THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2020 No. 987 Reclaiming the rails: Mauritius lrt

How to revive a failed railway with 21st Century technology West Midlands plans 240km Alstom and Bombardier to merge? Stadler to build Tyne and Wear fleet

Bucharest Blackpool £4.60 Rebuilding in The world’s greatest ’s capital heritage operation? European Light Rail Congress

TWO days of interactive debates... EIGHT hours of dedicated networking... ONE place to be Ibercaja Patio de la Infanta Zaragoza, 10-11 June

The European Light Rail Congress brings together leading opinion-formers and decision-makers from across Europe for two days of debate around the role of technology in the development of sustainable urban travel.

With presentations and exhibitions from some of the industry’s most innovative suppliers and service providers, this congress also includes technical visits and over eight hours of networking sessions. 2020 For 2020, we are delighted to be holding the event in the beautiful city of Zaragoza in partnership with Tranvía Zaragoza, Mobility City and the Fundación Ibercaja.

Our local partners at Tranvía Zaragoza have arranged a depot tour as part of day one’s activities at the European Light Rail Congress. At the event, attendees will discover the role and future of light rail within a truly intermodal framework.

To submit an abstract or to participate, please contact Geoff Butler on +44 (0)1733 367610 or [email protected]

+44 (0)1733 367600 @ [email protected] www.mainspring.co.uk

MEDIA PARTNER

EU Light Rail Driving innovation CONTENTS 84 T he official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association MARCH 2020 Vol. 83 No. 987 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL Editor – Simon Johnston [email protected] Associate Editor – Tony Streeter [email protected] Worldwide Editor – Michael Taplin [email protected] News Editor – John Symons [email protected] Senior Contributor – Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors R ichard Felski, Ed Havens, Andrew Moglestue, Paul Nicholson, Herbert Pence, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Alain Senut, Vic Simons, Witold Urbanowicz, Bill Vigrass, Francis Wagner, Thomas Wagner, Philip Webb, Rick Wilson Production – Lanna Blyth 105 93 T el: +44 (0)1733 367604 [email protected] News 84 mitigating risk on line m4 103 DESIGN – Debbie Nolan West Midlands Mayor reveals 20-year Experts from Amberg Group and Metrorex Advertising ‘Tube-style’ Metro vision; Bombardier present a case study to illustrate the vital COMMERCIAL Manager – Geoff Butler merger rumours reappear; Bogota advances importance of robust metro fire safety audits. Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 [email protected] metro and LRT plans; Stadler wins contract; Further delays to Tel systems factfile: strasbourg 105 Publisher – Matt Johnston Aviv light rail; Philadelphia’s PCC farewell; Neil Pulling is drawn to a city where bold Tramways & Urban Transit Casablanca expansion finance confirmed. urban planning strategies have seen it 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, become a flag-bearer for modern tramways. Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK THE FUTURE OF URBAN MOBILITY 90 Tramways & Urban Transit is published by Mainspring How do we plan long-term investments in W ORLDWIDE REVIEW 110 on behalf of the LRTA on the third Friday of each a world where technology is moving ever Bidders withdraw from Subte tender; Works month preceding the cover date. faster? Professor Glenn Lyons explores some begin on Parramatta LRT; Linz cancels of the challenges. second north-south tramline plans; MTR opens first stage of Satin – Central link; PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION BRINGING LRT TO MAURITIUS 93 Honolulu Metro may open in October 2020. Warners (Midlands), Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK Oliver Doyle describes the development and LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) MAILBOX 115 operations of the all-new Metro Express LRT Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up service on this idyllic Indian Ocean island. Highlighting the ‘soft benefits’ of LRT; members of the Light Rail Transit Association. where lessons can be learned from Ottawa. REBUILDING IN 99 LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY Brian Lomas One of Europe’s great tramways has seen CLASSIC : BLACKPOOL PART 1 116 [email protected] [email protected] better days, but investment is on the way The first in Mike Russell’s two-part series on Simon Johnston visits the ‘Paris of the East’. Blackpool’s diverse heritage operation. Subscriptions, MEMBERSHIP and back issues LRT A Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 At last, city leaders are having the right conversations... [email protected] Website: www.lrta.info for CORPORATE Subscriptions VISIT To start this month, I’d like to offer a brief peek behind the curtain of TAUT... www.mainspring.co.uk Our weekly internal content discussions review progress of the various articles planned for each edition, poring over fantastic images and talking LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 4TU, UK. through the breaking stories from around the world. More and more often, Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 and this month is a perfect example, these discussions take much longer. in England and Wales. Squeezing everything into one issue is becoming harder and harder with the quality LRTA Chairman – Paul Rowen of submissions from our fantastic (and growing) contributor base. That is no complaint, [email protected] just the opposite. If politicians, designers, engineers, constructors and manufacturers © LRTA 2020 keep coming up with new and exciting projects, we’ll keep reporting on them! Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also This edition contains in-depth explorations of a few very different aspects of tramway later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution and light rail development: remarkable heritage operations in Blackpool (page 116); a tale of is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the austerity and rebuilding in Bucharest (page 99); a re-interpretation of the interurban railway opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of using modern LRT methodologies in Mauritius (page 93) and insightful thinking on where the LRTA or Mainspring. All rights reserved. cities, and mobility are headed from a respected academic (page 90). No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including Our news sections are once again filled with new orders and contract awards, as well as photocopying, recording or by any information storage and political ambitions to transform cities and city regions as we all face the same battles over retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from congestion, air quality and climate change. These debates are picking up pace, and we’re the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the proud to be a part of many of them. magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. Finally, a number of you queried last month’s editorial as to whether we are truly entering the second or third decade of the 21st Century. Many different views on this one, but I COVER: En route to Rose Hill, Metro Express CAF hope everyone understood the sentiments of positivity intended as we all look forward to Urbos 102 leaves the elevated approaching what will be a decade that changes how we all think about mobility. Simon Johnston, Editor Monseigneur Leen St, Port Louis. O. Doyle

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org MARCH 2020 / 83 News Stadler to build Tyne and Wear fleet UK Rail minister hints at expansion announcement to come for Newcastle’s Metro network

ABOVE: The Tyne and Wear Metro fleet is now 40 years old, with the Gosforth depot dating back almost 100 years further. Both will be replaced under the new Stadler contract. N. Pulling LEFT: The new ’ livery is still to be finalised; Nexus is gathering public opinion on three options – all white with yellow doors; dark grey with yellow doors and a ‘warm grey’ and yellow option reminiscent of the current fleet. Nexus/Stadler Tyne and Wear Passenger Pelaw and Tyne Dock to increase will also feature air-conditioning, digital systems, hydrogen and Transport Executive Nexus the network’s capacity. Wi-Fi, USB charging points and battery drive systems as well as (UK) has awarded Stadler the The UK Government automatic sliding steps at doors the ‘next-generation’ of its LRV GBP300m (EUR355m) contract to is contributing GBP337m to improve accessibility. platform for . build its new fleet of Metro trains. (EUR400m) towards the order, Although the trains will be built The company beat rival offers Announced on 28 January, the with Rail Minister Chris Heaton- at a new CHF86m (EUR80m) from CAF and Hitachi, the latter agreement includes maintenance Harris hinting there “will be facility in St. Margrethen, over of which has a manufacturing responsibility for the 42 trains for more to come”, adding: “The 30 UK supply chain partners will plant in County Durham. up to 35 years and construction budget is on 11 March and I be involved. The first trains are The decision has caused local of a new GBP70m (EUR83m) would imagine you can expect expected in 2022, with the last controversy, with Tees Valley depot on the site of the current some more announcements due to arrive in 2024 at the latest. Mayor Ben Houchen calling it South Gosforth facility. shortly after that.” The contract is Stadler’s fourth “madness” and claiming that up The total contract value, The current confirmation in the UK, following orders to 250 local jobs would be put at including decommissioning forms part of a GBP362m from the , risk at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe of the existing 40-year-old (EUR428m) modernisation of the Merseyrail and Transport for plant. However, Mr Hughes Metrocars, could rise to GBP700m network, which currently carries Wales. The Swiss manufacturer said: “Stadler put forward the (EUR828m), depending on 33m passengers/year. The new reported record orders in 2019, best possible trains that met our performance and options for four-car trains promise efficiency growing revenues by 60% year- specification requirements for four more trains dependent on improvements of up to 30%, on-year although profit levels the best available price. Nexus the outcome of a bid to the UK’s using onboard energy storage were hampered by extra costs is a public body, and the money Transforming Cities Fund to and enhanced regenerative associated with some delayed we’re using to buy these trains is implement the ‘Metro Flow’ plan braking. With a greater capacity orders and high levels of research taxpayers’ money. Stadler won to double-track the line between (up to 600 passengers), the trains and development investment in that process fair and square.” European LRT shows strong passenger growth uropean tramway and patronage (5.09bn/72 systems), , and years (France, Spain, Ireland, UK light rail systems now with the rest divided between were not yet available. and ) have the greatest carry as many passengers South-Eastern Europe (1.27bn/29 The British Isles has the highest percentage of 100% low-floor as metros and regional/ systems), France (1.07bn/28 ridership growth over the three- vehicles. By comparison, Ecommuter rail, and ten times systems), Poland (1.05bn/15 year period measured (17.5%), South-Eastern Europe has just more than air travel, according systems), Benelux (659m/10 partly ascribed to it opening the 29% of its trams with a low-floor. to the latest figures from the systems), Western Mediterranean most new over the Average annual mileage per International Association of (616m/29 systems), Baltic/Nordic past few years. vehicle is 52 000km (32 300 Public Transport (UITP). (482m/12 systems), and the British Additional findings include the miles), ranging from 38 700km Between 2015 and 2018, Isles (189m/9 systems). The report average length of lines in Europe (24 050 miles) to 77 500km ridership on the continent’s also says average LRT journeys being 7.3km (4.5 miles). This is (48 150 miles); the report says 204 systems increased by 6.9%, have risen to 3.27km (two miles). less than on other continents, but the range can be partly explained from 9.74bn to 10.42bn, with Budapest has the most trips lines tend to be longer on average by fleet age and that the values infrastructure increasing from (411m), while has the most in countries with newer systems are based on the assumption that 8943km (5557 miles) to 9296km trackage (193km/120 miles) and and a limited number of lines. vehicles are used equally. (5776 miles – 3.9%) over the same is the third-biggest system in the Europe’s systems have 20750 period. Since 2000, Europe has world after and St trams and LRVs, with 51% of this For more see www.uitp.org/sites/ opened 70 new or LRT lines. Petersburg (not included in the total being low-floor vehicles; default/files/cck-focus-papers-files/ and Central Europe figures). Extrapolation was used countries with the majority of Statistics%20Brief%20-%20 make up around half of all in some areas, as 2018 figures for systems opened in the last 25 LRT%20Europe2.pdf

84 / march 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Bombardier Transportation Byford resigns to seek merger partner? as NCYT Sharp stock price fall fuels speculation over tie-up with Alstom or Hitachi President n 22 January US financial company New City Transit (NYCT) Bloomberg reported President Andy Byford resigned that preliminary at the end of January amid Odiscussions were underway conflict with New York Governor into a merger of Bombardier Andrew Cuomo’s plans to Transportation and Alstom reorganise management of (which could be effected the state-wide Metropolitan by Bombardier selling its Transportation Authority (MTA). Transportation arm to Alstom). Recruited in January 2018 after Shares in both companies Governor Cuomo declared the rose sharply following the news, city’s transportation network representing a small recovery for to be in a state of emergency, Bombardier whose share price Mr Byford was given the slipped by 36% following its mandate to revive the city’s 16 January announcement that ailing and antiquated Subway full year revenue in 2019 was and overwhelmed bus network. down to USD15.8bn (including Dubbed ‘ Daddy’ by USD8.3bn for Bombardier supporters, he has since earned Transportation). The fall is widespread praise for delivering ascribed to delayed deliveries of significant safety improvements Global 7500 aircraft and Aventra and reducing delays and EMUs to Transport for London, breakdowns – weekday incidents as well as issues with delivery of in 2019 fell 25% year-on-year – the Twindexx EMU fleet to Swiss and masterminding a successful Bombardier’s Flexity tram competes head-on with the Alstom Citadis. The latest Federal Railways that have led to relaunch of the bus network. Bombardier order came from Dresden; a mock-up was unveiled in January. DVB compensation discussions. Mr Byford also spearheaded A planned merger between Bombardier has received orders ‘Fast Forward’ proposals that Alstom and Siemens Mobility “Shares in both for 3516 trams since 1987, and have since secured USD51.5bn was called off in February 2019 Alstom 2885, but the current order in investment to modernise when EU competition authorities Bombardier and books for both have fallen back in signalling equipment, the said the companies had failed the last year. Bombardier has been installation of 50 elevators to to address concerns about Alstom rose vulnerable in recent years due to make the system more accessible, competition in the signalling problems in its Canadian aircraft the introduction of contactless and high-speed train markets. sharply following division, now in partnership with payments and the purchase of Bombardier Transportation, the news of Airbus. It sold a 30% stake in its up to 3650 new cars. headquartered in Berlin, and Transportation division to Caisse Concluding his resignation Alstom, based in Paris, may face a potential merger.” de dépôt et placement du Québec letter, Mr Byford said: “I’m very the same challenges if a formal in 2016 after reviewing strategic proud of what we have achieved merger is proposed, as both options including a possible as a team over the past two companies are active in the rolling to competition from Chinese giant listing in Germany or the UK. years, and I believe New York stock and signalling markets. CRRC; the conglomerate recently News agency Reuters has City Transit is well-placed to It is known that the established won its first light rail order in reported that Bombardier has also continue its forward progress European manufacturers are Europe, when the Portuguese city been in discussions with Japanese now that the MA has a record- concerned that fragmentation of of Porto ordered 18 36m low-floor firm Hitachi over the future of its breaking USD51.5bn Capital the sector leaves them vulnerable LRVs (see TAUT 986). Transportation division. Program in place”.

Bogotá chooses CRRC to build and operate LRT

China Railway Construction Occidente – are expected to build, operate and maintain 140m trainsets (1800 passenger Corporation (CRCC) has been commence during 2024. agreement for the 23.9km capacity) supplied by CRRC awarded a 26-year EUR1bn CRCC was the sole bidder (14.9-mile) was signed with Changchun and Bombardier. contract to design, build and for the 26-year PPP contract. a consortium of China Harbor Separately, Bogotá Mayor operate the 39.6km (24.6-mile) Services are expected to use Engineering Company and Claudia López has announced Regiotram de Occidente, a Chinese-built rolling stock and Xi’an Metro Company. The a new city mobility plan, standard gauge light rail line it is hoped to carry 130 000 cost of the line is estimated at including a 4.1km (2.5-mile) linking the Colombian capital of passengers/day. EUR3.9bn with EUR437.5m extension of the metro (between Bogotá and its western suburbs. The inner terminus will offer coming from a loan from the Calle 72 and Calle 100) and Passenger services on the interchange with the planned European Investment Bank. changes to the Transmilenio Bus double-track route – mostly metro, a contract for which was This 28-year agreement route to offer better on existing rail alignment, awarded in late 2019. Following includes a 20-year deal to integration with the metro, to Mosquera, Madrid, Funza, decades of plans being revised, operate and maintain the line without duplicating the new Facatativá and Sabana de modified and delayed, the design, and 16 stations, which will use Regiotram de Occidente route.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 85 News Tel Aviv LRT opening delayed again Red line won’t now be ready until 2022, while tenders for two further lines have also been postponed

n January the Board of the and Petah Tikva – is ascribed 62 stations) and Purple (27km/ passed the preselection stage of NTA Mass Transit System to delays in construction of 17 miles and 43 stops) lines have the tender process. (Tel Aviv, Israel) confirmed underground stations that will also been notified of a six-month The Ministry of Finance that the city’s Red LRT line push the official current opening postponement in the deadline estimates that effects of the won’tI now be ready until 2022 date of October 2021 to late 2022. for submitting bids, with Israeli delays in terms of road congestion and that tender deadlines for the The Red line features a 12km media outlet Globes quoting and lost productivity could reach Green and Purple lines have been (7.5-mile) subway beneath Tel sources close to the project who NIS40bn (EUR10.63bn). postponed until June 2020. Aviv, Ramat Gan and Bnei Brak say further delays are expected. The three lines are part of a The 6-12-month delay in the with distances between stops of The current deadline for network that could eventually opening of the 24km (15-mile) 1km (0.6 miles). Construction of completion of the two new reach 140km (87 miles) and cover Red line that will connect five the line began in 2016. lines, estimated to cost NIS30bn 23 municipalities as part of a municipalities – Bat Yam, Tel Bidders for construction of (EUR7.7bn), is 2026, and seven further NIS100-150bn Aviv-Yafo, Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak the Green (39km/24 miles and international consortia have (EUR27-40bn) investment.

Edinburgh consults on plans to create a car-free city centre by 2030 The City of Edinburgh Council development: South East via network, including tram routes, able to connect with the existing has published a draft ten-year BioQuarter, Newhaven – Granton, west to Newbridge by 2030. route at Haymarket providing ‘City Mobility Plan’ which a route towards Newbridge, and The Granton route would be a connection direct to the city envisages pedestrianisation in west of Hermiston. Key milestones largely segregated, partially using centre and, via interchange at the city centre and significant include completing the tramline former alignment, and serve Haymarket, a connection to tramway expansion. The council to Newhaven in 2022; a mass traffic generators such as the Edinburgh Park and the Airport.” would expect to introduce a transit plan for the region; and Western General Hospital and Published on 16 January, the Workplace Parking Levy to fund agreeing a business case for a Craigleith retail park. The study plan is subject to consultation. public transport improvements possible north-south tramline says that while “both tram and and growth of its cycle network. (Granton and Haymarket to the BRT options would be potentially See https://democracy.edinburgh. Four corridors have BioQuarter and beyond) in 2025; feasible, a tram-based option gov.uk/documents/s12642/ been proposed for possible plus extending the mass transit would offer the benefit of being City%20Mobility%20Plan.pdf

NEWS IN PICTURES Škoda wins Warsaw’s Sudden end for Philadelphia’s PCC cars PCC operation in the US city of Philadelphia came to a sudden end on 25 January when line 15 (Girard) was converted to ‘temporary’ bus operation, to permit EUR307m Metro order replacement of the I-95 bridge over Frankford Avenue. No announcement had been made, but news leaked out and many enthusiasts took a final ride. The line is due to re-open in due course, but with just eight of the 18 1940s-built 14.2m PCCs (rebuilt by Brookville in 2003-05) available, SEPTA has indicated that tram service will probably not return until new articulated low- floor cars are delivered (so far not the subject of a tender). However, a public meeting was told that the closure would be used to fix the PCCs. The 13km (eight-mile) line 15 was SEPTA’s last wholly-surface tramline, and the only one using the PCC fleet, carrying about 8200 passengers/day. SEPTA plans to invest USD1.3bn in 120 new trams for both line 15 and the subway- surface routes that use 112 Kawasaki 1980s-built trams. A report issued on 11 January showed how stops would be rebuilt to permit level boarding to the planned low-floor trams, which could possibly be in service from 2024. Delivery of new metro stock to Warsaw is to start next year. Metro Warszawskie Philadelphia once had 382 PCCs, but by 1992 they were used just on lines 15, 23 and 56, all temporarily converted to bus operation. Line 15 was the only one Following a two-and-a-half MW management says that its to return to passenger service. year process, on 30 January oldest stock, Metrovagonmash- Metro Warszawskie (MW) built trains dating from the signed a contract with Škoda 1990s, require daily maintenance Transportation for 37 six-car interventions, while in contrast metro trains, with an option for its latest fleet additions have eight more. Each 90km/h (56mph) intervals of 60 days. train will have the capacity to Fifteen trains are required for carry up to 1500 passengers. line M2 to maintain 2.5-minute The tender process began in headways, while 22 will replace 2017 with subsequent delays the Metrovagonmash trains on related to legal challenges to the line M1; the optional eight could first contract award in June 2018. be used to increase frequencies to Škoda’s offer of PLN1.308bn two minutes, according to MW (EUR307.1m) beat four rival President Jerzy Lejk. bidders and a number of the Deliveries are to begin in challenges surrounded the autumn 2021 and will coincide Czech manufacturer’s offer of with the completion of two new The last few days of PCC operation in Philadelphia saw many enthusiasts 130-day maintenance intervals, sections of line M2 – north-east travel to the city; Car 2325 is on a line 15 service on 20 January. A. Grahl something the other bidders to C21 Bródno and west to C4 claimed is not realistic. Bemowo (Powstańców Śląskich).

