THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE
www.lrta.org www.tramnews.net
JULY 2014 No. 919 EDINBURGH TRAMWAY OPENS... LEITH NEXT?
Operational simulation on the Munich S-Bahn Major manufacturers to merge? Luxemburg tramway approved Tram society triumphs in Stockholm ISSN 1460-8324 £4.10 Tampa Bern 07 Streetcar service Respecting a city, but with community supporting growth 9 771460 832036 London, 1 October 2014 ENTRIES OPEN NOW Best Customer Initiative Best Environmental and Sustainability Initiative Employee/Team of the Year Manufacturer of the Year Most Improved System Operator of the Year Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award Project of the Year
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 275 News Takeover talks could see a new era of rolling stock conglomerates Alstom and AnsaldoBreda both in the spotlight as the subject of high-level takeover discussions
ollowing the EUR12.4bn “Alstom Transport would have Alstom’s nuclear, wind energy, catenary-free technology, recent General Electric bid the size, technology and financial transmission and distribution years have seen significant for Alstom’s energy strength to measure up to rivals activities from the deal. reputational damage due to high- division (TAUT 918), such as Bombardier, Ansaldo and De Maistre also noted that profile delays and legal disputes Fthat prompted the French Siemens,” Immelt said. GE has a transport tie-up between over its high-speed trains. Government to lay out its own extended its bid until 23 June. Alstom and Siemens would give Rumours of a takeover have terms and approach Siemens to Meanwhile, Christophe de the business the ‘critical mass’ circulated since 2012 and make a rival offer, the CEOs of Maistre, the Chairman of Siemens Alstom needed to compete Finmeccanica CEO Alessandro both GE and Siemens appeared in France, said the German group with emerging Chinese Pansa – which is 30% owned by front of a French parliamentary hoped to submit a formal asset manufacturers such as CNR and the Italian state – announced committee on 24 May. swap and cash offer by CSR as well as Bombardier, with publicly that the company’s As the French authorities fear 16 June, creating two ‘national many seeing this as its trump rail assets were available for sale Alstom’s rail business is too weak champions’ with a German- card at the negotiating table. in an effort to cut debts and to compete in global markets as based energy giant in return Industry commentators have allow the group to focus on its suggested that a GE deal is more core defence, aerospace and “Alstom Transport would have the size, likely to go forward, as a Siemens technology activities. deal would be more likely to The group then took the step technology and financial strength to face EU antitrust hurdles due to of packaging AnsaldoBreda the greater overlap between the with the profitable Ansaldo STS measure up to rivals such as Siemens and Alstom businesses. signalling, communications and Meanwhile, Italian control systems arm to attract Bombardier, Ansaldo and Siemens.” industrial giant Finmeccanica buyers, with Pansa announcing GE Chief Executive Jeff Immelt is still seeking a buyer for its in November 2013: “We believe rail rolling stock business, that it is necessary to act firmly a standalone entity, both bidders for the transfer of its rail AnsaldoBreda, following two and promptly to minimise travelled to Paris to explain how interests to Alstom, creating a years of substantial losses and the the absorption of cash by Alstom’s prized national assets more powerful transport group negative impact this has had on AnsaldoBreda by the group.” would emerge “strengthened”. headquartered in France. the group’s profitability, despite In February, CNR Corporation GE Chief Executive Jeff In signalling, Siemens would offer a major internal reorganisation and Insigma, AnsaldoBreda and Immelt said that the US-based to take over Alstom’s business but and cost-cutting programme. Ansaldo STS’ Chinese partners, conglomerate would make base the new unit in France. While the rail vehicle submitted letters of intent to detailed commitments to create Any Siemens offer is likely manufacturer has targeted, and Finmeccanica, joining GE and further new jobs in the French to comprise a substantially seen successes, in the driverless Hitachi in expressing interest energy sector, and that it was smaller cash offer, with industry metro market with orders from in taking over the relaunch of also considering a rail signalling insiders citing c.EUR7bn due to Honolulu and Copenhagen and the businesses,aiming to retain tie-up that would give Alstom the transfer of its rail activities Chinese joint ventures for its Sirio job levels and manufacturing control of that business. in addition to the removal of low-floor tram andTramwave operations in Italy.
Tramway society to run Stockholm network Non-profit organisation Svenska contract to operate the six new Spårvägssällskapet (SS) has Bombardier Flexity A34 trams. been awarded the contract to The operation has been operate Stockholm’s expanding successful, with good punctuality, tramway network. high customer satisfaction and Svenska Spårvägssällskapet, about 20% more patronage than founded in 1959, runs the the previous bus service (over Swedish tramway museum at 25 000 passengers/day on the Malmköping, but since 1991 3km (1.9-mile) line). A seventh has also operated trams on tram (hired in Norrköping 35) is the streets of Stockholm as the required to permit a six-minute heritage tramway to Djurgården service during the summer. (line 7) using volunteers. When Early in 2014 county transport Norrköping 35, temporarily ‘disguised’ as Stockholm 7, is one of the Bombardier trams for line 7, operated by the Swedish Tramway Society. S. Urbino a modern tramway operation authority AB Storstockholms was overlaid in August 2010, the Lokaltrafik issued a tender to course. In May SS was awarded A36 trams, starting with the society’s Stockholm branch set operate the new city tramway an eight-year contract worth re-opened Lidingö line in up a wholly-owned company, AB from December 2014, with around SEK1.2bn (EUR133m). January 2015. The link Stockholms Spårvägar (using the its planned 4.3km (2.7-mile) The only other bidder was the permitting through service name of the original municipal extension to Ropsten and the French operating group Keolis. from the city centre to Ropsten tramway company from 1916), connecting refurbished Lidingö The extended tramway will and Lidingö is expected to and was awarded a five-year line 21 (9.2km, 5.7 miles) in due be operated by seven CAF-built open in 2018.
276 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Edinburgh begins passenger services Long-delayed UK tramway opens with low-key early morning opening Hundreds of cheering passengers welcome the first Edinburgh Trams service at 05.00 on 31 May. Vic Simons
ublic services were queues of passengers keen to journeys from York Place to the some disruption to the ghost launched on the sample the first service to York airport take 33 minutes, with service although operations were Edinburgh tramway on 31 Place. The rest of the day ran to trams waiting at each stop for resumed in under two hours. The May with a low-key early a ten-minute headway between around 25 seconds. expected roll out of free wi-fi will Pmorning inaugural run. Many the city centre and the airport A return ticket between the be delayed until towards the end have commended the decision to – the new timetable for off-peak city centre and Edinburgh of the year, with only three of the take such a restrained approach service and weekends. Airport will cost GBP8 (EUR10), fleet equipped by the opening. given the project’s troubled The new timetable will operate GBP0.50 more than previously Annual operating costs history, marking it as a symbol from 05.00-0.00, with eight CAF indicated. A single will cost GBP5 are reported to hit GBP13.7m that the controversial GBP776m low-floor trams carrying up to (EUR6). The return fare will be (EUR16.8m), with Transport for (EUR950m) project is relying on 250 passengers each running GBP1 (EUR1.20) more than the Edinburgh forecasting a profit its service to do the talking rather per hour during peak times; for parallel airport bus. Day ticket of GBP3.7m (EUR4.5m) over the than grand ceremony. special events the system has prices are GBP3.50 (EUR4.20) first 15 years. The first tram left the Gyle capacity to run trams every five for the city zone and GBP9 Meanwhile, a major obstacle Centre at 05.00, with huge minutes as required. End-to-end (EUR10.80) for the full line for in the delivery of the GBP80m adults, and GBP2 (EUR2.40) and (EUR100m) extension down GBP4.50 (EUR5.40) for children Leith Walk appears close to aged 5-15, allowing unlimited being overcome according to travel on both the trams and media reports, claiming that Lothian bus services. A flat fare negotiations are taking place of GBP1.50 (EUR1.80) applies between the city and developers within the city fare area, as of the new GBP850m (EUR1.05bn) will the full range of day and St James Quarter district about season Ridacard tickets and the extending the tramway from York Citysmart stored value card. Place and building a new stop at In the month preceding Picardy Place. This would allow the opening, remaining tests the council to seek funds for included emergency evacuation extension to Newhaven, which and coupling of vehicles to would not require additional simulate the rescue of broken trams and for which much The Edinburgh Airport stop at the other end of the line on 31 May, a day that saw down trams. A lightning strike preparatory work, including strong ridership with passengers arriving at the airport and travelling into the city on two substations also occurred utilities diversions, has already on the new alterative to the Airlink bus service. Simon Johnston during this period, causing some taken place.
GrandLinq signs NEWS IN PICTURES Tram 002 was shown to the public at Gare SNCF on 8 March Aubagne (before the election). G. Milliet Waterloo PPP deal tramway victim of French politics The Region of Waterloo, LRT and BRT project costs In the March elections Canada, reached financial are put at CAD818m (EUR550m). for the community close with the GrandLinq This LRT system will of Aubagne (part of consortium (Keolis, Plenary initially comprise 19km suburban Marseille), Group, Meridiam, Kiewit and (12 miles) of track, 16 stops and there was a change of Aecon) to design, build, operate 14 Bombardier Flexity low-floor political control, with the socialists replaced and maintain the ION Stage 1 trams. Construction work has by the centre-right UMP party. The new Mayor, Gérard Gazay, took a motion LRT project for the Region of already begun and is scheduled to the council resolving to stop any further development of the tramway Waterloo in a 33-year Public for completion in 2017. project, and this was approved on 9 May. Private Partnership on 9 May. The Regional Council has The EUR120m 2.8km (1.7-mile) first phase (Gare SNCF – Le Charrel with Waterloo is one of the fastest also agreed to apply for a 14 stops) will be ready for commissioning in September, but phases 2 and 3 growing areas in Ontario, CAD2.5m (EUR1.7m) federal have been cancelled. The eight Alstom Citadis Compact trams that have with an expected population grant to help extend the been ordered are being delivered, but the option for a further ten will not increase of 35% (around 200 000 planned light rail line to be taken up. residents) by 2031. The combined Cambridge as phase two.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 277 News
Düsseldorf HSG City debut Düsseldorf’s Rheinbahn Chinese partners signed marked the 17th International Noise Awareness day on 30 April by showcasing Vossloh’s prototype HSG City (High Speed for ‘New Moscow’ metro Grinding track maintenance machine), numbered 5341, at Lierenfelder Strasse depot. Co-operation agreement signed to bolster the Russian capital’s growth HSG City works by circumferential grinding using igned during President approval in 2012 and is expected in Shanghai], it will only be a specially-shaped stones, which are free to rotate during the Vladimir Putin’s visit to attract over USD200bn over plus for us,” Khusnullin added. grinding process on straight track to China in mid-May the next 20 years. Moscow’s The move is a symbol of sections. It is designed to remove was a co-operation Deputy Mayor Marat Khusnullin, Russia’s recent economic turn up to 0.01mm on each pass, agreementS between state-owned representing JSC Mosinzhproyekt eastwards amid tensions with and has sufficient clearance to construction management at the signing, told local media: western partners incited by its accommodate a third rail as well company JSC Mosinzhproyekt, “The new south-west metro line annexation of Crimea in late as the restrictive loading gauges China Railway Construction will engage global expertise March. In a television interview, found on many urban networks. Corporation and the China and create a significant number Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin A vacuum system significantly reduces the quantity of dust after International Fund to build a of additional jobs within the – in Shanghai to sign a three-year a pass with four boxes each able new 14.9km (9.3-mile) metro Moscow area. This exciting agreement that could see up to to hold 10-20kg, while safety line from the planned station at initiative is a significant step two million square metres of real has been improved through the Ulitsa Navatorov to Kommunarka forward for the city and a core estate redevelopment around addition of a water pump system. in the ‘New Moscow’ urban part of the New Moscow project.” the new metro line – said: “Now The bi-directional unit is development project. The line was originally planned the majority of direct foreign undergoing homologation to The agreement outlines plans for completion in 2018, but given investment into the Moscow operate at 30km/h (18.5mph), for the new south-west line, the rapid progress of Chinese economy comes from European being towed behind a Unimog estimated to cost USD2bn and metro development in recent countries. I think that the track vehicle, although Vossloh claims the HSG City can operate featuring six to eight new stations. years, with Chinese investors and economy must be more balanced.” at up to 60km/h (37mph) and can New Moscow, which aims to construction firms this could In other metro news, the new be coupled to a conventional light double the size of the city, has now be finished substantially depot Mitino’s 15 May opening rail or metro vehicle. already received USD4bn in earlier. “If the Chinese build as was postponed as fitting out external investment since its quickly in Moscow [as they have work had not been completed.
NEWS IN PICTURES Changsha Manchester says opens China’s goodbye to its T68s A special event to bid farewell to 19th metro Metrolink’s fleet of T68 and T68A trams was held on 26 May when system Transport for Greater Manchester and Metrolink RATP Dev Limited The first metro line in the (MRDL), arranged for one of the Chinese city of Changsha system’s original T68 trams to (Hunan province) opened on take a final journey on the ‘classic’ 29 April; the city is the 19th network route – Piccadilly, Eccles, on the Chinese mainland to Bury and Altrincham. This marked the withdrawal of the last offer metro service. pair of T68A trams from service The first phase of line 2 on 30 April. (Blue) extends 22.3km The first type 853 tram The expanded park-and-ride at (13.9 miles), and has taken was displayed away from the Whitefield stop re-opened on Minsk tramway at the football five years to construct at a cost 14 May, boosting capacity to 216. stadium. Belkommunmash of CNY12.1bn (EUR1.43bn). The facility was closed in January It links the western suburbs, 2014 to allow construction of an across the Xiangjiang extra deck. Work is currently underway to expand the River, with Wuyi Square Swiss influence on Radcliffe park-and-ride facility in the city centre and the from 250 to 369 spaces, also by city’s main railway station construction of a new deck. before continuing south to Belkommunmash tram Changsha South station and Unveiled in Minsk in May in connection with Stadler’s terminating at Guangda. was the first fruit of the sponsorship of the FIFA When the 23.6km Stadler-Belkommunmash World Cup. (14.6-mile) north–south line 1 joint venture to build a 100% Belkommunmash built 70 (Red) opens later this year, low-floor tram, model853 , for trams in 2013, including 21 there will be interchange eastern Europe. 843 articulated low-floor cars. with line 2 at Wuyi Square. The new 1524mm-gauge However a tram delivered to The trains for the system design is 26.7m long and 2.5m Latvia was found not to conform have been built by CSR wide with a 370mm floor height, to EU standards (see right), Zhuzhou Electric. carrying 234 passengers (70 and the involvement of the On 26 May, cars 1007 and 1016 are The city plans to build a seen from Queens Road bridge seated in 2+2 arrangement) in established Swiss manufacturer further four lines in the next coming off the adjacent depot its single-ended version; body with tram production in Minsk at the start of their final revenue 25 years, as well as a western panels are aluminium. It was should help Belkommunmash to duty. Mike Haddon extension of line 2 and an first displayed at Minsk stadium address issues such as this. extension of line 1 north.
278 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Konya places Inekon to import trams wire-free order Czech manufacturer signs deal to market Chinese-built trams in Europe Škoda Transportation, which is already delivering 60 low-floor For City Classic 28T double- ended trams to the Turkish city of Konya, has won an order for a further 12, which will be equipped for off-wire operation using the company’s battery- based catenary-free system. The trams will be delivered by August 2015 and the whole order is worth CZK3.4bn (EUR124m). The vehicles will be used on a new 5.2km (3.2-mile) line from Alaatin Tepesi to Adliye that includes a 1.8km (1.1-mile) city A drawing showing the layout of the Chinese-built Inekon SuperiorPlus low-floor tram.Inekon centre section without overhead electrification. Trials on the he rush for European Martinov Ostrava tramway centre section supported by two Škoda test track saw the 35.5m manufacturers to find workshops) in order to achieve powered bogies. Each axle is five-section tram accelerate to Chinese partners to EU homologation that would give powered by a 75kW motor and 0-30 km/h (19mph) 30 times over give them access to it the ability to supply more cost- the maximum speed is 70km/h 8km (five miles) without overhead theT rapidly expanding tramway effective trams in the European (43mph); 230 passengers can be power. The lithium-titanate sector in China is a trend that market. Its Chinese partner is carried (77 seated in the single- nanobatteries are roof-mounted TAUT has already reported Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing ended version). and have a recharging cycle time on extensively – now Czech Group with a factory at Xiangtan The joint venture has an office of just a few minutes when the company Inekon has made a in Hunan province. in Hong Kong, which indicates the tram is under the wire. similar partnership, but for The 32.6m, 42t, 100% low- tram may be marketed in Asia as Škoda produces up to 120 different reasons. floorSuperiorPlus tram has three well as Europe. Until now Inekon trams/year at its Plzen factory, It will import a Czech- body sections with a 350mm has assembled trams in Ostrava and on 30 April it signed a designed, but Chinese-built tram floor height and four bogies, using bodyshells from Krnov Memorandum of Understanding to Europe (more specifically with two rotating power bogies and electrical equipment from with CSR Sifang Quingdao for its its Ekova Electric base in the at the outer ends, and the Cegelec in the Czech Republic. catenary-free technology.
Boston order goes to CAF
On 14 May the Massachusetts through the 117-year-old Department of Transportation tram subways under the city agreed to place a USD118.1m centre, with their tight curves contract for 24 Type 9 LRVs and both nearside and offside for the Massachusetts Bay platforms. Transportation Authority The 22m x 2.6m 70% low- (MBTA) with CAF USA. floor, air conditioned cars will The new stock will be used be double-ended and equipped to boost the Green line fleet for multiple-unit operation. in readiness for the opening Bodyshells will be produced of the USD1.2bn Lechmere in Spain, with assembly and An artist’s impressions of the Type 9 LRV for Boston. CAF – Medford extension in fitting out taking place at CAF 2019. A 50% Federal Transit USA’s facility in Elmira, NY. 97 and 94 Type 8 built on the isolated Ashmont – Administration grant will Delivery will start towards the by AnsaldoBreda in 1999- Mattapan line. The agency has help finance the deal. end of 2017. 2007, but only 174 of the total started planning for a 220-car The CAF LRVs are to Boston’s MBTA has 106 Type 7 LRVs fleet are in active service. Type 10 procurement to replace own design so they can operate built by KinkiSharyo in 1986- There are also ten PCCs used the Type 7 and Type 8 cars.
