keolis is present, movement, operations and Sofia has this year been taking two of the type currently on the including France, the USA and maintenance) to optimise the delivery of 1990s-built Be4/6 S northern Polish system. continental Europe. performance of city transit vehicles from Basel. The first Other trams in the city include Moderus Alfa, as well as Tatra, As the mobility sector networks and support it where trams left the Swiss city for Konstal and Pesa vehicles. undergoes a profound digital the need is the greatest. in January.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 447 Streetcars help rebuild Motor City Detroit’s second-generation great industrial powerhouse and its proposed The birth of a giant streetcar has seen private rebirth. The public sector, particularly the Detroit was founded in 1701 by French City of Detroit, could not agree where and explorer and adventurer Antoine de la Mothe finance help drive revitalisation how a new system should operate and the Cadillac (the famous car brand adopted of the city’s urban core, debate was raging during the city’s well- his name in 1902) who set up a fort and publicised bankruptcy in 2013 that left it trading post on the strategically important as Vic Simons reports. unable to fund major projects of this kind. Detroit river link between Lakes Erie, St Clair Seeing the dire need for urban regeneration and Huron; the river formed the eventual ay 2017 saw the opening in a city ravaged by adverse economic international boundary between the USA and of a more unusual second- conditions, a number of concerned Canada. In 1760 city governance passed to the generation US streetcar private corporations took up the mantle British before coming under the service. The eighth new in developing a system in 1796 and Detroit was first incorporated in system in the last five years, to regenerate the Woodward Avenue 1802, becoming a city in 1815. notM only is Detroit’s new urban core circulator corridor that runs through the heart of the Detroit was Michigan’s state capital for ten largely privately-funded, but it also has the city, linking various sporting, medical, years before this was transferred to Lansing in largest off-wire operation in the nation. More educational and cultural facilities and the 1847, although it remained a key agricultural than 60% of the Woodward Avenue route Amtrak station with the downtown area. centre and later a base for manufacturing currently operates away from any physical Led by the Penske Corporation – a giant towards the end of the 19th Century. With electrified connection, with aspirations for transportation, logistics and motorsport the coming of the automobile in the next more if practical. The line has a number of concern that has its headquarters in Michigan few decades, the city was well-positioned to charging stations to ensure the vehicle’s and a major facility in downtown Detroit – take advantage of a large number of skilled lithium-ion batteries maintain their charge. and the Kresge Foundation, a consortium of railroad workers and excellent transportation The question as to why the 5km (3.1-mile) regional business leaders set up a non-profit links, and three future manufacturing giants route has been developed with such a high vehicle to implement the line on a design- established plants in Detroit. Catering for the percentage of private sector funding (around build-operate-maintain basis. Funding for the remarkable growth in private car ownership, two-thirds) has a slightly more complicated USD182m project has come from a mixture of nearly 300 000 were employed in 1950 and answer that is rooted in the decline of a once- sponsorship and Federal grants. as the metropolis grew rapidly around the

448 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Detroit

ABOVE: Congress Street terminus showing inbound and outbound tracks coming together. Note the charging point just beyond the platform; there is no other overhead wiring at the terminus.

LEFT: Car 292 departing Congress Street.

RIGHT: Car 289 tops up its batteries via at the Penske Center charging point.

All pics taken 29 September 2017 by Vic Simons. automotive industry it soon became known as Motor City. Economic pressures from the early 1970s from increased international competition and a sharp rise in gasoline prices saw this growth decline and eventually go into reverse, with job cuts, downsizing and relocation of firms such as General Motors and Ford in the two decades leading towards the new millennium. Thus began the spiral of decline for this once-great city. Whole neighbourhoods were abandoned, with local infrastructure being left to rot and decay. In 2010 then-Mayor Dave Bing announced a plan to knock down many of the vacant buildings in around a quarter of the city to compact the remaining population and new century that the system was electrified but within ten years the impact of the car had “rightsize the city’s resources to reflect its and operated as a single system across most of firmly taken hold and the long decline began, smaller population” which had dropped by the city by the Detroit United Railway. culminating in the closure of the system in nearly two-thirds over the previous 60 years. The unified system declined in popularity 1956. Interestingly, the Woodward Avenue From a peak of 1.86m in 1950 when the city due largely to severe overcrowding in peak route was the last to see conversion to the held 29% percent of the state’s residents, today periods – despite the provision of high motor bus on 8 April that year. that figure is less than 7%. The surrounding frequency services and trailers – and greater Buses were adequately dealing with public Wayne County has a population of around 1.8 access to affordable private cars for thousands transport needs in the 1970s and ’80s as million and in addition to the railway tunnel, of automotive workers. urban populations declined, but by 2000 the Detroit is linked to Canada across the Detroit After a great deal of public debate, and a situation had become serious and the city River by means of the Ambassador road bridge number of court cases, in 1922 the city took fathers drew up a plan for urban regeneration and the Detroit – Windsor tunnel. control through the Department of Street and revitalisation of the downtown core Railways and became the first in the US to that saw streetcars as a key catalyst. Initial The rise and fall of transit operate its own streetcars. In 1925 the city planning was as far as the proposals got, Horse-drawn streetcars first came to Detroit began the operation of feeder buses as streetcar however there was no agreement as to the in 1863, but it was not until the turn of the expansion had been deemed too expensive, location and extent of the system, and how it

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 449 Detroit

was to be funded. The city had bigger issues Rip Rapson and Founder and Chairman of other backers of M-1 Rail were persistent and and thus, the project stalled. Quicken Loans Dan Gilbert, formed the not- eventually raised sufficient funding to give In July 2013 the city filed for Chapter 9 for-profit M-1 Rail corporation to establish a the project a basis for applying for Federal bankruptcy with the biggest municipal debt in streetcar line along Woodward Avenue, part grants as it quickly became clear that the city US history – around USD20bn. This agonising of Michigan State Road 1, or M1. As part of could not provide any financial contribution. decision had wide-ranging ramifications the plan to reinvigorate the downtown core, It was not just capital funding – ongoing that led to complex legal cases and in some in 2010 Quicken Loans moved its corporate revenue streams were required for day-to-day instances jail time for public officials. headquarters to Woodward Avenue. After operations and maintenance. The largest In light of the city’s dire position, concerned moving all 3600 Michigan-based staff into the single donor was the Kresge Foundation, citizens felt the need to do their part; a further city centre by the end of 2010, the company whose CEO Rapson was a former Mayor example that contributed to the streetcar cause now has approximately 17 000 staff in Detroit, of Minneapolis and had seen the positive had been the 2006 Superbowl – one of the making it one of the city’s largest employers. impact of the Hiawatha light rail line there. largest events in world sport – when transport The streetcar plan was hampered by The Kresge Foundation has made more than provision failed to deal with the large crowds. various setbacks, not least of which being USD50m available to the project. In 2007, Roger S Penske, Chairman and the global economic downturn and the city’s It took more than five years to convince CEO of Penske, Kresge Foundation CEO bankruptcy. However, Penske, Gilbert and the the Federal Government that the project had

LEFT: TOD along the QLine – complete, under construction and pipeline investments, January 2013-April 2017.

RIGHT: The interior of a QLine Liberty car showing layout, destination display and cycle racks.

ABOVE: Exterior of the Penske Center. Note the empty lot beyond it – this is typical of large swathes of midtown Detroit.

LEFT: Inside the Penske Center car barn.

450 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Car 292 departing the northern Grand Boulevard terminus headed for Downtown.

adequate available capital, and another pre- of the system’s financial backers, shown with ticket vending machines are located on condition was the creation of a local Regional individual pottery tile branding. each platform. Following a fare-free initial Transportation Authority. The RTA in South The route is entirely on Woodward Avenue period that began on 12 May and ended on East Michigan covers the four area counties, aside from a downtown loop around Campus 5 September, the basic one-way fare is valid Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Macomb Martius Park, from Grand Boulevard to the for three hours and costs USD1.50; a day as well as the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor terminus south of Congress Street. The route ticket costs USD3. Reduced fares are available and was created by the Michigan State was chosen for its links to key traffic generators for students, senior citizens and those with legislature in 2012. This provided the means such as the city’s baseball and American mobility challenges alongside both monthly to apply for Federal grants. football stadiums and to cultural destinations and annual passes. An additional USD0.25 is A USD25m TIGER (Transportation like the Detroit Opera House and a number of required for transfers to local bus routes and Investment Generating Economic Recovery) theatres. QLine estimates that there is a major services are operated seven days a week. grant was received in 2013, enabling the start sporting or cultural event on around 300 The original intention of M-1 Rail was to of construction. URS Corp (now AECOM) days a year within two blocks of the streetcar, procure vehicles from the Czech supplier acted as primary designer for the line, which also connects with Amtrak rail services Inekon, but when in 2014 this deal fell with Stacy & Witbeck appointed general at the Baltimore Street Station, located on apart the company turned to Pennsylvania- contractor in 2013. Work began in July 2014. the corner of Woodward and West Baltimore based Brookville, which has supplied six Avenues in the New Center area. 20m double-ended Liberty vehicles under The coming of the Streetcar QLine has contracted with Transdev to a USD32m deal. Although visually similar After considering a number of options, M-1 operate and maintain the system under an to the cars operating in Dallas, TX, a key Rail decided on a route along Woodward initial five-year contract worth USD15.5m difference is the slighter wider carbody, Avenue from Grand Boulevard in North that was signed in June 2016, with the option now 2.6m compared to the 2.43m vehicles Detroit to a terminus at Congress Street of up to five additional years. The stations are operating on the Oak Cliff and Bishop Arts just short of the Detroit River waterfront to the usual US urban streetcar specification service. Enhanced HVAC systems are also in the heart of Downtown. Apart from the with covered shelters, seating and timetables; designed to cope with the more extreme downtown termination spur at Congress, the route is double-track throughout and the alignment is mostly gutter-running, unusual in the US, before moving across to the centre median for the last three of the 12 stations just short of . Following the current US vogue for off-wire operation for urban circulators – in part led by the proven success of the domestically- made Liberty 70% low-floor car from Brookville Equipment Corporation – more than 60% of the alignment is independent of a fixed electrical connection. A number of charging points can be found along the 5km (3.1-mile) route, including at the Congress terminus and just beyond the northern terminus where it enters the car barn. The two-road car barn and administrative offices are in the new 1765m2 (19 000ft2) Penske Tech Center, two blocks north of the Grand Boulevard terminus. Gutter running The operation is now known as QLine without overhead following a ten-year USD5m Quicken Loans wires around sponsorship deal announced in 2016, and Campus Martius Park. each of the line’s 12 stops are assigned to one

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 451 Detroit

The Detroit crossing Congress Street, looking towards the waterfront.

“The QLine board always envisaged the new line as winter conditions in Detroit. Five cars are meaning that its appeal is more limited, required for normal service with a sixth recording 2 165 352 riders in 2016. the start of light rail available to deal with peak demand if The DPM is powered by linear induction required or as a spare. motors that give a maximum operating development... such a plan The 70% low-floor three-section vehicles speed of up to 90km/h (56mph) although have capacity for 125 passengers (34 seated) in practice this speed is never reached. was narrowly rejected by and are fitted with four 99kW AC traction The 12-car UTDC-built fleet is made up into motors and rechargeable lithium-ion five two-car trains with two spare vehicles; voters in November 2016.” batteries for catenary-free operation on each vehicle can accommodate 34 seated around 60% of the route and a short spur and 66 standing passengers and two in the urban area. Providing real-time security into the depot. Although capable of speeds wheelchairs. Service is provided seven days due to their links with police and security up to 55km/h (35mph), service speeds a week, extended until 02.00 on Friday and companies, the cameras have minimised the are considerably less. High-speed Wi-Fi is Saturday and with a later start on Sunday impact of instances of crime or anti-social provided onboard the vehicles and at stops mornings. The fare is USD0.75. behaviour on the system. by Detroit-based startup Rocket Fiber. M-1 Rail’s Chief Operating Officer Paul As with all US urban streetcar installations, Childs told TAUT that he was both excited Sowing seeds for the future a significant boost to Transit Oriented and proud of what has been achieved to date, While the achievements in building such Development has been linked to the new adding that he believes the private sector has a streetcar system in such a relatively short line either along or within two blocks of the delivered the project more efficiently than period of time are impressive, the Transit alignment. QLine estimates that in excess the public sector could. He cited the delivery Oriented Development is a key factor in of USD7bn in development is either under of the first streetcar in just 14 months from the system’s overall success. Sadly, this is construction or planned, including new the placement of the order as just one currently limited to within two or three sports facilities for Detroit’s professional example of the tight project management. blocks of the Woodward Avenue corridor basketball and ice hockey teams. This was helped by being able to ‘piggyback’ and when the author drove around the wider The QLine board had always envisaged the onto the Milwaukie streetcar order. area it is clear that there are whole city blocks new transit link as a kick-starter for further The public sector had to be involved for lying overgrown and with signs of severe regional light rail development, although oversight and compliance, Childs adds, urban decay. These are still early days. such a plan was narrowly rejected by voters and the organisation lists ten public sector Detroit clearly has a long way to go in in the November 2016 ballot. Now that partners that were key to the collaborative rebuilding itself to anywhere near its former both residents and businesses have seen the approach throughout the project. glory, and this will require significant positive benefits, the RTA intends to go back Childs explained that QLine actually spent funding for improvement and regeneration, to voters in November 2018 seeking approval more than USD280m, of which USD100m but with a shrinking tax base there is no for streetcar expansion. was refunded by the public sector in respect clear methodology to generate such funds. of bridge and road reconstruction as part Nevertheless, the streetcar is a key early The Detroit People Mover of utility relocation. An unusual source of sign of growth. It is interesting to note that The other piece of rail-based infrastructure funding, Childs explained, was the use of ridership fell by 40% with the introduction of in Detroit is the 4.7km (2.9 mile) 13-station New Market Tax Credits by the US Treasury fares on 5 September 2017 – although this has automated Detroit People Mover (DPM) that to assist the private sector; this helped to since begun to recover. M1 Rail consider that operates on an elevated circular alignment generate the USD25m sinking fund for ridership is in line with expectation. around downtown. The service opened operating and maintenance costs. As a starter line it is therefore a useful base in 1987 and is operated by the Detroit Childs refers to the choice for overhead-free and it is hoped that further connections can Transportation Corporation under the operation being as much a practical decision be made to the city’s primary bus terminal to auspices of SMART (Suburban Mobility as an aesthetic one. With catenary costs being promote further transit integration and serve Authority for Regional Transportation) which around USD2m/mile, the lithium-ion battery events at the line’s major sporting venues. also operates regional bus services across solution was much cheaper, he suggests. He is the area. The DPM operates on a single-track also full of praise for the preventative impact Grateful thanks are due to Paul Childs and standard-gauge clockwise loop with many of CCTV inside the streetcars, important in a Lisa Ledbetter for their assistance in the of the stations lying inside office blocks, city that has a higher than average crime rate preparation of this article.

452 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Thank You, THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Detroit! As an American manufacturer, DOUBLE we are proud to be the streetcar ISSUE! vehicle supplier for QLINE Detroit. THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Congratulations to M-1 RAIL www.lrta.org and the people of Detroit on this www.tautonline.com

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www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMber 2017 / 453 Chicago Streetcar Renaissance RETHINKING CHICAGO TRANSIT

Mark Walbrun and John Krause have a radical proposal to RIGHT: Inspiration for Chicago’s streetcar renewal re-establish streetcar service in the Windy City, once a US light is being taken, in part, from modern French tram systems that feature extensive green track and rail pioneer. TAUT examines the plan… environmental mitigation measures. J. Krause

hicago once boasted arguably from the 1890s and now covering 165km The way this situation has developed has left the most expansive streetcar (102.5 miles) of city lines, but this is expensive a big gap in the transit system between heavy network in the world – at its to maintain and currently carries a USD20bn rail and local bus. There is a role for bus rapid peak in the late 1930s, the Windy backlog of deferred maintenance and no real transit in filling that gap in the spectrum, City hosted over 1600 track km prospects of paying for it. Elevated railways but part of the problem is that some of the (1000C track miles) serving 100 routes and are also noisy and tend to undermine rather city’s corridors have such a high ridership with a fleet of over 3200 vehicles. than bolster property values, struggling that loading people onto small buses would What makes this city in the Midwest to attract transit-oriented development. require a service frequency so high that slightly unusual is that while most US cities The city has grown considerably since the giving them signal priority would effectively grew up with the automobile, Chicago was introduction of the ‘L’, and the most intensive shut down traffic on the surrounding grid. already fully built-out before the arrival development of the latter 20th century is of the auto age. Development was not seen along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, A city of contrast economically viable unless the property was much of it beyond a reasonable comfortable Two things give Chicago its distinct character: connected to the city and its central business walking distance from where the Red line was the skyscraper and its location on the southwest district by electric rail. But with rapid growth laid out in the 1890s. corner of Lake Michigan. The combination in the early decades of the 20th century came For the residents and businesses along this of these two aspects, the distinctly urban and congestion and by the 1940s the streetcar corridor there are two to three times as many the intensely natural, make it unique amongst network had become overwhelmed and riders per mile as the average for the heavy US cities. The juxtapositions of city and found itself mired in traffic. rail system, but instead they are served by nature, of skyscraper and beach, have always Chicago still has the world-famous ‘L’ buses that are stuck in traffic – they don’t been striking. elevated mass transit system, introduced even have dedicated bus lanes. Chicago was founded as the connection point between the Great Lakes and the river Chicago’s shoreline with Lake Michigan network that takes you further west and gives it a unique character, bordering ultimately south to the Gulf of Mexico by dense high-rise development. the Mississippi River. Horse-drawn streetcars Gurpreetz / CC BY-SA 2.0 were seen from the late 1850s and one of the first major mechanised transport modes in the city was a system introduced in the 1880s. Andrew Halliday invented it in San Francisco and the Chicago city fathers liked it so much that they installed a much larger system than any other in the US. Yet by 1906 the cable cars were gone, replaced by an electrified network that covered the entire city. The streetcars, though, were soon stuck in the congestion of a rapidly developing city, and in the 1890s the first elevated rapid transit lines were built, showcased by the World’s Fair held in 1893. The technology was impressive for the time and quickly expanded with the use for the first time of multiple-unit control that allowed the ‘L’ to quickly grow to the eight-line system we know today. Streetcars and the ‘L’ co-existed for half a century, but competition from the automobile, changing development patterns, challenges from a nation at war and wider traffic issues meant that the two operators, the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines, found themselves in financial difficulties.

454 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org In October 1947, the newly-formed models from Europe, mainly in France, they Chicago Transit Authority took over all “Chicago planners have have looked at ways to ensure a high operating transit operations for the streetcar, bus and speed even on busy downtown streets. rapid transit networks. By the mid-1950s been working on transport Giving light rail dedicated lanes to operate it had made decisions that pretty much challenges for over 100 in is essential, and the use of green track foreclosed any option for improving the would keep cars out of those lanes and streetcar and, like many cities around the years and now is the time discourage pedestrians from wandering world, the system was shuttered. The last across. Chicago streets are straight and allow cars ran in June 1958. Electric for a radical revision.” higher speeds than those in French cities, held on in the city until 1973, when they too but they also encounter many more signalled were removed. intersections because of the ubiquitous street City development patterns have changed been looking at several issues. The first is grid. Finding the right way to deploy transit considerably since 1973 and urban living environmental: Chicago’s motto is ‘city in a signal priority to prevent the light rail lines has become much more attractive to the garden’ and the authorities have gone to great from getting stuck in traffic will require some current generation. In fact, going back to the lengths to improve the look and feel with innovative design. late 1980s, the slow progression of people trees, grass, flowers and green spaces. Thus a third issue is working with the leaving the city for the suburbs has reversed A variety of sustainable plants are seen, city’s traffic department in the integration and people have started to come back in. many based upon the original prairie plants of a new street-running rail service. As the These new residents and businesses located endemic to the area before it was developed. last 50 years have seen the development of themselves mostly downtown and along The difficulty is working that into a trackway, a largely automobile-oriented community, the lakefront, and that in turn generated a Krause explains. Green track can be attractive, the traffic signals are based upon movement significant amount of congestion along key but it can also mean maintenance challenges of vehicles, not necessarily movement of arteries across the city. and these are issues under consideration people. Working with the Illinois Institute Chicago planners have been working on that will allow the team to use it to a greater of Technology and a high-fidelity regional transport challenges for over 100 years and extent. For example, a variety of sedum plants traffic simulation model, Walbrun and now is the time for a radical revision. The city are being studied that will change colour Krause intend to demonstrate that the tends to be somewhat conservative in how with the seasons and provide a habitat for combination of light rail running in it approaches opportunities for new modes. pollinators such as bees and butterflies. dedicated lanes and with signal priority in a Ironically, streetcars and light rail are viewed A second issue is average speed. As the few high-ridership corridors would increase as a new mode, despite the city’s rich heritage. city has grown in a rectilinear pattern, this the capacity of the city’s streets to move allowed a repetitive street pattern to be people and reduce congestion downtown. Three key challenges developed which facilitates movements along Although Chicago has a largely orthogonal Mark Walbrun, from leading global the grid. But there are also old trails that city road network, it is easier to ‘move’ traffic engineering and development consultancy were later turned into streets that go against to avoid the diagonal streets that involve Mott MacDonald, and John Krause from the grid – these are of particular interest for six-way, or even eight-way, junctions that the Chicago Renaissance (CSR) have transport opportunities. Looking at light rail can be extremely slow in signal phasing.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 455 Chicago Streetcar Renaissance

By eliminating a large number of these Walbrun and Krause are convinced the vehicle turning movements, traffic flow can Chicago streetcar could go faster through be improved overall so that light rail and the urban core – and that it will have to or it automobiles can co-exist more harmoniously won’t succeed. with fewer stop-start movements. In Chicago it is possible to travel great In streetcar corridors, a combination of distances from downtown and still find signal optimisation and dynamic signal densely-populated and heavily-trafficked street control can optimise the flow of people and grids with regular intersections and kerbside compensate background traffic for every parking. A benefit however is that the city’s incidence of transit signal priority. This model streets are mainly straight and the typical should allow us to build and operate the system speed limit is 50km/h (30mph) compared to without the expense of tunnels or elevated many European cities where 60-90% of the structures and create a network across the city urban corridors have a speed limit of 30km/h that is effectively immune to congestion. (18-19mph) or less. The city has four basic street types and for The proposal all of the proposed routes that use them green Krause’s non-profit Chicago Streetcar track is planned to not only contribute to a Renaissance proposes a network of six routes, further ‘greening’ of the urban environment, only going where the ridership is very high but also to keep automobiles, cyclists and along the entire route – essentially upgrading pedestrians off the alignment. The choice the busiest bus corridors in the city, where of green track would lower the overall streetcar operation can be demonstrated to be capital cost and has additional benefits in faster and more cost-effective. attenuating noise, rain and stormwater and The plan links major destinations for the reducing the heat island effect. first time by transit and makes vital last-mile While Chicago doesn’t have the broad connections between commuter rail stations boulevards of some European cities, there are and the central business district (CBD). a couple of areas where it would be possible Rather than going where there’s leftover road to retain one or two lanes of car traffic in space, the Chicago streetcar would go where each direction on a median alignment; a few it does the most good: where demand is fully automobile-free sections are suggested highest and where the congestion is worst. and there are also a few sections that would The Chicago Loop is the core of the CBD operate in parkland or park-like settings and the river that goes around it. There are along the edge of the roadway. two main commuter rail stations and every The recent pattern in the US has seen morning 85 000 people walk from these modern tramway projects put together by the stations over bridges into the Loop as there private sector or groups outside of the transit is currently no reasonable last-mile link. agency, the rationale being that these groups Three of the proposed lines aim to make that are responsible not only for mobility but also connection and serve the busy peak hours. for developing the city and its character. The project is inspired by the modern In short, a city has a far greater stake in its European tramway, which provides a better future prosperity than the transit agency. model than either the modern US streetcar The modelling is building a compelling – which mixes with traffic and runs at about argument that a new rail system can be brought 10km/h (6mph) – or the typical US LRT through the heart of downtown without solution, which works like a commuter rail undermining traffic on the surrounding grid. service between the suburbs and the city. For maximum effectiveness it is proposed to This early proposal shows CSR’s vision for a While it is difficult to foresee the kind of use 40m vehicles, each capable of carrying 300 comprehensive network to cover the city’s core public commitment to urban design that passengers, working to minimum peak-hour corridors, developing lakefront and Central Business you see in the very best French examples, service headways of five minutes. District. Courtesy of Chicago Streetcar Renaissance

FIND OUT MORE John Krause is the Executive Director of the Chicago Streetcar Renaissance, a non- profit organisation that seeks to advance the development of Chicago, transit-oriented development, green infrastructure and renewable energy around the implementation of a modern light rail system. John has a Master of Architecture and Urban Planning qualification from the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, and practiced in Sweden and the US for 15 years, owning his own design firm in New York City.

Mark C. Walbrun is Vice-President and Practice Leader for Rail & Transit, US East, with international consultancy Mott MacDonald. Mark is a graduate of the University of Illinois, holding a BS in Transportation Engineering, and has also completed graduate level programmes in Transportation Planning as well as specialty programmes in Railroad Engineering and Signal Design. He has 40 years of experience in planning, designing, and building railroads and rail transit systems. Segregated median running sections would allow for harmony with the city’s traffic network and keep motor www.chicagostreetcar.com vehicles away from streetcars, also increasing safety. J. Krause

456 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial : A PPP success STORY

aragoza Tram has an average ridership of 100 000 passengers per day, in a city of 700 000 inhabitants, and all with just one line. It is the busiest tram line in all of . ZSince its inauguration in 2011, traffic in the city centre has been reduced by 32.3% and more than 4km (2.5 miles) of new pedestrianised areas have been introduced, with a notable reduction in CO2 and associated toxic emissions. In 2016, the city fulfilled all World Health Organisation requirements on air quality. This success has been possible thanks to the smart organisation of the concession: a Public- Private Partnership between Zaragoza City Council (20%) and the Traza consortium (80%). The Traza consortium is comprised of an eclectic group of enterprises, all of which have been involved since the beginning: TUZSA, CAF, Acciona, FCC, Ibercaja and Concessia. Zaragoza City Council has been the key driving force behind Line 1 and is closely involved in its operation. For example, City Council technicians manage the traffic lights’ dynamic priority for the tram, across 172 junctions and through more than 200 cameras.

Zaragoza’s private partners TUZSA is part of the Avanza Group, the largest private urban transport company in Spain. It was established in 1886 as Sociedad Anónima de los Tranvías de Zaragoza, and has provided on four continents and in 25 (mostly OECD) regular urban services for the city for more than countries. FCC has significant experience with 120 years. Autobuses Urbanos de Zaragoza, a light rail and metro projects, having worked TRAZA CONSORTIUM subsidiary of TUZSA, operates Zaragoza’s bus on the Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga metro services across a network of 32 bus lines, three systems as well as metro networks in Panama shuttle bus routes and seven night lines. City, Toronto and Riyadh. FCC Construction CAF is a leading designer, manufacturer, also operates the Tram 1 metro project supplier and maintenance provider for rolling in Barcelona, as well as Metro de Murcia. stock, providing a wide range of integrated Ibercaja is Spain’s eighth-largest banking products for high-speed, urban (underground, group, serving both individuals and small and trams, light rail and local trains) and regional medium-sized businesses. It is an entity with transport. This includes vehicle maintenance a strong presence in regions such as Aragón, and refurbishment, technical support and Madrid, Catalonia and Valencia, engaging in auxiliary vehicles and equipment. CAF fleets lease and rental operations and also portfolio operate in 35 countries – including the USA, management and investment advisory UK, Italy, , , , Ireland, services. Ibercaja has a network of over , Algeria, Colombia and Argentina – and 1250 branches around the country, the company is currently involved in the employing over 5500 people. manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock Concessia is an investment firm created for over 30 tramway projects around the world. by several Spanish financing entities to pool Acciona is a Spanish conglomerate investments on concessional projects with and world leader in the development and the objective of achieving greater profitability management of infrastructure, renewable while offsetting risks in the traditional direct energy, water and services – with over 30 000 investment structure. Concessia’s focus is general employees in 30 countries on five continents. and social infrastructure (including hospitals, With accumulated experience from 37 administrative buildings, railways, roads, concessions, Acciona Construction is a major airports) developed under PFI or PPP models. player in private development, undertaking The efforts and experience of these specialist the design, construction, finance, operations organisations, in partnership with the city, has and management of transport and social made it possible for the Zaragoza Tram to win infrastructure worldwide. 13 awards for the urban improvement, mobility FCC Group is a leading Spanish construction or sustainability. Zaragoza’s tramway is also an group active in the environmental services, international showcase, receiving visits from 207 water and infrastructure sectors for over 100 cities keen to see how to construct and operate a years. FCC employs more than 50 000 employees world-class urban transport system.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2017 / 457 The digital revolution DIGITAL DISRUPTION: SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY Howard Parkinson from Digital Rail examines how Big Data and machine learning are driving efficiency, safety, maintenance and risk assesment in the rail industry.

s railway systems become more complex, the importance of digital disruption is clearly evident. It is therefore imperative that organisations have the Acapability to turn data into value in order to drive out waste and improve system resilience. We are entering a data-driven era that uses intelligent assets and involves unprecedented levels of digital transformation. This radical shift includes everything from the Internet of Things through Big Data, to new analytical approaches for scrutinising both business and personal needs. Digital transformation is fundamentally changing our industry, particularly with regards to risk assessment and safety. Intelligent autonomus monitoring of platforms can The overlay shows busy and quiet carriages on the With modern computing power, and swiftly identify both safety and security risks and incoming train – aligned with the doors. The system is harnessing the explosion in data availability allow more effective staff intervention. registered with the UK Patent Office GB1620099.0. and advanced analytics, there are new opportunities to use a Big Data approach to the result is often wheel flats. Resulting wheel power application, dwell times, information proactively identify high risk scenarios on slides cost the industry millions of pounds in on wheel slide, sanding application, speed, rail systems. This gives us the scope to reduce engineering costs and delays each year. acceleration and more. Our development cost and increase resilience throughout the UK Railway Group Standard GM/RT2466 includes a system that will predict when a system lifecycle, including deriving new requires that wheel flats larger than 60mm train or tram is most at risk from sliding, when requirements, system design, risk analysis, on vehicles operating at speeds up to and the driver needs to be warned and when sand manufacture, testing and operation. including 200km/h (125mph) have to be needs to be applied to stop wheel slides. By The following projects describe how we returned to depots immediately – at greatly reducing the number of alerts and optimising are developing new products and processes reduced speeds. For 40-60mm flats, a vehicle the use of sand, the rail system will be subject to take advantage of this new world to has to be returned to the depot within 24 to reduced delays and damage. make tramways and light rail systems more hours of discovery of the fault. resilient, safe and efficient. Wheel slides are directly impacted on Working it out in logs by a multitude of events, including service Railway safety management is a complex Increasing safety and security performance, weather conditions, time of subject that involves a significant amount The Autonomous Vision Systems workstream year, vehicle condition, track quality, track of manual intervention in the assessment, is funded via the Rail Safety and Standards cleaning approaches, leaf-fall data, level analysis and control of risk. Supporting Board’s ‘Faster, Safer, Better Boarding and crossing proximity, driving policies and documentation is usually worked on by Alighting’ competition. Under this project more. The issue has also resulted in several multiple parties, with differences in system our intelligent computer vision system is serious rail safety incidents in recent years. viewpoints and writing styles. Maintaining optimising safety and vehicle dwell times. Although it is recognised that there are quality safety documentation is therefore an The project is based upon patented many potential causes for wheel slide, and interesting challenge for the industry. technology developed at Lancaster University data needs to be acquired from a wide range Hazard logs, for example, play a central as part of military-funded research for of sources, the current approach to analysis role in both system engineering and risk tracking troop movements from drones. is to simply use each individual data source, assessment activity. The role of the log is to Years of research have allowed the intelligent essentially in isolation. However if all the present a representation of the risks related to vision system to be computationally efficient sources were examined in unison, using the the system under consideration; its content to reduce data dimensionality in detecting power of Big Data analytics, it is probable relies upon input from a variety of sources both static and moving objects. that the industry would not only identify and collaborative activities involving teams It autonomously performs platform train the major contributions more effectively with varying expertise and knowledge. interface (PTI) monitoring after being taught and efficiently, but would also make From experience, we have found that the what both a good platform and an errant important discoveries of problem areas quality of this information can vary greatly platform situation looks like. With on-train that would otherwise remain hidden. both within and between projects. The volume monitoring, it can also reduce dwell times Through ‘Knowledge Discovery from Data’ and variety of the data and the need for by indicating space in any given passenger (KDD), there is a potential saving of millions. collaboration creates the significant challenge carriage and where bikes, wheelchairs and Over the last few years there has been of managing the content, keeping the textual prams can best be accommodated. This has significant anticipation associated with the readability, format and consistency. further potential security applications by use of Big Data techniques for the analysis We are currently working on a tool that monitoring, for example, suspicious luggage of rail-related data; however the major assesses the ‘quality’ of a risk log in either or passengers behaving strangely who may be expectations have yet to be fully realised and ‘real time’ or at regular intervals to check the potential suicides or safety/security risks. we are currently performing an analysis of output from critical risk workshop sessions. real-time train data to prove the technique. It uses Natural Language Processing and Shedding light on wheel slides For this project we have used in-service data machine learning to assess the quality of a When train and tram wheels brake unevenly that includes GPS positioning, braking and hazard log based solely on its textual content.