86 / march 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org West Midlands ‘Tube map’ unveiled Mayor Andy Street shares his ambitious 20-year GBP15bn Metro plan for UK city region

head of the May the region as well as existing Ultra Elements of the Metro form part of the proposed Black 2020 UK City Region Light Rail services in Stourbridge. programme are already Country line and open in 2023. Mayoral elections, on As many as 30 new park-and- underway as January saw the Despite the main 4 February West ride sites are planned, as well as extension to Birmingham infrastructure works being MAidlands incumbent Andy Street new stations in Birmingham’s Eastside granted Transport largely complete on the short unveiled his 20-year ‘Tube-style’ Balsall Heath and Dudley Road, and Works Act approval. extension to Wolverhampton vision for the region at Walsall’s alongside four new stations in Construction is to begin within station, delays associated Aldridge Transport Museum. Coventry and incorporating the next five years, extending with the opening of the new The GBP15bn (EUR17.7bn) existing plans for a ‘clover leaf’ services from Bull Street to the Wolverhampton heavy rail plan calls for 240km (150 Very Light Rail network and new proposed new High Speed 2 station mean that Metro service miles) of new rail routes by is unlikely to start before 2021. 2040, including eight new “For too long we have been left behind metro lines – with elements of A new Regional Transport subway running using ‘cut and London and ... We are a Co-ordination Centre providing cover’ construction – and an a single hub for West Midlands additional 380 stops. With an world-class city region and deserve a transport authorities and estimated cost of GBP750m/ agencies, emergency services year (EUR884m/year) for 20 world-class Metro and rail network.” and bus, rail and tram operators years, finance would come from to manage the network during a combination of additional autonomous pod routes. Designs station at Curzon Street major events and incidents was central Government funding, for the re-opening of the Walsall and beyond to Digbeth. officially opened by Secretary of contributions from developers – Wolverhampton rail line have This GBP137m (EUR161.5m) State for Transport Grant Shapps and borrowing against future already been agreed and have project involves extending the on 17 January. The facility is said Metro revenues, Mr Street said. entered the planning stage. tramway with 1.7km (1.1 miles) to be the first in the UK. The proposals include naming Mr Street said: “For too long we of double-track and four new Could this be the West Midlands Metro lines after prominent local have been left behind London stops as well as a bus interchange transport map in 20 years’ time? figures and expansion of the and Manchester, and other next to the Clayton Hotel north Mayor Street’s proposal builds on the programme that is already set to cities around the world. We are of Moor Street station. existing and planned network, and triple the network over the next a world-class city region and Work has also begun on the incorporates ideas dating back to the decade. The plans will offer new deserve a world-class Metro and Brierley Hill extension; this ‘5Ws’ plans of 1989 that evisaged a 200km (125-mile)network by 2000. connections to rail stations across rail network.” 11km (seven-mile) route would It includes new elements such as the Lee Woods line and Elizabeth line city circle. West Midlands Metro currently runs fromWolverhampton St George’s to Birmingham city centre over much of what is marked as the Midland line. Map courtesy of Andy 4WM

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 87 News World Bank backs Casa tram growth Two new lines will double the network by 2023

2020 A coupled set of Alstom Citadis in the centre of Casablanca. M. Beim

he International Line T3, 13.5km (8.4 miles), will Finance Corporation, start at El Hantate depot in the London – 7 October part of the World Bank southern suburb of Sidi Othmane Group, has agreed and run to Casa Port, the city’s Tcredit of EUR92m to finance most important railway station, construction of tramlines T3 crossing T1 and T2 on the way. and T4 (26km/16.2 miles) in T4 (14km/nine miles) will start at Casablanca, Morocco. The deal the Hassan II mosque on the coast with the Région Casablanca- and run south-east to Moulay Recognising excellence and Settat was signed on 23 January. Rachid industrial area, one stop Casablanca opened its modern beyond an interchange with T1. tramway on 12 December Project management is in the innovation in light and urban rail 2012 (line T1, 31km/19 miles), hands of a French-Moroccan with line T2 (22.5km/14 miles) consortium led by Egis and it is following on 25 January 2019. hoped that construction will be The system is operated by RATP completed in 2022-23. Work has Dev on behalf of Casa Transport, already started on the diversion using 124 Alstom Citadis low- of services. floor, single-ended but double- It is thought that a further 100 Entri es sided trams, run in coupled pairs. trams will be needed. Originally Casablanca is unusual there was an open tender to amongst North African supply these vehicles, but this tramways in operating a has been cancelled and it seems open now dedicated park-and-ride at the likely that the new fleet will be Oasis stop. A further 14 park- built at the Alstom joint venture and-ride sites are planned. factory at Annaba in Algeria. London transport use slows

Demand for public transport GBP500-750m (EUR456-684m) in the UK capital has suffered over the next four years. This an unprecedented slowdown, is compounded by an average according to the annual Travel in annual GBP700m (EUR638m) London report. Underground, reduction in central government train and bus ridership remained funding. Nevertheless, TfL hopes static over the last three years. to generate an operating surplus ColTram This has had an impact on by 2022-23. budgets, with a softening of However, it warns of demand for Underground trips, widespread crowding within record cycling levels and the two decades if money cannot be delay in opening the Elizabeth found for upgrades and projects (Crossrail) line all contributing. such as Crossrail 2 and the The Transport for London Bakerloo line extension. business plan included a Patronage on the Docklands GBP600m (EUR547m) impact Light Railway is forecast to be from the delay to the Elizabeth 123m in 2019-20, increasing to www.lightrailawards.com line – now expected to open 147m by 2024-25. London Trams in 2021 – and current plans patronage is forecast to be 29m in show a further revenue loss of 2019-20, and 32m in 2024-25.

88 / march 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Unrivalled Precision Whether it’s for pedestrian crossings, tram stops, depots or complex crossovers and turnouts, Rosehill Rail’s Baseplated Crossing system is the only solution.

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

Rosehill Rail - TAUT Half page Ad_185x130mm_MAR2020.indd 1 04/02/2020 10:12 in your next issue of Tricon AG Tricon neckar-alb rolli ng stock ligs ht ,tramcars, tram-train orders 2020 action! Günter Koch of DB Engineering and Michael Taplin presents his annual Mike Russell concludes his two-part Consulting describes the development review of the worldwide tram and survey of the remarkable heritage of the Regional- Neckar-Alb LRV rolling stock market – and operations in the UK seaside town tram-train concept in the Reutlingen and draws out the key trends and major of Blackpool – one of the world's Tübingen area, south of Stuttgart, Germany. orders for the coming 12 months. great tramway survivors. APRIL 2020 PLUS... issue + S ystems Factile: Den Haag, + The latest news and analysis, system developments, transport policy On sale announcements and industry comment from around the world 20 March The future of mobility planning for the unwritten future Professor Glenn Lyons explains the challenges of developing urban transport strategies in a fast-changing landscape with many new actors.

he Greek philosopher Heraclitus maintained that “the only constant is change” – although it’s unlikely that even he could have predicted some of theT developments of the modern world. Today’s pace of technological progress is unprecedented; we face surprises every day that would have been unexpected and unpredictable just 12 months ago, let alone 20 years or more in the past. So how do we plan for a future that we can only guess at? In a world where customers are more tech-savvy, more demanding of greater ease and convenience, with higher expectations of technological adaptation, innovators are under keen pressure to future-proof products that are expected to last a decade – and maybe even longer. By the ABOVE: West Midlands Metro is currently pioneering battery traction for light rail in the UK, but this time a product has evolved through its technology has taken a number of years to mature. TAUT gestational and development period, it might well be outdated as times will have already are likely to continue. We need to be “One of the representatives supporting DfT changed by the time it is ready to launch. accommodating of these in terms of our from the motor industry tells us that in terms Glenn Lyons, Mott MacDonald Professor forward planning. The Department for of a revolution in the way people and goods of Future Mobility, spoke at last year’s UK Transport is keen to add greater resilience to its move around, we’ll see more change in the Light Rail Conference on the challenges of decision-making, he explains. next ten years than in the previous 100.” such future planning. Professor Lyons and his Consequently, if we do have a vision, how do But he adds that the challenge is perhaps team at UWE Bristol and colleagues at Mott we move forwards in the face of deep uncertainty even greater: “It’s not this dramatic revolution MacDonald have developed a process (www. to take action with confidence in how we invest where suddenly there will be a big reveal and mottmac.com/futures) that seeks to capture and pursue an urban mobility strategy?” we know where everything’s heading... we’re the opportunities, but also the ‘tensions’ of Professor Lyons boldly makes a claim facing what I believe is a significant transition any future transport strategy or vision. regarding the DfT’s recently published in the very nature of the mobility system, Professor Lyons explained: “Alongside Future Mobility: Urban Strategy in that he from the age of the motor car to a new future technological innovation, we’re facing disagrees with the very first line, in which a that will be fundamentally different.” significant behavioural changes that have former minister claims that Britain is on the taken place over the last 20 years and ‘cusp of a transport revolution’. He explains: Principles aside The Future Mobility: Urban Strategy document sets out nine principles. However, principles Now Time are always subject to outside influence in terms of relative priority. This is something Professor Lyons acknowledges, saying that while the DfT Preferable futures would like to pursue all nine principles, the Government body recognises that there could Probable futures be tensions or conflicts arising between them. He also points out that this document is part of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, “not necessarily a call to arms for sustainable mobility per se”. It is more about how the UK, in a post-Brexit world, can exploit innovation – even if that isn’t necessarily compatible with some of the principles set out. There is also a question as to the lack of a tenth ‘principle’ – “Maybe they’ve left a gap for me to add one?” Plausible futures Professor Lyons wonders – equally quick to fill that space: “I would suggest this concerns Possible futures the fact that we’re planning for the future of accessibility, not mobility.” The ‘futures cone’ demonstrates how we view the future – with many possible variants that urban and This view is reinforced by the ‘triple access transport planners need to consider when coming up with options for future interventions. system’, which reminds us that fundamentally

90 / MARCH 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org future when making so many assumptions? MaaS falls into this category, Professor Lyons argues: “It's currently touted as this idea User that in the palm of your hand, and through a single app, you can have easy access to the Mobility Broker of convenience full repertoire of transport modes beyond the operator private car. That’s this notion of mobility as a service for which you might pay a subscription Transaction Procurement fee or adopt a ‘pay as you go’ approach – booking, payment, ticketing it’s designed to unlock travel behaviour.” At the heart of this ‘revolution’ are players Information services Planning and execution like Uber and MaaS Global – known as pre-trip, en route mobility intermediators or operators, they represent quite a high level of what we see Mobility services from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (see left). bus, tram, bike hire, taxi, hire car, coach, train We need food and shelter before we get Physical onto more altruistic things, and going down means through the layers – well before we get to this Infrastructure and vehicles excitement in the palm of our hand – we need to get to grips with the transactional layer beneath and the informational layer that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs helps depict for Mobility as a Service (the mobility system }beyond the private car) how the fundamentals need to be addressed before progressing onto higher level requirements. supports the connection between users and transport. Fundamentally, the mobility services transportation exists to provide access to Any depiction of the future in which a themselves have to be in place in offering a people, goods, services and opportunities product reaches its full market potential will viable, attractive alternative to the private car. which in turn underpin economic prosperity include a number of assumptions. In the case Going further, that requires the infrastructure and social well-being. “Of course a transport of driverless cars, such a depiction entails a and vehicles themselves to be in place. system does that in terms of physical whole series of assumptions about technology Professor Lyons adds: “One quickly mobility, but so too, if we get it right, does the readiness, about adoption into society, about realises that unless we have the physical land use system through physical proximity how it will perform as part of the mobility means in place, moving up through this and the telecomms system through digital system, and about how it interacts with all hierarchy to a point where we’ve got a connectivity” he explains. “We know that the other developments unfolding over the broker of convenience is rather aspirational young people are spending significantly more years ahead in our sector and beyond. “Of – so again the question of hype vs substance time in the home, which in part may reflect a course, if you’ve made a lot of assumptions,” comes into play.” growing reliance on digital connectivity”. says Professor Lyons, “and think of those as a house of cards, you only need to pull one Changing behaviours Multiple futures... multiple plans out as misplaced or wrong and potentially the Travel behaviour has also changed The future is always something of a guessing whole stack of cards collapses.” dramatically in recent years, adding an game. The government strategy highlights a That is, in essence, the current challenge: additional dimension to interpretation and real need for robust decision-making. how is it possible to accurately anticipate the predictability of future planning. But there are ways to plan for eventualities, argues Professor Lyons, explaining the ‘futures “It’s not this dramatic revolution where there will be a cone’: at its core, this is a “way of imagining the challenges ahead... a torch beam shining into big reveal and we’ll know where everything’s heading... the murkiness of an uncertain future. We tend to have our eyes drawn to the centre of that it’s a fundamental transition in the mobility system.” beam where we presume the probable futures exist, but increasingly in the world we’re in we need to open our field of vision to entertain Peak of plausible futures, and potentially even possible market noise futures, which are much further out on the periphery. Meantime, we can also move the 2015 torch beam in the sense that we can direct our attention towards preferable futures.” 2016/17 2014 And where is this uncertainty coming from? Professor Lyons cites two terms that are becoming part of the everyday lexicon for transport professionals: autonomous vehicles and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). 2018 – Level 4 He does, however, argue that there’s likely 2012 much more to any future than just the hype 2018 – Level 5 that these two terms allow for, referencing 2010 xpectation

Gartner’s ‘hype circle’ depicting how a newly- E emergent technology follows a journey of visibility and expectation: “In Silicon Valley, someone’s seen a driverless car... and at any second they’re going to ‘be here’. You reach a peak of inflated expectation of hype. What 2018 – Flying follows is a slump when you realise it’s more autonomous vehicles Assumed 5-10 years to plateau difficult than you thought to move from Assumed >10 years to plateau invention to innovation. There is a drop from inflated expectation towards the ‘trough of disillusionment’. If the technology doesn’t Time die in the trough, then it re-emerges in a more measured way up the ‘slope of enlightenment’ ABOVE: Gartner depiction of the movement, over time, of autonomous vehicles through its hype cycle. to the ‘plateau of productivity’.” Elaine Herzberg, March 2018

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 91 The future of mobility

RIGHT: The Whim MaaS app – launched in the in terms of a vision. The question then is West Midlands in 2018 – brings together tracking back from either of those futures public transport, taxis, car and bicycle hire into to identify the issues you need to address in one account-based service. TfWM the shorter term.” The data, states Professor Lyons, is “a stark This leads to a ‘vision-led approach’ to reminder of the stealthy but powerfully strategic planning. “The French philosopher cumulative change going on in people’s travel Voltaire said 300 years ago that uncertainty behaviour”, which in the UK over the past is an uncomfortable position, but certainty’s 20 years show a 20% drop in the number of an absurd one. This is the challenge the commuting trips per person, per week. The transport sector faces at the moment,” number of business trips is down by a quarter, suggests Professor Lyons. “We can either and shopping trips are down by a fifth. bury our heads in the sand with our forecast- The net effect over the past 20 years, but most led paradigm of believing we can anticipate noticeably over the past 15, has been an 11% the future, predict and provide; or grasp the reduction in the number of trips per person, nettle and talk about a ‘decide and provide’ per year, on average. This has been countered, approach: where you decide on the preferred however, by a growth in population. future, where you want to be, and look at how More of these trips might be expected you provide a series of steps in your strategy to be made via public transport, too. to get there. Those steps need to be resilient to Twenty years ago, 48% of 17-20-year-olds the uncertainties outside your control.” had a driving licence. Today, that figure is Differentiating between technological 29%. “That could be good news for LRT as “Changing travel behaviour optimism and hype is something we need to an area of mobility… provided you don’t be acutely aware of, he concludes, along with get displaced by driverless cars,” argues has two meanings: the realities of moving ‘inventive possibility’ Professor Lyons. into ‘implemented innovation’ that actually The figures for trips made on foot also changing can be a verb or grows into the adopted mainstream – reveal an area of potential for LRT, as the particularly when light rail already sits significant minority of trips made on foot by an adjective, and the fact within a complex and ever-changing urban urban residents are under two miles (3km): mobility environment. “Transport for London has estimated that that it is changing means it Citing a point made by his colleague there’s a considerable number of journeys Professor Phil Goodwin, “Changing travel made every day that aren’t by foot, which CAN be changed...” behaviour as a phrase has two meanings: could have been...” he adds. changing can be a verb or an adjective, “If the data is correct, there’s been a 27% “It’s a reminder that, as the science fiction and the fact that it is changing means it increase over two years in the number of writer said, the future’s already here, it’s just CAN be changed...’, Professor Lyons argues. walking trips per person under one mile unevenly distributed.” “Put those two together and we’re faced with in England – I’d like to believe that relates deep uncertainty – therefore what we need to something that I’ve lovingly named Developing resilience to do is shape what we can control, but be ‘Walking as a Service!’ It’s there to describe In trying to work out how to plan for an prepared to accommodate what we can’t. things such as Google Maps and the power of unknowable future, one has to envision and Making the case for light rail is about being geography in the palm of your hand which explore the dystopian, as well as the utopian, able to demonstrate a compatibility with, addresses four fundamental things that version of potential plans. and a resilience to, the change.” might otherwise be barriers to walking: In exploring the former, Professor Lyons ‘I don’t know how to get to my destination’; contends that developers and planners need to This article builds upon themes outlined by ‘I don’t want to get lost’; ‘I don’t know how “strategise thinking through how things Professor Glenn Lyons at the 14th Annual UK far it is’; and ‘I don’t know how long it’s could go badly wrong, in a plausible way, Light Rail Conference. For details on the 2020 going to take’. Answers to all of those are if we don’t take the right actions, and contrast event, see www.mainspring.co.uk/uk-light- now in the palm of your hand. that with where you would like to get to rail-conference

100 About the author

Glenn Lyons is the Professor of Future Mobility 95 at UWE Bristol. He is seconded for half his time to Mott MacDonald, creating a bridge between academia and practice. Throughout his research career he has focused on the role of 90 new technologies in supporting and influencing travel behaviour, both directly and through shaping lifestyles and social practices. 85 A former secondee to the UK Department for Transport and more recently to the New Zealand Ministry of Transport, Glenn has led studies 80 into information systems, teleworking, virtual mobility, travel time use, road pricing, public and business attitudes to transport and future 75 mobility. He is actively engaged in examining the future prospects for driverless cars and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), as well as advising transport 70 authorities on handling uncertainty. 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 All trips Walk <1 mile All <1 mile Have your say... How could we better plan Walking trips per person per year on average in England – a 27% increase in walking trips under one mile in for an unknown future? just two years reveals an area of potential development for LRT as ‘pedestrian accelerators’, a common role for  [email protected] the mode in US cities. Source: NTS Data

92 / MARCH 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Mauritius

CAF Urbos 101 about to leave Barkly for the descent to Port Louis Victoria on 9 January – the Indian Ocean is in the distance. All eight level crossings on the new line, in addition to ‘box ’ markings, have the track area painted bright red.