NEWS IN PICTURES Maintaining services in Daugavpils Despite the cancellation of an order for 12 new trams from Belkommunmash of neighbouring Belarus, infrastructure upgrading continues in Daugavpils, Latvia’s second largest city. The modernisation project with 83.1% European Union Regional Development funding was agreed in May 2011. Although not in the city centre, a section along the arterial road 18.Novembra iela carries all three lines, part of the 6.2km (3.9 miles) of the 1524mm-gauge system now being rebuilt. Despite the scale of the works, services are being maintained with short passing loops, with temporary suspension or relocation of some stops. Intended as part of the accessibility and quality improvements, what turned out to be Daugavpils’ first and only Belkommunmash type 62103 was delivered in September 2013 but was returned by early 2014. A new procurement process has begun, although the delays will mean continued operations by the present fleet comprising three classes (RVZ-6, KTM-5 and T3D) operated by city-owned Daugavpils Tramvaju. LEFT: Ex-Schwerin T3D set 080+081 is followed along 18 Novembre iela by RVZ-6 063. Neil Pulling
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 279 News
Karlsruhe welcomes first Citylink arrival Washington’s big plans The first VosslohCitylink tram-train for Verkehrsbetriebe Regional authorities plan over 400km of new light rail and urban busways Karlsruhe (VBK) arrived in late May, the first in a 25-car EUR75m order placed in October 2011. uthorities in the The 37.2m vehicles are 2.65m Washington, DC, wide and can carry 224 passengers, area and surrounding 104 seated. VBK says it aims to districts are building complete BOStrab certification by Aor planning a total of 427km August, enabling the first tram- (265 miles) of tramway, light rail trains to enter service on the city’s tram network in September. or bus rapid transit. The first new Following approval for the tramway, the 3.8km (2.4-mile) mainline network by the German H Street/Benning line between Federal Railway Authority (EBA), Union Station and Oklahoma the Citylink vehicles are expected Ave, is on test and will open to enter service with Alb Valley during the latter part of 2014. Transport Company (AVG) Later it will be extended across on lines S1 (Hochstetten – Bad the river Potomac to link with Herrenalb) and S11 (Hochstetten – the Anacostia tramway, when Ittersbach) later this year. the initial line that has been Hong Kong to study new built is extended. monorail plan These are the first parts of a Washington 13-001 is the first United Streetcar 100T to be delivered to the A detailed feasibility study is to 75km (47-mile) network for the H Street line. To the left is Inekon Trio 102, built in the Czech Republic. A. Prodan be conducted for a 9km (5.6-mile) city being promoted by the DC elevated monorail to serve Department of Transport, of would most likely feature bus corridor between White Plains Kowloon East, in preference to which 59km (37 miles) will be rapid transit, with one linking at and Branch Avenue metro station proposals for a street-running tramway, and the remainder Braddock Rd with an Arlington for either light rail or BRT, and tramway that could face either tramway or high-capacity County BRT line to Crystal City. another from Clarksburg to Shady difficulties of space constraints buses in dedicated lanes. Montgomery County in Grove metro station for BRT. and connecting with elevated MTR stations in the district, the Arlington County in Virginia is Maryland has completed a It will be a couple of decades Government announced in May. promoting two tramlines, along bus rapid transit study that before all this comes to fruition, Secretary for Development Paul Columbia Pike from Jefferson recommends 131km (81 miles) of and much will change in the Chan told legislators the study will to Pentagon City, and through BRT. The 25.6km (16-mile) Purple interim both financially and examine the alignment and costs, Crystal City. If plans go ahead Line is Maryland’s Bethesda – politically, but for an area that and propose construction and they will join at Pentagon City. Silver Spring – New Carrollton has hitherto put all its faith operational arrangements. Nearby, the city of Alexandria orbital light rail project. in metro construction, it is has identified three corridors that Maryland is also looking at a significant. Luxemburg light rail cleared for construction After eight years of debate, the Opponents’ calls for a referendum between Pont Rouge and 9000 passengers/hour (a five- Luxemburg Government has have been denied after surveys Luxexpo in 2017. The section minute peak service is planned). passed legislation providing a showed 65% of residents were in from Pont Rouge to Gare An 18 000m2 depot will be built legal basis for the EUR883m, favour of the project. A call for Centrale could feature a surface at Kirchberg near Luxexpo. 16km (ten-mile), Luxtram LRT tenders will now be issued. current collection system. It is Luxembourg had a line (Findel airport interchange Construction should begin anticipated that 12 coupled sets first-generation electric tramway – Cloche d’Or park-and-ride). in 2015, with service starting of 33m trams will carry up to from 1908 to 1964.
NEWS IN PICTURES Midland Metro extension works (Left) Midland Metro 11, bearing the old Birmingham Corporation Tramways livery, at Snow Hill station on 14 May. To the right work is underway on preparing the disused railway formation to take the new tracks to a phase one terminus alongside New Street station.
Below: This grassed location, sandwiched between the east wall of Birmingham Snow Hill station (right) and a recent office development, will change dramatically over the next few months when the turf will be replaced by the tracks of Midland Metro’s City Centre extension. Included within this area will be the replacement Snow Hill tram stop. Both :Mike Haddon
280 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Comment QUESTIONNING TRAMWAY CONSTRUCTION COSTS
The rising cost of tramway construction has caused David Gibson to question how these costs can be justified. Here he looks at the alternatives available that could provide real money-saving potential.
ramway schemes have escalated in cost in Britain, LRT schemes sometimes get grandiose structures that seem and are becoming unaffordable for most cities… to be an architect’s fancy; I cite as an example the bridge at while successive Governments are reluctant to fund Central Park in Manchester, which has a very low speed limit but them. Something has to be done, and this requires looks great! The bridge just outside the Wolverhampton terminus more precise costings to be identified before efforts is another example. canT be made to reduce them; many of these are not directly In the case of Derby, a crossing of Derby station would be attributable to the tramway itself, and we need to find ways of desirable but the cost of a subway has been put at about GBP10m reducing, and/or eliminating them. (EUR12m), which to me seems excessive, but then I’m not a civil The following list is of my own creation; I invite others to add engineer – the ‘Network Rail factor’ has been mentioned. to it so we can create an open discussion about how costs can be Avoiding the station requires a detour of about one kilometre (0.6 reduced in the UK. miles), although this in itself would itself generate additional traffic. Planning and design I have also been told that a typical single platform tram stop Property acquisition costs about GBP275 000 (EUR335 000), and GBP450 000 Structures (GBP548 000) for an island platform. This again seems excessive Track construction and utility diversion (around twice the cost of an average three-bedroom house) Vehicles and I would be interested to know how this is broken down. Electrical infrastructure Again, promoters like to have something bespoke with which Public realm improvements to brand their scheme, but will the average passenger notice? They want a shelter, information (including a real-time display), Planning and design lighting and perhaps a TVM (ticket Detailed initial planning works are “A typical single platform vending machine). But costs seem to obviously crucial in producing a escalate for transport schemes, as I tramway that is really useful, and in tram stop costs about was told that providing a power supply minimising costs as far as possible. and data cabling would cost about These works should identify the GBP275 000, and GBP450 000 GBP60 000. In the unlikely event that a major traffic generators and most local mains supply is unavailable, suitable route(s) that maximise access, for an island platform. This we have a 750V dc supply about five whilst providing as much as possible metres above – a converter would cost separation from other traffic for seems excessive at around nothing like GBP60 000… effective running. As such, street- For data, why not use radio? running track should be avoided twice the cost of an average Most of us do ourselves with Wi-Fi these where possible both to remove traffic days, and many bus stops now have conflicts and reduce cost. three-bedroom house.” real-time information by radio; my We know from aborted UK local stop in Derby does. Alternatively schemes that tens of millions of pounds can be spent in this data could also be transmitted on the overhead. Why does the rail phase, without any rail being laid. The current Government industry make such things so overly complex and expensive? has proclaimed that it is pro-development, so it should try to make getting planning permission easier, and ease obtaining Track and utilities Transport and Works Acts orders. More needs to be done on This seems to have become too complex for street running. pushing our Members of Parliament to achieve these aims. At the end of the day, rails have to be embedded in the road structure and take the load of both trams and road vehicles. Property acquisition In the Netherlands, for instance, this is done by supporting the Demolishing property or relocating residents can add millions rails which have tie-bars on concrete blocks that themselves rest to the cost of any transport scheme, and so should be generally on the ground below the road formation. The void is then in-filled avoided unless strictly necessary. Acquisition is obviously more with normal road making aggregate, and a normal road surface desirable in areas where there could be longer-term general installed. Another variation is to use twin-block sleepers in a redevelopment – especially in more central urban areas where similar way; this allows access to utilities and has worked for years, land values are highest – and therefore not be totally put on the so why in Britain do we go to such lengths to divert utilities and tramway budget, and also to reduce opposition. install vast concrete rafts? It seems to be forgotten that rails are girders, and as such take Structures and transfer load. On plain track they transfer load into sleepers For the same reasons, there should be as little major and then into the trackbed, so why don’t we still do this on street structural work as possible, although there is a conflict track? It is said that the massive concrete foundation is necessary here with separation from other traffic and direct routing. to cope with the loads due to road vehicles. If this was true, roads
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 281 Comment (cont.)
would be similarly constructed, but they aren’t. Without this Until the tram starts to move, ideally no electrical energy input concrete foundation, utilities can be accessed, so total removal would be required. However this doesn’t happen; to accelerate is not necessary. rapidly, a large current is required to produce tractive effort, and If utility or trackwork is required, we should be more this causes losses in the motors. This is worst with induction flexible and useKletterweiche and temporary track around (asynchronous) motors as it flows in both stator and rotor. obstructed sections. In addition, a magnetising current is also required in the stator. Utility diversion has become a major cost centre for tramway All these currents flow through winding resistances and cause schemes, and also the cause of massive disruption during power loss, up to about 100kW total in some cases. tramway construction, being responsible for much of the build A permanent magnet synchronous motor using modern time. It has been highlighted in Edinburgh, and Nottingham magnets only has one of these losses, load current in the stator, appears to be experiencing similar problems. The utilities and it is lighter. It is harder to control, but computation makes it companies of course like it, as they get their infrastructure possible – I have done it. It is also slightly more expensive, but the renewed largely at someone else’s expense. But why should the advantages outweigh this. Producing an energy audit including all tramway pay to put this right? the losses and mechanical energy flow is enlightening. Electrical insulation of rails has become perceived wisdom; The much lower losses, especially when accelerating and again it is not done in Holland, and wasn’t on first-generation braking, of permanent magnet motors mean that around 60% systems here in the UK. All this when utilities now largely use of the input energy is recoverable, rather than the 30% or so plastic pipes, plastic sheathed cables and fibre optics. with induction motors. To achieve this though means that all Leakage from the rails happens due to voltage drop; regenerated energy must be recovered, and this requires the this is proportional to current and resistance and represents power system to be always receptive. This can be done with a power loss, so should be minimised as much as possible. inverters in the substations to convert regenerated energy to ac and feed it back into the grid. This is Vehicles not an engineering problem, but a It is said that the cost of the trams “Electrical insulation of rails bureaucratic one, in getting payment is only a small part of the cost of has become perceived for returned energy. tram schemes, but they still amount It would be better still to store to an equivalent of about GBP2m wisdom… when utilities now regenerated energy on the tram and (EUR2.4m) per vehicle. To get the re-use it for acceleration. In this way, same capacity with buses, the price largely use plastic pipes, peak acceleration and braking would be around GBP300 000 currents are reduced up to ten-fold. (EUR365 000), and the buses would plastic sheathed cables and The line current is smoothed out to actually have more seats. Both a relatively low fairly steady current, transport passengers, one on rails fibre optics.” resulting in a very large reduction in and the other on roads, so why the the required rating of overhead line, massive price differential? I have put forward designs based substations and feeders, and a reduction of maximum demand. on steerable wheel-motors, and have had quotes of around I favour supercapacitors to do this, but batteries and flywheels GBP700 000 (EUR852 000) for a similar capacity. This is still are an alternative. too high in my opinion, but at least it’s an improvement. Such a vehicle would also be very much lighter; advantageous The public realm when it comes to infrastructure cost and wear. There is a tendency to include civic improvements into tram A radical new look at tram design needs to be implemented, schemes. Whilst this is desirable, it should be costed separately. as radical as the PCC was 80 years ago. The PCC is still the It is perhaps one of the virtues of trams that they can effect an benchmark for ride quality and low noise, and has the improvement in the built environment in a way that no other ability to cope with less than perfect track. We need a transport mode can – where is the environmental (or aesthetic) low-floor equivalent. improvement in a busway? These costs have become a large We also need more efficient motors and energy storage to part of tram schemes, but if by including them trams become maximise the tram’s advantage of inherent low energy due to unaffordable it would be better to do without. low rolling resistance. This is often cancelled out by excessive In France, they amount to about 30% of the cost. However, the weight. An energy consumption of 1KWh/km/200 passenger use of grass track is a simple way of making a large improvement; capacity should be the target. Permanent magnet synchronous again, this is only possible with trams. It also has the virtue motors can help here; they are more efficient than induction of giving even quieter running, and of course has real green (asynchronous) motors, particularly during acceleration and credentials. It is odd that second generation British tramways braking. They operate at a speed directly proportional to the have largely ignored it. applied frequency, and this gives them unique properties in that if coupled to individual wheels they can be simply steered round As stated, these are my ideas, and I invite comment. We need to curves, rendering bogies unnecessary, reducing weight, and drastically reduce and control costs; each cost centre in itself may making a simpler vehicle format possible. only be relatively small overall, but ALL costs must be reduced, so nothing is sacrosanct. Electrical infrastructure The electrical infrastructure is dependent upon the trams that use it. Most of the energy input for a tram is used to accelerate it, so running at a fixed speed on level track needs David Gibson is an electrical/electronic engineer with many years very little energy. experience in controlling electrical machines and in power electronics. Kinetic energy is generated, and when decelerating, most of With a lifelong interest in electric traction, he has in more recent years looked at ways of reducing costs in tramways. this should be recoverable. The tractive effort required is This research led to the development of steerable wheel-motors as a ‘mass multiplied by acceleration’, and this must be provided by way of greatly reducing the weight and cost of trams by simplifying vehicle the motors; the higher the acceleration, the higher the current construction and improving energy efficiency. Trials with full-size required. Electric motors are typically stated to be over 90% wheel-motors have demonstrated the concept. efficient, but this is not the case over all the load-speed range. He is a long-standing member of the Light Rail Transit Association.
282 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Tampa’s TECO Line TAMPA AND TECO: COMMUNITY-BASED STREETCAR OPERATIONS
Car 436 at Ybor City Centennial Park Terminal Vic Simons reports on an unusual streetcar system in on 12 December 2013. Note the large car park the US that blends heritage-style operations with very to the left of the streetcar; an essential part of the development of the system has been the modern funding arrangements. incorporation of park-and-ride facilities from the suburbs to encourage modal shift.
