THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE HEADLINES l ‘EcoTram’ aims for 10% energy savings

l Croydon welcomes first newVariobahn

l Moscow reveals light rail masterplan

GREEN ARROW POINTS TO A MODERN MISKOLC Poland’s Euro 2012 revival: The South

Lille Systems Factfile: Perfect harmony: Unique tramway How operations and has integrated 75 pioneering VAL heritage and

metro examined modern systems MARCH 2012 No. 891 1937–2012 w w w . l r ta . o r g l w w w . t r a m n e w s . n e t £3.80 Contents The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association 88 News 93 MARCH 2012 Vol. 75 No. 891 Moscow announces major metro and tramway plans; www.tramnews.net London welcomes first ; EDITORIAL Munich’s EUR135m investment for 2012. Editor: Simon Johnston Tel: +44 (0)1832 281131 E-mail: [email protected] 93 Poland prepares for Euro 2012 – Part Two Eaglethorpe Barns, Warmington, Peterborough PE8 6TJ, UK. In the second instalment of his examination of Polish light Associate Editor: Tony Streeter rail investment, Mike Russell considers the situation in E-mail: [email protected] Kraków, Poznań, Łódź, Częstochowa, Wrocław and on Worldwide Editor: Michael Taplin the Tramwaje Śląskie. 99 Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] 99 Miskolc Green Arrow News Editor: John Symons Ágnes Csontos from Miskolc transport operator MVK 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. Zrt updates TAUT on the city’s ‘Green Arrow’ project to E-mail: [email protected] revitalise in the Hungarian city. Contributor: Neil Pulling 103 Systems Factfile: Design: Debbie Nolan Rebuilding Lille’s historic tramway followed the Production: Carla Corrado introduction of the world’s first fully automatic metro 103 Tel: +44 (0)1832 281134 E-mail: [email protected] system. Neil Pulling reports from French Flanders. Worldwide Contributors: Aare Olander, Nikolai Semyonov, Sergei Tarkhov (CIS), Mike Russell, Norman Bartlett, 110 Worldwide Review Thomas Wagner, Pedro Costa, Richard Felski, Jordi Ibanez (Europe), Yoshiri Nogi (Japan), Anthony Bailey, Ian Hammond, Paul Nicholson Addis Ababa awards 37km LRT contract and sets two-year (Australia), Vic Simons, Charles Lietwiler, Steve Morgan, Tom Swinney, schedule; DB Regio wins Frankfurt-am-Main S-Bahn Julian Wolinsky (North America). contract; Dholera plans three-line tramway; tender LRTA Website and Diary: Brian Lomas released for 11km Tel Aviv tramway tunnel. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] 116 Letters 120 Commercial Manager: Vicky Binley Less intrusive overhead wires; , not trolleybuses for Tel: +44 (0)1832 281132 E-mail: [email protected] Leeds; and the debate over light rail costs rages on. Advertising Manager: Andy Adams Tel: +44 (0)1832 281135 E-mail: [email protected] 120 Classic Trams: Stockholm Eaglethorpe Barns, Warmington, Peterborough PE8 6TJ, UK. Mike Russell visits Stockholm’s Djurgårdslinjen, its Publisher: Howard Johnston remarkable operations meshing heritage tramway interests Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the LRTA and LRTA with those of the regional transport authority. Publishing on the third Friday of each month preceding the cover date. LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up members of the Light Rail Transit Association. You are welcome to join the LRTA. High-speed rail versus light rail subscriptions: LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), simon johnston, editor 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. BACK ISSUES: Tel: +44 (0)1406 373070 There has been much debate about high- if they are done indiscriminately. Even PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION: Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, speed rail since I penned the last editorial, taking conservative cost representations, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. with the UK approving its controversial the USD65bn investment proposed for the LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE: c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, GBP32bn High Speed 2 (HS2) project first leg of the California High Speed Rail Kent DA16 2BY. Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 in England and Wales. and US high speed rail projects looking project could build state-of-the-art light Chairman: Andrew Braddock. Deputy Chairman: Vic Simons all but dead and buried as individual rail or streetcar systems in every city in LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE: c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn states weigh up the massive costs. California with a population over Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 Business plans for massive infrastructure 100 000 – with plenty of change. in England and Wales. investments are being seriously questioned In the UK, the costs of HS2 could put © LRTA Publishing 2012. for lacking credibility and vague and a tramway in every city and town with Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that dubious foundations, and similar new a population over 140 000 – over 35 in its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it, and such opinions high-speed lines in the Netherlands and total – and again with change to spare. are not those of LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. Spain are running half empty and losing Given the coverage of HS2, I am sure if No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording millions of Euros each week. you asked people in Glasgow, Liverpool, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior The numerous arguments against such Bristol, Leicester, Cardiff, Derby, Belfast permission in writing from the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the investment in times of austerity fall at the or Plymouth if they would like a new contents of the magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. fringes of our remit, but certainly many tramway to transform their cities – and I have spoken to in the past weeks have within the next ten years – they would bite raised the same hypothetical question: your hand off. Or just imagine a network think of what you could do with GBP32bn. of surface tramways criss-crossing London Miskolc’s Green Arrow In terms of creating jobs, cleaning up (like we ditched 60 years ago) and all project is delivering a joined up with the London Underground! revitalised tramway the environment to meet climate change for Hungary’s targets, delivering a ‘quick’ return on Given the huge sums that will ultimately fourth-largest city. investment and getting cars off the roads, land a large bill on each and every Tatra 205 waits at the light rail is a far more obvious answer. taxpayer, should we have national reconstructed Selymrét National economies in the doldrums referenda on high-speed rail vs. light in August 2011. undoubtedly reap the benefits of large rail investment? I am keen to know your Fehér Péter/MVK Zrt. injections of capital investment, but not thoughts – as always, [email protected]

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org March 2012 87 News Moscow plans extensive new tram and metro development PLANS for an extensive 214km (133-mile) Institute for light rail transit that will bring sino on line 8, Alma-Atinskaya on line 2 and light rail network to serve the expanding in foreign expertise for professional training. Pyatnitskoe Shosse on line 3. southern Moscow suburbs and connecting the The public-private partnership project aims to The top priority for 2013 is completing the Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports to the attract a major ‘European manufacturer’ as a 5.2km (3.2-mile) extension of line 7 from city’s metro were unveiled on 13 December technical partner. Vykhino to Zhulibino and Lermontovsky Pros- by JSC Domodedovo TransDevelopment. Following this, in January Moscow’s city pect, to serve the city’s southeastern suburbs. The ‘South Chord’ network has been two government revealed plans to expand its met- In related news, city transport boss Max- years in the planning and is proposed for ro network by 98km (61 miles) and add 44 im Liksutov has also announced plans for a construction in four phases, with a financ- stations by 2021. An estimated RUR344bn Wi-Fi trial on a small number of Moscow ing package in place by 2013 to permit the (EUR8.6bn) will be spent, including adding metro cars later in the year. first line to open in late 2015. This would be 75km (46.6 miles) and 36 stations by 2015. “Going on the results of the trial, we’ll a 27km (16.7-mile) radial link from Domod- A 4.5km (2.8-mile) southern extension of decide whether to expand internet provision edovo Airport to the Moskva metro at either Line 10 opened on 2 December, serving three on the metro,” Liksutov commented, but did Krasnogvardeiska or Zyablikovo. It would be stations at Borisovo, Shipilovskaya and Zy- not say how many cars would be featured in followed by a 102km (63.4-mile) line from ablikovo, where interchange is provided to the trial, or on which lines they would run. Ramenskoye to Skolkovo via the airports. Krasnogvardeyskaya station on line 2. An- Three network providers are believed to JSC Domodedovo TransDevelopment is other 8km (five miles) is expected to open be interested in supplying the technology setting up a Scientific Research and Design this year, together with stations at Novoko- required for the metro.

Leeds trolleybus decision deferred Protram tests Poland’s longest tram The UK’s Department for Wrocław’S Protram has created Poland’s long- Carrying 300 passengers (but only 64 seated), it Transport (DfT) has again est tram on behalf of its customer MP Kraków. On will be tested on route 14 in Kraków. If success- deferred a decision on test in Wrocław in January was a type 405Kr five- ful another 24 will be built. Kraków tramway has the proposed Leeds New section, 12-axle, 40.2m, articulated tram built by a policy of commissioning rebuilt trams, including Generation Transport Protram from three withdrawn 105N bogie cars second-hand cars from Düsseldorf and Wien. It is trolleybus project. joined by two low-floor suspended sections. also buying new low-floor trams from Bombardier. A decision had been expected in December on a bid for UK Government funds, but the DfT indicated that it had not been provided with sufficient evidence with which to assess the scheme’s value for money, but recognised that “a strong strategic case has been made”. It has given the council and Metro until 31 March to update the business case, with a decision being made within the following two months. Above and right: The first 40m 405Kr tram for Kraków awaits delivery at the Protram factory in Wrocław. MPK The stance has been criticised locally with councillors claiming that by using the DfT’s business Dart underground gains planning approval modelling procedure, the IRELAND’S An Bord Pleanála (planning board) commitment for a later programme. The decision revised bid for NGT showed has granted a railway order to allow construction also allows a ten-year period for construction. that for every GBP1 of of ’s Dart underground rail line – a project Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has welcomed the Government money spent, shelved by the Irish Government as part of its econ- planning decision, indicating that the line would be the scheme would generate omy measures late last year. the single most important piece of infrastructure in GBP5.90 in benefits. The 7.6km (4.7-mile) line was designed to link the nation. The company expects the Irish Govern- The trolleybus scheme was Heuston station to the Dart network, with under- ment to review its decision in 2015 with a view to put forward by Metro as an ground stations at Spencer Dock, Pearse station, St including the project in its next capital programme. alternative to a previously Stephen’s Green, Christchurch and Heuston, as well Still awaited is An Bord Pleanála’s decision on proposed tramway. as a ground-level station at . In recognition the BXD line – the cross-city link between the of the government’s funding, the order allows seven Red and Green Luas lines – a decision that had been Sydney’s monorail years for the acquisition of properties and land. expected before the end of 2011. The cross-city link set for demolition The EUR1.2bn line has not been included in the is the only major rail project to be included in the The controversial monorail capital programme to 2016, nor is it included as a austerity capital programme. in Sydney, Australia, is likely to close for demolition next year as work starts on a new Construction work resumes in Edinburgh city centre convention centre. The 3.6km (2.2-mile) line THE next phase of tramway construction in Edin- further five expected to be delivered in the first weeks opened in 1988 and has burgh (UK) began with the closure of St Andrew of 2012. Some four drivers, trained on the Notting- fallen short of its target of Street and Shandwick Place in early January. Works ham system, are undertaking the test programme. 12 million passengers per year, to remedy issues in Princes Street also restarted. Trams are being delivered in approximate reverse averaging just four million. The 500m test track at Gogar depot came into use in number order as they are moved from the CAF December with five of the CAF trams on hand and a storage facility, 274-7 now being in Edinburgh.

88 march 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org vienna’s ultra-green ‘ecoTram’ A new ‘green’ tram prototype is being de- veloped with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of internal heating and cooling sys- tems of vehicles. ‘EcoTram’ is a joint project involving Vien- na (Wien) operator Wiener Linien, Siemens, Vossloh-Kiepe, Rail Tec Arsenal, Schienen- infrastruktur-Dienstleistungsgesellschaft and Vienna’s Technical University. Alongside propulsion, heating/cooling of a tram’s internal areas is a significant factor in the amount of energy used in tram operation. This is affected by factors such as the number of times doors are opened, the number of pas- sengers carried and weather conditions. In the award-winning first phase of the project, measurements were taken with a Siemens ULF (Ultra Low Floor) tram in a wind tunnel, and also – for 15 months – with a vehicle in active service. Now it is planned to fit new computer-con- trolled heating and air-conditioning systems in a ULF, which will also be covered in ther- mal insulation and have other detail changes made. The modified vehicle will then be tested both in a wind tunnel and in regular service. Estimates suggest that around 3000 mega- Wiener Linien’s ULF trams are being used as test vehicles for the award-winning ‘EcoTram’ project. Neil Pulling watt hours of electricity could be saved annu- ally across a 300-strong fleet – around 10%, or VCÖ Mobility Award for 2010; it has been Siemens’ ULF is in service in Wien and equivalent to the power used by a small town. financially supported by the Austrian Re- in Oradea in Romania. The design claims to The project’s first phase won Austria’s search Subsidization Association. have the lowest entrance height in the world.

Sheffield’s trams to be combined with tram-train? ALTHOUGH the UK Govern- and there would be potential for for a combined network would tively giving a tram at an aver- ment has agreed to the purchase additional stations in the Lower be more cost-effective. It has also age interval of 8.5 minutes as far of four new trams for Sheffield Don Valley. The cost, including said that any conversion of the as Meadowhall South. Supertram, the South Yorkshire seven new trams and the electri- line should be permanent in It is expected that the Govern- Passenger Transport Executive fication of the freight line, would view of the costs involved. ment would still fund the major- is contemplating a fleet of sev- be up to GBP55m (EUR65.5m). The proposals with four new ity of the tram-train scheme from en new vehicles able to run the The PTE submitted a business trams would have seen an in- its heavy rail budget, but with proposed tram-train line from case for the line to the Department crease in the frequency of trams the PTE’s contribution to the Meadowhall South to Parkgate for Transport in November 2011 between the city centre and four additional trams (GBP6m, in Rotherham. and a decision, including Treas- Meadowhall to a tram every EUR7.2m) being switched to the The planned four trams, cost- ury approval, is expected immi- eight minutes (currently ten), but combined project. Operation of ing GBP18m (EUR21.5m) over- nently. As part of the proposals under a combined scheme the the trams and the new tram-train all, have been signed off by the the PTE suggests that two small ten-minute headway would re- line would be vested in Stage- Integrated Transport Author- fleets of trams/tram-trains would main with a 20-minute headway coach Supertram Ltd as an exten- ity in order not to prejudice the be impractical and a single fleet to Parkgate superimposed, effec- sion to its existing concession. Government’s decision. Howev- If the single project for four er, proposals have been made to new trams proceeds, it is expect- link these four trams to the long- ed that the vehicles would be or- awaited tram-train project. dered in September for delivery The Government has been in September-December 2014. keen to develop tram-train trials l The PTE has also received in the UK. Initial proposals for approval for the Sheffield to conversion of the Sheffield to Pe- Rotherham nistone and Huddersfield railway scheme. were abandoned in 2009 with at- The UK Government will con- tention switching to the freight tribute GBP19.4m (EUR23.2m) route running parallel to Super- towards the GBP34.3m tram’s Meadowhall line, which (EUR41m) scheme, with a fur- would allow a link to be provided ther GBP10m (EUR12m) com- to Rotherham Central and a new ing from the European Union, terminus at Parkgate. This would GBP3m (EUR3.6m) from pri- allow trams to operate from Ca- vate companies and GBP2m thedral to Meadowhall South and (EUR2.4m) from Sheffield and switch to the freight line to serve Rotherham councils. the two Rotherham stations. New ‘state-of-the-art’ The terminus at Parkgate is ad- Sheffield is looking to bolster its original fleet of Siemens-Düwag vehicles, the will provide the basic service jacent to retail and business parks subject of a recent refresh and modernisation scheme. Neil Pulling from 2015.

