sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bordeaux tramway, Edinburgh Trams, South Wales Metro, Transport in Wales, West Midlands Metro

Light Rail & Metro

MIKE HADDON. n EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Post- crash safety body takes shape n A future without wires n Completing n South Metro NRC19_A4FPADv2.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2019 16:21 Page 1

Light Rail & Metro

FACING THE FUTURE TOGETHER Presenting the key insight into the future of rail at a time of major government review

DAVID COOPER. Welcome CONTENTS 018-19 was a year of strong growth and hydrogen power (p48-49). The Light Brigade for ’s eight light rail and Representing the light rail sector and HOW UK and the tram systems, with total passenger helping to encourage new entrants is UK newly formed LRSSB will journeys rising to a record level of Tram, whose new chairman George Lowder 40 2 be key to shaping the industry’s future. 272.4 million. MBE sets out what the future holds in store for However, ridership looks set to climb the organisation and its members (p40-45). higher still, given the extensions to Meanwhile, former Metrolink director systems in Manchester, and the Peter Cushing tells RAIL how one of the Testing times West that are currently under key recommendations of the report into MOBILITY construction, and others that have received the Sandilands crash of November 2016 approval in and . is now being implemented following the 46describes some of the work But with only two new systems having establishment of dedicated safety body LRSSB. being undertaken to complete Crossrail. been built since 2000 (in Last but not least, we also cover metro and Edinburgh), 2019 could well be best operations with Siemens discussing the work remembered as the year when a host of being undertaken to integrate various systems new UK cities embraced light rail as the on Crossrail (p46-47). ■ Cutting overheads key to tackling their own congestion and SYSTRA’s innovative environmental problems. PAUL STEPHEN 48approach to making urban has confirmed that Features Editor, RAIL tramways a more attractive proposition. on-street running and tram-trains will be coming to as part of the £738 million www.nationalrailconference.co.uk Metro project (see p50-51), while systems in Cambridge, Preston EDITORIAL Holistic approach For sponsorship enquiries please contact [email protected] and Leeds are all at the early stages of Managing Editor: Nigel Harris TRANSPORT FOR WALES Head of News: Richard Clinnick development. reveals the latest progress For all other information please contact [email protected] Contributing Writers: Paul Stephen 50 Several UK systems could opt to include Mike Wright on the £738m project. many of the innovations taking place in the Production Editor: Headline sponsor Art Editor: Charles Wrigley light rail industry, including Very Light Rail Sub-Editor: Richard Hampson vehicles or the tram-trains that have been Managing Director: Tim Lucas trialled in Sheffield and have been ordered for Collaboration is key Cardiff. ADVERTISING KEOLIS UK CEO Alistair In this supplement, SYSTRA examines the Account Director: Julie Howard Gordon on delivering an various options now on offer for catenary-free 52 running, including the growing use of battery integrated and sustainable service.

Sponsors

40 Light Rail & Metro

Nottingham City Council has approved a £200,000 feasibility study into new routes for the Nottingham Express Transit. These could potentially connect with the planned HS2 station at Toton, as well as extensions from Clifton to a new 3,000-home development The charge of the and from Phoenix Park to Eastwood. ALAMY. Light Brigade

As light rail and tram usage reaches record levels, PAUL STEPHEN gives a glimpse of what the future has in store for UK Tram and the newly formed Light Rail Safety Standards Board - and how they will both be key to the future of the industry

ccording to the latest statistics to become the most extensive in the on by the Metro, which has new routes for the Nottingham Express with a £22m extension to the Blackpool that were launched last October to a new compiled by the Department for UK since its opening in 1992. firm plans to double the network’s original Transit system to the planned HS2 hub at Tramway from Blackpool North to Blackpool terminus at Rotherham Parkgate. Transport, some 272.4 million An eight-year £1.5 billion ‘big bang’ mileage by 2026. Currently consisting of a Toton, and a new 3,000-home development Pier expected to open later this year, and Recognising the success of modern Apassenger journeys were made expansion programme was completed with single 12.7-mile route between Birmingham near Clifton. passengers in Sheffield continuing to benefit tramways in becoming effective and efficient on the eight light rail and tram systems in the opening of a second route (2CC) across and city centres, extensions Other systems are also continuing to grow, from the UK’s first-ever tram-train services people movers wherever they have been England (279.7 million when also including Manchester city centre in February 2017, are under way to in the south and implemented, other UK towns and cities Edinburgh ) - representing a 1.9% while a £350 million extension to Trafford Wolverhampton railway station in the north are also now planning their own schemes - increase on the previous year, and a 44% Park is currently under construction and due Meanwhile, a proposed 6.8-mile line from There is plenty of optimism around with one or two new systems now reaching increase over the last decade. to open in 2020-21. to was approved in advanced stages of development. However, the growing popularity of light With strong growth (6.1%) in patronage March, and an eastward extension from Bull light rail, given the big environmental The closest to fruition is the £225m Luton rail is not just evident from these crude recorded in 2018-19, there remains a strong Street to via Birmingham’s new HS2 DART (Direct Air Rail Transit) project, ridership figures, but from the increasing appetite in the region for further extensions station at Curzon Street is being considered and urbanisation factors we’re all which will provide a direct connection from calls from operators, local authorities and (including a cross-city tunnel between by government. to Luton Airport Parkway passenger transport executives for further Manchester’s Piccadilly and Victoria Elsewhere, on March 14 councillors in aware of. Light rail is a green mass station from 2022. investment to extend existing systems, or to stations) as set out by Transport for Greater Edinburgh voted to approve a 2.9-mile Close behind Luton, tram-trains are due build entirely new ones. Manchester’s recently published 2040 extension to from the transit mode, and so we should be to start running in and around Cardiff from Historically, the leader in this field has Strategy. city centre to Newhaven and , while 2022 as part of the £738m South Wales been , which - with 93 In the more immediate future, Metrolink’s Nottingham City Council has announced seizing these opportunities. Metro project that will integrate light and stops and 62 miles of track - has expanded mantle would appear to have been taken it will fund a £200,000 feasibility study into George Lowder MBE, Chairman, UK Tram heavy rail with local services.