ampa is Florida’s third-largest the kind of bus/trolley operation found in 1923. Only one car of the original fleet city, with only Jacksonville and throughout the USA. remains, 163, which was found in Tampa in Miami eclipsing its 300 000-plus The TECO Line streetcar system is 1987 being used as a chicken coop. Over the population. It is part of a larger completely different and is jointly owned next five years the car was comprehensively three-county area embracing by the City of Tampa and HART and run as restored and modernised by the Tampa & TSt Petersburg and smaller communities a separate division of HART as a subcontract Ybor City Street Railway Society, making with a total combined population of around from the TECO Historic Streetcar Inc (THS), occasional forays onto the present system to 2.5 million. a not-for-profit company. this day. The northern and largest part of the It is a streetcar line using replica heritage The TECO system opened in 2002, with conurbation is Hillsborough County which streetcars built by Iowa-based manufacturer streetcars operating on a 4.3km (2.7-mile) includes all of Tampa. Public transport is a Gomaco Trolley Company. They are similar mostly single-track alignment, with passing county rather than a city responsibility and to the cars in Little Rock already featured in loops mainly at stations, from Centennial is run by the Hillsborough Area Regional TAUT, built at the turn of the 21st Century Park in Ybor City in the north east of Tampa Transit Authority (HART). HART operates and modelled on the Birney cars built by the to Whiting in downtown Tampa. There are buses and “trollies”, the latter being a bus St Louis car company in 1922 for the opening nine intermediate stations (many designed to built to look like a tram that is typical of of the original streetcar system in Tampa look like historic train sheds) taking in many
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ABOVE: The Whiting terminus during of the tourist attractions and the cruise ship mid-morning. The operator is trying to boost terminal, with most stations having island patronage during the mid-morning period to increase platforms with good passenger information. important farebox revenue. Public art and design to reflect both the original system and the city’s industrial LEFT: Driving position and farebox on a Gomaco car. heritage abound at stations. BELOW: Car 434 turning south near the car barn on With initial designs by URS Corp, the the approach to Cadrecha Plaza, clearly showing the bi-directional route features passing tracks; ADA-compliant platform ramps. motormen operate by line-of-sight with one direction having right of way. Construction was undertaken by Herzog Contracting and power is supplied via overhead catenary at 600vc dc from two substations. The total project cost is estimated at US56m, taking into account related structures and property acquisitions required by construction. From Centennial Park the line runs west along 8th Avenue with three intermediate stops in Ybor City, the last being outside the car barn and operational office. From here the line runs south crossing a major freight line on the flat, passing under a motorway before joining Channelside Avenue on a reserved alignment on the east side of the highway. The next three stops take in the Cruise Ship Terminal, various Port Authority buildings and the American Victory Museum ship. At the Florida Museum the alignment heads west towards the Tampa Convention Centre which was the original terminus, before turning north in Downtown Tampa to the current single-track Whiting stub end terminus. Services run every 20 minutes, reduced to half hourly in the evenings Monday-
284 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Tampa Bay Key Streetcar Federal Centennial Society Credit Union Park TECO Streetcar line HART bus route 8 Cadrecha Plaza In-Town Trolley route 96 HART bus route 30 Ybor City 275
TOLL 618 Marion Transit Center
Port Authority
Downtown
Tampa York Street TOLL 618
Although the the TECO Cumberland streetcar serves the key Avenue ridership drivers for much of the day, parallel bus Whiting route 8 runs throughout the day, serving the same locations. Many stations are named under sponsorship TOLL deals that bring in crucial 618 The Tampa Tribune additional revenue. Dick Greco Plaza HSBC their appearance, but have two modern Trolley & steel-framed two-axle trucks. They Streetcar are of modern construction with welded Connections steel bodies and added ‘cosmetic’ rivets, and despite the high-floor boarding are fully ADA-compliant with platform ramps at stations and boarding ramps in the cars. According to English, while the weekends account for a large proportion of the system’s passengers, ridership varies widely across Harbour the year, with conventions and tourism significantly driving passenger numbers. The Island large scale of the seasonal variation is shown in that during the summer numbers can drop as low as 15 500 passengers/month, but late Thursday, and on Sundays the service starts Nine double-ended streetcars were year and spring months showed figures of at midday – which seems odd if the aim is to purchased for the 2002 opening from over 30 000 passengers/month in 2013-14. provide a full public transport service. Gomaco, with each air-conditioned car According to TECO figures, there has been On Friday and Saturday service starts at 11.00 measuring 14m in length by 2.6m wide a slight increase in passenger numbers from and runs until 02.00. Even more unusually, and approximately 4m high at a cost of 2010 after a decline from the late 2000s, the parallel bus service, route 8, is advertised approximately USD615 000 per vehicle. but this is offset by a decline in the income as operating outside TECO service hours The first was delivered in early 2000, with from special assessment (additional taxes on when in fact this is a regular all-day route. the remaining eight being received in the properties deemed to benefit from TECO) TAUT spoke to Michael English, THS following 18 months. There is seating for as there has been a decline in property President, who commented that the 44 with a further 30 standing. The car values. This appears to be a by-product of operating hours were originally designed to numbering system starts at 428, which is the recession and it is hoped that passenger accommodate visitors, because there were where the previous streetcar system finished numbers will continue to increase in 2014 as few residents in the area. While there are (car 427 was the last to run on the original the worst of the financial storm now appears now about 8000 residents in the streetcar Tampa system back on 4 August 1946). to have been weathered. catchment area, budget constraints have The modern double-ended streetcars are Direct revenues are derived from fares, as precluded extending hours of operation. similar to the original vehicles in terms of well as in-car and on-car advertising sales –
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again this is bolstered by Tampa’s importance Restored original Tampa Birney car 163 (right) outside the Ybor City car barn on 12 December 2013. Note the as a major conference and convention venue. similarities between the modern Gomaco replica cars seen in the background and the original. Station naming rights are an important revenue stream, and locally-based TECO of the funding for the system. The Port The establishment of park-and-ride facilities Energy has purchased the naming rights to Authority provides another 4%, while there at some of the more suburban stations to the system; this is appropriate as the are endowments and other miscellaneous further encourage modal shift amongst billion-dollar firm is the direct descendant of income. The endowments had raised almost the morning peak would also surely offer a the original owner of Tampa’s streetcars. USD6m in various naming rights, valuable potentially significant source of additional The website (www.tecolinesstreetcar.org) is income that supplements the budget. That revenue at marginal cost. Otherwise, the very helpful in providing full information money is almost gone, however, so this year’s system is impressive, offering a comfortable about services and points of interest along budget is somewhat constrained – being and reliable ride. The streetcars’ wooden seats the route, and also gives technical data about nearly USD500 000 less than was being spent really add to the historic feel of the operation. how TECO is funded. Farebox recovery, several years ago. TECO is encouraging regular riding with according to the latest financial summary on English also confirmed that the owners of all-day tickets and annual passes, with the the website, is 30% and higher than many Harbour Island contributed USD5m for the price for a single ride at December 2013 being streetcar and light rail systems in the USA. demolition of the Harbour Island monorail USD2.50 with a day pass priced at USD5. However, according to the financial pie chart and to fund future streetcar operation, This is good value if more than a single ride included in the same document the reality spending USD1m to remove the monorail's is taken, being only marginally more is closer to the US industry norm of 25%. structures with the balance put into the expensive than the normal single fare bus English commented that historically it has endowment fund. ride on the HART bus system. averaged about 30%. Visiting in December 2013, the author was Tampa is a widely dispersed city There are various State grants and a special struck by the lack of an early morning service with a comparatively small downtown assessment property tax as referred to earlier, given the system’s claim of supporting central business area. The city and its both of which represent around 18% each downtown commuters and tourists. surrounding area and its neighbouring cities of St Petersburg and Clearwater with its beaches and wonderfully sunny climate, albeit with the odd hurricane, are attractive TAMPA’S ORIGINAL STREETCARS destinations for holidaymakers and retirees. Tampa’s first streetcars began During the early decades of The network reached a The Streetcar certainly has potential to operation in 1885, when the the 20th Century the system peak of popularity in the bolster its ridership; having sampled the Tampa Street Railway Company grew to over 85km (53 miles) of 1920s, carrying almost 24m comprehensive bus service that seems in the ran a wood-burning engine with track, with main lines extending passengers in 1926. Ridership main, as with many US cities, to be only used several cars over a track from to Ybor City, West Tampa remained high during World by the young, the very old and those who downtown Tampa to Ybor City. and Ballast Point, at its peak War Two, when fuel and rubber cannot or will not drive. In this sense, the The line was soon electrified utilising 190 streetcars running rationing limited automobile streetcar could easily be upgraded at thanks to Frank Sprague along 11 routes for 22 hours a and motorbus travel, dropping of Richmond, VA, and the day and serving the growing sharply at the end of the war as little extra cost to attract people out of their development of a four-wheeled communities. bus operation gained popularity cars – particularly if it could be extended at “troller” that ran along an In many ways the streetcar as a cheaper and more practical both ends. overhead wire feeding the helped to shape the city’s public transportation mode. When asked about this English confirmed streetcars with electricity. development, with resorts and In August 1946, the last Tampa that there is an extension study underway Following this technological parks known as “electric parks” Electric Company streetcar currently, which is also looking at how the leap, in 1892 the Tampa Street operated by street railway made its final run, with many of streetcar system could connect to a regional Railway Company merged with companies, developed at the the original Birney cars facing rail system. the Florida Electric Company to extremities of the streetcar lines the bonfire in the following form the Tampa Street Railway in a scenario similar to many months. Bus services took over and Power Company. US cities. former streetcar routes. Many thanks are due to Michael English for his assistance in the preparation of this article.
286 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Tram Passenger Survey WHY TRAMS ARE ENGLAND’S FAVOURITE MODE OF TRANSPORT Keith Bailey, Senior Research Advisor at Passenger Focus, gives an insight into the results of the inaugural Tram Passenger Survey.
assenger Focus has recently Passenger Survey (BPS). These two studies the biggest influence on perceptions of value published its inaugural Tram have already brought considerable benefits for money; 13% cited the ‘comfort/journey Passenger Survey (TPS), which for passengers with NRPS metrics being quality for the fare paid’ and 11% the ‘fare in shows an overall satisfaction level built-in as part of many new rail franchise comparison to the cost of everyday items’. for the mode of 90% in England agreements. Both studies are used extensively Blackpool receives the plaudits for the P– this compares favourably with bus travel at by operators, authorities and Government to best value for money at 85%. This figure is 88% and trains at 83%. benchmark performance and identify areas boosted slightly by visitors to the resort, TPS looks in detail at passenger satisfaction for improvement in targeted action plans. although the score amongst local residents across the five tram systems in the Passenger Having demonstrated that the approach is still impressive at 83% and well ahead of Focus remit area: Manchester Metrolink, works, we expect TPS to deliver similar Supertram (70%), NET (69%) and Midland Sheffield Supertram, Nottingham Express benefits for tram passengers in due course and Metro (67%). Metrolink faces a challenge Transit (NET), Midland Metro (Birmingham/ have already commenced discussions with with only half the passengers surveyed (49%) Wolverhampton) and the Blackpool tramway. the networks to help build those action plans. saying they were very or fairly satisfied with Yet while overall satisfaction is high at Of course, overall satisfaction does not tell the value for money offered; crowding and 90%, there is some variation between the the whole story and passenger satisfaction journey times seemingly having a negative individual networks with Blackpool scoring with ‘value for money’ of their journey (only impact here. an incredible 97%, NET 96%, Supertram 94%, asked of fare-payers, not concessionary pass Midland Metro 92% and Metrolink a still holders) is another important measure. Exploring TPS in detail creditable 83%. At 60% across the five networks, operators TPS explores the tram journey in detail, As the independent watchdog for rail and authorities might be well advised to looking at the passenger experience both passengers in Britain, and bus, tram and address this perception. The ‘cost for the at tram stops and onboard the tram as coach passengers in England outside of distance travelled’ (31%) and ‘cost of the tram well as any interactions with staff. On this London, we already publish the National versus other modes of transport’ (28%) were latter point it may be worth noting that all Rail Passenger Survey (NRPS) and the Bus the most frequently mentioned as having networks save Metrolink had conductors onboard when the survey was conducted, although NET has since moved to requiring passengers to purchase tickets from vending Tram passenger satisfaction – by network machines (TVMs) at stops. The presence of staff can be expected to influence passengers’ perceptions of their personal safety on the All networks Blackpool Metrolink Midland Metro NET Supertram tram. Metrolink scores 76% on this particular metric as against a five network average of 82%; it will be interesting to observe what happens to NET’s score of 85% in future years. Overall satisfaction One can argue that the networks are a Passengers very or victim of their own success in that getting fairly satisfied with: a seat (or even just having space to stand) can be a challenge at peak times with less Value for money than three quarters (72%) across the five (Fare-payers only) networks satisfied in this respect. Blackpool again does best (91%), followed by Supertram (85%) and NET (77%); Availability of seating Metrolink’s success in attracting passengers is reflected in a lower score (62%), as is also the case for Midland Metro (61%) where Punctuality two-thirds of passengers are commuters. Scores are broadly better for punctuality at 82% across all networks, with NET leading the field (94%), marginally ahead 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% of Blackpool (93%). With its single route, Midland Metro achieves 87%, whereas Supertram with three lines manages 84% and Metrolink, with six, a still positive 75%. Source: Passenger Focus – Tram Passenger Survey, 2013 Sample size (Overall satisfaction) – All networks: 5,222 There are considerable differences between Blackpool: 723, Metrolink: 2,891, Midland Metro: 551, NET: 331, Supertram:726 the five networks. Manchester is by far the largest and the most complex, with almost twice the route mileage and nearly twice the
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passenger numbers as the other four systems added together. Passenger satisfaction – by mode The proportion of commuters varies widely across the systems. They make up almost two thirds (65%) of Midland Metro journeys, Tram Bus Train 55% for Metrolink, 54% for NET and 48% for Supertram, but only 27% in Blackpool. During the autumn fieldwork period (October-December 2013) non-residents Overall satisfaction accounted for 29% of journeys in Blackpool. Partly as a result, the passenger profile in Passengers very or Blackpool was much older, and over a third fairly satisfied with: (36%) were travelling on a free pass compared Value for money with an average of 17% for all five systems. (Fare-payers only) Metrolink has already added new extensions and stops since we undertook the research. It continues to expand its coverage, Availability of seating including through the Second City Crossing and the introduction of new trams to alleviate congestion and provide improved reliability. Likewise, Midland Metro is currently Punctuality building an extension to New Street station and introducing additional trams, while NET is building two new lines to the south of the city and Supertram has an ongoing programme of track renewals necessitating 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% line closures and bus replacement services. These factors (and some inclement weather Source: Passenger Focus – Tram Passenger Survey/Bus Passenger Survey/ last autumn) are reflected in passengers’ National Rail Passenger Survey – all Autumn 2013 views as collected by the survey. Sample sizes – Tram: 5,250, Bus: 25,799, Train: 26,587
Learning the lessons TPS shares the same basic methodology and “All in all, the survey paints a very positive picture of many of the same questions as our rail (NRPS) and bus (BPS) surveys. This allows us to make how England’s tram systems contribute to the local cross-modal comparisons on key metrics such as overall satisfaction where, as noted public transport network.” above, tram at 90% compares favourably with bus at 88% and train at 83% (these latter two figures being the national average, rather ‘more convenient than the car’, 15% ratings in both NRPS and BPS. At the than specific to the five conurbations with that it is ‘cheaper than other transport’ same time, if satisfaction levels fall on any a tram network). When we ask fare-payers and 5% specifically that it is ‘cheaper than dimension, action can be taken to remedy to rate the value for money of their journey, the car’. All in all, the survey paints a very this and it is often possible to pinpoint the we see a similar picture with tram and bus at positive picture of how England’s tram cause or at least identify the line or stations 60% and 61% respectively, well ahead of systems contribute to the local public giving rise to the concern. train at 45%. transport network. We plan to repeat TPS in Autumn 2014. Looking at the two other critical aspects While the Passenger Focus remit is for of any journey, bus (85%) outperforms both The future ‘England outside London’, we have already tram (72%) and train (67%) in terms of ‘the While the picture from the tail end of 2013 had initial discussions with other light rail availability of seating or space to stand’, is of considerable interest, TPS is designed as operators including Croydon Tramlink whereas tram (82%) leads both bus (76%) a ‘tracking survey’ and its real value will be (London), Edinburgh Trams and the and train (78%) on punctuality. revealed in future years when we can monitor Tyne & Wear Metro with a view to possible In TPS we asked passengers why they changes in satisfaction levels over time. collaboration on future waves. chose the tram for their journey. While a There are many examples where initiatives third (31%) said it was ‘the best way to undertaken by the operators have shown Read more at www.passengerfocus.org.uk/ get where I am going’, a fifth (20%) said it is noticeable improvements in passengers’ research/tram-passenger-survey
Network Route mileage Stops Passenger ABOUT THE AUTHOR journeys1 The Tram Passenger Survey project was managed by Keith Bailey, a Senior Research Blackpool 11 36 3.7 million Advisor at Passenger Focus, the UK’s independent passenger watchdog. Metrolink 47.7 73 25 million He contributes to a variety of both ad hoc and continuous surveys across the tram, train and bus sectors. Midland Metro 12.5 23 4.8 million Passenger Focus’ mission is to get the best deal for passengers. With a strong NET 8.7 23 7.4 million emphasis on evidence-based campaigning and research, we ensure that we know what is happening on the ground. We use Supertram 18 48 14.4 million our knowledge to influence decisions on behalf of passengers and we work with the Data relates to 2013 at the time fieldwork was undertaken for TPS. industry, passenger groups and national and local Government to secure journey 1Source: Department for Transport, Passenger Journeys on light rail and trams by system in England, 2012-13. improvements.
288 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Operational simulation
MUNICH: OPTIMISATION THROUGH OPERATIONAL SIMULATION Dr. Marc-Andre Klemenz and Francisco Romero from DB International and Michael W. Gödde from DB Regio explain the detailed process of optimising service movements on one of Europe’s most intensively-used urban networks – the Munich S-Bahn.
he core network of the Munich due to the tight headways, thus affecting of the Munich S-Bahn a train is defined S-Bahn is one of the most onward connections. as punctual if the delay at predetermined intensively-used railway networks In order to be able to operate the measurement stations is less than six in Germany, consisting of seven service according the current headways minutes. The punctuality of the entire branches on the west side and (120 seconds in the core section), continuous suburban rail system is determined as the Tfive on the east side of the city’s metropolitan monitoring and analysis of the operation average of all measured trains. area. The branches are merged within the of the rail network is necessary. Derived The Munich S-Bahn executes optimisation city of Munich by a core track section from this analysis and to guarantee a measures to improve punctuality in close (so-called ‘Stammtrecke’). This 11km permanent stability of service, optimisation co-operation with the Bavarian Railway (seven-mile) section between Pasing and measures have to be determined and quickly Company (Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft Ostbahnhof – with up to 30 trains per implemented. or BEG), the authority for the public rail hour and per direction – is one of the most In terms of any public transportation transport in Bavaria. Several technical and frequented railway routes in Europe. system punctuality is one of the most operational measures to accelerate operational The basic headway is 20 minutes, but on relevant quality criteria for the customers. procedures have already been implemented some lines, using additional trainsets, the Actual and subjective punctuality are and others are being planned. The focus is in peak hour headway can be ten minutes. a significant reference points for the the general approach of the railway system in Even a minor delay of a single train on the assessment of the service for the traveller order to improve all subsystems, in particular outer branches of the network can lead to and therefore a matter of public image. the infrastructure and the rolling stock, in a additional delays in the core section of the As a result the usage behaviour of passengers, system. In the case of delays, the effect on and consequently the revenues, are affected TOP: Two suburban ET 423 trains are entering and following trains can largely not be avoided by the punctuality. In the transport area leaving Munich Ostbahnhof. DB AG / Uwe Miethe
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coherent manner and taking into account the dependencies and interactions between these FIGURE 2 Delay development after an emergency scenario two main elements. Within the scope of a joint-project between Delay DB Netz and DB Regio, DB International min GmbH has been tasked with examining the S-Bahn operation. One of the main objectives – by using software simulating railway operation – was to achieve an improved understanding in terms of actions, reactions 5 min scenario and coherences within the system. On the one hand the simulation should be used for the analysis and evaluation of 10 min scenario various measures to improve punctuality. On the other it should be used for the evaluation 15 min scenario of different dispatching measures after a predefined disturbance or failure.