BRINGING LRT TO MAURITIUS Oliver Doyle explores the first phase of the new Metro Express light rail route, designed to cut congestion and improve north-south connectivity on this tropical island in the Indian Ocean.

auritius is an island nation of suggest the overall figure is relatively stable, Once fully-operational, the service will 2040km2 (788 square miles) however rising ownership of private motor have a significant impact on reducing the in the Indian Ocean, lying vehicles in the past two decades (averaging traffic congestion that costs the small island around 1100km (700 miles) a 3-4% increase each year) has seen growing an estimated EUR100m each year. to the east of Madagascar. saturation of the road network and related The first 13km (eight-mile) section to open WithM a population of 1 265 000, Mauritius emissions. Thus the Metro project was set up – from Rose Hill to Port Louis Victoria – on was a British colony from 1810, gaining with the clear objective of providing a fast and Sunday 22 December 2019, saw complimentary independence on 12 March 1968 and Republic reliable transport service between Curepipe, travel offered to passengers who had collected status 24 years later on 12 March 1992. Rose Hill and the island’s capital Port Louis; a free return ticket in advance at Municipal The Mauritius Government Railways this has certainly been achieved on the Offices along the ultimate route. (MGRly) opened the island’s first railway line now-open section. The catchment area for The final planned alignment will start in in 1864, heading north from the capital, Port Metro Express is estimated at 600 000. Curepipe and run to Port Louis Aapravasi Ghat, Louis, and terminating some 50km (31 miles) beside the Immigration Square bus station away in the village of Grand River South East. that serves as the end of the line for many The 56km (35-mile) Midland line, from bus routes from the north – a total distance Port Louis through Rose Hill and Curepipe of 25.95km (16.2 miles). Aapravasi Ghat is to Mahebourg in the south-east, opened in a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1865. The railway did much to improve the marking the point where the first Indian labour country’s fortunes, particularly the sugar force landed in Mauritius in the early decades industry that remains important to the of the 19th Century. There are strong ties with national economy today. However, growth , ensuring substantial Indian involvement in road competition eroded rail traffic in the development of the new LRT project. and the last passenger train ran in 1956. This was followed by the complete closure City centres to sugar canes of the system in 1964. The new system features no on-street running, Much of the new ‘Metro’ LRT system that the only interaction with road traffic being opened its first phase in December 2019 uses Metro Express 107 leaving the elevated track at at six fully-signalled level crossings – all alignments of the former Midland line. Monseigneur Leen Street – a local service road in facilitating very small numbers of road vehicles. The country’s population is distributed Port Louis with a – before ascending There are also two fully-signalled pedestrian unevenly, with a clear agglomeration in the lower slope of Signal Hill with its substantial wall crossings. At Rose Hill the town’s congested the north-west of the island. Projections designed to prevent mud slip. streets are avoided by the new alignment and

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the station is located on a long viaduct. The M2 mr et o express signals motorway is crossed near St Louis stop by a high bridge and on the final approach from From left: Level crossing signals have three normal the line’s current peak on Signal Hill to Port railway aspects with a fourth separated beneath. Louis Victoria the route is on continuous A red ‘T’ is displayed when there is no train in the elevated track from Monseigneur Leen vicinity (1); a yellow flashing diamond indicates an approaching LRV (2); a blue exclamation mark giving Street level crossing until the final descent to three flashes in three seconds with a yellow diamond Victoria. The stop here is located at street level appears before the driver gets a proceed aspect (3); on the seaward side of the main thoroughfare. a white ‘T’ indicates the LRV may proceed (4). The The journey time is consistently 21 minutes sequence ends with a fixed blue exclamation mark for in both directions, despite the fact that there three seconds in the separate aspect at the bottom (5) is an altitude difference with Rose Hill, 265m and then a yellow ‘T’ displays for three seconds (6). (870ft) above sea level. Operating hours as at Normally the LRV driver does not see the last two aspects, but if he is tardy passing the signal he must not 31 January are 06.00-22.00, seven days a week proceed until again receiving a white ‘T’. The signal heads are from French supplier Aximum. with a frequency of 15 minutes. The elaborate Metro Express website – the operator is a wholly-owned entity of the Mauritius Government – does not give this information, nor is it posted at stops. The Indian Government has contributed EUR250m towards the scheme as part of a grant, with construction handled by Indian conglomerate Larsen & Toubro under a EUR470m contract awarded in August 2017. Design services were handled by the Indian offices of international engineering consultancy SYSTRA.

ABOVE: The old and the new viaducts over the Great River North West. The river drains a considerable part of the centre of the island and is prone to sudden and deep flooding. Semi-domes form part of the lower parts of the piers to help withstand flood conditions that often take large boulders seawards. The route is measured from Curepipe, the eventual southern terminus, and not Port Louis. Curepipe will be the summit of the line, 561m (1841ft) above sea level, descending to 265m at Rose Hill and sea level at Port Louis. The is 1435mm (4ft 8½in) with left-hand running and a maximum speed limit of 80km/h (50mph), although the supplied CAF rolling stock is currently electronically-limited to 71km/h (44mph). Given these speeds and the track alignment, in this regard the Metro resembles an interurban or ‘express’ light rail service far more than a traditional tramway. The southbound line from Port Louis Victoria to Rose Hill Central is designated the ‘Down’ track and the line from Rose Hill Central to Port Louis Victoria the ‘Up’ track – the same as the former railway. Platform structures and shelters are constructed using stainless steel columns with strongly-tinted glass roofs to protect customers from the sun while also ensuring clear visibility of displays on the ticketing equipment. A brief route description, with the associated infrastructure, is below:

94 / march 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: An aerial view of the depot complex at Richelieu, located between ABOVE: Urbos 101 enters Vandermeersch en route to Port Louis Victoria on Coromandel and Barkly, clearly showing the main workshop (centre), stabling tracks 16 January; a feeder bus waits on the adjacent road. The LRV is pictured on the (left) and Operational Control Centre and offices (right). Courtesy of Metro Express fully-signalled pedestrian crossing. Unfinished shrub beds are in the foreground.

ABOVE: An empty LRV arrives at Rose Hill to form the 15.00 service to Port Louis Victoria on 16 January, shortly after the local schools had closed for the day. A high number of school pupils are already using the new LRT system.

LEFT: Elevating the route at Rose Hill avoided a major road junction and the entrance to the bus station in an area that experiences frequent jams. LRVs turning here go on towards Curepipe where there is a trailing crossover that allows the driver to change ends.

Km 13.25: Rose Hill is the present southern bridge of equal height with large masonry piers operators – of which there are many – use terminus and is a substantial elevated concrete supporting the now floorless steel girders; this basic electronic machines which issue paper structure with two platforms, each served opened in 1928 to replace an earlier structure. tickets. Bus stations in Mauritius offer no by one escalator and a lift as well as stairs at Km 22.00: St Louis – A two-platform stop. stop information or timetables; non-locals both ends. There is a trailing crossover on the Km 25.25: Port Louis Victoria. Until the have to keep enquiring as to when and where viaduct at the Curepipe end of the station for line reaches Aapravasi Ghat, all LRVs arriving a bus will depart from. There are 18 feeder turning back trains. at Victoria terminate on the southbound bus routes operated by a variety of existing Km 14.00: Vandermeersch – A simple platform. They restart from here and use a companies under contract to Metro Express stop. trailing crossover outside the station to cross and these services cost MUR15 (EUR0.37). Km 15.20: Beau Bassin – A simple to the Down line immediately after departing. There is currently only one park-and-ride two-platform stop. Delayed by approval from UNESCO given facility, at Coromandel, with capacity for Km 16.35: Barkly – Featuring two platforms, the site’s World Heritage Site status, the current about 40 vehicles – a larger area remains under it is almost 5km (3.1 miles) from here to stop is opposite the former railway terminus – construction. Two further sites are planned on Coromandel. This is the longest distance known as Victoria and now derelict – outside the Curepipe side, Vacoas Central and Phoenix. between two stopping places on the system, which stood a life-size statue of Queen Ahead of the country’s General Election including the future Curepipe extension. Victoria. This area was in recent times a major in November, there was an official launch Km 20.00: Richelieu depot is located bus terminus. There is a facing crossover that of Metro Express on 3 October 2019 at the beside the Port Louis-bound track. is almost complete on the Aapravasi Ghat end main depot and attended by around 1200 Km 21.20: Coromandel – Another simple of Victoria, but this will not be usable until guests. During this ceremony, Prime Minister two-platform stop. a bridge is constructed to cross a stream and Pravind Kumar Jugnauth confirmed that the Km 21.50: Grand River North West plain track is laid. The Metro will then continue inauguration of passenger services would bridge. This large bridge of concrete at-grade to Aapravasi Ghat, beside Immigration coincide with a period of free travel. construction is 249m long with a total of nine Square bus station – the largest in Mauritius. spans formed of 36 beams and passes 24m Initially there will be two bus interchanges Infrastructure details over the river that gives it its name. Each span with the Metro, Rose Hill and Port Louis From Rose Hill the route descends sharply to rests on a crossbeam that is supported on a Victoria. When the system is complete there ground level where it enters reserved track of single circular pillar; the six high pillars have will be a further four – Curepipe, Vacoas tramway with the rails embedded permanent inspection platforms accessed via a Central, Quatre Bournes Central and Port in concrete. There is a grass strip of 1.25m short ladder from fence level. The bridge took Louis Immigration. No through ticketing (4ft 1in) between each pair of rails as well as just over a year to complete. To the left (Down) is planned as the Metro uses a stored- between both lines; this surface treatment side of the new structure is the former MGRly value card for travel and the island’s bus continues for 2km (1.2 miles) to Barkly.

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ABOVE: Sections S2 and C2 of Metro Express Urbos 101. Each of the LRV’s seven sections are identified by the number of seats: C1 has 12; S1 has six plus an accessible space; M has 12; S3 has 12; R has 16; S2 has seven plus an accessible space; and C2 has ABOVE: Set against a backdrop of the Moka Mountains, around a kilometre north 12 seats. The seats are made from hard moulded material to avoid vandalism. of Richelieu depot, Urbos 107 works a Rose Hill-bound service on 20 January.

From Barkly to Coromandel the track is sections it is fixed using tension clamps. The 45.4m-long, 2.65m-wide vehicles were laid on concrete sleepers with ballast as it On the open section there are three trailing built at CAF’s facility in Beasain in Spain’s passes through a large sugar cane plantation crossovers: Rose Hill; between Beau Bassin and Basque Country, and feature three motored with a fence on each side to prevent ingress Barkly; and Port Louis Victoria. The steepest with braking equipment supplied by onto the running route. There is a trackside gradient is 5% (1:20). Hanning & Kahl. Dynamic commissioning asphalt access road from Barkly to the depot The 750V dc traction supply is fed from was undertaken on the company’s new test at Richelieu. Except for two valleys which are the national grid to the via line in Corella before delivery by ship to Port laid with full concrete tracks, the alignment substations at Rose Hill, Chebel, Richelieu, Louis, the first arriving on 4 July 2019. From features ballasted track to beyond Signal Hill Signal Mountain and Port Louis. The here the LRVs were transferred by road to the where it joins a long viaduct with rails laid installation is a simple single span wire, with depot and Operational Control Centre (OCC) in concrete to avoid considerable road and the supply monitored and controlled by a at Richelieu, where static testing of each set is structures congestion before finally entering computerised system supplied by Italian carried out before on-track trials. At the end Port Louis Victoria on ballasted track. specialist COET that also allows for remote of 2019 there were nine sets delivered with Plain rail (50.9kg/m) was procured from fault detection. eight in service. Three further sets arrived on French supplier EVRAZ, with grooved rail There are two digital passenger information 15 January and the remaining six are all due to coming from British Steel, with the first rail panels at roof level on each platform, using arrive on the island by the end of April. installation on November 2018. The route large characters that make them easy to Each seven-section vehicle has capacity for has been formed using 18m lengths that were read. These were supplied by Mumbai-based 422 occupants (at six passengers/ m2) with laid primarily using mechanised processes Chemito and came into use on 20 January. seating arranged in both two-by-two and and equipment imported from India. Point longitudinal configuration and additional machines were supplied by Hanning & Kahl Rolling stock, depot and OCC areas for either wheelchair or pushchair users. of Oerlinghausen, Germany, and the ballast is CAF was contracted in December 2017 to Onboard CCTV systems are monitored from locally-quarried basalt stone. supply 18 seven-section Urbos 100 low-floor the OCC. Concrete sleepers for the project were cast LRVs, together with signalling, automatic The depot and control centre are located at by Vaman Prestressing of India, with some vehicle location and tramway priority Richelieu, accessed via turnouts from both the bearing the initials MLRT. rail clips fix systems, depot equipment, and a driving Up and Down tracks at Km 20.00. The complex the plain rail to the sleepers, while on elevated simulator for a total of EUR100m. covers a footprint of approximately one square

ABOVE: Train Captain Faizh about to start his shift at Rose Hill. Metro Express staff are issued with smart blue uniforms with orange trim and a white shirt and tie.

LEFT: A service from Rose Hill descending the final section of elevated track from Signal Hill to the approach to Port Louis Victoria.

96 / march 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: One of two buffer stops supplied by Rawie of Osnabrück, Germany, used to protect the facing crossover works on the Aapravasi Ghat extension and supplemented by a sandbag barrier.

LEFT: Metro Express 101 bound for Port Louis Victoria on 16 January, illustrating the grassed track section approaching the first stop, Vandermeersch. kilometre and features embedded and ballasted tap on and tap off such tickets in the same way tracks, a large maintenance hall, eight external as the stored-value cards. stabling tracks and associated wash and There are five types of MECard – Adult, sanding plant. The upper storeys of the main Child, Student, Senior and Priority (for administration building house the control disabled passengers). The first three cost centre and staff offices. The OCC monitors the MUR200 (EUR4.70) each – expensive by entire system in real-time, including traction Mauritian standards – while the latter two are power supplies, CCTV at stops, passenger issued free to nationals who are entitled to free announcements and platform displays. travel. MECards can be topped up using cash or debit/credit cards at any ticket machine with Using the system a minimum loading of MUR100 (EUR2.50) or ABOVE: Rails being prepared for the route The free travel period began on launch day, a maximum of MUR2000 (EUR49.30). Unlike immediately leaving Port Louis Victoria platform 22 December 2019 and ran until 9 January. many similar transit systems, there is no fare en route to Aapravasi Ghat, including a facing From the following day it became necessary reduction for using an MECard. crossover. The new rails are suspended from to purchase a ticket from one of the machines There is a two-sided card reader at each crossbeams with adjustable levelling legs. located on the stop platforms or have funds end of each platform with magnetic readers stored on a MECard to ‘tap on and off’ at the for MECards and optical readers for one-off BELOW: The worksite on the Curepipe extension at Phoenix where there are two major road platform entrance. tickets with QR codes. If a customer taps on intersections to be crossed. The columns are cast in There is a simple fare structure of MUR30 and fails to tap off the journey is free; the situ using scaffolding and plywood moulds faced with (approximately EUR0.75) for journeys over all system does not take the maximum fare. Galaxyplex. The concrete beams, each 36m long and or most of the route and MUR20 (EUR0.50) for However, the fine for not paying the correct weighing 68.3 tonnes, are cast on the Down side near short journeys – the same rates apply to the fare is MUR5000 (EUR118) – also very high Barkly stop and moved at night under police escort. parallel bus services which take two or three by Mauritian standards and designed to times as long to complete the same journey. disincentivise fare evasion from the start. One-off tickets are of the simple paper variety Fines can be paid at ticket machines. with QR codes and are valid for 60 minutes from time of issue. Customers are required to Images by Oliver Doyle unless stated. “There is currently only one park-and-ride facility, at Coromandel. Two further such sites are planned on the Curepipe side, Vacoas Central and Phoenix.” About the author

Oliver Doyle is a retired railway manager who now divides his time between the island of Mauritius and his native Ireland. Oliver joined Irish Railways as a booking clerk at ABOVE: An example of the age of 17 in June 1962. Over a 48-year career he the platform-mounted ticket undertook a diverse range of projects, including vending machines, part of the the conversion from mechanical to electronic revenue system supplied by signalling, then rose through managerial posts Elis Infotech Systems. in passenger service, operations, traffic control and safety. Further responsibilities included the LEFT: Track view at Rose Hill management of projects to reopen disused lines on 22 December as passengers and rolling stock procurement from Japan, Korea, await the first service. The raised Spain and Germany. rail is affixed by tension clamp Oliver retired as Deputy to the Chief fastenings and provides an area Executive in 2010 and now dedicates his time to where, in the event of a fall, the documenting rail systems around the world. person could survive.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 97 For almost 100 years Furrer+Frey have been developing electrification solutions for light rail, trams and metros around the world.

Furrer+Frey are experts in:

ÈÈ System development and design ÈÈ Feasibility studies ÈÈ Cost effective solutions to complex urban areas

As well as being pioneers of electrification, Furrer+Frey are also experts in discontinuous electrification to provide catenary free sections in historic city centres and charging technologies for battery vehicles.