www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org march 2012 89 News

Olsztyn chooses Newag trams for new line A CONSORTIUM of Newag and Modertrans has beaten bids from Solaris and PESA to be selected as preferred bidder to supply trams for the under-construction 11.5km (7.1-mile) Olsztyn tramway. In the PLN113.6m (EUR27m) Left: MVG has announced a significant deal, Newag and Modertrans are modernisation programme involving its to supply 15 100% low-floor trams -built R2 cars, delivered in the between 29-32m long. Deliveries mid-1990s. Trams 2107 and 2144 are on are to begin in March 2014, con- Tivoli Strasse, next to where the projected cluding in August 2014. new line through the Englischer Garten will The city council awarded a have its eastern connection with the system. EUR62.5m contract to Spanish construction firm FCC in 2011 to Above: Münchener Freiheit station has construct the 19-stop line, com- already been much modernised; similar prising a central 7.3km double- treatment will be given to other metro track section from the main PKP stations through EUR70m in improvements station to Osiedle Jaroty in the in 2012. Both: Neil Pulling south, with two branches serving the city and Olsztyn University. Munich’s EUR135m 2 012 Salvador metro testing The first 6.5km (four-mile) section of Brazil’s Salvador transport investment metro, between Lapa and Stadtwerke MÜnchen (SWM) has an- EUR45m has been allocated for the city’s tram- Acesso Norte, began testing nounced investment of around EUR135m in 2012 way network, including continued modernisation with the system’s Hyundai-Rotem for Munich’s public transport system through its of the R2 fleet, track renewal on routes 12, 15/25 four-car trains in late December wholly-owned subsidiary Münchner Verkehrsges- and 27, the extension of line 19 to Pasinger, a new 2011. Testing is to continue ellschaft (MVG). turning loop at Lothstrasse and planning works for until April, with free passenger The significant investment will be spent on the 8.7km (5.4-mile) Westtangente connecting the services until revenue operation transport infrastructure, rolling stock and customer Romanplatz and Aidenbachstrasse metro stations. begins in June. service enhancements on the city’s metro, tramway EUR15m is also to be spent to finance new buses The line will serve the Arena and bus networks. to improve headways. Fonte Nova stadium being built Approximately EUR70m has been earmarked Herbert König, Chairman of the MVG man- for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. for metro improvements, including station mod- agement and SWM board member said: “The The remaining 6.5km (four ernisation, signalling upgrades and uprating the metro infrastructure is now, in some cases, more miles) to Pirajá is expected to power supply systems to permit two-minute head- than 40 years old and is in need of renewal. The be completed by 2013. ways from 2014. Other improvements include fire positive trend in passenger numbers in Munich protection, access and passenger information systems. shows that investments in mass transit are beneficial.” Essen, Frankfurt and Plauen choose Bombardier ON 21 December Essener Verkehrs-AG chaft Frankfurt-am-Main (VGF) has gone back The short version of the Flexity 70% low- (EVAG) signed a EUR72m contract with to the same manufacturer to order 78 more for floor tram, already delivered to Dessau and Bombardier for 27 Flexity Classic 70% low- delivery in 2014-17. These were an option in Halle, will be seen in the German city of Plau- floor three-section double-ended trams; the the original contract; 40 will be 25m single cars en from autumn 2013. Two 21m single-ended first two will arrive in August 2013, with se- and 19 will be 50m twin-sets. The contract for trams have been ordered, at EUR2m each, ries delivery from March 2014. the 78 cars and the ten type S trams with an option for eight more and the remain- The fully air-conditioned 30m cars will mentioned last month is worth EUR192m. der in 2015 (if the option is exercised). feature the MITRAC control system and This order will see the end of the remaining The new trams will accommodate 46 seated space for 170 passengers. They will replace PtB and U2 cars, as well as the U3 type dating passengers and up to 71 standing and will re- Stadtbahn-M cars on the Essen network. from 1980. The first U5 50m twin-set from place Tatra KT4D high-floor cars. It is hoped With the 146 Bombardier-built U5 cars still the original order (801+802) was delivered on to order another ten in due course, to complete entering service, Stadtwerke Verkehrsgesells- 14 December. replacement of the high-floor Tatras.

The new Flexity Classic for Essen will have a Frankfurt U5 cars approach Niederursel. In a few An artist’s impression of the short 70% low-floor different appearance to the first batch. Bombardier years the system will have 224 of these LRVs. L. Eiger Flexity ordered by Plauen. Bombardier

90 march 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org tramlink welcomes its Shenyang’s 65km LRT masterplan A five-route 65km (40mile) first new Variobahn light rail network is proposed THE first of Transport for London’s new fleet of trams by London Mayor Boris Johnson is expected to be built for CNY40bn Stadler Variobahn trams arrived in Croydon in the to take place after more have been delivered. (USD6.3bn) under a first weekend of January, having travelled overland Howard Smith, Chief Rail Operating Officer for partnership between the for four days from . Transport for London said: “We are delighted to Shenyang municipality and Tram 2554 had undertaken testing in take delivery of the first new tram, which should be CNR Corporation.Segregated in December prior to its journey to the UK capital’s in service by the end of February. Five other new surface alignments are tramway, and this pattern will be followed for the trams will follow with all being ready to boost the planned, with grassed track other five vehicles, the last of which is to be deliv- Tramlink service in early summer 2012.” along road median strips. ered in the spring. The new Stadler vehicles will operate a supple- The first line, linking the Tram 2554 was originally to be Bybanen mentary service between Therapia Lane and Elm- airport and National Games 215 but is not yet required in Bergen and has been ers End, increasing capacity on the busiest part of stadium, would be open in diverted, along with two others, to meet Transport the Tramlink network through central Croydon. time for the Chinese National for London’s delivery requirements. The final three This service is expected to begin running in June, Games in June 2013 and trams for Croydon will be newly built, as will a although the trams will undertake testing and driver require 20 low-floor trams follow-on three replacement trams for Bergen. training from late February. supplied by CNR. During its first week at Croydon, 2554 was run The six low-floor, air conditioned Variobahn under power in the depot yard, pending modifica- trams are costing GBP16.3m (EUR19.5m), with the Alicante L2 to San tions to the platforms at various stops, as the trams London Borough of Croydon contributing GBP3m Vicente still delayed are lower and longer than the existing fleet of Bom- (EUR3.6m), and TfL the remainder. TfL holds an In January there was still no bardier CR4000 vehicles. A formal launch of the option for a further eight similar trams. progress on the opening of L2 to San Vicente; the Right: Tram 2554 arrives by low-loader at completed line is costing the Therapia Lane depot in Croydon. TfL EUR30 000/month in terms of security and cleaning, but Below: Croydon’s first Variobahn on test the Generalitat will not let in Chemnitz, Germany in early January. FGV provide the service as Despite the destination sign showing it continues negotiations with Crystal Palace sparking speculation of chosen contractor Subus. an imminent announcement of the long- mooted extension to the London system, Thank you Julian The March 1983 edition of TfL said: “TfL has identified a number Modern Tramway & Light Rail of possible corridors for extending the Transit was the first to carry system. One of these is a possible route Julian Wolinsky’s byline as to Crystal Palace, which would improve a contributor and the scale connectivity and support growth. Future of his contribution soon extensions are not currently funded in TfL’s increased as North America Business Plan and could only progress if rediscovered the tram. funding was made available.” As a writer/producer for several Los Angeles television stations for 40 years, news gathering is in Julian’s blood, and in addition to his 28 years of contributions to TAUT and its predecessors, he was also US correspondent for Railway Gazette International from 1991- 2011. Now Julian has decided to switch off his keyboard, and this month’s magazine carries the last of his contributions. We are extremely grateful for all his contributions, but of Above: The interior of Croydon’s first Variobahn. Stadler Rail course will continue to cover the latest US light and urban rail developments.

Helsinki metro to retain drivers CAF: A correction Helsinki metro operator HKL said in January that tained to control the vehicles’ doors and other func- We have been asked by its EUR100m contract with Siemens to automate the tions. This removes the need for platform doors as CAF to point out that the use city’s 21km (13-mile) metro, signed in 2008, could specified under the original plan, although they will of the word ‘disqualified’ in not be fulfilled due to cost and technical factors. be built into stations on the new 14km (8.7-mile) our December Dallas news The main obstacle was the requirement to retrofit western line to Espoo, due to open in 2015. report was inappropriate. 42 two-car Valmet-Stromberg M100 trainsets, mod- Once in operation, HKL claims headways can be The contract for 103 ernised in 2009 for a further 20 years’ service life, for reduced to two-and-a-half minutes. LRVs signed with CAF USA automatic operation; the 12 Bombardier-built M200 l The EUR2.3m, 1.9km (1.2-mile) extension of was cancelled in mutual trainsets reportedly do not face the same issues. tram route 8 from Ruoholahti to Jätkäsaari opened agreement because Metro A new scaled-back plan has been agreed with on January 1, running across the new, separately Houston had its federal Siemens; under normal conditions the trains will funded, Crusell Bridge to its new terminus at Sau- funding offer withdrawn. still operate automatically by 2014, with drivers re- konpaasi. The extension includes three stops.

www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org march 2012 91 News

Buenos Aires takes control of expansion continues city metro on the beijing metro On 3 January, Argentina’s na- SATURDAY 31 December saw the opening of the tional government reached agree- first 11.1km (6.9-mile) phase of metro line 9 in Bei- ment to hand responsibility for jing, with 126 000 passengers carried during the day. the Buenos Aires metro to the city Work began in 2007 on the southern section of the government as part of nationwide line that will eventually reach 12.6km (7.8 miles) subsidy reductions in the trans- from West Railway Station to Guogongzhuang and portation and energy sectors. be built at a cost of CNY6.75bn (USD1.06bn). Metro operations are managed The new line is at present isolated from the rest of under concession by Metrovías the network, apart from the suburban Fangshan line, SA, but the city will now takeo- which on the same date was extended from Dabaotai ver regulation and fare structures to a new interchange at the metro’s outer terminus. on the network’s six metro lines The northern section, 5.7km (3.5 miles) from and interurban railway. Mayor West Railway Station to Haidian (National Library) Beijing’s Liuliqiao station on line 9, showing the platform Mauricio Macri responded by is due to open in September. Two other extensions doors now used on new sections of the city’s metro. Hat600 announcing a 127% fare increase opened on the same day were the second phase of to compensate for inflation. Fed- line 8, from Forest Park South Gate to Huilong- The network now totals 372km, making it the eral subsidies have been cut from guandongdajie, and the eastern extension of line 15 world’s third largest by passenger trackage, with ARS700m (USD161.6m) to from Houshayu to Fengbo. 227 stations serving seven million passengers/day. ARS360m (USD83m), with the city responsible for the rest. Protest groups collected more Steel wheels to replace rubber tyres in Caen than 200 000 signatures on a pe- tition against the increase, claim- The Bombardier-supplied TVR ing it could significantly affect line in Caen, opened in Novem- poorer riders. Metro workers ber 2002 at a cost of EUR215m, followed by allowing passengers is now suffering over 20 break- to ride the metro for free during downs/month, and Bombardier rush hour periods for a week. no longer continues to support Mayor Macri had sought a lat- this technology. er handover date, arguing the city On 14 December the council needed more time before taking of the urban community took responsibility for the complex the formal decision to scrap the public transportation system. rubber-tyred centre rail guided tramway in 2016 and build a conventional tramway along the Inekon overrules 15km (9.3-mile) line, to be ready to open in December 2018. Washington’s The infrastructure work is es- latest tram order timated to cost EUR170m and there is also a need for a new IN early December the DC Dis- tram fleet and depot. The local trict Department of Transport an- transport tax will be increased nounced an order for two trams from 1.8% to 2% and funding of for the H Street line from United The centre rail-guided rubber-tyred TVR, operated in Caen under the brand EUR28-40m should come from Streetcar LLC for USD8.7m. name Twisto, will disappear in 2016. A. Delbos the state. The firm won out over Inekon of the Czech Republic, whose bid was USD9.5m. The United Streetcar vehicles regeneration continues are virtually identical to an Ine- four Flexity 2 trams had been delivered to the kon design, but are built under li- UK’s Blackpool Tramway by the end of 2011; cence from Skoda. This order was although deliveries have been slightly delayed it is designed to give the DDoT five expected that enough of the new vehicles will be trams for the opening in 2013; commissioned for the basic timetable by the sys- it purchased three from Inekon tem’s re-opening. The full 16-strong fleet will not be several years ago and has held required for the planned initial service from Easter. them in storage pending comple- Relaid tracks between Pleasure Beach and the tion of the H Street and Anacostia new depot at Starr Gate have required modifica- projects; the latter has suffered tion in the light of test running of the new trams numerous delays and will not be and power is switched off during the day to al- completed until after H Street. low contractors to work safely. Trams being tested However on 11 January the DC are therefore hauled over the dead section by a Contract Appeals Board rescinded road vehicle. the order after a protest from Ine- Completion of all track improvements, including kon (that the technical evaluation the work near Pleasure Beach, was due by the end of the bids was flawed as United of February. The new substation on the Fleetwood Streetcar has yet to build a work- section was behind schedule, but residents have ing prototype) was upheld. Al- been assured that trams will appear in the town even On a wet and miserable day in December 2011, another though a prototype exists in Port- if the substation work is not complete, although of the 16-strong fleet of BombardierFlexity 2 trams for land, it has still to run in passenger their speed may be restricted if the section is fed Blackpool makes it way up the M6 motorway with a service despite months of trials. from elsewhere. Lancashire Constabulary escort. Tony Stevenson

92 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org Poland and Euro 2012 Poland prepares

for Euro 2012 p art Following his reviews of the infrastructure two and fleet developments in Northern Poland in our last issue, Mike Russell now turns his attention to the southern Polish systems as they gear up for the Euro 2012 Football Championships.