Methodology Based on a microscopic modelling of the infrastructure of the network, a normal day of the timetable in 2013 has been modelled with the software tool RailSys [1]. Impact on the dwell time A reduction of the duration in any The next step was the implementation of extension in emergency scenarios emergency scenario will reduce the number actual average delays (e.g. dwell time delays) Emergency situations on station of delayed trains and also the dimension of delivered by the Operation Control Centre; platforms or in trains on the core line the delays. But without simulation an exact this data was necessary to model realistic (Stammstrecke) occur frequently, understanding of this effect on punctuality is disturbances which can occur over a whole irregularly and randomly and the average hard to estimate. operational day. The resulting timetable duration of such an emergency scenario The simulation evaluates different was used as a base variant to be compared is 15 minutes. durations of these emergency scenarios with all further timetable modifications, During this time period train operation (five, ten and 15 minutes) at Hirschgarten examinations and scenarios. In total over on the core line normally reaches a standstill station on the core line of the S-Bahn 60 different variants or scenarios have been and this has a huge impact on other services during the morning peak hour. Evaluation simulated and evaluated. on the branches. After an emergency parameters are the punctuality and the delay. Here, we present the most important situation, several trains may be delayed (See figure 2, above). results and conclusions of the investigation and it may take a long time to bring them The duration of an emergency scenario of the different scenarios, focusing especially back to their scheduled timetable, especially (standstill of train operation) has on the impact of delay development and during peak hours with 30 trains per hour consequences on the punctuality of the punctuality of the system. running in each direction. system and on the overall delay:
The comprehensive S-Bahn network sees a leisure-based demand at weekends, especially to lakes such as near Starnbergersee – Hirschgarten station. Neil Pulling
290 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org to estimate through empirical values; FIGURE 3 Comparison of delay development of each scenario of the modified departure procedures and centralised door opening. appropriate decision guidance for the dispatcher in the OCC for the effective and Delay efficient handling of a small disturbance was min missing. The effects of small disturbances, as well as the effects on punctuality and delay development of potential dispatching Base variant measures, were hard to quantify. The simulation now helps to evaluate Scenario 1 the effects on punctuality of different dispatching measures. Therefore typical Scenario 2A disturbance scenarios have been modelled:
Scenario 2B Type of disturbance: Emergency in a train or station Time: Morning peak hour Scenario 3 Duration: Dwell time extension of 15 minutes Location: Hirschgarten Direction of operation: West - East
Typical dispatching measures can be: The longer the duration, the lower centralised door opening (Scenario 1) with the punctuality and the higher the technical departure assistance (Scenario 2a) Selected lines end at Pasing or delay. So any reduction of the duration at all stations leads to the best results. Ostbahnhof and do not enter the core line of an emergency scenario results in This shows that the delay can be reduced in Selected lines will be redirected a reduction in the delay. comparison to the base variant as follows: A combination of the tese two measures Up to five five minutes no significant negative effects on punctuality Scenario 1: 6% Overall ten different dispatching measures are detected. Scenario 2A: 8% have been examined and compared due to A reduction in delay from 15 minutes to Scenario 2B: 4% overall delay and punctuality. (See figure 4). ten minutes increases the daily Scenario 3: 14% Figure 4 (below) shows the punctuality of punctuality by 0.75%. the Munich S-Bahn if one of the ten different A reduction from 15 minutes to five Impact on dispatching measures in dispatching measures was executed. All minutes increases the punctuality by 1.4%. case of small disturbances variants lead to a stabilisation of the system, The Munich S-Bahn has developed to an increase of the punctuality and to a Impacts on punctuality by standardised dispatching programmes to reduction of the delay in comparison to the optimising the departure procedures handle disturbances in general and the base variant (= without dispatching measure). During peak hours the scheduled timetable individualities of a core line like the Munich The differences between the different is susceptible to delays based on longer ‘Stammstrecke’; these will be used only in measures and their impact depend on the dwell times due to longer passenger boarding the case of large disturbances and result number of redirected trains and on the time and alighting times at crowded stations on in a splitting of the service into two parts of the dispatching measure. the core line. The objective for the S-Bahn (East branches and West branches). By using As a consequence, the simulation provided is a reduction of the required time for standardised dispatching programmes the the following findings: departure procedures by using technical process to deliver appropriate solutions The selection of the measure depends on departure assistance. Another objective will be accelerated, allowing standardised the time when the disturbance occurs. is a reduction of the door opening time – communication of the measurements to both The more trains that are redirected by using centralised door opening – to employees and customers. (i.e. not entering the core line) after a reduce the minimum dwell time on the In addition to the standardised disturbance, the higher the punctuality core line. dispatching programmes, the S-Bahn and the lower the delay. The operational simulation evaluates developed dispatching measures to address The earlier the trains are redirected, the whether the saved time can be used for the smaller delays. The consequences and higher the punctuality and lower the reduction of delays and if the arrival of the impacts of these operational measures are delay. following train can be accelerated. difficult to evaluate and were only possible All dispatching measures increase the Based on centralised door opening and technical departure assistance four scenarios FIGURE 4 Punctuality of ten different dispatching measures have been modelled. Punctuality % Scenario 1: Centralised door opening Base Scenario 2a: All core line stations will B.0 be equipped with technical departure assistance B.0.1 Scenario 2b: A selection of core line stations will be equipped with technical B.1 departure assistance B.2 Scenario 3: A combination of 1 + 2a. B.3 The implementation of the modified B.4 departure procedures leads to a dwell time reduction of between two and six seconds per B.4.1 stop per each train at each of the 11 stations B.5 on the core line. (See figure 3, top). The simulation confirms that an B.6 implementation of any of these four scenarios B.7 increases the punctuality and reduces the delay. A combination (Scenario 3) of the
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 291 Operational simulation
punctuality and reduce the delay. The longer the duration of a disturbance, FIGURE 5 Punctuality of reducing the entry delay the more effective the dispatching measures are. The selection of a dispatching measure Punctuality % relies on the location of the disturbance. Base variant
Impact of coupling procedures Scenario S3 Depending on the daily or hourly demand, it is possible to increase the system’s capacity Scenario S1 by using single, double or triple train units. Coupling takes place primarily in Pasing Scenario S7a and in Ostbahnhof at the beginning of the morning peak hour, furthermore Pasing and Ostbahnhof are relevant stations of the Scenario S7b merging of the branches. These effects can lead to additional delays in the case of slower Scenario S1 & S7a coupling procedures. Therefore, the operational simulation Scenario S1 & S7b examined which effects can be achieved on the punctuality and on the delay by the omission of some coupling processes on these two stations. The analysis includes four different variants, with a different number of coupling processes. The simulation shows disturbance, the higher the punctuality of a dispatcher can be reflected with the that an omission of coupling processes at and the lower the delay. objective results of the simulation by further Ostbahnhof and at Pasing decreases the The earlier the trains are redirected, development of the disturbance management total delay and increases the punctuality the higher the punctuality and the or by the training of employees. This will on the core line – the lower the number of lower the system delay. be the base and another medium for the coupling processes, the greater the effect of All efficient dispatching measures time-critical process during the dispatching these measures. increase punctuality and reduce findings procedure. delay. Impact of reducing of entry delays The longer the duration of a disturbance, Reference [1]: RailSys®, Rail Management Delays on each of the outer branches often the more effective dispatching Consulant, RMCon – www.rmcon.de lead to ‘domino effect’ delays on the core measures are. line. Currently, the effects of these entry The selection of a dispatching delays in terms of the stability of the system measure depends on the location of cannot be appropriately estimated. The main the disturbance. reason for this is that the entry delays of each All efficient measures to reduce the branch at the beginning of the core line differ entry delay increase punctuality and ABOUT THE AUTHORS depending on the time, the train pattern and reduce delay. Dr. Marc-Andre other circumstances. Fast resolution of a disturbance to Klemenz is Head The objective of the simulation is therefore avoid bottlenecks reduces delay of Operational and to evaluate if a reduction of the entry delays development. Transport Consulting for selected lines or of a combination increases and Head of the punctuality of the whole system. Based on these findings the following international projects Six different scenarios with a reduction dispatching guidelines can be given: for DB International of the entry delays [in minutes] have been in Southern Germany. evaluated: (See figure 5). Essential for the stabilisation of the His field covers the development of S-Bahn service is primarily the execution operational concepts,
Scenario S3: 0.25 min of an efficient dispatching measure, and operational simulation and feasibility studies Scenario S1: 0.25 min secondly the type of dispatching measure. for regional, urban, long-distance and freight Scenario S7a: 0.25 min (West branch) The fast execution of an efficient rail transportation. Scenario S7b: 0.25 min (East branch) dispatching measure is essential to Scenario S1 & S7a: 0.25 min stabilise the suburban railway system. Francisco Romero Scenario S1 & 7b: 1 min is an Operational and Outlook Transport Consultant This simulation shows that a reduction This simulation is an efficient tool for the at DB International. He covers the in entry delays leads to an improvement in optimisation of complex railway systems, development of punctuality. But a reduction of the entry showing the dynamic interdependencies of a operational concepts delay for only one branch line does lead to system such as the Munich S-Bahn. and plans, simulations a significant overall daily improvement in The detailed understanding could be and feasibility studies punctuality; only the affected line and in some clarified, leading to an efficient, fast and both within Germany case the following line will benefit. An overall effective benefit for the MunichS-Bahn ; and overseas. improvement in punctuality can be detected if these new findings will be integrated in the a combination of several lines (Scenario S1 operational planning and control processes & S7a and Scenario S1 & S7b) can be realised. and play an important role for the decision- Michael W. Gödde, Dipl.-Ing, MSc, LL.M is making process by quantifying the potential the Head of Operational Conclusion and the benefit of dispatching measures. Management of the Based on the results of the simulation, the The results are useful for the validation of Munich S-Bahn for study provides significant findings: the disturbance/emergency management. DB Regio AG. He is The selection of the dispatching measure The dispatching concepts and measures – responsible for the depends on the time when the developed by the competence of experienced operation and rolling disturbance occurs. experts of the Munich S-Bahn over many stock provision for The more trains that are redirected years – can now be optimised by using the the system. (i.e. not entering the core line) after a simulation results. The subjective experience
292 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Comment LET EDINBURGH PASSENGERS ENJOY THE FAIR WEATHER
Now Edinburgh finally has its tramway, TAUT Editor Simon Johnston sees how residents and visitors alike appear to have welcomed its arrival as a major new symbol for the city.
Above: Hundreds of eager passengers enjoy the pleasant Edinburgh weather, just after dawn on launch day – 31 May. Above middle: No-one in Edinburgh has forgotten the problems over the past few years, but most are looking forward to the future in a positive manner. Above right: End of the line… but for how long? The current York Place stop in the city centre has the feeling of a temporary terminus for a further extension to come soon. All photography: TAUT/Simon Johnston
ark clouds have hung over the Edinburgh tramway for the first tram just after dawn, Transport for Edinburgh, the project for the last few years amid bitter disputes City of Edinburgh Council and the operator were deliberately between the city and contractors, and frustration reflective in their decision to avoid champagne and fireworks. from residents and businesses alike due to Norris explained: “These are humble beginnings show seemingly endless roadworks and traffic congestion. respect to what has gone before us. We’re not about triumphalism DDeadlines were missed, claims of over engineering were made, or flag-waving; that’s not what we’re about as a business. costs spiralled and on more than one occasion the eventual We’re here to focus on delivering exceptional customer service, GBP776m (approx. EUR950m) project even faced cancellation. which is why, for example, our TSAs (Ticket Services Assistants) But the sun finally shone over the 14km (8.7-mile) route on have spent the past few weeks working with organisations such 31 May as around 600 paying passengers turned out on a fabulous as Visit Scotland to present a positive face for both the new tram morning at 05.00 for the start of public services in Scotland’s service and the city. We’re humanising the new service.” capital city. They came from as far afield as France and Germany Because of training like this, the TSAs are there to do far more to witness the return of trams to the streets of the Scottish capital than just dispense tickets and catch fare evaders. They also deliver after an absence of 57 years. A claimed 40 000 tickets were sold recommendations of what to see and do for visitors from outside over the first weekend alone. the city, and all with a warm and welcoming manner that does Yet despite the horrific headlines and media furore that the service credit. This level of approachability and interaction have accompanied the scheme, the initial feedback from the with customer-facing staff is key to the offering, Norris believes. passengers we spoke to that Saturday morning has been very He added: “Now it’s open we just want to get on with doing out positive, despite a few issues with passenger information jobs to the best of our ability. The sooner that the tramway can systems, the odd curve squeal and a minor technical integrate itself into the daily life of the city the better. malfunction that removed one of the CAF trams from “Any decision on expansion is down to the City of Edinburgh passenger service. We were pleasantly surprised to hear the Council, but if such expansion were decided upon we would words “fantastic”, “marvellous” and “exceptional” mentioned of course be delighted to operate it as we have the trams and throughout the day, with our favourite quote from one most of the personnel to be able to do that. For now, we are fully pensioner who told me: “It’s good to see that all the pain over focused on operating the line we do have.” the last few years has been worth it. The ride is so smooth and In early May, Scottish Minister for Transport Keith Brown said: quiet and it takes you right into the heart of Edinburgh – I see “We can’t wish away the frustration of people in Edinburgh and the trams as a great addition to the city.” here in Scotland because of the cost overruns and the delays in Edinburgh Trams’ Director and General Manager Tom Norris project management that have gone on, but I think we’re now told TAUT: “We’ve experienced a few issues today, but we duty-bound to look forward to the trams and to make sure they consider these to be minor, easily resolved, glitches. We have are a success.” made sure that we have resourced appropriately in terms of both We couldn’t have put it better. There is little doubt that a staff and trams for the first few days and the fact that the trams thorough and detailed examination of the project is required are packed full of happy passengers tells the story.” in due course, with difficult questions being aimed at both the This honesty is a refreshing symbol of the new direction of city and the project managers so lessons can be learned. the Edinburgh Trams project, and shows that the past six years Someone will need to be held to account, but to make those of disruption and controversy are not just being swept under operating the service wear sackcloth and ashes would be wrong. the carpet. Yet although there was almost a carnival atmosphere For now, the sun is shining on Edinburgh and its trams, and long from the eager passengers who queued at the Gyle Centre stop may this continue.
www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org JULY 2013 / 293 Bern
Neil Pulling examines how SYSTEMS the Swiss capital’s public transport Bern concentration helps FACTFILE SWITZERLAND retain historic charm, yet also supports No. Bern, modernisation and 82 Switzerland expansion.
ern rose to significance Combino XL UNESCO World Heritage listed since The Kornhausbrücke and long before the siting of 655 and 661 on 1983, a status clearly identified on Kirchenfeldbrücke high-level bridges national bodies there Marktgasse, with tram fronts. take trams north and south of the from 1848. Being the seat Zytglogge tower in The Bern network’s importance core area. Very close to a third, the background. of federal and cantonal is emphasised at the main station Nydeggbrücke, the redeployed shell government,B with corporate head All pictures by square, Bahnhofplatz, by the sweeping of the Altes Tramdepot brewery offices including SBB and the more Neil Pulling unless glass ‘Baldachin’ roof. Completed in restaurant is a reminder of early local mainline railway BLS, the service otherwise noted. 2008, it spans the shared tram, bus system contraction in 1941. Major line sector now dominates the economy. and trolleybus platforms and extends closures are not part of the history, but With a 2011 population of 137 818, to the station’s underground access. the tramway as a whole was imperilled metropolitan area 356 000, Bern is By offsetting their overhead supply, by bus and trolleybus replacement. sometimes identified – challenged trolleybuses share road space with The threat seemed over with the by Lausanne – as Switzerland’s trams through the historic centre 1973 Saali extension from shared fourth-largest city. There is very high east of Bahnhofplatz. This includes interurban tracks, but many years public transport patronage, with the Bärenplatz near the Federal Parliament remained before revival was strongly infrastructure that supports it far from buildings, where the westbound routes felt. Routes and designations have hidden away in this most picturesque pass through the base of the famous changed as the system has grown from of capitals. An east-pointing neck of Käfigturm tower, rebuilt in 1644 (the the three-line era. land within a deep-set river meander original tower dates back a further Modernisation under city-owned of the Aare contains the old city, four centuries). Städtische Verkehrsbetriebe Bern (SVB)
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THE FLEET
The 2.3m width makes 2+1 seating the main configuration on Bern trams. Associated with line G (‘Das Blaue Bähnli’), blue remains on RBS-originating Be4/8 SWP/SIG/ABB stock on line 6, with red low-floor Stadler sections added to the 1987 vehicles in 2010. Becoming the 39.8m Be4/10, 81-89 from 1987 are the oldest and only bi-directional type in normal Bernmobil service. Switzerland’s first low-floor trams are the twelve 31m Vevey/ ABB/Düwag Be4/8 from 1989-90. Numbered 731-742, they have capacity for 242 passengers, 64 seated. Fully low-floor Siemens Combinos form the largest group, with the 15 earlier specification (750-series) received 2002-04, now in two lengths. Seven retain a 31.5m five-section configuration (capacity 175), with the remainder Combino VL having two modules added in 2009 (capacity 233). The original Bern Combinos received structural improvements under the ‘Combino Crisis’ recall in the early 2000s. A 2007 order to support expansion was for a new generation then designated Combino XL by Bern. The newest (651-671, built 2009-10) are outwardly distinguished by their sloping cabs.
ABOVE: The Bahnhofplatz redevelopment put the focus firmly on public transport.
LEFT: Bern has addressed high demand with 42m trams: this is 655 in central Wabern.
BELOW LEFT: Worb Dorf’s double terminus on 1 April 2014, with line 6 mainstay Be4/10 stock to the left.
BELOW: This viaduct avoids traffic conflict east of Bümpliz Unterführung.
“There is very high public transport patronage, with the infrastructure that supports it far from hidden away in this most picturesque of capitals.”
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 295 Bern
City-bound Combino 763 approaches Gümligen, a busy line 6 tram-railway A line 6 service on Monbijoustrasse, with a non-revenue connection for stock interchange. movements in the foreground.