458 / DECEMBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org involved in an organisation’s information risk management processes. Partnering with AIT in Vienna, we are producing a cyber security compliance tool based upon the IS027001 standard and a risk management framework based upon the same. Aligned with the latest engineering, technological changes and industry best practice in cyber security, these processes are backed up with current field experience that provides continuity of business outcomes. To counter threats from a cyber attack or the impact of operating in a cyber-denied area; this approach is tailored to address the risk levels within an organisation, taking into account the economic costs of cyber security measures. Our cyber security personnel have extensive experience in accrediting systems up to the highest levels of security An example of the reporting delivered by the Intelligent Hazard Log Tool being developed by Digital Rail Ltd. classification, within Railway and Government institutions in Europe and The method includes text classification have been undertaken to prove the method. beyond. These services span ICT, industrial and term frequency-inversion to identify Results have demonstrated the power of textual control and SCADA systems. keywords to represent quality indicators. analysis in this arena and have identified a The intention is not to replace a human number of quality indicators; demonstrator expert, but rather to support assessments by software has performed well against a manual about the author providing an early indication of the textual evaluation of a sample data set. data in a given log. This involves checking for The results of this product deployment Dr Howard Parkinson is a Chartered Engineer and lead consultant for Digital Rail Ltd. signs of imprecise and unclear writing and will be presented at the Transport Research Digital Rail is combining computer science, identifying issues that may make it hard for Arena conference in Vienna in April 2018. statistics and systems engineering to deal with readers to fully interpret incident sequences. the growing complexity of railway networks The tool has been built around CENELEC Cyber Security Risk – a classic socio-technological system. It is standards to aid compliance with both ISO 27001 (formally ISO/IEC 27001:2005) is embedded within the Data Science Institute at standards and risk management best practice. a specification for an Information Security Lancaster University in the Infolab 21 facility and The Intelligent Hazard Log Tool (IHLT) Management System (ISMS); a framework is actively involved in developing intelligent and has been developed in collaboration with of policies and procedures that includes autonomous products for the railway with its Lancaster University and several applications all legal, physical and technical controls industrial and University partners.

Your Data. Your Value. All businesses need to exploit their data to thrive in the 21st century.

Talk to us about: • Autonomous Tramway Monitoring Systems • Safety Management Hazard Tools • Resilience Monitoring Products • Cyber Security Compliance Tools and Management

Digital Rail Limited, InfoLab21, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4WA +44 (0) 7803 581 849 [email protected]

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMber 2017 / 459 Digital Rail Ltd DRAFT HP.indd 1 06/11/2017 15:58 Mobile technology LOOKING TO A MOBILE FUTURE Ashely Murdoch of Corethree looks at the impact of mobile technology in the transport arena, and how smart devices are just the beginning…

he digitisation of modern society We’ve seen this interactive approach is growing at an unprecedented taken to a new level with ‘mobile concierge’ rate and the concept of a concepts in recent years. In the not too completely cashless consumer distant future, for long journeys that market is quickly becoming the may involve a few changes in mode, your Tnorm, with mobile wallets and m-tickets ‘personal transport assistant’ will take care fast becoming the paradigm of payment not only of your itinerary and ticketing – transactions. But beyond the use of mobile prompting you to make decisions at the devices to pay your fare or check your journey appropriate times to aid in wayfinding – but times, the future of mobile technology also go that extra step with add-ons such as offers many more exciting opportunities for recommending restaurants or sights to see… passengers, operators, maintainers and other and even your choice of clothing. transport stakeholders. For example, if travelling from London to Ashley Murdoch, CEO of mobile Lille your mobile device will know your full technology specialist Corethree, is an door-to-door schedule and spot ahead of time evangelist for the application of personal that there is an unavoidable two-hour delay technology to transport. He explains: mid-journey. From your social media profiles “Traditional means of travel are rapidly (if you allow it access of course) it knows that nearing extinction, of this we are certain. you like Chinese food so it can recommend Whilst the vehicles themselves may change, a nearby restaurant, direct you there and upgrade, provide Wi-Fi and travel faster, these maybe even make you a reservation. It gets modifications are gradual. even cleverer. If it is lovely and sunny when “What is not gradual, however, is the ever- you leave home in the morning, but raining snowballing worldwide integration of mobile at your destination 100 miles (160km) away technology in transport. From Birmingham later in the day, your personal assistant will to Belo Horizonte, passengers are opting scan local news and weather updates and for streamlined payment and real-time might suggest that you take an umbrella. information methods from smartphones and If a storm unexpectedly takes hold while you tablets over the now archaic paper ticket.” are en route it could direct you to an umbrella The obsolescence of paper tickets is shop, by the time you get there it will already just the beginning. Virtual reality (VR), have found you a discount voucher and augmented reality (AR) and wearable tech picked an item in your favourite colour to all promise game-changing possibilities to have it waiting for you at the till! make travel easier, ensuring more seamless Who wouldn’t welcome technology that modal transfer. Crucially, such solutions holds their hand for the entirety of any given also have the potential to make public journey in such a way? As well as appealing transport choices more inclusive for all to the early adopters, think of the benefits members of our communities. to inclusivity; tailored services such as these M- ticketing is the preferred method for increasing could open up multi-modal public transport The loyalty game numbers of passengers on urban transit systems for trips to sections of society who may have As m-ticketing is already well-established, its convenience and additional features such as previously experienced anxiety with such where can mobile real-time service updates. Corethree complex journeys. technology take us next? Although still to reach Murdoch outlines his “From Birmingham to Belo Horizonte, passengers mass adoption, such vision of the current innovations are coming. marketplace: “It is are opting for streamlined payment and real-time Entertainment while becoming increasingly you’re on your journey clear that consumers information methods from smartphones and is another aspect that respond to incentives particularly interests and reward schemes. tablets over the now archaic paper ticket.” Murdoch: “Along If a transport operator with incentive-based offers solely the ticket, Ashley Murdoch, CEO, CoreThree motivation, VIP content they are falling short is another tool for behind their competitors. quieter bus station or tramstop, they can be operators to implement to go the extra “Passengers now expect bespoke services rewarded with a discounted coffee or a free mile for customers. such as tailored journey updates, push muffin from a nearby vendor, for example. “Marketing predictions for 2018 forecast notifications and rewards for staying with a “Not only does this ease transport online hubs and portals growing in brand. Forward-thinking operators are rising congestion during peak times, but the popularity, be they to inform, educate or to these demands with retail partnerships – consumer feels valued for their input into entertain. Mobile ticketing apps can provide for example, if a passenger is willing to wait the overall system and is far more likely such a platform to offer additional content. ten minutes for another service or walk to a to remain loyal.” An operator can log into a data-capturing

460 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org landing page via an app, which will not only Either way, mobile apps have many more give a clearer picture of the individual, with advantages as a two-way service, as Murdoch even more information being generated describes: “You have the capability to provide from them, but also intensify the customer’s a direct channel of communication between experience and add another facet of the user and the operator, to alert them to consumer-centred focus.” network issues such as poor customer service standards for instance. This can benefit Inter-city mobility the wider passenger base and provide an Aside from providing passengers with instantaneous dialogue between business first-class mobile technology, Mobility and consumer, allowing the former to as a Service (MaaS) can synergise as cities harness the passenger observations in a and regions look to co-ordinate transport constructive way.” provisions. Such technology is playing an increasing Murdoch continues: “The advancement role in private, as well as public, transport, of smart cities shows no signs of abating and Murdoch continues: “Car parking spaces globally cities are looking to further improve can be pre-booked using an app, and urban mobility as populations grow and developments at Corethree have helped demographics shift. By using technology to significantly increase the number of such as iBeacons, data can be captured people opting to cycle around London and around congestion, for example, and sent registration to docking the cycle can be done to operations ‘hubs’ where the harvested within minutes. information is plotted on a map, giving “In addition to a quicker way of accessing an operator the ability to adjust its vehicle the bicycle, omni-channel technology alerts distribution by adding services to ease the the consumer to the cost of the journey at the strain in crowded areas or at busy periods end via push notification, provides real-time or times of disruption elsewhere in the information about which docking stations city’s transport network. have bikes and spaces available and even “By presenting the amalgamated data in a purchase 24-hour and annual subscriptions. format such as a heat map, strategic business “By streamlining the cycle hire process and decisions can be made by the operator for providing users with seamless methods of With free onboard wi-fi now available on many things such as vehicle scheduling or service light rail systems, passengers expect to do more payment and instant information, consumers timetables,” Murdoch adds. with their mobile devices while on their journey. are therefore encouraged to choose to hire The knock-on benefits for planning Shyoo / CC-BY-SA 2.0 a bicycle. This not only promotes health functions such as staff rostering and vehicle and well-being within the community but and infrastructure maintenance could also dramatically reduces environmental present significant time and cost-savings “By presenting the footprints generated from other means of as well, especially in a world where more amalgamated data in a transport.” operators of fixed infrastructure seek to move towards ‘predict and prevent’ from format such as a heat HCE in the mobile landscape ‘find and fix’ regimes. In such a rapidly-moving world, even map, strategic business transport smartcards are already becoming It’s good to stay in touch overtaken in the new landscape of How much contact with your passengers is decisions can be made contactless payments and Host Card enough? Or too much? Striking that balance Emulation (HCE). Murdoch explains: “HCE is key to the comfortable acceptance of mobile by the operator for things facilitates banks with the ability to store the technology. While baby boomers may resent information generated through payments the intrusion of minute-by-minute push such as vehicle scheduling in a cloud-based environment as opposed to notifications, the millennial generation by secure elements such as a chip in the device contrast is more used to a constant flow of or service timetables” or SIM card.” information and real-time updates. Travellers HCE uses software to create an exact of the future demand digital solutions. Ashley Murdoch, CEO, Corethree virtual representation of any card, that can

Bordeaux’s Connectram pilot saw augmented reality integrated into a tram service for the first time in 2015, showing how the technology can be used to give passengers detailed information about their onwards journey and the neighbourhoods through which they are passing. Keolis Bordeaux Métropole/CEA Tech/Axyz- MECA,

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 461 Mobile technology

be used with Near-Field Communication (NFC) to replicate the need to present a physical card. Consumers like having fewer things in their wallet or purse; operators like the speed of processing data. “Traditionally, banks have been required to form agreements with mobile network operators to collect and manage customer data. With HCE the need for a third party is eliminated and banks regain control of their own data, allowing a direct channel of communication with the consumer. While this technology alone is an evolution in mobile commerce, the implications of HCE for the transport sector are truly ground-breaking. “Operators are provided with visibility of exponential quantities of user-generated data, and consequently have new opportunities to identify the behaviours and needs of their consumers and to adjust their services and align themselves accordingly to their patrons. “The key motivators for consumers to adopt m-ticketing are convenience, rewards and security and HCE has the capabilities to deliver on all three pillars.” ABOVE: Wearable tech such as the new Kerv ring uses the same contactless protocol as a contactless card rather than via direct integration with a transport operator's systems. Kerv The technology to come But if we think that this is already advanced “Wearable technology is a trend that will further technology, there is much more to come as Murdoch believes this is “merely the tip of the revolutionise the way passengers travel” iceberg when it comes to how people travel.” Wearable tech, everything from watches Ashley Murdoch, CEO, CoreThree to bracelets to rings, is becoming the new currency in the 21st Century. Pioneering Lille operator Transpole pioneered the bracelet ‘smartcard’ system for Euro 2016. Transpole/Keolis first implementations have already been seen, with Transpole (the transport network operated in Lille, France) partnering with Gemalto for the world’s first roll-out of a contactless wristband during the Euro 2016 football championship. Another next-generation solution is the Kerv contactless ring, a UK-developed ‘smart ring’ launched in 2017 that works just like a contactless bankcard – top-up your account, touch the ring to any NFC-enabled card reader and away you go. Barclaycard’s bPay system embeds the same technology in everything from watch straps to wristbands, keyfobs to stickers. The future, it seems, is wearable. “Wearable technology is a trend that will further revolutionise the way passengers travel,” Murdoch believes, adding: “According to new research from Apadmi, nearly half of UK travellers are looking for more interactive technologies such as AR and VR to help make a decision on a destination and experience it before they arrive. For example, VR allows consumers to experience a virtual environment of a destination before even leaving home, taking the notion of ‘try Taking that technology and putting it in Corethree – www.corethree.net; Kerv – before you buy’ to a whole new level.” your pocket is the next evolution. We’ve seen www.kerv.com; connectram – www.keolis.com/ AR also gives passengers the chance to exciting applications that allow you to point fr/medias/actualites/connectram-le-tram-futur experience their destination beyond the your smartphone out of the vehicle window confines of their tram or bus. For example, as you pass a museum, for example, to receive in late 2015 a pioneering project in Bordeaux information of opening times, the latest abu o t the author integrated AR screens onboard a Citadis tram exhibits and book tickets. As a real-time tourist to give passengers on line C a 3D vision of guide in your pocket, this is a game-changer. Ashley Murdoch is the CEO of mobile technology provider Corethree. Corethree the future Euratlantique quarter as they It is simply unquestionable that in this integrates disparate data points to create simple, passed through it. It added contextual, digital shift, transport operators must easy-to-use solutions to maximise revenues geo-localised and real-time multimodal adapt and harness the vast amounts of data and improve customer service. Core Engine is information such as information on bicycle produced from these available means to stay the heart of its business, a robust toolbox that hire, car parking and connecting tram, train ahead of the competition and effectively creates scalable, innovative mobile solutions. and bus timetables. sustain passenger loyalty.

462 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

Delivering a world-class light rail system for Metrolink across Greater Manchester

The M-Pact Thales consortium brings together three industry-leading companies: Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales UK.

The consortium is responsible for the design and construction of the multi-million pound Metrolink extensions.

Contact: Bryan Glass, Operations Director e: [email protected]

MPT advert UKLRC17.indd 1 27/06/2017 12:00 Global Light Rail Awards 2017 Special

Team of the Year Sponsored by Winner UKTRAM

UKTram is the owner and maintainer of UK tramway standards and guidance, working closely with both operators and regulatory authorities. This small team also manages best practice between systems and the supply chain, Industry innovation and interfacing with European and worldwide bodies. excellence was celebrated Host Nicholas Owen commented: “You’d think once again as the Global that UKTram have an army of staff as they Light Rail Awards returned seem to get everywhere, helping to unite the to the magnificent setting sector with a single voice.” of London's Honourable After the event, James Hammett, Managing Andy Crompton, Operations Director MPT Artillery Company on Director, said: “We are honoured to receive this for Laing O’Rourke helped to present the Wednesday 4 October. award at such a prestigious award ceremony in honours in both the Employee and Team of the Hosted by respected our industry; it is a huge achievement.” Year categories. broadcaster and transport expert Nicholas Owen, Winner Midland metro alliance Metro Development Team the event saw honours awarded to networks from Getting a tram project from the country they offer their four continents at the most a good idea on paper through advice freely to others lost in international event of its design to construction requires the statutory jungle; one team kind, with guests from ten tenacity and many specialities, member is described as having countries in attendance. and the Metro Development an “encyclopaedic knowledge Nicholas Owen's welcome Team behind Birmingham’s of the often arcane Transport address recognised ‘Big Bang’ – that will triple and Work Act procedures”. record passenger growth the size of the network – have Alejandro Moreno, Midland and revenues, as well as become the ‘go to’ guys in the Metro Alliance Director, customer service, safety time-consuming and unsexy said: “We’re delighted that and technical innovation in areas of business cases and the Midland Metro Alliance, belief in the importance of entries from Dallas to government approvals. which was only formed in July collaboration and also our aim Sidi Bel Abbés. Described as the “objection 2016, has been honoured at to leave a lasting legacy that In a keynote speech, UK removal” experts, to speed the Global Light Rail Awards. the West Midlands can be truly Department for Transport up future schemes across The win is aligned with our proud of.” Head of Light Rail Policy Steve Berry OBE praised highly commended CAF RAIL UK Edinburgh Trams the record growth seen in the UK, with nearly The judges were impressed with the efforts 274m passengers carried of the close-knit team from CAF Rail UK that in the last 12 months. He maintains Edinburgh's tram fleet, and its also referenced the latest commitment to going above and beyond – pan-industry customer and at little or no additional cost to the satisfaction figures that operator it serves. far exceed those seen on Last-minute requests are dealt with with bus and rail networks. enthusiasm, the team consistently delivers 90% Globally we see the same above its contractual requirement in key areas growth. Around 400 cities across the business, and constantly strive for now feature a light rail or ways to add value to the service for both the metro service, carrying operator and passenger. and time-consuming outsourcing and a new nearly 15bn passengers Recent initiatives include developing in-house regime for routine maintenance that has per year. As the judges electronics repair capabilities to save expensive reduced exam times by 25%. commented: "Light rail and trams are a mode that passengers of all ages 2017 AWARD SPONSORS enjoy, reflects the identity of their city, cuts pollution and increases regeneration and inward investment.”

All images courtesy of Jon Hill.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 465 Global Light Rail Awards 2017 Special

Employee of the Year Manufacturer of the Year Sponsored by Winner Winner CAF daniel patterson Nottingham Trams The winner of this prestigious category for In a hotly-contested category, 2017 is a manufacturer that Daniel's entry was singled has gone from strength to out by the judges as exactly strength in recent years the kind of customer-facing and prides itself on pushing ambassador that any system the boundaries of railway should be proud of. technology. Daniel joined Nottingham Far more than just a Trams four years ago on a tram-builder, CAF has work experience placement numerous subsidiaries and within 18 months around the world had become the system’s specialising in train control, youngest-ever tram driver, at signalling, sustainable just 19 years of age. energy and civil engineering The entry outlined a – and is growing at a number of testimonials from phenomenal rate. From tram passengers, praising his the smallest component warm and friendly nature and to a full turnkey system, amusing onboard announcements that brighten their journeys. the judges were impressed by the Spanish manufacturer's In his spare time, Daniel organises tram tours for charities ambition, ‘can do’ attitude and attention to detail. as well as being a volunteer at the Crich Tramway Museum in The past 12 months alone have seen new orders in the nearby Derbyshire, helping to introduce new generations to the US, Italy, , the Netherlands and and the UK’s rich tramway heritage. company now has a footprint in almost every major market. Commenting after his moment on stage, Daniel said: “A It has also recently announced plans to build a manufacturing nomination was honour enough but to be named as the award facility in the UK to cater for both light and heavy rail orders in winner is simply an amazing feeling. I am absolutely overjoyed the country. to be recognised as a stand-out employee from our industry. The judges praised its innovation and agility, as well as its “My career working on the city’s tram network has been a commitment to the environment and developing the best and great journey so far and I hope to keep pushing myself in the brightest young talent. future to achieve even more. I like to draw on all my knowledge The award was collected by Richard Garner, Business and always aim to think like a passenger, providing the Development Director for the UK and Ireland, who said: “It is information I would like myself if I was travelling on board.” great to celebrate CAF's centenary by being recognised for Paul Robinson, General Manager of Nottingham Trams, achieving such world-class performance. added: “This is fantastic recognition for the hard work and “The deployment of our proven catenary-free technology commitment he shows every day. His experience in our should allow many more tram and light rail projects to be customer services team and now as a driver, has made him a developed as significant lengths of electric real ‘people person’ and he always takes great care of anyone are eliminated, reducing both the associated capital and he comes into contact with on our system.” operational costs whilst improving the business cases for Andy Crompton from MPT presented Daniel with his award. project promoters”.

highly TOM ROWE highly BROOKVILLE EQUIPMENT commended National Express/Midland Metro commended CORPORATION Tom Rowe is the CCTV Highly Commended again and Claims Co-ordinator was Pennsylvanian car- for the UK's Midland builder Brookville. It has Metro and is described by picked up order after order his employers as “a force for its new low-floor Liberty multiplier” who spends in the past 12 months, his days “locked away in a to add to those already secure cupboard.” in service in Dallas and This is because he has Detroit and to strengthen the task of reviewing its business as one of the hours of CCTV footage looking for potential safety hazards and most highly-renowned restorers of heritage vehicles in the US. pinpointing wrongdoers. His record is impressive, with plaudits Unable to make the London ceremony, Vice-President from not only his bosses but also enforcement agencies and Joel McNeil sent a message to the audience: “It has been a other transport operators in the region he shares his skills with. very busy few months here at Brookville and we are truly sorry Always eager to improve on internal processes, Tom Rowe we can’t be with you tonight. We appreciate this recognition received praise from the judges for reducing paperwork and and believe you are doing great things for the industry. increasing efficiency too. We hope we can be there next year!”

466 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Project of the Year under EUR50m

Winner NOTTINGHAM TRAMS EmMA Keeping staff engaged and motivated is and holidays. The staff love how it makes one of the key challenges of any business, them feel closer to ‘their’ business – and but when that business is a busy tramway, happy staff are productive staff, after all. employees often don’t have time to look Nottingham Trams General Manager, at noticeboards or read memos. A simple Paul Robinson, explained: “The app has new Employee Mobile App – or EmMA – proved to be a huge hit, with over three was launched by Nottingham Trams as a quarters of our staff downloading the app fun new two-way communication tool for in the first month following its launch. essential business information... and more. “Not only has it helped us communicate With around 80% of the tram network’s more quickly with a large portion of the staff working remotely, the app was workforce that is rarely at a desk, it has introduced in an effort to improve internal also helped us deal with the administration communications. of such things as employee benefits and As well as the ‘must-know’ annual leave much more effectively.” announcements, EmMa delivers news, job “Engaging with and understanding our opportunities and a wide array of employee workforce plays a crucial role in ensuring benefits, with special staff discounts on we continue to provide Nottingham with a everything from takeaway meals to shops world-class tram system."

Project of the Year over EUR50m Sponsored by

Winner KC STreetcar highly SETRAM commended Sidi Bel Abbés

In another over-subscribed category, the judges shortlisted four entries from around the world for 2017, including Manchester Metrolink (Second City Crossing); SETRAM (Sidi Bel Abbés tramway) and Dallas Area Rapid Transit ( extension). The winner, however, was chosen not only for its project management and efficiency in delivering a brand new urban circulator streetcar, but also for its vision as the backbone of a transformational project to Running the KC Streetcar close in serve the city's downtown core. winning the top honour is the latest This short two-mile (rougjly 3km) line new tramway project in a nation that has more than doubled its patronage from a slow start has really embraced projections in just over a year since light rail over the last decade. it opened. Just as importantly, local Utilising experience and lessons businesses have seen an amazing 58% hike from neighbouring systems cut the in their sales. A percentage of those tax time and cost involved in opening a revenues, added to sponsorship initiatives, The award was collected from Tramways new line in Sidi Bel Abbés in July 2017. mean that the service is fare-free – and will & Urban Transit Editor Simon Johnston Its first month alone saw 600 000 stay that way for the foreseeable future. on behalf of the city by Colin Pigg of CAF, riders on the initial 14km (8.7-mile) High ridership means that the city has supplier of the city's Urbos low-floor route; impressive for a city with a already had to place an order for another streetcars. population of just 230 000. two streetcars and plans are underway for In a statement following the evening, SETRAM Project Manager Jacky a northern extension to spread the benefits Kansas City Mayor Sly James said: "This Basseville and his colleague Billal to further parts of the city. honour is recognition of Kansas City's Benmammar collected the prize on In the entry, Kansas City’s Mayor stated: world-class status. behalf of the new Sidi Bel Abbés “This has been catalytic in spurring 1.8 “We are humbled to receive this tramway. billion Dollars in development along the international distinction for our KC Streetcar RATP Dev subsidiary SETRAM also line and it is a new economic engine for project, which has reimagined transit in our operates tramways in Oran, Constantine downtown business. Our city is on a roll and downtown, and reinvented the environment and Algiers and is developing further our task now is to keep it moving”. for residents, businesses and visitors." schemes across the country.

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Best Environmental and Sustainability Initiative Sponsored by

Winner Transport for greater manchester Second City Crossing highly commended Kaohsiung lrt Recognised at the Global Light Rail Awards in 2016 for its innovative construction methodology A familar project to readers and safety record, the Second City Crossing of TAUT, the first modern is a short but crucial link line across central LRT system in has Manchester that adds capacity and resilience operated fare-free for its first to a light rail network that has grown at an year and now carries over astonishing rate over the last decade. 20 000 passengers per day. The existing single alignment through central Particular initiatives that Manchester was long recognised as a bottleneck impressed the judging for trams moving across the network; the new panel include extensive line that opened in late February 2017 was use of grass track and green completed on schedule, to budget and with few landscaping, catenary-free complaints from local businesses and residents operation across the entire – a real achievement for a modern tram scheme system and a depot modelled in a busy city centre. on a building from 2014 that Digging up the streets, construction teams was awarded the prestigious found a collapsed Victorian sewer, an 18th Every stage of the project – which began in Golden Building award for Century church crypt and a former cemetery with November 2015 – was closely evaluated to make environmentally-responsible hundreds of bodies. Respectful relocation was sure it was being done in as green a manner as and sustainable design. required to bridge as was bridging of the crypt. possible, including 95% of waste being recycled This is the first part of Furthermore, the line uses bespoke materials and diverted from landfill. a wider project to form a which offer the maximum environmental benefits. Head of Metrolink Danny Vaughan and circular route to connect The 2CC features new trees along the colleagues from Metrolink and Transport for with the city’s popular metro alignment, even on the tram stops, and ‘living Greater Manchester collected the trophy from and many other Asian cities, walls’ that have created a stunning new feature Director Alejandro Moreno of category sponsor, including Taiwan’s capital, environment for the city. Midland Metro Alliance. look on with envious eyes.

Best Customer Initiative Sponsored by Winner TRAM Barcelona Lost Property Service

The winning entry in the Best Customer one language – and many items are Initative category may seem overly returned immediately. simple and obvious, but the judges were Last year, 1045 items found onboard impressed with how TRAM Barcelona is trams were reunited with their owners, dealing with one of life’s most frustrating either by the drivers themselves or by issues – lost property. a free courier service. Customers are In Barcelona, those unfortunate or delighted, with a raft of testimonials. absent-minded people who have lost keys, Now that’s service – and a great example Nicholas Owen in presenting the award mobile phones, laptops or even bags of of ‘going the extra mile’. to TRAM Director General Humberto shopping have a wide range of options for Michaela Keating, Director of Light Rail López Vilalta and Director of Marketing contacting the operator – in more than from North Star Consultancy, joined host Anahí Martín.

highly commended KEOLISAMEY DOCKLANDS 'Back On Track ' Narrowly beaten into second helping hand in using public support of her daily challenges was a groundbreaking project transport and the operator has has allowed her to now use that addresses the unacceptable employed its own Community public transport to achieve her stigma that is still sadly Mental Health Nurse. Reported number one wish – a trip to associated with mental health in ongoing benefits include a the swimming pool. Another our society. greater appreciation by staff of thanked the operator personally The KeolisAmey Docklands their own mental well-being and for ‘changing his life’. 'Back on Track' programme that of their colleagues. Bob Gough, Operations has partnered with local health Testimonials seen by the Security Manager, collected services to give detailed training judges include one lady who the Highly Commended honour to support those in need of a said that the understanding and on the evening.

468 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org The Midland Metro Alliance is a We have a number of exciing team of planning, design and career opportuniies for those construccon specialists building who share out values and four new tram extensions over passion as we extend the tram the coming decade across the network across the region. West Midlands. To view our vacancies, visit www.metroalliance.co.uk Get your career on track

The alliance partners are the West Midland and construccon specialists Colas Rail - with Combined Authority, which owns the Midland Colas Rail’s sub-alliance partners Colas Ltd, Metro; a consorrum of design experts from Barhale, Bouygues UK and Auctus Egis, Tony Gee and Pell Frischmann; Management Group.

Light Rail Operations Consultancy www.northstarconsultancy.com

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 469 Global Light Rail Awards 2017 Special

Significant Safety Initiative Sponsored by

Winner KEOLISAMEY DOCKLANDS Your Time for Safety highly Metrotenerife commended SIMOVE David Hand, Mott MacDonald Global Practice Lead for Light Rapid Transit Collecting the Highly Commended presented the awards in the Significant honour was an operator that addressed Safety Initiative section of the evening, the serious issue of over-speeding by far the category with the most entries. with an in-house solution that uses The winner is already one of the safest proven GPS technology and can be railways in Europe, and over the last 12 quickly and cost-effectively retrofitted months it has created a revised framework to any rail vehicle. of training and engagement to deliver a International Business Development 100% safe environment for passengers, Manager Teresa Benet collected the staff and the community it serves. award on behalf of Metrotenerife. As well as spreading the message across its own network and working with neighbouring transport operators, KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD) is happy resolution has resulted in an impressive to share its lessons with colleagues both 22% reduction in assaults. This is significant within the UK and across Europe. against a background of tighter revenue As just a few of the many examples given protection measures and security, and the to the judging panel, over 2500 school system's wide and diverse operating area pupils have been visited by ‘DLR Dave’, that covers five London boroughs. dedicated time is made for mobility scooter David Nicholls, HSQE Director, collected users and a trial of body-worn cameras for the award on behalf of KAD and the staff and expert training on peaceful conflict .