KRAKÓW This beautiful and historic city was once Poland’s capital and the tramway here plays the most substantial role in transport provision, with a central inner ring line that encircles the ancient city centre. In fact, Kraków’s tramways rather resemble two systems inappropriately conjoined, as to the east of the old city is a distinct network serving the huge Nowa Huta steelworks complex and its associated workers’ housing areas. This is a typical Communist- style development, completely at odds with that of the ancient city to its west, the two networks being joined by two tram routes that have a semi- interurban character. Kraków has been one of the most active tramways in upgrading and renewing its fleet and expanding its operations. Its preferred supplier for low-floor trams has been Bombardier and three substantial batches of three- section cars have arrived since 1999 – 12 of type NGT6Kr1, 12 Kr11 and 24 of the latest delivery, model Kr111, in 2007. A further 24 NGT6 cars have been ordered for delivery in 2012/3, at a cost of EUR58.7m. During this period, further cars have also been acquired from Krakow’s twin town of Nürnberg in Germany, which had previously supplied bogie Grossraumwagen and two-section One of the first of 25 typeE6 cars acquired from Wien, rebuilt and modernised by Autosan and fitted with a low-floor six-axle articulated cars. With the central section, seen soon after introduction on 23 June 2011. Tomasz Bielecki

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 93 Poland and Euro 2012 advancing fleet replacement programme Right: Kraków in Nürnberg, some Düwag Stadtbahn B has seen major cars have become available, many of tramway which were retrofitted with low-floor infrastructure centre sections by Mittenwalde in 1992. works in recent Kraków now has eight such cars along years, perhaps the with others that are high-floor throughout. most impressive Other second-hand acquisitions being the tunnel include over 60 Düwag GT8S beneath the main cars released by the Rheinbahn in railway station Düsseldorf, and a fleet of 25 type E6 cars from Wien, which are being linking Dworzec rebuilt and restyled by Autosan Towarowy with with low-floor centre sections. This Rondo Mogilskie. incredibly varied and modernised This view of the fleet is one of the most impressive northern access in Poland, but the activity does not taken on 12 March stop there. Much track has been 2009 shows car reconstructed in past years and new 2035 descending links opened, including an impressive southbound into subway connecting the railway station the tunnel with Kotlarski (Kotlarski bridge) and . with the university campus; (Dworzec Główny) with Rondo 105Na bogie car Lipska to Mały Płaszów opened. The construction of the new line started at Mogilskie and a low-level segregated set 394+395 on the latest extension is a 3.8km (2.4-mile) the beginning of 2011. interchange at the latter point. surface alignment. line between ul. Brożka (in the south Of the total cost of PLN150m In November 2010, a new line from Mike Russell of the city near Podgórze depot) and (EUR34m), around PLN53m Rondo Grzegórzeckie across most Kampus UJ, providing a connection (EUR12m) comes from EU funds. TRAMWAJE ŚLĄSKIE

Above: Tramwaje Śląskie 766 is one of an initial batch of eight cars rebuilt to the Łódź design, which has been the subject of repeat orders. Mike Russell Above: In 2007 Tramwaje Śląskie received a substantial fillip when acquired by a consortium of local authorities and a start was made on refurbishing some 105Na bogie cars. Two were rebuilt by Modertrans to their Moderus Alfa design. In a last-ditch attempt to save the line through Gliwice, rebuilt cars were drafted onto lines 1 and 4 in their last weeks of operation. On 29 July 2009, two days before closure, 788 is seen emerging from ul. J. Wieczorka. Mike Russell

An improving picture is presented at this sprawling interurban network Since then, the situation has stabilised. After years of minimal covering what was once the Upper Silesian metallurgical area but investment, with just a small number of 105 and 105Na bogie cars which – as with so many European industrial regions – has now been refurbished with new bodies, some E1 articulated cars have started largely transformed into a tract of light industrial and trading parks. to arrive from Wien, whilst ten double-ended GT8 cars released This was the only tramway the Polish State Treasury found it by Frankfurt-am-Main have been acquired, largely to assist with impossible to unload under its privatisation programme until a temporary shuttle operations while extensive track reconstruction consortium of local authorities, assembled by the mayor of Chorzów, takes place over the coming years. The proposed reconstruction in 2007 negotiated to buy the entire network without being saddled will cover 46km (28.5 miles) of track as part of a project entitled with existing debts. The commissioning of a consultant’s report into Modernization of Tramway and Trolleybus Infrastructure in the future of this system, now unique in the world, understandably the Upper Silesian Agglomeration and although not yet finally raised fears for its future, for it is received wisdom that in the early approved by the EU, work is expected to commence in spring 2012. 21st Century it is unrealistic to retain such a network of interurban The sections to be upgraded include Brynów – Katowice – tram lines through areas of old industrial development. Chorzów – Bytom (line 6), Sosnowiec Zagórze – Katowice – The consultants’ report, however, painted a very favourable picture Chorzów Batory – Świętochłowice – Bytom (lines 15 and 7) and (helped by the absence of significant local heavy rail services) and a Bytom – Ruda Śląska – Zabrze (line 5). As part of these works the rejuvenation of this network has begun – though somewhat frustrated section of line 7 between Łagiewniki and Bytom, out of service by the attitude of the mayor of Gliwice, who pushed through a policy since 2007 on account of the poor condition of the track, will be to rid his town of the tramway, which took place in 2009 and resulted rebuilt and reopened. The plan envisages delivery of 30 new trams in lines 1 and 4 now terminating at the Zabrze/Gliwice boundary at along with modernisation of older cars, with deliveries of new stock Gliwice depot. Long sections of the Gliwice tracks have since been starting in 2013. The five-route Tychy trolleybus network will also dismantled, rendering any future reinstatement improbable. be upgraded with 15 new trolleybuses provided.

94 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org POZNAŃ

Above: Poznań 517 is one of the first of 40 Tramino 205Sp low-floor articulated trams being delivered by Solaris during 2011-12; seen here in the city centre on 16 September 2011. Jacek Modrzejewski

In recent years, this tramway has proved to a second tender is being prepared for these Then came the prototype Tramino S100 be one of Poland’s more enterprising and planned works. (451), built by Solaris in Łódź in 2009 and imaginative systems, in recent years amassing Poznań’s fleet already includes a varied leased from that company. This is a five-section a truly varied fleet, with some of the latest selection of low-floor models. Indeed, it six-axle car quite unlike anything else in local vehicles and prototypes operating side- was the first in Poland to investigate the the fleet and sporting a red/off-white livery by-side with second-hand acquisitions from possibilities when in 1995 it commissioned in stark contrast to Poznań’s standard Germany and the Netherlands. the local works of H. Cegielskiego (now green/cream. Following extensive trials, and The current system extension, under FPS), a long-established car builder, to passenger service operation from February construction and due for completion in April rebuild two existing Konstal 105N bogie cars 2011, a fleet of 40 Tramino 105Sp cars has 2012, is between os. Lecha and os. Franowo, to incorporate a low-floor centre section. been ordered for delivery in 2011/12, at a a distance of 2.5km (1.6 miles). The new line This became 105N/2 tram 400, but remained total cost of PLN432m (EUR98.5m), with an will feature some stopping places located unique with eventual withdrawal in 2010. option on a further five cars. in a cutting and a new depot – a necessary In 1997 came ten RT6N1 cars, a joint Four Moderus Beta MF02 three-section addition now that the original depot in ul. production of CKD-Tatra and FPS cars, built by Modertrans, were scheduled to Gajowa has been closed from 28 December – an outwardly attractive design which join the fleet late in 2011 and a repeat order 2010 and the site sold. unfortunately was beset by technical for 24 similar cars, at a cost of PLN73m The total project cost is PLN225m problems. A total of 14 Siemens five-section (EUR16.6m), has now been placed. Despite (EUR51m) with around half covered by Combinos joined the fleet in 2003/4 and these this major intake of new stock, selective EU funding. The next planned extension were followed in 2007 by a solitary prototype second-hand purchases continue and a further – of the PST express tramway line – will FPS-built 118N Puma three-section car, ten Düwag GT8 articulated cars are expected be to Dworzec Zachodni (west station) and similar in body design to the RT6N1. from Düsseldorf.

Left: Some 20 pairs Left: After the of Poznań’s standard unsuccessful 105Na bogie cars experience with its have been rebuilt to RTN-6 low-floor cars, Moderus Alfa design Poznań ordered 14 by local builder five-sectionCombinos Modertrans; 224 from Siemens, heads one such pair delivered in 2003-4. at Rynek Jezycki On 19 May 2007, car whilst heading for 506 was seen running Dębiec on line 2 on along the newly-relaid 26 August 2009. Głogowska track. Jacek Modrzejewski Mike Russell

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 95 Poland and Euro 2012

ŁÓDŹ

The opening of the new out-of-town shopping complex at Chocianowice in August 2009 was the impetus for a major rejuvenation of tramways in the south of Łódź. Seen at the newly-installed three-track tramway station known as Chocianowice-IKEA on 25 August 2010 are (left to right) MPK unrebuilt 805Na bogie car 3321 on newly-reinstated line 41 to Pabiance; MKT 40, an ex-Innsbruck Düwag GT6 that originated with Bielefeld, with ex-Ludwigshafen 149 in rear, both at the southern extremity of the 32km (19.6-mile) cross-city interurban line to Ozorków; and rebuilt MPK 805Na set 1539+1543 working on trunk line 11 to Helenówek. Mike Russell

The most important tramway in central were invited to stage Euro 2012 events track reconstruction, and EU funding for this Poland after that in the capital is to be found and consequently will not host any of the – plus provision of ten PESA 122N cars – was in Łódź, once Poland’s textile capital and matches, but this has not stopped it from obtained for the important north/south axis second city, a status it has recently ceded to successfully applying for EU funding to start served by route 11. A mixture of low-floor Kraków following the massive decline of the huge job of upgrading and reconstructing cars can now be found on this route, along local industry, with consequent high levels the tramway. with conventional Konstal 805Na bogie of unemployment and a population drain to Two batches of low-floor articulated rolling stock (much of it rebuilt in recent more prosperous areas. cars were received in recent years: when years) operated both on this and other routes As one of the greatest metre-gauge delivered in 2001/2, the 15 Cityrunners serving common sections of this line. tramways of the world, Łódź is an impressive were initially only able to be worked on A potentially more significant development system even if the fabric of the city has cross-city trunk route 10 (Al. Wyszyńskiego is one that manifested itself during 2011. In largely seen better days. However, it has to – Augustów) because of the dire state of the Poland, public transport provision is a matter be said that the state of the track is poor in track elsewhere, as a result of which five for local decision-making and it is open to some cases; it appears that only the minimum were temporarily loaned to Valencia (Spain), each local authority to specify the nature of maintenance is carried out and that dropped from where they returned in 2007. Deploying service provision within its area. In 1993-4, joints, ramped junctions and worn crossings further low-floor cars has necessitated total the surviving suburban Vicinal tram routes are the norm that are patched up as necessary radiating from Łódź were hived off to two pending the receipt of development and new companies owned by their respective reconstruction funding from EU sources. “Central Poland’s most local authorities, but running rights into the For example, the tram line along centre of Łódź were preserved under the Limanowskiego in the north-west of the city important tramway, after agreements and seem to have worked well had to be closed temporarily in 2009 after a since, both operations even being extended tram derailed at a low speed of around 10km/h that in the capital, is to cross-city to improve facilities. (around 6mph) and was only reopened On 16 December 2010, the Polish in November 2011. Accommodation has Parliament enacted the first version of a also been severely constricted since the be found in Łódz, once new law relating to public transport that sale of the former Dąbrowskiego depot for lacked clarity and gave rise to varying redevelopment; the last service cars operated Poland’s textile capital interpretations. Some local authorities, Łódź from here on 28 January 2011. included, formed the view that this conferred Łódź was slow off the mark when bids and second city.” upon them an obligation to create a monopoly

96 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org in public transport provision. On 1 March 2011, however, Parliament clarified the position with a revised statute, under which monopolies were virtually forbidden. Possibly in the knowledge of the imminent passage of the new law, on 28 February the Łódź city council resolved that MPK Łódź (the city tramway operator) should henceforth be granted exclusive monopoly rights to provide public transport services within the city limits. It seems that ‘grandfather rights’ were not conferred upon the existing operators under this arrangement. There is a view that the city council at the last minute took advantage of an ambiguous law to achieve its long-held objective of terminating agreements with TP (Tramwaje Podmiejskie), operator of the western line 43 to Konstantynów and Lutomiersk, and MKT (Międzygminna Komunikacja Tramwajowa), owned jointly by the municipalities of Zgierz and Ozorków and operator of the northern interurban line 46 to those communities. In June 2011, the Mayor of Łódź served For those with an interest in industrial archaeology, the old textile city of Łódź features many old mill notice upon both Vicinal operators that their buildings lovingly restored and others awaiting their turn for attention. On 25 August 2010, new meets old at trams would not be permitted within the plac. Reymonta on ul. Piotrowska, with PESA 122N low-floor car 1856 on trunk line 11 passing properties in city after the end of December 2011. TP the throes of demolition. Mike Russell negotiated with the city council to sell its undertaking back to MPK Łódź and under an agreement finalised between the parties during December, the transfer of undertaking will now take place on 1 April 2012. Line 43 will continue in operation after the sale and be integrated with the Łódź urban tariff, with MPK line 9 being extended to Konstantynów to replace short-working line 43bis. In the case of Międzygminna Komunikacja Tramwajowa (MKT), local authority owners refused to sell the undertaking. As a result, a classic inter-municipal stand-off arose, of a type which surely has no place in an integrated transport plan for the early 21st Century. Caught up within this, the interests of the travelling public seem to have been overlooked; passengers were threatened with the inconvenience of a car-change at Helenówek from the end of December, had MKT cars been banned from the city if its owners continued to resist a coerced sale. Public opinion in the communities served by the MKT Ozorków line seems to be firmly in favour of tramway retention and significant Reconstruction of the north-south main tramway axis in Łódź was co-financed by the EU as part of the pressure has been applied to local politicians urban regeneration project for this old industrial city, permitting the introduction of low-floor cars in the city to take notice of their constituents’ wishes. centre. During rebuilding of ul. Zachodnia, tramway operation was reinstated in advance of general traffic, Only as late as 30 December, a permitting this unobstructed view of Cityrunner 1203 to be taken on 11 August 2008. Mike Russell compromise was reached between representatives of Łódź and the municipalities As we closed for press, the matter was decision could only be valid if undertaken of Zgierz and Ozorków, whereby a ‘letter of far from settled, however; amongst others, by the full city council, and the question intent’ was formulated confirming a similar the trade unions representing MKT staff has been referred to the office of the state change of ownership and operator as in the are claiming that the June 2011 decision by prosecutor. We will keep you updated on case of TP, again from 1 April 2012. the Mayor of Łódź was unlawful as such a progress in future issues. CZĘSTOCHOWA Poland’s newest tramway system dates from 1959, when a standard- visited this tramway, but it is often overlooked that when first gauge line was opened to serve the huge steelworks on the south- opened, there was a street track extension from Raków Dworzec eastern outskirts of the city. The present operation is in the form of PKP to ul. Łukaskińskiego, abandoned in July 1971; remnants of a north/south axis through the city with splays to the east at both the track can still be seen in the area. north and south. Now, plans are well advanced for a 4.5km (2.8-mile) extension Operation has varied in recent years, with the introduction of due to open in autumn 2012. This will be from ul. Jagiellońska regular short-working services (2) to Raków Dworzec PKP, and for to ul. Żarecka with eight stops at an estimated cost of PLN80m a time a lengthy suspension of all service to the steelworks terminus (EUR18.2m). This includes delivery of seven new PESA (Twist) at Kucelin, caused by reconstruction of the viaduct over the railway low-floor articulated tramcars; 85% of the total cost is being line. This is the network that will be familiar to readers who have covered by EU funds.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 97 Poland and Euro 2012

WROCŁAW

Above: The latest deliveries to Wrocław are Škoda 19T bi-directional cars. One of the first is 3108, here entering Teatralna from Skargi on 25 June 2011. Adam Górecki Left: Local works Protram has rebuilt many 105Na trams for Wrocław and also constructed some new rolling stock including 18 three-section articulated units of type 205WrAs with low-floor centre sections. Car 2707 crosses the river Odra at Most Zwierzyniecki, one of 16 substantial and distinctive river bridges in this big city tramway. Jacek Modrzejewski This important south-western city (formerly Breslau) hosts four overall cost is PLN267.75m (EUR62.8m) with an option for a further Euro 2012 matches and the tramway will play a large part in crowd three cars. A local manufacturer has not been ignored and a further movement, given that the city has no metro system. eight trams of type 205WrAs have been ordered from Protram for The tramway is already very extensive and covers all areas of delivery in 2011, at a cost of PLN20.25m (EUR4.6m). A longer, five- the city, and the fleet has been upgraded in recent years by the local section 405Kr prototype for Kraków is currently on test (see page 88). Protram company, established in the former Legnicka workshops. In recent years, Wrocław’s tramways have been subject to massive The fleet has been augmented by 16 five-section low-floor Škoda temporary disruption as a result of a major track renewal programme, 16T Elektra trams, and repeat orders have been placed with that and now a further new line is under construction, a 4km (2.5-mile) manufacturer, in this case for 31 bi-directional 19T cars, delivery of length between ul. Legnicka and the suburb of Kozanów, serving which is being spread over the period 2010/11. Around 20 have so the Euro 2012 stadium, at a total cost of PLN85.3m (EUR19.4m) far arrived, the first entering passenger service on 25 June 2011. The including roadworks.