NETWORK FACTS Opened: 1890 (compressed air, electrification from 1901) Lines: 5 System length: 25.4km (15.9 miles) – 40.8km of route Depots: 2 Approx. weekday hours: 05.30 - 00.30 Main frequency: 6-10 minutes Gauge: 1000 mm Power: 600V dc overhead supply Fleet: 57 + heritage trams City network: Bernmobil Area ticketing: Libero INFORMATION City network: www.bernmobil.ch Area network: www.libero-tarifverbund.ch Civic information: www.bern.ch Tourist information: www.bern.ch
saw renewal, including Switzerland’s Bern Bahnhof, its platforms with ABOVE: Viewed from the S-Bahn station, extended Combino 761 first low-floor trams and the a design capacity for 16 000 daily arrives at Brünnen Westside Bahnhof. later predominance of 100% passengers, but reaching 60 000 low-floor SiemensCombino variants. by 2012; an entirely new facility is BELOW: 1935-built restaurant tram 647 on Kirchenfeld bridge, with a line 6 service approaching from Helvetiaplatz. SVB adopted the Bernmobil brand in planned. RBS EMU stock operates 2001, bringing a change from green all-stops and express services mainly to the current red livery. Combining north of Bern. Physically apart, five tramlines, three trolleybus and RBS’s interurban line G from Worb 13 bus routes, by 2012 trams handled shared tracks with trams at the city 48.7m journeys and accounted for just end, diverging to a stub siding by the under half of Bernmobil’s passenger- Casino. This was designated Zytglogge kilometres. Bernmobil passengers after the nearby 15th Century clock represent about half the total for all tower. In 2010 this became Bernmobil operators in Libero-Tarifverbund, line 6, extended through the city centre the area’s fare union. to Fischermätteli – at 13km (8.1 miles) Bernmobil’s 185km (116 miles) it provides the longest service. of network route is complemented Although due for track replacement by Bern’s S-Bahn, combining summer 2014, the future of line 6’s BLS standard-gauge and the western end is uncertain due to low Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn (RBS) ridership, with bus replacement metre-gauge lines. Like the tramway, possible. Some line 6 services are both have had capacity boosted by Combino-operated with ‘R’ in the recent stock renewals. timetable denoting a red fully low- Tram-served interchanges have floor tram. Worb also has RBS S7 from increased with Bernmobil’s expansion. Bern Bahnhof, with the two formats The RBS rail hub is underground at converging at Worb Dorf terminus.
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“Although due for track replacement in summer 2014, the future of line 6’s western end is uncertain due to low ridership, with bus replacement possible.”
On the newest extension, tram, trolleybus and bus converge immediately outside the suburban station Wankdorf Bahnhof. As the city’s biggest single tramway opening ever, the Bern West expansion in December 2010 was described as the Berner Zeitung, ‘a second golden age for the tram in Bern.’ Costing CHF152.8m (EUR125m) for the tramway and related improvements, the 6.8km (4.3 miles) of new route, 2km (1.2 miles) in dedicated space, was installed between April 2008 and September 2010. Partly driven by bus capacity limitations, Bern West created a common route for cross-city lines 7 and 8 west of existing track at Kaufmännischer Verband to a junction at Bümpliz Unterführung. The two branches beyond serve a mixture of established and new developments, with line 7’s coverage mainly being older parts of this commuter area. Line 8 passes much new housing approaching Westside Bern Brünnen. This large retail and entertainment centre is being heavily promoted for public transport use, with the tram loop immediately outside the Kursaal stop on a section that would see more trams if bus line 10 becomes a tramway.
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“Bolligenstrasse depot, opened in September 2011, holds 28 42m trams with space reserved to handle line 10’s tramway conversion.” complex and next to a new S-Bahn station. (For more on Bern West see TAUT 879, March 2011). Of far greater importance than a 1.2km (0.75-mile) length suggests, a line 9 extension opened in December 2012 between Guisanplatz Expo and Wankdorf Bahnhof. Set on a railway junction, Wankdorf Bahnhof is one of Bern’s main interchanges. The tram also serves the Stade de Suisse national football stadium and the Wankdorf Center shopping complex. Due to the position of former terminus Guisanplatz stop relative to the extension, trams still use the uni-directional loop here, leaving in the same direction for both termini. Much the smaller of current ABOVE: Vevey-ABB 737 leaves Ostring on a section added to the system in 1946. expansion projects is rebuilding line 9’s Wabern terminus with BELOW: Bernmobil offices and depot are to the left of a short extension to improve Vevey-ABB 734 at Eigerplatz, near where a line 10 conversion connection with the nearby BLS would leave the present system. suburban line, possibly by 2015. More contentious is a proposal to replace east-west bus line 10 with trams. With 16.8m passengers in 2013 and overcrowding with three- minute peak intervals, the project case keeps strengthening. Centrally it would use existing tracks between Viktoriaplatz and Eigerplatz, although the already intense traffic between Zytglogge and Bern Bahnhof raises the prospect of a second core route. More votes on the line 10 project are due in September. If Ostermundigen – Köniz Schliern tramline 10 is implemented, this may obviate the current shortest line 3 (little over 2km/1.2 miles), with buses taking over the residual section from Eigerplatz to Weissenbühl, site of the transport museum (www.trittbrett.ch). There is a depot near Bernmobil’s offices at Eigerplatz. Linked to ABOVE: Despite its rural aspect, the Gurtenbahn is Bern West demands and replacing near the tramway, S-Bahn and brewery redevelopment the Burgernziel site, the new site at Wabern. Bolligenstrasse depot opened in September 2011. Built beyond the RIGHT: Inside a Bern Combino XL/Classic. Guisanplatz return loop, it can hold 28 42m trams with space reserved for line 10’s tramway conversion. Bern has contrasting funiculars ESSENTIAL FACTS near the tramway. The 105m Local travel: Very close to Bern Dorf, these needing zone 115. For has great visual appeal, with Marzilibahn is close to the Federal Bahnhof stop on Bubenbergplatz, Zones 1-2, 60 minutes’ travel costs shops set in galleries and cellars Parliament, with the more rural visit the Libero-Shop for maps, CHF4.20 (EUR3.40), an equivalent that preserve street vistas. Views 1058m Gurtenbahn in Wabern. guides and ticket sales. A day ticket is CHF11.80, or three from the bridges and the Federal Bernmobil promotes tram-based comprehensive ticket range from zones for CHF16. Validation uses Parliament terrace include the Alps. leisure packages such as a tram- platform machines includes an the ticket machines slot, not Walk downhill from Zytglogge, English option; purchase Libero possible onboard. Einstein’s house is en route at 49 restaurant and hiring normal stock tickets for all public transport in a Kramgasse, or take trolleybus 12 or heritage vehicles, including an large zone-based area. Bern city What is there to see? to Bärengraben stop for bear pits. 1894 steam tram and trailer. is zone 100 which includes most Bern’s main tourist information They adjoin Altes Tramdepot of the tramway; adding 101 covers is located at 10a Bahnhofplatz. brewery. An S7 and line 6 Worb For detailed network maps see it all except for four stops to Worb The area east of Bahnhofplatz Dorf circuit provides rural views. www.bernmobil.ch – follow Liniennetz.
298 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Advertorial STRAILASTIC: FOR SIMPLE AND RAPID INSTALLATION OF EMBEDDED STREET TRACK
he US Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit (TCRP 57) STRAILastic CLIP is a simple notes that “Embedded track sacrificial unit which both clamps down construction constitutes the on the rail foot, but includes a cam to greatest challenge to the light adjust the rail position laterally. Fine Trail track designer”. This is a feeling that adjustments can be made using a was echoed at a recent meeting of the UK’s spanner. The STRAILastic CLIP can be Permanent Way Institute, and one that has used on its own to bolt rail to a surface been underlined by the problems that have with no vertical adjustment, or combined occurred on some of the earlier projects as with the STRAILastic_GRS baseplate. the UK relearned the practical detail of building tram tracks. STRAILastic_GRS baseplates offer The detail has been highlighted in the a significant reduction in construction ORR Tramway Guidance Note 1 on Street times. The unit is intended as a sacrificial Track Design and the report from Harpur Hill fixing, which finishes up cast into the (HSE), a survey of UK tram and light railway concrete foundation of the tram track (as shown, right). The neat way in which the rails are supported on the jacking screws of the The STRAILastic CLIP (green) can be used on STRAILastic_GRS baseplate can be its own to bolt rail to a surface with no vertical fully aligned before the first foundation adjustment, or combined with the STRAILastic_GRS baseplate (blue, above ) as shown in this assembly. slab is poured, dramatically reducing construction time. With the rails task. This is something that is greatly supported well clear of the working appreciated by those who might otherwise surface and adjustment screws, the setting have to be moving along the line lifting up of alignment and levels becomes a (with a jack) and packing (with shims) to sitting down rather than a ground level align the rails.
systems relating to the wheel/rail interface. were running over the track as soon as the Both are available for download, and both base foundation had cured to a sufficient which illustrate the potential issues arising strength, minimising interruption to the when the rails, which flex under the load of service. trams and transmit the vibrations delivered STRAILastic – as they pass, interact with the less compliant Insulated tie bar road foundations and the more flexible STRAILastic_KFV This simple clip-on insulation system tarmac surfacing. A poured sealing compound, generally allows rapid fitting of gauge tie The ORR guide includes illustrations of used to finish off the installation of bars, which secure the rails against the issues that can arise when the rail to road the STRAILastic system with a flexible the forces liable to cause lateral interface is not effective, and the STRAILastic but tenacious seal between the edges displacement or rotation (roll). range has been developed to tackle them in of the street surface and the faces This can occur when the final pour an economic and efficient manner. of the rails. The key advantages of of concrete is placed between and In STRAILastic – an alternative to factory STRAILastic_KFV are that it cures outside the rails, and also from encapsulation (TAUT 917) we highlighted with the application of water and forces placed on the rails in service, STRAILastic_W, the premium rail does not present any toxicity issues especially on curved track . The issue insulation system that offers the equivalent with fumes or storage. It can also be is noted on the HSE review (FE/04/14), of encapsulation with enhanced vertical combined with inert filler material for which advocates the use of gauge compliance to reduce transmission of rail filling larger spaces and joints. tie-bars to deal with the problem. vibration through the road and supporting ground foundations. Its more cost-effective partner STRAILastic_S balances price and performance in a popular product. For more details visit www.strail.com The ease and speed of fitting these units, with cut-outs for signalling and other wiring, Contact: +44 (0)1483 222090 or also includes insulated tie bars and a simple [email protected] system of GRP moulded baseplates and fixing clips to fix the track gauge and adjust rail levels and alignment. The illustrations shown on this page The STRAILastic_KFV sealing compound are from renewal and new-build tram being poured between street and rail surfaces. track in Hanover, Germany, where trams
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 299 Worldwide Review
ALGERIA the first part of the extension of CONSTANTINE. A consortium the line towards the town centre of Alstom, Isolux Corsan and to link with the tramway. Cosider have been awarded the Work on the new double-track DZD34.7bn (EUR322m) contract link starts on 1 September, and it to build the 13.2km (eight-mile) is hoped to extend the Vorchdorf two-line tramway second phase, – Gmunden service to Klosterplatz with completion to the airport from the December timetable expected in 2017. Only 11 of the change. EB 27 Citadis (101-127) are required WIEN (Vienna). Class A ULF at present. A. Senut, BS trams 101-6 were delivered at the SETIF. Tramway construction in end of May. The first use ofE2+c5 this city of 288 000 (300km/186 sets north of the Donau came at miles east of Algiers) was the end of March, when they were launched on 8 May. The DZD38bn allocated to Floridsdorf’s route 30 (EUR352m), 22.4km (14-mile) for the first time. system with two routes is a joint Siemens has been awarded a venture of Alstom and Yapi EUR40m contract to modernise Merkezi, and should open in the signalling on U-Bahn line U4, late 2017. Alstom will supply 40 while the proposed extension of The latest tramway extension in Brussels took route 62 to Eurocontrol (and 42m Citadis trams. A. Senut line U2 from Karlsplatz to Hbf the future NATO HQ) from 22 April. This view of 2044 was taken during driver has been cancelled in favour of familiarisation. Q. Joschko ARGENTINA building line U5 from Altes AKH reservation. All motor trafficwould MENDOZA. Seven more ex- (hospital) to Rathaus (600m), then BULGARIA be diverted to Connaught Rd. San Diego Duewag U2 LRVs were taking over line U2 to Karlsplatz, SOFIA. Tenders have been invited South China Morning Post shipped from Houston on 4 May to plus a new section for line U2 for the first section of metro line KUNMING. Wednesday 30 join the 11 already in Mendoza; 17 from Rathaus to Matzleinsdorfer 3, 7.2km (4.5 miles) from Ovcha April saw the inauguration of more will follow later this year.BS Platz (3.8km/2.4 miles). This Kupel to Vrazhdebna via the city 30km (18.6 miles) of new metro work will cost EUR950m, with the centre. TR extensions, with line 1 extended AUSTRALIA government contributing 50%. north to the railway station and MELBOURNE. The new state Original U-Bahn car 2022 has CAMEROON line 2 to the North Bus Station. budget includes funding for a rail been prepared as a museum exhibit YAOUNDÉ. The administrative At present through service is service between Southern Cross and has joined the collection ready capital of Cameroon may see the provided from line 1 to line 2, station and the airport, using a for the re-opening of the museum start of tramway construction but further extensions will create new branch off the Albion East in September. EB within two years. On 25 April an separate lines with just a short line. A ten-minute service with agreement was signed with the section of parallel running in the a running time of 25 minutes is BELGIUM Belgian company Préfarails to city centre. RGI proposed. BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. The provide XAF491bn (EUR750m) SHANGHAI. On 10 May metro There is also a proposal for a last 4000-series Bombardier Flexity in finance for a 50km (31-mile) line 12 was extended from new line between Southern Cross to be delivered was 4070 on 1 April. system. A. Senut Tiantong to Qufu, providing and South Yarra to provide relief Delivery of 3000-series trams 3121- interchange with line 10. to the Richmond – Flinders St 3150 started two days later and had CANADA urbanrail.net line, giving a capacity increase reached 3124 by the end of May. EDMONTON. The city council on service to the eastern suburbs, T-2000 has decided to move forward CZECH REPUBLIC and permitting cross-city service CHARLEROI. After 25 years with the proposed 27km (17-mile) PRAHA (Prague). It is reported from the airport. This would have out of service, 1982 BN tram Valley Line light rail project using that DPP (Dopravní podnik a station at Montague to provide 7445 has rejoined the active a 30-year PPP funding strategy. hlavního mesta Prahy) is trying interchange with tramline 109. fleet; 7439/49 will follow. This It is hoped construction will start to sell the 57 Škoda 14T low- Original restaurant tram W2 leaves 6100/20/4/34/52 (original in 2016 for completion at the end floor articulated trams that it 442, and SW5 728 have been numbers) laid up at Jumet. T-2000 of 2020. D. Drum purchased in 2006-09. The rigid moved to Bendigo. J. Chuang, TA GENT. A large terminal loop TORONTO. From 11 May-21 June bogie cars have not been deemed NEWCASTLE. The Infrastructure will be built at Flanders Expo by route 501 was diverted away from a success, apparently owing to Sub-Committee of the NSW the end of 2015, serving the new Queen and Leslie via Coxwell/ their interaction with the tracks Government Cabinet has IKEA store. T-2000 Gerrard/Broadview to permit and noisy gearboxes. endorsed the existing heavy rail OOSTENDE. The first trams to the new depot junction for Leslie The successor 15T ForCity has corridor, then Hynter St and Scott return from renovation (including carhouse to be installed. Queen been an improvement for both St to a terminus at Pacific Park. roof repairs) at Bombardier in and Broadview will be closed from passengers and operator; 94 of the J. Chuang Brugge were 6025/43-5; 6030 has 30 June to 27 July to permit track 250 on order have been delivered, SYDNEY. The Lilyfield – Dulwich officially been withdrawn, having replacement, with diversions via so there are plenty to come to Hill LRT line was closed for 24 not run since its 2011 accident. Coxwell/Gerrard/Parliament. replace the 13T, and there is a hours on 1 May due to a failure in Other accident victims 6035 and The first production Bombardier chance the replacement of more one of the new substations. 6048 have returned to service. low-floor tram 4403 was delivered modernised Tatra T3 trams will be Variotram 2106 has been T-2000 in May. Six of these trams will be deferred. scrapped. Sydney Morning Herald, TA ready to enter service on Spadina Strausberg KT8 22 has been sent BRAZIL line 510 on 31 August, operating back to Germany with a low-floor AUSTRIA PORTO ALEGRE. The metro from Roncevalles depot. The first centre section; Strausberg 21 and GMUNDEN – VORCHDORF. extension north from Santo 60 cars will feature trolley pole and 23 remain in the city, and after The last LRV to use the Seebahnhof Afonso to Novo Hamburgo opened pantograph. Toronto Star, D. Drum completion with low-floor centre at Gmunden was the on-loan on 8 May. urbanrail.net sections will join the fleet as 9056 Innsbruck 320 on 9 March, with SANTOS. Testing of the Vossloh CHINA and 9098. A. Prescott, BS service then cut back to Traundorf LRVs on the new tramway is due to HONG KONG. There are plans to until 10 June. From that date a new start in August; passengers should convert 1.5km (0.9 miles) of Des DENMARK temporary Seebahnhof terminus be able to use the line in the first Voeux Road Central to a tram and KØBENHAV N. The Government is to be brought into use, in effect quarter of 2015. GRN pedestrian precinct with a grassed has approved two branches off the