[email protected] @FurrerFrey www.furrerfrey.ch

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Strasbourg

Transformed over 25 systems years by a bold approach to public transport, Strasbourg this French city www.lrta.org factfilehas become a reference www.tautonline.com point for implementing No. Strasbourg, light rail in established FRANCE urban areas. 2020 N O. 987 France MARCH 149 Neil Pulling explores. Sub scribe now! RECLAIMING THE RAILS: MAURITIUS LRT Now in its 83rd year, Tramways & Urban Transit is

trasbourg followed fellow Having passed from city’s system as an exemplar of a French regional centres Germany into France, SNCF-Keolis from January 2013 under modern light rail installation. Nantes and Grenoble Alstom Citadis 3021 an initial five-year agreement that was European identity is tangible in choosing light rail to descends towards extended in 2017. Port du Rhin on in Strasbourg. In the north of the reinvigorate public transport In 2016, completion of the LGV Est inS the latter decades of the 20th 2 April 2019. Fitting the city, the Council of Europe, the high-speed railway brought the city area’s trans-national European Parliament and the Century. Overcoming opposition within two hours of Paris. In the same and using local government powers, identity, the bridge European Court of Human Rights commemorates the year, Strasbourg become capital of all three created multi-line systems ensure a multi-national presence. the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely to France’s new Grand Est region. Alsace Alsace-German scholar Widespread Germanic names and despite not having an extant tramway. and religious reformer, lost administrative regional status, dialect relate to the country just All three have also remodelled existing Beatus Rhenanus but historic, cultural and gastronomic across the Rhine, as well as years of urban areas and made developments (1485-1547). associations run deep. The Strasbourg occupation and reconciliation. in reference to an expanding system. commune, population around Compagnie des Transports French tram production was 277 000, is one of 33 in the formal Strasbourgeois (CTS) has roots small-scale when Nantes (1985) metropolitan area L’Eurométropole de in the horse tramway opened in and Grenoble (1987) launched, Strasbourg, which has approximately 1877 when the city was under respectively with Alsthom TFS and 490 000 residents. In some respects German rule that lasted until TFS-2. Strasbourg looked farther afield an eastern Strasbourg suburb, Kehl 1918. Electrified from 1894, the to adopt fully low-floor vehicles from am Rhein in the German state of tramway grew as a mixed city and How to revive a failed railway with 21st Century technology the outset and the aims of accessibility Baden-Württemberg has employment, interurban metre-gauge operation and distinctiveness influenced their shopping and education amongst light and urban rail developments. including services east of the West Midlands plans 240km Metro design. Public services began in regular cross-border activities. November 1994 with the SOCIMI ABB Rhine. The urban system was over A VAL metro, as then operating in 80km (50 miles) long in 1937 and Eurotram , with some features retained Lille and in development for Toulouse, Alstom and Bombardier to merge? was amongst the last of the original in two Alstom Citadis variants added was originally proposed for addressing French tramways to close. Final as the system grew. When other cities Strasbourg’s worsening traffic services ran in 1960. Stadler to build Tyne and Wear eet formulated tram projects, images of congestion and pollution, but by 1989, were used between 1939 and 1962. Strasbourg were often used to support a lower-cost surface tram project was £4.60 Words and pictures CTS services were run by (Veolia) their case; indeed, many still use the approved. Routeing of tracks from the by Neil Pulling. Transdev until replacement by Bucharest Blackpool outset was more determined by taking Rebuilding in The world’s greatest heritage operation? www.tautonline.com. Romania’s capital www.lrta.org MARCH 2020 / 105

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Please complete this form and send it with your payment to: LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK 2020 MARCH Bucharest

BUCUR LF-CA 405, one of 16 cars rebuilt in the STB workshops with a low-floor centre section and ac traction equipment, in central Bucharest on a route 1 service on 20 November REBUILDING IN 2019. Route 1 is the circular route that BUCHAREST connects the city’s radial tramlines. Simon Johnston visits the ‘Paris of the East’ to find a city that is still recovering after crippling austerity policies, but also one that is trying to plan for the future.

lthough conditions in Romania have improved further since our 2016 update on the nation’s tramway systems (TAUT 941 and 942), the effects of late 20th CenturyA austerity policies continue to take their toll. This is most evident in the capital, Bucharest (Bucure ti), where the tramway, a mainstay of city transport, shows signs of extreme dilapidation. Ageing trams rattle along rails that have clearly seen better days on large sections of the extensive network, and the poor condition of infrastructure on many routes means that vibrations are clearly felt in nearby buildings. Since the nation’s admittance into the Before World War Two, all Romanian motor buses and trolleybuses, and has a long European Union on 1 January 2007, the tramway vehicles were imported and it history of craftmanship and innovation – all economic situation has improved but local was not until the early 1950s that a true to tight budgets. administrations have struggled to keep pace indigenous tramcar industry was born. in a city that is rapidly evolving against a The Electroputere works in Craiova The beginnings of decline national trend of population decline. The (200km/125 miles to the east) produced rail The official history of Societatea de Transport economy has ebbed and flowed during these vehicles for operators across Europe, including Bucure ti (STB) claims that in the 1970s 13 years, with exporting to the EU now a around 200 V54 trams for Bucharest, the undertaking was the fourth largest city key source of income for a country with a Oradea and Timişoara. Unmodified examples transport company in the world, operating population of 18.9 million. The national of the type continued to run until 1989, with 2500 buses, 800 trams, 700 trolleybuses and living wage has tripled in this time, and heavily rebuilt variants still running into the having over 35 000 employees. this relative prosperity has seen private car early 21st Century. It could be argued that the decline in the ownership double, leading to congestion At around the same time, the works of the city’s public transport infrastructure began that is amongst the worst in Europe. Poor public transport undertaking in Bucharest in the latter years of that decade. National discipline amongst drivers – particularly began constructing simple metal-bodied two- policies in support of self-sufficiency were when parking – clearly delays the progress axle cars which also found homes across the funded through international loans, and of street-running trams in this city of 1.8 country. Over 300 three-section articulated investment in heavy industry to bolster an million; Romania also has a high rate of cars were built in the city from 1972 onwards, export economy led to production capacities deaths due to road accidents, 98 per million and these still provide the majority of that outstripped demand. Debts to western inhabitants, double the EU average.1 services in the capital; all have recently been creditors increased ten-fold in ten years, and Car-related pollution is also a serious issue. refurbished and upgraded. A fleet of TatraT4R the 1970s energy crisis saw the economy Yet by any measure Bucharest has one of bogie cars was supplied in 1973-75 – differing contract sharply as the country struggled to the most extensive city tramways in Europe, slightly from other European examples due meet its obligations. covering over 140km (87 miles) of double- to their 2.4m width – and many are still in Severe austerity policies were adopted, track on a largely uni-directional network operation, mainly from Militarii, one of the with necessities such as food and medical consisting of 26 regular routes. Indeed, city’s eight tram depots. The oldest of these supplies being strictly rationed and minimal Romania overall has one of the highest ratios facilities, Victoria, is the most central (located maintenance attention was paid to transport of tramway route-km per head in Europe, close to the main railway station Gara de infrastructure. Electricity was rationed and behind Germany, , the Nord) and dates from 1894. large-scale blackouts became the norm; feeds and Estonia – by comparison this is roughly Bucharest’s URAC central workshops to street lighting and tramway supplies were five times the amount seen in the UK. opened in 1912 and have constructed reduced and as a result the capital’s transport, over 600 tramcars in total including, most alongside networks around the country, A craftsman’s legacy recently, articulated cars with low-floor drifted into a downward . Bucharest introduced horse-drawn trams in sections such as the BUCUR LF-CA that Matters were made worse by the Vrancea 1871, opening its first electrified line (5.5km/ feature a 60% low-floor and more efficient earthquake on 4 March 1977 that measured 3.4 miles between to the north-east of ac motors. Five 25.4m cars of this type 7.2 on the Richter scale. Hundreds of the centre and to the west) in 1894. (capacity 238 passengers) were constructed in buildings collapsed in the capital, leaving Horses were still employed on some routes until 2012, with 11 more completed in subsequent around 1000 more in critical condition, and 1929. Motor buses were launched in 1936 with years. This large works in the city centre also over 1400 people lost their lives. Stringent services beginning in 1949. carries out repairs and modernisation of construction codes were subsequently

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 99 Bucharest

introduced, although a brief walk around the fine architectural heritage of the city once double-ended and double-sided). In 2007-10 capital today highlights the large red plaques dubbed ‘the Paris of the East’. the works rebuilt a further 49 V3A cars with that indicate a building’s ‘class 1 risk’; that is an extra section and modernised bodywork, the likelihood of collapse or terminal damage The road to recovery with 11 three-section articulated cars with in the event of future major seismic events. The 21st Century has seen some positive low-floor centre sections completed in 2011-13. There are almost 400 such buildings. progress. In 2002 the first ‘light rail’ route, Electroputere also modernised V3A trams A 1978 World Bank report estimated the 41, was introduced, an upgrade of existing between 1997 and 2002, although this total loss to the Central European and Balkan infrastructure as part of a major rehabilitation once great works has struggled in a more countries hit by the earthquake at USD2.048bn programme part-funded through European liberalised market. Despite privatisation and (1970s figures), with Bucharest accounting Investment Bank (EIB) loans. a majority takeover by Saudi-based Al-Arrab for 70% of this (6-9.5% of Romania’s GDP Low-floor tramcars have also been Contracting Co., staff numbers have been depending on classification).2 introduced, many from the URAC and local dramatically reduced, with some local media Earthquakes of over 7.0 in magnitude workshops using components salvaged from reporting that closure is imminent. struck the Vrancea region (200km/125 miles withdrawn Tatra cars, but also through the Track reconstruction has improved matters north of the capital) in 1908, 1940, and signing of industrial co-operation agreements on some city routes, but further out from the 1977 – one every 35 years or so. Without with Arad-based Astra Vagoane and western centre ‘roaring rails’, caused by corrugation consolidation of the city’s older structures, manufacturers such as Siemens. These and rail wear, are still a common experience; any large future ‘quake would likely result in include an initial short series of two-section this is amplified by the condition of much of significant destruction of large parts of the six-axle articulated cars (some of which were the rolling stock.

A variety of vehicles, old and new, wait at the turning loop at Romprim in the south-west of the city on 21 November 2019; STB trams wear a variety of liveries.

ABOVE: The spartan interior of an STB Tatra T4R – these trams are now approaching 50 years’ service in the Romanian capital.

LEFT: Rebuilt V3A tram 344 waits at the tramstop on the that was completed in 2011. The widest cable-stayed bridge in Europe features twin covered tram tracks and four highway lanes.

100 / march 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org RIGHT: Battle-scarred Tatra T4R 3382 at the unusual grass-tracked turning circle for routes 7, 27, 32 and 47 on the south-west corner of Piaţa Unirii. Around 80 such cars are still registered in the STB fleet. One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the joining of tramlines north and south of the mainline railway that bisects the north of the city, achieved through the installation of a large viaduct to the north of Gara de Nord. The structure features an elevated stop that is now a key interchange on what has become route 1, a huge circular route that connects almost all of the city’s radial lines. Given the intensive nature of services on this loop line, around which journeys take about 90 minutes with a couple of short layovers en route, one never has to wait more than a few minutes at any time of day. A variety of tramcars can be found in operation, including many of the newest low-floor cars. To cater for increased patronage, in late The only other prequalified bidder is the Mihai Bravu, Timpuri Noi, Pia a Unirii, Isvor November 2019 STB increased the number of Turkish company Durmazlar, offering the and Eriolor) are shared with M3 (Preciziei – trams on routes 21 and 32 that begin in the Panorama used by Turkish cities and also the Anghel Saligny) that opened in 1998 and was city centre by 10%, bringing down waiting new Polish tramway in Olsztyn. The results of completed in 2008. times accordingly. City subsidies for public the delayed evaluation period were expected The north-south M2 is the busiest line, transport are being gradually increased in December yet, confusingly, Bucharest opened in 1986 between and Berceni to allow investment, although some raise Mayor Gabriela Firea appeared to confirm in and currently undergoing upgrades. Line M4 concerns that this may be at the expense of November 2019 that the contract had been joined the system in 2000, offering another funds for the consolidation of those buildings awarded to Durmazlar. link between the two central railway stations deemed at the highest seismic risk. This decision has been contested by Astra, at Gara de Nord and Basarab, with an initial The tramway operates 05.00-01.00 on claiming that the Panorama does not meet 3.6km (2.2-mile) route. This was doubled in weekdays, with headways increased on the basic tender requirements – specifically 2008 and a short extension in 2017 took it to many outer lines at weekends. All cars are that it would be too wide (2.65m rather than its current terminus with a large park-and- one-person-operated with tickets that must a maximum of 2.45m) and would not have ride at Str ule ti. be purchased in advance and validated using enough double doors (three double doors and Although the newest line, M4 currently onboard card readers. However from our two single doors, instead of five as required). uses the Astra IVA cars built for the system’s observations these validators see little use by Astra also claims the Panorama is an invalid opening (with deliveries continuing until locals, and revenue protection staff appear entry into the competition as it has not been 1992) and these are normally found in to be rare. One- and multi-day tickets are approved for use in the EU, not being six-car trains consisting of three coupled cost-effective for visitors; these are purchased an EU country. A final decision is awaited. two-car sets. These have undergone a series from kiosks across the city – some of which Whatever the outcome, the chances of of enhancements over the last decade as also sell the city’s official transport plan new trams arriving in 2020 are diminishing government-owner operator Metrorex awaits which doubles as a useful street map. rapidly, as are the chances of all 100 being new stock. Electroputere collaborated with delivered by 2024. In the meantime, works FAUR between 1994 and 1996 to modernise New rolling stock at last are underway to extend platforms on line 41; IVA sets for M2, although this project was According to its latest activity report, STB eight have already been completed with a unsuccessful and the trains never entered has 486 trams, 265 trolleybuses and 1143 further 14 due in 2020. regular passenger service. motor buses3 – although the percentage of In addition to the 36m vehicles, a Two other 3.2m-wide types are used, breakdowns that cause traffic jams is highest tender has been prepared for 18m 100% units (delivered on the tramway (11.5 cases per million low-floor trams (40, with options for up 2002-08) and 114m-long six-car trains vehicle km and increasing each year). to 100) with an estimated base value of delivered by CAF in two tranches from 2014. In May 2019, 11 financing contracts were RON307.6m (EUR64.4m), rising to RON769m Traction power comes via a 750V dc signed with the European Union that will (EUR160.9m) if all options are exercised supply, except in depots and some tunnels contribute around EUR233m to support the before 2024. Bids for this contract are to be where overhead catenary is employed. transition towards a low-carbon emissions evaluated until June 2020. This is a discrete Bids for further new trains for M5 economy. These funds are to be used for procurement to the RON845.7m (EUR177m) from Alstom, CAF, a partnership of Astra upgrading the city’s transport provision, for the longer articulated units. But without Vagoane and CRRC Sifang Qingdao, including 100 electric buses and up to 100 major track relaying and improvements, how Hyundai Rotem and Metrovagonmash are multi-section 36m trams destined for routes well new low-floor trams would cope with the currently being evaluated. 1, 10, 21, 25, 32, 40 41 and 55. current infrastructure only time will tell. The procurement process has proven to In a separate project, air conditioning is West side story be something of a public drama. Tenders being retro-fitted to 46V3A-CH-PPC cars in a A project that will unlock growth in the were launched in December 2018 with the programme due for completion this year. rapidly-growing western districts is the city stating that it only intended to place new M5 – the first 7.2km (4.5 miles) and ten an order with a large established company, Beneath the crowded streets stations of which are due to open in June outlining that “the average annual turnover Following studies that began in 1972, 2020 between Râul Doamnei and Eroilor to of the bidder over the last three years (2015, Bucharest’s metro was built to a simple, clean offer interchange with M1 and M3. A further 2016, 2017) should be at least RON280m Soviet aesthetic. The first line (M1) opened two stages will take the line from Eroilor in (EUR58.5m).4 Domestic concern Astra in 1979, serving six stations on a 9.2km to Pia a Iancului, and then Vagoane Calatori has therefore teamed up (5.7-mile) line that was extended during onward to Pantelimon in the west to join with Chinese rail equipment supplier CRRC the 1980s and ’90s that coincided with a M1, although this final stage may not see Qingdao Sifang to meet the turnover criteria modernisation programme. M1 now forms a passengers until 2030. – offering the Imperio model supplied to its 16-station loop of the city centre, with a short Work on the first stage of the driverless home city of Arad, and soon to be seen in five-station eastern branch to Pantelimon; route began in 2011, handled by an Oradea, Cluj-Napoca and Gala i. seven stations (Nicolae Grigorescu, , Italo-Spanish consortium of Astaldi and FCC

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 101 Bucharest

Construccion alongside Romanian firms LEFT: The effects of road vehicles on tram track on Calea Călărași. Delta ACM and AB Construct. BELOW: An example of daytime repair works on a ‘live’ tramway Slated for completion in 2014, repeated on 24 November 2019. delays and extended deadlines have come and gone, although tunnel works, stations and track and electrification are now largely complete. The double-track route features 23 turnouts and five double crossovers, completed by Astaldi subcontractor Salcef. Safety, signalling and passenger information systems from Alstom are due to be complete in April 2020. A new depot at the end of a short branch from Romancierilor to Valea Ialomi ei features five tracks with maintenance pits. The cost of M5 currently stands at around RON3.35bn (EUR700m), financed largely by the EIB, although it is reported that the bank’s contribution of RON2.22bn (EUR465m) is under threat of withdrawal due to slow progress and repeated delays on completion, as no funds were drawn in 2013-16. The tender process for the first M6 works The way forward? Meanwhile, tenders are also underway for – 1 Mai – Tokyo/Băneasa and estimated at As in many cities, the transport landscape in the design of section 2 of M5, Eroilor – Pia a RON1.27b/EUR267m – were launched in Bucharest is highly political and the current Iancului, valued at RON70m (EUR14.6m). late 2019 but, as with other initiatives, have situation is a consequence of both years of New office and residential developments stalled. A suspension was announced in under-investment and infighting. Reversing are springing up in Drumul Taberei, an area January 2020 following challenges from two a ‘car first’ mentality is also not easy, but it is that is currently home to more than 300 000 of the six bidders. This first section, financed good to see that this is now a priority. people – the highest population density in the by the EU, is due to be completed within four The tramway is a crucial part of city life for city. Similar investment, although of a more years of contract signing, although the plan many and investment cannot come quickly speculative nature, is beginning in readiness calls for both the section from Tokyo to the enough. Many M1 stations are now in need for the start of works on the 14.2km (8.8-mile) airport to be built concurrently, even though of a good ‘deep clean’, although the system’s line M6 that will connect Gara de Nord with EU finance currently only covers the city rolling stock is largely new, comfortable and Henri Coandă International Airport in Otopeni section. An agreement for the second section provides a very smooth ride. Travel is also to the north of the city as part of a EUR1.4bn remains unconfirmed. Once complete cheap, reliable and rapid when compared to programme that could well run into the 2030s. the full line will have a capacity of 50 000 surface modes. The airport is currently only served by buses, passengers/hour according to Metrorex. The city still has many areas of magnificent and the ‘Express’ routes from Gara de Nord A southern semi-ring line (M8) and baroque and gothic revival architecture (780) and Pia a Unirii (783) are anything but, further extensions to M3 remain longer-term and much of ‘old Bucharest’ exists if you so this is a major strategic objective. ambitions, finances permitting. know where to look; elsewhere it is a story of modernisation with glass, steel and concrete tower blocks. EU finance is helping to rebuild many facets of the city, although delays in construction and claims of corruption may lead to such funding streams drying up. As other cities in Central and Eastern Europe are improving and investing in infrastructure to cater for growth and fighting emissions and congestion, it is hoped that Bucharest can follow, but addressing the decline will take time – and significant financial commitment.

For maps and schedules of Bucharest’s public transport visit www.stbsa.ro (trams, buses and trolleybuses) and www.metrorex.ro (metro). Grateful thanks are also due to Mike Russell for his guidance on travel in the Romanian capital and past TAUT features on the country’s tramways.