One of 17 newly-delivered Škoda 16T Elektra five-section low-floor cars, 3004, Typical of present day Poland is the building work in this view of Plac Grunwaldzki passes Wrocław’s opera house on 14 June 2008. On its right is 2040, one of the on 14 June 2008, with reconstructed 105Na set 2366+2365 emerging from the surviving Konstal-built 102Na first-generation Polish articulated cars. Mike Russell new tramway station on their way to Park Przemysłowy terminus. Mike Russell . For extensive assistance in the preparation of this feature, the author is most grateful to Witold Urbanowicz of Warszawa and Łukasz Stefanczyk of Łódź.

POSTSCRIPT TO PART ONE: questions construction of to be built to bi-directional on ul. Andersa, Mickiewicza and the eastwards extension will configuration. If this proves Słowackiego has been reinstated. WARSZAWA. The situation be deferred and trams will impossible, Warszawa will try regarding the tramline terminate in the short-term at to lease suitable double-ended SZCZECIN. The project under construction on Most the intersection of ul. Świderska cars from other systems. for construction of the new Skłodowskiej-Curie, the new and ul. Myśliborska. As no As a separate matter, and express tramway beyond Basen northern bridge across the river turning-loop will be provided, subject to EU funding, Tramwaje Górniczy is in danger because Wisła (Vistula), has recently the use of double-ended cars Warszawskie is to invite tenders of an issue surrounding an become more complicated. is the most likely solution, and for 30 double-ended trams and a historical villa on the line of The new structure will open ZTM has instructed Tramwaje decision is expected within the route; the city authorities have for general traffic early in 2012 Warszawskie to investigate the next two months. Furthermore, so far not found a solution and and tram service will commence possibility of converting six of trams have now returned to with the matter unresolved, at a later date, but it seems the current order for 186 PESA the reconstructed viaduct near the project will not attract EU that because of environmental low-floor articulated tramcars Dworzec Gdański and service funding and cannot proceed.

98 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org Miskolc: Green Arrow

Hungary’s ‘Green Arrow’: Connecting and leading a city

Miskolc is Hungary’s fourth-largest city – and due to its ‘Green Arrow’ project is receiving a revitalised tramway designed to fight for passengers in changed circumstances. The city operator’s public relations manager Ágnes Csontos explains.

ungary’s fourth-largest city, Miskolc, now has Above: The ‘Vienna’ (SGP) cars that are almost 40 years old, the other a revitalised tramway due to its ‘Green Arrow’ reconstructed half are Tatra cars of around 20 years of age. project. More properly known as the Development Selymrét tram The last seven or eight years have seen a decrease in Hof urban tramways in Miskolc programme, ‘Green Arrow’ stop (the first one demand, which can be traced back to the imperfections aims to create and promote a sustainable, competitive, completed, as a in service comfort, to changed travelling habits, to environmentally-friendly, quick and safe transport link on ‘sample’ for Miskolc restructuring of the economy and to the ever-increasing use the East-West axis of the city, to form a modern cityscape. residents) presents of motor transport. The city is at the centre of the Northern Hungarian region a neat and clean of three counties, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves and Nógrád. Before the project: Time for renewal The region covers 13 400km2 (roughly 5170 sq miles). appearance; Tatra Before ‘Green Arrow’, Miskolc’s tramline consisted of According to its natural and geographical characteristics, 205 waits in open and covered sections. The covered section ran from the Northern Hungarian Region is one of the most diverse August 2011. the Tiszai railway station to the Újgyőr main square, areas in this central European country. It is particularly rich while the open section started on the Újgyőr main square in tourist interest – within its boundaries visitors can find and ran to the Diósgyőr terminal, with the Iron foundry 13 protected natural areas of national importance. Miskolc is loop included. the educational, cultural and economic centre of the region. From the Tiszai station to the Újgyőr main square the The city’s transport network is based around the axis rails were constructed as double-track small panel cover of the East-West tramline, which carries the majority of – concreted sleepers with grooved girder rail superstructure; the city’s public transport ridership. The bus system is this was rebuilt in different lengths from the mid-1980s. organised radially, complemented by branch lines, but When the concreted sleeper superstructure was developed, there are also bus lines running parallel to the tramline. the former reinforced concrete balks had been built in The North-South cross-lines also deserve a mention as they concrete slabs 40cm thick. primarily have a feeder role. Reconstruction of the section from the Újgyőr main MVK Zrt. is responsible for the organisation of the city square to the market square – with open, flanged Vignol traffic. It was founded by the Municipality of Miskolc, rails with reinforced concrete bottoms each weighing City of County Rank, in 1994. The city’s public transport 48.5kg plus ballast bedding – was completed in the early is well organised; negative impacts on its competitiveness All images 1990s, while the section from the Újgyőr market square to are mainly caused by imperfections in service comfort. courtesy of Fehér the Diósgyőr terminal had been rebuilt in the mid-1990s. The tram fleet is particularly old: half of the 36 trams are Péter/MVK Zrt. There were visible signs of more than 20 years of usage

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 99 Miskolc: Green Arrow

on the covered grooved girder rail sections, which were Above: Work starts suburban public transport. These five priorities are: mainly caused by the so-called FVV four-axle, three-section on Thököly Street, . It promotes public transport instead of individual articulated trams. The small panel surfacing was in a March 2011. travelling. poor condition on many sections; the sections in question . It serves to develop rail-mounted transport. were also used by cars. In peak periods, track sections not Above right: . It offers an environmentally-friendly solution for the appropriately separated from road vehicles further slowed Connected – the . improvement of accessibility. tram traffic. last weld of the It improves comfort and passenger information. . It strengthens inter-modality. Green Arrow infrastructure transformation first reconstruction session in Thököly The total project cost is close to HUF38bn (EUR191.5m), The project is supported by the European Union and is of which roughly HUF34bn (EUR178.3m) came from being fulfilled within Hungary’s Transport Operational Street. the European Union. The beneficiary of the project – and Programme. This has determined five priorities in the field the organisation responsible for implementation – is the of traffic and transport, among which ‘Green Arrow’ fits Consortium of the Municipality of Miskolc and Miskolc the fifth priority, focusing on the development of urban and City Transportation Company. The project’s direct objective is to increase the quality Green Arrow’s key objectives of the service through the modernisation of the 9.6km (5.97-mile) existing tramline and extension of this line . Time savings on travel between Tiszai Railway Station and Felső-Majláth, 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the old Diósgyőr terminal to through modernisation and extension of the tracks, as well as the deployment Felső-Majláth. It enhances environmentally-friendly of new trams and new solutions in traffic organisation. transport provision through the replacement of parallel bus . Reduction of noise emission in the modernised track sections. routes with trams and the modernisation of the vehicle fleet . Establishment of modern, energy-saving, environmentally friendly, through the procurement of new tramcars. high-standard public transport through the use of new tram vehicles. . Reduction of air pollution through the closure of bus routes running in Reconstruction and extension parallel with the trams. As the total budget of the reconstruction and extension of . Provision of equal opportunities and maximum accessibility through the the tracks was HUF16.7bn (EUR55.2m), there was a public deployment of low-floor trams and conversion of platforms. procurement procedure for the selection of the contractor . Creation of proper conditions for cycling by offering bike racks on the new at the beginning of 2010, which was won by the Miskolci trams, storage spaces in the new terminal and connection to the planned Zöld Nyíl 2009 Konzorcium. The winning consortium cycle routes. consists of four partners: Colas Alterra Zrt., WIS Zrt., . Retention of passengers, strengthening of public transport’s traffic share. Colas-Út Zrt. and PENTAVIA Kft. After the contract was signed in February 2010, reconstruction began in May and Major activities undertaken within the framework of the lasted until the middle of December. project include: As a result of the work, 3.9km (2.4 miles) of tramline . Modernisation of the existing tram tracks and stops (19 200 rlm) in was reconstructed together with 14 stops of which one compliance with Hungary’s National Railway Code. – Selyemrét – was built together with the rain shelter to . Construction of new tram tracks between the terminal station of Diósgyőr function as a ‘sample tram stop’. The sample stop created and Felső-Majláth (2800 rail linear metres) with a new intermodal terminal an opportunity for the people of Miskolc to see what the station and the construction of two additional pairs of new stops. new stops would be like and to be able to give considered . The purchase of 31 new trams. opinions in connection with it. The new stops are . Modernisation of the energy supply system. considered a unique element of the ‘Green Arrow’ project; . Unobstructed development of the existing stops, modern design for the street each one has a unique architectural element which suits its furniture and rain shelters. surroundings and the part of the town in which it is situated. . Development of passenger information systems with smart poles at key stops. Work continued in March 2011, with the plans calling for 5.2km (3.2 miles) of new tramline to be reconstructed by Additional activities for the implementation of the project have included the end of the year. This section included the extension of archaeological excavation, acquisition of real estate (to allow the construction the existing line by 1.5km (0.9 miles) and the creation of a of the new tracks) and technical supervision in the course of the construction new intermodal terminal station. The weather was kind to works, as well as public relations activities. the project last year, with a lack of heavy rains in summer or autumn; moreover the winter was mild until the end of

100 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MVK Zrt Miskolc’s public transport is the responsibility of Miskolc Városi Közlekedési Zrt – or MVK Zrt. The operator has an English-language website (www.mvkzrt.hu/english), which includes ticketing details, schedules and maps, and also sections dealing with vehicles and the tramway’s history. Public transport in Miskolc began with horse omnibuses in 1862; in 1882 permission was given to introduce horse trams. Plans for a standard-gauge electric tramway were laid in 1895 and services started in 1897 using trams built by Ganz. MVK as a body dates from the 1950s, although in its current form as MVK Zrt. it goes back to the 1990s. As well as trams, MVK runs Miskolc’s bus services. The current tram fleet consists of 18T atra KT8D5 vehicles built between 1986 and 1990; 18 ex-Wien (Vienna) SGP E1 trams (plus six Lohner C3 trailers); and one FVV 1100, retained as a ‘nostalgia tram’. Contact: +36 46 514 900 and [email protected]

Above: Construction the construction work in December. Thanks to this, and also from passengers who oppose the termination of parallel bus of Soltész-Nagy the organisation of the work, the reconstructed tracks of routes as part of the project. Kálmán tram stop, the existing tramline and those of the extension met at the October 2011. end of November. The last weld took place exactly where Prolonged procurement of new trams the building of the old terminal station used to be – this last The procurement of the 31 new trams has proved more Below right: Part joint was the 2594th of the project. difficult than the infrastructure construction. The fourth of the rebuilt right Before 2011 ended the first test run was carried out on public procurement process has been running since spring of way – this is the the extension in December. This was successful – the new 2011 after the previous three closed without success. Győri kapu area section of tramline and the contractor had together passed Ganz-Skoda Közlekedési Zrt. was declared the winner of the test well. If we consider the scale of the project, and the the fourth public procurement procedure in November – but of the city, seen in fact that the construction influenced the whole life of the other manufacturers subsequently challenged the decision at September 2011. city, especially in the East-West axis, the work undertaken the Public Procurement Committee. As TAUT went to press, in 2010 and 2011 can be regarded as a great success story confirmation was received that the contract with Ganz-Skoda without any significant difficulties. was to be signed in late February, with the first new vehicle However, citizens’ attitudes towards the project and expected to be delivered within 24 months. construction have been largely ambivalent. Most passengers With the project closing successfully, Miskolc will have are happy with the reconstruction and development, and are a modern tram-based transport system and – with the waiting for the new trams. On the other hand there has been new trams – a higher standard of service. The financial opposition from residents alongside the extension as well as settlement and closing will be in the summer of 2015. TAUT

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 101 systems factfile

LILLE No. 54 Lille, Rebuilding Lille’s historic tramway followed the introduction of france the world’s first fully automatic metro system. Neil Pulling reports from the heart of French Flanders.

words and pictures by Neil Pulling

he main city of Nord-Pas de Calais region, Lille is Above: Tram 07 of wide and largely straight thoroughfares headed north France’s fourth largest urban area (Lille Métropole approaches the from central Lille to the towns of Tourcoing and nearby Communauté Urbaine) with a population of 1 north-eastern . Over 80 years on, Lille’s visionary project – also T106 885 in 2007. Boosting that number are adjoining terminus Roubaix including cycleways and tree planting – strengthened the communities across the border in Belgium. Eurotéléport on 21 case for tram retention, as did the return of trams to other In a select group with the lines incorporated in today’s February 2011. French cities. Rejecting widening the Grand Boulevard St Etienne and Marseille tramways, Lille is a system apart by expanding across the tracks, large-scale modernisation from the modern French era launched in 1985 by the Nantes began in 1991, with phased re-openings from spring 1994. opening. This is not however a remnant of the city network It is now part of the Métropole’s network branded (began 1874, closed by January 1966) but of the inter-urban Transpole, a Keolis subsidiary that began a new seven-year system, L’Électrique Lille-Roubaix-Tourcoing (ELRT). The contract in January 2011, which included a commitment to ELRT driving force was Lille-born engineer and entrepreneur increase tram services by 15%. With just two metro and two Alfred Mongy, commemorated with a stop, depot access tramlines for a 612km2 area, Transpole also has 42 urban road and as an informal title (Le Mongy) for whole line. bus lines and a cycle hire operation. Regional buses serve Tram services began in December 1909 over tracks the conurbation which also has stations on the SNCF TER included in the Grand Boulevard scheme, a development network. ➤

www.tramnews.net www.Irta.org march 2012 103 Systems Factfile

R Gare Lille Flandres ➞ Roubaix Eurotéléport T Gare Lille Flandres ➞ Tourcoing-Centre

1 Métro 4 Cantons C.H.R DB-Calmette Métro St-Philibert R T 2 C.H. Dron Gare Lille Flandres 1 2

Gare Lille Europe 2

Romarin Botanique

Saint-Maur

Buisson

Brossolette

Clemenceau Hippodrome Croisé Laroche

Acacias Foch

Pont de Wasquehal Le Quesne

La Terrasse Cerisaie Centre d’Affaires 2 Wasquehal Pavé de Lille Château Rouge

Le Sart Cartelot

Planche Épinoy Grand Cottignies

La Marque Triez

Clinique du Parc Trois Suisses Above: The junction Given the years separating their creation, unsurprisingly for the Tourcoing Lille’s tramway differs from the French mainstream. Bol d’Air Faidherbe and Roubaix Routing was dictated by the position of the main centres branches is just rather than the now common practice of connecting traffic Parc Barbieux Ma Campagne beyond the Croisé generators like hospitals and universities, a role that Lille’s Laroche platforms. metro would fill. A new power supply at 750V replaced the Hôpital Victor Provo Pont Hydraulique previous 600V installation, but metre-gauge was retained. The platforms are a relatively short 32 metres, these often Below: The tram Jean Moulin Victoire staggered either side of the multiple road crossings. terminus forms The most striking difference lies in the fleet. By the part of the city’s Alfred Mongy Tourcoing Centre 2 1990s rebuild – there had been previous changes – France main transport had resumed tram production with the Alsthom TFS-1 2 Roubaix Eurotéléport interchange, Gare (from 1985 for Nantes) and TFS-2 (1987 for Grenoble), Lille Flandres. as-built or modified with part low-floor space. However, Lille chose a four-section fully low-floor tram from Italian company Breda. Angular styling was by Pininfarina, later used by successor Ansaldobreda for the Sirio. Rebuilding Le Mongy took account of other transport changes, notably Lille’s key position on the LGV high- speed rail network. A large area around the new Lille Europe station was radically redeveloped, which required modified tramway access on the underground section. Approaches to the northern termini were also changed. Services are designated T (Lille-Tourcoing, 13km, eight miles) and R (Lille-Roubaix, 12km, 7.5 miles), with panels showing the relevant destination in full; end to end takes about 30 minutes. The two services share track for 4km (2.5 miles) between the underground Lille Flandres terminus platforms, which have separate unloading and boarding areas, and the junction immediately north of Croisé Laroche. Restrictions apply for cycle carriage on trams. The system is double-track except for a brief section through a narrow street approaching Tourcoing Centre where a recently rebuilt two-platform terminus integrates with the metro. Much bigger in area, Roubaix Eurotéléport interchange is surrounded by a regional shopping centre.