300 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Cityring light metro now under BERLIN. Prototype Bombardier voted against the proposed overhaul and repaint for special construction, to create a new Flexity Berlin 3001 has been EUR42m tramway link from service. BS line M4 from 2023. One will link brought up to production standard Eppelheim to Schwetzingen. DS ULM. EUR112m of the EUR155m Sønder Boulevard with Sydhavn with three new body sections and KASSEL. Fourteen Duewag required for the construction of (using part of the depot link) and renumbered 8026. BS Stadtbahn-N cars have been sold tramline 2 has been secured, and the second with link Østerport and CHEMNITZ. Routes 2, 6 and 522 to Gdansk in Poland; 403/7/17- the Land has now submitted a Nordhavn. were withdrawn from the railway 22 remain in Kassel, the first two request for federal funding that The latest tramway scheme to be station tram platforms from 8 because Bombardier cars 613-5 should provide the balance. DS the subject of a feasibility study is May to permit final work on the have had to be returned to the WUPPERTAL. With a ceremony a line from Herlev Hospital to facility to be completed, and stops factory for repair. They will follow on 4 April, the rebuilt Oberbarmen Sundyvester Plads on Amager via in the station forecourt. From 16 the other 12 to Poland later. BS depot was re-opened and the 19- Nørrebro and the central station. June route 4 is to use the railway KÖLN (Cologne). The fourth year Schwebebahn reconstruction station tram platforms, while rebuilt Stadtbahn-B car is 2428 formally brought to an end. ECUADOR route 2 switches to the former (ex-2199). DS In fact, passenger service was QUITO. Bids have been invited for route 4 terminus. DS KREFELD. The U76 departure not due to resume until 28 April. 18 six-car trains for the first 22.5km DORTMUND. Stadtbahn-B at 00.59 to Düsseldorf on 10 May Two further closure days were (14-mile) metro line, which will be cars 301-64 will receive a marked the end for the tram station announced for 14-15 June while electrified at 1500V dc overhead. A rebuild that will enable them in Rheinstrasse, first created in the rebuilt depot was brought further 32 cars will be needed as to operate for a further 20 1929. Work has started on a new into operation. BS traffic builds up during the first years (they were delivered in layout, for completion in summer seven years of operation. J IR 1986-99). Each car will take nine 2015. Trams reverse at Hbf or are HUNGARY months to rebuild with the first diverted via Philadelphiastrasse BUDAPEST. The final contract EGYPT due to enter service in 2017. A in the interim. The former branch for new trams signed with CAF on EL QAHIRA (Cairo). Metro contractor has yet to be chosen. BS to Tackheide was used to stable 22 April includes 47 rather than 37 line 3 was extended north-east by DUISBURG. A contract to trams until 19 May while the depot 56m trams and 35 short cars – the 7.7km (4.8 miles) from Abbasiya to modernise the fleet of ten-axle was inaccessible. additional ten are being financed Al Ahram on 7 May. urbanrail.net trams has been placed with The first Bombardier Flexity of from a cancelled trolleybus order. HeiterBlick and the first to be the second series was delivered on Tramline 17 was withdrawn FRANCE dealt with, 1042, was transferred 23 May, numbered 660. DS on 13 April. After reconstruction BESANÇON. Tramway operation to Leipzig on 15 May. DS MAINZ. A ceremony to mark and completion of a new link from on the 13.4km (8.3-mile) line from DÜSSELDORF. Preserved Düwag the start of construction on the Batthyány tér to Margit hid it will Hauts-du-Chazal to Chalezeule Grossraumwagen 2111 of 1954 has EUR84m Mainzelbahn tramway be linked with line 19 at Batthyány (T1) will begin on 1 September. returned to Düsseldorf, but only took place on 3 May. The 9.2km tér to create a new route linking Every tram will serve the 1.1km to provide spare parts for the (5.7-mile) line from Hbf to Bécsi út and Móricz Zsigmond (0.7-mile) branch to Gare Viotte Rheinbahn museum fleet. BS Lerchenberg should open in körtér from next summer. DS, BS (T2). FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN. The December 2016. DS MONTPELLIER. The new mayor so-called Waldbahn section of MÜNCHEN (Munich). Tenders INDONESIA has suspended all work to create tramway, used just one day per have been invited for a further 13 JAKARTA. At the Rasuna tramline 5 pending a review, but year for the Whitsun Wäldchestag, low-floor trams, four 34m cars, and Epicentrum in South Jakarta (a will continue the EUR40m project was not used by trams this year, nine 48m cars. Delivery should 44ha environmentally-focused to extend line 4 to Circulade for and is officially no longer part start before the end of 2017. IRJ retail, hotel, sports and residential completion in early 2016. Four of the network. A museum bus PLAUEN. Withdrawn KT4D 240 is complex) is a 1.2km (0.75-mile) more Citadis trams have been ran between Stresemannallee/ now located outside the fire station circular tramline, worked a ordered from Alstom. A. Senut Mörfelder Landstrasse and in the village of Schönbach, and is double-deck car powered by a NANTES. Monday 28 April saw Oberforsthaus instead. BS to serve as a pub during the village bio-diesel engine. the second stage of the tram- FREIBURG-IM-BREISGAU. festival on 12-13 July. DS Operations began on 16 train project introduced, with an The diversions resulting from the SAARBRÜCKEN. Passenger December 2011; however more additional six round trips between closure of the Bertoldsbrunnen service on the extension from recently new construction work Nantes and Sucé-sur-Erdr. In July stops to tram traffic for sewer Heusweiler to Lebach will start has prevented the tram from a further six round trips between and track renewal started on 10 on 6 October, finally completing operating. Skyscraper City Nantes and Nort-sur-Erdre will June and are due to last until 26 the line 20 years after the start of begin, followed by five more on 25 October. Route 2 from the north construction. BS ISLE OF MAN August. So far the operation has reverses at Siegesdenkmal, route SCHWERIN. The last surviving DOUGLAS. The opening week achieved 94% reliability and has 1 from the east at Schwabentor, Tatra T3D, 111, has been given an of the horse tram season was carried 100 000 passengers. A. Senut routes 2, 3 and 5 from the south NICE. On 7 May archeological at Holzmarkt, and routes 1, 3 and excavations started on the future 5 from the west at Stadttheater. A route 2 tram subway. A. Senut replacement circular bus service (both directions) connects all GERMANY these termini. VAG BIELEFELD. A referendum on HANNOVER. The building 25 May seeking approval for the permit for lines 10 and 17 in the proposed tramline 5 (Sennestadt city centre was issued on 7 May – Heepen) was rejected by 53.4% and work starts this summer in of voters. DS Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse, with BRAUNSCHWEIG. From 23 April completion expected in 2018. With until 23 December routes M1 and 2 eight 3000-series cars delivered will be replaced by buses between and 12 more on the production Rathaus and Stadion to permit line, the TÜV inspection authority the reconstruction of Hamburger has found that welds in the body Strasse. The northern section of structure are not to specification. line M1 Stadion – Wenden is being Remedial work is required before operated as an isolated shuttle the new stock can enter passenger with 9500-series trams, stabled service. DS Vienna’s latest tramway extension features an elevated station with an island overnight in the disused loop at HEIDELBERG. In a referendum platform, which means crossovers at each end of the viaduct so that it can be served Carl-Miele-Strasse. BS on 25 May, residents of Planckstadt by single-ended cars. ULF 759 is seen at Sussbrunner Strasse. R. Schwandl
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marred by the death of a horse Easter Rising. Also attending the LATVIA the Government is willing to while pulling a tram on 13 May. naming ceremony was Minister RIGA. A tourist tram service contribute has been reduced from It is believed the 17-year-old horse for Transport, Tourism and Sport using a replica two-axle tram PHP6bn (EUR100m) to PHP5bn suffered a stroke; he was removed Leo Varadkar. The bridge is a key operates from 1 May to 29 (EUR80m). The Philippine Star by trolley to the Strathallan stables component of the new Luas Cross September on Saturdays, Sundays to be attended to by a vet. It is the City line. and holidays. Departure point POLAND first time in living memory that a Construction of the bridge, is Ausekla Iela at 10.00, 11.43, ŁÓDZ. Tenders have been invited tram horse has died in service. which is already laid with tram 13.20, 14.46, 16.11 and 17.43, for 22 metre-gauge trams. The service operates seasonally track, began in September 2011; and the trip takes 65 minutes. Helsinki eight-axle Duewag until 14 September, with the first the National Transport Authority Tickets (EUR1.50) are purchased trams (ex-Mannheim) 163/5 have services leaving Strathallan at met the EUR13.5m cost. It is on board. Baltic Course been purchased and arrived on 11 09.00. The last tram leaves the expected that the main contracts May; 162/5 may follow. RGI Sea Terminal each day at 17.40, for the Cross City line will be NETHERLANDS POZNAN. The new Franowo tram finishing at Strathallan at 18.00. signed by the end of the year and AMSTERDAM. Tram 804 may depot opened its doors on 11 May main project works should start be rebuilt as a restaurant tram and can accommodate 100 trams IRELAND early in 2015. The aim is to have following the example of the new under cover with a workshop that DUBLIN. The Leap integrated the line in service during 2017. Hoftrammm in Den Haag. OR includes an underfloor wheel lathe. ticketing system has now replaced As part of advance works the DEN HAAG. Siemens Avenio The PLN258m (EUR62m) project almost all of the former Dublin famous ‘Molly Malone’ statue in 100% low-floor tram 5001 was was supported by EU funding and area combined tickets for use on Lower Grafton Street was removed to be delivered in June, after replaces Budziszynska depot. RGI Dublin Bus, DART or Luas. From 11 at the beginning of May, and after being unveiled to the press at the May the separate Luas smartcard a six-week period of conservation Wildenrath test track on 22 May, QATAR ceased to be available for top-ups and restoration will be moved to a while the mid-life overhaul of DOHA. The ALYSJ consortium, and will no longer be valid for temporary site outside the Tourist trams 3101-47 has been completed, led by the Greek construction travel from the end of July, but Information Centre in Suffolk including replacement of exterior group Ellaktor, has been awarded with free transfer to a Leap card Street. It will be returned to Lower mirrors with cameras. the EUR3.2bn contract to design offered until September. Grafton Street after completion of 150 years of tramway operation and build the 30.6km (19-mile) Over 500 000 cards are now in the tram works. will be celebrated on 5 July with a Gold Line metro, the third line to use in the Dublin area and day Irish Police are introducing tram parade from Eisenhowerlaan be approved. and weekly tickets for visitors camera surveillance to catch to Kerkplein via Scheveningen The project is due to be have been withdrawn, with a motorists ignoring red lights – for further details see completed by August 2018, and daily cap being applied to Leap at Luas priority junctions. The www.htm.nl/150jaartram. will link Airport City North and cards and visitors encouraged Gardai, in conjunction with the The museum group has the city centre. RGI to use this facility. Expansion of Railway Procurement Agency completed the restoration of the card to other Irish cities is to and the City Council, hope to two-axle one-man car 77. OR RUSSIA be completed by the end of next have all major junctions covered ROTTERDAM. RET Director SANKT PETERBURG. The 72nd year, with Cork already live. by cameras by the end of the year. Pedro Peters has announced anniversary of the restoration of Dublin Bus is expected to follow closer working with his colleague tram service after the lifting of the the London example and phase ITALY at HTM, and it seems that the German blockade during World out all ticket issue on vehicles, FIRENZE. The agreement to prospect of a tramway link War Two was marked on 15 April but it is expected that DART and complete tramlines 2 (Aeroporto between the Rotterdam and Den by a convoy of two-axle trams Luas will retain their current ticket – Piazza dell’Unita) and 3 (Careggi Haag systems via Schiebroek and on route 6 featuring MS 2424, machines for casual sales for the – Santa Maria Novella) was signed Delft is now a real possibility. BS MSP 2384, MS 2135 and MS 2642 foreseeable future. on 24 April, with EUR120.8m of carrying war veterans. N. Semyonov The official opening of the Rosie the EUR425m cost coming from NEW ZEALAND YEKATERINBURG. Plans have Hackett Bridge took place on 20 the Government. Completion is AUCKLAND. Electric commuter been announced for a second May when Dublin’s Lord Mayor expected by March 2019. TR trains carried passengers for the metro line, with construction Oisín Quinn named the bridge in NAPOLI. ANM has invited first time on 27 April. The first of to start in 2016. There will honour of the trade union activist expressions of interest for the the 57 CAF-built EMUs entered be interchange with line 1 at who was present at historic events supply of ten new metro trains to service on the Onehunga line the Ploschad 1905 goda. RGI at nearby Liberty Hall during join the current fleet of 90 two-car following day. Radio New Zealand the 1913 ‘Lock Out’ and the units. TR SAUDI ARABIA NORWAY DAMMAN. On 19 May the OSLO. Bridge renewal on the Council of Ministers approved Ekebergsbanan mean that service an integrated transport network on lines 18 and 19 is cut back to for the city valued at SAR60bn Ljabru until November. Other (EUR11.8bn), to be implemented closures are taking place this by 2021, including a two-line light summer as track is relaid to permit rail network. IRJ 2.65m-wide trams to operate JEDDAH. A consultant has without restriction. been appointed to carry out the Preserved trams 70+647 operate design of a 101km (63-mile) metro a free service from Stortorvet to system; AECOM Technology will Majorstuen and back at 12.00, report before the end of the year. 13.00 and 14.00 on the first Sunday RGI of the month this summer. MfSS SOUTH KOREA PHILIPPINES INCHEON. The 6.1km (3.8- MANILA. A South Korean mile) maglev train between consortium has been awarded the Incheon International Airport USD5.41m (EUR4m) contract for and Yongyu, with six stations, is the 4.1km (2.5-mile) extension of expected to open in July following Dublin's Rosie Hackett Bridge in the final phase of completion of road works on MRT-2 from Recto to Santolan. The demonstration runs in May. 11 May. The new tramline extends across Eden Quay and into Marlborough Street tender deadline for bids to build HyundaiRotem has supplied the on the north side of the River Liffey. It will be a public transport priority route for the MRT-1 extension was put back four trains, capable of 111km/h buses and trams in one direction. John Symons a month to 28 May. The amount (70mph). Shanghai.com
302 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org SWEDEN could be extended to Broc to cater GÖTEBORG. On 22 April for tourists visiting the factory, 600m of temporary double-track though this might require an between Gamlestadstorget and infrastructure rebuild. A. Moglestue Ejdergatan for lines 6, 7 and 11 GENEVE – LA PLAINE (CFF). was brought into use. From 3 It is understood that 14 July will November it will be extended be the last day of operation for the and also used by lines 4, 8 and 9 LRVs on this service, as the voltage to/from Angered. The temporary change is imminent. tram track will be in service for about LAUSANNE. Light rail line M1 three years during the complete will operate Renens – UNIL only remodelling of Gamlestadstorget. from 7 July-24 August to permit The rejected alternative was an infrastructure work on the Flon extensive replacement bus service section. tram to Angered and Bergsjön for 18 ZÜRICH. The depot at Escher- months. G. Zettermark Wyss-Platz is to be rebuilt with NORRKÖPING. The six ex-Berlin apartments built over the western Tatra T6 trams (10-15) have been side of the facility. BS sold to a dealer, who hopes to resell them in Eastern Europe. MfSS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES STOCKHOLM. Tvärbanan DUBAI. Fares have been Work in progress at the Nottingham Express Transit Beeston Centre stop site, service between Sickla Udde and announced for the 10.6km UK, on 15 April. The outbound track seen in the foreground is some distance away from the inbound equivalent at this location so that bus stop bays can occupy the Alvik is suspended from 21 June to (6.6-mile) tramline, to open in median space. Mike Haddon 18 August to permit infrastructure November. Although the whole work. The detached northern line is within Zone 2, fares will vary Railway station at Pudding Mill contactless payment cards which section from Alvik to Solna C between AED1.80 (EUR0.36) and Lane opened on 28 April and is are currently under trial by 5000 is closed from 21 June to 21 July AED5 (EUR1) according to whether now the largest station on the passengers. It is hoped to make to allow infrastructure work at the trip is 3km (1.9 miles) or less, if network. It incorporates a longer this facility generally available Alvik. When it re-opens, so will Red, Silver or Gold class is chosen, section of double track, which later this year and, in due course, the extension to Solna station. and whether the Nol smartcard has provided a 20% increase to extend the facility to mobile There will be another closure is used. There will also be a day in capacity on the increasingly phone applications. period from 13-18 August for ticket. Services will operate 05.00- busy Stratford to Canary Wharf/ Following termination of the commissioning of the ATP 01.00 with a six-minute headway Lewisham service. Underground signalling project signalling system. at peaks, reducing to ten minutes The station had to be rebuilt with Bombardier, London The 15 CAF trams 451-465 have in non-peak times. emirates24/7 and relocated to make room for Underground has invited Thales moved from Bromma to Ulvsund a tunnel portal for one of the to tender for the new signalling depot, while 1950s preserved UNITED KINGDOM Crossrail lines that is to open in system to cover the Circle, T-banan train 2208, 2415, BLACKPOOL. Removal of 2018. DLR passengers will be able Hammersmith, District and 2367 + 2208 has been restored free travel on the tramway for to interchange with Crossrail, Metropolitan lines. It is hoped to operating condition and is Concessionary Pass holders London Underground, London the project can still be delivered available for hire. MfSS, TR other than Blackpool residents Overground and National Rail at by 2018 and that it will then has brought protest. Residents of Stratford station, and it is expected deliver increases in capacity of SWITZERLAND adjoining boroughs, particularly that this will further increase 65% on the Hammersmith & City BASEL. The Federal Government Wyre through which the tramway demand on the DLR line. line, 27% on the Metropolitan has promoted the CHF87.8m operates, have petitioned for it to LONDON (TRAMLINK). line, and 24% on the District. (EUR71.8m) St Louis tram project be reinstated. Free travel remains Reconstruction of a bridge at NOTTINGHAM. A symbolic to its priority A list, which should on the parallel bus services; local Spring Lane, Woodside, was to stage in the expansion of enable work to start in 2015. authorities have declined to see partial closure of Tramlink Nottingham’s tram network Meanwhile another international provide additional funding. between Addiscombe and Elmers came on May 28 with the welding project, the extension of line 8 to The early summer timetable End/Beckenham Junction on 24 together of the track linking the Weil am Rhein in Germany, will on the tramway was introduced May-1 June. Trams from Therapia existing network to the Phase Two open on 14 December. from 22 April with a 12-minute Lane and West Croydon were to extensions. It means the new lines Delivery of new 42m Bombardier daytime headway, reducing to terminate at Addiscombe, with crossing the 104m bridge over trams Be6/8 5001-44 will start this 20-minutes in the early evening a replacement bus service in Nottingham station are connected autumn; 30m Be4/6 6001-17 will and to 30-minutes from 20.15 to place between East Croydon and for the first time. follow later. Eglisee loop is being end of service. Sundays have a Beckenham Junction. Daytime testing of new Alstom rebuilt between 29 April and 24 15-minute daytime headway with LONDON (UNDERGROUND). Citadis trams began in May, and October, with trams extended to 30-minutes in the evening. Transport for London is to vacate it is hoped that following test Riehen. tram GLASGOW. The subway is to the 55 Broadway address above mileage and staff induction they BERN. The section of tramway to run a full peak hour service St James’s Park Underground will operate in service from July. Fischermätteli will be closed from throughout the day during the station in favour of new premises Some 13 of the 22 trams were on 21 June-18 July to permit track Commonwealth Games from at Olympic Park during 2018. hand at the end of April with the work. Route 6 cars temporarily run 23 July-3 August. Weekend hours A 25 000m2 office block will remainder due to be delivered from Bahnhof to Weissenbühl, of operation will be extended from become the new headquarters, by the autumn. They will allow replacing route 3. 23.30 to 01.30 on Saturdays, and while the existing Grade 1 listed improvement in headways on For more on Bern's impressive from 18.00 to 01.30 on Sundays. It premises are likely to be sold for the existing lines and, with the urban transport network, see is expected that all trains will be in residential development. refurbished original fleet, will Systems Factfile on page 294. BS service and that daily loadings will There has been further action enable the new Phase Two lines BULLE (TPF). TPF is proposing to increase from 40 000 to as many by the RMT Union over plans to to Chilwell and Clifton to come convert the Bulle – Broc Fabrique as 120 000. reduce the number of ticket offices, on stream. It is now expected that section of metre-gauge line to LLANDUDNO. The Great Orme while TfL has been pressing ahead the lines will be largely complete standard gauge, to eliminate the Tramway is open daily for the with enhancements to ticket by December with public services need for chocolate shipments to summer season, with services machines to allow the issue of on- starting early in the new year. be carried using converter bogies. running until 2 November. the-spot refunds to passengers Ticket vending machines are There is also a suggestion that LONDON (DOCKLANDS). The who have been overcharged on now operational at all stops and Bern – Bulle Interregio trains newly relocated Docklands Light their Oyster cards or on use of the normal sale of tickets by