40 41 Light Rail & Metro

Tram-train 399203 departs Rotherham Parkgate with a test run to Sheffield Cathedral on July 19 2018. Passengers in South Yorkshire have been the first in the UK to benefit from tram-trains, although they have now been procured for Cardiff and are being considered by several other cities including Manchester. MIKE HADDON.

Elsewhere, proposals for a metro system in Cambridge are at an early stage, while in August the West Yorkshire Combined Authority invited experts to submit ideas for a mass transit system in what is currently the largest city in Europe without one - Leeds. Given this increased focus and renewed interest in light rail, the DfT issued a call for evidence in February to seek views on the potential for new schemes, and how best to address the issues that are currently holding them back - particularly high capital costs

and a lack of standardisation. 843. RAIL Government is currently considering its findings, although prior to the closure of the companies, operators and authorities that Branch (RAIB) report into the fatal tram consultation on May 19, lengthy submissions are starting out. They should be able to crash at Sandilands Junction, Croydon, on were made by network operators, local come to an organisation that is well placed November 9 2016. Until that point the tram authorities, transport executives and the to provide - with a degree or authority, industry had enjoyed an exemplary safety trade body UK Tram - whose members expertise, industry input and legal support - record with no passengers killed in an include all of the aforementioned, plus all of those things that someone taking on or accident on board a UK tram since 1959. infrastructure and rolling stock maintenance considering taking early steps needs to know. But with seven passengers killed by the organisations. “UK Tram needs to be somewhere that overturning tram at Sandilands and 51 Chairman of UK Tram and Chief they will feel comfortable that they’re getting requiring hospital treatment, the Office of Executive of good guidance and information, and that Rail and Road was called upon to co-operate George Lowder MBE tells RAIL: “I welcome they can lean on us for the softer support as with UK Tram to build on the work already the consultation, and I think there is plenty well as more practical things.” done by UK Tram’s safety board, to develop a of optimism around light rail, given the big Another key role for Lowder over the body to manage standards and safety, and to environmental and urbanisation factors that coming months will be to help oversee provide authoritative impartial advice. we’re all aware of. Light rail is a green mass one of the obvious answers has to be light improve air quality. members about what they specifically would the development of the Light Rail Safety LRSSB Chief Executive and former transit mode, and so we should be seizing rail.” In January, Edinburgh Trams reported like in terms of deliverables,” says Lowder. Standards Board (LRSSB), which was Metrolink director Peter Cushing explains: these opportunities. As Chief Executive of TfE, Lowder has that 7.3 million journeys were made in 2018 “My role is to capture that and listen established in February as a dedicated safety “The establishment of LRSSB came out of “There is a confluence of different issues witnessed at close quarters some of the (an increase of 10% on the previous year), carefully to what they are telling us about body for the light rail sector. the RAIB report, but what people should all coinciding helpfully at the same time, various barriers to light rail adoption, but despite the scheme being heavily criticised various elements of UK Tram, and then Backed by £1.5m of Government funding, remember is that there wasn’t an absence of including urbanisation, congestion, the also how, ultimately, these systems are in 2014 for opening three years later than provide oversight on what we are delivering. its creation as an independent subsidiary of standards before that, they just weren’t all in environment and reducing car ownership. embraced by the populations they serve planned and £400m over budget. “UK Tram should be adding value to its UK Tram was one of 15 recommendations one place. Heavy rail is a more expensive solution to owing to their ability to significantly Originally planned for Phase 1 but cut members and already is, and it comes down made by the Rail Accident Investigation “Previous to that people were working light rail, so wherever there is a coincidence improve connectivity, increase socio- back amid the delays and spiralling costs, a to sharing best practice, understanding what of these issues, there is an opportunity - and economic mobility, cut congestion and 2.4-mile extension to Newhaven has now everybody else is up to, and not reinventing been approved by city leaders and is due to the wheel if another operator has tried open by February 2023. something that works well.” Lowder is hoping to bring to bear his first- One area where UK Tram is likely to hand experience of “achieving a successful increase its activities is in supporting the operation after the huff and negativity vibrant innovation landscape that has of the original build” in his new role at emerged in light rail, in order to keep the UK Tram, which started on August 1. He sector a cost-effective and continually will also continue to fulfil his predecessor improving transport mode. Geoff Inskip’s ambition to reconfigure By nurturing and sharing knowledge the organisation in order to maximise the of new technological developments such value it offers its members - by not just as the tram-train trial in Sheffield, and representing its interests in terms of safety, the construction of the UK’s first stretch standards and legislative changes, but also of catenary-free on-street running in in terms of providing a powerful forum to Birmingham, UK Tram can play a lead role discuss best practice, and directional and in driving this innovation and technical policy guidance. excellence which will, ultimately, encourage With a board meeting, annual general further expansion of tramways across the meeting and a light rail summit all UK. scheduled this month (September), Lowder Lowder says this will not just benefit is clear he is in ‘listening mode’ for the time existing members, it will also help position being before deciding how the organisation UK Tram as a ‘one stop shop’ for new Construction continues apace for on a large site occupying Paradise Circus Track is now in place along most of the route of Manchester Metrolink’s extension to Trafford, should deliver against its members’ wishes. entrants in the sector. in . The tram route will snake its way from outside Birmingham Town which will open in 2020-21. First opened in 1992, the Metrolink network is currently the most “During the course of those three He adds: “There’s also a softer issue here Hall in the background and into , to the right of the white lorry, and will expansive light rail system in the UK. MIKE HADDON. meetings I expect to hear more from about providing a degree of support to new include the UK’s first stretch of catenary-free running.MIKE HADDON.