104 march 2012 www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org ‘Rebuilding Le Mongy took account of other transport changes, notably Lille’s key position on the LGV high-speed rail network’ Above: Rebuilding re-routed track north of Pont Hydraulique, that previously took the bridge (left) into central Tourcoing. Left: Heading south, tram 19 at Victoire, Tourcoing, on a section added in the 1990s rebuilding. Right: The trams by Breda of Italy were created specifically for the Lille system.

network facts . Tram opened: 1874 (1994 in present format) . Tramway gauge: 1 000mm INFORMATION . Metro opened: 1983 . Power supply: 750V overhead supply (tram); . Transport coordination: www.lillemetropole.fr . Lines: Two tram; two metro third rail (metro) . Network: www.transpole.fr . Track distance: Tram 22km; metro 45km . Tram fleet:24 Breda . Civic information: www.mairie-lille.fr and . Metro fleet:143 two-car Siemens VAL vehicles . Stops: 36 tram; 60 metro www.lillemetropole.fr . Local authority: Lille Métropole Communauté . Approximate weekday hours: 05.30-23.30 . Tourist information: www.lilletourism.com . Tram peak frequency: 8 minutes (4 minutes Urbaine Lille-Croisé Laroche) . Operator: Transpole ➤

www.tramnews.net www.Irta.org march 2012 105 Systems Factfile

the fleet Acquired second-hand in the 1980s, rebuilt Düwag trams with stepped access worked into the line’s reconstruction phase. Peculiar to the Lille system, they were replaced by the Breda vehicles numbered 01-24. The articulated four-section 29.6m, 2.4-metre wide vehicles are bi-directional with driver cabs at a raised floor level. The passenger area with 50 seats in mixed configuration is low-floor. Access to Rouges Barres depot, which replaced the original facility, is from a delta junction between Buisson and Brissolette. The articulated rubber-tyred metro vehicles which provide brisk acceleration and braking are an integral part of the VAL system. Six double doors on each side assist rapid loading; all stations have platform edge doors. The permanently-coupled paired cars are 26 metres long and little more than two metres wide: their designation relates to width in centimetres. There are 83 VAL206 and 60 of the newer VAL208 vehicles which run over both lines.

Above: A VAL208 An entirely new transit system was created to link Lille moves forward with an area under development to the east. The newly- for the next created commune Villeneuve-d’Ascq and Lille provided northbound line 1 the VAL acronym for the world’s first fully automatic service from CHR metro with unstaffed vehicles, devised locally and opening B-Calmette. in April 1983. Initially developed by Matra and adopted elsewhere in metro and airport people-mover formats, it Left: The original became a Siemens product through company acquisition Boulevard vision and re-tagged as Véhicule Automatique Léger. With two lines and 45km (28 miles) of route, Lille remains remains apparent: the largest VAL installation. It is mainly underground but this is near Planche features surface and substantial elevated sections. Automatic Épinoy on the operation allows for up to one-minute peak frequency. Roubaix line in Station access and styles vary with extensive application June 2007. of artworks; elevated sites with commanding views contrast with some oppressive underground platform areas. Below: Early Improvements have been made here and to the fleet. VAL206 number 07 Both interchanges between metro line 1 (13.5km/8.4 near line 2 Porte miles) and line 2 (32km/20 miles) which opened in 1989 are de Valenciennes on in central Lille where there is also a non-revenue connection. 21 February 2011. The most recent extensions, north from Tourcoing, opened in 2000. Metro and tram interchanges are the three termini, plus Gare Lille Europe and Wasquehal-Pavé de Lille. TAUT lille: essential FACTS How do I get there? By rail: Frequent Eurostar services from London St Pancras to Lille Europe (international and main TGV station) taking under 90 minutes. Brussels (about 35 minutes) and Paris (one hour to Lille Europe or Flandres) by TGV. By air: Lille’s airport is mainly geared to French domestic and sunshine destinations with no direct UK or Ireland services. Local travel: Cross-modal tickets from machines or Transpole information offices near the metro and tram sub-surface entrance at Gare Lille Flandres. Three-stop Zap ticket at EUR0.70; unlimited single journey (EUR1.40). Pass’ Journée (EUR4) gives all-mode network coverage for 24 hours.

What is there to see? The Flanders identity abounds in architecture and the role of beer in this culinary centre. Honouring the famed Lille-born national leader, Place du Général-de-Gaulle (also ‘Grand Place’) is the main civic space. Euralille shopping centre covers much of the distance between Lille Europe and Lille Flandres, the latter incorporating the original Paris Gare du Nord frontage.

106 march 2012 www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org SUPPLIERS Reach the global tramway, light rail, metro and interurban markets through these pages. Please call us on +44 (0) 1832 281135 or e-mail [email protected] for opportunities &SERVICES T ransport Intermediaries Solicitors - Parliamentary agents Specialist legal solutions for Discover ITIC Infrastructure, Tramways & Urban Transit schemes International Transport Intermediaries Club Ltd. - ITIC - is the world’s leading niche insurer of professionals who provide services to the transport industry. Specialist professional indemnity insurance is available to many businesses including: • Rail consultants • Rail safety & training advisers • Rail designers • Signalling system designers • Track & infrastructure consultants • Expert witnesses

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Tramways and Urban Transit March 10.indd 1 17/03/2010 11:04:15 In your next issue of

ROLLING STOCK special focus l Bill Kleppinger, Project Manager for Kinkisharyo International, examines the current US streetcar climate – and looks to the mode’s technological future. l Mixed fleets: Budapest’s tramway has decades of experience in maintaining and operating a varied set of vehicles on its extensive network. The city’s Laszlo Szedlmajer and Illes Fodor explain the challenges and lessons learnt. l Mike Taplin summarises the significant tram orders of the past 12 months. UKRAINE READIES ITSELF FOR EURO 2012 Following his in-depth look at Poland’s preparations for this summer’s Euro 2012 football championships, Mike Russell turns his attention to joint host Ukraine. SYSTEMS FACTFILE: DÜSSELDORF One of Germany’s leading light rail operations, Rheinbahn’s integrated tram and Stadtbahn services cover Düsseldorf and its surrounding areas. Neil Pulling reports. worldwide news and review All the biggest stories from the light and urban rail sectors – from Algeria to Vietnam.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org march 2012 107 75 Tramway Tramway Review 1937–2012 No. 229 March 2012 Review £4.25 THE PRICE OF an electric tramway Covering everything from track to trolley poles... Tramway Review details the cost of building first-generation tramways in the UK. FAREWELL TO THE BRUSSELS CONDUIT Geoffrey Skelsey and Yves-Laurent Hansart present an overview of the abandonment of conduit operation in the Belgian capital. Swiss Standards: The Swiss Standard Tram A classic design Andrew Moglestue’s review of a classic European design begins with an How much did a tramway cost? in-depth look at the model’s origins and early Zürich prototypes. Farewell to the Brussels conduit 50 years since Glasgow’s closure Glasgow’s final year The best books reviewed ISSN 0041-1019 Half a century on, Geoffrey Skelsey focuses on the 1962 closure of the 15 service between Baillieston and the city centre. TR229_1_Cover.indd 1

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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE HEADLINES l ‘EcoTram’ aims for 10% energy savings THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE HEADLINES l Croydon welcomes ● Chicago welcomes first newVariobahn fi rst new L-train cars

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Postcode ������������������������������������������ Student membership available online only. I enclose a cheque to the value of £ ...... Commercial members (12 issues) UK International made payable to ‘LRTA Subscriptions’ £50.00 £63.00 Please complete this form and send it with your payment Invoices available for Commercial membership only. to: LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley For online payments visit: www.lrta.info/commercial Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK Worldwide review ALGERIA CHARLEROI. After a first trial on 30 K2 of the same number. T2 works car 4115 has December, service over the new line between been scrapped. BS ORAN. The first trials on the new 18km (11.1 Sud and Parc, and to Soleilment, started on 16 LIBEREC. New T3R.SLF trams are 66 and mile) tramway were due to start in March. A. Senut January. Passenger service and the new route 82, replacing the withdrawn T3 with the same numbering were to start on 27 February. T-2000 numbers. BS ARGENTINA LIEGE. The Walloon government has approved PRAHA (Prague). T3 6862, 6900/31/40, the 12km (7.5 miles) line from Sclessin to Coron- previously intended for export to Karkhiv, MENDOZA. Ex-San Diego U2 LRVs meuse for EUR325m, to open in 2017. T-2000 were scrapped, and 7011/31/8/50 sent east 1027/65/9 arrived in mid-December, leaving instead, joining their former running mates two to be delivered; they will retain their San BRAZIL 8034/9/40/6/70/3. T3 twin-set 6892+6921 Diego paintscheme. S. J. Morgan made a farewell tour on 10 December, while SÃO PAULO. The Malaysian-led consortium single cars 6892 and 6921 appeared on farewell AUSTRALIA building the 18km (11.1-mile) monorail line 17 workings on 17-18 December, before being has awarded a CBTC contract to Thales based sent to the museum collection at Stresovice BENDIGO. The AUD3.1m (EUR1.05m) on the Seltrac moving block system. A. Bailey and marking the end of non-modernised T3 reconstruction of the tram depot and workshops operation after 48 years. T3R.P 8300 was used was completed on 12 November. They are now CANADA for snowplough duties this winter. The only T6 in full-time use. J. Chuang with T3 bogies, prototype 8600, is awaiting MELBOURNE. During the January TORONTO. The expert appointed to pursue scrapping; 8697/98 have already met this fate. reconstruction of the bridge carrying High the public-private partnership for the Sheppard The European Investment Bank has given St over the railway in Armadale, two sets of Avenue subway reported in December that he EUR3650m to help finance the 6.1km (3.7 mile) temporary climbing points imported from needed another year and CAD10m (EUR7.6m). extension of metro line A to Motol Hospital, due Germany were used for the first time. One of the Mayor Ford’s decision to cancel the Transit to open in 2014. A further 6.9km (4.2 miles) to trams used as shelters at Wattle Park, 885, was City LRT plan is now estimated to cost the city Ruzyne airport is planned. BS destroyed by fire prior to Christmas.D. Menzies CAD65m (EUR45m) in cancellation charges. Metrolinx has exercised a CAD22m ECUADOR AUSTRIA (EUR16.7m) option with Sumitomo Corporation and Nippon Sharyo for six additional DMU cars CUENCA. Spanish company ETS has been GRAZ. The city has started the planning of the for the proposed Air Rail Link connecting Union awarded a EUR2.8m contract to plan a tramway 4km (2.4 mile) tramline 8 linking Jakominiplatz Station to Pearson International Airport. Dubbed system for Ecuador’s third city. ‘Spain Abroad’ and Strassgang in the south-western suburbs. C-Cars, they will have flat ends and be placed Work is scheduled to start in 2016. between two slant-nose A-Cars. The initial order EGYPT Work has started to equip the new tram subway of 12 DMUs was finalised on 31 March 2011, at Hbf with tracks and overhead; opening for and revenue service is scheduled for 2015. AL QAHIRA (Cairo). The first 4.3km service is to take place in November. EB This design is aimed at the North American (2.6-mile) section of metro line 3, from Attaba LINZ. Deliveries of trams market and will be assembled at a plant under to Abbasiya, was to be opened on 10 January, up to car 072 had been completed by the end of construction in Rochelle, Illinois. J. Wolinsky but may have been postponed. urbanrail.net 2011; ten-axle trams 47, 49 and 51 have been VANCOUVER. After regional mayors scrapped. By the summer all these high-floor approved tax increases to fund their share of ETHIOPIA trams will be out of service. BS the project, a request for proposals for the 11km WIEN (Vienna). Referring to our December (6.8-mile) CAD1.4bn (EUR1.06bn) Evergreen ADDIS ABABA. Chinese company CREEC has report, the EUR60m order placed with SkyTrain line has been issued with the aim of been awarded the contract for a 37km (22.9-mile) Bombardier is for 20 more LRVs for Stadtbahn completing the project in summer 2016. LRT line and hopes to complete the USD400m service from 2014. Delivery of B1 trams had TransLink has released proposals for a project in two years; 60% funding is being reached 744 by the end of 2011. CAD114m (EUR86m) 2.7km (1.6-mile) provided by the Chinese Government. A. Bailey Withdrawn 4504/16 and 4806 have passed to gondola link from University SkyTrain station Katowice, while trailer 1212 was sold to Kraków; to the main campus at Simon Fraser University. FINLAND refitting of 121 E2 trams with new chopper Ridership is estimated at 38 000/day by 2021. control from Cegelec has been completed. The Canada line is attracting 17% of the HELSINKI. A further ten low-floor centre Work on new tramlines 25 and 26 (Kagraner travel market to and from the airport, compared sections are to be fitted to existing Valmet six- Platz – Hirschstetten) started in January. With with pre-opening predictions of 9%. I. Fisher axle trams by VIS in Halberstadt, in 2012-13. 41 type V U-Bahn trains delivered, many of the The order includes two options. DS original type U trains have been scrapped. BS CHINA FRANCE BELGIUM CHONGQING. Monorail line 3 was extended north to Jiangbei international airport and south BREST. Consideration is being given to a ANTWERPEN. The extension of route 6 to Ertang from 30 December. urbanrail.net tram-train operation linking the city centre with opened on 2 January, not 19 December as QINGDAO. A total of 144 metro cars being built Landerneau. A. Senut reported last month. T-2000 by CFR Sifang will have electrical equipment INDUSTRY. Lohr Industrie is in financial BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. Route 62, launched supplied by Alstom in a EUR26m contract with difficulty after three years of poor trading. The last August, had its six-minute headway its Chinese joint venture Shanghai Alstom only profitable subsidiary is Translohr, which increased to 12-15 minutes from 9 January, Transport Electrical. Delivery to line 3 is due in builds and equips rubber-tyred tramways. The reducing the run-out to six Tram-2000 cars. time for public service in late 2014. A. Bailey bank Lazards has been instructed to see if a sale It is hoped this will reduce complaints about SHENYANG. The 22km (13.6-mile) metro line of Translohr is possible to raise funds. Le Figaro vibration from residents in Avenue Rogier. 2 to Quanyunlu opened on 9 January. A. Bailey CLERMONT-FERRAND. The declaration The split between short and long Flexity trams XIAN. Work has started on a 27.3km of public utility has been issued for the 1.7km has changed again: 2012-15 will see the arrival (16.9-mile) express railway linking the city and (one-mile) extension of the rubber-tyred of 3096-3151 and 4036-69 (15 fewer 32m cars, the airport, for completion in 2015. A. Bailey tramway to Stadion Gabriel Montpied. A. Senut 15 more 43m cars). Withdrawn six-axle trams LE MANS. The 50 millionth tramway passenger 7702/11/9/42/3/52/73 have been scrapped. CZECH REPUBLIC was carried on 21 December, after four years Fares were increased from 1 February; a single and one month of operation. A. Senut ride is now EUR1.80 and a 24-hour Discover BRNO. The last six-axle Vario LF2R.E LILLE. A total of 45 VAL206 metro sets are Brussels ticket EUR6 (a 43% increase). T-2000 delivered in 2011 was 1114, replacing the Tatra to be renovated by Masteris for EUR15.8m. DS