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Council for an extension of the line now under construction in Kansas City across the Missouri River to Northland. E. B. Havens LOS ANGELES, TX. The Culver City – Santa Monica light rail extension is 60% complete, with an opening date for the USD1.5bn project being revealed in July. Plans have been unveiled for A map of the tramline that will link West Sacramento and the Convention Center, USA. Blue lines are the existing LRT. HDR Inc an extension of the Gold light rail line east from East LA Civic conductors on trams has ceased. WEST YORKSHIRE. T he CINCINNATI, OH. The city Centre to Whittier, with two However, conductors have been Leeds New Generation Transport centre tramway should be complete alternative routes put out to retained for a short period in trolleybus scheme public inquiry by April 2016, permitting service consultation. Passenger service is order to sell tickets to people started at the end of April and to start in July or August in time unlikely before 2035. unaware of the new arrangements. was expected to last for eight for the Republican Convention On 21 May federal funding In future all ticket sales will be weeks as around 1700 objections (if it is allocated to Cincinnati), worth USD2.1bn was announced made off-vehicle either by were heard. The scheme is being although the official date is still to extend the Purple Line metro by purchase from vending machines promoted by Leeds City Council 15 September 2016. E. B. Havens 15.2km (9.4 miles) from Wilshire/ or by using a Mango smartcard, and Metro (the West Yorkshire EL PASO, TX. Although the city Vermont to Century City and which is also available on all Passenger Transport Executive). planned to restore the nine PCCs Westwood by 2024. E. B. Havens Trent Barton buses in the area. One of the first objectors was stored in the open near the airport MINNEAPOLIS – ST. PAUL, MN. Season tickets can also be bought Greg Mulholland MP (Lib Dem, for its new city centre tramway, The new light rail station at Target from the machines, the city centre Leeds North West) who wrote it now appears the decision is Field in Minneapolis opened on 17 travel office or online. to Inquiry Inspector Martin swinging towards replica cars, May. With the Central light rail SOUTH YORKSHIRE. The Whitehead setting out his view with perhaps just one old PCC line opening on 14 June, proposals second phase of ongoing tram that the trolleybus project is “not restored. have been unveiled for transit in rail replacement for 2014 right” for the city. Restoring all the trams would the Gateway Corridor from St Paul was completed on time with Mr Mulholland believes that cost USD93m, more than the Union Station east. The choice Supertram services restored to a light rail system such as the budget to build the line. Replicas between a busway or extending Halfway from 26 May. Half of Supertram scheme scrapped by would cost USD1.2m each. light rail will not be made until the work programmed for this Labour ministers in 2005 would FULLERTON, CA. A study has 2015, and passengers will not be year has been completed and do more to ease congestion on key concluded that a modern tramway carried until 2022. E. B. Havens VolkerRail was to move on to the routes in his constituency. is the best transit mode to link the NEW YORK, NY. The USD1.4bn next phase of the works on Cricket city centre and University. The Fulton Center transit hub is to Inn Road, Parkway Viaduct in both USA USD177m system would require open on 26 June, connecting directions and at the junction at ATLANTA, GA. The USD3.9m/ five trams. E. B. Havens subway lines 2-5, A, C, J and Z Woodburn Road from 27 May. year-operating contract for the GALVESTON, TX. The city with the World Trade Center This entails a five-week closure USD59m city centre tramway loop council has made no decision on complex and PATH. ERA with replacement bus services over has been awarded to MARTA, the the re-instatement of the diesel OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. several sections. metro operator. E. B. Havens heritage tramway, closed due Consultants are recommending All works were to be suspended AUSTIN, TX. Project Connect, a to hurricane damage, but has that the city tram loop be put out on 5-6 July due to the running joint office of the city council and resolved to provide a rubber-tyred to tender as a wire-free operation. of the Tour de France in the area, Capital Metro, has recommended ‘trolley’ service in order not to lose The USD94.4m project is expected when provision of an enhanced a 15km (9-mile) modern tramway a federal grant for recovery work. to open in 2017. tram service was expected. from Highland Mall to Grove E. B. Havens ORLANDO, FL. The Tri-Rail TYNE & WEAR. Local MP Boulevard, and hope it could INDUSTRY. The parent company operated 50km (31-mile) SunRail Sharon Hodgson has tabled a be built by 2030 at a cost of of United Streetcar, Oregon Iron commuter rail service between petition in the UK Parliament for around USD1.38bn. A November Works, has announced a merger DeBary and Sand Lake Road was a Metro extension to Washington. referendum will decide on with another Portland company, launched on 1 May, with free rides The petition of almost 1600 bonding authority. E. B. Havens Vigor Marine. The deal was until 16 May. The USD1.05bn signatures had been collected BATON ROUGE, LA. A USD2m expected to be complete by the project (including USD432m by a 16-year-old schoolboy and federal TIGER grant is being end of June. Vigor Marine builds to buy the CSX railway tracks) followed publication of plans sought for a 4.8km (three-mile) fishing vessels and barges. uses diesel-hauled double-deck by Nexus for the future of the city centre tramline connecting Oregon Iron Works will continue coaches. E. B. Havens Metro network, including three the Louisiana State University and to operate under its own name PHILADELPHIA, PA (SEPTA). stations in Washington, as well Nicholson St. E. B. Havens for a time, but will eventually be Trams on line 11 are operating as an announcement from the CHARLOTTE, SC. Tr a c k rebranded as a Vigor company. between City Hall and Island/ North East Local Enterprise construction for the Arena – E. B. Havens Woodland only from 1 June to 30 Partnership that it will be Presbyterian Hospital tramline ISSAQUAH, WA. Her itage August to permit renewal of the compiling a business case. (Lynx Gold line) started in Uptown tramway service resumed on level crossing with CSX railway Nexus has paid tribute to a on 27 May. E. B. Havens 17 May, operating at weekends tracks in Darby. Route 13 trams former Director General, who CHICAGO, IL. T he 50 t h 11.00-15.00. The line uses will terminate at Yeadon loop. oversaw the construction and anniversary of the 8.2km ex-Lisboa tram 519, rebuilt by E. B. Havens opening of the Tyne and Wear (five-mile) Skokie Swift (Yellow) Gomaco. E. B. Havens SACRAMENTO, CA. The FTA has Metro system in the late 1970s and line was marked on 19 April by KANSAS CITY, MO. Following a given the green light to the city’s early 1980s. Desmond Fletcher the operation of preserved 1923 court rejection of delaying tactics, USD150m plan for a central area died in April, aged 88. During his set 4271/2 on four round trips a groundbreaking ceremony for tramway distributor from 15th time with the PTE, Mr Fletcher was between Dempster and Howard. the USD114m, 3.5km (2.2-mile) St to West Sacramento across the tasked with overseeing the The outer end of this line was city centre tramline was held on Tower Bridge, to be completed in massive construction project on part of the Chicago North Shore 22 May, with completion planned 2017. the Metro system, then the launch and Milwaukee interurban until for December 2015. An environmental review will of the service in August 1980, 1963, and retained overhead A feasibility study is being now be conducted to permit as well as the official opening by current collection until 2004. carried out by North Kansas City submission of a bid for 50% federal the Queen in November 1981. E. Bronsky and the Mid-America Regional funding. E. B. Havens
304 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org SAN JOSE, CA. A new reversing National Harbour convention workshop undergoing a major is currently owned by Scottish siding has been built on the centre/casino. However this is overhaul and is planned to be back Water, is listed on the Buildings Sunnyvale line at Levi Stadium, over the DC border in Maryland, in service in time for an ‘Electric at Risk Register for Scotland and in anticipation of increased which implies the need for a cost- 50’ event on 13-14 September. would need significant repairs. The patronage when the BART sharing agreement. Meanwhile Primary funding for the group has applied to the Heritage extension opens in 2017. the launch of passenger service on restoration of Sheffield 510 Lottery Fund but needs its existing ST LOUIS, MO. Following the H St/Benning line has slipped was provided by the Tramcar premises to be successful, to allow dismissal of a lawsuit against the to October. Sponsorship Organisation (TSO) it to meet HLF funding rules. planned Delmar Loop tramway, The third United Streetcar tram and for 106 has come from HEATON PARK (UK). Blackpool work on the line started in May. was delivered in early June, so the the London County Council double-deck Balloon 702 arrived E. B. Havens fleet is complete. E. B. Havens Tramways Trust (LCCTT). Both at the Heaton Park Tramway SAN FRANCISCO (BART). YAKIMA, WA. The ex-Porto organisations are associated with after extended storage at the The 16km (ten-mile) standard- trams will be operating again this the museum and their objective East Lancashire Railway at the gauge BART feeder line year at weekends and holidays is to raise money for tramcar end of April. It is now resident at from Antioch to Pittsburgh/ from 24 May to 1 September, restoration. the Lakeside depot; fundraising Bay Point in the median of State with departures from South 3rd On the debit side the Tramway will be required to restore it to Highway 4 (eBART) will be worked Ave/Pine St at 10.00, 12.00 and Museum Society has decided not operating condition. by eight Stadler GTW2/6 DMUs, 14.00. YVT to restore Leeds 602 to operating SEATON (UK). Tram 12 was re- to be built in Switzerland under a condition, despite the offer of a launched into scheduled service USD58m contract. E. B. Havens MUSEUM NEWS legacy to help with costs. The tram at the late Spring Bank Holiday SEATTLE, WA. Sound Transit COVENTRY (UK). The Electric will be conserved in its present weekend in May after repainting has offered to pay the University Railway Museum at Baginton is condition. in (London) Metropolitan livery of Washington USD43m to move organising open weekends for 12- DUNDEE (UK). The Dundee and with promotional displays for its laboratory away from potential 13 July and 13-14 September, and Museum of Transport has opened; the Cats Protection charity. electromagnetic interference is also open 10.30-16.30 every although currently based in a The vehicle dates from 1966 emanating from the Northgate second Saturday of the month renovated industrial warehouse when it was built as a single- light rail subway now under from April to October inclusive. at Market Mews, there are hopes deck tram at Eastbourne. It was construction. E. B. Havens Admission is free and visitors that it will move into the former re-gauged at Seaton in 1971 and TACOMA, WA. A business group will be able to view the collection Maryfield tram depot. The group rebuilt as a double-decker with has offered to pay USD58 000 of electric locomotives and behind the museum has been open top deck in 1980. to delay the implementation for carriages. working to renovate vehicles for The tram was restyled in 1999 two years of fares on the Tacoma CRICH (UK). Blackpool 167, display, including a double-decker by the addition of a Feltham Link tramline, planned for which had been on loan to Aberdeen tram, and Dundee’s last style driver’s cab and repainting September. E. B. Havens Beamish since January, left there horse-drawn tram. in London Transport livery, TUCSON, AZ. The last two of the on 28 April for a stay on the The Aberdeen tram dates back and subsequently distinctively eight trams for the new line were Blackpool system. It is expected to 1901 and is the last remaining decorated in 1970s-style delivered in May, and the fleet was to return to Crich in late August. electric Aberdeen Corporation ‘psychedelia’ in 2010 to mark the expected to be ready to open the The latest visitor from Blackpool, tram. It was in service until 1930, 40th anniversary of operation tramline on 25 July. It will operate modified Balloon 711, has been when it became a summerhouse at Seaton. from 07.00 to midnight Sunday- successfully tested at Crich and is at Loriston. The horse tram was Wednesday, and 07.00-02.00 expected to be in regular operation Dundee 24 of 1887; it was taken CONTRIBUTORS Thursday-Saturday. E. B. Havens during the summer season. out of service at the turn of the Worldwide items should be sent to WASHINGTON, DC. A The major overhaul of Sheffield last century when electric vehicles Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin USD90 000 study has been 510 has been completed and the took over. It had also been used as a at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, launched into the feasibility tram formed the main attraction summerhouse in Perth and retains Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK – of extending the Anacostia when it was re-launched at the its original interior. Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or tramline by 7.7km (4.8 miles) ‘Best of Sheffield’ event on 17 The Maryfield tram depot, e-mail: [email protected]. from Bolling Air Force Base to May. LCC 106 is currently in the which dates back to 1901 and UK and Ireland items are welcomed by the Home News Editor, John Symons, 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail [email protected]. Contributors this month include David Clarke, Mike Haddon and R Ellis. Acknowledgements are also due to BS Blickpunkt Strassenbahn, DS Drehscheibe, EB Eisenbahn, Edinburgh Evening News, ERA Electric Railroaders Association, GRN G l o b a l Rail News, IRJ International Railway Journal, Irish Times, Metro, MfSS Meddelanden från Svenska Spårvägssälskapet, MTMS, North Wales Pioneer, Nottingham Evening Post, OR Op De Rails, RGI Railway Gazette International, Seaton Tramway, TR Today's Railways, tram, TA Transit Australia, The Scotsman, TMS Tramway Museum Society, T-2000 Tram 2000, urbanrail. San Francisco’s Market Street Railway never operated PCC cars, but this view of newly restored double-ended example 1011 net, VT Verkehr und Technik, YVT shows what their livery might have looked like on their home territory. P. Ehrlich Yakima Valley Trolleys.
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 305 Letters
MAILBOX Get your views into print Letters should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. [email protected] +44 (0)1733 367615 We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication.
Why the UK’s light rail revolution needs to make more noise
Am I alone in being astonished by the UK’s failure to grasp how town with a modern tramway that has a population of under new tramway systems can revitalise the economy, improve 200 000 – Ed]. This is an abysmal performance. the urban environment and benefit the travelling public? Perhaps the LRTA should be campaigning for Government In their informative contribution to the May issue support for pilot schemes for new systems in suitable larger (Re-fuelling the UK’s Light Rail Revolution, TAUT 917), Bob towns and cities? It’s never too late to make up for past Collis, Mike Grimsey, Tim Strong and Paul Griffiths try hard negligence. I say ‘campaign’, but I mean make a pressing case to be upbeat. Nothing, however, can alter the fact that as that is capable of convincing sceptical civil servants and they themselves say, “the light rail revolution seems to have politicians of the many benefits these could bring. quietly continued”. ‘Quietly’ is the word, with just two Think of the new jobs that might be created, even new new systems having opened in the 14 years since 2000 – one manufacturing plants, so that the UK could take advantage of of those was the Edinburgh system that opened just a couple worldwide light rail expansion to bid for new construction, of weeks ago. In that time no less than 17 new systems have components and rolling stock. Should our light rail revolution opened in France, and proved successful. Are the needs and continue so ‘quietly’ that it’s almost inaudible, or should it parameters so very different in the UK? rapidly gather momentum in truly revolutionary fashion? Elsewhere in continental Europe existing systems are Arthur Percival, Faversham (UK) constantly being expanded. Most German cities wouldn’t function efficiently without them. I think of Freiburg-im- “Should our light rail revolution continue Bresgau, with a 19 route-mile (31 route-km) network, a fleet of modern rolling stock, and rush-hour headways of between so ‘quietly’ that it’s almost inaudible, or five and eight minutes. It’s not an especially large city either, with a population of just 230 000. should it rapidly gather momentum in In the UK how many towns with a population of over 200 000 have tramways? Just a handful. [Blackpool is the only truly revolutionary fashion?”