42 43 Light Rail & Metro

On March 12 2012, Tram 2545 approaches the junction near Sandilands, Croydon, to ORR, BSI and European standards, individual network view. where the UK’s first fatal tram accident since plus some that came from RSSB and were Members will be able to see how they 1959 occurred on November 9 2016. The adopted or adapted to light rail. Clearly, it’s a compare across the industry, giving the LRSSB was established earlier this year to different playing field in light rail [compared database a unique benchmarking capability. satisfy one of the 15 recommendations made by the subsequent RAIB report. NEIL PULLING. with heavy rail] as there isn’t a single “We’re using a piece of software that has infrastructure owner or one method of been developed in heavy rail called RM3 operation, but nevertheless it was necessary [Risk Maturity model 3],” says Cushing. to put standards in one place as it probably “It’s been updated to be friendlier to light wasn’t as controlled for light rail as much as rail so members can use their incident and it should have been.” near miss data, work through RM3 and then According to Cushing, LRSSB has been be able to show their level of risk maturity given a headstart by UK Tram, as much within the industry. of its current remit was already being “We’ll also do peer reviews so we can learn worked on prior to Sandilands in terms of as a sector. And if there’s a particular area risk management and reporting of safety where one network appears to be weak, they incidents. can speak to someone who has an apparent UK Tram is also in a position to share strength in that area to learn from it.” knowledge, expertise and resources with Obviously, all this has taken some time LRSSB, making the decision to create it as a to set up and the process is ongoing, but subsidiary organisation a sensible one. the benefits should be seen over the course He says: “Some of the systems LRSSB of the next two or three years. Once the is using and the risk models and database 814. RAIL whole industry is working on a common risk we’re using for standards were already platform it can share data on risks not just developed by UK Tram, so there was already part-time safety and standards manager. signed off and notified as a standard on the in the UK but across Europe, giving a really a move towards this anyway. Sandilands He shares his time with UK Tram and then LRSSB database,” he says. clear view on what risks are held within was just the catalyst that increased the speed there’s Cushing himself, as a part-time CEO. The LRSSB database is available to every networks and as an industry as a whole. of it, frankly. “That’s the limit of LRSSB, but we member to access with a password. Cushing According to Cushing, the creation of “LRSSB is a subsidiary of UK Tram, but is obviously work with UK Tram’s Heads of says it not only includes standards, but is LRSSB has already garnered much interest a completely separate body and has its own Safety Group (comprising safety members also being used a messaging system - for from operators in Europe and further afield board and constitution. But it was obviously from each operating group and standards example, when there is an indication from which, lacking their own similar body, might easier to set it up this way and to carry body) when we’re trying to establish a RSSB that there has been an incident in wish to become overseas members and to on as much as possible as before, instead standard, and we’re also able to pull time Europe or perhaps in heavy rail in the UK. feed into the common risk platform. of establishing something completely from the Engineering and Operators Group.” Any learning points relevant for light Clearly LRSSB will not be able to independent. Cushing adds that it is the LRSSB’s job rail can then be put into the database, with regulate or apply standards to international “We also have limited funding, which to put the documentation for a standard to members also able to interact with LRSSB members, but they will be able to use its we’re trying to spend on developing what we these groups and then ask the ORR for any or other members if any action needs to risk management model and monitor their need rather than having a big administrative comments. be taken. As LRSSB continues to develop, own risk maturity, while providing another back office.” “ORR can’t sign off on any standards, but the database will also be used for reporting valuable source of information to the The LRSSB only has the equivalent of they can give us comments and we take accidents and incidents including near database. not overspending. In addition to the eventual publication of two full-time employees with one full- those into account, write it up, clear it with misses, which will allow LRSSB to produce Looking ahead, Cushing and the team will “Right now, we’re pretty much on track the Government’s light rail consultation, time administrator of the database, and a the Heads of Safety Group, and then it’s an industry view on safety as well as an need to persuade the DfT or another source and where we expected to be. We need to Cushing believes that LRSSB will also play a to provide long term funding to LRSSB once get the risk model and database working key role in unlocking several of the barriers the initial tranche of £1.5m is used up in across all the networks and then get to entry for towns and cities looking to DLR 069 approaches West Silverton on February 20 2015. The accounted for nearly 45% of the total journeys made by light rail and trams under three years’ time. some meaningful data from it in terms build their own networks. He argues that in England during 2018-19, having carried 121.8 million passengers. PAUL BIGLAND. He is confident, however, that it will prove of reporting, which we should be able to a more structured approach to regulation its worthiness to become a permanent body do from early next year when we’ve got and standardisation will make it easier to once members start to feel the benefits everybody on board. replicate existing solutions in other places, provided by the database, and being part of “For me, it’s about what we do in year and will potentially reduce the cost and time the common risk platform. one and two in terms of expanding our that might have been spent in designing, “We’re not going to need mountains of reach, not only in rewriting standards but in engineering and then operating an entirely funding, and we don’t expect this to be a making sure everything else in the database bespoke solution. massive organisation,” he says. stays current. It’s not just about producing He concludes: “One of the reasons why this “The way we work with members is standards, but also helping operators get the should encourage new entrants is because that we get a lot done for what is effectively best out of their networks in terms of being when you look at establishing a light rail not a lot of money, and we will continue to aware of the risks and making them as safe network, in the past they’ve had to look focus on doing it in the best way possible and as possible.” across a much broader aspect to be able to find the standards they need to develop and There isn’t a single infrastructure what they need to do. “There’s a lot of learning for a city that owner or one method of operation, wants to establish a new tram network, and what we can do is to give people a template but it was necessary to put standards that says ‘these are the standards you need to work to, this is what you need to adhere in one place as it probably wasn’t as to, this is how it is regulated, and this is the process you’ll be able to work through’. controlled for light rail as much as it “There’s no reason why someone couldn’t become a member of LRSSB or UK Tram should have been. very early on in the development and design process, and they absolutely don’t need to wait Peter Cushing, Chief Executive, Light Rail Safety Standards Board until they’ve got something to operate.” ■