ABOVE: A Bombardier-built MOVIA train arrives REFERENCES at Mihai Bravu on a line M3 service; these 1 – R omanian mini-motorway highlights ‘failed’ six-car trains were road network – Stephen McGrath, BBC News, assembled at the 15 March 2019 Electroputere works 2 – The Romanian earthquake of March 4, 1977 in Craiova. revisited: New insights into its territorial, economic and social impacts and their bearing on preparedness for the future – Emil-Sever RIGHT: The future Georgescu and Antonios Pomonis, 14th World Eroilor station for Conference on Earthquake Engineering, metro line M5 on October 2008 24 November 2019. 3 – Societatea de Transport București (STB) While underground Annual Report 2018 – www.stbsa.ro/raport_ works are largely activitate.php complete, there is 4 – https://sicap-prod.e-licitatie.ro/pub/notices/ still a lot to be done c-notice/v2/view/100033485 at surface level.

102 / march 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial fire strategy studies for the

n the feasibility study and design of a metro project, the safety concept represents an essential technical and financial issue. Driving key design choices, a high-level fire safety strategy has to be developed from the beginning. A good example on how a safety audit is carried out and a fire strategyI is developed is the extension of metro line M4 in Bucharest, Romania. Dr Marco Bettelini, Director of Safety and Ventilation from Amberg Engineering, explains the roles of the parties involved, the identification and management of dangerous situations, and the definition of criteria for the protection of human life – all under the consideration and proper integration of the relevant regulations. This allows the identification of fire safety measures and criteria for safety management during design, construction, operation and maintenance of the metro line and ensuring an appropriate integration of fire safety in the whole process.

The project in Bucharest Bucharest’s metro consists of six lines which transport 720 000 passengers each day. The existing section of line M4 is located in the north-west of the city centre. Operator Metrorex plans an figure 1 extension to the south of the city with another 13 stations and a total length of 11.6km (7.2 miles). The Terms of Reference for this project foresaw the following main focus points for the investigation: Passenger evacuation and tunnel fire regulations as well as the ability to upgrade the safety installation to a headway of 90 seconds, double the current frequency. Furthermore, the possible future switch to a driverless system should be considered. At the end of the safety audit, a report addressed issues where international good practice or standards are not met.

The approach of the safety audit The overall safety of a metro depends on the interaction of users, infrastructure, rolling stock and operations, so for the audit it is figure 2 relevant to create a proper situation analysis of the whole system. All safety-relevant aspects like the infrastructure and equipment in “The overall safety of a metro depends on the stations and tunnels, the rolling stock as well as organisational and operational procedures for normal and emergency operations are the interaction of users, infrastructure, described. The analysis in Bucharest showed that, despite the structure and equipment of some stations being older, the system is generally in rolling stock and operations, so for the line with the current practice. The average train speed on line M4 is 36km/h (22mph), although audit it is relevant to create a proper speeds of up to 80km/h (50mph) can be reached between stations; in 2018 the line carried 250 000 passengers between Monday and situation analysis of the whole system.” Friday. Replacement of rolling stock, built between 1978 and 1992 and refurbished in 2011-14, is ongoing. 1. Long standstill in tunnel: Because of a defect in the traction power supply, the train comes to a halt in the tunnel. Supervised Safety in line with the regulations evacuation, no person harmed. Before diving deeper, comparing the relevant national regulations 2. Personal incidents: A drunk person falls onto the track and is with the international state-of-the-art in metro safety is crucial. hit by an oncoming train. One fatality. The national regulation issued by the Romanian Ministry of Interior 3. Derailment during normal operation: A train due to a and Administrations regarding design, execution and maintenance technical defect and two coaches collide with the tunnel wall. A few of metro facilities is applied for civil protection. Furthermore, the severely and lightly injured passengers who are difficult to evacuate. MPLAT order 1065/2002 specifying construction design and 4. Train collisions: Two trains collide in the tunnel and partially associated installations regarding prevention as well as the detection of . Multiple severely-injured people and a few fatalities. Rescue fires comes into play. is difficult due to limited accessibility. These two national regulations are supplemented by international 5. Small fire in a technical room: A fire starts inside a technical NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) regulation 130. Since room; smoke escapes and fire damages parts of the tunnel Romanian legislation allows for the use of other technical rules as equipment. The platform is evacuated, no-one is harmed. long as they improve upon Romanian requirements, a combination of 6. Small fire under train in a station: A hydraulic pipe under the national and international regulations is possible. carriage catches fire. At a station, passengers alarm the metro staff and evacuation is initiated. Staff contain the fire. No-one gets hurt. Identification of possible risks 7. Small fire inside the train at a station: Luggage on a To assess safety on line M4, the risks are identified in a semi- train begins to burn. The passengers contain the fire using fire quantitative evaluation in terms of frequency and possible extinguishers. Some minor injuries due to smoke inhalation. consequences: i.e. the number of possible victims. The results are then 8. Large fire inside the train in a tunnel (off-peak): Luggage on visualized in a risk matrix, which ranks and identifies the scenarios a train begins to burn and the fire propagates to the furniture. The requiring further analysis. train must stop 100m before the next station and passengers exit in In Bucharest, the following scenarios were adopted for the safety audit: both directions. Some are injured while jumping off the train.

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9. Large fire inside the train in a tunnel (peak occupancy): Similar scenario as before, but it is rush-hour and the train stops between two stations. Passengers evacuate in both directions on the walkway. Some persons get injured. 10. Large fire inside the train at a station (off-peak): Same scenario, but the train can continue to the next station. There, the passengers start the evacuation themselves. More than ten severely injured people, fatalities possible. 11. Large fire inside the train at a station (): Same scenario, but the train can continue to the next station. This time the platform is full of people and another train has stopped on the opposite track. Passengers of both trains start evacuating. The egress route is congested. 12. Electric shock during evacuation: During an emergency procedure, in any of the scenarios including an evacuation, a person gets an electric shock from the third rail and dies. 13. Earthquake: An earthquake derails a train, but the tunnel and the station do not collapse. Some people lightly injured, but a difficult evacuation. figure 3 Train fire in tunnel with longitudinal ventilation of 2m/s from left to right, including a representation of visibility length in the tunnel (side view) at 14. Flooding: A burst dam floods the city. This is a comparatively slow different time intervals. The vertical dimension is stretched ten times. process with significant material damage, but still dangerous for people inside the metro. Up to ten injured persons and one fatality. The ventilation strategy is based on generating a longitudinal air flow in the most favourable direction – self-rescue and intervention Next, these risks are classified (see figure 1). Incident statistics for are carried out from the opposite direction. Figure 3 (above) shows one specific metro system are generally too weak to be used directly, the evolution of visibility conditions in the tunnel. The results show so experiences from comparable metros complement the analysis. that the critical velocity at the fire location is achieved. Therefore, no Unknown data is estimated based on the expert judgement of the backlayering occurs and the conditions upstream of the fire are ideal safety engineers. All scenarios are assessed in terms of frequency and for self-rescue and intervention. In this scenario, proper co-ordination consequences and visualised in a risk matrix (see figure 2). The risks between ventilation, self-rescue and intervention is essential. are categorised as either ‘Intolerable’, ‘Undesirable’, ‘Tolerable’ or ‘Negligible’. Intolerable risks require immediate mitigating measures, Results of the audit and the meaning for Bucharest Metro whereas the three others could be acceptable with the agreement of All results of the audit are fully acceptable but suggest possible the metro authority. The ranking for line M4 shows that there are no improvements, which are being investigated for the planned extension. ‘Intolerable’ risks. In case of fire in the stations, facilities for self-rescue are adequate Fire scenarios 8, 9 and 11 are ‘Undesirable’: While their probability although additional measures for improving smoke management is low, these scenarios have enormous consequences since self-rescue could be useful, including an increase of the smoke-extraction rate. is difficult and can result in significant casualties. The self-rescue The analysis proved that measures such as PSDs, coupled with smoke depends on fire dynamics and smoke propagation, evacuation curtains at the bottom of stairways and optimisation of the station’s supporting measures such as the ventilation system, train evacuation architectural layout, show a comparable effectiveness. facilities and egress routes. Mitigating measures shall be carefully The current safety concept in case of fire with the train stopping in evaluated for such scenarios. a tunnel is based on self-rescue and intervention at track level. Mobile Scenario 2, a user’s personal incident, is also classified ‘Undesirable’ ladders for overcoming the height differences shall be put in place and these incidents should be minimised. Possible solutions include before self-rescue can begin. An alternative concept under investigation (PSD). for the upcoming purchase of new rolling stock is the evacuation Scenarios 3, 4, 5, 10 and 13 fall into the ‘Tolerable’ category. through either train extremity and self-rescue over the space between Additional safety measures are not mandatory, provided that the the tracks. A more effective solution would be the construction of metro operator accepts them. The level of risk from scenarios 1, 6, 7, 12 elevated walkways. This would be more expensive but could allow for and 14 is classified as ‘Negligible’. significantly lower self-rescue times and more efficient intervention. The investigation resulted in a series of maintenance measures for Analysis of ‘Undesirable’ fire scenarios the existing equipment and a list of propositions for improving the Analysing the risk scenarios shows that the large fire scenarios need overall safety level. These additional measures are classified according further investigation. A mid-size fire scenario is assumed, with a peak to priority and some need to be implemented as soon as possible across heat-release rate of 15MW and a development time of 15 minutes. the whole system; others are necessary but can be postponed and This is representative for rolling stock at least partly-compliant with integrated within the next refurbishment. That affects measures related current regulations for fire resistance and ‘normal’ ignition energy. to infrastructure, rolling stock, equipment or organisational aspects. The self-rescue scenarios account for low (130 people in case of a train Part of these measures, such as PSDs, could be implemented in the stop at a station, 100 in the case of a stop in the tunnel) and high preliminary design of the planned extension, while others, such as occupancy (1300 in the station and 1000 in the tunnel). fully-equipped elevated walkways, will be analysed and discussed In case of fire, trains should proceed to the next station whenever in more detail. As a mid-term objective, the investigation of the possible. In these conditions, the station’s ventilation system is systematic applicability to the whole network is pending. activated in maximum extraction mode and the intermediate The construction of the extension of line M4 is estimated to be ventilation stations located between stations support this procedure completed within five years from the commencement of the works. with maximum air injection.

The evacuation of a station in Bucharest requires, according to the This article was compiled by Dr. Marco Bettelini, Director Safety and simulation, between 5min 20secs and 5min 50secs. The simulated Ventilation, Amberg Engineering; Constantin Mustăţea, Technical and evacuation of the platform is around 3min 45secs and four minutes. Investment Director, METROREX SA; and Roger Schaad, Content Marketing This shows that the self-rescue facilities are fully adequate. Specialist, Amberg Group.

Safety and ventilation in fire scenarios The scenario of a fire in the train stopped in a tunnel has a low FIND OUT MORE likelihood. It is critical and requires specific ventilation, self-rescue and intervention strategies. The stations on line M4 are spaced between 540m and 1527m apart. All stations and intermediate ventilation www.ambergengineering.com stations are equipped with a reversible ventilation system with a capacity of 400 000m3/h (111m3/s); this is sufficient for generating a longitudinal air velocity of about 2m/s in the empty tunnel.

104 / MARCH 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Strasbourg

Transformed over 25 years by a bold approach systems to public transport, Strasbourg this French city has become a reference factfile point for implementing light rail in established FRANCE No. Strasbourg, urban areas. 149 France Neil Pulling explores.

trasbourg followed fellow Having passed from city’s system as an exemplar of a SNCF-Keolis from January 2013 under French regional centres Germany into France, modern light rail installation. an initial five-year agreement that was Nantes and Grenoble Alstom Citadis 3021 European identity is tangible extended in 2017. descends towards in choosing light rail to in Strasbourg. In the north of the In 2016, completion of the LGV Est Port du Rhin on reinvigorate public transport 2 April 2019. Fitting the city, the Council of Europe, the high-speed railway brought the city inS the latter decades of the 20th area’s trans-national European Parliament and the within two hours of Paris. In the same Century. Overcoming opposition identity, the bridge European Court of Human Rights year, Strasbourg become capital of and using local government powers, commemorates the ensure a multi-national presence. France’s new Grand Est region. Alsace all three created multi-line systems Alsace-German scholar Widespread Germanic names and lost administrative regional status, despite not having an extant tramway. and religious reformer, dialect relate to the country just but historic, cultural and gastronomic All three have also remodelled existing Beatus Rhenanus across the Rhine, as well as years of associations run deep. The Strasbourg urban areas and made developments (1485-1547). occupation and reconciliation. commune, population around in reference to an expanding system. Compagnie des Transports 277 000, is one of 33 in the formal French tram production was Strasbourgeois (CTS) has roots metropolitan area L’Eurométropole de small-scale when Nantes (1985) in the horse tramway opened in Strasbourg, which has approximately and Grenoble (1987) launched, 1877 when the city was under 490 000 residents. In some respects respectively with Alsthom TFS and German rule that lasted until an eastern Strasbourg suburb, Kehl TFS-2. Strasbourg looked farther afield 1918. Electrified from 1894, the am Rhein in the German state of to adopt fully low-floor vehicles from tramway grew as a mixed city and Baden-Württemberg has employment, the outset and the aims of accessibility interurban metre-gauge operation shopping and education amongst and distinctiveness influenced their including services east of the regular cross-border activities. design. Public services began in Rhine. The urban system was over A VAL metro, as then operating in November 1994 with the SOCIMI ABB 80km (50 miles) long in 1937 and Lille and in development for Toulouse, Eurotram, with some features retained was amongst the last of the original was originally proposed for addressing in two Alstom Citadis variants added French tramways to close. Final Strasbourg’s worsening traffic as the system grew. When other cities services ran in 1960. Trolleybuses congestion and pollution, but by 1989, formulated tram projects, images of were used between 1939 and 1962. a lower-cost surface tram project was Strasbourg were often used to support Words and pictures CTS services were run by (Veolia) approved. Routeing of tracks from the their case; indeed, many still use the by Neil Pulling. Transdev until replacement by outset was more determined by taking

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THE FLEET The Eurotram originated with -based SOCIMI and ABB. The former’s bankruptcy in 1994 led to ABB (later Bombardier) assembling the trams at UK factories in York and Derby. Built 1994-95 and 1998-2000, CTS Eurotrams 1001-1026 and 1031-1040 are 33m long over seven sections. Withdrawals and breaking for spares of this version have begun. Built 1998-2000, nine-section (43m) Eurotrams are numbered 1051-1067 with capacity for 300 passengers, 70 seated. Unlike the CTS Citadis trams which comply with German BOStrab regulations, Eurotrams are not certified for operation in Germany. All CTS trams are 2.4m-wide, fully low-floor and with air-conditioning throughout. Although driving cabs which constitute an entire section and large single-leaf doors were not perpetuated from Eurotram, the unique-to-Strasbourg Alstom Citadis 403 built 2005-06 echoed some features such as the positioning of end bogies, deep windows and livery arrangement. Numbered 2001-2041, they have seven sections over 45m, with capacity for 224 passengers, 64 seated. The first entered public service in November 2005. Introducing a new livery configuration and with internal and external changes, the newer and slightly longer Citadis 403 were built in 2016-18. The first was received by CTS in March 2016. Unlike some predecessor 403 trams assembled near Strasbourg at Reichshoffen, 3001-3022 were all built at La Rochelle in western France. ABOVE: The tunnel ramp used by lines A and D near Synagogue Les Halles. Next to Pont de Saverne, the later-built line C passes directly above the tunnel portal. trams to potential users rather than creating direct cross-city connections that would need more bus feeders. Today’s bi-directional, 1435mm tramway has six lines, A-F, identities and routes being amended as the system grew. The first opening was 9.8km (6.1 miles) from Hautepierre Maillon (no longer a terminus and renamed Cervantes) to Baggersee. Establishing this core route included boring a 1.4km (0.9-mile) tunnel to incorporate a sub-surface stop (Gare Centrale) for Strasbourg-Ville, the city’s main railway station. The stop’s main entrance is now within a transparent curving canopy built across the station frontage in 2007. In 2010 a surface terminus was added for the extended and re-routed line C. Growing at both ends, line A’s most recent extension was in 2016. Line B’s opening in 2000 created what remains the system’s busiest point. Named after a suit of armour figure set on a pharmacy wall by the ABOVE: The ancient city centre and Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame is on Grande Île, seen on the left side of this view of Pont St Nicolas. stop, Homme de Fer has platforms for each of the tracks passing through a right-angled crossing. Five of the “The ‘high level service’ buses benefit from priority access, system’s six lines are routed through but the ride quality does not compare well to the trams.” here, which frequently causes trams to be held. Homme de Fer is in a busy LEFT: Withdrawals of the shorter Eurotram have begun. From the later batch, short 1040 with a line F service on Rue du Vieux Marché aux Vins.

RIGHT: Gare Centrale stop on the part of the system which opened in November 1994. This in-tunnel section is signal-controlled between Rotonde and Synagogue Les Halles.

106 / MARCH 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org B Hoenheim Gare

Robertsau L’Escale E

Hoenheim Gare integrates cars, buses, trains, trams and cycle hire. France The hills in the distance are part of Germany’s Black Forest. Germany Parlement Européen A Parc Wacken des Sports DEPOT Boecklin

Cervantès Rotonde

Dante Ancienne Synagogue les Halles Fbg de C Saverne Homme République de Fer Gare Centrale D Place d’Islande Poteries Faubourg-National F

Étoile Kehl Bourse Étoile Bahnhof Polygone D Citadelle Port DEPOT du Rhin Kehl Landsberg Rathaus Schluthfeld Martin Aristide Schongauer Elsau F Briand

Krimmeri Stade de la Meinau DEPOT

Kibitzenau B Lingolsheim Tiergaertel

C Baggersee Neuhof Rodolphe Reuss

le Rhin / Rhein

Cours de I’lliade E Campus 0 1 2 d’Illkirch A Kilometres Graffenstaden

ABOVE: Citadis trams pass the redeveloped SACM engineering works site ABOVE: Like a reinterpretation of the Carnac stones or Stonehenge – and bringing between Graffenstaden terminus and Cours de l’llliade. Alsace in SACM’s full title mixed opinions locally – Kehl Rathaus terminus is unlike any other on the system. contributed the ‘Als’ in the original Alsthom name. Tram 3002’s livery references the international link, similarly with 3004.