More suggestions for the Abbey Line a Tube line extension ending in a tunnel A real shame, and something I can’t help As a former resident of St Albans, UK, terminus under the Post Office in the main but feel wouldn’t happen elsewhere… I was interested to see the article in the June street of St Albans. Then came the Green Name and address supplied – by e-mail edition (918) about the plans to convert the Belt and the end of St Albans as a London Abbey Line to light rail operation. suburb (to the relief of many Albanians). Paris expansion It is not surprising that economics Paul Fletcher, Lee-on-the-Solent (UK) It was fascinating to read the ‘Systems should militate against floating off the Factfile Special’ in the latest issue (918) line as a separate enterprise. Apart from Making St Albans work that focused on two of the latest additions losing its share in all the protective It was very interesting to read of the trials to Paris’ absolutely fantastic modern overheads of the franchise under which and tribulations of Hertfordshire County tramway service. Given its successes it currently operates, there is the cost of Council and its partners in trying to with traditional ‘steel wheel on steel rail’ conversion to light rail operation. separate the Abbey Line from the national services, it does seem a little unusual that Little isolated light rail lines perhaps network and convert it to light rail the Translohr system was used for T5 need to be under one common ownership, operation to increase service frequency however, especially noting the author’s like FEVE in Spain. and reduce costs. Are we surprised that comments about restricted interior space The main bugbear on the Abbey Line this proved too difficult a project to and a harsher ride. seems to be the infrequent services. achieve in the UK? Nevertheless, Paris is a city that appears What happened to the passing loop at The aims of the scheme were admirable, to be truly committed to increasing public Bricket Wood that was used in steam and I am sure that the technical and transport share through investment in operation days? Restore that and it might financial obstacles are nothing that could tramway and metro modes as in every be possible to increase the frequency to not be overcome – for instance, I know issue of TAUT we seem to read of new every 20-30 minutes and so enhance the where there is a whole fleet ofT68 extensions and further investment in the line as a heavy rail concern. high-floor trams that could be bought French capital. The problems that the city No doubt development has been for a song, and many of the UK’s tramways has are exemplified with the news story in considered and rejected, e.g. through use former heavy rail alignments! the previous issue about the atmospheric trains to Euston, or through trains to Sadly it seems that the inflexibility of issues that led to free tram travel being Stansted Airport: Watford – St Albans – the complicated arrangements within offered for a weekend to try to combat the Welwyn Garden City – Hertford – Bishops the current franchised railway and air pollution. Stortford – which could be achieved by the relationships with the existing It shows that at least the French some resurrection of abandoned lines and stakeholders got in the way. are acting to combat the impact of a new curve at Rye House onto the Great If there had been a genuine will to air pollution, and it is telling that Eastern mainline. deliver this project and create a better TramForward repeatedly calls for action in To extend the line from the Abbey service for passengers, I can only imagine the UK – but sadly, no more comes of it! terminus into St Albans town centre that it could have been made to work. H. Paulsen, by e-mail would require a rack because of the steep It could have been a very valuable pilot change in level. scheme of an innovative new approach for Nordhausen correction I remember it was mooted in the 1930s the UK, but I’m sure that even the lessons I have a minor correction to the article on that the Abbey Line would become part of learnt will be consigned to a dusty shelf. Nordhausen in TAUT 918.
306 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Of the Nordhausen cars, 101–104 are uni-directional and 105–109 are ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING bi-directional. The three Combino Duos are Saturday 20 September 2014 of course bi-directional as stated. The LRTA’s 77th AGM will take place at Otherwise many thanks for the very the Novotel Edinburgh Park, 15 Lochside interesting magazine. Avenue, Edinburgh EH12 9DJ. Attendance Finn Hørsted, Virum, Denmark is open to all members who have paid their subscription and produce a valid Can any T68s be saved? membership card. Its sad to note that Manchester Metrolink's Any member requiring to submit original fleet of trams are being scrapped, business for transaction is asked to notify (see TAUT 918). Are these 20-year-old the Secretary Peter Snook in writing at 138 vehicles really good for nothing but Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent, DA16 2BY breaking up? Presumably all the disposal Haddon Mike ([email protected], + 44 (0) 7764 199365) options have been considered and all but to arrive before 19 July. It must bear the the scrap option rejected. “I find it hard to believe signatures of at least 20 current members. I find it hard to believe that homes either in the UK or overseas could not be found that homes either in the UK Election of Directors of the for at least some of these vehicles, where or overseas could not LRTA (Council): they could usefully have a second life. Three of the Directors (Geoffrey Claydon, In the same edition is the tale of the be found for at least some of Iain MacDonald and Paul Rowen) will retire abortive attempt to transform St Albans by rotation at the AGM – together with the heavy rail Abbey Line to light rail the T68 vehicles…” Secretary, Peter Snook. Those retiring may operation. Could T68 trams not be used offer to be re-elected for a further term. here at little cost, so transforming the examples were not preserved. In 65 years Nominations from the membership for economic case? from now who is to say that hands will any of these vacancies are also invited. These vehicles being put to the breaker's again not be being wrung as to why more A nomination form is available from torch suggests history is yet again examples of the T68 were never preserved the Secretary, but a completed letter of repeating itself. I refer to the infamous in some way? nomination will also be accepted. photographs of Manchester's first Do these trams really have to be A candidate must be an LRTA member generation trams being incinerated scrapped – and has anyone good news and be proposed by two other members. en masse at Hyde Road 65 years ago. about preservation? At least eBay should The deadline for nominations to reach the Hands are now wrung over this, with be given a chance! Secretary is 19 July. questions as to why at least one or two Mike Barber, Cefn-y-bedd, Wrexham
Destination Waterfront City changes over the last 40 by Randall Wilson and Dale Budd years. There are track/ 76 pages, A4, landscape, perfect bound in laminated card covers. route maps of both 104 colour photos, two maps, 14 line drawings. Published by Transit the city centre and the Australia Publishing, GPO Box 1017, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia. whole system. Available at lrta.info/shop or from LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Melbourne Wokingham, RG41 1HL at £32.50 plus P&P £3.25 UK, £6.50 outside UK. has moved ahead ISBN 978 0 909459 25 3. significantly in recent years, but the decisions Several editions of Destination City were the definitive guide to of the past mean the Melbourne’s tramway rolling stock, but the last appeared in 1993. tram fleet is anything Now the world’s largest tramway (260km/162 miles and 500 trams) but standardised. has been given an up to date review taking the story from the iconic It is doubtful if the W class trams to the latest Bombardier E class low-floor car. era of over 400 W class will ever be reflected in the current fleet, The text includes a brief historical summary and a full although as this book explains in detail the W trams were never description of all the trams that you will find on the city’s streets standardised. The strength of the Australian Dollar makes this an today, plus something about museum trams. The collection of expensive purchase, but the quality is excellent and you will not be photographs is excellent, giving a good impression of livery disappointed. MRT
The full list of the year’s meetings and meeting places MEETINGS & EVENTS can also be found at www.lrta.org
JUNE 2014 Geoff Price: G-scale garden tramway Saturday 19. Beeston Festival of Saturday 26. Beeston 14.00. Saturday 21. Taunton 14.00. Andy party in Halton, Lancaster. (TLRS) Model Tramways (Outing) – Modelling challenge and photo Steel: A tramway update. (TLRS) Manchester. (TLRS) competition. (TLRS) Thursday 26. Dartford 19.30. JULY 2014 Saturday 19. Garstang 14.00. Visit to Ann Watkins: Dartford and Wednesday 9. Brighton Festival of Model Tramways, AUGUST 2014 Gravesend Tramways. (TLRS) (Southwick) 19.40. Tom Canneaux: Manchester. (TLRS) Wednesday 13. Brighton Thursday 26. Manchester European adventure – Part 1: Europe Saturday 19 & Sunday 20. (Southwick) 19.40. Chris Warren: Metrolink ride, meet at St Peter's under the wires. (TLRS) Manchester: 10.00-17.00. Festival of European adventure – Part 2: Before Square 18.30 for 19.00. Oldham and Tuesday 15. London 19.00. David Model Tramways. Venue: Museum of and later in Europe. (TLRS) Rochdale including town centre lines. Connor: London Area AGM. Transport, Boyle Street, Manchester, Monday 18. Wickham 19.30. Ian Saturday 28. Beeston 14.00. Tuesday 15. London 19.20. David M8 8UW. (TLRS) Gledhill: San Francisco, part 2. (TLRS) Tony Stevenson: Blackpool Connor: Members Evening. Monday 21. Wickham 19.30. Carl Saturday 30. Beeston 14.00. Bring Tramways. (TLRS) Wednesday 16. Bristol 19.30. Alan Isgar: 'Upside Down Tramways', A Thing – discuss work in progress, Saturday 28. Garstang 14.00. Wilkins: Latest travels. trams in Australia. (TLRS) holiday photos or memorabilia. (TLRS)
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 307 Classic Trams
PART 75 YEARS OLD 2 AT SEASHORE Following last issue’s brief history of the background of the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine, Herbert Pence looks at maintenance and operations, and the prospects for the museum’s future. 1
eashore was conceived as a of ‘use it up, wear it out, make it do or do concerning a new site for its purposes, which museum for streetcars and without.’ Its volunteer manpower claims to may or may not be on the main campus. interurban cars. Many of its repair everything but a broken heart! Kennebunkport, where Seashore is based, members come from the Greater Restoration is also a huge activity at THS is the centre of the Maine Coast recreation Boston area, just 145km (90 with up to nine cars undergoing restoration area to the south of Portland. Visitors are Smiles) to the south, or are employees of the at any one time. Currently a former roadside attracted by the 4.8km (three-mile) round city’s transit system and bus companies diner, Lexington & Boston single-truck 41, trip ride to Talbot Park and the hundreds of throughout New England. Blackpool double-decker 144, Toronto Peter exhibits that are displayed in large barns. Seashore maintains the Boston Collection, Witt car 2890, York Utilities (Maine) There are a range of activities in the Visitors’ housing vehicles from the 1830s onwards, single-truck Birney car 80, and Boston Centre Orientation Room for children and an with an omnibus altered into a Sheriff’s patrol centre-entrance car 6131 are among those opportunity for adults to learn about public wagon. Relations with the Massachusetts being restored. A single car rebuild may transit history. The turning loops at Talbot Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) are require up to USD350 000 and thousands of Park and the Visitors Centre allow use of the very good; in appreciation of the MBTA’s paid and volunteer hours of work. The THS many single-end cars. donation of equipment and supplies, Seashore has the capability to manufacture many parts As with many railway museums, Seashore lends specialised work equipment from the as required, with all restoration supervised has continuing pressures, both internal and scrapper’s line for light rail maintenance. by Donald Curry, a 60-year shop veteran. external. External challenges take the form However there was pressure to add the Sourcing parts for ancient rolling stock of visitor appeal: should Seashore continue buses and trackless trolleys (trolleybuses), is a challenge and the Parts Warehouse is as an operating museum, providing rides and which replaced the streetcars in an effort a resource for both museums and historic information on a long-gone public service? to retain continuity of history. Another operations of transit authorities. It was In an age of digital entertainment, how long wall was therefore breached, resulting in an established to serve Seashore only, but has now will visitors be attracted to a museum of old eclectic collection of trolleybuses ranging become a national and international source streetcars? Does it become an entertainment from an example of the second production of materials needed to maintain vintage and site, providing fun rides? A continued order (Shreveport, LA, No. 105, Brill, 1930) historic operations. For example, in order to light touch with visitors will indicate their to a representative from the last domestic maintain a Sydney P-class open car in Maine, interests and the museum’s direction. production order (Philadelphia, PA, No. 336, a trade of materials between the Sydney Older senior transit managers support Marmon-Herrington, 1955). A wide variety of Tramway Museum and Seashore took place. Seashore by donating rolling stock, parts and motor coaches are also here, making up the All of this is overseen by Sally Bates, company records, but new transit managers current roster of around 250 vehicles. Executive Director. She proudly claims to do not always appreciate the role the musuem Volunteers perform all of the operating be a non-rail enthusiast, just a professional plays in retaining the industry’s history. functions, from driving to dispatching and on administrator, and in her short tenure her Internal challenges begin with manpower. to senior management. All drivers go through non-hobby eye has instigated profound Most of the operating volunteers have a an initial training process, requalifying changes in the way Seashore conducts its personal association with streetcars as many annually with a written exam plus a bi-annual business. For example, dogs used to be barred have ridden streetcars in their home towns. road test. Members monitor each other, with from the campus unless on a leash and away Some volunteers are retired transit system a motto of ‘one accident is our last’. With a from activities; now they are welcomed onto employees, keeping alive their organisation’s great deal of pride, members state that 90% of the streetcars and water bowls are put out for memories – will Seashore be able to attract the infrastructure has been built by volunteer their use. Positive results of such initiatives are dedicated volunteers in the future? labour. Today, there are five paid staff in the shown for 2013 with revenues up by 12% over Finances are always an issue as Town House Restoration and Repair Shop 2012. At the same time, State of Maine visitor maintaining old equipment and sourcing (THS), with three additional employees in counts at border crossings were down by 6-8%. scarce resources demand increased funds. administration. When operating season A 12-member Board of Trustees sets The museum was recently staggered when an arrives the Gift Shop (which also handles NEERHS policy with four members elected unexpected bequest showered approximately ticket sales) adds local teenagers to its staff. each year for a three-year term to preserve USD900 000 into the permanent endowment Operating streetcar museums must have institutional memory. For 30 years, James fund, yet such largesse comes rarely and a repair depot, preceded by a restoration Schantz has served as Chairman. Share voting it is still necessary to continually trawl for shop. Seashore’s is found in Town House is in place, based on financial contributions. foundation grants. Shops, ‘where the magic happens’. Here An active Library Committee is When the 75th anniversary celebrations the daily maintenance takes place – serious cataloguing a varied collection of books and are over, Seashore members will resolutely business as the 100-plus-year-old cars roll other material, which is constantly growing. face the next 75 years. What ‘new’ cars are along at speeds of up to 48km/h (30mph). There are recurring surprises from ‘hidden available? Who is going to run them? Where For example, Connecticut Company wooden collections’, unexpected gifts from estate does the money come from? car 1160 (Stephenson, 1906) clocked 1883 settlements, members retiring and moving miles last year, and one of the key challenges into smaller housing, and even strangers Appreciation is offered to James Schantz, is to manage maintenance on a variety appearing at the gate with contributions. Donald Curry, Lars Richter and Gerry O’Regan of streetcars ranging across an 80-year To cope with the increasing archive, the for their assistance in preparing this article. timespan, built both in the US and overseas. current building is inadequate and the Thanks, too, to the members who make Fortunately, the THS, led by Randy Leclair, committee is in the process of making a Seashore possible through their contributions maintains the frugal New England tradition recommendation to the Board of Trustees of knowledge, money and hard work.
308 / JULY 2014 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org 1. Sydney P-class tram 1700 makes its way through the Maine countryside – the driver’s cab is so cramped that the operator must spread his legs or sit sideways! When 1700 needed new brake shoes, 16 were bartered with the Sydney Tramway Museum for parts from Seashore’s warehouse. Seashore Collection
2. Car 1258 is a sister to Glasgow Corporation-built 1274, in Seashore’s collection. Here it glides down a Glasgow street sporting Irish colours. James Schantz collection
3. Hamburg 2710 begins its long journey to Seashore behind an American-flagged lorry. Built in 1927 by Waggonfabrik Falkenried, it is an example of a modernised post World War One tram. It arrived at the museum in 1965. James Schantz collection
4. Seashore’s 105 (built in 1903) is represented by stablemate 2 car 108 and is one of two cable trams in the collection, the other being San Francisco’s cable car 48. The original 105 (1885) was destroyed in a fire. James Schantz collection
5. Rome 279 is a unique item. With four wheels the passenger ride is bouncy, even though the tram was heavily constructed to pull trailers. The air compressor is axle driven, so until sufficient pressure is built up in the plenum, a hand brake is used. Seashore Collection 3 4 6. Japan is represented by 134, a small four-wheel tram operated in Osaka, then Fukuoka, with a fleet number of 33. Following World War Two it was transferred to Nagasaki. Constructed to carry physically smaller people, it is a tight fit for contemporary North Americans to ride. Herbert Pence
7. Liverpool’s last tram (293) arrived in the US in 1958. Here it is being unloaded from the cargo boat which carried it 5 across the Atlantic. It is one of four double-decker trams from the UK on the Seashore roster. Donald Curry
6 7
www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org JULY 2014 / 309 BOOKSHOP Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage & packing – Any UK address: Add 10% (minimum £2.00, maximum £7.50) All addresses outside UK: Add 20% (minimum £4.00, maximum £15.00)
De Buitenlijnen van de HTM The Hague tramway expert Johan Blok has made a superb job of telling the story of the interurban lines to Delft, Leiden and Voorburg, from the first horse-drawn service to Delft in 1866 through the development of the Wassenaar and Leiden route in 1923 to its closure in 1961 and the voltage change (1200 to 600 DC) to permit operation with PCC cars to Delft and Voorburg in 1965, through to the present day success of the Delft line in its extended form. Full details of the various types of rolling stock used and numerous useful maps help to answer readers’ questions. Dutch text. A4 hardback; 400 pages, 700 photographs 42 in colour. Published by Uitgeverij De Alk. Price: £34.50
Tracing Trams Through Sydney
An archaeological ramble around Sydney’s once extensive tramway system, revealing a surprisingly large number of recognisable remains and imprints on the landscape still visible to this day. A must for urban explorers and anyone with an interest in industrial archaeology. A4 softback; 72 pages, 100+ photographs mainly in colour; 16 maps. Transit Australia Publishing. Price: £27.50
Destination Waterfront City A Guide to Melbourne’s Trams
A beautiful photo album of the variety of vehicles operated on the world’s most extensive tramway system, with detailed technical information for the remaining iconic W-class cars through to the brand-new E type. Includes a current track map and review of the evolution of the network. A4 softback landscape format; 80 pages, 120+ photographs all in colour. Transit Australia Publishing. Price: £32.50
The Metrolink Companion
This book is described as a lineside guide to the tramway system of Greater Manchester, and gives details of the places and attractions it serves. A chapter on the East Lancashire Railway is included. Packed with useful – and sometimes surprising – information for residents and visitors alike. Excellent value. A5 softback; 352 pages, well-illustrated in black & white; numerous local maps plus full colour Metrolink network diagram. Published by Sigma Leisure. Price: £12.50 FOR COMPLEXTHE PERFECT CROSSOVERS, SOLUTION TURNOUTS & TIGHT CURVES
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