44 45 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT Produced by Testing times ADRIAN STUBBS, Siemens Mobility’s Operations Director for Crossrail, describes the work now being undertaken to integrate the various systems for Crossrail

or much of the last decade, the £17 Siemens Mobility is also providing its billion-plus Crossrail programme has radio Communications-Based Train Control been Europe’s largest infrastructure (CBTC) system in the central section and Fproject. on board the fleet of Bombardier Class 345s, With 13 miles of twin tunnels stretching to enable high-frequency running on this from east to west beneath central , section of the line. it also promises to transform travel in the Adrian Stubbs, Siemens Mobility’s capital by delivering quicker, easier and more Operations Director for Crossrail, accessible journeys. explains: “Siemens Mobility is very proud The full length of Crossrail - which will to be involved in what is still the largest officially be known as the Elizabeth Line - is infrastructure project in Europe. To be able 73 miles from Reading and Heathrow at one to say that you played a significant part in end to Abbey Wood and Shenfield at the creating the phenomenal legacy Crossrail will other. leave is a proud moment in anyone’s career.” With ten new stations being built in the He adds: “We have two direct contracts central section, it will also make new direct on the project, on which we currently connections possible - including between have deployed a workforce of over 500 Heathrow, the West End, the City and employees in the UK and more in Germany . and beyond. They are involved in a huge Meanwhile, a new fleet of 70 nine-car Class cross-section of activities, including the 345 trains will run at frequencies of up to 24 software development and advanced systems trains per hour in peak between Paddington integration work being undertaken at our and Whitechapel, helping to provide a 10% Rail Automation and Crossrail Integration Facility in Chippenham.” increase in central London’s rail capacity, Siemens Mobility’s Crossrail cut journey times and support regeneration Initially due to open in December 2018, Integration Facility. SIEMENS MOBILITY. across the capital. a new delivery date for the opening of the Among the Tier 1 contractors working Elizabeth Line is now being targeted by the to deliver the Elizabeth Line is Siemens new leadership team for between October collaboration which is proving beneficial.” These are not being provided by Siemens being undertaken by Bombardier in Derby, means we must go through an extremely Mobility, which was awarded two key 2020 and March 2021 to allow for outstanding This includes the dynamic testing of train Mobility so integrating the different systems and by Siemens Mobility at its Chippenham comprehensive testing programme to ensure contracts to design, test, install and work to be completed. and signalling systems with both Siemens is a complex, but essential, task. Crossrail Integration Facility, and elsewhere a safe and reliable railway. commission key communications and control Stubbs says: “There is now a focus on Mobility and Bombardier working closely ETCS Level 2 signalling is being installed internationally. “We are able to bring the systems systems within the central section. system integration and recognition of both together in order to integrate and increase on the western section from Paddington Stubbs explains: “The Crossrail Integration together in our R&D and system test These systems include CCTV and public the technical and organisational complexities the reliability of all associated software. to Heathrow and Reading, while Train Facility is an advanced system test facility that centres in Germany to have confidence in its address systems at stations, customer of this programme. As an example, Crossrail The CBTC system not only needs to be Protection Warning System (TPWS) is in combines key target hardware and software functionality, but ultimately it’s only when information displays, staff and emergency has established a Plateau team comprising integrated between train and track, but operation on MTR Crossrail’s eastern branch elements - for example, train, signalling, you integrate it with the train and the wider services radio systems, and the data networks technical leads from Crossrail, Siemens also where it will interface between the two to Shenfield. communications and platform screen doors, infrastructure that you can become aware of that will carry information to and from the Mobility, Bombardier and the operator, to different signalling and train control systems This integration must be completed before with simulation. The facility was built as a all the issues and then solve them.” route control centre. support system integration and promote in operation on other parts of the route. intensive trials can begin in 2020 to simulate key part of the system integration strategy. It He adds: “Getting the close- the full 24tph service, although a major enables early testing of configurations before multi-train testing under way is a big step milestone was reached on June 8 when close- they are tested on the actual railway. The forward in the programme and the delivery headway multi-train testing commenced in testing is led by Crossrail and fully supported of the Elizabeth Line.” the central section. by both Siemens Mobility and Bombardier.” By the end of the year dynamic testing Meanwhile, extensive off-site work is The challenge with a complex project such should be in its final stages, enabling trial as Crossrail is always in the integration running to commence in the first quarter of All of our reputations with other systems, such as the 2020. software on board the train. Stubbs and Siemens Mobility recognise rest on the successful Says Stubbs: “The core TrainGuard the importance: “All of our reputations rest Mass Transit CBTC system we are on the successful delivery of the Elizabeth delivery of the Elizabeth deploying is proven and already in Line for London, We have a fully committed operational service elsewhere - for team and it is an absolute priority for the Line for London. example, in Copenhagen. However, wider Siemens Mobility business. Working there are unique functions required for collaboratively with our partners, I look Adrian Stubbs, Operations Director for Crossrail, and the complexity of this forward to delivering the Elizabeth Line - a Crossrail, Siemens Mobility railway having three signalling systems project we can all be extremely proud of.” ■