Supplier of the Year Sponsored by

Winner Mott MacDonald highly commended LANDER Clients of this year’s winner praised the firm for its expertise and professionalism, with Whether as a standalone unit or a phrases such as “excellent quality” and fully-immersive replica cab, “outstanding service”. Its entry also gave simulators are now a crucial tool a huge list of LRT projects from around in the training of drivers for increased the globe on which it has been engaged in safety, familiarisation with new routes, recent years – on almost every continent. and even for eco-driving One project review performed earlier in to increase efficiency. 2017 submitted to the judging panel found Already a supplier to tram, metro a better solution to the problem at hand and and rail operators on four continents, saved its client around GBP60m (EUR67.5m)! Lander (a subsidiary of rolling stock The team from Mott MacDonald collected manufacturer CAF) prides itself on the trophy – from Alistair Gordon, CEO of this award once again and to have helped attention to detail and exceeding every Keolis UK – for the fifth year running. our clients around the world to deliver their brief it is given. David Hand from Mott MacDonald later objectives. We are greateful of their support Ana Ohlsson, Sales & Marketing told TAUT: “We are honoured to receive and recommendations.” Director, and UK Area Manager Iosu Aguirrezabala, collected the award for Lander Simulation & Training. highly commended PASSENGER TECHNOLOGY GROUP

This UK supplier has proven its place in the The judges were impressed with how crowded marketplace of digital passenger its suite of products demonstrate faster information with apps and back office vehicle boarding times, reduce cash systems that allow passengers to create handling, and generate significant operating personalised cash-free travel itineraries; efficiencies. Its apps are also pushing the they also allow operators to better boundaries of this technology for visually understand their customers, creating brand impaired users, offering truly inclusive loyalty and offering personalised discounts. transport for all.

470 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Supplier of the Year Connecting communities

Daily travel within 75 cities has been improved by Mott MacDonald’s light rail expertise. For more than 40 years we’ve been helping our clients deliver efficient, affordable and environmentally responsible light rail systems, making travel easier for all, enhancing life now and for future generations.

mottmac.com 552 111 809 RCS Paris 20, rue le Peletier – 75320 Paris Cedex 09, France 09, Cedex Paris – 75320 rue le Peletier 20, Paris 111 809 RCS 552 © Pierre Wetzel © Pierre

Leader in the development of public transport, internationally recognised as the leading operator of automatic metros and trams, Keolis also operates multimodal transport modes that include: trains, buses, cars, trolleybuses, shared private hire vehicles, river shuttles, ferries, cycles, car sharing services, electric autonomous vehicles and urban cable cars. In France, Keolis is the leader in medical transport services through the creation of Keolis Santé and positioned as the number two car park operator, through its subsidiary EFFIA.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 471 Global Light Rail Awards 2017 Special

Technical Innovation of the Year Sponsored by

Winner MPT Integrating Digital Engineering highly commended KAOHSIUNG LRT

One submission Recognised earlier in the evening, stood out as the the Kaohsiung LRT project clear winner of the incorporates ingenious and Technical Innovation well-considered design that is not of the Year for 2017. only kind to the environment but also Working in ensures stability in the challenging partnership with tropical environment that is also AECOM and known as the ‘Ring of Fire’. Transport for Bristling with innovation with lessons for us all in an ever-more Greater Manchester, unpredictable world of climate change, the judges deemed this a worthy the team from MPT demonstrated its cutting-edge BIM recipient of an honour in a close-run category. application for development of the new Trafford Park line for Manchester Metrolink. highly commended MIDLAND METRO ALLIANCE GIS Its models have created detailed integrated digital environments that are giving incredibly detailed A second Highly Commended trophy information about the new line's physical characteristics, was given to a new digital system construction, performance, operation, maintenance, that acts as a crystal ball by lifecycle costs – and more. intelligently analysing a wide range The entry described how the new tool is transforming of data streams to predict the effects the way that project partners work: reviewing 2D designs of future Midland Metro projects. used to take months; this has now been reduced to weeks. This is helping to inform the Meetings are more productive and hazards and conflicts system’s new lines – and its are visible earlier as web-based tools give complete advance communication with visibility of who is doing what and when. residents and businesses. The result is less downtime, closer co-operation and Forecasting noise, effects of disruption, traffic conflicts, potential more certainty before a spade enters the ground. safety issues and more, this innovative model integrates demographic, The team from MPT were presented with the award by environmental, real-time traffic and technical data to better design and James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram. construct key infrastructure.

Vision of the Year Sponsored by Winner TRANSPORT highly commended DAllas area rapid transit The winning entry for the 2017 Vision of the Year Dallas Area Rapid is a leader in seeks to redress mistakes North American light rail. Over of the past. Renewing a the last 21 years, the regional vital piece of infrastructure agency has led a revolution removed in the 1930s, in with around 153km (95 miles) 2019 a new link to restore of lines connecting millions to tram service to Blackpool a new mode of transport. North station will revitalise It has three different light this town’s fortunes. rail services and opens Nearly two million extension after extension, visitors arrive in Blackpool each year by rail, of which around 80% bringing more and more people travel to the town centre or locations along the existing tramway out of their cars and within by either a long walk or taxi ride. easy reach of a stop. Never The reinstated tram route is part of a massive regeneration at afraid to pioneer new approaches to design, construction and the station which includes a state-of-the-art tram terminal, a new funding, its expertise is sought around the world. four-star hotel, and office and retail units. Very soon the famous Over the past year alone, three significant extensions heritage services will once again connect the town’s station, to be have been added and the next major project will deliver an joined by another pair of modern 2 LRVs. crossing to reduce existing bottlenecks and Trams really are the heart of this UK seaside town and it is to cater for its astonishing future growth predictions. For more fitting here to recall the words of the system’s Managing Director, on DART’s future plans see TAUT 959. JaneXX Cole, / december delivered at 2013 this year’s www.tramnews.net UK Light Rail .Conference www.lrta.org in In terms of ‘bang for your buck’, DART shows that for every Manchester: “If you take the trams away from Blackpool, you dollar spent on light rail, the region has seen two back in might as well blow up the tower.” Transit-Oriented Development within half a mile of the lines.

472 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Judges' Special Recognition

Although the Global Light Rail Awards On 22 May at 22.31 a are a celebration of innovation and homemade shrapnel device achievement, host Nicholas Owen took was detonated as thousands a few moments at the start of the of people were leaving ceremony to reflect on a number of tragic Manchester Arena following events around the world over the past a concert by the pop singer 12 months that have affected tramway Ariana Grande – 22 innocent and metro systems. people lost their lives, and a In 2016, an early morning accident on the further 250 were injured. Tramlink network saw significant injuries Metrolink staff were on the and loss of life. Although investigations platform at the neighbouring continue into the cause, the judges wished Victoria station, ready to to recognise the efforts of the teams at ensure concert-goers got Transport for London, Tram Operations and onto the right services home. all of the emergency services in restoring Witnessing the explosion, Nicholas Owen concluded: “As a normality as quickly as possible to keep they were the first responders, helping to tight-knit global community, I am sure this vital South London connection moving. tend the injuries of victims and providing I speak for us all in commending the On 3 April, a terrorist attack on the support to the emergency services – actions and courage of the front-line St Petersburg Metro left 14 dead and many until they were all evacuated due to staff, emergency services and volunteers more injured as a homemade device was concerns about a secondary device. everywhere who worked tirelessly under detonated on a packed morning service. With Victoria station closed, Metrolink the most difficult of circumstances Quick-thinking staff closed stations and staff and their counterparts at Transport following each of these horrific events.” through close co-operation with the police for Greater Manchester were faced with a Transport for Greater Manchester and and emergency services a second device network effectively cut into two the next Metrolink staff joined Nicholas Owen to set at another station was swiftly defused, day as the reality dawned upon the city collect a special honour in recognition of averting further devastation. of the scale of the loss of life. their efforts following the 22 May attack.

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Most Improved System Sponsored by Winner highly EDINBURGH TRAMS commended Midland metro Edinburgh Trams Taking the true spirit of this category has seen near into account, the judges agreed on a perfection on stand-out entry for 2017. its 2017 end of Iain Anderson, Managing Director of term report. Colas Rail Urban, helped Nicholas Owen Increased present the honours. services and A year on from opening a new a pinpoint focus on the finer detail of the link into the heart of the city, Midland passenger experience add to the system’s Metro is carrying 26% more passengers impressive 99.55% reliability statistics. Host and its latest customer satisfaction behaviour drop to just five over the past Nicholas Owen said that Edinburgh Trams figures show an 11% jump – the highest year, with overall instances of crime on “looks like a really fun place to work!” increase of any in the country. the system down 27.7% year-on-year In 2017 the system achieved 99% A fifth of tickets are now purchased to 34 incidents. customer satisfaction in the latest Transport using contactlesss cards, with two-thirds As part of the 2017 BBC Music Day, Focus passenger survey – with some of of passengers saying this is now their Ozzy Osbourne took over as the voice the highest figures across the board for preferred way of using the system. of the trams for the day, continuing any UK system; the Institute of Customer The operator’s parent company, National a relationship with the legendary Service (ICS) rates the service at 85.8, eight Express, found this such a success Birmingham-born rock star who had a points higher than the average UK business; that it has invested millions in rolling tram named after him in 2016. the system has TripAdvisor’s Certificate contactless payments out across its Colin Saward, General Manager, and of Excellence,and importantly its latest fleet of over 1600 buses. the team from National Express Midland accounts record a pre-tax profit of A sharper emphasis on safety and Metro and Transport for the West GBP252 000 (EUR284 000), bringing in a security has seen instances of anti-social Midlands collected the award. positive return a year ahead of predictions.

COLAS RAIL HP AD

474 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Operator of the Year

Winner EDINBURGH TRAMS

Two organisations shared the honours for achievement and 2017, both achieving outstanding service – testament to everyone’s for very different reasons. As host Nicholas hard work over the past Owen joked: “The judges tell me they 12 months. couldn’t get a playing card between them.” "This latest accolade The first operator selected received follows the naming of three separate nominations from across Edinburgh Trams as the industry, proving not only its popularity the UK’s number one amongst its peers, but also the active part transport operator for it plays as a pioneer of initiatives that will customer satisfaction benefit the sector as a whole. by the highly respected In this role of helping to trial new Transport Focus initiatives, and refine processes and organisation and reflects standards that benefit us all, one judge our efforts to wrap the noted that Edinburgh Trams “has come an business around the unbelievably long way, against the odds customer.” Since launching in 2014, there is no doubt and in such a short time, it’s about time Transport Convener and Chair of that the service has grown immensely, they got the top honours.”Lea Harrison, Transport for Edinburgh, Councillor Lesley achieving near-perfect customer Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, Macinnes, added: “This is an excellent satisfaction and a year-on-year growth in commented: “To be named Operator win for Edinburgh Trams and is testament patronage, so to be highly commended in of the Year, and to do so well across a to the service’s efficiency, reliability and the ‘Most Improved System’ category as range of other categories, is a fantastic value to the people of Edinburgh. well is equally deserved.”

Winner TRANSDEV DUBLIN LIGHT RAIL

Sharing the top prize is an operator that without compromising safety. Bus services proudly proclaims that “sustainability is bridged the gap and not one customer a daily commitment”. complaint was received. In a world where Examples of this given for consideration 'bustitution' is often a cause for anxiety and include a move to 100% renewable complaint, this is an achievement in itself. content for its energy supply in 2016, Cementing the trams' role as part of reducing emissions by almost 2.5m kg of the community they serve, in December

CO2 compared to the year before. 2016 a charity tie-up saw staff work with In the last 12 months Transdev Dublin businesses and members of the public to Light Rail has also introduced a new digital fill a tram with shoeboxes of necessities dashboard that allows its client to see for the city’s homeless. Over 15 000 the performance of various departments such boxes were collected and staff at within the business in real time – this was tramstops also provided 350 meals and also highlighted as a fantastic example of helped to give 60 haircuts – all in one day. open and honest collaboration. Host Nicholas Owen added: “This is an Elsewhere on the system, working very organisation at the top of its game and hard to tough deadlines for the opening of one that is constantly looking both inward the new cross-city line, simulators have and outward.” speeded up driver training and a six-week Colm McDonnell, Keith Hobbs and Neil closure of a key section in June involved a Menzies collected the award on behalf of temporary crossover to allow trams to run Transdev Dublin Light Rail.

highly commended PRE-METRO OPERATIONS

Highly Commended for a second year is a a perfect 100% for the 1354 services run small team from the UK's West Midlands each week. that prides itself on its dedication to the Around 20 staff work for Pre-Metro region and passengers it serves. Operations and each and every one is Operating one of the smallest light rail proud of their part in the community, an operations anywhere in Europe, passenger example being the installation of a similar figures for the Stourbridge – Stourbridge level boarding facility to that used on its Junction line are up again this year, to unique light rail vehicles at a local tennis nearly 600 000, and the service offered club to increase accessibility. reliability of 99.74% over the past 12 Operations Director Steve Jasper months. In many four-week periods this is collected the award from Nicholas Owen.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 475 Global Light Rail Awards 2017 Special

Judges’ Special Award Sponsored by Winner Winner STEVE FIRTH DAVID WALMSLEY

After a career change from the Transport Research Laboratory, where in 30 years he had contributed to a number of papers on public transport issues – including the case for light rail in Britain – David Walmsley joined the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) as its Fixed Track Executive in 1995. As Andrew Braddock commented: “Given that the CPT is the trade body for the bus and coach industry in the UK he was to some extent a sort of fifth column, but he very capably set up representation for trams and light rail from scratch. “There can be no doubt that for a number of years this man held together the fledgling industry’s representation to the Department of Transport and was instrumental in the creation and administration of the Light Rail Operators Committee and the Light Rail Engineers Groups.” With the creation of UKTram in 2005, David represented CPT as one of the founding partners and ultimately saw to the transition of Fixed Track Section participants to direct No nominations are sought for the final category of the evening; membership of the new body. this is the chance for our panel of experts to identify those people, A modest man, his reports and analysis have been of immense companies or innovations that have shaped our industry's past, value as the mode has grown and his award is well-deserved. are shaping its present and will shape the future. Three individuals formed the discussion this year, with LRTA Chairman Andrew Braddock presenting the awards. The first recipient is a man who, in the words of one judge “has probably delivered more sound and dependable advice to promoters, operators and constructors than almost any other single individual over the last 30 years.” In a career spanning time in both the public and private sectors, Steve Firth is well-known for his in-depth knowledge of the regulations for promoting and developing light rail and tramway schemes – and his ability to deliver an educated opinion on why a certain aspect of a scheme is a very good idea, or a very bad one. Steve has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the mode and his fingerprints can be found on just about every light rail system in the UK, and on a variety of regulations outside its borders too. He took what there was of a rulebook, questioned it line by line and helped rewrite it in a manner that is accessible by all. Another judge commented: “I think it is fair to say that no one man has contributed more and in such a wide and influential way.”

Winner HOWARD JOHNSTON

The final award of 2017 was presented to a Howard is one of the longest-serving man who needed little introduction on the editors of Tramways & Urban Transit night and is certainly a very familiar face (holding the post from 1995 to 2010) and to readers of TAUT! for many years also helped to oversee Throughout a career in journalism and the continued growth of the LRTA’s transport that covers four decades, Howard historical journal of note, Tramway Review. Johnston has done much to advance the Also known for hosting international cause of light rail and in promoting the conferences and seminars, Howard has benefits of the mode to the wider world. written on the topics of most importance to In the words of GLRA host Nicholas the rail industry and interviewed its biggest Owen: “This is the man who stood up as our figures. He was also one of the co-founders spokesman and was one of our strongest of the Global Light Rail Awards. advocates. He pushed the case for investment As Nicholas Owen concluded: “Always and innovation, also holding the mainstream willing to ask the difficult questions and press to account when they unfairly attacked keep us all honest, Howard’s face is familiar us with unreasoned argument.” to so many of us in this room.”

476 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org CAF projects won in many categories, with Richard Garner, It was great to see people letting their hair Business Development Director UK & Ireland, making down... both before and after the ceremony regular visits to the stage

UKTram’s Dan Hill gave a short presentation on the organisation’s work with the Low Impact Light Rail initiative

The ringing of a tram bell signalled a few special The Edinburgh Trams’ team all turned up prize giveaways – luckily nothing too breakable... for the evening in matching tartan

UKTram Chair Geoff Inskip (left) with LRTA Deputy Chairman Paul Rowen KeolisAmey Docklands Managing Director and TAUT Editor Kevin Thomas shares a joke with Mark Simon Johnston Davis from DLR over dinner at the HAC

The Awards are a great place to catch up with old friends – Des McKeon from Bombardier shares a drink with former colleague Karin Schwarz, now with weather technology provider UBIMET

The photograph calling together all those recognised on the night has become something of a tradition!

F or more from the evening's celebrations, visit mainspring.co.uk/light-rail-awards #LightRailAwards17

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org december 2017 / 477 3 October 2018

Your chance to celebrate excellence and innovation in the global light rail sector

ENTRIES OPEN APRIL 2018

t: +44 (0)1733 367600 @ [email protected] www.lightrailawards.com Cyber security STAYING SAFE IN A DIGITAL WORLD System interconnectivity can have huge benefits, but with tighter regulations on data breaches coming in 2018, what are the risks and responsibilities for operators and maintainers?

n a world peppered with terms such as the ‘the Internet of Things’ and ‘open source’, we’re encouraged to share and adopt systems and protocols that are interoperable to facilitateI the easy transfer of data. But with the growing demand on interconnectivity for public transport control, traffic and information systems, we also open ourselves up to greater exposure to cyber- attack. Recent figures suggest that over four billion data records were compromised in 2016, an increase of 400% year-on-year.1 The benefits of interconnected systems are obvious: more harmonised co-ordination of road and rail networks for operation and maintenance and greater access for passengers to real-time information about not only the service they are travelling on, but also the next leg of their trip. This is great for the ‘door to door’ journey, yet it’s one thing to look after your own IT – but what about the systems of multiple suppliers and partners? And what protections and liabilities do we have if we're opening our networks to others? In other industries, attacks on essential infrastructure have emerged as serious and disruptive threats as more and more tailor- made trojans and malware are found each week that are designed to sabotage, collect information or hold organisations to ransom. “Every hour, huge amounts of sensitive customer data Digital security should therefore be viewed considering worst-case ‘when’, and is being transmitted, often wirelessly, including names, not ‘if’, scenarios for all stakeholders in the transport industry. One only has to look at addresses, email and phone contacts and bank details.” the petabytes of data generated by some of the bigger light and urban rail systems and the Major attacks on infrastructure Since then we have seen a large-scale attack multiple interfaces to see that every endpoint In January 2010, International Atomic on a German steel mill in 2015 that resulted (each mobile device, each sensor, each ticket Energy Agency inspectors visiting a in a blast furnace malfunction causing machine, each networked CCTV camera) uranium enrichment plant in Iran found “massive”, although unspecified, damage and is a potential vulnerability. This includes that the centrifuges used to enrich uranium then there was the hack on Sony Pictures in operational systems, control centres and depots, gas were mysteriously failing – and at an 2014 that wiped out half of the company’s signalling and telecommunications networks unprecedented rate. Five months later, in global network. This targeted attack copied as well as the corporate systems of operators and a seemingly unrelated case, a Belarussian and then erased data on thousands of infrastructure providers and shared systems digital security firm was called in to personal machines and servers, overwriting used by designers, consultants and suppliers. investigate a series of computers in the it in seven different ways to make recovery Add in the fact that data is now routinely shared country that were repeatedly crashing and near impossible. To make matters worse, it across geographical borders and the scale of the rebooting themselves. Detailed analysis then rendered the operating systems of those challenge soon becomes apparent. uncovered a handful of malicious files machines useless – effectively killing them. Every hour, huge amounts of sensitive that led to the discovery of the world’s first The fallout for the studio was immense, customer data is also being transmitted and purpose-built cyber weapon – Stuxnet. reducing communication to fax and posted received, often wirelessly, including names, Unlike most malware, the Stuxnet worm messages and resulting in its 7000 employees addresses, email and phone contacts and does little harm to apparatus that doesn’t having to be paid with paper cheques. bank account details. This happens whenever meet specific configuration requirements; Over the following weeks nine batches a passenger purchases or uses a ticket, or instead it has a clearly defined purpose in of confidential files were released via public logs onto onboard Wi-Fi. targeting specific systems to make them fail. file-sharing sites, including unfinished This article is designed to provide a general Over the following months, amid rumours scripts, executives’ emails and salary details. overview of cyber threats and, importantly, of nation state involvement, Stuxnet Five unreleased films were leaked to piracy the new compliance landscape surrounding sent shockwaves throughout the world of websites. Sony estimated it cost USD35m it that will come into force in May 2018. industrial automation. to repair its IT and financial infrastructure 2

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2017 / 479 Cyber security

– the reputational damage arguably went bringing down its ticket machines; customers manage any interface where new equipment far beyond. were greeted by “Out of Service” and "Metro has to interface with legacy software. UK telecoms provider TalkTalk fell victim Free!” notices, leaving the operator with little Kevin Bell, partner at Womble Bond to two major breaches in 2015 and 2016, choice but to offer free rides for two days. Dickinson, expands upon the threats: where data was stolen from central servers in It is likely that many more attacks go “Ransomware is currently one of the most one attack and malware infected the routers unreported and, fortunately, none of those common threats we see, where a computer is of hundreds of thousands of its customers in that did make the news affected safety critical infected with malware which encrypts files and another. The company was eventually fined systems. Probably the closest was the 2008 case locks down systems unless a ransom is paid. GBP400 000 for failing to take basic steps to where a 14-year-old boy took control of infrared The most common method, however, is social protect customer data. 3 signals on the tramway in Łódź, Poland’s engineering, psychological manipulation In probably the biggest single incident, third-largest city. Using a home-made device of one person by another into performing Yahoo announced last year that one billion adapted from a universal remote control, the actions or releasing confidential information. customer accounts were compromised by perpetrator found that it was possible to record “Then there are the various forms of hackers in 2013 using forged cookies (bits the signal sent in one place to a set of points telephone scam, where fraudsters call up – of code that stay in the user’s browser so a and play it back in another location. often sounding perfectly legitimate – to obtain website doesn’t require a new login with Although crude, this attack was effective as information in order to extort money or gain every subsequent visit). the teenager was able to ‘control’ the points access to sensitive systems. In email form, Even governmental bodies are subject outside his home as trams passed, derailing phishing or whaling, genuine looking emails to attack. More than 200GB of data was four, causing several others to make emergency or websites are used to extract passwords or downloaded from the US Department of stops and injuring 12 passengers in the process. other information useful to the cybercriminal. Justice’s internal network in early 2016, “We also see a lot of invoice scams where including details of job titles and contact Ransomware wreaks havoc people are made to change account details or details for around 30 000 federal employees, The and San Francisco attacks redirect future payments without realising and exposing 1 797 special agents and a task demonstrate the increase in incidents that that the request may come from a less than force deputy director.4 combine damage and disruption with a reputable source. A further growing trend is For public transport, every endpoint creates demand for money – usually digital currency ‘CEO fraud’, where fraudsters impersonate a connection that has the potential to permit in the form of Bitcoin. Among the most or spoof a senior manager’s email account to a two-way flow of data so it is vital that these damaging were the widespread WannaCry send messages to customers to procure gateways are unidirectional. Passengers have ransomware attacks that hit the UK’s urgent payments to a specified account of access to certain information in the control National Health Service, Spain’s Telefónica, their choosing.” area – to track estimated time of arrivals and global logistics firm FedEx and Germany’s Bell continues: “There are five main risks, service speeds, for example – but they should Deutsche Bahn – amongst many other or areas of damage, for public transport not be able to influence those systems the organisations around the world – in May 2017. operators. First, there are the regulatory other way to interfere with critical systems. WannaCry sought out a weak point in legacy penalties, and key changes in the law over the High-profile attacks on urban rail networks software, in this case the Windows XP next 12 months will make these even more over the last 18 months include targeted operating system. Worryingly, it is estimated punitive in an attempt to make those holding attacks in in June 2016 and October that as many as 14% of desktop PCs still use data to take the issue more seriously. 2017 that disabled government, postal, Windows XP 5, an operating system that “There’s then the potential for a breach of utilities and banking systems, also leaving hasn’t been supported by Microsoft since contractual obligations with a concession passengers on the unable to pay April 2014 – no support means no security letting authority or other key stakeholders. for tickets using bankcards. Later that year, updates and no technical backup. More publicly, you have issues of reputational hackers caused significant disruption to As the pace of digital technology change or brand damage as nobody wants to be San Francisco’s MUNI light rail service by is so rapid, it is therefore crucial to closely associated with a cyber security breach. “As many as 14% of desktop PCs still use Windows XP, an operating system that hasn’t been supported since April 2014 – no support means no security updates.”

ABOVE: Łódź Konstal 805Na 1508 by Fabryczna railway station. A junction on the city’s extensive network was ‘hacked’ in 2008, causing four derailments. K. Fiszer

LEFT: San Francisco's MUNI light rail service found itself victim to ransomware attacks in 2016 that left ticket machines out of service for two days. R. Eriksson / CC BY 2.0

480 / DECEMBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org “From the passenger side, you may get complaints and claims arising from leaks in personal data. Add to that the management time, loss of business or commercial advantage and, in the worst-case scenario, personal injury or event fatalities as a result of malfunctioning systems. These are all critical issues.”

Changing regulations The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will apply to organisations in all member states from 25 May 2018 with the key objective of increasing accountability in the handling of personal information. The GDPR will enforce stricter obligations on data security and we will all be expected to put in place enhanced safeguards. To remain compliant, it is therefore important to enforce tighter policies governing access control, internet and mobile device usage and establish clear responsibilities for data retention and usage. Organisations should conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to determine The reporting mechanisms will also Ticket machines are an easy target, processing card whether the endpoint is aligned with the change. Reporting is mandatory unless payments for public transport systems. TAUT GDPR. This could be mapped to asset registers the breach is unlikely to result in risk to This new notification-related regime will for easy guidance on what is and isn’t aligned the individual. If a breach does occur the require OESs to report incidents having a with the new regulations. impacted organisation must notify anyone significant impact on the continuity of the This applies to both internal networks and potentially affected without undue delay and, services they provide, also without undue feeding those policies down the supply chain. where feasible, within 72 hours of becoming delay. There is therefore an overlap with the Bell emphasises that cyber security policies aware of the issue. This process applies to GDPR, but the notification requirements will increasingly play a part in procurement actual, and not suspected, breaches. have significant differences as the latter policies: “We need to make sure that third- Working alongside the GDPR is the Directive requires notification of personal data party suppliers adhere to these policies, and on Security of Network and Information breaches unless the breach is unlikely to that from a legal perspective the contractual Systems (NIS Directive) that aims to improve result in risk to the individuals, whereas the matrix that brings that all together passes on cyber security capabilities at a national level; NIS Directive requires the notification of all and apportions appropriate liability. increase co-operation among EU member incidents that meet the stated thresholds. “The proposed administrative fines states; and introduce security measures and are severe. In the UK, the Information incident reporting obligations for operators How do we respond? Commissioner's Office can currently issue of essential services (OES) in critical national Kevin Bell offers the following useful advice fines of up to GBP500 000 depending on infrastructure and digital service providers. in response to security breaches: “The TIRR the nature of the breach. Under the GDPR The NIS Directive was adopted by the (Triage, Investigate, Remedy, Report) model there are two new tiers. Tier 1 can be up to European Parliament on 6 July 2016, and for incident response is one that we have used 2% of annual worldwide turnover from the came into force in August 2016. EU member and advised clients on for a number of years. preceding year or EUR10m, whichever is states have until May 2018 to translate this “Triage. First, assess the risks and look higher; this relates mainly to breaches of into national laws, and a further six months at damage limitation. How serious is the obligations for security processes, record- to identify the OESs to which it applies. incident? Is it going to severely impact your keeping and failure to include relevant Under the NIS Directive, OESs – such as transport network? Is public safety at risk? Is contractual terms. Tier 2 penalties can be utility providers and transport operators it an ongoing issue or single point of failure? up to 4% of annual worldwide turnover, or – will be required to “take appropriate and For example, the NHS shut off its servers so EUR20m, whichever is higher. proportionate technical and organisational the WannaCry malware couldn’t spread. “If you didn’t think data security and measures to manage the risks posed to the For Sony Pictures in 2014 the malware spread the issue of the transfer of personal data to security of network and information systems throughout its global network in a matter of needed to be taken seriously, think again.” which they use in those operations”. hours – the damage happened that quickly.