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shopping area and even movement on ve abo left: the Schengen Agreement, there are no foot can encounter congestion. Already a fixed border checks. network facts CTS buses are mainly designated main tram/bus The extended line D ran initially to interchange, Étoile O pened: November 1994 (original by number, some prefixed. Line G is Bourse will replace Kehl Bahnhof, then to Kehl Rathaus in system 1878-1960) shown in a similar manner to trams the main railway November 2018. These locations are on network diagrams; identified as station as the city separated by about 650m of the main L ength: 50.5km (31.6 miles) bus à haut niveau de service (BHNS), terminus of line G shopping street, but the tram route is Lin es: 6 the frequency, ticket and boarding BHNS bus service. twice that distance. Including a single- D epots: 3 arrangements are as per CTS trams. track section and one intermediate The ‘high level service’ buses used ve abo RIGHT: stop, it loops around the centre to the A pprox. weekday hours: 04.30-00.15 are smartly fitted and benefit With the titular terminus by the town hall. To reach ‘man of iron’ figure from priority access, but the ride the Rhine from the French side, the L ine frequency: 4-8 minutes just visible to the (timetables also subject to seasonal quality does not compare well to right, both types of extension was routed through former variation) trams. Opened in November 2013, CTS Citadis crossing dock and industrial areas including an G auge: 1435mm line G mainly uses reserved space at Homme de Fer island, Île aux Épis. The Vauban Basin for 5km (3.1 miles) north-west stop in the heart of is crossed by the 163m André Bord P ower: 750V dc, overhead supply from Strasbourg’s main station. the city. bridge featuring a supporting arch F leet: 105 A forthcoming 2.8km (1.75-mile) that diagonally spans the deck used by extension to Étoile Bourse, an trams, cyclists and pedestrians. One of  City network/operator: established central interchange, will two previously incomplete stops, CTS – www.cts-strasbourg.eu contribute to easing the loadings on Citadelle near the western bridge ramp C ivic information: www.strasbourg.eu/ trams passing through the centre. opened in September 2019. ville-eurometropole and www.kehl.de Running 2.7km (1.7 miles) east BELOW LEFT: A The latest opening was through gloomy morning at from Aristide Briand, line D’s eastern the Robertsau suburbs which extend T ourist information: Kehl Bahnhof, with www.visitstrasbourg.fr terminus since 2007, the Strasbourg Beatus-Rhenanus beyond the European administrative tramway reached into Germany during bridge in the district. Three stops and 1.6km April 2017, replacing a CTS bus service. background. Now (one mile) were added to line E Also for cyclists and pedestrians, the redundant space beyond former Boecklin terminus in new Beatus Rhenanus tram bridge at the nearby DB June 2019. Even this far from central which includes the international railway station Strasbourg it was, like so much of border has two 130m central spans. and tobacco shops today’s system, a replication of the Alternate trams run to/from Kehl, with which exploit a old tramway’s coverage. price differential shorter services turning back from a are amongst few Work began in early 2018 on a 1.7km between the bridge and Port du reminders of the (1.1-mile) line from near Faubourg- Rhin, terminus for the shorter form of German-French National stop to the Koeningshoffen line D. With France and Germany in border. district, west of the railway just south of

ABOVE: One of the earlier Citadis types enters single track beyond Neuhof Rodolphe Reuss for a return to the departure platform. This branch joined the system in August 2007.

108 / MARCH 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LEFT: Works near Faubourg-National for the future Koeningshoffen line. The location exemplifies the tight curves where the system followed long-established streets.

BELOW: Inside one of Strasbourg’s more modern Citadis types.

LEFT: Cronenbourg depot is connected by an approximately 600m single-track spur from near the Rotonde tunnel ramp.

essential facts L ocal travel: The main CTS information centre is by Alt Winmärik stop; other agencies are shown on the CTS website. Separate timetable booklets for lines A-G all offer a full system diagram and include French, German and English text. Ticket machines are located at tramstops, with validation on platform-mounted readers rather than onboard the trams. Rechargeable card tickets are available, single fares – which can include a transfer – are EUR1.80 (EUR1.70 if topping up an existing ticket) or EUR2 if bought on a bus. The ‘24H Solo’ at EUR4.60 covers CTS and local rail within Strasbourg for 24 hours from first validation; ‘24H Trio’ tickets for up to three people Strasbourg Ville. With three new stops cost EUR6.90. These are valid on and a park-and-ride site, it should open “ To reach the Rhine from the cross-border trams, but not on train counterparts between Strasbourg and during 2020 as part of a re-routed line F. French side, the line D extension Kehl. To add local rail travel across The intended second phase will link zones on both sides of the Rhine, the phase one terminus, Comtes, with ‘Europass’ individual tickets start at Poteries at line D’s western end. Line F was routed through former dock EUR9.60 for 24 hours; longer durations may be extended from Place d’Islande and industrial areas.” and ‘Family’ versions are available. to give extra coverage as Île aux Épis Prices as at December 2019. develops, also enabling a junction What is there to see? with line D into Germany. Dominated by the Gothic sandstone The oldest of the tramway’s three cathedral which has an observation depots is in Cronenbourg, an area platform, Strasbourg’s historic core on better known for Kronenbourg beers, Grande Île is encircled by canal-line previously from a brewery built there Ill river channels on which tour boats in 1850. Cronenbourg was used by the operate. Homme de Fer, Langstross/ original tramway and also for buses; Grand Rue and Broglie tramstops are the most central for this compact area. tram access is via a non-revenue spur Grande Île includes waterside from a junction near Rotonde. Elsau fortifications and ‘Petite France’ depot is just off line B north of Martin which, despite the name, resembles a Schongauer and Kibitzenau is by German folklore setting. The late 19th the line C stop of the same name. Century Neustadt (around Republique Park-and-ride facilities were integral stop) has truly German origins. to the tramway project and there are Like Grande Île, Neustadt has a now ten such sites. Encouragement of UNESCO World Heritage listing. public transport usage is reflected in the The European District is threaded by line E between Wacken and Boecklin. EUR4.20 or EUR4.70 price that includes ABOVE: The opening of Krimmeri-Meinau station on the Alsace has some of the world’s most parking and city centre return tram Strasbourg-Kehl railway came around ten years after services started picturesque vineyard areas. journeys for up to seven people. on this line A section.

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ARGENTINA 376-81, should arrive by May; BUENOS AIRES. Keolis has 327-35 and 371-5 were delivered withdrawn from the tender process in 2019. Bombardier has been to operate and maintain the city’s fined EUR2.7m for late delivery. BS Subte metro, citing uncertainty in LINZ. The planned second north- the country’s economic situation. south tramline will now not be The multinational operator was built, on cost grounds due to the bidding for the 12-year contract sharing of railway tracks on the with Transport for London new Donau bridge. and domestic civil engineering The regional government has partner Helport. started the procurement of 20 An RATP Dev/Alstom tram-trains (with an option for consortium withdrew from the 50 more) in a joint venture with a competition in December, citing consortium of German operators similar reasons, leaving incumbent under the auspices of VDV. The Metrovías as the only bidder. first batch will replace existing Metrovías has operated the six-line stock on the Lambach – Vorchdorf network since 1993. La Nacion and the Linzer Lokalbahn Stern Bush fires close to Melbourne saw the Australian city suffering heavy smoke pollution, as shown in this view of Pascoe Vale Rd on tramline 59. M. Rowe & Hafferl lines in 2025. BS, IRJ AUSTRALIA SALZBURG. Another SGP car more than CAD4bn (EUR2.7bn) in was opened on 20 January taking CANBERRA. To coincide with to be fitted with a new low-floor new infrastructure funding from the two-line system to 46.1km the start of a new school term, centre section from Krnov is ET46 the City Building Fund (28.6 miles). RGI from 27 April a further 155 services of 1988. ET48 has now gone to could be allocated for repairs and WUHAN. All public transport, per week are to be added to the Krnov to be similarly rebuilt. BS to fund new vehicles. including the metro, was shut light rail timetable, reducing peak WIEN (Vienna). E1 4513 has The report approved down from 23 January as part of headways from six to five minutes. been withdrawn and sold to a CAD3.09bn towards subway the city’s attempts to contain the Services will also begin an hour private individual in Tannheim upgrades, including new tracks/ Coronavirus. BBC earlier on Sundays and public (Allgäu), who plans to use it as pointwork, traction power systems, holidays. No additional vehicles part of a dog hotel. EB tunnel liners and ATC on . CZECH REPUBLIC will be needed. CAD1.4bn (EUR958m) was also MOST. The first of three 21.9m The new services are in addition BANGLADESH allocated to the purchase of new six-axle Alliance TW EVO2 to a revised timetable from January DHAKA. Tracklaying for the vehicles, including 80 subway trams (320) was delivered in that extended the morning city’s first metro line started at trains, 1575 buses and 60 trams. December. The other two should peak to 09.30 (southbound). Uttra depot on 28 January. The The latter would be 40-42m cars have arrived by now. BS Northbound afternoon services 19km (12-mile) line, which is for use on lines 501, 504 and 510. OLOMOUC. Approval has been have been extended by an hour, being built and equipped by The use of trolley poles will end given for a 1.3km (0.8-mile) to 15.00-18.30, and the afternoon Japanese companies, should carry in 2022. The last Bombardier low- tramway extension from Trnkova peak southbound timetable passengers by the end of 2021. RGI floor tram, 4603, entered service in to Družební, which should be has also been extended by an early February; 4401/71/8 are still ready to open at the end of 2021. SV hour, to 15.30-18.00. These will at Thunder Bay for refitting. OSTRAVA. Withdrawn T3 trams be further extended from April to BRUXELLES/BRUSSEL. Stade Withdrawn CLRV 4068 is 917/41/6/57-9/66 have been sent run until 18.30 southbound and tram terminus will not be in use earmarked for the Seashore Trolley to Kyiv in . BS 19.00 northbound. from 24 February until the end of Museum in Maine, USA. D. Drum PRAHA (Prague). The two Canberra’s new tramway opened summer as it is remodelled ready Tatra T2 trams acquired from on 20 April 2019 and carried for the extension of . T-2000 CHINA Liberec are to join the nostalgia 3.5m passengers in its first nine BEIJING. Another new tramline fleet on line 23 this year as 6003/4. months. Canberra Times BRAZIL is under construction, in the Škoda has signed a CZK14.58bn SYDNEY. By mid-January the SÃO PAULO. A BRL494.8m south-east suburbs, 13.2km (EUR585.3m) contract with DPP South East light rail line was (EUR106.2m) contract has been (8.2 miles) feeding to maintain 93 metro trains (the carrying 43 000 passengers/day. signed with Constran to complete Rongchangdongjie . Russian-built trains modernised A new timetable from 22 January work on the 7.7km (4.8-mile) One tram has already been by Škoda) during 2021-35. BS, SV saw the journey time reduced to Gold line. The previous delivered (YZ 101). BS 40 minutes. contractor completed 86% of the GUANGZHOU. Express Metro FRANCE The first major works on the civil engineering work before being line 18, 63.5km (39.5 miles) from PARIS. For the first time since Parramatta light rail line began on dismissed. A new rolling stock Guangzhou Dong railway station industrial action started on 31 January. The 12km (7.5-mile) and signalling contract has been to Wanqingsha, will feature 5 December, there was a near- light rail project will connect awarded to the Chinese company 160km/h (100mph) operation. normal service on the Métro on 11 Westmead to Carlingford via the BYD, which will supply 14 trains. The operator is working up to January. Trams have mostly been Parramatta CBD and Camellia, On 17 January work started 250km/h (155mph) operation operating quasi-normally. and is set to open in 2023. to extend the Green metro line on the 81.7km (50.8-mile) RENNES. The second metro line Catenary-free operation will by 8.3km (5.2 miles) from Via Sino-Singapore Knowledge (Saint Jacques Gaité – Cesson feature for 4km (2.5 miles) between Prudente to Penha; 22 new trains City to Nansha line. RGI Viasilva) is due to open on Westmead and Cumberland will be ordered. IRJ HONG KONG. The first stage 21 December. BS Hospital, and Prince Alfred Square of the MTR 17km (10.6-mile) TOULOUSE. The 900m and Tramway Avenue. CANADA Satin – Central Link light rail extension of tramline T1 from Decommissioning works are GATINEAU. The city has project was to open on 14 February, Aéroconstellation to exhibition already underway along the closed confirmed it wishes to build a 26km from Tai Wai to Kai Tak, with park MEETT will carry passengers Carlingford rail line, in preparation (16.2-mile) light rail line between intermediate stations at Hin Keng for the first time during the Space for conversion to LRT standards. Aylmer in the west and Ottawa city and Diamond Hill. The rest of Air Show on 16-18 June. Regular A. Prescott, Sydney Morning Herald centre using the Portage bridge. the line should open by the service will start on 31 August. BS The federal government is expected end of 2021. RGI AUSTRIA to fund 60% of the cost. CBC SHIJIAZHUANG. A 5.4km GERMANY INNSBRUCK. The last of the TORONTO. On 22 January the TTC (3.4-mile) northern extension AUGSBURG. A fare-free city zone current order, released recommendations on how of metro to Xisanzhuang was introduced from 1 January

110 / MARCH 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org covering Königsplatz, Moritzplatz, with an option for a further 30) Saatstheater, Hbf, Theodor-Heuss- will replace the ST12 trams from Platz and Ulrichplatz. 1991, and provide for network The last three Stadtbahn-M expansion. The five-section 43m trams, 8005-7, are still used on trams will accommodate 284 schooldays on lines 1, 2 and 4. BS passengers (103 seated) and will BAUTZEN. Bombardier has be the first to a new Stadler design, opened a new EUR16m test centre; replacing the existing Tramlink the 6590m2 facility includes a series. A driver assistance system 120m hall with three tracks. It is is provided to increase safety. It is estimated that 600 vehicles per expected that the first trams will year will pass through the centre, enter service in summer 2022. which is connected directly to the Alternative routes are being factory test track. studied for a tramway extension BERLIN. The latest prediction for to Weiterstadt. IRJ, BS the opening of Berlin- DESSAU. Withdrawn GT8 airport is 31 October 2020; tram 003 has been acquired by in addition to the S-Bahn, a new a museum group in Duisburg, The new terminus at Pont-de-Claix in the French city of Grenoble with original Alstom TFS trams and a newer Citadis behind. Y. Allain bus line X7 will link to the airport where it was delivered as 247 from U-Bahn station Rudow. There when new in 1964. BS Preserved two-axle trams are 29 A final decision will be made in are long-term plans to extend DRESDEN. The mock-up of the (1897) and 23 (1928), while party early 2023, with work starting in line U7 to the airport. front section of the new Bombardier tram is ex-Mannheim 322. BS 2027 and opening in 2030. BS Through-operation on the tram on order was unveiled on HAMBURG. Finance has been LEIPZIG. The new turning circle extension of line U5 to Hbf is 6 January at the transport agreed to permit work to start at the re-opened Grunion Nerd programmed for the December museum, positioned next to on line U5 Ost from Bramfeld to terminus for line 8 was inaugurated timetable change. The Senate has museum tram 761. It carries fleet Fuhlsbüttler/Nordheimstrasse on 20 December. BS authorised the 3.8km (2.4-mile) number 2900, but the series will (interchange with line U1). . The new tram tramway extension from Hbf to run at 2901 when delivery starts A software error resulting from subway at Hbf should open in U-Bahn Turmstrasse and planning in 2022. The mock-up will be used the arrival of the new decade meant summer, for lines 1, 4 and 6. permission has been granted to determine final details of the that all DT5 U-Bahn sets ceased to MVB is erecting poles to try for the Schöneweide–Adlershof design and interior. function on 1 January. The issue to discourage car drivers from tramway extension. DÜSSELDORF. After six months was fixed by a software update entering the new grassed tracks Tatra KT4D set 7011-12 in post, supervisory director Sylvia within 24 hours. t-online.de in the northern section of (delivered 1982 as 219 302/3 and Lier was removed from the position HANNOVER. Delivery of Breitenweg. BS withdrawn in 2014) has been in November, and replaced by GTZ6-H trams from HeiterBlick NAUMBURG. Gotha tram 38 overhauled to join the Köpenick Susanne Momberg in December. had reached 3142 by the end of returned after overhaul by IFTEC museum tram collection. BS Driver training with the new 2019; the series will come to an end Leipzig on 16 December; fitting- BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. Bombardier HF6 trams started in with the delivery of 3143-53. BS out work will last until June. BS Delivery of Stadler Variobahn January. They should enter service KARLSRUHE. GT6 229 NÜRNBERG (Nuremberg). trams reached 139 by the end of on line U75 this spring. (dating from 1995) has been The delivery of new U-Bahn sets 2019. Remaining Stadtbahn-M Tram 2148 has been scrapped scrapped following accident has obliged VAG to renumber cars are 401/4/7/16-8/21/2/7/40, after accident damage. BS damage. Surviving GT8 trams preserved set 401-4 as 581-4. usually seen on line 318. BS -AM-MAIN. Seven are 551/2/9/63/7/9/70/80-3/5/8. Older sets 433/34 and 443/44 BONN. The project to rebuild Pt class trams remain in service Of the 1991 dual-voltage LRVs, have been renumbered 585-8. BS Stadtbahn-B cars has been extended on schooldays, 128/38/48 and 801-3/5-8/10-17/9-30/2-6 remain RHEIN-RUHR. Abellio took over to embrace 8378, 8451-6 and 8471. 720/7/36/49, sometimes joined in the fleet. Some of these will be the operation of lines S2 and S9 After the runaway incident in by O type 111; they can usually withdrawn when the 20 new cars from the December timetable Bonn (see TAUT 986) the TAB in be seen on lines 15, 17 and 18. 965-84 start delivery later this year, change using new Düsseldorf has ordered that all Consideration is being given to others as some tram-train services EMUs, but late delivery saw some tramway and light rail vehicles lengthening the Alstom trams on switch back to railway operation weeks of chaotic operations. BS in Nordrhein-Westfalen must be order from 31.5 to 38m by adding because of tendering regulations. RUHRBAHN. After an fitted with safety equipment (Sifa) an extra section. On 21 January the city accident when a passenger was that brings the car to a halt when The planned Regionaltangente council decided that when the caught in closing doors, all 20 no driver activity is detected after West orbital light rail line has Kombilösung tram subway under ex-Docklands LRVs are being 15 seconds – 1700 vehicles will passed another planning hurdle. the city centre is opened, the refitted with new audible and light- need to be refitted, estimated to The new route will be 47km (29 surface tram tracks in Kaiserstrasse emitting door closing warnings, take two years. wdr.de miles) long, with 26km (16 miles) (Europaplatz – Berliner Platz) will while inspectors are travelling BRAUNSCHWEIG. It is hoped to of new construction and the rest be closed and lifted. BS, BNN online on services heavily-populated start work on a 3.6km (2.2-mile) on existing rail lines. The target KASSEL. NGT8 tram 672, which by schoolchildren to advise on Hauptfriedhof – Lindenberg and is passenger service in 2026. was involved in a level-crossing correct use of doors. Rautheim tramline in 2023. BS Plans have also been submitted accident in March 2018, returned Politicians have decided to . Gröpelingen depot for the extension of line U5 from repair at Bombardier’s retain all existing tramlines was used for the last time before from to S-Bahn Bautzen facility in February. and reduce competing bus lines demolition on 11 January; Frankfurter Berg (1.5km). Tram-Kassel to effect savings. Also under a new depot will be constructed The 15 December timetable KÖLN (Cologne). Stadtbahn-B evaluation is a plan to extend line on the site by 2023. change saw the inauguration of 2115 ran for the last time on U18 to Hochschule Ruhr West The new Windhoff track the new 4km (2.5-mile) S-Bahn 6 December before being and cut back Duisburg line 901 to scrubber is numbered 3985. DS line through Gateway Gardens (S8 withdrawn for rebuilding as 2415. this point. BS CHEMNITZ. Škoda ForCity and S9). The new underground It is hoped to resume construction SCHÖNEICHE. Artic 53, the Classic delivery was to complete station is a temporary structure. BS of the north–south subway under latest tram delivery from Škoda, with the arrival of 924 in February. GÖRLITZ. The operational tram the city centre this summer, but is expected to arrive in time for an Variobahn prototype 601 is fleet at 1 January consisted of it will not see passenger service open day on 16 May. BS for sale. DS modernised KT4D 2301/2/5/6/ until 2026 or 2027. BS WÜRZBURG. The EUR65m DARMSTADT. Further to last 8-14/6/7/9; the peak run-out is ten KIEL. Work is ongoing to develop order for 18 new trams (215-32) month’s news, the new Stadler trams. Unrebuilt 303 and 318 are plans for a new tramway system from HeiterBlick includes an trams ordered on 6 January (14, being used for spare parts. alongside improved bus services. option for a further nine. BS