46 47 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT Produced by

The nine-mile is the first tramway in the world to feature a ground-based power supply system Reducing the overheads throughout its length. HYWELL WATERS/SYSTRA.

ramways and light rail systems have historically sourced much Do away with equipment of their power from overhead Tline equipment (OLE). However, and urban tramways become a much over the last two decades, catenary-free operations have rapidly grown in popularity. more attractive proposition, says SYSTRA They avoid the need for visually obtrusive OLE equipment in city centres, allowing extremely successful and has been adopted Midland Metro’s fleet of 21 Urbos 3 historical features to remain visible to in other areas of including Reims, trams is currently being retrofitted by residents and visitors. Angers, Orleans and Tours. CAF with lithium-ion cells, so that OLE There are other advantages to catenary- APS has been adopted around the world can be dispensed with on four planned free running, including reduced cost and - it was installed on the Dubai Tram which, sections of the network - including through time associated with design and approval upon opening in 2014, became the first Birmingham’s central Victoria Square and in of the system, expedited stakeholder tramway in the world to feature a ground- Wolverhampton City Centre. acceptance, enhanced climate resilience, and based power supply system along its entire The batteries will be fitted to the roofs of more flexibility for rolling stock design as length. SYSTRA managed the design of the the trams and recharged by OLE on other headroom is not limited by OLE equipment. first phase of the Dubai Tram and is in the sections of the route. Recharging is also There are several technology options process of undertaking preliminary design possible through a ground-level power for catenary-free operation. The choice for its second and third phases, in association supply in stations. for a given tramway is influenced by the with AECOM. Fitting out the entire 21-tram fleet is length over which catenary-free running System Engineering Manager at SYSTRA, estimated to cost £15.5 million, and further is required and the characteristics of the Mathieu Melenchon reflects: “We are costs will be incurred to replace the batteries section on which the catenary-free solution very proud that SYSTRA has played an once they are life-expired. will be rolled out. The solutions can broadly instrumental part in making this innovative However, according to Midland Metro be split into two categories: systems based technology real. The challenge now is to find owner the West Midlands Combined on a continuous power source delivered a way to make the costs comparable with Authority, the decision will save more than through a contact line embedded in the traditional systems. This is something we are £9m in infrastructure capital costs while also improvements such as distance between and (potentially) a hydrogen production between the University of Birmingham trackbed; and vehicles equipped with working on.” protecting architecturally sensitive areas charging points and the time between facility, which further increases overall and Porterbrook and between Alstom on-board energy storage from batteries, There are three principal ways of providing of both Wolverhampton and Birmingham. upgrades and replacement. system lifecycle costs. The lack of hydrogen and Eversholt which are in the process of supercapacitors and hydrogen fuel cells. on-board energy storage - batteries, The metro system continues to provide an Supercapacitors are an alternative way distribution infrastructure makes this the constructing standard gauge hydrogen- For continuous ground-level power supply supercapacitors and hydrogen fuel cells. The effective alternative to the private car, helping of providing onboard energy storage, and most costly solution compared to classic OLE powered trains. systems, power is provided by physical first, battery storage, is applicable closer to to ease congestion and support economic can be charged much more quickly than systems, but economies of scale could be Other rolling stock owning companies and contact or by induction. SYSTRA selected home, with Midland Metro set to become the growth. batteries. However, they have less capacity to achieved if a local transport authority also manufacturers are offering hybrid units that the Alstom APS supply system for the first system in the country featuring sections Research and development in batteries hold charge, meaning they are more suited to chose to migrate its bus fleets to hydrogen can operate