PROJECT HONEY TRAIN

To determine how cyber-attacks on critical trackable IP addresses so may well differ from the outweigh the risks before linking them to infrastructure such as rail networks could be hackers’ actual locations. From that total, 41% of control systems carried out, and to assess how widespread the the attacks originated from China, 9% from the Wherever technically and economically knowledge of such systems is in the hacking USA, France 7%, with the rest all in low single-digit reasonable, avoid external or remote access community, in 2015 security specialists Sophos and percentages although significantly at least one Ensure that all standard and preconfigured KORAMIS created a realistic online railway as bait. came from almost every country in the world. 8 passwords are changed prior to operational use Removed from any physical railway, Project Four valid logins to the human-machine with a minimum of eight characters, uppercase Honey Train simulated not only computer interface (HMI) were detected and detailed and lowercase letters, numbers and special systems and communication protocols, but analysis showed that those successful attackers characters also reproduced the software components of possessed a deep knowledge of industrial control Wherever possible, use multi-factor automation and control systems and included systems – these actions were deliberate, and authentication (this can be either a physical CCTV of real stations and train operator cabins. not performed randomly. Vehicle control and token, such as a card or a key, with either a A customised website with timetables, ticketing passenger information systems were accessed, password and/or biometric recognition such as and real-time service information was also but not safety critical systems. a fingerprint, iris or voice scanner) integrated. The researchers drew a number of conclusions, Always use encryption for cross-network During a six-week period, 2 745 267 attacks were some obvious and some maybe not so: communication detected. Geolocation indicated hacking locations Evaluate if the perceived additional benefits of Avoid central access to all systems, segment around the world, although these were the last a direct connection to public networks networks and build-up secure system zones

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2017 / 481 Cyber security

“Investigation. This is where it’s imperative to co-ordinate activities – media and communications, IT, HR, business continuity, customer services – and to get senior management involved from the very start. “Remedy. How sensitive is the data that’s been stolen or lost? What’s happened to it? Professional advice is key to addressing potential claims by those subject to loss of data, on regulatory penalties and ultimately identifying a fix and advising clients on reasonable actions that need to be taken. “Finally, report. This is the important obligation of reporting to the appropriate authorities. It’s critical to ensure that the reporting is completed correctly and promptly; good reporting is key in helping to avoid enforcement action and reduce the level of fines that may be levied.” In September 2017 UK Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham reiterated the importance of transparency on reporting of breaches that could affect personal rights and freedoms: “Fines can be avoided if organisations are open and honest and report without undue delay, which works alongside the basic transparency principles of the Signals are another example of the many systems GDPR. Tell it all, tell it fast, tell the truth.” 7 other materials on them. You can’t access the that can face attack. Smiley.toerist / CC-BY-SA 2.0 data until you’ve plugged it into your system, Prevention and protection but doing this could release a whole host of to many miles across networks – also need In the case of TalkTalk, 150 000 customer malware or viruses that can remain dormant particular protection from physical attack. records were stolen through a known for months or years until activated to shut “It’s important to ensure that there are vulnerability in one of the company’s down your computer. So be vigilant.” sufficient capabilities and competence within web pages. A software fix was available, Another common issue is lax monitoring organisations to maintain cyber security. but it wasn’t introduced and despite of user rights, the simple advice being that There are also international issues for those previous attacks the company failed to take every user of any system should operate using working with partners from overseas that will appropriate steps to make its systems secure. the minimum set of privileges necessary to need to complete sufficient due diligence as The remarks of Elizabeth Denham are fulfil their role. cyber security standards can differ.” telling: “Hacking is wrong, but that is not Mobile devices attached to corporate The last big change is the growth of cyber an excuse for companies to abdicate their networks are another hot topic. As more risk insurance that can cover business security obligations. TalkTalk should and organisations allow BYOD (Bring Your interruption, loss of income and third-party could have done more to safeguard its Own Device) policies for employees to use claims. The market is growing, Bell says, but customer information. It did not and we personally-owned devices to access corporate it is still inconsistent as to what is covered and have taken action.” data such as email, this poses another range excluded. Nevertheless, it is worth considering Failure to address known vulnerabilities is of challenges. So, if a personal device is used as part of overall protection strategies in literally like leaving a door open and going with unapproved, third-party apps when an relation to security breaches. on holiday. employee is not at work and then to connect Bell continues: “What makes this breach to company systems during the working Grateful thanks are due to Kevin Bell of Womble interesting is that the company had inherited week, it is very difficult to see where that Bond Dickinson and Julian Evans of AppSecTest for the website in question from a bolt-on device has been and what it has connected to.6 their assistance in the preparation of this article. acquisition, so having a detailed asset register A similar scenario applies to public Wi-Fi – especially of assets using legacy systems – hotspots (for example in hotels, coffee shops and understanding what you’re still operating or even onboard a vehicle). If there is no way to REFERENCES and where it sits in the chain is fundamental”. easily find out who controls the hotspot, or to Now we’re all suitably scared of what is prove that it belongs to who you think it does, it 1 Compliance requirements for network and happening out there in the digital world, is probably best avoided. Further, the protocol data security, Hewlett Packard – h20195.www2. hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname= what can we do in terms of protection? used to encrypt Wi-Fi traffic, WPA2, has been 4AA6-8821ENW The best form of security is being proactive, cracked rendering traffic using this protocol 2 uk.sans.org/reading-room/whitepapers/ such as staying on top of anti-virus updates, open to being intercepted and decrypted. casestudies/case-study-critical-controls-sony- software patches and regular monitoring Help is at hand from governmental implemented-36022 of firewalls. Filtering web browser traffic is bodies, as Bell explains: “The Centre for 3 ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/news- also an important measure; this can be done the Protection of National Infrastructure and-blogs/2016/10/talktalk-gets-record-400-000- through the use of a security appliance or has provided guidance on cyber defence, fine-for-failing-to-prevent-october-2015-attack/ service to proxy your web traffic; paid-for which includes detail on train control 4 www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/08/ proxies or secure VPN services are generally and signalling separation. It recommends department-of-justice-homeland-security-hacking 5 community.spiceworks.com/networking/ more secure than free ones. physically or electronically separate on- articles/2628-windows-10-adoption-surges-yet- Next, it is essential that care is taken with vehicle networks from passenger systems, businesses-still-hang-on-to-windows-xp-and-vista the use of removable media such as USB particularly where Wi-Fi is involved. 6 BYOD Security Risks and Mitigations – Melva or portable drives, as Bell suggests: “We’ve “The worry is that people use these Wi-Fi Ratchford, Ping Wang and Raed Omar worked with clients where an attack has systems for one purpose, for a passenger Sbeit. New Generations: 14th International been as simple as hackers leaving expensive- to read his morning paper or catch up on Conference on Information Technology looking USB sticks in car parks. These are emails on his tablet or phone, but by using 7 GDPR: Setting the record straight on data picked up and plugged into a laptop back in the same gateways this can risk exposure to breach reporting – https://iconewsblog.org.uk/ category/Elizabeth-Denham/ the victim’s office and bingo, they’re away. a whole host of the onboard systems as well. 8 8ww.sophos-events.com/honeytrain/index.cfm? We’ve also all been to industry events where Cables that carry data relating to command src=soc USB sticks are available with presentations or and control infrastructure – often stretching

482 / DECEMBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org in your next issue of

SURPRISE IN HOUSTON MOVES SYSTEMS FACTFILE: ALMATY FORWARD BRATISLAVA Mike Russell reports on the tramcars Vic Simons explores the two new New rolling stock and an extension to of the former capital of Kazakhstan METRORail lines that opened in 2015 the populous south side of the River which, perhaps surprisingly, still exist and provides an update on how the Danube have changed the nature of in safe storage two years after their system returned to service following the tram travel in the Slovakian capital. passenger use ended... disruption of Hurricane Harvey. Neil Pulling reports. PLUS... JANUARY + Cambridge Connect: Light rail ambitions for the university city iss ue + T he latest news and analysis, rolling stock orders, system developments, and transport policy and industry comment from on sale around the world 15 December

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Road Crossings // Pedestrian Crossings // Tram Stops // Depots // Anti-Trespass

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMber 2017 / 483 Würzburg

Having survived many systems germany challenges, Würzburg’s tramway is continuing renewal and expansion factfile Wurzburg begun in the late 1980s. No. Würzburg, Neil Pulling reports 122 Germany from .

inged by wooded and tramway in 1966, bringing increased LHB/Siemens which channels traffic north of the vineyard-clad hills in commitment to its long-term role. GT-N 261 eases city centre, all trams pass directly onto the Main river valley, For several years, rising car use and towards the a main shopping street, Kaiserstrasse. Würzburg (population crowded roads seemed to foreshadow city-bound Outbound trams heading to the Hauptbahnhof tram 128 500) grew on a site closure, a widespread outcome for only tramway arm north of central stop at Würzburg Rfavoured by traders and ecclesiastical many tramways in the former West Würzburg use a Hauptbahnhof Hbf. Schalksberg bodies. The former bequeathed Germany. Today’s system grew from vineyard provides platform away from the turning the name (würzen – spice) and the Würzburger Strassenbahnen founded the backdrop. loop. Upon return they are however latter created the distinctive skyline. in 1899, which by the following year channelled onto it, contributing to the Located in the north of Bayern/ was electrifying horse-drawn services. intensive service south of the Hbf. Bavaria state the historic Franken/ These began in 1892, the basis of 125th Outside the Juliusspital foundation, Franconia identity remains strong. anniversary celebrations during 2017. one of Würzburg's many Baroque- Würzburg lies around 390km WVV is also responsible for 22 bus styled buildings, near Juliuspromenade (244 miles) south-west of and lines; its vehicles carry the logo of stop is the delta junction where tracks by rail it is mid-way between Frankfurt VVM, the regional association of public diverge for the system’s western and am Main and Nürnberg, an important transport providers, founded in 2004. southern arms. The latter has another junction long before becoming the The tramway immediately delta junction just south of the southern end of Germany’s first high- confronts those arriving at Würzburg small central area at Sanderring stop. speed (ICE) line in 1988. Hbf station. The inside of the turning Big changes came to what had been Public transport sits within the loop which has one platform of a traditional street tramway in the mobility division of the municipal Hauptbahnhof stop is park-like, 1990s, notably with the proportion of utilities group, Würzburger with trees and the Kiliansbrunnen rights of way being greatly increased. Versorgungs und Verkehrs (WVV); fountain. After the traffic light- Words and pictures This is most apparent in places where WVV incorporated the metre-gauge controlled crossing of Röntgenring, by Neil Pulling. tracks could be wholly separated, as

484 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

THE FLEET A few Düwag GTW-D8 (built 1967-75) within number series 231-248) are mainly reserves on restricted routes. The Heuchelhof line forced Würzburg to re-equip with more capable and capacious trams. The two purpose-designed classes which followed this expansion now handle most services; both were built by Linke-Hofmann-Busch with Siemens electrical equipment. They are 2.4m wide and uni-directional with doors on one side. None of the fleet has passenger compartment air-conditioning. The 32.6m three-section GT-E (201-214), built in 1988-89, has space for 268 passengers, 78 seated. Reflecting the Heuchelhof line demands, all axles are powered and there are four braking systems. A small part of the centre section has low-floor space, the first such provision on a German system. These trams have proven to be more trouble-free than the following GT-N, built 1993-96. Almost square-ended, the GT-N trams (250-269) are fully low-floor with two open-floor areas. They have five sections, are 28.8m long with 82 seats and 78 standing places; they can also be operated as pairs. Multiple advertising schemes means that few trams carry the ABOVE: GT-E 208 awaits departure time from Pestalozzistrasse, Grombühl. The next system network livery of white, red and yellow; special branding was extension will leave the present route nearby, right-background in this view. added for the 125-year anniversary. BELOW: A series of curves takes trams through central Würzburg: 263 is at Rathaus.

ABOVE: A pioneer of low-floor , GT-E 201 at Juliuspromenade near the junction of the western and southern lines.

BELOW: With the holiday timetable in force, city-bound 205 will take the line to Athener Ring (left) before setting back along Heuchelhofstrasse.

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PestalozzistraßeR obert Brücknerstraße Uni-Klinikum Josefskirche Uni-Klinikum Bereich -Koch-Straße Bereich B/C

A 2 3 WagnerplatzFelix-Fechenbach-Haus Haupt- Senefelder-straßeUni-Klinikum1 Bereich5 D bahnhof Congress-Centrum

Talavera Ulmer Berliner-platz Hof Neunerplatz 2 4 Julius-promenade DJK-Sportzentrum Rathaus Bürgerbräu Dom Sieboldmuseum Hartmannstraße Wörthstraße

M

ain

Neubaustraße ve Track abo reconstruction: on Sanderring Kaisterstrasse during August 2017; Würzburg Löwenbrücke Hbf is in the background.

Eichendorffstraße BELOW: Probably between livery revisions Ruderzentrum and overlooked by Käppele pilgrimage Ehehaltenhaus church, all-white 269 is on Löwenbrücke. Judenbühlweg Arndtstraße

DEPOT Fechenbachstraße Steinbachtal Königsberger Straße 1 4

Dallenbergbad

Andreas-Grieser-Straße Reuterstraße

Klingenstraße along Sanderring where tracks follow an arc of parkland which borders

Heriedenweg the centre – some track gained a base slightly above normal road height in the central area. Restricted access means that trams are the predominant vehicles on several streets. Two crossings of the Main – a navigation popular with cruise operators – are used by today’s system. Rebuilding the more northerly bridge was a key Berner Straßburger Straße Ring part of the post-war restoration; originally Luitpoldbrücke, used by trams from 1900 and breached in 1945, Wiener Ring upon reopening in 1948 it was renamed Friedensbrücke (Peace Bridge). More Madrider Ring works created separate tram lanes in Athener Ring 1999. The bridge carries the east-west line that extends to a turning loop in 3 Zellerau district. Until 1964 the line had continued to Oberzell. Bordering the

Max-Mengeringhausen-Straße road near today’s Mainaustrasse terminus, Würzburger Bürgerbräu

network facts Brombergweg

Rottenbauer O pened: 1892 (electrification 1900) 5 L ength: 19.7km (12.3 miles) Lin es: 5 D epots: 2 “Big changes came A pprox. weekday hours: 05.00-00.00 M ain line frequency: 12-15 minutes to the tramway in G auge: 1000mm P ower: 750V dc, overhead supply the 1990s, F leet: 34, plus reserves R egional network: notably with the Verkehrsunternehmens Verbund proportion of rights Mainfranken: www.vvm-info.de C ity network/operator: Würzburger of way greatly Strassenbahn GmbH: www.wvv.de C ivic and tourist information: Heading downhill from Heuchelhof on the line opened in 1989. increased.” www.wuerzburg.de The tramway passes beneath the A3 Autobahn near Heidingsfeld.

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Dedicated space on Sanderstrasse in central Würzburg.

brewery gave its name to this 1927 the narrow streets deemed unsuitable A rare tram extension. Following the brewery’s for continued tram operations. South application of closure, the buildings were put to other of Reuterstrasse, the system gained the VVW livery, uses including the Siebold Museum, an aspect and some 250 passes the northern junction at the name of a nearby tramstop. demanding infrastructure. Heuchelhof depot. Completed in widely spaced stages, Heuchelhof was administratively the system’s long southern reach absorbed by Würzburg in 1930, crosses the Main on Ludwigsbrücke, but it was not until the late 1960s or Löwenbrücke, a bridge suitably that the district’s expansion began. embellished with lion statues. With a clearly planned road layout, Also destroyed in 1945 to impede themed street names and ‘new town’ the American advance, this was appearance, it is now home to around LEFT: Southbound returned to tram use in 1949. Unlike 10% of Würzburg’s population. GT-N 264 approaching Friedensbrücke, the Löwenbrücke still When trams became designated as Reuterstrasse. has shared road space. Approached the core public transport, the hilltop on both sides by dedicated rights of location (indicated by Heuchel in BELOW: way, Reuterstrasse stop has a village- the name) necessitated a long and Frankfurter like setting. Earlier as Heidingsfeld, steeply inclined section; this is most Strasse, between Murnaustrasse and it became the system’s southern marked between Berner Strasse and Siebold Museum. terminus in 1929. In June 2001 and Heriedenweg stops, where the track is Except for the contrary to the then-recent expansion, between carriageways of a main road. chimney, summer a three-stop single-track serving the As well as influencing Würzburg's foliage masks the former Ostbahnhof station was closed, new tram specifications, this section Bürgerbräu brewery.

A Würzburg GT-N; the ceiling decoration relates to the tramway's 125th anniversary.

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RIGHT: Dating from 1999, the Rottenbauer extension supports a growing residential area. Access Below : tracks for the depot in Sanderau by Fechenbachstrasse stop.

BotTOM: An intensive service is provided south of Würzburg Hbf which retains bold features from the 1950s rebuilding.

brought particular operational Athener Ring is a terminus, the arrangements. The initial Heuchelhof layout allows it to be served by line extension opened in November 1989, 5 trams running between Würzburg extending by 1.1km (0.7 miles) to and Rottenbauer. Destination screens the present Rottenbauer terminus and real-time indicators forewarn of during 1999. In summer 2017, the trams on taking the extended system’s most intensively used route via Hauptbahnhof. sections along Kaiserstrasse and near A condensed visual summary of Juliuspromenade were rebuilt. Würzburg is provided by 45 minutes Opposite Fechenbachstrasse stop, of travelling the length of line 5, Sanderau is the elder of two depots. passing the tourist centre and a The stark buildings result from prime viewpoint at Löwenbrücke, post-war reconstruction and 1970s established residential streets and new modernisation. The extension south estates, also giving rural views. to Heuchelhof allowed for the addition Opened in 1926, the north-eastern of a spacious facility better suited to section which rises beyond Würzburg incoming new stock. Just north of Hbf currently ends with a single- Max Mengeringhausen Strasse stop, track, uni-directional loop in the this opened in 1995. Grombühl district. The mainly single Five lines (1-5) are designated on track is separated by one street block, weekdays, with overlaps appreciably with Pestalozzistrasse designated as increasing frequencies around the terminus. By 2019, work is expected central area. At weekends and other to begin nearby on a 1.3km (0.8-mile), designated times, the system may be three-stop extension for lines 1/5, covered in modified form by two lines, leaving the present installation at 4 and 5. These serve all stops, as seen Robert Koch Strasse. This will improve here in this Factfile, taken during the access to an area with a concentration Bavarian summer holiday period. of medical and educational centres Under two-line operation, although but poor road conditions. More ambitious, a long-standing project provisionally designated is for new track east from near ess ential facts Juliuspromenade, a point currently distinguished by an umbrella-like L ocal travel: There is a staffed office at 26 Domstrasse, and vistas are a tribute to local pride and restoration near Rathaus stop. Fares are in VVM’s zoned, cross- skills. Perfect for exploring by foot, the centre bus shelter. The 11-stop route gained mode system: for the city network, single journey includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site Residenz UNESCO approval in 2010, required tickets for a maximum of four stops (Kurzstrecke) are palace, the cathedral and churches ‘Stift Haug’ and to avoid losing World Heritage Site EUR1.35; Einzelkarte for 90 minutes cost EUR2.70. Marienkapelle. status for the nearby Residenz palace. Day tickets (Tageskarte Solo) can be bought for Juliusspital has one of several institutions Forecast to become the WVV’s most EUR5.10. As might be used if travelling from Nürnberg connected with Franconian wine production. intensive service, the line would go via – 70 minutes by regional train – the DB one-day Bayern An attraction in itself, traffic-freeA lte Mainbrücke Würzburg-Süd station and Hubland Ticket, from EUR25, is also valid on the VVM network. bridge (between the two tram bridges) is a noted university campus to the redeveloped viewpoint. More demanding walks are required for What is there to see? The main tourist office is at the dominant skyline feature, Marienberg Fortress former US Leighton Barracks. This will Marktplatz, near Dom stop. Bombing destroyed with museum collections and formal gardens and be where Würzburg hosts the Bavarian about 90% of central Würzburg, thus many buildings the Käppele pilgrimage church. 2018 Bavarian Landesgartenschau (state garden show).

488 / December 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Worldwide Review

ARGENTINA GENT. Although seven PCCs BUENOS AIRES. A tender has remain available for service, most been launched for the supply of days these trams are not in use on 1500 new cars to form 169 RER their last route, line 4. Operation sets for commuter rail service, for of the whole network with delivery in 2020-23. low-floor articulated trams is now Roca line commuter rail the norm. T-2000 service was extended to La Plata OOSTENDE. The Hermelijn tram on 18 October after two years of retained on the coast for the modernisation work. IRJ winter is 7267. T-2000

AUSTRALIA BRAZIL CANBERRA. The first CAF RIO DE JANEIRO. VLT tramline 2 Urbos tram for the new system was extended by 1.9km (1.2 miles) was completed in Spain in from Saara to Gamboa/Pereira mid-October. Reis on 21 October; it includes SYDNEY. The preferred route a 350m subway. The extension for the second stage of the takes line 2 to 9.7km (six miles) The new terminus of Bochum line 302 with one of the latest batch of Stadler Paramatta light rail line was with 12 stops; a further two-stop Variobahn trams, 114. BoBo announced on 18 October, extension is planned from Praia taking the line from Rydalmere Formosa to São Diogo. contract to operate and maintain FRANCE on a 9km (5.6-mile) branch Construction of the next route the new 7.8km (4.8-mile) BESANÇON. Keolis will take to Sydney Olympic Park. The – between Central and Candelária automated transit line at Shanghai over from Transdev as operator of confirmed alignment is further – is due to begin in March 2018, Pudong International Airport, the city’s Ginko tram and bus north than originally planned, forming part of the future line 3 due to open in June 2019. network for seven years from as the south bank would be between Santos Dumont Airport 1 January 2018. The network served by the planned Sydney and Central. urbanrail.net currently carries 27m passengers Metro West. OLOMOUC. The first production per year, but this is expected to The NSW Government expects CANADA order for Alliance TW Team EVO1 grow by 9% by 2024. to complete the business case TORONTO. Bombardier Flexity low-floor trams – built by a RENNES. The operating contract for stage 2 of the project by the tram 4446 arrived on 29 September, consortium of Pragoimex, VKV for the city’s bus and metro end of next year, while subject in the third month in a row that Praha and Krnovské opravny a network will stay with Keolis to planning approval, construction the target of four cars/month has strojírn – has been placed, eight for seven years from 1 January of the first 12km (7.5-mile) been missed by the manufacturer; costing CZK212.6m (EUR8.3m). 2018, with a target to increase stage, linking Carlingford with 4447/8 arrived in October and Three of the single-ended trams passenger numbers by 36% by Westmead, is expected to begin 4449 in November. will have doors on both sides so 2024. Keolis has operated the in 2018 for opening in 2023. TA A joint statement from the they can be coupled back-to-back STAR network since 1998. Chair and CEO of Toronto Transit for double-ended operation. RGI The contract, valued at Commission described the EUR960m, envisages that WIEN (Vienna). The first of situation as unacceptable and said the automated metro will be 119 new Bombardier 34m five- that the agency would pursue a AARHUS. The cancelled opening responsible for 60% of network section 100% low-floor Flexity CAD50m (EUR33.4m) legal claim of the new tramway has reportedly journeys once the second line trams was unveiled at the factory against the manufacturer. cost the city DKK570 000 (B) opens in 2020. The 14km in Donaustadt on 11 October, Local media reports suggest that (EUR76 595). The safety authority (8.7-mile) line is forecast to carry and is due for delivery before the 50 bus and streetcar routes in the held a further tram trial with 113 000 passengers per day. end of the year. EB city exceed crowding standards Keolis on 20 October, and it was From 2019 metro stations will during the week. In response, hoped that permission would be fitted with ticket gates as part the TTC claims that delayed be forthcoming for passenger of a wide-ranging upgrade of the . The contract with Stadler vehicle deliveries have pushed service from 17 December. network and contactless ticketing Minsk for new metro rolling stock its fleet to the limit and that is to be introduced based on the includes six four-car and four as older vehicles are scrapped technology from the Korrigo five-car trains, all due to arrive buses are being drafted in to TALLINN. Tatra KT4 136 smartcard in Bretagne. by 2020. The 78.4m four-car sets cope with the shortfall. (originally Cottbus 56) has been will have 168 seats and capacity D. Drum, Toronto Star given a blue-and-white ‘retro’ for 588 standing passengers, WATERLOO-KITCHENER. livery. DS TBILISI. The metro was extended while the 97.7m five-car sets will Bombardier LRV 502 was delivered by 1km (0.6 miles) from Vazha feature 212 seats and room for 737 on 3 October, and it was hoped Pshavela to State University on standing passengers. Wheelchair that testing could start in TAMPERE. T he Eu rop ea n 16 October. urbanrail.net spaces will also be provided. RGI November or December. However Investment Bank has provided this had to be postponed when a EUR150m loan to help finance GERMANY BELGIUM it was found that essential the EUR238.8m first phase of BERLIN. A new fleet of 20 four- ANTWERPEN. Due to a shortage paperwork was missing. D. Drum the new tramway system, due for car IK metro trains have been of tram drivers, line 24 was bus- completion in 2021. ordered from Stadler operated from 1 September CHINA The EUR104m contract for 19 for Großprofil (large-profile) line (although there remains a tram NANJING. The second tramline 37m three-section ForCity Smart . They will be fitted with door shuttle every ten minutes between started carrying passengers on 100% low-floor trams (capacity entrance extensions as this type Melkmarkt and Stenenbrug); a trial basis from 30 October, 264 passengers) was signed with of car was originally designed trams were to be reintroduced in linking Maqun Škoda Transtech on 16 October. for small-profile lines -4. time for Christmas. to Wang Wu Zhuang. CRRC The contract includes ten years of Line was suspended from BRUXELLES/BRUSSEL. Nanjing Puzhen has supplied maintenance with the option for 21-25 October due to a rolling The new tramline 9 should be seven 32.5m low-floor trams a further 30 years. stock failure that needed to be ready to carry passengers next with off-wire capability. IRJ There is an option for up to 46 repaired on site. H. Tschirner September (just before the October SHANGHAI. Shanghai Keolis cars for delivery in up to three BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. elections). T-2000 has been awarded the 20-year tranches. IRJ The 7 October opening of the

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16-17 October but was not able to NEW ZEALAND resume services until lunchtime AUCKLAND. The new Labour on 18 October. government is to introduce On the steam railway, work a regional fuel tax that could is continuing around Port Erin help fund light rail between station to better integrate bus the city centre and airport and rail services. As part of the (supported by the city’s Mayor). works, provision is being made NZ Herald for a second platform adjoining the museum building. PAKISTAN LAHORE. Testing of the first metro train for the 27.1km TEL AVIV. The Metropolitan (16.8-mile) Orange line started Mass Transit System (NTA) has on 8 October. CRRC Zhuzhou issued a tender for supply and has supplied 27 stainless steel maintenance of systems for five-car trainsets for the the 24km (14.9-mile) LRT service with specially-adapted Red line that is scheduled heat-resistant bogies and a new to open in 2021.The tender energy-saving air-conditioning includes a ten-year maintenance system suitable for the city’s Melbourne (ex-Mulhouse) Alstom Citadis 5106 wears a new paintscheme. M. Rowe commitment – excluding the high summer temperatures. RGI track and civil works – with an newly-built 2.5km (1.6-mile) INDIA option for a further six years. IRJ PERU tramway branch from Unterstrasse BANGALORE. The European LIMA. Alstom has started to S-Bhf Langendreer, served Investment Bank has agreed a ITALY delivery of 139 Metropolis by line 302 running from Buer loan of EUR500m towards the NAPOLI. Tramway service metro cars to permit additional Rathaus, was marked by a day metro project, a 22km (13.7-mile) was still suspended in capacity to be built into the 34km of festivities and free rides. line due to open in 2021. RGI mid-October. K. Rothenhöfer (21.2-mile) line 1 from the end A link from Langendreer Markt KOCHI. Metro line 1 was TRIESTE. In late October of 2018. The new cars are built to Papierholz in Witten is under extended by 5km (3.1 miles) there was still no sign of a in Barcelona. IRJ construction for completion in from Palarivattom to Maharaj’s resumption of service on the 2019. This will permit line 310 College on 3 October. urbanrail.net Opicina tramway. ATC POLAND to be diverted away from the NAGPUR. Test running on the GDANSK. A Moderus Gamma single-track section between first 5.6km (3.5-mile) section JAPAN 100% low-floor tram was tested Unterstrasse and Papierholz. of metro line from Mihan to MATSUYAMA. On 21 September on line 9 from 4 October. IRJ urbanrail.net Khapri started on 30 September. Alna Sharyo low-floor trams For more on BOGESTRA’s tramway, Two Hyundai Rotem three-car 5001/2 entered service, PORTUGAL see our Systems Factfile in TAUT 957. sets have been hired from accommodating 26 seated LISBOA. A bill has been DARMSTADT. Celebrations Hyderabad pending arrival of passengers rather than 20 on enacted transferring tram and to mark 120 years of electric Nagpur’s own CRRC fleet. IRJ ‘Little Dancer’ trams. G. Bannister bus operator Carris to the tramway operation were held on ownership of the city council. 7 October with an open day at IRELAND Mayor Fernando Media has Böllenfalltor depot, with special DUBLIN. The Luas control LUXEMBOURG. T he c it y said he wishes to extend line line 120 to provide access from building at Red Cow suffered has confirmed that the full 15 to Santa Apolónia, reinstate the city centre using various tram roof damage as a result of Storm tramline, from Cloche d’Or to line 24 between Cais do Sodré sets (37+132, 25, 7608, 9115+9436, Ophelia and a decision was Findel airport, will be built by and Campolide and buy 30 0782+9448) carrying floral made to shutdown the computer the end of 2021. Twelve more new trams. A tender is expected decorations. Other trams were equipment that controls system LRVs will be ordered to join the in the first quarter of 2018 as part on display at the depot, including operations. Services were halted 21 CAF Urbos low-floor trams of the mayor’s commitment to 15+182, 31, 171, 202, works from lunchtime on 16 October, now being delivered. “a new phase of network car 1501 (ex-Augsburg M8C 8001) resuming on 18 October. The first section, from Luxexpo expansion in the city” and and the steam tram 7 Although back-up facilities exist to Pfaffenthat-Kirchberg will increased pedestrianisation of with carriage. DS at Sandyford (and will also feature start carrying passengers this city streets. Expresso Read about Darmstadt’s diverse at the yet to be commissioned December. Central Station will PORTO. The contract for the heritage operations on page 496. Broombridge depot), it was not be reached in 2019. T-2000 operation of the light rail system MAINZ. Monday 16 October possible to bring these into use in 2018-25 has been awarded to was the opening date for the as servers were not present. NETHERLANDS Barraqueiro SGPS, the lead in 500m section of new tramway Plans are now being advanced to AMSTERDAM. Tramline 7 the current consortium holding to Zollhafen, served by route improve facilities at Sandyford ran along Witte de Withstraat the contract until 31 December. 59 running to Hochschule and Broombridge control rooms for the last time on 12 October; Extensions are planned 2019-22. Mainz. Service is provided every so Luas can be operated from from 13 October trams used The contract was awarded on 30 minutes 08.00-18.00 on a location remote from the Postjesweg and Hoofdweg. OR the basis of the lowest bid Monday to Friday only. DS central control facility. . Metro trains following an international tender, ULM. Construction work on the Transdev has introduced 5709 and 5711 have started test with other offers submitted new tram depot for line 2 began a new text service for Luas running between Maassluis by Domingos Silva Teixeira, on 18 October. The EUR4.3m customers to report incidents of Steendijkpolder and Hoek Avanza, Neopul, Mota-Engil and 184m x 17m building will house anti-social behaviour. van Holland, but no date has Transdev. 12 Siemens M trams been announced yet for the Barraqueiro also manages from mid-2018 and features ISLE OF MAN resumption of passenger service. Metro Sul do Tejo in Almada, solar panels to provide a large GENERAL. Storm Ophelia OR and Fertagus commuter services percentage of the new facility’s caused damage to overhead line UTRECHT. The planned around Lisboa. RGI power requirement. on several sections of the Manx Uithoflijn opening date of 8 July The depot is part of a EUR16.9m Electric Railway on 16 October. 2018 has been postponed. It may project that includes expansion Services were suspended until be possible to start a shuttle service IAŞ I. The local tramway of the existing maintenance 21 October. The Horse Tramway between Vaartsche Rijn and enthusiasts' club has commenced facility as the tramway expands. was not due to operate on De Uithof later in the summer. OR operation of a weekly historic

490 / DECEMBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org tram tour, using the renovated Trambesos line T4 is to be ITB two-axle motor car numbered extended by 1.7km (1.05 miles) 100. There is to be one departure from Sant Adria de Besos to Port each Saturday between March de Badalona at a cost of EUR30m. and November, at 10.00 from the R. Felski turning loop at Targu Cucu. The tour will take around two hours and visit the newly- BASEL. The last service worked by reopened line 9 to Technopolis a Be4/6 tram was on line 21 on 26 (formerly C.U.G.) and the October. The 28 Schindler-built hilly showpiece route to Copou, trams of this type from 1990-91 passing through the university have been sent to Sofia in Bulgaria. district. The departure on the New Flexity tram 5019 suffered first day of operation (7 October) severe damage after a collision was heavily over-subscribed with a heavy goods vehicle and ‘retro’ two-axle car 1 had to derailed it at Muttenz on be pressed into service as a relief. 18 October; 37 passengers were M. J. Russell injured. Arcinfo