110 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org series cars (six more of the former have since been sent to Budapest). Fares were increased from 11 December; a two-zone day ticket (covering the tram network, apart from line 1 south of Gleidingen) now costs EUR5.70 for an adult or EUR11.10 for a group of up to five. The minimum fare is EUR2.30.BS . The second modernised Stadtbahn-M car, fitted with a low-floor centre section by Cegelec in the Czech Republic, was 3254, delivered on 13 December. BS KARLSRUHE. Bombardier will start delivery of dual-voltage Stadtbahn cars 923-52 shortly. BS KEHL. The town council has given strong support to the construction of a cross-border tramway by 2015, an extension of Strasbourg line D. Initially it will reach the railway station, but it is hoped to extend to Rathaus later. EUR35m in contributions from the German side is being sought, but annual subsidy of EUR750 000 is likely to be more of a problem for a town with a population of 35 000. BS The first use of temporary climbing points in Melbourne, with Combino 3535 at Armadale. M. Rowe KÖLN (Cologne). Passenger service at the rebuilt Breslauer Platz U-Bahn station NANTES – CHÂTEAUBRIANT. The 64km . A storm on 5 January brought down resumed from 11 December. Stadtbahn-B cars (39.7-mile) rail line, closed 30 years ago, will a tree in Wachmannstrasse on top of a moving in service are 2031/2/5/49, 2101-17/9-22/92- be re-opened in 2013 for tram-train service. A tram; passengers had to remain onboard until 6/8-9, 2201-40/51-60 and 2301-33; 2012 has substation is being built at Not-sur-Erdre, and the collapsed overhead had been isolated. Tram been retained for driver training. an extended passing loop at Chapelle-sur-Erdre; traffic throughout the central area was ata KREFELD. A large project to rebuild Ostwall 15 round trips/day will operate to Not-sur-Erdre, standstill for more than an hour. and the area around Hbf will have a significant with seven continuing to Cháteaubriant. A. Senut The line 1 extension from Osterholz to effect on tram services while work is in ORLEANS. Delivery of trams Nusshorn (4.1km, 2.4 miles) is to open on 26 progress in 2013-14. In particular Rheinbahn 61-81 for line B has been completed. The new March. DS, BS line K (U76) will terminate at Diesen for two line will be opened on 30 June. BS DORTMUND. The last Stadtbahn-N tram, years, with replacement buses to the city centre. PARIS. Alstom is delivering Citadis trams 322- 154, was withdrawn before Christmas, and will Replacing the dual-gauge tram tracks will cost 46 for line T3 and 442-60 for line T2, both of follow previous examples to Gdansk. DS EUR250 000, and signaling a similar sum. DS which will be extended this year. BS DÜSSELDORF. The last classic Düwag MAGDEBURG. The last three Tatra B4D ST GERVAIS – MARTIGNY. SNCF and trailer, 1700, was withdrawn after service on trailers, 2127/8/41, were withdrawn on 21 Transports de Martigny et Régions have signed 30 November, followed on 2 December by the December. BS an agreement for joint management of the 55km last vintage eight-axle trams, 2656/63 and 2965. MAINZ. The first StadlerVariobahn , 217, entered (34-mile) metre-gauge line. RFF will undertake It will probably join the museum fleet, while passenger service on 14 December, the 60th infrastructure works to accommodate two trains 2656/63 are being adapted for works duties. The birthday of tramway manager Gunter Rebahl. DS per hour from 2014. RGI last NF8U tram delivered in 2011 was 3369. BS . During 2012 some of the single- SARREBRUCK – FORBACH. A tram-train for FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN. The contract to track tramway branch from Käfertal to Wallstadt the cities of Moselle-Est is being studied. A. Senut provide S-Bahn service from December 2014 will be doubled, and a new turning circle built STRASBOURG. Public consultation on the has been awarded to DB Regio, which has at Wallstadt Ost. From December 2012 this will proposed Translohr rubber-tyred tramline ordered 90 ET430 trains from Bombardier for permit a ten-minute headway to be provided on to Wolfisheim has shown an overwhelming lines S1 and S7-9. ET423 trains will work the route 4. The project is costing EUR3.5m. RNV preference for a conventional tramway. A. Senut remainder of the lines. BS MÜNCHEN (Munich). Tenders have been TOULOUSE. Alstom/Egenie/Guintoli will FREIBURG/Breisgau. Tenders have been invited for construction of the 510m tramway build the 2.5km (1.5-mile) tramway extension invited for 12 42m double-ended 100% low-floor extension to Bhf Pasing for line 19, expected to from Arenes to Fer a Cheval under a EUR16m trams in 2015-17. All 26 GT8Z trams are to be open in December 2013. DS contract awarded in December. Passenger refurbished by Siemens at Wegberg-Wildenrath, NORDHAUSEN. With the delivery of two new service is planned for December 2013. A. Senut and fitted with Cegelec IGBT electrical equipment Siemens Combino trams (the last delivered on in a EUR10.4m programme. While this is in 16 December), three of the remaining four GT4 GERMANY progress eight-axle trams 205-6 have been trams have been advertised for sale as spares. re-activated and 210-4 will see more use. BS From 26 December all normal passenger BIELEFELD. The first new Vamos Stadtbahn GERA. The tramway workshop is restoring service was with the nine low-floor trams (101-9).DS cars entered service on line 4 on 19 December. DS ex-Dresden Gotha tram 1578 for use on the NÜRNBERG. Tenders have been invited for BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. With 30 Woltersdorf tramway. BS the engineering design of the 2.5km (1.5-mile) Stadler Variobahn cars in service by the end of GOTHA. Four Düwag trams with low-floor tramway extension from Thon to Wegfeld. DS 2011, delivery of a further 15 is scheduled for centre sections, 505/8/21/2, arrived from . A fares increase from 1 February 2013-15. The remaining high-floorStadtbahn-M Mannheim in December. After overhaul they saw a single ticket rise to EUR1.80. A day ticket trams are used on route 310; 334/5/8 have been will be used on the Thüringerwaldbahn. DS costs EUR4.60. BS sold to the Turkish city of Bursa. HALBERSTADT. Special events will mark STUTTGART. The extension of line U12 from Planning permission has been given for the 125 years of tramway operation on 30 June. DS Löwentor to Hallschlag is under construction, EUR35m tramway between Laer and Witten via HAMBURG. The Senate has approved the with opening fixed for September 2013. At the Langendreer, to replace the current single track 1.3km (0.8-mile) extension of U-Bahn line U4 other end of the line work starts this year on the alongside the Autobahn. When completed in from Hafencity-Universität to Elbbrücken and Wallgraben – Dürrlewang extension, to open in 2017, route 302 will extend to Langendreer Bhf made EUR4.2m available to start the work. late 2013. and route 310 to Witten. However it seems the budget will not be enough The Stuttgart 21 project for a new low-level . The new track layout at to build the planned interchange station with the station will go ahead, and requires re-alignment Hbf was brought into use on 18 December. DS S-Bahn at the new terminus. DS of the tram subways in Heilbronner Strasse and BRAUNSCHWEIG. The Niedersachsen Land HANNOVER. The maximum tram run-out in at Staatsgalerie. G. Wandel government has agreed to put EUR27.35m the winter timetable increased by three to 256, WUPPERTAL. The Schwebebahn will close towards the purchase of 15 low-floor trams. DS drawn from 147 6000-series and 144 2000- during the following periods in 2012 as part

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 111 Worldwide Review of the continuing reconstruction project: 25- 26 February, 5-6/12-13 May, 2-3/16-17/23-24 June, 7 July to 19 August, 15-16 September, 6- 21 October and 10-11 November. The autumn closure is to permit dismantling of the last old station, Werther Brücke. BS

GHANA

ACCRA. The government has signed an agreement with the Inekon Group for feasibility studies for a new tramway system. A. Bailey

HUNGARY

BUDAPEST. The final deliveries of Stadtbahn cars from Hannover included 6103/1133/4/5 0/1/3/4/68/71. The centenary of the Gödöllo HÉV interurban was marked by an open day at Cinkota depot on 26 November. BS SZEGED. Reconstruction of tramline 1 ended in time for re-opening on 16 December, while rebuilt line 2 should re-open on 3 March. A Varga

INDIA The first AlstomCitadis for Dijon arrived from La Rochelle on 26 January; trials began in February. Alstom DELHI. The government has approved a 10.8km (6.7-mile) monorail between Shastri Park future 23km (14.9-mile) Red light rail line, petal and the extension of route 18. A further metro station and Trilokpuri, to open in 2017. expected to be complete in 2017. A. Bailey 1.7km (1.05 miles) is under construction. BS DHOLERA. A modern tramway is being LODZ. The takeover date for the interurban planned for this city in Gujurat, with three lines IRAN tramways has been deferred to 1 April. M. J. Russell totalling 100km (62.1 miles). E. B. Havens POZNÁN. By the end of 2011, 23 of the 45 JAIPUR. Ten four-car metro trains have TEHRAN. Piroozi station on metro line 4 Solaris Tramino cars on order were in service. been ordered from BEML Ltd for INR3.18bn opened on 9 January. urbanrail.net The first 15 have covered over 20 000km (12 400 (USD63.5m) as part of a scheme to design miles) each, providing 99% reliability. Solaris and produce affordable metro cars for India’s ITALY WROCLAW. Delivery of 31 double-ended second-tier cities. RGI Skoda 19T trams, as part of the Tramwaj Plus MUMBAI. Operation of the first 11.7km TORINO. Thursday 29 December saw the project, was completed in December. A. Bailey (7.2-mile) section of metro, Vesova to Ghatkopar, 140th anniversary of tramway operation: the is planned for December 2012. A. Bailey horse tramway Barriera di Nizza – Piazza PORTUGAL Castello opened on 29 December 1871, the first IRAQ in Italy. The day was marked by the operation of LISBOA. Threatened tram route 18 to Ajuda museum tram 116 in the city centre. D. Quaglia has been reprieved thanks to a campaign for its KERBALA. Kerbala Investment Commission retention. Operator Carris is now considering a has invited expressions of interest in an 18km LATVIA turning circle at Largo Calvaria in Santo Amaro (the (11.2-mile) monorail, to link the northern gate of junction with route 15) so the stand-alone section the city with Shi’ite shrines in the centre. A. Bailey RIGA. The final Skoda15T from the initial order to Ajuda could run on a feeder basis. M. J. Russell for 20 trams arrived in December. The city is IRELAND now considering a four-section version. T. Prescott ROMANIA

DUBLIN (LUAS). Fares were increased an NETHERLANDS CLUJ – NAPOCA. On 23 December the city average of 6.3% from 9 January, although the approved a ROL6.4m (EUR1.47m) contract discount for passengers using the new ‘Leap’ ROTTERDAM. RandstadRail line E from with PESA for 12 Swing 100% low-floor trams. smartcard has been increased to 17%. Den Haag was extended to Slinge from 11 The 30m trams will carry up to 296 passengers December. Nieuwe Binnenweg was closed for and deliveries will begin in May. DS ISLE OF MAN reconstruction from 2 January. Until November tramline 4 is diverted via Mathenesserlaan. BS RUSSIA SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY. The UTRECHT (SUN). On 15 December car 5006 major work programme is continuing over the was the first LRV to return from refurbishment SAMARA. Ust-Katav has delivered KTM-23 winter with the GBP3m (EUR3.5m) replacement in the new silver, grey and yellow livery adopted tram 928, its first Russian tram for 40 years. BS of around half the line’s track and sleepers. Work by the regional operator BRU. digitaletram.nl SANKT PETERBURG. 14 years after is also underway to improve drainage. construction began, new metro station This is the second phase of reconstruction PERU Admiralteskaya on line 5 finally opened on 2 works, the first having been carried out during January. At 102m below sea level, the new station the 2010-11 winter closure. The railway is due LIMA. The 22km (13.6-mile) metro from the city is the deepest of any Russian metro system. DS to re-open on 4 April. centre to Villa El Salvador opened on 4 January, VOLGOGRAD. The extension of the light rail after six months of test operation, using the six line from Pioneerskya to Yelchanka opened on ISRAEL Ansaldo-built trains dating from 1988. A. Bailey 1 December, bringing the line to 17.1km (10.6 miles). The extension is served by line ST2 JERUSALEM. A total of 22 bus routes were POLAND running from Stadion Monolit and worked by varied to become tramway feeder services from double-ended cars 5834/8-46. BS 13 January, in conjunction with the start of a nine- GDANSK. The last of 35 PESA Swing trams minute headway on the tramline. E. B. Havens ordered by ZKM, 1045, arrived in mid-December. TR SLOVAKIA TEL AVIV. Tenders have been invited for KRAKÓW. The first 1.8km (1.1-mile) section construction of 11km (6.8 miles) of tunnel of the new tramway to Ruczaj opened on 30 TRENCIANSKE TEPLICE. The state between Ben Gurion and Yaffoto to carry the December, served by route 12 to Wieczysta railway closed the 760mm-gauge interurban