using a combination of diesel, pioneering catenary free system installed without OLE, and relying on battery power is also being supported by the automotive lines with short distances between stations fuel cells. Furthermore, the UK commitment electrical and battery power. in in 2003. This system has been in carefully selected areas of the region. sector, which could help yield significant where charging points can be located. to achieve ‘net zero’ greenhouse gases by Derek Small, from SYSTRA, adds: “There CAF Urbos 3 trams use this technology 2050 means cost is not the only factor to be is no definitive answer to the catenary- to run on catenary-free sections of the tram considered. free question. It comes down to careful The 41-mile utilises a ground-based sections of line with large distances networks in the Spanish cities of Zaragoza, Currently, across the globe, only the consideration of many factors to determine supply system to reduce visual intrusion in the city’s between stations and where speeds Seville and Cadiz. Chinese company Sifang is developing a which of these solutions is most appropriate UNESCO Heritage Listed centre. SYSTRA. can be considered high (greater than Lifecycle costs for supercapacitor systems hydrogen-powered tram which will have - client drivers location, route, demand, 50kph, or 31mph).” tend to be higher, owing to the need for a top speed of 70kph (43.5mph) and will environmental impact must all be considered, Costs can be higher than classic larger substations. be able to carry 380 passengers. The tram and you can’t treat any one of them in catenary systems but the catenary-free Hydrogen fuel cells produce power is being designed to take three minutes to isolation. It’s a bit of a balancing act but approach offers several advantages. from hydrogen and air using electrolysis. refuel and will have a range of 100km. simply looking at cost is probably the wrong “In Bordeaux, a UNESCO World The ‘emission’ from this process is pure, SYSTRA says it watches all these thing to do for a whole transport solution. Heritage-listed city, the Mayor didn’t drinkable water, making it a non-polluting technology developments very carefully, The ‘net zero’ greenhouse gases by 2050 want people to see unsightly wires. He power source. An additional advantage over which are being increasingly applied to emissions target is a bit of a game changer for was a strong believer that a traditional battery-power is the speed of charging - a few heavy rail systems before their eventual the industry, but at SYSTRA we have been system would meet with stakeholder minutes (roughly the same as a petrol car) in migration to light rail. developing this technology for over a decade.” resistance and that a catenary-free comparison to several hours for a battery. Alstom has already introduced hydrogen He adds: “Battery power is seen as system could be more acceptable, In addition to the onboard equipment, trains onto regional services in Germany, experimental in the UK, but it has been smoothing the way for planning hydrogen refuelling stations are required while in the UK there are partnerships readily available on light rail in China for the permission. He was right - the scheme last five or six years, and we’re starting to see was implemented without objection and much more of it on the heavy rail side. A SYSTRA-led consortium project “Part of the Bordeaux system in the city demand in Bordeaux has exceeded all We are very proud that SYSTRA “The same goes for hydrogen, which is managed the Bordeaux tramway centre uses APS, where electric power predictions. emerging in heavy rail and looks set to make (Communauté Urbaine de Bordeaux) to the tram is supplied by a centre rail “We can say that APS has played has played an instrumental part in its debut in light rail in China. The more you which opened in 2003, and which will that automatically switches on and a key role in unlocking that market, produce, the more the costs come down, so carry more than 430,000 passenger per off when a tram passes over it. This improving the environment and helping making this innovative while there are obvious cost implications for day on completion of Phase 3. prevents any risk of electrocution to reduce congestion whilst maintaining whichever system you go for, these promising System Engineering Manager at pedestrians or other road users. the historical integrity of this proud technology real. technologies will help to solve many of the SYSTRA Mathieu Melenchon explains: “This solution is most appropriate for city.” Mathieu Melenchon, environmental and planning problems we System Engineering Manager, SYSTRA face.” ■