RUSSIA UNITED KINGDOM MOSKVA. The city’s mayor has BLACKPOOL. Blackpool Council Andrew Barr, CEO of the Canberra light rail project, at the CAF factory to inspect the first tram for the city. ACT approved construction of a new indicated that preparatory work tramline linking Prokshino on the extension from North Work is proceeding on the automatically reduces tram metro station with the suburban Pier to Blackpool North station Trafford Park extension with speeds is underway. town of Troitsk, for opening in was to start in November, the completion of the first phase Investigations into the accident 2019. The 17.8km (11-mile) route although no formal decision had of highway works. Work will at Sandilands by TfL, the Rail would link the town of 40 000, been received on its Transport & continue on off-road sections Accident Investigation Branch, 37km (23 miles) southwest of Works Act Order. during the pre-Christmas period. Office for Rail and Road, and British central Moscow, on a segregated A further two Flexity trams LONDON (TRAMLINK). Leon Transport Police remain ongoing alignment with 14 stops and are also expected to be delivered Daniels, Transport of London’s but are expected to conclude four turning loops. A local network imminently to facilitate operation Managing Director of Surface before the end of the year. in Troitsk may follow. RGI of the extension. The GBP22m Transport and responsible for LONDON (UNDERGROUND). NOVOCHERKASSK. The first of (EUR24.8m) line is being largely overseeing the Croydon tram A pause has been undertaken in two 71-407 low-floor trams from funded through the network, has indicated he will the capacity upgrade programme Uraltransmash was delivered on Growth Deal, with a contribution retire from the position at the end designed to increase service 28 October. transphoto.ru from the Borough Council. of the year, having wished to do frequencies on the Jubilee and VOLGOGRAD. UKVZ is to John Sisk & Son has been so in 2015. No successor had been Northern lines. The decision supply 20 71-623-03 trams under appointed main contractor and announced in late October. has been taken to enable a RUB543.3m (EUR8m) leasing is to start work on the extension TOL Managing Director John measurement of the impact of deal. The 16.4m 40% low-floor and terminal in the New Year. Rymer is also retiring and will the opening from late 2018 of cars, equipped for multiple- Services to Blackpool North from be replaced by Jackie Townsend, the Crossrail (Elizabeth) line unit operation on the express both Fleetwood and Starr Gate are formerly Operations Director at on changes to travel patterns tramway, will arrive in the first expected to start in April 2019. train operating company First and the effects of other ongoing quarter of 2018. IRJ Services Capital Connect. upgrades. Proposals to acquire Managing Director Jane Cole On 1 November the ASLEF more trains for these lines are SINGAPORE was named Business Woman of trade union gave TOL notice that also frozen as it is expected MASS RAPID TRANSIT. On the Year for the North West at its drivers had voted to stage two that, at least initially, improved 21 October the 21km (13-mile) the Enterprise Vision Awards 24-hour strikes – on 13 November service levels can be provided Chinatown – Expo section of held at Blackpool Winter Gardens and 6 December – in a dispute over using the existing fleet. the Downtown metro line on Friday 29 September. the introduction of a new device to On the Jubilee line, Transport was open for revenue service As well as a recent win at the detect if a driver is distracted or has for London is expecting a following an official ceremony Global Light Rail Awards (see fallen asleep. The system, widely- reduction of 10 000 eastbound the previous day. Rolling page 422), Blackpool Transport used in the road haulage industry, trips each day, with 5500 fewer stock includes 88 three-car has been shortlisted in the uses infrared beams to constantly trips from Stratford to Canary Bombardier-designed trains built National Transport Awards, the monitor drivers' faces and sounds Wharf. The return of Thameslink by CRRC Changchun. RGI UK Bus Awards and the North an in-cab alarm and vibrates heavy rail services to London of England Transport Awards, the driver’s seat if it detects a Bridge is also expected to reduce SPAIN with winners due to be announced distracted driver. westbound Jubilee line passenger BARCELONA. On 11 October in the coming months. ASLEF claims the device is a numbers at Canada Water. the Catalan Government released GREATER MANCHESTER. safety issue, causing headaches NOTTINGHAM. T r a c k a consultation/environmental An extra four million trips were and blurred vision, and has replacement on the Phoenix Park impact study for the extension made on Metrolink between blamed a “failure to consult” over branch was undertaken from of metro line 1 to Badalona September 2016 and September its introduction as the reason 21-23 October. Services were (1.5km/0.93 miles and costing 2017, an 11% rise on the previous behind the industrial action. Only suspended between Highbury EUR260m, including a depot). year to 40 million passengers. an automatic train protection Vale and Phoenix Park with a Construction is to start in 2020. The increase is partly due to system would have prevented the replacement bus service linking This will be followed by a further the opening of the Second City accident at Sandilands in into the tramway at Bulwell 2.5km (1.6 miles) to Badalona Crossing in February. November 2016 that saw seven where tram journeys that would RENFE for completion by 2025. Transport for Greater fatalities and many more seriously ordinarily have served Phoenix Trial running has started on Manchester projects have injured, it claims. Park terminated. line 10S between Foc Cisell received awards at the National In response, TfL says the device SOUTH YORKSHIRE. T he and Zona Universitaria, with Transport Awards. The 2CC won has been fully safety certified and first major change to Supertram passenger service expected in Construction and Engineering that it only uses “small amounts” timetables for 15 years will be June 2018. There is still Project of the Year and the Bus of infrared light for the sensors introduced on 28 January. uncertainty over the financing of Priority Package gained an award to see the driver’s face in the dark. The new timetable will allow the central section of metro line 9. for Improvements to Bus Services. Work to install a system that slightly longer journey times

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Voters approved an elected Board for the Main Street Rail Transportation Development District, which will have the power to propose property taxes to help finance the project. E. B. Havens LOS ANGELES, CA. T he USD2.6m utility relocation contract for the 20km (12.4-mile) Glendora – Montclair extension of the Gold line was awarded on 28 September and work will start in October, taking three years. Passenger service is expected in 2026. E. B. Havens MEMPHIS, TN. A full-scale test of the heritage tramway took place on 6 November, with the hope that service could resume in the New Year. E. B. Havens MILWAUKEE, WI. The new Streetcar will be able to offer free rides for its first year of operation thanks to sponsorship from the Forest County The futuristic vehicle concept design proposed for a new very light rail system in Coventry (UK). WMG/University of Warwick Potawatomi Community (an during off-peak periods and The next five stations to Wednesbury – Brierley Hill Indian tribe with a hotel and slightly more time for trams benefit from refurbishment are tramway on former railway tracks. casino). The line will be named at terminus points. The Yellow on the Airport line at Callerton The Hop. Service should start next and Blue lines will see a reduction Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston USA autumn. E. B. Havens in headways from ten minutes Park, Fawdon and Wansbeck BOSTON. The first CRRC NEW ORLEANS, MI. Trams to 12 minutes 09.30-16.00. Early Road. Work began in October Changchun-built metro train for were replaced by buses on morning services with a ten- and should be completed by the Orange line was on test in 7 October due to fears of minute frequency will start earlier February. It will bring the China in early October. Assembly flooding from Tropical Storm and timetables will be simplified stations up to modern standards of most cars will take place in a Nate. However this did not with more consistent ‘minutes of disabled access and provide new USD95m factory in materialise and service resumed past the hour’ timings. improved seating and lighting. Springfield, MA, opened on the following day. E. B. Havens The change in frequency Public address system speakers 12 October by Massachusetts NEW YORK, NY. The first is also designed to facilitate are to be replaced at Fawdon Governor Charlie Baker. set of 100 refurbished R160 the introduction of Sheffield – and Wansbeck Road. Full production is planned to subway cars entered service on Parkgate tram-train services from Part of the GBP350m (EUR395m) begin in early 2018. Four cars line E from 3 October. ERA autumn 2018. There will also Metro: all change modernisation, per month are to be delivered for OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. be changes to Supertram Link the work is being delivered by the the Orange line in 2018-21 with Brookville Equipment bus services SL1 and SL1a to the Nexus Capital Delivery team. construction of Red line cars Corporation has advised that Stocksbridge area. WEST MIDLANDS. The line beginning in 2019. delivery of the first of seven The second phase of the GBP32m along Bilston Road from Priestfield Based on China’s Type B design, Liberty trams has been delayed (EUR36m) track replacement to St. George’s in the trainsets will offer capacity from October to November. programme is to begin in the should reopen in December for an additional 15 passengers per The line is due to open in spring and should be completed following track relaying. Junction car than the sets they replace. November 2018. E. B. Havens in autumn 2019. Tenders are tracks for the branch to the DALLAS – FORT WORTH, TX. SAN DIEGO, CA. The 38km currently being evaluated by the railway station along Piper’s The first Stadler Flirt DMU for (23.6-mile) Green light rail line Passenger Transport Executive Row have been laid as part the 43.5km (27-mile) commuter will be known as the Sycuan and will involve the replacement of the works. This line is expected rail line between Fort Worth and under a USD25.5m of a further 10km (six miles) of to open in 2019-20. Dallas-Fort Worth International 30-year contract with the embedded rail – 15km (9.3 miles) Some 100m of old track Airport was displayed at the Sycuan Casino. The casino also having been replaced in 2013-15. removed from Bilston Road APTA Expo on 8-11 October. has the right to rename three The IKEA store opened on has been donated to the Black Stadler is supplying eight of the stops along the route, 28 September and is located next Country Living Museum. This four-car units for operation from and operate bus shuttles to the to Carbrook stop on the will provide material for the December 2019. E. B. Havens casino from Green line stops. Meadowhall line, not Meadowhall museum’s proposed extension of FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. The San Diego Metropolitan South. The stop has been its tramway into the 1930s street. Federal Transit Administration Transit System plans similar renamed Carbrook IKEA. The University of Warwick has has released USD60.8m in naming rights for the Orange line TYNE & WEAR. N e x u s released details of its Very Light Small Starts funding for the as well as for individual stations. Managing Director Tobyn Rail project that it hopes to see Wave tramway project. However UC San Diego Health and UC Hughes has warned of service adopted in Coventry, where with the receipt of design and San Diego is currently in the cuts if existing trains are still the University is located. Early build bids, cost of the project third year of its 30-year naming in use after 2021, according to concept designs have been has escalated from USD195m rights agreement for the UC San Newcastle’s Evening Chronicle. presented to the city council as to USD270m, putting the scheme Diego Blue line. E. B. Havens Although the UK Government part of a proposal to seek GBP6m in jeopardy. E. B. Havens SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). has acknowledged the need for (EUR6.76m) in funding. This KANSAS CITY, MO. T he Thursday 26 October saw fleet replacement, the Treasury would allow construction of a Streetcar Authority has approved a the return from Brookville has not made a decision on lightweight battery-operated USD300 000 study for the of refurbished PCC 1063 in whether it will provide GBP400m driverless demonstrator vehicle. extension of the line to the Baltimore blue (teal) and cream (EUR450m) for a new 84-vehicle The project is likely to be Riverfront area. This news came with red stripe livery. P. Ehrlich fleet or whether it would allow directed from a new facility at as the three millionth passenger SAN JUAN, PR. T he F TA Nexus to borrow the funds required. Dudley adjoining the proposed was recorded on 28 September. has awarded Tren Urbano

492 / DECEMBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org USD8.4m in critical grant funding TAMPA, FL. The USD1.5m study again over the 4-5 November CONTRIBUTORS to help the metro recover from carried out by Jacobs Engineering weekend (London-Brighton Worldwide news items for the effects of Hurricane Maria. identified five priority transit Veteran Car Run). ‘Santa Specials’ inclusion should be sent to E. B. Havens routes and recommended light will run at weekends in December. Michael Taplin at Flat 1, ST LOUIS. The fare for rail for the I-275 corridor from Alan Keef Ltd has been 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, the Delmar Loop heritage the University of South Florida in responsible for refurbishment Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, tramway (which may open in Tampa to St Petersburg. E. B. Havens of cars 4, 6 and 10. Car 4 has UK.Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 late November) will be USD2, , DC. The DC returned to Brighton, with work or e-mail: [email protected] with an all-day ticket for USD5. Department of Transportation continuing on 6 and 10. Car 9 is UK and Ireland items are Driver training was in progress has issued a request for under restoration in Brighton. welcomed by Home Editor, John during the last week of October. qualifications for planning CRICH (UK). The National Symons, 17 Whitmore Avenue, E. B. Havens and engineering work on the Tramway Museum was to close Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 SANTA ROSE – SAN RAFAEL, eastward extension of the for the winter period after special 0LW, UK. E-mail [email protected] CA. SMART diesel LRT service tramline along Benning Road NE events on 4/5 November. It will Acknowledgements this was cancelled on 9 October due to the Metro station. There is a reopen on 17 March. month are due to Drehscheibe to wildfire conditions in the Santa budget of USD6.6m for tramway WIRRAL (UK). The Birkenhead (DS), Edinburgh Evening News, Rosa area. Later in the day trains work in 2018. E. B. Havens Heritage Tramway has received Electric Railroaders’ Association were used to evacuate residents Wirral Council-owned horse ERA, Expresso, Mike Haddon, affected by the fires. Free service MUSEUM NEWS tram Birkenhead 7, previously International Rail Journal (IRJ), resumed the following day, but BRIGHTON (UK). Part of the displayed at the Woodside Ferry Irish Independent, Paul Jackson, Sonoma County Airport and Volk’s Electric Railway reopened terminal before being stored at Manchester Evening News, Santa Rosa North stations were following rebuilding from Hooton Park. The tram was partly Nottingham Evening Post, NZ closed due to damage. 14 October with services crewed dismantled for its journey to Herald, Op de Rails (OR), Eric Referring to our October by members of the VERA support Pacific Road depot but is likely to Pounder, Railway Gazette (RGI), news, 14 railcars have been built organisation. A service was to be be re-assembled and used as a Transit Australia (TA), Toronto Star, by Nippon Sharyo to form provided between Aquarium and display item in the building, Tram-2000 (T-2000), transphoto.ru, seven two-car sets. Two more are Halfway using non-restored cars 7 which is being reorganised over urbanrail.net, and Wolverhampton to be ordered. R. Callwell and 8 daily until 29 October and the winter period. Express & Star.

2017 LRTA AGM On the Sunday what came to be known as were continuing to southern France on his Paris – 17-18 September the “Paris Tramathon” took us by service tram latest tram tour. along lines T8, T11, T1, T2, T3a, T7 and T6 in Next year’s AGM weekend will take place in that order, with connecting journeys on a London on 15-16 September, although The Association held its 80th Annual General special RATP bus. An added attraction on Council is considering holding conventions Meeting and Dinner in the French capital Monday was a visit to the interesting T3b depot, outside the UK from time-to-time. over the weekend of 16-17 September, built on a former sports grounds that were marking as many as nine new tramlines in reinstated on the roof of the new structure. New LRTA President the 25 years since the T1 opened in 1992. At the Annual Dinner in the Mercure Hotel Council has now accepted, at its meeting on Events commenced on Friday with a at Porte de Pantin, our President, Roger 25 October, the Chairman’s proposal to offer reception at Espace Van Gogh, hosted by Harrison, proposed a toast to RATP and RATP the Presidency of the Association to RATP, where guests received a presentation Dev to which François-Xavier Perin responded François-Xavier Perin of Groupe RATP for a on the activities of RATP Dev from François- and, in turn, proposed a toast to the LRTA and three-year term commencing on 1 January Xavier Perin, member of the Supervisory our Chairman, Andrew Braddock responded. 2018, which he has accepted. Board of Groupe RATP and former CEO of Our Patron Geoffrey Claydon was Master of “FXP” has been extensively involved in tram RATP Dev, and a number of his colleagues. Ceremonies for the evening. development in France and other countries, On Saturday morning, a visit was made to The Chairman recorded his thanks to both through RATP and in his previous role as the new Museum of Urban, Interurban and RATP for helping to putt the weekend’s CEO of Transdev UK and Australia. Rural Transport at Chelles to the east of Paris, programme together, also thanking LRTA Thanks are due to Roger Harrison for his where an interesting array of historic trams, Vice-President Ian Longworth for delivering three-year term as President, bringing his trolleybuses and buses was observed. around half of the event’s participants, who wide experience to the Association’s work.

The full list of the year’s meetings and meeting places can MEETINGS & EVENTS also be found at www.lrta.org

NOVEMBER Monday 20. Wickham 19.30. John Thursday 30. Manchester 19.00. Bob Monday 11. Thames Valley 19.30. Prentice: Trams of East London. Bracegirdle: The Belgian Vicinal. Eddie Dawes: Horse, cable, steam and Monday 13. Thames Valley 19.30. Tuesday 21. Leeds 19.00. battery trams of London. (TLRS) John Parkin: Early days of the new Ian Dougill: American trams. DECEMBER Wednesday 13. Brighton 19.40. John British tramways. (TLRS) Tuesday 21. London. 1900. Paul Zebedee: JZ Down Under (TLRS) Tuesday 14. London. Meeting Russenberger: Electric Railways Saturday 2. West Midlands Saturday 16. Beeston 14.00. deferred until Tuesday 21. of the Berner Oberland. (ERS) 14.00. Mike Ballinger: Swiss Christmas Dinner & David Hanger: Saturday 18. Blackpool 14.00. Friday 24. Edinburgh 19.30. George tramways and light rail in 2017. Funicular railways. (TLRS) TBC. (TLRS) Murray: First-generation Edinburgh. (LRTA/TLRS) Monday 18. Sheffield 19.30. Stuart Saturday 18. Taunton 14.00. Friday 24. Leicester 20.00. Monday 4. Liverpool 19.00. Cooke: The birth of Supertram. Andy Steel: Simplified tramway Alan Murray-Rust: New Zealand and Christmas Dinner at the Adelphi Tuesday 19. Leeds 19.00. technology – Part 2. (TLRS) Australia. (TMS) Hotel, Liverpool. (TLRS Mersyside) Charlie Watson's World of Trams. Monday 20. Liverpool 20.00.Jane Saturday 25. Beeston 14.00. Alan Tuesday 5. Southampton 19.30. Tuesday 19. London. 1900. Cole: Operating Blackpool transport. Murray-Rust: French trams. (TLRS) Steve Bigley: Railway insignia. Mike Russell: Nostalgia night – East (TLRS Mersyside) Saturday 25. Garstang 14.00. (LRTA/SEG) German tramways (DDR) in 1974. Monday 20. Sheffield 19.30. Alan Brian Yates: Trams in Berlin, Lyon Friday 8. Glasgow 19.30. Garth Tilt: Monday 18. Wickham 19.30. Yearsley: today. and Grenoble on video. (TLRS) Glasgow Tramways 1959-62. (STTS) Members’ Christmas Bash.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2017 / 493 Letters

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L earning lessons shouldn’t take time or money

It was interesting to read the editorial leader in TAUT 958 as to run at low speed over the new rails as soon as the alignments while in Manchester for the Light Rail Conference in July, our are set and locked in place, typically with a first pour of tour of the Second City Crossing noted several details that had concrete. This system also seems to allow easier (e.g. shim-free) come through from having a consistent team building tram adjustment for complex transitions that can be found on many track over some nine years, and sorting out the detail. city systems, and it is notable that the transition curves found Especially neat was the kerb edge drainage and the lack of on railways are often absent on tram tracks. This is noticeable utility access covers in the strip of road pavement between the in the often violent forces experienced as trams enter curves, nearside rail and kerb – a detail in stark contrast to other older and less obviously in rail wear, and track structure damage. work where collapsing manholes and sinking carriageways Tellingly, the Oldham overspeed incident on a former rail demand constant repair. Equally smart was the detail that the alignment, laid out for higher speeds (with transition curves?), kerb line was either the defining edge of the DKE (Developed was just an unfortunate event because of the forgiving rail Kinetic Envelope), or set back sufficiently to allow for marking formation alignment and not the tragic disaster of Croydon a viable traffic lane for cycling or motor traffic. Thus any item where vertical and horizontal curves present as the downhill between the kerb and rail is going to be at risk of being hit by a railway formation joined the ramp up to the roadway and passing tram, a clear and simple visual and tactile guide. made a 90-degree change in direction. A challenging alignment Sadly it seems that even now, with some 20-plus years of which created a need to apply a severe speed limit with a safety building the UK’s second-generation light rail infrastructure, margin reached not far past the point of passenger ‘discomfort’. we have teams that have been pulled together with minimal I’ve also noted the frustrations where a system is installed tram track building experience. Many have come from a with no ‘rehearsal’ to ensure that everything fits together background of railway building, hence tram tracks have been and works, and the installation team practice the production substantially over-engineered in some aspects, but blind-sided routine to iron out potential issues. It is surprising to see

in others. The Edinburgh tracks with asphalt against the rail that on some sites routine tasks such as drilling out drain edges were initially ripped apart by bus traffic and had to slots in the flangeway are still handled ‘freestyle’ with a be rebuilt – but they still suffer from the poured seals being magnetic base drill rather than a purpose-made jig designed dragged out by rubber tyre forces. to locate accurately using the flangeway groove! It would Track slab and road settlement have also been seen as the seem that in 20 years no-one has assembled (or kept available) result of disturbing a century or more of ground compaction the appropriate toolkit to build tram track more efficiently... to build tram infrastructure, and not getting the subgrade The facility to highlight key detail where construction stability settled before the track and new pavement goes down. methods not being well rehearsed can easily add cost in Should the move not be, as TAUT contributor Scott McIntosh installation time and materials used has been apparent on a often advocates, to minimise the extent of track that gets built number of occasions – either by direct observation of the work in the roadway and – as in several European examples – use itself, or the end results. Sadly the forum in which such issues level crossings and vignoles rail for the points of intersection. can be reviewed without the spectre of ‘blame and claim’ can Chemnitz and parts of Brussels are fine examples. This opens suppress the willingness to concede even the slightest weakness the opportunity to use green track for the reserved sections, by a project team or contractor. with the key climate change benefits that accrue from this – There is perhaps a role for UKTram here to collate case figures for NOx/COx/PM removal, flood attenuation, cooling histories with the neutral position of providing lessons and effect and more can be tangible balance sheet gains. preventing the Lady Bracknell observation that a mistake made I’ve often noted that specifications developed by consultants once is unfortunate, but twice seems rather like carelessness. require revision because they did not accommodate the other This might also generate a list of sources for the specialist tools options available. It is noticeable that the rapid and lower cost for track building and equally for the track installers to make installation of tie-bar track on adjustable supports is widely- sure the right tools and time (and cost) saving methods for used outside the UK yet is often written out of the initial installation are used, learning from real-world experience. specifications here. With this system trams are often permitted Name and address supplied

494 / DECEMBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Making fair OLE comparisons It is clear that the UK Government’s plan that we don’t have to rub elbows with the I. Thwaite notes the inconsistencies in for tackling air quality is inadequate and ‘lower orders’ as they say in the UK, or as a current Network Rail OLE design. We can lacks direction. The latest scrappage schemes recent and much-remarked upon Vancouver all agree that the cancellation of various and financial incentives to ‘go electric’ are auto dealer’s advert put it (alongside an schemes due to rapidly escalating costs and purely lip service to the issue and would illustration of a transit bus with fumes delays is disappointing, to put it mildly. be a drop in the ocean in cutting harmful emanating from it) – “Avoid people who stink”. Bi-modes have their place, but the present pollutants – 2040 is simply too far away and Does driving to another city cause Government’s dependence on them it begs the question of how many will suffer congestion, air pollution, delays to public adds insult to injury. Over-engineering, chronic ill health and death in that time. transit as well? Would it be best to shut down particularly on the Great Western, has been Paris has said that it is to ban petrol and the railway system and that rural bus line? well documented elsewhere. diesel-fuelled vehicles from the city by Welcome to North America (home of the However the pictures produced in evidence 2030, a decade ahead of national targets, Rob Fords and Donald Trumps of this world), are not entirely fair. The section shown for while Copenhagen plans to ban diesels foremost in fighting the “war against the Holytown Junction is a single track mid-wire from 2019. Even Oxford is proposing car”! in cities of a million with no passenger run. That for Sheffield Rotherham shows two banning non-electric vehicles from central trains (I can think of two). I can also think track cantilever support structures over a areas from 2020. Is it any coincidence of a transcontinental main line railway cross over: there is going to be considerably that all of these cities have either invested in the States, which up to the 1950s had more wire in the area in this case supporting substantially in, or have plans to invest in, multiple local passenger trains, paralleled by three distinct routes, up, down and crossover. light rail and tramway schemes? I think not. a Greyhound bus route with many daily trips. For tram-train it is also well-known that But what about the rest of the UK? In my The trains went in 1971, the buses about 20 funders were very preoccupied with concerns adopted hometown of , there are years later. East-west travel today? Forget it. about being seen to waste money if light rail proposals to build thousands of new homes Every time we get into a car, we are OLE needed to be replaced with something and the council plans to spend millions on pointing a potentially lethal weapon at other suitable for 25kV when the Midland Mainline yesterday’s solution of new roads to serve road users, cyclists, pedestrians, and the electrification went ahead. them. There is overwhelming evidence to result is carnage. We find such behaviour Sadly it now seems as if that’s precisely suggest that new road schemes will not solve ‘acceptable’ in the name of convenience. what they have done. Better crystal balls the congestion already seen – let alone coping For the record, I don’t own a car and needed perhaps? with the area’s future growth. Clearly if this never have. From a very early age railways, J. Swift, by e-mail trend continues the new Western Link Road streetcars, and buses if necessary, were my will be almost obsolete by the time it is built. choice and later my life’s work. Removing redundant wires I have asked, with no response, “Where is Carl V. Ehrke, Belleville (Canada) With reference to the photograph of the the environmental impact study for non- cluttered wiring outside Innsbruck’s Wilten tailpipe emissions?”, but it would appear that Ed: I hope my comments a couple of months depot on page 376 of issue 958, it should be this has not been done yet! ago were not misconstrued. Public transport pointed out that the unsightly mess running We now have the Mersey Gateway toll will always be my first choice for personal and horizontally across the top third of the view bridge open and already there is significant business travel, but this is not always practical. is defunct wiring. This was not ‘rat running’ from the west. All west Mersey For instance, a recent journey to North Wales, removed after the system closed in 2007, crossings are now tolled and almost weekly a distance of 200 or so miles, was costed at presumably due to the difficulty of what will the M6/ Viaduct is jammed with a rat GBP160 (EUR180) by bus and train – even booking be a complex rewiring operation merely to run from the east of the town months in advance. This was the per person return remove the trolleybus overhead. In short, a lack of investment in mass price. The time savings were also clear. Driving If and when this is done, the remaining transit is holding the Warrington region back. took four hours (with roadworks), yet by train and tramway wiring will be very much lighter For the millions proposed for new road bus this was calculated at six-and a-half hours. in appearance, opening up photographic schemes, a low-cost, lightweight tramway For two travellers, we saved two-and-a-half hours opportunities featuring the splendid along the lines of that proposed for Coventry and over GBP250. Our choice was made for us. monastery as a background. (developed, designed and manufactured in These are the same choices made by millions Bruce Anderton, Otley (UK) the UK) would far better serve the needs of every day. With disjointed transportation this town that has aspirations for city status. networks, especially if travelling longer distances Action on air quality now! Given the competing challenges of air with multiple changes, the choice for many will It seems that the UK’s air quality is far worse quality and of economic growth, surely a always be the automobile. Sad, but true. than any of us thought. In my Comment piece lightweight tramway – with an eventual link in TAUT 956, I made reference to the Oslo into a tram-train service to Metrolink – that Invasions by tram Effect – not the first time I have done so – and could be implemented relatively cheaply The article on Kyiv by Kostj Kozlov in the serious effect of the degradation of rubber and quickly is far better value for money in TAUT 959 prompted a look back. tyres and brake linings on urban air quality. future-proofing the community? As some readers may know, Kyiv was the It seems that I have seriously under- And all this less than 15 miles from Greater scene of an unusual event during the estimated the severity of the issue. Manchester, home of one of the UK’s greatest Russo-Polish War of 1920. Following In 2012 the World Health Organisation light rail success stories… independence in 1918, Poland rapidly and the University of Bath identified 16 355 Jim Harkins, Chair, LRTA External Relations Group expanded its borders to encompass much premature deaths in the UK as a result of air- of the region’s former Austro-Hungarian borne pollution. The latest figures from the Making the case for public transport territory in order to preempt an invasion by Royal College of Physicians show that this In regards to the editorial comment in the the . Eventually they were pushed could be more like 40 000 deaths related to October Mailbox, are we to jump into our back to what is now western Ukraine. particulate pollution and NO2 emissions. ‘oh-so-convenient cars’ at any given moment But initially, the Polish offensive reached Professor Frank Kelly, Chair of the because – as we valiantly try to explain to the outskirts of Kyiv at a tram terminus and Committee on the Medical Effects of other public transportation-minded people – a party of troops commandeered a couple Air Pollutants and a highly respected railways are too expensive, and here we have of tramcars, heading at speed into the city environmental scientist, said in October comfortable door-to-door transportation, centre and surprising the Soviet defenders. that the current UK Government’s strategy bypassing local transit at either end as well? At the end of that war the boundaries of banning new petrol and diesel vehicles by Trains, subways, streetcars too crowded, finally settled with the Polish governing 2040 “does not nearly go far enough”. buses not frequent enough…? We like the the west of the country including the city Writing in The Guardian, Professor Kelly idea of others saving the environment. of Lwow – now Lviv – until 1939. Happily said: “Zero-emission vehicles are not the One of the attractions of the motor vehicle is relations are now much improved. complete answer to poor air quality,” while that it provides the ultimate segregation. Roll Does anyone else know of invasions by also calling for mass transit investment in up the windows, turn on the air-conditioning tram anywhere? the capital. and make it our home away from home. Nice Nigel Eames, by e-mail

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2017 / 495 Classic Trams HISTORY ON SHOW IN Darmstadt Mike Russell chronicles the survival of a highly representative collection of tramcars from the German city of Darmstadt – and their continued operation over its remarkably stable network. 1

he city of Darmstadt, with a DGEG museum at Viernheim and is now Waggon-Union was the preferred supplier population of around 150 000, lies on long-term loan from the city of Worms, for Darmstadt’s articulated cars in later years, 35km (22 miles) south of Frankfurt which acquired it in 1991; although not by which time a fleet numbering system am Main in the southern part of restored, it is in original condition. incorporating a two-digit year prefix had the German State of . The ‘odd-man-out’ is 57. For a city that been adopted. The historic fleet contains class UntilT 1918 it was the seat of the Grand Duchy suffered extensive damage through aerial ST10 six-axle car 7608 and ST11 eight-axle of Hesse and the ancestral castle continues to bombardment in 1944, the Darmstadt fleet car 8210. On withdrawal, all the other ST10 dominate the present-day city centre. escaped remarkably unscathed. No cars were cars plus ST11 8211, 8212 and 8213 were Darmstadt was unusual for German cities of destroyed and only three damaged, all of also acquired by Iaşi. It is testimony to the its size in having never had a horse tramway. which were later rebuilt. One was 57, which excellent condition in which HEAG cars The first trams were steam-powered and a re-entered service in 1947 with a modernised are maintained that ex-Darmstadt cars are three-route network totalling 17.4km (10.8 body design; after withdrawal in 1974 it was amongst significant examples from German miles) to suburban settlements – developed retained as a driver training car until it joined and Swiss cities to have survived alongside and initially operated by private capital – the historic fleet in the late 1980s. This car has Iaşi’s collection of former Stuttgart GT4 cars. opened from 1886, ceasing operation in March been fully restored and is currently the oldest 1922. In 1895 the city authorities began work electric tramcar in operating condition. New line, new museum on a complementary network of electrically- The only surviving ST4 motor car is Gastell Amongst the recent tramway extensions powered municipal tramways and the first 74, repatriated from the HSM at Wehmingen is a branch off the Arheilgen route to a line opened in November 1897. The two in 2005. Sister car 71, built by MAN, initially new housing estate at Kranichstein. In the undertakings were fused into the Hessische survived as a playground in a Wixhausen midst of the terminal turning circle, HEAG Eisenbahn-Aktiengesellschaft (HEAG) in 1912, kindergarten but was later scrapped. has constructed a museum to house the which continues operations over a century later. Darmstadt received five of the utilityKSW remarkable collection of cars previously A striking feature of Darmstadt’s metre- cars but none of its own class ST5 has survived. scattered across its depots. Planning gauge tramway is that a glance at a route map To remedy this omission, Fuchs car 507 was constraints in this residential area require it from 1912 indicates a remarkable similarity to acquired from Augsburg in 2008 but along to be open for public viewing on a severely that of today. Certainly, there have been some with most other cars it is currently in storage. restricted schedule each year. With full track minor amputations, balanced by a couple of The nine ST6 motor cars built by Rathgeber connections to the system, however, there is extensions, but generally the tram routes now in 1954 were not only the last two-axle the opportunity for museum cars to operate follow the same axes to the west and north, cars bought new by HEAG, but survived in on special occasions, notably on open days and especially the long trajectory to the south, service to be the last in service anywhere in at the nearby railway museum (Bahnwelt as the original steam and electric trams. the then West Germany. Of these, vehicle 12 Darmstadt-Kranichstein). HEAG cars then Even the original electric car depot at has been restored as the HEAG party-tram, provide a special direct shuttle service between Böllenfalltor, much rebuilt and modernised, is whilst 15 is awaiting restoration and 13 serves Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof and Kranichstein. still used as the tramway’s principal depot and as the Würzburg party tram. Four similar Trailer cars are also well represented. head office. The fleet has been progressively but double-ended cars built by Rathgeber In addition to Kinderbahn 132 there are two and prudently modernised, with new bogie for Regensburg in 1956 were acquired after Rathgeber cars of class SB6: 182 of 1951, and trailers giving low-floor capability behind that system closed in 1964 and remained in 202 of 1956, the latter being the only example conventional high-floor articulated motor cars. use until as late as 1992, but none survive in of the former Regensburg fleet (80) retained Darmstadt. Car 88, however, has returned to in Darmstadt. Respect for its origins its city of origin as a static memorial. A special feature is the continued Darmstadt has class-coded its motor and The first of the modern tram generation operation of a steam-hauled tram train in trailer cars since the early days, with the prefix represented is DWM six-axle car 31 of class summer months, evoking the city’s original ST (Strassenbahn-Triebwagen) for motor cars ST7, one of 13 delivered in 1961 and in service tramways. The engine is not original to and SB for trailers. The original 1897 motor until 1997. Sister vehicles 25 and 26 remain Darmstadt; it was built in 1919 by Henschel cars were converted into trailers in the 1930s in Darmstadt but the others gravitated east for an industrial line and came to the city in and later scrapped. Thus the oldest electric to Iaşi, in north-east Romania, as did six of 1997 on loan from the Kranichstein railway survivors are two of 15 class ST2 cars built by the seven similar ST8 class delivered in 1963. museum, subsequently being purchased in Gastell in 1913-14, in service until 1970. However, all are now withdrawn. 2010. It is named Feuriger Elias, a soubriquet Car 37 was reconverted during the 1970s Designation ST9 was a stop-gap measure, accorded to the city’s steam trams in the early to almost original condition whilst 49 was namely the purchase of six double-ended years of the 20th Century. Normal operation converted into a Kinderbahn-set with class articulated vehicles built for Remscheid by is on selected Sundays and holidays over SB3 trailer 132 in 1972, used to offer free trips Westwaggon in 1960 and bought after that the three former steam-worked suburban around the city for children whilst their parents system’s 1969 closure. These frugally-built cars lines (Arheilgen, Griesheim and Eberstadt, went shopping – an enterprising initiative. were mounted on one bogie and one recovered nowadays extended to Alsbach). Four Three ST3 examples, built by Gastell two-axle truck and in Darmstadt were passenger trailers are usually hauled (4, 101, in 1925-26 to a similar design, are in the converted to single-ended layout. They were 100 and 301 – the latter, built in 1887, being historic fleet. Orange-livered works car 6 usually found on route 3 to Lichtenbergschule, the oldest surviving Darmstadt tramcar). was originally passenger car 66 and after though latterly on route 1 (Hauptbahnhof a peripatetic existence returned from – Eberstadt). The only survivor, 66, was The assistance of Holger Kötting and Bernhard Naumburg (-Anhalt) in 2002. Car 67 acquired by the Bergisches Museums-Bahn, Sukiennik in the preparation of this article is left Darmstadt in 1977 for the now-closed which intends to restore it as Remscheid 106. gratefully acknowledged.