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NETHERLANDS trams were delivered in January AMSTERDAM. For about six and should have entered service months from 6 January tramline in February. The fifth will arrive in 24 is cut back to Frederiksplein, October. Two 805Na trams have running via Weteringcircuit arrived from Łódź, numbered 64 and Weteringschans, to permit and 65. infotram.pl bridge renewal in Vijzelstraat and GDAŃ SK.The first trams Vijzelgracht. on the new line linking The city is trialling ‘green’ Piecki-Migowo and Jasien ran tramstops that feature planted on 13 January. infotram.pl walls and roofs in a year-long GRUDZIĄDZ. A tender for four collaboration between the new trams, in which Modertrans municipality and advertising was the only bidder, has been company JCDecaux. The cancelled as the price received first shelters to feature the was deemed too expensive. A new conversion – Weteringcircuit tender has been issued. infotram.pl and Marnixplein – opened on KRAKÓW. NEWAG 126N Nevelo The first Durmazlar Panorama tram for the Polish city of Olsztyn is seen at the 7 January. An underground 899 is being used as a prototype to Turkish factory in January. Durmazlar cellar and irrigation system test autonomous tram operation, automatically pumps water to feed in a research project with the INDIA ISLE OF MAN plants in the wall. OR, TheMayor.EU university of Krakow. infotram.pl JAIPUR. The final 2.4km GENERAL. Ian Longworth DEN HAAG. Tram 5070, the last ŁÓDŹ. A further 30 trams are on (1.5 miles) of the first metro line, to returned to his post as full-time of ten new Siemens Avenio vehicles, order from Modertrans, which the Old City, has been completed Director of Public Transport at the was delivered to Zichtenburg will enable low-floor operation and should open in March. IRJ beginning of 2020, following a year depot on 24 January. digitaletram.nl to be extended to nine lines. NAGPUR. On 28 January the in which he reduced his hours and Den Haag’s tramway is covered The last ex-Bochum M6S trams Aqua line metro was inaugurated moved into project management at in next month's System Factfile were withdrawn in mid-January. over 9.7km (six miles) from the Department of Infrastructure. (TAUT 988) MPK has taken delivery of a Lokmanya Nagar to Sitabuldi. In the interim he had focused on EINDHOVEN. The city council new mobile laboratory works urbanrail.net the reconstruction of the Douglas is to undertake a feasibility tram, S2338, based on a Konstal Bay horse tramway. and affordability study for the 105N frame and trucks, with a IRELAND introduction of a light rail service new body. infotram.pl DUBLIN. Passenger journeys to alleviate growing city centre OLSZTYN. The first Durmazlar recorded on Dublin Bus, Bus NAPOLI – SORRENTO. A congestion. Eindhoven News Panorama tram was delivered in Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, EUR244.5m framework contract February; a second is due in April. Luas and Go-Ahead Ireland has been awarded to Hitachi Rail NEW ZEALAND The new trams are slightly reached 290m in 2019 – Italy for the supply of up to 40 40m AUCKLAND. In December the longer than the city’s existing an increase of almost 24m, or 9%, EMUs for the city council advertised for an Tramino units at 32.5m and can over 2018. Numbers on Luas rose system, with delivery starting in operator to run the Wynard Quarter accommodate 210 passengers, 15% to over 48m. late 2021. Up to three sets will be heritage tramway from 2020. 44 seated. infotram.pl The figures reflect the first able to operate in multiple. TR The line ws closed in November WROCŁAW. MPK has installed full-year benefit of the capacity 2018, but will be revived until the its first automatic tram washing enhancement of the Green line, KUWAIT America's Cup in 2021 at a cost of facility, at depot 4. infotram.pl involving seven new 55m trams KUWAIT CITY. Plans for a NZD1.8m (EUR1.1m), when its brought into service during 2018, three-line metro, that could reach future will be reviewed. but also reflected the extension 160km (100 miles), have been New Zealand Herald LISBOA. A consortium of Stadler of services to Broombridge. In revived. The first phase should and Siemens has been awarded a addition, two newly-extended be a 50km (31-mile) line from PHILIPPINES EUR114m contract to supply 14 trams were brought into service in the city centre to the airport, but no MANILA. Although ground- three-car metro trains and CBTC late 2019, with a further 24 to be timeline has been announced. IRJ breaking on the 11.7km (7.3- signalling on three lines. Three extended in the next 18 months. mile) extension of LRT1 to Bacoor years’ maintenance is included. RGI Delivery of a further eight new LATVIA (Cavite) took place in May 2017, trams is expected to commence in DAUGAVPILS. The first two meaningful work did not start ROMANIA the second quarter of this year. PTS-built 71-911 City Star bogie until May 2019, and partial BUCUREȘTI (Bucharest). Iarnród Éireann recorded trams were put into passenger operation to Paranaque is due The “most modern tram ever increased numbers on DART, service on 1 February. transphoto.ru to start in December 2021, with produced in Bucharest,” currently Commuter and Inter City services. completion of the line in September being manufactured at the city’s In 2019, overall passenger numbers MOROCCO 2023. The 3.9km (2.4-mile) central workshops, will be put into reached 50m for the first time RABAT–SALÉ. Egis and CID east extension of LRT2 from operation in six months, according in the organisation’s history, have been awarded the contract to Santolan to Masinae, due to open to STB. The BUCUR LF 417 offers representing an increase of undertake studies for the extension in August 2018, is now scheduled a 70% low-floor and improved 4.3%. The figures reflect the full- of the tramway, to Salé airport in to start service in December 2020. interior facilities. Romania-Insider year benefit of ten-minute Dart the north-east and Témara in the Mitsubishi has been contracted For more on Bucharest see page 99. services that were introduced in south. The plans would add around to rehabilitate the infrastructure, September 2018, and increased 30km (19 miles) to the existing stations, signalling and rolling off-peak frequencies on the 19km (12-mile) two-line network, stock of MRT3, a 43-month NOVOKUZNETSK. Ust-Katav is Maynooth, Northern and Phoenix and include a reorganisation of programme. to supply nine new trams, two 71- Park Tunnel services introduced in operations and maintenance. Metro line 7, a 22km 623 bogie cars and seven 71-142 December 2018. Line T2 is currently being (13.7-mile) line from Quezon City articulated trams, to a new design Capacity will increase when 41 extended: 2.4km (1.5 miles) to San Jose del Monte (Bulacan) called Phoenix developed by PTMZ new railcars for commuter routes from Moulay Youssef Hospital to is now due to open throughout at its Volgograd factory. RGI arrive from late 2021. The purchase Al Kifah Avenue in Yaâcoub Al in late 2022. W. Alborough SANKT PETERBURG. On of 600 new battery-electric/electric Mansour at the northern end and 3 February the first trial run was carriages is currently out to tender; 4.6km (2.9 miles) from Hassan POLAND made over tracks in Granitnaya a contract is expected to be awarded II to Zarbia Avenue and the new ELBLĄG. The first four of five Ulitsa linking the GET network and this year. provincial hospital in Salé. IRJ Moderus Beta MF09AC 14.5m bogie the TKK private tramway at Metro

112ch / mar 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Ladoga. It is not certain which line (EUR4.1bn) 16.4km (10.2-mile) will be diverted to these tracks, first phase of the planned Orange but double-ended trams will be line linking Thailand Cultural required. transphoto.ru Centre and Bang Khun Non. VOLCHANSK. Tram operation Tendering for a PPP contract should resumed on 4 January after a start in October and it is hoped to break since 31 May 2019 for carry passengers in 2026. RGI infrastructure renewals. transphoto.ru TUNISIA SINGAPORE TUNIS – LA MARSA. With the MASS RAPID TRANSIT. The first help of a EUR45m loan from the 3.2km (two-mile) section of the European Bank for Reconstruction Thomson – East Coast line metro and Development (EBRD), 18 opened on 31 January, with just new LRVs are to be ordered for three stations: Woodlands North, the 18km (11.2-mile) line that Woodlands and Woodlands South. is electrified at 750V dc through Woodlands is an interchange with overhead supply. TGM dates the North–South line. The line is from 1872, and has 18 MAN-built expected to total 43km (26.7 miles) sets dating from 1977. RGI when completed in 2024. IRJ TURKEY In the Russian city of Ulan-Ude the 15 PK Transportnye Systemy 71-911 Lvyonok bogie trams are now carrying passengers. M. J. Russell SPAIN ISTANBUL. Tracklaying started BARCELONA. Metro line 10 was on 18 January for the 37.5km Braehead and the Queen Elizabeth LIVERPOOL. A public extended by 1.7km (one-mile) (23.3-mile) automated metro University Hospital. consultation on plans for a rubber- from Foc to the system’s first line M11 linking the airport and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tyred autonomous tramway elevated station, Zona Franca, on Gayrettepe. Passenger service is has indicated that proposals for featuring battery-powered 1 February. urbanrail.net expected in August 2021. RGI a tram network will be vehicles is to be undertaken VALENCIA. FGV has IZMIR. The EBRD is providing a included in the Strategic by the Knowledge Quarter – a restarted work on light rail line EUR754.5m loan for construction Transport Projects Review, which group led by Liverpool City 10 (originally T2), suspended in of the 13.5km (8.4-mile) Üçyol – decides the projects requiring Council in conjunction with the 2011 for financial reasons. The Buca automated metro. RGI government funding and support city’s universities and hospitals. line will run from Tossaa del Rei to be taken forward. The Paddington line could run to Marina Reial Joan Carles 1, GREATER MANCHESTER. from the new Royal Liverpool but requires a new cross-city CARDIFF. A GBP2bn (EUR2.4bn) The Mayoral Development Hospital to Lime Street station in alignment linking Pont de Fusta plan for the Cardiff and South East Corporation for Stockport is to under four minutes, it is claimed. and Grau-Canyamelar, with a Wales transport network has been develop an outline business case for Feedback will be presented to the subway under the river. RGI proposed by Cardiff City Council. bringing Metrolink to Stockport’s Liverpool City Region Combined The ten-year plan follows on centre (costing up to GBP1bn Authority before embarking on SWITZERLAND from Welsh Government ‘Metro’ (EUR1.2bn). Construction could more detailed studies. The project, BERN. In December Bernmobil proposals to improve rail travel, start in 2025 on a line from East previously known as the Lime line, and Stadler signed the CHF125m including the introduction of Didsbury to the new transport was first proposed in 2017. (EUR116.7m) contract to deliver tram-trains to Cardiff Bay. interchange. LONDON (TRAMS). The inquest 27 Tramlink Be6/8 42.5m low- The council wishes to see this Annual passenger journeys on into the fatal Sandilands accident floor cars in 2023-25 (20 double- programme accelerated with Metrolink have more than doubled of November 2016 is expected ended, seven single-ended), with completion to Cardiff Bay in since 2010, from 19.2m to 45.5m to take place in September, at the option of a further 23. tram 2023, a tram-train service from in 2019. The same period saw Croydon town hall. LAUPEN – FLAMATT (STB). Radyr to Cardiff Bay by 2024, and expansion of the network from SOUTH YORKSHIRE. Services The 6.8km (4.2-mile) line is closed an east-west Cardiff ‘Crossrail’ 39km (24 miles) in 2010 to 97km on the tram-train route returned until December to permit complete and a Cardiff Circle tram-train (60 miles) in 2019, with 55 new to three trams/hour on 20 January, renewal of the infrastructure. EA linked to the existing Coryton stops added to the existing 38. following work to the hydraulic MONTREUX – LENK (MOB). line by 2028. New stations on A 19-year-old man died after system on the tram-train fleet. 1955 bogie car Be4/4 1001 the existing network would be being hit by a tram near Shaw and TYNE AND WEAR. More than (originally Lugano-Cadro-Dino provided in 2024-28. Crompton on 17 January. He was 4.2m purchases of day and season 9) has been gifted to Amici delle It is suggested that a GBP2 declared dead at the scene and the tickets were made using Apple ex Ferrovie elettriche LCD & LT in (EUR2.36) congestion charge be incident is under investigation. Pay, Google Pay or contactless Lugano, where it is hoped to restore implemented for motor vehicles Surviving T68 1023, one of bank cards in 2019. There are no it to original condition. EA from outside the city and a new four vehicles from the previous plans to stop cash payment. PALÉZIEUX – BULLE (TPF). ticket system incorporating fleet still in store at Trafford An ITV documentary about The new through station at Châtel- bus, bike and rail services Park, is expected to go on display life on the Metro was screened St-Denis, on a 300m high viaduct, introduced. The proposals also at the Crewe Heritage Centre in January and February, with was opened on 14 December. TR include BRT services with park- after transfer of ownership the first episode watched by 2.6m and-ride, cheaper bus travel and to the Manchester Transport viewers. TAIWAN an enhanced network of safer Museum Society. Classmate The first track was installed for TAIPEI. On 31 January the new walking and cycling routes. 1020 is expected to be scrapped. the new temporary Metro depot Yellow line automated metro, the GLASGOW. Glasgow and Trams 1007 and 2001 remain at at Howden in January. Work was 15.4km (9.6-mile) first section of a Renfrewshire Councils have agreed Trafford. then due to start on construction planned 52km (32.3-mile) circular to include the stalled Glasgow INDUSTRY. UKTram is leading a of the buildings required for the service, opened linking New Taipei Airport to Paisley Gilmour Street project to review the existing Tram cleaning and preparation of up Industrial Park to Dapinglin; Station light rail link as the first Driver National Occupational to ten Metro trains during the 17 four-car aluminium-bodied phase to be funded from the Standards, which were last redevelopment of Gosforth depot. trains have been supplied by GBP1.1bn (EUR1.3bn) City Deal. updated in 2005. The standards Hitachi Rail Italy. urbanrail.net A feasibility study is also to take set out the skills, knowledge USA place for an extension into the and understanding needed to DALLAS. From 31 July, Dallas THAILAND city centre on a route serving the undertake a particular task or Area Rapid Transit (DART) is BANGKOK. The Thai Government new National Manufacturing job role to a recognised level of to begin the installation of has approved the THB140bn Institute, Renfrew town centre, competence. platform safety barriers at 64

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stops to prevent passengers from have been caused by approvals Full Funding Agreement by the to be installed. Replacement of stepping onto the track between of environmental studies and Federal Transit Administration the southbound line has begun. coupled LRVs. archaeological discoveries along to finance the 12.6km Sleepers for the re-laid section Progressive Railroading the route. Honolulu Star-Advertiser (7.8-mile) Federal Way Link are being sponsored for GBP100 DETROIT. The city’s NEW ORLEANS, LA. It is reported light rail extension, adding (EUR1180) each. Anyone paying downtown is that it will take ten months to three stops to the line. Service is this amount will receive a small operating counter-clockwise clear the site of the building scheduled for 2024. The agency section of BS2 profile rail removed for the first time since 2008 collapse at Rampart/Canal. From will also receive USD629.5m in during the project. The rail was following a trial undertaken 3 January NORTA has diverted credit assistance through the Build installed when the line at Crich during rail replacement in City Park and Cemeteries trams America Bureau. RGI was first extended to Wakebridge December 2019 that indicated to run along Loyola, reversing at TRENTON – CAMDEN, NJ. The in around 1966. Donations can be benefits for evening out rail and Union Station. A. Drake 20 Stadler diesel light rail cars made via www.tramway.co.uk. wheel wear. Reverse running NEW YORK, NY. A USD245.8m used on the 55km (34-mile) River HAARLEM – LEIDEN (NZH) (NL). is currently only at weekends, contract has been awarded to line are to be upgraded with new Two grants of EUR100 000 have but will become permanent on provide Siemens-based CBTC on Cummins engines to ensure been made towards a project to 1 March. RGI the 8th Avenue subway. compliance with environmental build a replica of NZH articulated HONOLULU. Honolulu Nearly 300 Bombardier- regulations. RGI tram A619/A620, and work on the Authority for Rapid built R179 subway cars had to WASHINGTON, DC. Metro EUR585 000 vehicles should start Transportation (HART) has be withdrawn in early January service is due to reach Dulles this summer using the original announced that the first 16km due to problems with doors Airport on 16 July, when the Beijnes drawings of 1932. OR (ten) of the new elevated light opening between stations. The 18.4km (11.4-mile) extension of HEATON PARK (UK). The 2020 metro network, East Kapolei – last R42 trains had only just the Silver line from Wiehle Avenue season will begin on 29 March Aloha Stadium, could open by been withdrawn and so could be is opened. ERA with a ‘Start-up and Tramway 20 October. The full 32km (20- reinstated. The Bombardier cars 40th Birthday Bash’ (11.00-17.00). mile) system and 21 stations are returned to service on 24 January. VIETNAM The tramway is 40 years old scheduled to be operational by A. Shute HANOI. RATP Smart Systems has this year and the event will be the December 2025. ST LOUIS, MO. The proposal been awarded a EUR12m contract first of a series of celebrations. HART’s latest report claims that the Bi-State Development to supply contactless and token SEATON (UK). Journey times are that construction is now 53% Agency take over responsibility fare collection systems for the being increased from 23 minutes complete, although costs for for the suspended Loop Trolley future metro line 3. The first eight to 27-29 minutes to allow for two the final section to Ala Moana was rejected by the agency’s stops of the 12.5km (7.8-mile) line extra stops at Swan’s Nest loop will not be known until Spring commissioners, placing the future are expected to open by 2021, with (giving access to Seaton Wetlands) 2020. Construction began in of the line in jeopardy. J. May four entering service in 2022. RGI and Riverside depot. Weekend February 2011, 14 months later SEATTLE, WA. Sound Transit service begins on 29 February, than planned, and further delays has been awarded a USD790m MUSEUM NEWS with daily running 28 March- BASEL (CH). The tramway 1 November. In the July-August museum at Dreispitz depot was school holiday period trams will inaugurated on 17 January. operate to a 15-minute headway, It will be open April-October rather than the 20 minutes of on: 19 April, 17 May, 21 June, previous years. 19 July, 16 August, 20 September and 18 October. There will also CONTRIBUTORS be special events to mark the Worldwide news items for BVB 125th anniversary on inclusion should be sent to 5-6 September. See trammuseum- Michael Taplin at Flat 8, Roxan basel.ch for more details Villa, 33 Landguard Manor Rd, BEAMISH (UK). Five trams Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 mainly shared the 25 250 miles 6EA, UK. Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 (40 627km) operated in 2019, with or e-mail [email protected] contributions on a lesser scale from UK and Ireland items are visitors including Manchester 765 welcomed by the Home on loan from Heaton Park and News Editor, John Symons, Blackpool & Fleetwood 40 from 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, the National Tramway Museum. Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. Oporto 196 was the lowest E-mail [email protected]. mileage car at 2775 miles, and Acknowledgements are due will be withdrawn early this year to Birmingham Mail, BNN online, to enable re-tyring and a truck Blickpunkt Strassenbahn (BS), CBC, overhaul. This will commence Canberra Times, digitaletram.nl, when current work on Gateshead Drehscheibe (DS), Eisenbahn Amateur ANNIVERSARY 10 is completed. Newcastle 114 (EA), Eisenbahn (EB), Eindhoven recorded 3575 miles and was also News, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, withdrawn in January for motor infotram.pl, International Railway overhaul by an outside contractor. Journal (IRJ), Irish Independent, This is to be completed in time for La Nacion, Liverpool Echo, the main season. Manchester Evening News, New Sunderland 16 accumulated Zealand Herald, Op de Rails 5300 miles in service and Sheffield (OR), Progressive Railroading, 264 reached 5850 miles after Romania-Insider, Railway Gazette receiving wheelset work and a International (RGI), Stadtverkehr motor overhaul. Blackpool 31 (SV), Sydney Morning Herald, achieved 6000 miles. t-online.de, Tram-2000, TheMayor. CRICH (UK). The new EU, tram, transphoto.ru, Tram-Kassel, northbound line at Bandstand Today’s Railways (TR), urbanrail.net, curves was laid by early January wdr.de and Wolverhampton Express allowing a final top layer of ballast & Star.