112 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org on 10 December and transferred ownership of for one four-car and six three-car Komet trains, launched a campaign to warn pedestrians and the infrastructure and rolling stock to the local plus four cars to lengthen existing Komet units. road users about the presence of trams. The authority, which has leased it to a museum Delivery will start in late 2013 to Brig – Zermatt. campaign uses images of flowers painted on organisation for tourist service. A symbolic re- The Brig – Disentis section will get 11 low-floor the ground at spots where the trams share inauguration took place on 1 January, but regular trailers to replace B 4273-88. A. Bailey road space, along with the message ‘Don’t be services will not resume until the summer. BS ZÜRICH. The first Stadler RABe 511 double- remembered like this – watch out for trams’. deck S-Bahn trains entered service on 13 MANCHESTER. Work to prepare for the SOUTH KOREA December. A. Moglestue new guided busway from Leigh to central Manchester is underway. The 21km (13-mile) SEOUL. The Bundang metro line was extended TAIWAN bus route is a priority for Transport for Greater from Bojeong to Giheung on 28 December. Manchester and should reduce journey times urbanrail.net TAIPEI. The new 8.2km (five-mile) metro with dedicated lanes on the East Lancashire Orange line branch from Daqiaotou to Fu Jen Road and a 7km (4.3-mile) guided section on SPAIN University opened on 5 January. A. Bailey the alignment of a former railway. Construction of the guided section is to start in 2013 but PARLA. Tram service was suspended for a TUNISIA preparatory work began in January. few days in December when contractor Alstom Changes have been made to the design of refused to carry out any more maintenance until SFAX. The historic port city has completed a dedicated tram lane in Audenshaw on the the city paid an outstanding bill of EUR6.5m. It an 18-month study into transit options that Metrolink extension from Droylsden to Ashton- has since emerged that the firm has negotiated a recommended a five-stage light rail project. under-Lyne, due to open in 2014. The dedicated termination of its contract with Tram Parla SA. TR The project will be supported by the Ministry route was to include a raised platform; however of Finance and the European Investment due to complaints from local residents the tram Bank with an initial budget of TND1.1m lane will not now be raised and there will be no (EUR560 000) for planning and design. ‘La Presse’ restrictions on right turns into certain roads that GÖTEBORG. With the new timetable from 11 were previously to become restricted access. December, route 2 was extended along the tracks TURKEY MERSEYSIDE. Merseyside Passenger Transport of route 4 from Krokslätt to Mölndal. Routes Exeuctive has taken delivery of three Blackpool 2 and 8 now operate early mornings and late BURSA. On 4 November the metre-gauge trams (Brush car 625 and the twinset 671+681) evenings, replacing off-peak service 13. A new heritage tramway on Cumhuriyet Caddesi was for use on an extended Wirral Tramway; as TAUT route 13 (Wiselgrensplatsen – Centralstationen extended by 2.5km (1.5 miles); newer metre- went to press an agreement with Wirral Council for – Korsvägen – Sahlgrenska) operates Monday- gauge cars have arrived from Bochum and acquisition of the line still hadn’t been reached. Friday 06.00-18.30 and incorporating the five Heidelberg. Light rail line 1 was extended 2.5km Wirral Council’s blanket ban on tram skip-stop trips provided from Sahlgrenska on (1.5 miles) to Emek on 15 December. DS operation imposed in November has been lifted weekday mornings. G. Zettermark and the Merseyside group resumed regular STOCKHOLM. The new Bombardier Flexity UKRAINE weekend operation in January. trams for line 7 are 001-6 and carry a version Neil Scales has left his post as Director General of the traditional blue livery, rather than the KYIV. A prototype double-ended BKM-843 of the PTE for a new job in Australia. He has been unpopular black and gold used on the hired tram from Belkommunmash in Belarus has succeeded on an interim basis by Jim Barclay, trams. They will probably have a relatively short been delivered. The Bogdan Corporation has the PTE’s former Director of Resources. life in Stockholm as they are expected to be sold signed an agreement with Belkommunmash SHEFFIELD. A business case for a half-hourly to Norrköping once the new 2.65m-wide CAF that will see this type of tram assembled in a service along a rarely used freight line between trams are delivered. After a year of operation Ukrainian factory from 2013. Sheffield and Deepcar using Parry Peoplemover tramline 7 has exceeded its passenger prediction On 27 December the Blue line metro was technology is being developed by the Don and provided 99.4% reliability. D-E. Göransson extended one station to Vistavkoviy Zentr. BS Valley Railway Society. The line is currently LVIV. Depot 1 closed as a running shed on 26 only used for access to the Tata steelworks SWITZERLAND December, although the workshop remains in use at Stocksbridge. The DVR has yet to secure and withdrawn T4 and KT4SU trams are stored financial backing for the project. BASEL. CHF28m (EUR23m) is being invested there. The passenger fleet comprises 50 KT4SU TYNE & WEAR. A new timetable for Metro on extending the double track on line 10 to Flüh and 21 KT4D second-hand from Germany. BS trains between Sunderland and South Hylton has by 2015. Line 14 is to be extended at Pratteln to NIKOLAYIV. Ust-Katav has delivered restored the stop at Millfield, omitted by certain reach Salina Raurica S-Bhf at a cost of CHF12m KTM-23 1111 (it arrived on 11 November). BS services for the past two years due to pathing (EUR9.9m). Delivery of trams difficulties. All trains have served Millfield since had reached 158 by the end of 2011; older cars UNITED KINGDOM the December 11 timetable change. 113/36/43 and 250 have been scrapped. BS BERN. Route 6 from Worb resumed running BLACKPOOL. Disposal of surplus trams has USA through to Fischermätteli from 11 December continued and a number of Centenary cars have after RBS cars 81-89 were equipped with new been sold. Car 644, allocated to Parr’s Animal BOSTON, MA. One of the budget options wheelsets. Two SVB Combino are also used on World, moved there in early January. Tram 641 considered by MBTA is cutting weekend service this service Mondays-Saturdays. has gone to the Friends of Fleetwood Trams on the PCC-operated Ashmont – Mattapan line In connection with the reconstruction of storage facility at Kirkham Prison, where two of and the E branch of the . E. B. Havens Marktgasse next year, different types of tram rail FTT’s other Blackpool trams (621/7) are to be BOSTON, MA. A new report provided to the and surface fixing have been laid on trolleybus restored as a work project. MBTA board of directors shows the Green line route 20 at Bollwerk to find the combination that Car 643 has gone to Broadwater Caravan extension from Lechmere to Somerville and will cope best with 1500 bus crossings/day. BS Park where it is likely to be used as a tearoom. Medford requires utility relocation by more than BIEL. A referendum on the proposed CHF235m The Fleetwood group also took delivery of 40 companies, even though much of the route is (EUR194m) tram project is to be held in spring twinset 673+683 in January, the power car going on an existing right-of-way. 2013. If agreed it could be running by 2020. BS to Kirkham and the trailer car to Fleetwood. Temporary bridges will need to be built for the CHUR – ST MORITZ (RhB). The first CAMBRIDGESHIRE (BUSWAY). The utility companies, 7.2km (4.4 miles) of new four-section Allegra, Abe 4/16 3101, started guided busway between Cambridge and St Ives track will be needed and another 6.4km (3.9 trials in December. EA carried its millionth passenger in early January, miles) of existing track relocated. The project, GENEVE. The rail service to Annemasse has exceeding initial expectations. scheduled for completion in 2014, will probably operated from Chêne Bourg since 11 December LONDON (DOCKLANDS). Modified services not be finished until 2019-20 unless a phased after Eaux Vives closed to permit construction operated on the Docklands Light Railway on approach to construction is adopted which would of the CEVA cross-city line. EA 14 January and again on 4 February, to allow allow the line to open in segments. J. Wolinsky ZERMATT – DISENTIS(MGB). A CHF106m testing of Olympics and Paralympics timetables. CHICAGO, IL. Small but significant wheel (EUR87m) contract has been awarded to Stadler LONDON (TRAMLINK). Tramlink has component flaws on the new5000-series metro cars

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 113 Worldwide Review have forced the CTA to temporarily remove the few construction is to use USD4.9m in federal funds, The authority has always described it as a already delivered from service. The problems were with completion scheduled for mid-2013. trench but now the project has been turned over discovered in late November by CTA inspectors at The turntable will allow MATA to offer more to the MTA for testing, that agency is calling it a Bombardier’s Plattsburgh manufacturing facility. services using its two single-ended ex-Toronto subway. The semantic difference could, according The original faulty casting was replaced and PCCs, in storage for several years. J. Wolinsky to the MTA, prevent required safety certification no further instances were detected until mid- DETROIT. MI. Funding has been secured to by the California Public Utilities Commission December when CTA inspectors found a second keep the Downtown operating until because of insufficient ventilation. J. Wolinsky flawed unit. CTA and Bombardier immediately June 2013. In October the 13-stop, 4.7km (2.9- LOWELL, MA. A year-long feasibility began further inspections and discovered issues mile) elevated loop was threatened with closure study has been completed into expanding the with other castings. due to a cutback in city and state funding. 2km (1.2-mile) tramline serving the Lowell On 15 December the 52 delivered vehicles, The Detroit Transportation Corp. says it National Historical Park into an 11.1km including 40 assigned to the Pink line, were will take USD9.6m from an escrow account (6.8-mile) system. It would link all major local sidelined as a precaution while engineers study for maintenance and repairs to make up for the activity centres and attract not just tourists but the faults. J. Wolinsky cancelled subsidies. The money has not been commuters and the students and staff of the CHARLOTTE, NC. An FTA Record Of used up to now because, according to DTC, the University of Massachusetts’ Lowell campus. Decision has been received for the 15.1km system’s infrastructure is in good shape. The DTC According to the study, the capital cost would (9.3-mile) LYNX Blue line extension from has already reduced staff, slashed its operating be an estimated USD66m but the tram would Uptown Charlotte to the University of North budget and raised fares from USD0.50 to attract around 830 000 annual riders and create Carolina’s Charlotte campus. The next steps USD0.75 to help close the budget gap. J. Wolinsky a broad array of social and economic benefits. for the USD900m project are final design and GALVESTON, TX. The diesel tramline The tram was opened by the National Park receipt of a Full Funding Grant to cover half the damaged during Hurricane Ike is still not Service (NPS) in 1984 using existing freight capital cost; state and local contributions would operational, despite the availability of USD4m tracks electrified with overhead wire; four pay the remaining half. in federal funding, as debate continues about the trams, three replicas from Gomaco and one The route will utilise an existing railroad best transit solution for the area. E. B. Havens restored antique, are on the roster with daily right-of-way from Uptown to the Arts District, HONOLULU, HI. A USD38.8m contract has service during the March-November season. then transition into the median of North Tryon been awarded to SECOM to design 8.3km (5.1 Six new replica heritage cars would be acquired Street. Construction is to begin in autumn 2013, miles) of elevated metro taking the planned to provide a ten-minute service. followed by revenue service in 2017. J. Wolinsky metro to the airport. Despite the award of various On 17 January a USD3.1m FTA grant was BUFFALO, NY. The plan to return motor traffic contracts, the FTA has said it is still seeking awarded to further work on the project. J. Wolinsky to the light rail/pedestrian precinct on Main St various clarifications from the city before MINNEAPOLIS, MN. The Hennepin County will go ahead thanks to a USD15m federal grant confirming a federal support grant. J. Wolinsky Regional Railroad Authority has received a under the TIGER III programme. E. B. Havens HUDSON – BERGEN, NJ. The draft USD10m grant under the TIGER III programme CINCINNATI, OH. The proposed tramway environmental report for an extension along the for the Interchange project at Target Field, a linking the city centre with Over-the-Rhine has freight line from North Bergen to Englewood new transit hub that will serve the Hiawatha received a USD10.9m federal TIGER III grant, or Tenafly has been cleared by the FTA. The and Central Corridor light rail lines, Northstar allowing an extension to the riverfront. 12.9km (eight-mile) project would provide Commuter Rail and Metro Transit buses. The 4.8km (2.9-mile) project was shortened Bergen County residents with easy access to The USD81.2m project will add a new by 3.2km (1.9 miles) after the State of Ohio, cross-Hudson and PATH trains and to passenger platform, storage and staging tracks under pressure from Republican Governor New Jersey Transit commuter rail service. and a new plaza at the Target Field LRT station John Kasich withdrew USD52m previously The project has been in the discussion and in central Minneapolis that will accommodate expected. The truncated version would have preliminary planning stage for more than a expected growth in ridership when the Central connected Fountain Square with Findlay decade, with about USD5m in state and federal Corridor light rail line opens in 2014. J. Wolinsky Market at an estimated cost of USD99.5m. funds having been spent since 2005. J. Wolinsky NEW HAVEN, CT. The head of the city’s The additional funds will permit a three- INDUSTRY. United Streetcar LLC has economic development department has block southern extension to sports venues, the announced it will work as a sub-contractor to asked the city to reconsider its rejection of a National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Stadler if the latter is successful in its bid to USD762 720 federal grant for an Alternatives and other riverfront attractions. The grant brings supply the next batch of LRVs to MAX for Analysis on a city centre tramway. the federal contribution to nearly USD40m, the Milwaukie line. The result of the tender is The city would have had to contribute about with the remainder coming from local sources. expected in March. E. B. Havens USD195 000 toward the USD950 000 study, but Construction should begin in early 2012, for LOS ANGELES, CA. The FTA issued its final the city Aldermen decided on a 16-6 vote that completion in late 2013. J. Wolinsky approval for the 13.6km (8.4-mile) Crenshaw they could not spend any money on rail transit DALLAS, TX. A design-build contract for an light rail line on 30 December. The USD1.72bn in a poor economy. J. Wolinsky 8.3km (5.1-mile) extension of the Orange line project is expected to open in 2018, connecting NEW ORLEANS, LA. A USD10.6m contract to Terminal A at Dallas/Fort Worth International the Expo and Green lines. for the second phase of the tramway expansion Airport has been awarded to KSWRP, a joint Revenue service on the first 12.7km (7.8-mile) has been awarded to AECOM. The company will venture of Kiewit, Stacy and Witbeck, Reyes, segment of the Expo light rail line is being prepare final design documents for the Rampart/ and Parsons. Construction on the USD149.75m further delayed by technical issues, including St Claude corridor in addition to environmental project is expected to start early in 2012, with signalling co-ordination at the level junction assessments for proposed extensions of the revenue service scheduled for December 2014. between the Expo and Blue lines. The two share St Claude line from Elysian Fields Avenue to The first two segments of the Orange line, from tracks between the central Los Angeles terminal Poland Avenue and for the Loyola line from Bachman station to Las Colinas Convention at 7th and Flower streets and the intersection of Loyola Avenue to Carondelet Street. Center and Belt Line station, are already under Flower and Washington Boulevard. Design of the Loyola line began in January construction by the KSWRP joint venture and Track circuit problems have prevented 2011 and construction is scheduled for will open on 30 July and 3 December 2012, trains from receiving speed and other control completion during 2012. The second phase of respectively. By the end of 2014 Dart’s LRT information quickly enough to allow operation the Rampart/St Claude project is scheduled for network will total 144.8km (89.9 miles). at the required close headways; about three completion during August 2014. J. Wolinsky The McKinney Avenue Transit Authority’s minutes in each direction through the junction PENTAGON CITY – ALEXANDRIA, DC/VA. new tram turntable at the City place DART during peak hours. That, in turn, has prevented Cost estimates for the 8km (4.9-mile) Columbia light rail station was dedicated on 15 December. the MTA from initiating a full Expo line Pike tramway in northern Virginia have rocketed, The USD668 000 project includes an LED simulated service schedule. with the price tag now at up to USD261m. The illuminated pergola over the turntable that The other major setback is how to define a more than USD100m increase resulted from is programmable to create displays marking 1km (0.62-mile) sub-surface section of the line inflation, more detailed engineering studies, various holidays, seasons and sporting events. that curves west from Flower Street and into the decision to purchase more rolling stock The facility, funded by a local taxing district, the median of Exposition Boulevard. Portions than originally envisioned and from federal is part of an expansion of historic tram service of the segment are entirely enclosed while the requirements for a higher contingency fund; the into the north central area via a new loop; remainder has no roof. latter alone added USD34m.