496 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. ST3 motor car 67, in almost original condition, has led a roving existence since withdrawal from HEAG service and is currently on loan from the city of Worms. It is seen in Kranichstein museum on 27 May 2017.

2. Currently the oldest serviceable motor car in the Darmstadt historic fleet is class ST3 57, with a slightly modernised body rebuilt following war damage. On 28 May 2017 it was operating a shuttle service to Kranichstein and is seen passing the Landgericht building in Luisenstrasse whilst en route to Hauptbahnhof.

3. The oldest electric motor car in the Darmstadt historic fleet is 37, built in 1913 by Gastell and renovated to near original condition in 1970. It is now exhibited in the HEAG Kranichstein museum.

4. The failure of any of 2 Darmstadt’s own austerity KSW motor cars to survive prompted the enthusiast group to acquire similar car 507 from Augsburg 3 in 2008. It is seen here on its first public outing, at an open day at the HEAG Frankenstein depot, on 18 May 2008. Darmstadt’s own KSW trailer 171 of 1948 is attached.

5. The member of class ST6 to be restored for the museum fleet is car 15. It is shown here at the Frankenstein depot open day on 18 May 2008, illustrating just how 4 much restoration has to be undertaken even on a relatively modern car. Trailers 202 and 182 are attached. 6 6. The Kinderbahn set of ST2 motor car 49 and SB3 trailer 132 has been out of service for some years and is now on display at Kranichstein. This view from 3 May 1974 shows the cars performing their duties in Rheinstrasse, giving children a free ride around the city.

7. The first generation of articulated cars is represented 5 by DWM car 31 of 1961, seen negotiating the turning loop at Kranichstein whilst operating a shuttle service to and from Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof in connection with an open day at the nearby railway museum on 27 May 2017.

8. The operation of the replica steam tram train headed by Feurgier Elias has been a regular feature of summer Sunday operation for many years. On 26 June 2005 the train is seen heading south in Seeheim. 7 8 All photography by Mike Russell

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2017 / 497 BOOKSHOP Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage & packing – Any UK address: add 10%; All addresses outside UK: add 20%. For Airmail despatch outside Europe: add 30%.

Chicago Surface Lines Trams and Trolleybuses in Hastings, Linking Chicago’s Neighborhoods St Leonard’s-on-Sea and Bexhill: 1905–1959 A comprehensive history of electric public No.8 in the Shore Line Interurban Historical transport in these conjoined coastal towns, Society’s Dispatch series, this new book set against the background of changes in describes the operation of several major routes ownership structure and the machinations in what was once one of the world’s largest of local politics. The evocative illustrations streetcar networks. Uniquely American details, portray life in a more tranquil streetscape such as the use of transfer tickets, are included. than today’s congested thoroughfares. > 280 x 215mm softback; 100 pages, 110 mono > A4 hardback; 198 pages, 28 colour and and 26 colour pictures; two maps, fleet details. 178 black & white pictures, eight maps.

£15.00 plus postage & packing as shown above. £40.00 plus postage & packing as shown above.

Tram Atlas Polen | Poland German Trams In Colour 1955-1975 Another great little book from a useful series now covering most of Europe, A beautiful album showing the Australasia, Japan and the USA. The usual delightful array of tramcar types in mix of photographs and maps makes for the former West and East Germany a handy guide to this very interesting during a period of huge transition. country. English & German text. Highly recommended.

> B5 softback; 144 pages, > 270 x 235mm hardback; 178 colour pictures, 44 maps. 160 pages, 220 colour pictures.

£24.50 plus P&P as shown above. £18.00 plus postage & packing as shown above.

Streets of London Transport Metrolink: The First 25 Years A superb album of trams, trolleybuses and buses at work in the capital from the Marking a quarter century of the creation of LT in 1933 through to 1969 UK’s pioneer second-generation tram – arguably including public transport’s system, the history of the nation’s golden age of the immediate post-war largest network is set out against the years. Also shows London undergoing background of its continual growth. rapid change. > B5 hardback, landscape format; > A4 hardback, landscape format; 96 pages, fully illustrated in 128 pages, fully illustrated in colour colour and black & white. and black & white with several maps.

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Les Tramways Belges en Russie Hongkong Tramways De 1880 à la révolution de 1917 香 The detailed history of this iconic system A fascinating description of Belgian Hongkong 港 Tramways published in 1970 is updated to cover a enterprise in at the turn of the 電 19th and 20th Centuries, involving the further 40+ years of change on the island. planning, construction and operation of 車 Hongkong holds a special fascination numerous tramways with different forms due to the extremely British nature of its of traction. French text. tramcars with a distinctly pre-war feel.

> A4 hardback; 84 pages, 110 black & white > A4 softback; 216 pages, 500+ colour and Joseph Tse Yiu-honiu-hon and and John John Prentice Prentice black & white pictures; several maps, updating the original work of pictures and several maps. the late Peter Atkinson and Alan Williamsilliams diagrams and scale drawings. £18.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. £27.50 plus P&P as shown above.

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Chicago Streetcar Renaissance Würzburg

systems Having survived many challenges, Würzburg’s germaNy RETHINKING factfile tramway is continuing renewal and expansion No. Würzburg, begun in the late 1980s. Wurzburg Neil Pulling reports CHICAGO 122 Germany from Bavaria. TRANSIT RIGHT: Inspiration for Chicago’s streetcar renewal Mark Walbrun and John Krause have a radical proposal to is being taken, in part, from modern French tram systems that feature extensive green track and re-establish streetcar service in the Windy City, once a US light environmental mitigation measures. J. Krause rail pioneer. TAUT examines the plan… The way this situation has developed has left from the 1890s and now covering 165km hicago once boasted arguably a big gap in the transit system between heavy (102.5 miles) of city lines, but this is expensive the most expansive streetcar rail and local bus. There is a role for bus rapid to maintain and currently carries a USD20bn network in the world – at its transit in filling that gap in the spectrum, backlog of deferred maintenance and no real peak in the late 1930s, the Windy but part of the problem is that some of the prospects of paying for it. Elevated railways City hosted over 1600 track km city’s corridors have such a high ridership are also noisy and tend to undermine rather C(1000 track miles) serving 100 routes and that loading people onto small buses would than bolster property values, struggling require a service frequency so high that with a fleet of over 3200 vehicles. to attract transit-oriented development. What makes this city in the Midwest giving them signal priority would effectively The city has grown considerably since the shut down traffic on the surrounding grid. slightly unusual is that while most US cities introduction of the ‘L’, and the most intensive grew up with the automobile, Chicago was development of the latter 20th century is A city of contrast already fully built-out before the arrival seen along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, of the auto age. Development was not Two things give Chicago its distinct character: much of it beyond a reasonable comfortable the skyscraper and its location on the southwest economically viable unless the property was walking distance from where the Red line was connected to the city and its central business corner of Lake Michigan. The combination laid out in the 1890s. of these two aspects, the distinctly urban and district by electric rail. But with rapid growth For the residents and businesses along this in the early decades of the 20th century came the intensely natural, make it unique amongst corridor there are two to three times as many US cities. The juxtapositions of city and congestion and by the 1940s the streetcar riders per mile as the average for the heavy network had become overwhelmed and nature, of skyscraper and beach, have always rail system, but instead they are served by been striking. found itself mired in traffic. buses that are stuck in traffic – they don’t Chicago still has the world-famous ‘L’ Chicago was founded as the connection even have dedicated bus lanes. elevated mass transit system, introduced point between the Great Lakes and the river network that takes you further west and Chicago’s shoreline with Lake Michigan ultimately south to the Gulf of Mexico by gives it a unique character, bordering dense high-rise development. the Mississippi River. Horse-drawn streetcars Gurpreetz / CC BY-SA 2.0 were seen from the late 1850s and one of the inged first major mechanised transport modes in by wooded and tramway in 1966, bringing increased LHB/Siemens the city was a cable car system introduced in vineyard-clad hills in commitment to its long-term role. which channels traffic north of the the 1880s. Andrew Halliday invented it in the Main river valley, GT-N 261 eases city centre, all trams pass directly onto For several years, rising car use and towards the San Francisco and the Chicago city fathers Würzburg (population a main shopping street, Kaiserstrasse. crowded roads seemed to foreshadow city-bound liked it so much that they installed a much 128 500) grew on a site closure, a widespread outcome for Outbound trams heading to the favouredr by traders and ecclesiastical Hauptbahnhof tram larger system than any other in the US. many tramways in the former West stop at Würzburg only tramway arm north of central bodies. The former bequeathed Yet by 1906 the cable cars were gone, Germany. Today’s system grew from Hbf. Schalksberg Würzburg use a Hauptbahnhof the name (würzen – spice) and the replaced by an electrified network that Würzburger Strassenbahnen founded vineyard provides platform away from the turning latter created the distinctive skyline. covered the entire city. The streetcars, in 1899, which by the following year the backdrop. loop. Upon return they are however Located in the north of Bayern/ though, were soon stuck in the congestion was electrifying horse-drawn services. channelled onto it, contributing to the Bavaria state the historic Franken/ of a rapidly developing city, and in the 1890s These began in 1892, the basis of 125th intensive service south of the Hbf. Franconia identity remains strong. the first elevated rapid transit lines were anniversary celebrations during 2017. Outside the Juliusspital foundation, Würzburg lies around 390km built, showcased by the World’s Fair held in one of Würzburg's many Baroque- (244 miles) south-west of Berlin and WVV is also responsible for 22 bus 1893. The technology was impressive for lines; its vehicles carry the logo of styled buildings, near Juliuspromenade by rail it is mid-way between Frankfurt the time and quickly expanded with the use VVM, the regional association of public stop is the delta junction where tracks am Main and Nürnberg, an important for the first time of multiple-unit control transport providers, founded in 2004. diverge for the system’s western and junction long before becoming the that allowed the ‘L’ to quickly grow to the southern arms. The latter has another southern end of Germany’s first high- The tramway immediately confronts those arriving at Würzburg delta junction just south of the eight-line system we know today. speed (ICE) line in 1988. Streetcars and the ‘L’ co-existed for Hbf station. The inside of the turning small central area at Sanderring stop. Public transport sits within the loop which has one platform of Big changes came to what had been half a century, but competition from the mobility division of the municipal Hauptbahnhof stop is park-like, a traditional street tramway in the automobile, changing development patterns, utilities group, Würzburger with trees and the Kiliansbrunnen 1990s, notably with the proportion of challenges from a nation at war and wider Versorgungs und Verkehrs (WVV); fountain. After the traffic light- rights of way being greatly increased. traffic issues meant that the two operators, WVV incorporated the metre-gauge controlled crossing of Röntgenring, Words and pictures This is most apparent in places where the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the by Neil Pulling. Chicago Surface Lines, found themselves in tracks could be wholly separated, as financial difficulties. 484 / december 2017 www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org

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Metrolink @25

A special review in association with Metrolink is just one sign of Manchester's ambitions of becoming a world-class city. The Beetham Tower, completed in 2016, is another; it is currently the tallest building outside the UK capital.

This special celebration of 25 years of Manchester Metrolink is produced in association with Tramways & Urban Transit © 2017 Contributors: Tony Streeter, Neil Pulling Design: Debbie Nolan Production: Lanna Blyth Commercial: Geoff Butler TAUT Editor: Simon Johnston All images by Neil Pulling unless otherwise stated. Grateful thanks are due to the staff of Manchester Metrolink and Transport for Greater Manchester, past and present, in particular: Chris Allen, Mike Anderson, Graham Barrow, Chris Coleman, Marie Daly, Michael Del Rosso, Councillor Andrew Fender, Aline Frantzen, Steve Johnston, Dr Jon Lamonte, Gary Scanlon, Graham Thornton, Danny Vaughan and Tony Young. Metrolink @25 We’ve come a long way…

t is hard to believe that it has been more than 25 years since the first Metrolink service left the Queen’s I Road depot back in 1992. The network’s journey from humble beginnings to the largest light rail system in the UK is certainly a remarkable one. The phenomenal GBP1.5bn (EUR1.7bn) expansion programme completed earlier in 2017 has been one of the largest and most ambitious transport projects ever to be delivered in the UK. We now have a system that spans over 97km (60 miles), boasts 120 trams and serves 93 stops at key destinations across the city region. The distinctive yellow Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater trams are one of Greater Manchester’s most recognisable Manchester Committee. TfGM sights – an integral part of people’s lives. Back on 17 July 1992, when Her Majesty The Queen officially opened Metrolink, it was a different picture. A fleet of just 26 East Didsbury, Rochdale via Oldham, Ashton and Manchester trams ran to 20 stops along 31km (19 miles) of track between Airport. Patronage has rocketed from eight million journeys in and Bury via Manchester city centre. The opening Metrolink’s first year to a staggering 40 million in 2017. of the UK’s first on-street running light rail extension – to Eccles This year saw the final piece in the jigsaw as we celebrated via Salford Quays – followed in 1999-2000. Since these early the completion of another ambitious project: the Second achievements, Metrolink has grown rapidly to become the City Crossing (2CC). This short but significant section of largest light rail system in the country. new line through the heart of Manchester city centre is The multi-award winning Phase 3 programme has trebled already playing a vital role in improving reliability and the size of the network with extensions to MediaCityUK, providing much-needed capacity and flexibility for a still-growing network. Metrolink has been a strong catalyst for further investment and economic growth, helping to deliver regeneration in the areas it serves, including MediaCityUK, Oldham and Wythenshawe town centres. This year we have started work on yet another major Metrolink project – the GBP350m ‘It has been a (EUR400m) Trafford remarkable journey, Park Line, due to open in 2020. and one I’m This six-stop line will offer fast privileged to have and frequent seen first-hand.’ connections to jobs, leisure, shopping and Councillor Andrew Fender cultural destinations along the 5.5km (3.4-mile) route, including connections to employment at Trafford Park, Europe’s largest industrial estate. And, in our jubilee year, a new operator has taken over Metrolink’s reigns. KeolisAmey Metrolink – a partnership between two international transport and infrastructure management specialists – signed a contract to operate and maintain the network from this summer, with a commitment to create more than 300 new jobs including drivers, apprenticeships and traineeships. Customers are already reaping the benefits of an increased staff and security presence across the network. It therefore couldn’t be a better time to celebrate Metrolink’s impressive history and the many successes of the past 25 years. It has been a remarkable journey, and one I’m privileged to have seen first-hand, and my thanks go to all Generation those who have worked so hard to turn those early dreams game: T68 and ambitions into a reality. 1003 meets Their collective dedication and focus has helped us to M5000 3013 at deliver a truly world-class transport system for the people Piccadilly on of Greater Manchester – now we turn our attention to the 24 March 2017. next 25 years.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 3 Metrolink @25 Metrolink: A vision of unity ack in 1992, Metrolink was experimental stuff. setbacks and rejections, but that success has also led others The opening of a line that weaved together former to increasingly ask: ‘How have they done it?’ B British Rail heavy rail routes with street-running across Visitors from around the world are regularly welcomed Manchester’s city centre had never been seen before. to England’s north-west to help answer that very question, In 2017 the system completed its multi-year ‘Big Bang’ quizzing local authorities, designers, contractors and that has more than trebled its size. Greater Manchester’s operators alike. The answer, as all will tell you, is unity. There is a light rail network is now the UK’s biggest, and one that has strong sense of community within all of these parties, working become a touchstone for an industry that has reached a together towards one common goal: We are Metrolink. level of maturity equal to its European neighbours. As Transport for Greater Manchester begins work on its It sits as a shining example of what is possible with a latest extension, it’s worth reflecting on the system’s birth and long-term vision of how transport can help to reconnect remembering that the idea of fixed-track urban connections often disparate communities. Its success hasn’t come without for the city isn’t exactly a new one…

An image of the modern Metrolink, M5000 tram 3017 speeds its way through St Peter’s Square on the Second City Crossing in 2017.

Metrolink timeline Development news Key achievements/dates Line openings Tram Operator change

1984 1990 - JUNE 1991 1992 - April

The first Bill is submitted The design, build, operate Work begins to convert The first Metrolink to the UK's Parliament and maintain contract for Bury and Altrincham heavy trams run from Bury to for permission to build Metrolink Phase 1 – Bury rail lines with new track Manchester Victoria. Metrolink. to Altrincham – is awarded through the city centre. to GMA Group.

4 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink A SELNEC (South East Lancashire North East ) Passenger Transport Executive map of the proposed Picc-Vic tunnel that was never realised. TfGM

Central Manchester, 1991: Metrolink tracks and overhead poles on Mosley Street, with tracks to Piccadilly Gardens leading to the right. Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester

A consortium including GEC, Mowlem and Amec was appointed to design, build, operate and maintain the first phase of Metrolink. The idea was to increase connectivity into and across the city, at the same time breathing new life into old and under-utilised commuter lines. A quarter-century on, we can see how successful that vision has been. From underground to street-running At the time Metrolink was conceived it was seen as a bold step – though not as bold as a previous proposal that would have seen a tunnelled connection across the city centre. If the ‘Picc-Vic’ scheme had come to fruition it would have seen a roughly 5km (three-mile) line dug under the city centre to connect (as the name suggests) the major stations of Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria. Unlike in many other countries, the UK’s 19th Century railway boom was driven not by the state, but by private finance – and that resulted in the two stations not being physically linked, despite being only around 1.5km (one mile) HM Queen Elizabeth II unveils a plaque in St Peter’s Square at the apart. Piccadilly opened in 1842, Victoria in 1844. official opening of Metrolink on 17 July 1992, with Councillor Jack Flanagan (left) and the late Joe Clarke, Chairman of the Greater Like its future Metrolink counterpart, the Picc-Vic project was Manchester PTA. Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester visionary. Twenty years in its conception, twin tunnels would connect five stations and, significantly, it would have been electrified and built to a mainline loading gauge. Trains were scheme and it would be another decade before proposals to run every two-and-half-minutes at the core of the network for a surface-running metropolitan light railway were finalised. and moving underground travelators would have linked Now, Manchester itself has a population of around 500 000, Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square and Oxford Road station. with the wider metropolitan region containing a further 2.3 A five-year construction project was scheduled to begin in million. This is expected to grow to over three million in the September 1973, but this was rejected by a cash-strapped UK next two decades, and the city and region are changing to Government in the midst of an economic crisis the following the point that by that time it will be unrecognisable to even year. All that remains today is an escalator well lying silently the planners of the 1950s and ’60s who conceived the below the Arndale shopping centre for a station that was Picc-Vic. As such, Manchester is regarded by many as the never built, the only part of exploratory works for the project. UK’s second city, a title it vies for strongly with Birmingham in The dire banking landscape put paid to this imaginative the nation's West Midlands region.

1992 - April 1992 - June 1992 - July 1994 - May

The first city centre The Altrincham line opens Metrolink is officially The Government backs Metrolink services run to passengers. opened by HM Queen plans for Metrolink from Victoria to Elizabeth II at a ceremony Phase 2, the Eccles via ‘G-Mex’ (now in Manchester on 17 July Salford Quays line, the first Deansgate-). 1992. light rail extension to have on-street running.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 5 Metrolink @25

With Picc-Vic cancelled before it even began, the problem The return of connectivity remained – and so in the 1980s planning of the tram began on an alternative that would avoid the huge costs caused great of a tunnel. Borrowing from emerging systems in both excitement in North America and Europe, the idea of mixed alignments Manchester with street-running in the city centre formed the genesis back in 1992. Tony Young of Metrolink – one of the most successful light rail stories of recent years, and not just in the UK. Core to making it happen was building a new line in central Manchester, running roughly 4km (2.5 miles) via Market Street. Although relatively short, by connecting the city’s two major stations it enabled the creation of a new through route, between Bury (taking over the 1200V dc third- rail electrified alignment) to the north of Manchester and Altrincham (25kV ac OLE) in the south west. The Altrincham the former ‘Oldham Loop’. This saw its last heavy rail usage in section was adapted for 750V dc current collection, 2009 and its first Metrolink services some three years later. Yet it while on the Bury line new catenary was erected to allow has also included completely new lines, running on a mixture replacement of the old dc system. Unlike the power supply of specially-built formation and on-street tracks. though, much original track remained – Metrolink’s first line In her speech at a formal reception to mark the opening was effectively a stitching together of old and new. in July 1992, the Queen’s words summed up not only what From that original 26km (16 miles) has now sprung a 97km delivered the original project – but what has effectively (60-mile) network; today, services run to eight termini (not remained true until this day: “The Metrolink, on which including the central Piccadilly stop) over lettered routes: I travelled to Bury, is another example of co-operation Altrincham – Bury (A); Altrincham – Etihad Campus (B); Bury – between a large number of organisations in the public and Piccadilly (C); MediaCityUK – Piccadilly (D); Ashton-under-Lyne private sector to greatly improve communication between – Eccles (E); Manchester Airport – Deansgate-Castlefield (F); people in the northern and southern part of the county.” East Didsbury – Rochdale Town Centre (G); and East Didsbury Unity has been core to Metrolink’s success ever since – – Shaw and Crompton (H). Services are typically every six even in the face of initial rejection of expansion plans. minutes during the day. In the future, the ability to achieve that agreed purpose In 2017 the Second City Crossing (2CC) opened to give will be boosted by the election of Manchester’s first metro an alternative route across central Manchester via St Peter’s mayor and a devolution deal that has created a powerful Square. In addition to reaching new destinations, this short regional political force (see page 27). However, it should not link paves the way for an even greater uplift of services as the be forgotten that the greatest expansion of the network took original city route struggles to keep pace with ridership growth place under a much more disparate structure that required and the addition of more and more new lines. consensus across multiple authorities – making it all the more Of that new system, some has been the conversion of impressive and an example that other city regions have further national railway network routes such as the takeover of followed, and continue to follow.

The UK's first second-generation street-running tram breaks Exactly 25 years later, on 27 April 2017 the same view has changed through the wall at Victoria station on 27 April 1992; T68 vehicle dramatically; M5000 3035 is bound for Rochdale via Oldham and 1007 is to be preserved at Heaton Park Tram Museum. Tony Young tram 3039 is heading for Altrincham via Market Street. Tony Young

1997 - May 1997 - July 1999 - December 2000 - January

Serco Metrolink takes Construction begins on the Prime Minister Tony Blair Phase 2 expansion over the operation and Phase 2 Eccles via Salford officially opens the Eccles is completed with the maintenance of Metrolink. Quays line. via Salford Quays line as Broadway to Eccles far as Broadway tramstop. section.

6 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink The spark behind the Big Bang

The Eccles line marked the start of Metrolink’s transformation into a network; 3009 on Eccles New Road in March 2010. The line closed for six weeks for rail renewals in the summer of 2016.

he first major augmentation of the network followed Chancellor of the Exchequer by local MPs, and meetings in 1999 and 2000 with the opening of the new line to were held in Westminster. Even local authorities that stood T Eccles in stages. This took the entire system length to nothing to gain from the Big Bang, such as those in Stockport 39km (24 miles). Attending one stage of the line’s opening, or Wigan, united behind the cause. Despite such pressure, then-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair claimed that “Metrolink is the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful. exactly the type of scheme needed to solve the transport How do you continue to move forward when voters problems of the metropolitan areas of the country.” overwhelmingly decide against your plans? That’s what Results elsewhere in the UK have been limited in the happened in December 2008 when some 79% of those who nearly 20 years since that announcement, and sadly the participated in a public referendum rejected the introduction following few years saw the cancellation of a number of of a congestion charge that was essential to the bid for small-start schemes that could have seen other areas of the Metrolink expansion funding from the UK’s Transport Innovation country benefit in the same way as Greater Manchester. Fund. This was to provide funding for around half of the In Manchester, what was dubbed ‘Phase 2’ (Eccles) was just a GBP3bn (EUR3.7bn) scheme to grow Metrolink, invest in both start. Indeed it was Phase 3 that would create the UK’s biggest bus and rail improvement schemes and launch a region-wide tram system – and the country’s first true street-running smart ticketing solution known as the Readycard. In not one network. It might never have happened, but then Greater of the relevant local authorities did voters come out in favour. Manchester has always shown a fighting spirit in pursuing By this point Phase 3 had been broken into 3a (which was what it believes is right for the region as a whole. agreed in 2006 with confirmation of funding in 2008) and 3b. Following a decision in 2004 from the incumbent Transport Undeterred by the rejection, those advocating the scheme Secretary to cancel Metrolink’s first attempt at a ‘Big Bang’, the pushed ahead – and were rewarded just six months after the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities mobilised its TIF bid failed, when the UK Government announced it was opposition: leaders from across the political spectrum united making GBP1.4bn available for transport improvements in with the Chamber of Commerce, trade unions, pensioners and Greater Manchester. It meant the funding of all the planned community groups to form a regional and national campaign. lines under what had been dubbed the Big Bang – other than Often heated public meetings were held in each of the that to Trafford Park. In doing so, it presaged the creation of ten districts, a petition was handed to the Prime Minister and something much, much bigger.

2001 - January 2003 - March 2004 - July 2004 - August

The Eccles Line is declared A new city centre Metrolink The government withdraws The ‘Get Metrolink Back officially open yb HRH stop opens at Shudehill funding for Phase 3 on Track’ campaign pulls in Princess Royal. Interchange. expansion due to cost wide support from increases. Greater Manchester.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 7 Metrolink @25 Growing the vehicle fleet

or Metrolink’s first 17 years services were provided by two-section trams are 28.4m long with capacity for 206 the Firema/Ansaldo T68/T68a vehicles that had been passengers. Each bi-directional tram has four doors each F familiar since the system’s opening. However, it is side. As with the T68s, their maximum speed in service is now some eight years since the first of the replacement 80km/h (50mph). Bombardier M5000 trams started to arrive – and more than All vehicles now have free Wi-Fi, rolled out to the entire fleet three since the first-generation of trams ceased to run; the in a GBP1.7m (EUR2.4m) investment. last pair of T68A trams was withdrawn in April 2014. That followed a 2012 decision that new vehicles would completely replace the earlier versions. Rather than refurbishing R oles and responsibilities the older trams, they would be retired. Current orders take the “The relationship between the consortium – Bombardier number of M5000s up to 120. maintaining over the vehicle warranty and Vossloh supporting The T68A was a more modern variant of the original, on the traction package, motors and drive system – is great delivered between May and September 1999 for the route and has been since the very start," says Thornton. "It’s the same through Salford Quays to Eccles. There were several key with TfGM as a client. We wanted to be more contractual differences to the electronics and operating systems, so TfGM essentially appointed us as agents to negotiate on including ac rather than dc traction motors. similar terms as them. Head of Tram Engineering Graham Thornton says that in “We’ve now moved away from day-based maintenance to the latter years of the T68 vehicles it was a “mainly reliable a new balanced regime. I may suffer from having to maintain fleet”, but that this took some achieving. Thornton arrived things a little earlier, but I see the benefits long-term with a in 2009 to “pick up the pieces of a fleet that had a large nice, stable maintenance plan and a reliable fleet.” number of reliability issues. We were barely getting 3800 or so “Through experience we got the commissioning process miles between failures. down to 14 days from low-loader into service. This came about “The fleet wasn’t delivered with a great deal of spare parts with our commissioning guys working with Bombardier doing as there were only six of them. This caused a great many the pre-service inspections alongside them: this gave two headaches,” he adds. benefits – we got the vehicles earlier, and gave Bombardier “The knock-on effect to the customer was shocking. the opportunity to work on any snags straight away. We needed to deliver 29 from the 32 to operate a day’s service "They come on low-loaders over the Alps to Rotterdam, and that never happened. It was a celebration if we had 26.” taking a ferry to Hull and arriving at around 12.30 every He says, “No-one was happier than me when the new vehicles Saturday at a rate of roughly one new tram every three weeks. started to arrive; while we considered a major overhaul of the original fleet, it was announced that they would be replaced with an equivalent number of M5000s. Oslo eventually benefited from us in terms of large spares such as inverters and power cases once we took the vehicles off fleet.” However, he says, “The T68s had a 20-year reliability improvement curve; the M5000s have probably had a six-year one as we are now hitting the benchmark target that we have set ourselves – we broke the 30 000 mean distance between service failures in April which is a huge achievement for any fleet, especially one as big and complex as this delivered over six years. "Coming from the days of a mixed fleet where we could have as many as 15 vehicle failures in a day, we’re now down to an average of 12 per month where we have to withdraw a vehicle. Now we have to maintain that high standard.” Built at Bombardier’s facilities in Bautzen (Germany) and Vienna (Austria), the Flexity Swift vehicles incorporate Vossloh-Kiepe electrical equipment. Being lighter than their predecessors, the yellow and silver trams use less energy T68 1016 was one of three of its kind to feature in the last official day and give less wear on the track. They are also roomier, of Metrolink’s original fleet on 10 February 2014; fittingly it is seen at complying with the UK’s Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations, Pomona, the starting point of the next extension – to Trafford Park. which came into force in 2010. A standard 2.65m wide, the

2004 - December 2006 - July 2006 - July 2007 - Summer

The Department for A multi-million government The UK Government gives Around 30km (20 miles) Transport confirms funding funding package is conditional funding approval of worn Metrolink track is for Metrolink expansion, announced to upgrade for Phase 3a to Oldham replaced on the Bury and subject to detailed plans. existing Metrolink and Rochdale, Droylsden, Altrincham lines and in infrastructure. and St Werburgh’s Road central Manchester. stop in Chorlton.