114ch / mar 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Letters

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

The missing links in UK tramway appraisal processes In Reg Harman’s critique of the current planning and Even when cities already have identifying icons, light rail development processes for UK light rail schemes (TAUT 986), I can be ‘the icing on the cake’ in terms of image enhancement. was surprised to see no specific mention of two important ‘soft Buses are never used in that way, with the notable exception benefits’ of tramways – their ability to boost the image of public of the red London double-decker. Antwerp proudly calls itself transport and also the status of the communities they serve. the ‘City of Trams’, confidently imparting a positive image. Trams de-stigmatise all public transport. They tempt people That’s what you get for your money when you invest wisely in out of their cars like no other mode, and because of a benign light rail. ‘City of Buses’ would incur a negative, dirty, chaotic ‘trickle-down’ effect those same people might then try buses as image with grim overtones of low self-esteem. well, especially with proper integration, genuine affordability It’s obvious that image enhancement appeals to politicians. and customer-friendly through ticketing. Tram infrastructure Its value is incalculable, which is possibly why it’s so often is also uniquely valuable as an aid to navigation in city centres. overlooked. The positive image of the tram derives principally A modern light rail system inserted carefully into the urban from its shiny steel rails and its stylishness; they are also at the fabric is massively expressive of status. Cities need symbolism cutting edge of design, sometimes even beyond it. For maximum and a positive image to identify themselves favourably. benefit, stylishness in tram design needs to be matched by Newcastle has its bridges, London its skyline, Liverpool its stylishness in track and overhead aesthetics. Here, art can meet waterfront, and so on. Many cities have no equivalent of those engineering, form and function can be in perfect harmony, and icons. Documentaries, news items, travel shows and brochures a powerful feel-good factor can be the reward. The French city of struggle to convey positive snapshot impressions of them. Tours, as illustrated in Mr Harman’s article, illustrates this well. Cities like Leeds and Bath are never going to acquire the Soon the image of trams will receive a further boost when signature equivalents of Windsor Castle, Tower Bridge or Big they start running along the waterside section opposite Salford Ben, but they would still benefit from image enhancement. Quays on the new Trafford Park Line in Manchester. As the That’s where stylish trams can come to the rescue, demonstrated originator in 1984 of the Trafford Park line proposals, I take by the frequency with which they are seen on television, great delight in that prospect. whatever the relevance. Lisbon, for example, is hardly ever Perhaps the Department of Transport will notice what’s featured without its heritage trams, and Swiss cities rarely happening and update WebTAG accordingly. without their modern trams. David Holt, Manchester

Getting it right in Ottawa A tramway curiosity By the mid-1800s, thousands of horses Your correspondent on Ottawa in the latest At Christmas, travelling through Victoria traversed the streets each day. They carried TAUT (986) makes some valid points. Firstly, I Square, the central forum of Birmingham, passengers, pulled freight wagons and even believe he is correct in suggesting that testing on the newly-opened tramway extension to trams. Yet a well looked-after animal could of the new LRT system was rushed. However it Broad Street, I recalled that the last occasion deposit as much as 14kg (30lb) of manure and should be borne in mind that the project was that it would have been possible to have done around nine litres (16 pints) of urine a day. late in delivery and that it only opened after this by tram was in 1884 – an interval of 135 In many cities street conditions were deemed the Mayor banged heads together to get people years. I wondered whether this was a world intolerable, and links were made between talking to each other to break the logjam. record for a tramless gap between systems at unsanitary conditions and early mortality. It is also correct to say that the operator the same location. When wet one can only imagine the OCTranspo was brought into the process at There are two other interesting features situation, but it didn’t get much better in a very late stage when, in my view, it should concerning this phenomenon. First, while summer when heat and dry conditions would have been involved much more closely and the original tramway and the current system turn the manure to dust, which then blew up much earlier on in the programme. were both standard gauge, the Birmingham into the faces of pedestrians. Whether testing was extensive enough is a system that operated within and beyond These and considerations related to moot point. It was clear that minimum winter the city during the intervening period was feeding and stabling thousands of animals testing was undertaken; this may well have narrow gauge (3ft 6in). signalled the end for horse-power in much of had an impact bearing in mind the severity Secondly, whereas that undertaking Europe and North America by the outbreak of Ottawa’s winters. One can only wonder employed the overhead line system of of the Great War. The following 25 or so whether Alstom tested its LRVs in winter operation, neither the original nor the years saw the tram rule city streets, to be conditions at a facility equivalent to that at contemporary tramway adopted it – horse replaced by motor buses and cars. However, the Vienna Arsenal, where vehicles can be traction was used in the case of the former this only shifted the problem. Manure was tested in freezing conditions up to -25°C. and battery-operation for the latter. replaced with exhaust fumes and now many All that can be hoped now is that there Geoffrey Claydon, by e-mail cities are in the same situation, although will be a detailed ‘lessons learnt’ analysis the pollutants now are often invisible and to ensure that future extensions can be Cities coming full circle therefore more difficult to avoid. implemented with fewer teething troubles. The world is coming full circle in the value of Now, combustion-engined vehicles Nevertheless, if OCTranspo can get the tramways to clean our city streets, it seems. clog our streets, which are arguably just as operations side right, the Confederation Line As well as their efficiency per square metre harmful to public health. remains the basis of an excellent system. in carrying passengers, the first city tramways The solution is the same as it was 150 Not learning lessons from where things were also seen as a solution to cleaning up years ago – electrified mass public transport, went wrong could cause untold damage to the environment. However, while today we ideally of the steel-wheeled variety to also the acceptance of future Canadian light rail are concerned with tailpipe emissions, in avoid non-exhaust related emissions such as projects promoted by local authorities. the 19th Century the emissions came from a the particles related to tyre and brake wear... Vic Simons, by e-mail different tailpipe – that of horses! M. Leathfield, by e-mail

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 115 Classic Trams Blackpool’s 1 tram legacy This two-part article considers Blackpool’s fantastically diverse and frequent heritage operation, which by any PART measure is one of the world’s greatest. Mike Russell reports. ONE

t the end of the 2011 season, subjected to some reconstruction, with FTT fleet but is not currently operational. Blackpool formally withdrew a ‘bulge’ at the centre doorway to enable Railcoach 279, also part of the FTT collection, from full-time service the last them to serve the new platforms created for is under restoration at an off-site location. survivors of its traditional tram low-floor operation. These cars have been Three of the hugely popular single-deck fleet, operated from its depot designated the ‘B’ fleet. open Boat cars remain in Blackpool. The Aat Rigby Road. These ranged from different The altered configuration has been the prototype (600, retaining its 1968 fleet types of streamlined car introduced under subject of much criticism, although their number) and production model 227 (latterly the managership of Walter Luff in the 1930s, overall appearance has changed little. 602) are both operable whilst 230 (latterly through various stages of rebuilding to Availability of the new LRV fleet – increased 604), operable until recently but currently construction of new single-deck and double- to 18 by purchase of two additional cars for stored, are all part of the BTS heritage fleet. deck tramcars in the 1980s. After a winter of the as-yet unopened North Station branch – Of the attractive but difficult in engineering suspended tram service, the new Bombardier proved so good that recourse to the B fleet has terms Coronation cars, three survive, currently Flexity 2 articulated low-floor fleet took to the been minimal and the serviceable examples out of service: 663 is privately owned and relaid track in spring 2012 operating from a are now mainly found on heritage operations. undergoing off-site restoration, whilst 660 is new state-of-the-art depot at Starr Gate, the Historic tramcars have operated here part of the BTS non-operable fleet. Sister car line’s southern extremity. for many years. Examples from the Crich 304 (641 in the 1968 renumbering), restored Yet a visitor to Rigby Road today could collection, including Dreadnought 59, for a television series in 2004, is owned by the be forgiven for thinking that nothing had Pantograph car 167, Blackpool & Fleetwood FTT and is inoperable, although is receiving changed – and to an extent they would be (B&F) ‘toastrack’ 2, Standard 40 and B&F attention to hopefully return to service. right. For in the years since the tramway’s ‘Box’ car 40, have been operated from time to Continuing the single-deck fleet, three relaunch, much of the previous Blackpool fleet time, whilst visiting trams from other cities complete twin-set motor/trailer sets are has either been retained by the operator or were in the 1985 centenary celebrations. The included. Set 2 (motor 272 and trailer T2, both returned from temporary ownership by other first visitor is in fact still here: the lower deck now carrying their original fleet numbers groups or individuals. As a result, heritage of Bolton 66, an unvestibuled double-decker and livery of 1960) and set 5 (motor 675 and operations are thriving – so much so that on maximum traction Brill bogies, dates from trailer 685) are all part of the BTS collection; Blackpool Transport Services Ltd (BTS) has 1901. It was rescued from post-closure use as neither set is currently operable but at the created a special department, with its own a chicken coop and after construction of a time of writing, set 5 is undergoing electrical dedicated office, solely for such purposes. new top deck and installation of electrical and re-wiring in preparation for a return to service. How and why has this come about and in running gear made its debut at Blackpool in The BTS fleet also includes twin motor car 676 what ways has the project unfolded? June 1981. Owned by the Bolton 66 Tramcar and trailer 681. Both of these are currently Trust, it is the oldest operable car. A subsequent inoperable, as is the motor car for set 1, car Truly unique arrival from a north-west tramway was 671, part of the FTT fleet. One further example Unique is an overused term, but in the case of Stockport 5, an open-top four-wheeler, but its from this series is motor car 680, one of three the Blackpool tramway it is appropriate. As the reversed stairs layout made it unpopular with reconstructed Railcoaches separated from its premier seaside resort on the Fylde in north- staff and it has returned to the Manchester trailer in 1968 that latterly served as a solo west England, it has traditionally attracted Tramway Museum Society (MTMS). motor car. It is now owned by the MTMS but is throngs of visitors and holidaymakers, mainly on long loan to the BTS heritage fleet. from northern England, Scotland and Ireland. Merging the Trusts Of the Centenary vehicles, three survive. To cope with loadings along the Promenade The Blackpool Heritage Trust (BHT) was Car 642 is serviceable and in the BTS fleet and an impressive fleet of tramcars of distinctive created in 2014 to safeguard the heritage sister 645 is inoperable as part of the FTT fleet; designs was introduced in the 1930s, replacing fleet. On 5 January 2020 BHT merged its fleet both are in rebuilt condition. Car 648 was the most older examples. Visitors would have with the existing Fylde Transport Trust (FTT) least modifiedCentenary and remains in use as been familiar with Blackpool trams, and for collection, consolidating heritage tramway part of the BTS fleet. many a stay would have seemed incomplete work in the area and further safeguarding Turning to the iconic double-deck Balloons, without a ride. Retaining an element of the collections through the FTT’s charitable 701, 717 and 723 have been retained by BTS this fleet to provide a heritage experience status. To ensure continuity, two former BHT for heritage use and all are serviceable, whilst was therefore crucial to Blackpool, with the trustees have joined an enlarged FTT board. 706, reconverted in 1985 to open-top form potential to augment its seasonal income. Blackpool’s heritage fleet includes examples and named ‘Princess Alice’, is ready to enter A seaside tramway features two highly of all types operated recently. The Brush- the works for restoration to 1985 condition in undesirable aspects of public transport built Railcoach fleet is represented by seven a project with the Fylde Tramway Society. operation: high fixed-cost expenditure on examples: 631 remains in BTS ownership Two Balloons in the FTT collection are 703 infrastructure along with heavily-weighted and is currently operable along with sister car (stored), and 715, operable and on loan to BTS. seasonal earnings, where about six months’ 621, now part of the FTT fleet; FTT also owns Other stored Balloons at Rigby Road include revenue has to sustain 12 months’ operation. similar cars 287 (624 post-1968), 632 and 634 704 and 726 in private ownership and 708, When the reconstructed tramway but these are currently unserviceable as are part of the MTMS collection for the Heaton was planned, it was decided to retain a 627, owned by the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Park (Manchester) line. Balloon 704 entered small number of older cars as a reserve to Trust, and privately-owned 625. the BTS workshops in October for a full supplement the service at times of peak The contemporary -built restoration to post-war condition, its owner demand, or to deputise in the event of a Railcoaches were largely used to create the providing significant funding for the work. shortage of modern cars. Nine of Blackpool’s series of one-man-operated vehicles in the Balloon double-deck cars were selected and 1970s; of these, car 8 survives as part of the To be continued next month.

116 / MARCH 2020 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Nine double-deck Balloon cars were modified for retention in the ‘B’ fleet, including the four that had earlier been refronted, such as 718, seen at Gynn Square on 24 August 2019. Mike Russell

2. High tide at Bispham, with all three Boat cars ashore! On 23 August 2014, 227 in red is passing cars 600 (the prototype, with lower panels than in production) and 230 standing on the central stabling track, used by short-working cars and those taking meal breaks. Paul Wigan

3. By far the oldest operational car in Blackpool is Bolton 66, here since 1981. During one of last season’s Gold weekends, it is seen on 24 August 2019 in Lord Street, Fleetwood, on its way to Fleetwood Ferry terminus. Mike Russell

4. The elegant lines of the Brush Railcoach fleet are well displayed by this imaginative 2 livery application to car 621, seen at the Tower on 22 April 2018. Paul Wigan

5. Brush Railcoach 631 is one of just two of the batch currently serviceable. It is seen here at the loading point in Pharos Street, Fleetwood, on 24 August 2019. Note the special stop sign for use by Heritage services and the slip-board in the cab window advising that the service observes limited stops. Mike Russell

6. The view looking into Rigby 3 4 Road depot on 23 August 2019, with prototype Boat 600, Balloons 723 and 711 and Railcoach 634 in evidence. Other than the livery change to 711, this image could almost have been taken when Rigby Road was the tramway’s only depot until 2011. Mike Russell

7. Two of the three surviving Coronation cars, 304 and 660, lined up in Blundell Street on 25 August 2013. Despite the elegant lines of the Roberts bodywork, cars of this class were destined to lead a short 5 6 working life in Blackpool. Paul Wigan

8. A very rare view showing twin set 272+T2, restored to their 1960 livery, in the new Starr Gate LRT depot on 3 May 2014 when access to Rigby Road depot was inhibited by road works at Manchester Square. Apparently, staff at Starr Gate were dismayed to discover that older tramcars exhibited the anti-social habit of depositing small pools of oil on their pristine depot floor! Paul Wigan 7 8

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org march 2020 / 117 NEWS FROM THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ASSOCIATION Campaign to connect South Wales

LRTA Area Officer Alan Wilkins An artist’s impression of the new South Wales Metro service at n my opinion an Area Officer should look Cardiff Bay. Courtesy of TfW primarily to the Association’s original I intention to promote light rail and trams – as well as tram-trains – in their area, for the core activities of a local group. For that reason I make no apology for giving primacy to campaigning in meetings, rather than majoring on tramway history, important as that is with its lessons for the present day. There are several societies in South Wales which do an excellent job on exploring the history of transport. We are fortunate in South Wales to have as an advocate Professor Mark Barry, who has been prolific in promoting rail-based transport in the region. Many of his ideas have now been incorporated into the Cardiff Capital Region Metro by the Welsh Government (WG). The 15-year Wales & Borders rail franchise – be given the benefits of rail for local transport, We have a small core of local members launched in October 2018 – incorporates the such as Newport, Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil. who are able to offer substantial professional Metro, and the whole is now administered Cardiff City Council recently published a expertise to our campaigning, including by the wholly-owned governmental agency, White Paper with proposals for Cardiff Crossrail some much appreciated experience from a Transport for Wales (TfW). and City Circle lines, which will require careful younger generation. I believe the LRTA’s role is to hold TfW to planning to integrate them with the Metro. Dates for the remainder of 2020 are account in developing the Metro. This not A particular challenge in Newport surrounds Tuesdays 10 March, 12 May, 28 July, only includes electrification of the Valley Lines the plan to seek alternative transport options 8 September and 10 November. All meetings in the first five years, but also in extending the now the decision has been taken to not build are held in the Small Upper Meeting Room of Metro beyond the existing rail lines radiating the M4 Relief Road around the city. Local LRTA Central United Reformed Church, Windsor from Cardiff. There are many other valleys to members will be making a submission to the Place, Cardiff CF10 3BZ. be reconnected, and other cities and towns to Commission appointed by the WG. New members will be made very welcome.

AGM set for Katowice, Poland Membership cards

This year’s LRTA AGM is to be announced it has been decided At this time of year we normally of these held in Katowice, Poland, and to move it forward a week. enclose a new membership card. cards, will coincide with the itinerary The AGM will now be held on However last year we issued plastic and if one of Ian Longworth’s tours. Saturday 19 September. cards and it has been decided to anybody LRTA19 membership card-with pink spot copy.indd 1

However, because of A full programme is being put continue with these rather than has lost theirs and would like 29/01/2019 14:11 difficulties in getting hotel together for the weekend and issuing a new card every year. a new one please contact us at rooms on the date originally details will be sent out shortly. Any new member will be sent one [email protected]

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

February 2020 Saturday 29. Beeston 14.00. Friday 13. Glasgow 19.30. Deryck Thursday 26. Manchester 19.00. Modelling – Bring along your latest Docherty: Waverley – the world’s last Ian Longworth: Isle of Man Railways; Thursday 27. Manchester 19.00. project to discuss. (TLRS) seagoing paddle steamer. (STTS) the insider’s view. Mike Crabtree: Tramways in Algeria. Saturday 29. Garstang 14.00. Monday 16. Liverpool 20.00. Friday 27. Edinburgh 19.15. Friday 28. Edinburgh. 19.15. Workshop: How to build model Robin Singleton: Dublin’s John Hampton: TBA. Cllr Lesley MacInnes: TBC – trams to various scales. (TLRS) of 1844. (TLRS) Friday 27. 19.30. Edinburgh Transformation. Tuesday 17. London 19.00. John Lessells: Tramways on DVD Friday 28. Leicester 19.30. March 2020 James Slater: Liverpool trams and the Internet. (TMS) David Witt: Some contrasts in Saturday 21. Taunton 14.00. Saturday 28. Garstang 14.00. European tramways – Romania, Italy, Tuesday 3. Southampton 19.30. John Robert Manders: Climbing hills Howard Piltz: Italian tramways on Alsace and Poland. (TMS) Laker: Tramway cine film. (LRTA/SEG) and dead flats. (TLRS) film. (TLRS)

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