48 49 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT Produced by

An artist’s impression of a Tri-mode unit built by Stadler in operation on the Line. 24 of the deliver this scheme to the same budget and trains – which can be powered by diesel, batteries or This is about a collaborative timescales, with no underlying contracts or 25kV overhead wires - are on order for TfW Rail. disincentives.” TRANSPORT FOR WALES. approach to the integration of While TfW is undoubtedly a first mover in areas such as this, Price points to the recent track and train to ensure trial of tram-train technology in Sheffield as evidence to prove that the organisation is also customers get the best out of comfortable with adopting innovative ideas from elsewhere. their rail experience. With the trial in South Yorkshire running Kevin Thomas, Chief Executive, KeolisAmey Wales three years late and costing more than £60m over budget, it is easy to see why he believes hospitals but never in the rail industry. to be transferred from to TfW it to be more prudent to watch others break Price explains: “We believe there is by the end of the year, while a £135,000 the mould in order to benefit from any lessons a risk in over-specifying projects on an study is under way to consider reviving learned, and to avoid costly mistakes. input basis, so our approach was to leave the 12-mile disused line from Cardiff- He concludes: “The big difference is that it to the provider and leave the industry as part of the Metro project we’re not going first. The product set has to innovate. Certain groups of people had to offer links between the city centre and been seen and used elsewhere and is based argued that South Wales Metro should be Talbot Green, , and Pontyclun, with on a heavy rail system, although I’m sure exclusively light rail or exclusively heavy a potential spur to . there will still be challenges. rail, so we deliberately allowed parties to In another break with conventional “I don’t think we’re cutting edge globally, bid whatever they wanted, based on outputs franchising, TfW Rail operator KeolisAmey but we’re just behind the curve so we can around delivering passenger benefits and will be responsible for the delivery of get all the benefits but with much lower risk. transforming the economy. South Wales Metro and managing the My view is that if TfW can uniformly sit just “We received three fully compliant bids infrastructure, in addition to operating behind the best in class, then we will - on that encompassed light rail, heavy rail and services. aggregate - be the best in class. TfW’s holistic approach hybrid systems - which is what we ended up This will ensure a degree of vertical “We don’t need to take silly risks when with - so that demonstrates the industry’s integration that has hitherto not been seen learning from others is so important, and can ales is on the cusp of a ability to think differently and innovate.” on this scale in franchising throughout the potentially be so beneficial.” transport revolution with TfW Chief Executive JAMES PRICE explains He adds: “I think it’s definitely paid off UK and could, perhaps, become a template Kevin Thomas is chief executive of some £5 billion worth of as we will be getting an incredibly good for operating rail services and infrastructure KeolisAmey Wales. He adds: “As the operator Winvestment due to be pumped why a less prescriptive approach was solution with on-street running by 2023, a in other urban areas of the country. of Transport for Wales Rail Services, our into its ageing rail infrastructure and rolling minimum of 4tph on parts of the Metro by “I guess people will watch to see what partnership is about more than a train stock under the terms of the new 15-year taken to improving December 2023 and up to 14tph in certain happens in South Wales,” says Price. “The operation. This is about a collaborative Wales & Borders franchise that commenced places. There will be lots of other features big difference is that everything is operated approach to the integration of track and train in October 2018. vehicles - using electric and battery power 2018 it has been managed by Transport for too, such as level boarding, improved air and and managed by the same outfit which to ensure customers get the best out of their With almost £2 billion of that funding - will run between Cardiff and Treherbert, Wales (TfW) - an ‘arm’s length’ company noise quality, and journey time reductions.” makes it more aligned, but we still have to rail experience. As part of TfW’s vision we then coming from a new franchise operator Aberdare and via existing rail created by the to With the rolling stock ordered TfW is now be successful with the ethos we’re trying to need to integrate with other modes to provide run by KeolisAmey, and called TfW Rail, links. implement policy and bring a more coherent in a position to agree the final price of the instil. a seamless end-to-end mobility solution. This a complete fleet replacement has already 172km of the Valley Lines will be approach to road and rail planning. scheme and then begin construction. “We all need to pull together in the same will enable us to connect communities and started with 148 new trains on order electrified to accommodate these services, TfW was also placed in charge of the Ownership of the core Valley Lines is due direction and be absolutely aligned to stimulate economic growth.” ■ from manufacturers CAF and Stadler, although the vehicles’ use of batteries will franchise procurement process, which was and refurbished Class 170s, ‘230s’ and enable a ‘smart’ electrification programme won by a KeolisAmey joint venture that now locomotive-hauled Mk 4 sets all due to arrive to be rolled out requiring only limited operates under the TfW Rail brand. THE SOUTH WALES METRO by the end of the year. modification to bridges and other structures. TfW Chief Executive James Price says: Meanwhile, £194 million is being spent These tram-trains will also be capable of “We are a wholly owned company charged on improving all 247 stations in Wales, and on-street running on the short branch being with driving forward integrated transport by December 2023 there will be an extra built from Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff in Wales. Our first big projects happen to be 285 services running each weekday and an Bay, where they will call at new stations at in rail and the South Wales Metro, but our additional 294 on Sundays. In total, there Loudoun Square, Crwys Road, Gabalfa and remit will quickly expand into other modes will be a 60% increase in capacity. Flourish. such as , and more policy statements But perhaps the most eye-catching major Stadler will also supply 24 tri-mode trains will be made in due course. change within the franchise is the plan to to operate to Rhymney, Coryton and lines “Rail is part of an integrated picture. We build a £738m South Wales Metro which to the south of Cardiff where diesel power don’t want to run standalone modes that will integrate heavy and light rail as well as is required, while a further 11 DEMUs will can often compete with each other. We aim local bus services, around the hub of Cardiff be used on diesel-only services such as the to become outcome-focused instead, rather Central. line. than being too wedded to specific inputs or Thirty-six three-car Stadler Citylink Metro Since the franchise commenced in October individual technologies.” This integrated approach was clearly demonstrated during the franchise We believe there is a risk in procurement process in which shortlisted bidders were invited to submit their own over-specifying projects on an proposals for South Wales Metro, rather than tendering to operate a preconceived input basis, so our approach was solution specified by TfW. Enabling bidders to make proposals based to leave it to the provider and leave on only outline requirements from the client is known in the public sector as ‘competitive the industry to innovate. dialogue’, and has been previously applied TRANSPORT FOR WALES. James Price, Chief Executive, TfW to build infrastructure such as roads and