8 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink "Very few came off the low-loader with any kind of major issue, but the record for commissioning one was six days. However tram 3100 was a key milestone, so when this arrived we had already put a scheme together to work over the weekend and this all went smoothly to allow the 100th vehicle to partake in press launches and celebratory events – such was the confidence we had in the proven processes." To accommodate the expanded number of vehicles, the Above: The 360m spur from the Eccles line opened to serve the original Queen’s Road depot (just north of Victoria station) 200-acre MediaCityUK site in September 2010; M5000 3088 passes was extended, and a new 67 000m2 facility created at the BBC’s Blue Peter garden in May 2015. Trafford in what is now the inverted ‘V’ formed by the junction Below: Queen’s Road stop serves the original depot, still the site of of the Altrincham and South Manchester (East Didsbury) lines. heavy maintenance and repairs for damaged vehicles. Each depot has an allocation, with crossover generally only for maintenance requirements. Thornton explains: “Most heavy maintenance is undertaken in Queen’s Road as Trafford doesn’t have any bogie facilities. So all bogie work, retyring and brake overhauls is done at Queen’s Road; any body damage is also fixed at Queen’s Road as historically they have the technicians and we also have the single-road individual shed at Queen’s Road where we can put any vehicle away from the rest of the fleet. “This has kept Trafford as the ‘pit-stop’ depot for checks, basic maintenance and fixing minor faults before trams are sent back out again. The balance will change a little with the new wheel lathe that we’ve installed at Trafford so some of the tyre-turning load will come off Queen’s Road... which gives us another option for redundancy. Thornton joined with 32 T68s as “essentially a one-man band with a fine support act in Queen’s Road”, but the growth of the system has seen many changes. “Now we “Through experience we have a manager at each depot so in 2015 I moved from Tram Engineer to Head of Tram Engineering and we have gone got the tram commissioning from 26 staff to 77 as we are now.” process down to 14 days from More technicians are due to join under the new KeolisAmey Metrolink concession that began in July 2017. low-loader into service.” Graham Thornton. Head of Tram Engineering M5000 DETAILS

Length: 28.4m Height: 3.4m Width: 2.65m Floor height above top of rail: 350mm Interior aisle width: 630mm Gauge: 1435mm Min. horizontal curve radius: 15m Car weight (when empty): 39.7t Car weight (loaded – 4pass/m2): 51.7t Max. axle load: 10.5t Nom. current supply: 750V dc Mechanical brake: Discs Magnetic brake: 6 x 66kN Firema/Ansaldo delivered six T68a vehicles for the new extension; Max. speed: 80km/h (50mph) the second, 2002, is seen at Ontario Basin in March 2009.

2007 - July 2007 - August 2008 - April 2008 - May

Stagecoach Metrolink is Parsons Brinckerhoff is MPact-Thales is selected The UK Government awarded a ten-year contract appointed as the Metrolink for the design, construct approves a funding to operate Metrolink. Phase 3 Delivery Partner. and maintain contract for package for new lines to Phase 3a. Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 9 Metrolink @25

FLEETS WITHIN A FLEET

Although Metrolink’s 120-strong fleet of M5000 trams may look identical, there are actually quite a few differences under the skin, as Graham Thornton explains. “There’s a major division at vehicle 60, so 1-60 can go anywhere on the network – they have the old VRS (Vehicle Recognition System), the old ATS (Automatic Tram Stop system), but they also have the new TMS (Tram Management System). Within that batch there are two depot batches of vehicles with ATS kit reclaimed from the T68s, which was overhauled for the new vehicles. “Trams 1-24 and 37-52 use the new BBR-type ATS, while trams 25-36 and 53-56 use the older kit reclaimed from the T68s. It’s slightly messy because the old-style ATS is much more affected by external influence, so those two batches are ring-fenced onto the Altrincham – Bury services and any other services that don’t go through Piccadilly undercroft. They’re all colour-coded so the control room knows which vehicle is which, and where they can go and where they can’t, so those two batches are kept primarily for Altrincham – Bury services. “From vehicle 60 onwards it’s a little bit simpler as you’ve got TMS-only vehicles that can’t currently run to Bury or Altrincham and are split virtually equally between the two depots. Within that batch, 61-120, are the batch 4 (a and b) vehicles so 75-onwards have a slightly different internal layout as it was found later on that we didn’t have enough seats. Improvements gave us eight more seats per vehicle, better disabled facilities, better grabrails and hand-holds.” Despite the growth in complexity of the vehicles and the additional demands of having two depots and multiple lines in operation, Thornton still revels in the engineering side: “I am still regularly underneath vehicles looking at things and Above: Inside Trafford depot, the cavernous 67 000m2 building diagnosing issues. That is part of the job I still really enjoy, includes state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Network I still have a thirst for learning and knowing everything Management Centre. Simon Johnston about my fleet – inside and out. “There is no real-time diagnostic equipment on the vehicles Below: Trafford depot opened in early 2013, sited in the inverted per se, but this is something that we are looking at. One of ‘V’ at the junction of the Altrincham and South Manchester lines. Simon Johnston the technologies we’d like to explore is RFID tagging, but this is more for configuration control purposes rather than maintenance control, as once a vehicle goes past a scanner in the depot you know where all your toys are; they’re all in the same box. “Currently there’s lots of manual inspection, but that works and works well. There’s a preparation exam every day before the vehicles go out; that’s done by maintenance staff and the driver. This covers functional and roadworthiness checks and vandalism checks etc. “A ‘B exam’ takes place every 10 000km [6200 miles] that’s a pretty low-level ‘kick the tyres, light the fires’ affair covering screenwash, sand, doors etc.’ “Every 20 000km they have a ‘C exam’ from the balanced regime, C1-C6, up to 80 000km when it goes back to C1. It makes it dead easy to build the regime and understand the full ‘ins and outs’. The highest mileage vehicle on the network has just covered 800 000km (497 096 miles).”

2009 - May 2009 - October 2009 - October 2009 - November

The Greater Manchester Metrolink launches its The heavy rail Oldham Metrolink ticket machines Transport Fund includes new yellow and silver Loop Line is closed for are replaced with 250 Phase 3b to Oldham and corporate identity. conversion to Metrolink. new state-of-the-art Rochdale, Droylsden touchscreen units. to Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester Airport and 2CC.

10 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink Aodvert rial Partnering from concept to operation Mott MacDonald is proud of its longstanding involvement with presenting a compelling case and provided technical inputs Manchester Metrolink and Transport for Greater Manchester to objection management. (TfGM), commencing in the 1980s as the original technical Our technical support to TfGM has extended to the advisor on the development of Phase 1. recent procurement of the new franchise for operations and Since then, we have continuously supported TfGM maintenance of the entire expanded Metrolink network in enhancing and expanding the network, providing a commencing in July 2017. As technical advisors, working comprehensive light rail consultancy service that combines closely with legal and commercial advisors and TfGM’s technical expertise in planning, infrastructure, rolling stock, in-house staff, we drew on wide-ranging practical expertise operations and maintenance with our systems engineering, to help develop and calibrate a robust performance assurance and project management skills. regime, operational cost and service pattern models and In recent years, we have helped TfGM to realise the final preparing the technical content for the contract and elements of Phase 3: associated specification. Second City Crossing: We undertook the engineering We continue to be actively engaged in assisting TfGM to development of the scheme which passes through the further develop the network, including: heavily-constrained and historic heart of Manchester Investigating of the potential for tram-train with shared city centre. Our involvement also incorporated the heavy and light rail operation. We have provided development of the associated enhancements to the engineering, environmental and strategic inputs and for Victoria and Deansgate – Castlefield stops. Here the a potential depot site and are providing an overarching preparation of sound delivery proposals to demonstrate technical advisor role. The current focus is on developing how Metrolink services and the city centre could operate an implementation strategy, including potential vehicle throughout construction was of utmost importance. procurement. This assessment includes a review of Trafford Park Line: We undertook all engineering alternative traction technologies which might reduce the development of the scheme which passes through the need for expensive and disruptive route electrification. heart of the busy Trafford Park Industrial Estate connecting Developing the Metrolink interfaces with the proposed HS2 with Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, the stations at the Airport and at Piccadilly, where the Metrolink MediaCityUK development, EventCity and the Trafford stop is proposed to be wholly integrated into the expanded Centre. During this development, particular attention station. This will help provide the long-term capacity to was paid to the varied nature of users within the area realise further potential expansion through tram-train and with robust delivery proposals to address property access, support the redevelopment of the station. pedestrian and traffic management and supporting We congratulate TfGM on 25 years of successful Metrolink detailed stakeholder consultation. operation and development. We have thoroughly enjoyed For both schemes, we supported the Public Inquiries to the being part of the team and look forward to sharing the Transport and Works Act Orders where we assisted TfGM in challenges and successes of the future.

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mottmac.com Metrolink @25 Catering for expansion

ince 2010, one department at Metrolink has played Expansion and Projects and has a unique insight into the as significant role as any. From a small start of just challenges of delivering six new lines across Phases 3a and S two people, it was quickly realised that it would be 3b, the introduction of a new depot and control room, beneficial to build a team separate to those with the ‘day conversion from block signalling to the new Thales Tram job’ of running the service. This new Expansions and Projects Management System, and much more. division would sit within the operator with the dedicated task Network Expansion and Projects considers every facet of of planning every aspect of how operating this new network Metrolink’s operational life: including, but far from limited would perform in the real world. to, the control room, training, project management, These people would be tasked with finding ways of hitting signalling, stop and track design and bringing in the new fleet. the tight deadlines expected by the people of Manchester. Barrow explains: “We dip in and out of various departments Seven of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester had been as and when we need to, and this works really well.” promised tram service, and the programme for delivering this Yet despite the completion of the Big Bang, there are still was never going to be easy. many ongoing programmes in the creation of a stronger and Metrolink’s unofficial new ‘Future Q&A’ department came more resilient network: “Going back to day one, Expansions up with innovative new ways of doing things and in his seven and Projects included renewals. But a few years on we moved years working on the system, George Barrow has worked on the renewals element back to engineering, so our focus is many of the most exciting projects in the network’s growth. mainly now on other elements such as new substations and Since 2013 he has held the position of Head of Network things like that, including any internal projects that are not

Oldham town centre in September 2013; the line opened to Rochdale in February 2013 with the final section following just under a year later.

2009 - December 2009 - December 2009 - December 2010 - May

The Droylsden to Metrolink takes delivery of Preparation work begins The Metrolink line to Ashton-under-Lyne its firstM5000 tram. on the East Didsbury line. mediacity:UK opens. route is approved.

12 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink DID YOU KNOW? In 1992, 13 substations generated 7200kW of power. Today, 47 substations generate Above: In the same month as Metrolink reached Rochdale it also 55 800kW to keep the opened services to another key traffic generator, Manchester network running. renewals-related. Every night there’s something like ten individual permits City’s Etihad Stadium on the Ashton line. out for expansion or project works, and Below: M5000 3074 leaves the Ashton-under-Lyne terminus, each one of those work packages needs reached in October 2013. accepting. We’re almost like a gateway to Metrolink.” Spinning plates is a speciality of this team, but even then Barrow admits that the pressure has been great. “The most challenging year was 2013,” he laughs. “We had two openings – to Droylsden on the East Manchester line, and to Rochdale railway station on the Oldham-Rochdale line. There were competing pressures for the kudos of operating each first so in the end we opened both within three weeks – something we said we’d never, ever do by choice.” Two further extensions joined the system that year: five more stations were added as a branch of the South Manchester line to East Didsbury, and there was a continuation of the East Manchester line to Ashton-under-Lyne. As well as introducing new routes, a new depot and Network Management Centre was brought online at Trafford and the conversion of old systems to line-of-sight running including a new Tram Management System took place. “All that was a massive draw on our resources, but TfGM put in place a really good forum where all the partners The next year saw another three extensions, including could get together and air their issues in a practical and Barrow’s own personal highlight – the Airport line, which was pragmatic way. That way we all worked together and no-one delivered a whole year ahead of schedule. went away promising something they couldn’t deliver. “We gave a presentation in Paris on this earlier in the “That year gave us some invaluable lessons as well, such year,” he explains. “It was basically our recipe for how we as ground rules saying that we wanted at least four weeks of opened early. The main thing we benefited from was early stability between any major change. The purpose of that is to engagement as our team were there from the beginning. We ensure that the drivers and operational staff fully experience got to challenge things like line speeds, such as asking why the change and also to check the stability of the new we had to use the traditional 5mph (8km/h) blocks. product – is it reliable, how is working in practice?” After some detailed planning and negotiation we came

2011 - July 2011 - August 2011 - August 2012 - August

A new line opens to Construction starts on the RATP Dev takes over The Oldham line to Chorlton – St Werburgh’s Manchester Airport line. Metrolink operation and Mumps stop opens. Road stop. maintenance.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 13 Metrolink @25

away realising that the optimum speed would actually be 8mph; being on a tram at 5mph is tortuous for any length of time, so if you can get that up by 2-3mph it’s a very useful time saving that has knock-on benefits elsewhere.” “Being in early on things like junction designs allowed us to optimise them to make sure they were the best they could be in terms of cycleways and pedestrian crossings. We sat with the designers and that’s why this one was really successful for us as it gave us such a headstart.” Managing what would appear to be conflicting requirements is also a speciality: “We’ve always tried to find the middle ground between making the system more operable but still easy to maintain. Ultimately you’ve got to think about the passenger – we optimised the whole line that way.” The Airport line was a culmination of lessons learnt from previous projects, of which Barrow is proud: “The tram delivery and acceptance for traffic also had to be 3067 at Wythenshawe in March 2017, where the new GBP6m bus/ accelerated to meet the opening date. Previously it was tram interchange station opened in 2015. The Airport line’s early taking four to five weeks, but by the Airport line we’d got that opening was due to closer collaboration between designer, down to two weeks by working with suppliers to iron out little constructor and operator. issues and make everything slicker. It’s not just about nuts and bolts, it’s about the operational processes that go with them.” thing, called GoLive, that it puts into place 16 weeks ahead, Going forward, this knowledge gives a fully-documented looking not only at the construction and operation, but toolkit for future growth, Barrow says: “With everything we also all the marketing – posters, ticketing, communications bring in, we also look at the contingency planning, so when a and things like that. Our programmes feed each other from new line comes in we’ll create all the emergency documents weekly meetings.” about how you use the crossovers and what’s your best For seven years the emphasis was on new infrastructure, operational way to operate in this or that scenario. We’ll go but that focus has now shifted towards fine-tuning the through it with everybody and tweak it so we’re all up to network to give the best passenger experience. Barrow speed on what we’re doing – It’s all about team working. concludes: “You don’t always get to see many of the “For every major change we have a countdown that changes. You see the sexy ones like line openings, or a new starts usually about 12 weeks out. We have all the deliverables depot, but you don’t see all the stages inbetween, of which that we all sign up to and can track – that’s a good way of there are many. Quite often these are just as challenging as getting everybody ready for the change. TfGM has the same the bigger profile stuff.”

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TAUT Metrolink_LCA Controls.indd 1 31/10/2017 09:47 Birthday celebrations unday 9 2017 saw two gala concerts at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall – itself celebrating its 21st birthday in S 2017 – designed to commemorate Metrolink’s silver jubilee. The events were the culmination of the ‘Tram Tracks’ programme with performances of 93 pieces of new music, one commissioned for each stop on the network. Created by more than 1200 participants from community, school and youth groups, local businesses and partner organisations across the city region, the pieces reflect the diverse communities across Greater Manchester and how The celebratory Tram Tracks gala concerts at the Bridgewater Hall they have been influenced by the coming of the tram. on Sunday 9 July were free to attend. TfGM Less than a week later, at 02.00 on Saturday 15 July the system welcomed a new operator, its sixth, in KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM). Already the concessionaire behind the The following Monday, a series of pop-up musical day-to-day operation of London’s extraordinarily successful performances appeared across the Metrolink network Docklands Light Railway, the KAM partnership brings together to entertain passengers, taking the Tram Tracks musical one of the world’s leading public transport operators in Keolis extravaganza on tour. and infrastructure asset management specialist, Amey. Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Although many of the senior management team have Greater Manchester Committee, said: “I have vivid and very transferred over from Metrolink RATP Dev, the change does fond memories of the Queen’s visit and can’t quite believe it bring a new boss to the system – and one who comes with was 25 years ago. It’s fitting that a selection of music, created the highest credentials, having worked on the world’s largest through the Tram Tracks project, was performed on the light rail system in Melbourne, Australia. During her 17 years network for all to enjoy, marking the occasion.” with Yarra Trams, Aline Frantzen worked across the business, All 93 tracks are available to listen to for free at her final role being responsible for over 35 000 tram services www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/engage/tram-tracks/ each week and the maintenance of a diverse fleet of The next day, the city welcomed hundreds of senior around 500 trams. industry delegates from around the world for the 12th running Key features of the new concession include a major focus of the UK Light Rail Conference. Over the next two days, on operational reliability, customer service and security. guests were treated to a range of strategic and technical This included the introduction of an additional 900 hours presentations, as well as taking part in a walking tour of the per week of additional security support from July to tackle 2CC hosted by TfGM and MPT staff. issues of safety and security on the network. This is key to Matt Johnston from Mainspring, organiser of the UK Light meeting the wishes of new Mayor of Greater Manchester, Rail Conference, said: “We are delighted to bring the Andy Burnham, who pledged early in his tenure to make the event to Manchester in this very special year, marking the region’s transport system “one of the safest in the UK.” single-biggest gathering of industry professionals since the Elsewhere, KAM is committed to sourcing a minimum of event began 12 years ago. 40% of supplier contracts within 40km (25 miles) of Greater “Metrolink holds a special place as a standard-bearer for Manchester and creating more than 300 jobs over the UK light rail and it is great to welcome so many people from course of the contract. around the world to see the fully-grown network first-hand.”

MPT Technical Director Peter Jones runs through the challenges of Delegates from 14 countries visited Manchester in July 2017 to delivering Metrolink's 2CC at the 2017 UK Light Rail Conference. learn first-hand how Metrolink has grown and developed.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 15 Metrolink @25

A near 24-hour network ike Anderson is another Metrolink ‘lifer’. The current Planning Manager started almost 20 years ago as a M ticket inspector, has spent time as a driver and in the control room, taking on his current role around two years ago. A key aspect of Anderson’s job is being adaptable and always ready for change – often quickly. He gives the example of a cracked rail being discovered at a key junction, and at a moment’s notice a new timetable is needed, an operations plan, driver rosters… and so much more detail. Other things happen in a more structured way – such as preparing for the city’s many major events. Despite the presence of two of Europe’s biggest clubs in Manchester United and Manchester City (their stadiums are four miles (7km) apart), it’s far from only being about football: the city hosts major cricket matches at Old Trafford, an annual ‘Manchester Day’, the Parklife festival at Heaton Park and Top: Coupled set 3062+3068 at the junction of the Airport and a growing diversity of cultural events: “We’ve got them all South Manchester lines near St Werburgh’s Road stop. planned in, pop concerts, anything on the line that can affect the service. We know about it all, so it’s quite a big jigsaw.” Above: Metrolink’s Network Management Centre was vital to cater for the new lines, bringing full oversight of the entire system. TfGM Under the new operating concession the ambition is to try to standardise such timetables as far as possible to fit around

2012 - December 2013 - February 2013 - February 2013 - May

The Oldham line is The new line to Droylsden The new line opens to The East Didsbury extended with new opens. Rochdale railway station. line opens. stops at Derker and Shaw & Crompton.

16 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink Revenue protection operations at Victoria station in March 2017.

the core service, rather than developing them ad hoc as such trains are run “two hours before and two hours after required. Other ‘events’ that require consideration are less the event as a minimum”. On any given day at least two ‘hot planned, such as adverse weather – and the need to run spares’ are kept at each depot for vehicle failures. ‘ice breaker’ trams to keep the overhead wires free using The maximum service run on Metrolink is every six minutes, vehicles with specially adapted pantographs, which takes something that’s constrained by both the amount of drivers up some seven drivers. Metrolink has 12 such trams equipped rostered on any one day, but also by power supply. On some with copper leading-edge pantograph carbons – six at each sections such as Victoria – Bury, putting out that level of depot – and these are deployed either overnight or at the service requires traction limiters to be switched on. Anderson start of service as ‘sweep trams’. is pragmatic about this approach: “The general public Managing ever-growing teams based at different might pass Trafford depot and see vehicles lined up sites is also a key part of Anderson’s job: “We don’t DID YOU KNOW? and want to know why they can’t go out. But a lot train every driver on every line from day one; Metrolink received six of these were bought for the Trafford Park line we train them on one line and after six months calls from the public and there’s a lot of restrictions behind how we they get upscaled and gradually build up their to check whether operate – we are putting out the highest amount network knowledge.” Of the roughly 160 drivers services were affected of vehicles we possibly can.” based at Queen’s Road, the vast majority can by TV’s Coronation One of the many things that has changed in drive across the network – but the figure is lower for Street tram crash Anderson’s time is that Metrolink now uses Thales’ the newer Trafford depot. “Metrolink has nearly 380 storyline in 2010… Tram Management System, ending the traditional drivers ‘on book’ and around 80% of Queen’s Road ‘block working’ inherited from BR days. Thales is a can drive most lines, …about 60% of Trafford can drive member of the MPT consortium, with civils engineering most lines as they’ve had the opportunity to swap depots.” partner Laing O’Rourke and rail specialist VolkerRail, that has On a normal day, Metrolink needs between 92 and 97 delivered Phases 3a and 3b. trams, depending on whether a special event is on. Busy He adds: “It’s got a lot more flexibility because you can get times call for units to be doubled up to run in pairs. Peak more vehicles through, but you can also get more conflicts service sees this on the Altrincham – Bury line, and for events such as on the single-line sections at Newton Heath and

2013 - October 2014 - January 2014 - February 2014 - March

The Ashton town centre The Oldham town centre The finalT68 of the original The final section of line line opens. line opens. Metrolink fleet retires from to Rochdale town centre service. opens.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 17 Metrolink @25

Moston and Rochdale. GOAL as an operating system works that out for you, so you have all the details in the background and it calculates that it has to hold a tram at Moston to let another one through for example.” All this on a system that in some respects ‘barely sleeps’; on weekdays, the first vehicle goes off depot at 03.00 with the last returning at 01.00 – but on Fridays the gap reduces further because services do not finish until 02.30. “We’re at pretty much a 24-hour network,” Anderson says. An exception might be if there is disruption, such as a city centre possession, which could then lead to vehicles being stabled overnight at Piccadilly, but on a normal day the vehicles are generally all stabled in their respective depots. Managing disruption Alongside all the positive stories about expansion, Metrolink has also made the headlines in recent years for the wrong reasons – vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Such issues are taken very seriously by both TfGM and the system’s operator, with the result that the number of cases has been dropping significantly. From a previous average of 200-250 incidents a month, the problem has fallen by around half. Metrolink Head of Customer Operations Revenue Steve The launch of the ‘get me there’ smartcard is an important step in TfGM’s ambition to create a seamless multi-modal transportation Johnston identifies the problem as generally beginning in the system across Greater Manchester. afternoon from around 16.00 – from which time contracted- in security staff assist Metrolink’s own Customer Service Representatives. Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) then reaches a periods, but is a particular issue in the summer holidays... that’s peak at around 19.00, dropping off again after 21.00. when we tend to see spikes.” Weekly trends can also be seen: The problem is also seasonal, as Johnston explains: “ASB “There’s more ASB on Sundays than any other day,” he adds. climbs as warmer, lighter nights come back. Easter seems to Two particularly problematic issues are door handle be the trigger point, when the clocks go forward. It drops off at activations (which account for around 25% of incidents), followed closely by smashed windows (around 20%). Broken windows “cause us real challenges as the trams have got to ‘get me there’ come out of service and customers have got to come off, so it’s the customers that are impacted on. It’s expensive to repair a "We are on a journey with get me there and smart ticketing,” tram window as it’s specialist glass, particularly if it’s the driver’s said Transport for Greater Manchester Committee Chairman window. Fortunately smashing of the driver’s window is rare”. Councillor Andrew Fender, in summer 2017. “We know the One of the key ways in which behaviour has been travelling public wants a world-class, integrated, pan-Northern influenced for the better, according to Johnston, is through smart ticketing system, and this latest development brings us a step closer towards realising this ambition.” TfGM’s TravelSafe unit visiting schools across the region. British Currently the vast majority of Metrolink passengers are still Transport Police, Greater Manchester Police, youth workers ‘pay on the day’ – but that has the potential to change with and Metrolink itself all take part, and Johnston says that in the introduction of the ‘get me there’ smartcard that allows the previous ASB hotspot of Trafford the problem has reduced users with an account to buy Metrolink or multi-modal bus and so much in the last two or three years that: “There’s some tram products online. Lost season tickets and travel cards with periods we don’t report any at all”. more than seven days of validity will be replaced. On the Altrincham line, he says, ASB has fallen from around Alongside assisting with purchase of tickets, one of the roles 10-15 instances per month to 3-4. Currently, the main issues of Metrolink’s roughly 100 Customer Service Representatives is are generally to be found on the Rochdale line, but Johnston revenue protection. Steve Johnston says that “while we’re there says this “will improve in time.” for customer service, we’re also there for revenue protection. Technical aspects are also part of the solution. Previously, a For most customers, when they see that the staff are doing fare favoured act of vandalism was removing the saloon lights in evasion duties, I think they applaud that… because they want to the trams; so Metrolink’s engineering department developed see that those who aren’t paying the fares are being caught.” Fines are GBP100 (EUR112), or GBP50 if paid within 21 days. TfGM plastic covers for the lights, and incidents fell overnight. is not directly involved in this process, which falls to Metrolink, “When people commit ASB they want an instant impact, they right though to taking customers who don’t pay to court. want to see what’s happening, and if they don’t get that they go off and find or do something else.”

2014 - April 2014 - May 2014 - October 2014 - November

The finalT68A retires A special event marks the The 15-stop Manchester A GBP350m funding from service. retirement of the final Airport via Wythenshawe package for the Trafford T68 model. town centre line opens a Park line is confirmed. year early.

18 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink It’s all about the people…

ne of the things that has stayed constant about Manchester’s light rail system is change – particularly of O its operator. Built and initially operated by the Greater Manchester Metrolink Consortium, from 1997 it came under the remit of the Altram consortium followed by Serco, one of the constituents of Altram (Serco bought the other partners out). Stagecoach took over from 2007 and RATP Dev bought out the British operator in 2012. The latest concessionaire is KeolisAmey Metrolink, which was awarded a contract for up to ten years in January 2017 following a competitive tender. The joint-venture of international transport specialist Keolis and infrastructure maintainer Amey took over in July. Metrolink has won many awards over the years; former Managing Through the major expansion of recent years, therefore, Director Chris Coleman is seen here centre stage with his team Metrolink RATP Dev Managing Director Chris Coleman was collecting the Operator of the Year trophy at the 2016 Global Light the man in charge of operations during the doubling of Rail Awards. Jon Hill/TAUT the network: “As part of an international group [RATP Dev is a subsidiary of Parisian transport operator RATP that runs tramways, metros and bus networks around the world] we had the opportunity to tap into so much know-how, and we “I’m never surprised hearing used this and also fed back into it to help improve systems and about people who have processes around the world. “Access to ideas and innovation was a key enabler for the worked on Metrolink, no growth the system has been through, but at the same time matter how far afield they are we were blessed with the autonomy to work with TfGM to deliver such phenomenal growth. It’s been a great balance.” now. We’ve generated some While TfGM sets the fares and controls all marketing, media matters and the reputational side of things, the operator great people, and still do, who sometimes takes the initiative if appropriate. Coleman have gone on to great things.” explains: “Metrolink is data rich and that allowed us to transition from ‘find and fix’ to ‘predict and prevent’ using Chris Coleman, MD, Metrolink RATP Dev advanced analysis to make precise, measured, informed decisions. It’s about fastidious attention to detail of your the often tight deadlines have been amazing. The success assets and intelligence that allows proactive and productive speaks for itself as from the outside it may have all looked collaboration with suppliers to iron out future problems. All like relatively plain sailing, but the amount of collaborative of that intelligence-led work is really showing the fruits of our work behind the scenes has been incredible and keeping labour to provide a fantastic baseline for the future operator.” largely the same team has built up such a bank of expertise Having seen both the system and the teams mature under across the business. his tenure, Coleman looks back on his time leading the UK’s “Having to step up our game and adding that level largest light rail system with great fondness: “Working at of pressure brought the best out in everyone. Culturally Metrolink has been the most incredible seven years of my everything has changed, but the way we listened to our staff life and we’ve set up an incredible legacy for the system and brought everyone along for the journey is one of the to build upon and fine-tune to make Metrolink even better. things I’m most proud of.” There were times when I honestly thought ‘how are we going Allowing this to happen has been clear ownership and to deliver this?’ We never had the luxury of drawing the accountability, Coleman maintains, expressing the three programmes out – we committed to it, we had to do it. That’s cornerstones of Metrolink: “Have a good plan, be flexible where a lot of the innovation came in. and be innovative. It’s all about the people at the end of the “The experts in the Network Expansion team that day, but also not being afraid to ask for help when required. committed to solving problems and finding solutions to hit Align all those things and you can achieve anything.”

2014 - December 2014 - December 2015 - March 2015 - April

The new section of line A record is broken with Free Wi-Fi is rolled out on Safety and security opens through the 30m annual passenger Metrolink trams. is boosted across Deansgate-Castlefield journeys recorded the network with stop. on Metrolink. the launch of the TravelSafe Unit.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 19 Metrolink @25 2CC: The final jigsaw piece t first glance, the 1.3km (0.8-mile) Second City This new cross-city link is significant because until now all Crossing that opened on 26 February 2017 might services have had to funnel through the line between Piccadilly A seem almost trivial when placed alongside all the Gardens and Market Street and as the number and variety of other new Metrolink lines and multi-million pound projects services have steadily increased, this route has become an seen since the start of the decade. Yet the final GBP165m increasing bottleneck. Former TfGM Metrolink Director Peter piece of the Big Bang jigsaw is essential in unlocking capacity Cushing described the new line as “vital for Metrolink’s future”. and preparing Metrolink for future growth to take it well Although it does serve a new stop at Exchange Square, beyond the near 38m passengers seen in the year 2016-17. what’s been dubbed ‘2CC’ is really about two things: capacity and resilience. For the first time, Metrolink has alternative routes through the key city centre section to call on in times of disruption and peak demand. It is also part of the wider ‘Project Grow’ urban regeneration programme which is seeing major investment into new office, retail and public spaces as well as bus priority measures on 40km (25 miles) of cross-city routes, new cyclepaths and major rail improvements. The opening of 2CC effectively completes the GBP1.5bn Big Bang that has made Metrolink the UK’s largest LRT network. Following an application for a Transport and Works Act Order in 2012, physical work began in early 2014. The route runs from Lower Mosley Street, through St Peter’s Square, and along Princess, Cross and Corporation Streets, to rejoin the existing network near the important Victoria station. Although itself relatively short, 2CC was finished in two distinct stages, the first being the 600m from Victoria to Exchange Square. This opened in December 2015, more than a year before the complete through route carried its initial services.

Above: 2CC works in St Peter’s Square in May 2014.

Right: The award-winning stop in Exchange Square is a new landmark in central Manchester.

“We have infrastructure that we’ve spent a lot of money on that we can now make the most of over the next few years.” Danny Vaughan

2015 - September 2015 - December 2016 - August 2016 - October

Completion of major The first phase of the St Peter’s Square stop, A record-breaking month works see the city centre Second City Crossing also newly transformed, as 3.3m passenger Deansgate-Castlefield is completed with the re-opens to passengers. journeys are made across stop transformed. opening of Exchange the network over 31 days. Square stop.

20 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink The ‘living wall’ at the Deansgate-Castlefield stop is just part of the On the elevated platforms at Deansgate-Castlefield a ‘sky garden’ oasis created in this area of the city. greets passengers, having been installed in 2015.

Perhaps the most visible implementation has taken place in One of the first benefits shown by 2CC has been proof of St Peter’s Square, where the existing two-track layout has been the increase in resilience. Explains Vaughan, “for example, replaced with four lines. This included the demolition of the we had some traffic problems in the city centre recently and existing stop, with the new one sited closer to the Art Gallery; we could divert trams though the alternative route, so we’ll the new platforms were prefabricated and lifted in by crane. always have two routes through the city centre. The reconstruction of St Peter’s Square also required a more “But I don’t think we’ve utilised 2CC to anywhere near its general remodelling of this open space, which included maximum capacity, so we’re planning to eventually bring moving the Grade II-listed war memorial to a new site. Airport services which currently terminate at Deansgate- For part of the construction period St Peter’s Square Castlefield across the city to terminate at Victoria.” stop was closed – at other times it was limited to single-line Vaughan says it is hoped “that happens very early in 2018, operation. At no point could the existing connection ever and soon after we hope to increase the frequency on the be severed, so traditional railway ‘token’ systems were Ashton line to six minutes from the 12 minutes it is today.” introduced, alongside new training for drivers and One result of that rejig, when it comes, will be control room staff. Traffic lights were reconfigured helping to facilitate Metrolink’s continued growth in to allow a minute’s throughput between signals DID YOU KNOW? patronage: “By the end of 2018 we’ll probably be and an impressive minimum of ten trams per hour 255 human remains somewhere between 42m and 43m passengers in each direction was still delivered during the were unearthed from per year,” Vaughan says, “and that will grow an old graveyard year-long works. again the following year to about 45m if our during 2CC works – For the Deansgate-Castlefield works, the all were subsequently projections are accurate. The year after we open programmed service was bettered further, seeing reinterred. the Trafford Park line, so that marks another step 15 trams per hour, per direction, allowing massive change. By 2021 or 2022 we could have almost 50 cost-savings and equally important huge reductions in million passengers a year on Metrolink.” potential lost revenue. All of this complex work was largely invisible to the customer, despite the need for operational Tram every 90 seconds changes and tweaks on an almost daily basis. All overseen by Once the 5.5km (3.4-mile) Pomona – intu Trafford Park line is CCTV and the control room, safety was never compromised open, Vaughan points out, the city centre will “have a tram despite such challenging operational circumstances. every 90 seconds, in each direction, which is a phenomenal Although the public opening took place in February, the amount of vehicles. So you can imagine that puts a huge line was physically complete for trial runs in December 2016. amount of strain on the traffic signals where we come off the network, but also on the network itself.” Finishing the jigsaw Some of those network constraints are to do with Piccadilly Completion of 2CC effectively marks the end of the third – which given that it sees trams running through to Ashton, phase of expansion, bringing with it many service changes. as well as being the terminus for Bury and MediaCityUK, has The Airport service is extended by a stop to Deansgate- limited capacity to be a turning point for trams from the south. Castlefield (the former G-Mex stop) and the Rochdale Vaughan describes the challenge well: “There is a service has been expanded from its former terminus at perception that Piccadilly is a desirable place to go to Exchange Square to run through St Peter’s Square and because a lot of the heavy rail connections are there. But on to East Didsbury. in fact our surveys and patronage analysis suggest that it’s “2017 has been a big year with the opening of 2CC and a St Peter’s Square that is the most popular stop… trying to changeover in operators,” says Danny Vaughan, Transport balance the demands of getting people from all points of for Greater Manchester’s Head of Metrolink. “But the big the network to all points on the network where they might opportunity now is that we have a steady state. We have need to go is quite difficult – we only have 120 trams.” infrastructure that we’ve spent a lot of money on that we can “Our goal is to make it easy for passengers to interchange now make the most of over the next few years.” at key points on the network so they can go anywhere."

2016 - October 2016 - October 2016 - November 2016 - November

Legal powers are granted To celebrate the success Metrolink’s smart ticketing GBP2.1m Government for the Trafford Park line. of Team GB and mobile app celebrates its funding is awarded to ParalympicsGB at Rio first birthday with 45 000 develop a business case 2016, Metrolink wraps a registered customers. for the Airport ‘Western tram in a special gold livery. Loop’ extension.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 21 Metrolink @ 25 Aodvert rial Beginning a new chapter hen we got confirmation that KeolisAmey Metrolink This is because Keolis and (KAM) had been successful in its bid to operate Amey, as a partnership, are W Metrolink, it was a moment of immense pride. able to combine world-class Metrolink has undergone an incredible expansion, tripling in operational experience size over the past ten years to become the UK’s largest network. with a wealth of expertise My previous role had been Chief Operating Officer at in how to manage the Yarra , Australia – the largest light rail network’s assets – the trams, Aline Frantzen, system in the world. So when I first came to the UK at the escalators, overhead lines MD, KeolisAmey Metrolink. KAM beginning of 2017, I took the opportunity to look at the and so on – so we can network through the lens of that operational experience and move towards an asset I was deeply impressed with how well it had been designed. management programme of predicting and preventing Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has created issues rather than reacting and repairing. a network that has put two fundamental areas of the We are clear that this is a long-term journey. It is one we are customer experience at the heart of the design – safety embarking on methodically, bringing in the best knowledge and accessibility. As an operator, it is refreshing to see that and experience from our shareholders to ensure that, ten years consideration weaved so thoroughly into the design. from now, the network is in even better shape than it is now. “Thinking like a customer” is at the core of KAM’s We’ve already invested over 5000 man-hours with key methodology and I am pleased that our partnership with partners to increase the resilience of the network by improving TfGM means that we can play a proactive role in driving the fibre optic network that underpins key communications the cultural and operational changes that will allow us systems. We’ve backed this up through other contingencies to enhance people’s journeys and grow patronage by – such as mobile phones for our drivers and customer service delivering comfortable, reliable and secure journeys. teams – to ensure we can keep in touch if something does go We are lucky because, in TfGM, we have a client with a wrong. Our goal is simple: to keep people moving. clear vision of what it wants to achieve and a network moving Since we took the reins, we have introduced over 900 hours into a ‘steady state’ position as we come to the end of the of support from our TravelSafe Officers to provide a robust Big Bang expansion programme. We now have a fantastic response to tackling anti-social behaviour. We have also opportunity to build on that GBP1.5bn (EUR1.7bn) investment provided over 30 additional Customer Service Representatives and really focus on the quality of the service we can provide. and have higher targets around cleanliness to create a more This has been simplified by a new contract that brings all welcoming environment for our customers. areas of the operations and maintenance under the wing We also have the opportunity to invest in people, and of a single organisation, KAM, which has enabled us to put will be looking to employ people in 300 new roles across our arms around the network as a whole and harmonise the the life of the contract, with a clear commitment to recruit processes and practices we use in day-to-day operations. locally and improve the gender and diversity balance in the This also means that TfGM has been able to raise the bar business so we can confidently say our employees reflect the on an already high-performing network and set us some communities we serve. stringent targets. New operational measures such as ‘excess I am pleased to be working with a fantastic team who are waiting time’ will mean we don’t lose focus on the basics of all hungry for the opportunities the next decade offers us. providing a reliable service, which we are backing up with a Metrolink is a great network with a fantastic legacy and we new approach to how we manage the infrastructure. are proud to be part of its story.

“Metrolink is a great network with a fantastic legacy and we are proud to be part of its story.” Aline Frantzen – Managing Director, KAM

MAKING METROLINK EVEN BETTER

900 additional hours of TravelSafe Officers to make the network safer Over 1km fibre-optic cable replaced to make the network more resilient 300 new jobs (including apprenticeships) to be created over the life of the contract The new contract includes tougher customer experience The revised layout at Victoria station is just one area that will ease targets – it’s not just about trams running on time. the flow of passengers across the network. P. McMullin/KAM

22 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink The scale of MPT’s work is extensive, as this aerial view Creating a legacy of the Trafford Park depot that opened in 2011 for the future shows. MPT hile the openings of each new extension have been integrated joint venture of Laing O’Rourke and VolkerRail the most public causes for celebration, the design have decades of combined experience of civils, structures, W and construction phases of such large elements of buildings, highways and rail engineering.” new urban infrastructure in such a short period of time have While Laing O’Rourke has provided the core senior shown impressive collaborative working. leadership, significant cross-fertilisation has enhanced MPT The MPT consortium is the organisation responsible process and practice, incorporating specific aspects from for this near incredible decade-long engineering feat. the other two: “Within our projects, it is often impossible to tell The partnership of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales who is employed by who. This is testament to the individual has delivered Phase 3 (at the time, the UK’s third-biggest MPT character.” engineering design project after the 2012 Olympics and Managing such a complex, multi-year, multi-location Crossrail) and recently began work on the forthcoming programme has obviously involved close collaboration Trafford Park line, as Project Director Bryan Glass and between not only the consortium partners, but also Technical Director Peter Jones explain. with the client Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM,) “Whilst operating as a single entity, specialist elements are local authorities and an expansive network of suppliers: provided by individual consortium partners. Thales brings “Construction of 62km [38.5 miles] of line so far through six expertise in tramway system engineering (low-voltage and Greater Manchester local authorities has been one of our communication systems, traction power and OLE), whilst an greatest challenges. Right from the scheme’s inception,

2017 - January 2017 - January 2017 - February 2017 - July

Work starts on new KeolisAmey is announced The Second City Crossing KeolisAmey Metrolink six-stop Trafford Park line. as the new operator. (2CC) opens through takes over operations and Manchester city centre. maintenance of Metrolink.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 23 Metrolink @25

MPT established a core Manchester-based team of key personnel from each of the partners, some having already built a trusted relationship with TfGM and having a proven track record on previous Metrolink phases. “This core team has been instrumental in co-ordinating the projects, with up to five multi-million pound schemes underway at any one time. They helped to ensure that the MPT standard was being achieved consistently across each line.” Collaborative working On such a long timeline, and given the major investment involved, the importance of trusted relationships is key. MPT takes pride in its work supporting TfGM through careful design consideration and optioneering: “Whilst the general route alignment of each line is set through the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), MPT has worked with TfGM through a process of value management to develop a scope that aligned with the available capital budgets. This has focused on innovative engineering solutions to provide the optimum capex/opex balance, DID YOU KNOW? developing cost-effective infrastructure whilst The Big Bang saw complying with the wider socio-economic plan 57 new stops built, 3 for each extension.” over 164 500m of “MPT has passed on these benefits through concrete laid and These value management processes include both time and cost savings. Delivering each over 14.5m man the location and layout of tramstops, structures, hours of labour. extension on time and within budget, we were track alignment and arrangement and the able to demonstrate that transfer of learning. tramway/highway interface, to achieve the optimum As the Public-Private relationship has matured finished result with minimal disruption. over time, our ‘project first’ outlook has given TfGM Bryan and Peter add: “MPT has design responsibility for further confidence to progress with a fully-integrated the scheme but has some flexibility to develop the detailed delivery approach. design. The local authorities ultimately approve the final details “We are also very proud of our approach to stakeholder as the TWAO sets the criteria for planning consent on aspects engagement and our commitment to the communities in such as environmental impact and visual appearance.” which we work. We appreciate that construction causes Bringing together accomplished international partners a level of apprehension, but by maintaining effective has brought many benefits, including ‘best in class’ project channels of communication these concerns can more often management and safety performance, Bryan and Peter be positively addressed. contend: “For example, we utilise Thales’ experience for “Being able to engage with local schools like Manchester working in and around high-voltage systems and VolkerRail Enterprise Academy and Tyntesfield Primary School has processes for rail-mounted equipment. We have also provided a real opportunity for us to make an impression on employed safety initiatives initially trialled in Laing O’Rourke’s those who may be interested in a future in construction, whilst Australian business. Similarly, the compliance assurance hopefully helping to make each project a little safer by raising systems employed by the consortium are based on those awareness amongst curious young children. Some of our used by Thales within the defence industry.” young engineers have also acted as mentors at local colleges. The importance of continuity cannot be underestimated, “Local community centres and hospitals such as those in the pair add, building up a solid base that extends to the Wythenshawe have welcomed us creating green spaces consortium’s links within the wider community: “It’s been an for locals to enjoy and we are delighted to have been able incredible journey over the last nine years. We have added to raise large sums for two local charities. The ‘Allotment 57 new stops so far and helped create the largest light rail Challenge’ to promote World Food Day featured teams from system in the UK, the various extensions competing to see who best followed one that provides the ‘Good Life’. Food grown on the sites was shared with a world-class locals or donated to food banks.” “Engaging with transportation system. local schools has “In construction, Innovative techniques the opportunity to Staying at the cutting-edge of construction technology has provided a real develop a stable allowed MPT to deliver cost savings too, including modular business competence pre-fabricated elements that bring consistently high levels opportunity to is notoriously difficult of quality through pre-assembly off-site: “The capability of make an impression but the phased our in-house partner Explore Manufacturing has enabled expansion of Metrolink us to use Design for Manufacture & Assembly techniques for on those interested has allowed us to much of the tram infrastructure. By standardising tramstops in construction, develop a strong and equipment rooms, for example, and subsequently relationship with a developing a series of pre-cast components, we have whilst hopefully single client, enabling freed up time for other trade activities to be completed. continuous learning This reduces overall programme time and maximises safety helping to make in both delivery to our delivery teams. each project safer.” and successful “Elsewhere, pre-assembly of the two motorway bridges Peter Jones, MPT collaborative working. was completed alongside the alignment and they were This doesn’t happen then transported into position during weekend closures. overnight. This reduced the amount of traffic management required.”

24 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink One of the physical legacies of Metrolink’s expansion is the integrated trees into the platforms – the bespoke shelter at variety of new landmarks around Greater Manchester, some Exchange Square certainly stands out in Metrolink yellow! of which are more obvious than others… “A new garden oasis at the existing Deansgate-Castlefield “Each extension has its own examples, from 22km [13.7 miles] stop was extensively re-modelled to provide a new ‘floating’ of abandoned Network Rail line that has been re-used and stair access, while a ‘living wall’ with glazed lift improve the 100 new and refurbished structures along the Oldham access and initiate regeneration in this part of the city.” – Rochdale line, to the large single-span crossing of the MPT has frequently stated that one of its key achievements Manchester – Leeds main line at Rochdale. is ‘leaving a legacy, without leaving a footprint’, one of the “Landmark structures on the Airport line included a prominent achievements in the eyes of both Bryan and Peter: 230m-long steel-beam viaduct across the Mersey Valley Site “The now iconic yellow tram is recognised internationally of Special Scientific Interest, two new 54m bridges across the and so now is MPT, having received many accolades at the M60 and M56 motorways installed over weekend closures Global Light Rail Awards, the National Rail Awards and the and the new tram terminus adjacent to the Network Rail stop British Construction Industry Awards. within Manchester Airport. Currently 242 000 people use the “These reflect the fantastic commitment and professional Airport line service each month. approach of this project team and our relationships between “Most recently, the Second City Crossing involved a public sector client and private enterprise. the relocation of St Peter’s Church Cross along with the “This is what will be at the centre of most people’s regeneration of St Peter’s Square outside the Town Hall which memories of working for MPT.”

Above: The Explore Industrial Park in Nottinghamshire is the birthplace of many of Metrolink’s tramstops and equipment, pre-cast and delivered to Manchester for simple, cost-effective assembly. MPT

Left: The 508-tonne bridge to carry Metrolink over the M60 motorway was installed in just 16 hours, having been pre-assembled on site. MPT

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 25 Metrolink @25 Metrolink’s vital role in the creation of a ‘world-class city’

n his opening address at the 2017 UK Light Rail (EUR63.5bn) per annum, the area accounts for around 40% Conference, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Dr Jon of the North-West total and Lamonte says “we’ve got some of I Lamonte referenced the region’s illustrious history – but the highest growth rates outside London right now. also its major ambitions for the future. “There are 1.4 million people employed in over 100 000 TfGM’s Chief Executive explained that in the northern businesses and we’re looking for an extra 200 000 to join the English city “we like to think of ourselves as the birthplace of employment field over the years to 2035. What does it mean the industrial revolution, but we also occupy a proud space for transport? That’s the key thing. It means that by 2040 we’re in arts and science and politics, music, and sport – but today, expecting an extra 800 000 journeys per day.” what we combine with all that great heritage is a sense that It is a major challenge. Part of the answer of how that will be we want to be one of the top flight world cities by 2025.” dealt with is through the regional devolution that saw Greater That is a major statement of intent, even for a city that has Manchester’s first elected mayor chosen in May 2017: the first seen significant regeneration in recent years, and a step that occupant of the post is the Labour party’s Andy Burnham, a will only be possible with efficient and high-capacity urban former Member of Parliament and government minister. transport links. Although that process has been underway Lamonte describes Manchester’s deal as “probably the now for over 25 years with the development of Metrolink, most ambitious devolution agreement in the country”. Greater Manchester’s ongoing expansion will mean further Transport is a key part of that. TfGM’s Chief Executive transformation will be essential to keep pace in future. describes this as creating “challenges as well as opportunities”, Indeed, Dr Lamonte pointed out that while the current and says it is “essential that we really drive that agenda if population is roughly 2.8 million, “we’ll certainly be well over we’re going to have a really good integrated, sustainable three million by 2040... the city region itself is changing a lot.” and accessible transport network. That’s why we’ve started Some of that change comes through new demographics. on a long-term journey that’s called our 2040 strategy – we For while across the conurbation the population is ageing, a are changing our vision for Greater Manchester to one based situation mirrored in many parts of the country, he says that around world-class connections, long-term sustainable in the regional centre “that’s quite the reverse, it’s actually economic growth and access to opportunity for all. the young people that are coming here in droves and “We’ve got to provide people with convenient, accessible making their lives here”. travel choices. We need to connect people with those Greater Manchester’s influence can be felt in pure financial opportunities in a way that doesn’t add to congestion, or harm terms too: with an economy generating around GBP56bn people’s health, and they are real and immediate challenges.

“We’ll certainly be well over three million population by 2040, and the city region itself is changing a lot... with young people coming here in droves and making their lives here”. Dr Jon Lamonte

In an address to the UK Light Rail Conference, held in the city in July in July 2017, TfGM Chief Executive Dr Jon Lamonte spoke enthusiastically of Metrolink’s ever-growing role in increasing social inclusion and access to employment for millions of passengers each year.

26 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink Metrolink 3066 in the rebuilt St Peter’s Square in July 2017; the light rail system is now firmly established as another landmark in the UK’s North-West.

DID YOU KNOW? “In practice it’s about making people’s lives A house just 500m Yet devolution brings new powers. On the roads, easier and enriching communities. That means from a Metrolink stop TfGM now has responsibility for a ‘Key Route fewer trips made by car, more journeys made commands a 4.6% Network’ of primary highways totalling around by bike and on foot, far better public transport premium over one 600km (approaching 400 miles). On buses, and neighbourhoods that are safe, attractive 1500m away. TfGM is currently investigating the opportunities and accessible. for new ways of working; under devolution and the “So what does that look like at the moment? UK’s new Bus Services Bill, it will be possible in future The reality is that only 11% of trips in Greater Manchester for Manchester to franchise its bus services along the are made by public transport right now; about 60% are lines of those in London – currently something only done in made by car. But 31% of people in Greater Manchester the UK capital. Similarly, devolution brings the possibility of don’t have access to a car, and 37% of jobseekers talk about taking over the management of local heavy rail stations on lack of access to transport as one of the real barriers to the Network Rail system. getting a job. So we’ve got to make the public transport offer Manchester is also a key part of the planned ‘Northern far more attractive.” Powerhouse Rail’ being promoted by the body Transport for the North, which is to link northern centres – and Devolving powers Manchester Airport – through better transport connections, In its current form, the public transport body for the both rail and road. conurbation dates from 2011. Through its governing Transport With the UK’s High Speed 2 rail line from London also for Greater Manchester Committee, TfGM reports into the planned to reach Manchester (perhaps by 2032), the prospect Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which was also is raised of far better inter-city and inter-regional transport formed in 2011 and unites the various local authorities in the links, feeding into the regional and city centre networks. region under an umbrella body. In its vision for 2040, TfGM outlines a network encompassing However, TfGM’s history goes back much further: even HS2, next-generation urban rail, and improved buses. further back than the Greater Manchester Passenger However, it’s also clear that Metrolink will continue to play the Transport Executive (GMPTE), which was responsible for vital role it has increasingly done now for more than 25 years the creation of Metrolink from its initial proposal, through in an ever-more co-ordinated multi-modal transport mix. opening, and up until the formation of TfGM. GMPTE had As Dr Lamonte concluded in his presentation at the UK been formed in 1974 when the new county of Greater Light Rail Conference: “We want Greater Manchester to be Manchester was itself created; the Passenger Transport a world leader in transport innovation; we need to use all the Executive was itself successor to a predecessor organisation technology that’s out there to make better use of capacity, for the local counties, SELNEC. be more efficient, be more resilient, and be safer.”

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 27 Metrolink @25

Above: Ever more of the legacies of Metrolink’s heavy rail origins are being removed as the network expands, although in some places its Future Metrolink history is still evident. ow the Big Bang is complete, Head of Metrolink Danny included in the TIF bid proposals, rejected in the December Vaughan argues that “the biggest opportunity is to 2008 referendum, a later scheme prioritisation exercise saw N get Metrolink operating as reliably as we can and the line excluded from phase 3b. really to grow the revenue base and passenger numbers.” Following the granting of construction powers in October After a period of expansion that started with the extension 2016, work started on the new route in January 2017. to MediaCityUK in 2010, and when “there was a period of Building work is expected to take four years and completion time in 2014 where we had some new piece of infrastructure of the Trafford Park line (TPL) will bring the size of the opening every couple of months” the expanded network Metrolink network to 103km (64 miles), with 99 stops. now faces a period of comparative stability. When finished the 5.5km (3.4-mile) route will add stops Says Vaughan: “Looking back over the last 12 months we’re provisionally named Wharfside (located at the edge of at 40 million passengers carried on the network each year Trafford Park), Imperial War Museum North, Village (on Village now. In 2010 that was just around the 20m mark. So we’ve Way), Parkway (on the Parkway Circle roundabout), Event doubled patronage and the current challenge is to try and City, and Trafford Centre. Parkway stop is to include a park- balance that service across Manchester and deliver the and-ride facility, with roughly 200 parking spaces. trams as often as we can to where people want them. The GBP350m project will diverge from the existing network “We’ve seen very strong growth on the South Manchester at Pomona on the Eccles line on segregated formation; the line to East Didsbury and the older Altrincham and Bury lines, junction was already taken account of in the construction so now we need to utilise the fleet we have in the best way of the stop. In terms of bringing Metrolink to parts that are possible to give the most capacity for passengers to get a currently not served, TfGM claims the line will provide better place on the tram on the way to work in the mornings.” access to Europe’s largest trading estate, with there being more than 1300 businesses and 35 000 people employed Trafford Park in the Trafford Park area. It will also provide another stop Despite the need for network consolidation, Metrolink never to serve Old Trafford football stadium, which is already stands still and the next expansion stage is already underway. accessible from the Altrincham – Bury line on the other side Consultation in 2014 established that 89% of those who of the A56 road. responded were in favour of a line to Trafford Park, fulfilling an Construction is being delivered by the MPT and WSP ambition that dates back over two decades. partnership that has proved so effective with the rest of Statutory powers to construct and operate such a line were Metrolink’s recent projects, with work so far including laying first acquired under the Greater Manchester (Light Rapid a major new gas main as part of utility diversions. Overall it Transit System) Act 1992 and the Greater Manchester (Light is expected that up to 40 ducts and pipes will be relaid, with Rapid Transit System) (Trafford Park) Order 2001. Although trench work totalling 3.2km (two miles).

28 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink Above: Pomona stop on the Eccles line; it is from here that the new As in the case of the construction of Pomona stop, the Trafford Park line will diverge. Services are planned to begin in requirement for vehicles for the new line has already been late 2020. taken account of in previous orders for M5000 trams – and so Below: The South Manchester line terminus at East Didsbury, no further new vehicles are needed for line. looking south towards Stockport. Could this offer a future new Metrolink route? Further expansion Thinking beyond the TPL, Vaughan says he thinks “towards the end of the year, or relatively early in 2018, we’ll come up with our next series of prioritised investments and there are some small ones in the pipeline. The network has grown to an extent that significant investment would be needed to expand it any further, but there are some realistic plans on the table.” As may be expected from a representative of a transport organisation charged with overseeing much more than simply trams, Vaughan is also clear that modal integration will be key as trams cannot carry everyone, and extensions may not always be viable. Even so, aspirations for the future do exist: “We’re often asked, ‘is there going to be a Metrolink phase 4?’ The answer is, probably,” Vaughan explains. The strategy for 2040 will include “a rapid DID YOU KNOW? transit strategy, so we’ll need to look at A total of 4400 improvements in public transport overall to overhead line structures achieve greater integration. It’s not the answer across the network support 194km to always build a railway, it’s to make the most western loop would complete the circle of the (120.5 miles) of of the other modes that we have around the overhead line. Airport line.” highway network, buses, the existing rail network That would include Metrolink reaching and Metrolink. Manchester Airport’s Terminal Two rather than “We do need to improve and enhance capacity, running only to the dedicated Airport station it and that might be buying more trams, and there’s currently shares with heavy rail services. The new line possible extensions as well. We could extend the Trafford could also take in the major hospital at Wythenshawe (part Park line to Port Salford, that’s a very real possibility [a new of the University Hospital of South Manchester), as well as vertical lifting bridge into the new commercial site, owned potentially providing a connection to future High Speed 2 by Peel Ports has been future-proofed for Metrolink], and a rail services.

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 29 Metrolink @25

Under a major UK scheme it is intended that in the 2030s, lots of routes possible on that front. But I think ultimately for as part of HS2’s stage 2b, Manchester Airport will gain a Manchester, if we are to grow the way we are planning to, stop on the new heavy rail corridor connecting the North then we might even consider in the very far flung future an to Birmingham and London. That is in addition to HS2 underground line, or possibly two, if we can get the level of services running into the city itself. investment that London gets in terms of Crossrail.” While any underground line might be a lot further off, Tram-train Vaughan suggests that rather than waiting for the outcome Pure tramway expansion is not the end of future ambitions. of the UK’s Sheffield tram-train pilot and then progressing One possibility under serious consideration is tram-train, the mode in the middle of the next decade: “We can despite the fact that as yet, the UK’s tram-train pilot project in do something much sooner than that… we can already Sheffield has not even begun offering public services. learn lessons from Sheffield and I think Manchester can However, the potential adoption of tram-train is not new independently shape its plans for tram-train, and the only thinking for TfGM: the organisation produced a report in question for us will be about securing funding. I am sure that November 2013 into the concept, raising the possibility the South Yorkshire pilot will ultimately be a success in its of adopting the technology on various routes including own right, and I think Manchester tram-train schemes can be Manchester to Marple; Manchester to Glossop; Manchester to successful too.” Wigan via Atherton; and Stockport to Altrincham. Such moves Whatever the precise details of the next steps that are might even free up existing M5000 trams (see panel). expected to be decided upon soon, some things are already The ambition is to connect Greater Manchester’s now clear: public transport is key to Greater Manchester’s future extensively developed tramway with a wider rail network that plans for its thriving conurbation, and the current and recent has evolved ever since the 19th Century and which connects projects are unlikely to be the last. outlying towns that are not on Metrolink. In its strategy for Given the predictions of Greater Manchester’s continuing 2040, TfGM identifies tram-train as offering “the potential to population and economic growth, it seems that the area’s deliver metro services to more areas without building new rail public transport passenger figures are almost certainly going lines. A tram-train approach can help to improve access to to follow suit. Following the investment of the last quarter- the core of the city centre at peak and off-peak times, while century, and with more on the way, Metrolink is now well also releasing valuable capacity on the heavy rail network.” placed to offer a sound basis in making that possible. TfGM’s Danny Vaughan told TAUT that “tram-train is a Who now could imagine this city without this service? significant option for us. It gives Metrolink a greater reach and In time, perhaps the Big Bang will appear only to have utilises existing railway infrastructure a lot better. So there’s been the start…

30 ❚ 25 years of Metrolink Courtesy of TfGM

Future fleets

Where next for the fleet on a system that vehicles for that might allow the cascading continues to expand – and which continues of existing trams to allow double pairs to run to grow its passenger numbers? Vehicles are elsewhere. However, he stresses that this is not already sometimes run in double pairs – so an imminent problem: “I don’t think we need could the future mean acquiring longer to do that yet… it becomes a problem in future vehicles, or running them in threes? Such years as demand continues to grow and we action could have wider consequences too, grow the system. At that stage the answer for such as having to lengthen platforms… us might lie in tram-train.” “There are options,” says TfGM Head of To a certain extent, of course, Manchester’s Metrolink Danny Vaughan. “We run double rolling stock choices have already been consists already, largely on the busiest routes determined by history – in particular the or for special events for example. That gives us selection of high-floor rather than low-floor, some flexibility, but we’re looking to utilise the which has now manifested itself across platforms In July 2017 Head of Metrolink fleet to 90% of its capacity to have almost all and vehicles. In a world where builders are Danny Vaughan gave the tantalising prospect of a potential the trams out on a daily basis just serving the offering standardised low-floor trams and high- future underground Metrolink line. day-to-day needs of the passengers. floor is not the norm, is that a disadvantage? “We could extend the trams by adding “I think that may be a disadvantage for in further sections, but that’s probably Manchester,” accepts Vaughan, “but I don’t “We get asked: unlikely. Where our future might lie is in the think we'll ever be able to go back on a decision investigations we’re doing into tram-train made in the 1980s when times were different. ‘Is there going to options. If we are successful in running a pilot “Low-floor vehicles, in my experience, can scheme in the next few years it’s quite likely tend to be quite difficult to maintain… be a phase 4?’ that the next generation of rolling stock we buy I’m pleased with the reliability of the M5000 The answer is, would be tram-train stock.” fleet, but it does slightly limit our options for As an example, Vaughan suggests that a the future. Having said that, Metrolink does probably.” tram-train line might coincide in part with the lend itself to tram-train options because you current Altrincham route – and acquisition of wouldn’t have to have dual floor heights.” Danny Vaughan

25 years of Metrolink ❚ 31 Delivering a world-class light rail system for Metrolink across Greater Manchester

Since 2008 MPT has worked collaboratively with Transport for Greater Manchester to sucessfully deliver the Phase 3 extension of the Manchester Metrolink with over 60km of new track and 57 new tram stops. MPT is currently delivering the Trafford Park Line extension.

Contact: Bryan Glass, Operations Director e: [email protected]

MPT advert Metrolink supplement 17.indd 1 01/11/2017 12:11