50 51 Light Rail & Metro Collaboration is key

rams are fulfilling over 17.8 million passenger construction, the purchase of rolling stock a popular journeys last year alone. or system upgrades, such as fleet overhauls. mode of They also achieve consistently high levels In Australia and Canada, for example, Ttransport of passenger satisfaction. The results of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are in Europe. Making Transport Focus’ Tram Passenger Survey used regularly, with private consortiums up over half the for 2018 (published April 2019) show 91% - comprising operators, equipment world’s networks satisfaction overall across the four major manufacturers and investment funds - and carrying networks in the survey, compared with 79% contributing to construction costs. This almost two thirds overall satisfaction with rail services (National method makes it possible to transfer any of annual passenger Rail Passenger Survey, January 2019). construction-related risks, such as delays journeys, there’s Alistair Gordon, And it’s easy to understand why. Trams are or underperformance, to the private sector, been a real boom Chief Executive, convenient, quick, and an easy way to boost easing the burden on the local community. in the introduction Keolis UK mobility and increase passengers’ access to Other examples of alternative funding and reintroduction key destinations in their region. Introducing models include the approach taken in of lines since the 1990s. European nations new networks is good for cities too, helping France, where companies with more than 11 are also some of the most prolific investors in to enhance and modernise urban spaces. By employees pay a transport tax. This approach new schemes, accounting for nearly half of incorporating features such as landscaping funds around one third of all all new openings globally between 2010-17. and pedestrianisation of public spaces, along costs. Similarly, in Germany, tram networks A notable exception to this trend, however, with re-alignment of road networks, the are financed in part by electricity suppliers, is the UK. Development of new tram introduction of light rail can greatly improve as trams are one of the biggest consumers of networks has been far slower here than across the look and feel of a city, while providing this energy. the rest of Europe, despite clear demand the infrastructure and connectivity to attract Some of the UK’s existing networks have from passengers. Liverpool, for example, is employers and boost inward investment. already taken advantage of alternative discussing proposals for a new network that But crucially, they can help regions to funding models to see development would link its emerging Knowledge Quarter enhance their existing public transport through to completion. The team behind development with Lime Street station. Both offering, restructuring networks to drive the Nottingham Express Transit (NET), for Birmingham and Sheffield have also recently better integration and facilitate inter-modality, example, recognised that to wait for public announced extensions to their existing increasing the ability of passengers to travel funding would likely place its scheme at the networks, boosting connections from the in the most efficient way. The above-ground, back of a long queue behind Manchester and wider region to the city centres. urban nature of tram stations allows them Birmingham, and instead opted for a PPP. But a series of fundamental challenges to act as mobility hubs, offering connections Nottingham also took a new approach will continue to restrict the UK’s ability to between multiple transport modes from trains to funding the scheme throughout its successfully introduce new light rail networks. and buses to cycling and walking. lifetime, introducing a workplace parking The first, and one of the biggest, is the lack levy - applicable to employers with more of integration between tram networks and Trams are a quick than 11 parking spaces - which contributed buses. Typically, in the UK, when a new tram 35% of the scheme’s funding, alongside scheme opens it is forced to compete with and easy way to contributions from central government. other operators, lessening the effectiveness This is a prime example of how councils of a region’s public transport offering and, boost mobility. can successfully champion new schemes most importantly, failing to provide the best through creative thinking and bold political experience for passengers. One of the biggest barriers to championing decision-making and should be used as the Decisive action is required from both this kind of integration is affordability. benchmark for the UK’s collective approach central and local government to champion Introducing light rail networks is often to enhancing its provision of light rail. the devolution of transport decision-making, prohibitively expensive for local authorities, The Government’s ongoing consultation on which will be critical to overcoming this compounded by logistical challenges light rail is also helping to shed light on the barrier. We are already starting to see such as the movement of utilities during critical issue of affordability, and is a necessary positive change here - the Prime Minister, the construction phase. It’s well known first step in generating momentum and for example, has recently announced his that utility companies often capitalise further boosting the viability of new schemes. ambition to reregulate the bus network. on construction works to upgrade their It’s clear that there is an appetite for Greater Manchester Metro Mayor Andy infrastructure, which results in escalated expanding the UK’s light rail infrastructure, Burnham is also exploring how best to take costs and, in the worst scenarios, can halt and the signals from regional and central advantage of the powers available to him development altogether. government suggest that the conversation under the Bus Services Act (2017), to deliver With the advantages of light rail so clear, around how to make our public transport his vision of an integrated, modern and the onus is on local and central government offering more effective is moving in the right accessible public transport system. to explore more affordable ways of delivering direction. But the Government must now be These will be key steps in stimulating new schemes and move away from the ready to act on the findings of its consultation discussion on how to deliver tangible, norm of relying on public money. With and collaborate with local authorities and passenger-centric changes to our public public finances under such intense pressure, transport operators to help address the transport provision, and realising the full particularly at a regional level, councils fundamental challenges that currently restrict benefits of light rail. must be more creative to reap the long-term the development of new tram networks. Tram services are popular. Our networks benefits of integrated public transport. When they do they will find many are experiencing rapid growth, with The UK has a wealth of international companies - Keolis included - ready and Manchester’s Metrolink achieving a 6% best practice to draw on, where innovative willing to help deliver a truly integrated, increase in passenger numbers year on approaches to funding see operators sustainable and modern service for year, and the Nottingham Express Transit challenged to subsidise the costs of passengers across the UK. ■

52