114 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org Initially the line would link the Pentagon USD1.6bn scheme. Refurbished and re-wired A Heritage Lottery Fund application is to be City metro station with Skyline in Fairfax ex-Newark PCC 1079 in Detroit livery re- made for the restoration of the lower saloon of County, followed by later extensions south to entered service on 5 January. It will be followed former Birmingham tram 107, rescued after use Alexandria. The Columbia Pike Transit Initiative by 1078 (San Diego), 1080 (Los Angeles) and as a summer house in Bromsgrove. Policy Committee plans to seek federal funding 1074 (Toronto). E. B. Havens CRICH (UK). The Tramway Museum Society from both the New Starts and Small Starts SANTA ROSA – SAN RAFAEL, CA. The took delivery of Blackpool Brush car 630 in late programmes for 30% of the capital cost. The USD103.3m contract to build the 59km (36.6- December following bodywork repairs and a rest would come from the state of Virginia and mile) diesel light rail line was awarded to Herzog repaint in Blackpool Transport’s workshops. local sources. Revenue service could start in Construction on 5 January. Passenger services DRESDEN (DE). The season’s opening for the 2016 if construction starts in 2013. J. Wolinsky should start in 2016. E. B. Havens tramway museum will be on 21/22 April. BS NORFOLK, VA. The light rail line opened in SEATTLE, WA. The Sound Transit board has FERRYMEAD (NZ). The new storage shed August carried its 500 000th passenger on 17 voted to authorise environmental studies on a for the trams displaced from Christchurch city December. Amtrak service from Richmond will future Link light rail corridor between Northgate centre was completed in December. D. Hinman start in 2012, with the Norfolk station at Harbor and Lynnwood north of central Seattle. The HEATON PARK (UK). The tramway has Park adjacent to the light rail line. E. B. Havens move came after an 18-month study comparing prepared its acquired Blackpool Brush tram for PITTSBURGH, PA. When the North Shore BRT and several different LRT alignments service. Car 623 was launched on 22 January after Connector light rail extension opens on concluded that extending light rail parallel to fitting of a low-height tower and test running/ 25 March, passengers will enjoy free rides Interstate 5 would have the fastest travel times, driver training. The tramway’s two double deck between the Gold Triangle city centre area and highest ridership and lowest cost. Blackpool trams, Balloon cars 702 and 708, are the new North Side station, thanks to a three- The study estimated weekday ridership at now temporarily lodged at the East Lancashire year deal between PAT, the stadium authority 52 000 by 2030, with four-minute headways Railway in Bury. Blackpool works tram 752, also and Alco Parking. However, passengers at peaks and a 14-minute running time from owned by the Manchester Tramway Museum will have a pay a fare to ride to Heinz Field Lynnwood to Northgate. Construction of the Society, remains in storage pending construction terminus. E. B. Havens mixed elevated/at-grade line should begin in 2018, of a new depot in Heaton Park, permission for PORTLAND, OR. The planned extension of opening in 2023. The first section of the northern which has now been granted. the Portland Streetcar south to Lake Oswego extension from central Seattle to the University of KIRKWOOD, MN (US). The operating tram has collapsed after the town council reversed Washington is already under construction. track at the St Louis Museum of Transportation its approval for the project. A shortened route to The city is planning a study next year costing will be doubled in length to 1.3km (0.8 miles) John’s Landing is still a possibility. E. B. Havens nearly USD4m examining a proposed tram during 2012. E. B. Havens SACRAMENTO, CA. Construction of the or other high-capacity transit line connecting LANCASTRIAN TRANSPORT TRUST (UK). light rail extension along 7th and 8th streets the city with the Ballard area, a route that was With the resolution of tram storage problems was completed by 15 December, but the part of the defunct Seattle Monorail scheme. at Blackpool, the LTT is seeking to establish Richards Boulevard terminus, primarily funded Consultants would examine both light rail and a permanent solution for the display of its by a private developer, remains unfinished. bus rapid transit in addition to trams. J. Wolinsky growing collection of ex-Blackpool trams. The original cost of USD44.4m will end up TAMPA, FL. The Port Authority has agreed A site for a Transport Heritage Centre has USD2-3m over budget due to issues with to grant the non-profit Tampa Streetcar been offered by Blackpool Council at Thornton utility relocation and delays caused by heavy USD50 000 annually for two years, giving the Gate, comprising the former Thornton Gate rainstorms last March. There were also conflicts operator some financial breathing room.The port sidings currently being used by BAM Nuttall with the developer. had been contributing USD150 000 annually but as a works site. These will be vacated by April The extension is the first segment of the Green last August decided to scrap its subsidy as the but it is likely to take 12-18 months to create a line to Natomas and Sacramento International tram connecting the city centre with Ybor City permanent home for the Trust’s fleet. Airport. J. Wolinsky has nothing to do with shipping. J. Wolinsky The Friends of Fleetwood Trams group is ST PETERSBURG, FL. The city council has TUCSON, AR. RailWorks/Granite put in pursuing its proposals for a similar centre at the adopted light rail as its preferred alternative the lowest bid to build the 6.24km (3.8-mile) former Copse Road depot in Fleetwood. for a link to Tampa; however no funding tramway at USD55.9m, 10% lower than budget. PERTH (AU). Volunteers have launched the first commitment has been made. E. B. Havens Work should start in March. E. B. Havens restored Perth tram, E class 66, at the Whiteman SAN ANTONIO, TX. The city centre tramway WASHINGTON, DC. The District Park museum after 20 years of work. TW starter system is now fully funded, with a Department of Transportation has decided to WEHMINGEN (DE). Stuttgart trailer 1330 has USD15m federal TIGER III grant to pay route the proposed H Street tramline to Union departed for Ulm, where it will be overhauled for planning. Local officials found an extra Station via the bridge that spans the station’s and join the museum fleet. BS USD59m, enough for both an east-west and tracks. The location of the tram stop, allowing WANGANUI (NZ). Restored tram 12 made its north-south line; earlier there was sufficient connections to Amtrak and the Metro, has been first run under power on 23 January. financing only for a single line running north controversial; plans called for the line to pass ‘Wanganui Chronicle’ and east from the Alamodome to just north of under Union Station platforms using existing Interstate 35. subterranean storage areas, but Amtrak vetoed Contributors The plan includes construction of two city that idea because it plans future use of the transit centres, bus stop improvements and two space. DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray said the Worldwide items should be sent to Michael car parks. The new deal calls for Bexar County H Street Bridge was the best compromise. Taplin at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle and VIA Metropolitan Transit to each contribute Tracks have been laid for the H Street line of Wight PO37 6EA, UK – Fax +44 (0)1983 USD92m, while the city of San Antonio’s share from west of First Street NE to east of Oklahoma 862810 or e-mail to [email protected]. will remain unchanged at USD55m. Avenue NE, but the traction power system, a UK and Ireland items are welcomed by Bexar County originally planned to give maintenance base and the two terminals must the Home News Editor, John Symons, at 17 USD55m, but leveraged the extra money by still be completed. Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, allowing VIA to access additional bonding The authority building the Dulles metro ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail [email protected]. capacity. VIA expanded its share by shifting extension has proposed cost savings of USD70m Contributors this month include Colin Brown money from its bus replacement fund. J. Wolinsky by eliminating the underground airport station and Richard Buckley. Acknowledgements are SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BART). It is planned in favour of a bus shuttle or transit link from a also due to Blackpool Gazette, BS Blickpunkt to order 260 new cars in May, with an option station 2.3km (1.4 miles) away. J. Wolinsky Strassenbahn; digitaletram, DLR, DS for a further 515. Delivery will start in 2015 Drehscheibe Strassenbahn; EA Eisenbahn with ten pilot cars for testing for a period of Museum News Amateur; Edinburgh Evening News, Fylde eight months. Alstom, Bombardier and Hyundai Tramway Society, Irish Times; Le Figaro; Rotem have been shortlisted. SFGate ASTON MANOR MUSEUM (UK). The RGI Railway Gazette International; SFGate SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). Muni has Witton museum premises were vacated by the San Francisco Chronicle; SYPTE, TfGM, received FTA approval for the 2.7km (1.6-mile) end of 2011 and the exhibits put into store in TfL, Manchester Evening News, The Central Subway, the last stage before a full Aldridge. The owners of the new premises have Scotsman, T-2000 Tram 2000; urbanrail.net; funding agreement for USD983m towards the offered a long-term lease to the museum group. Wanganui Chronicle.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 115 Letters Letters may be faxed to +44 (0)1832 281145, or sent by e-mail to [email protected]. They should be clearly typed and preferably not Get your views into print handwritten. We reserve the right to shorten them for publication. Differing views on reducing light rail costs Terry Walker’s thought-provoking article in the January issue (TAUT 889) certainly shows that the UK needs to look long and hard about the way that tramways are built if it stands any hope of making significant progress. The idea of standardisation of components and contracts will undoubtedly reduce out-turn costs, provide a greater deal of certainty and stability for the industry and more confidence when it comes to financing and becoming involved with new schemes. With the current disparity in costs and timescales for ‘bespoke’ systems is it any wonder that previous governments have been reluctant to commit cash to the mode’s development? It is also interesting to read in the February issue (890) that the common model being applied by the cities of Dijon and Brest in France will yield savings of By combining its fleet order with Dijon, the French city of Brest has managed to achieve significant savings up to 30%. If this was applied in the UK for its fleet of Alstom Citadis trams. F. Roski tramways could certainly be constructed more quickly and cost-effectively supply and this will only come through this continues we need to promote – adding two new systems to the list a pipeline of new systems rather than new systems as well as extensions to every five to ten years rather that one! sporadic development. There does seem established networks if we are to make The only way that we can build to be a mood of optimism with the real progress. an industry is through continuity of current projects underway, but to ensure E. Hastrom, by e-mail

Cost comparisons tell all; Edinburgh and slow implementation. My new title, the cost, as LR55 requires only 5% of GBP60m/km, English systems Light Rail Developers’ Handbook (see the excavation of other track systems. GBP20m/km, France GBP15m/km, review on page 118) systematically sets Trampower has developed and proven Germany GBP11m/km. The DfT’s Green economical ways to plan, design, build LR55 embedded tracks, and roads can Light for Light Rail is encouragement and operate new schemes. remain open as one rail at a time is laid. from the UK Government for reducing In the same issue of TAUT, David Trampower’s City Class tram is the costs and Sir Roy McNulty’s report is Walmsley asks if utilities should be left in most energy-efficient in its class (1kWh/ trying to reduce UK main line rail costs, place. By example, a cost/benefit exercise km) and the simplified OHLE is both at least towards the EU average. was undertaken for the LETS Liverpool visually pleasing and economic to erect. Other reports on high light rail costs Airport project, which showed that if However, UK public procurers only have been made by the UK National utility relocation is more than accepting equipment with three previous Audit Office (2004), Audit Commission GBP200 000/km, they are better left in contracts precludes innovation and (2008) and Audit Scotland (2010). These place, and to have a working procedure, more cost-effective equipment. Outside support the letter by Dieter Schöpfer as NETCo developed with HMRI, to the UK, public authorities are the first (TAUT 888 ) that a lack of procurers’ allow trams to run during street utility purchasers of new local equipment, and expertise and convoluted contracts (to repairs. LR55 tramways make this thus lay the foundation for exports. avoid non-existent ‘risks’) add to cost easy, with tracks at less that 50% of Professor Lewis Lesley, by e-mail

Is slab track really necessary? First generation UK tramways did not do Also, apologies for the error in the name of Following my previous correspondence, it this. Tram rails were generally laid on narrow former LRTA chairman W. J. K. Fowler in the is now (apparently) accepted best practice foundations, of stone or concrete, not much last issue (890) – it should, of course, have to position on-street tram tracks on a solid wider than the base of the rail. Together read J. W. Fowler concrete foundation of considerable depth with use of easily removeable stone sett Alan Robinson, Malvern (UK) and extending approximately 0.5 metres paving, utility assets (mostly) did not need outside the width of the track gauge. This to be relocated. Leeds trams, not trolleybuses of course forms an impermeable barrier Current slab foundations are held to reduce I.C. Peirson’s letter in the December issue preventing ready access to utility assets (and long life maintenance costs and reduce noise (TAUT 889) really hit the nail on the head in hence perceived essential need for large scale and vibration, but is this really justified in an my mind as far as Leeds is concerned. With relocation). objective business case? so many miles of reservation already in place,

116 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org the decision to drop the tramway plan in favour of a trolleybus seems madness. The Headingley route was always going to be the more difficult and costly to implement, so surely the implementation of the routes to the south and east (incorporating links to the major motorway junctions of the M1 and M62) would have made financial sense given the commercial developments in these areas. From there a fuller network could have been developed; the argument that a trolleybus system is often a stepping stone to a tramway holds no water with me. Mr Peirson is right, it should be light rail for Leeds, not a trolleybus system – although that also seems to have gone very quiet all of a sudden… Marcus Elliott, by-email

Tomato trams? I am amazed to see in your January issue (TAUT 889) the photographs of the tramcar being used as a mobile greenhouse and the Chicago L-train car that became a mobile garden for a day. Paul Jennings, the former satirical columnist of The Observer newspaper, wrote an amusing article in 1949 suggesting London’s tramcars should be converted into mobile greenhouses, instead of being broken up when they were withdrawn from service. He said they could be stationed in loop lines strategically all over the city. ‘Let the buses go out to the green belt. The trams could provide one in themselves,’ he wrote. He also suggested there could be specialisation, with Berlin’s ‘Metropie’ tram has been converted into a mobile garden, however Dennis Gill points out that this is far tomato trams and palm trams. from a new idea. Satirical comments in an English newspaper suggested this 60 years ago! Tony Streeter It has taken more than 60 years for his idea to be put into practice! Dennis Gill, Stockport (UK) “One of the objections to trams is their need for Keep transport spending local I’d like to add my ‘two-penneth’ to the debate overhead wiring. Of course metallic conductor on transport spending policies in the wake of the UK Government’s decision to push ahead wire cannot be made invisible, but synthetic with the GBP32bn High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project. Absolute madness. material can be transparent.” Firstly, there are many initiatives to encourage ‘homeworking’, and in the modern examples of this in action exist in many cities Almost every anti-tram argument can be age of video conferencing and high-speed overseas and I don’t need to list them all here. brushed to one side by simply examining the internet there is now an even greater case for I am not against high-speed rail per se, as in hundreds of cities worldwide where modern this. One of the key reasons given for HS2 is an ideal world virtually all road traffic would trams glide seamlessly through city streets that it will enable business people to travel be eliminated from major population centres – packed with happy passengers. In short, faster and easier to the North of England, and we’d have a network of 240-330km/h trams work. So let’s lobby harder to provide reducing ‘lost’ productivity. This is patently (150-200mph) trains linking them together tramways for more towns and cities in the nonsense as even the busiest commuter trains in seamless journeys where you would never UK (you could build at least 50 for the cost are filled with people working on laptops or even have to touch a set of car keys. But this of HS2 by my rough maths), creating more emailing from smartphones. is obviously not the best use of billions of jobs locally, reviving the proud heritage of The idea that large areas of the UK will be pounds in a tough economic climate. rail manufacturing sector in this country and left unconnected or untouched by High Speed 2 We should be spending locally on modern really getting us back on track. for decades is also of little comfort to people light rail and trolleybus systems to help T. Brigston, by email in the South East, East Midlands or large rejuvenate local economies and bring life areas of Scotland – where are their benefits back into our town centres – in the medium Less intrusive overhead lines for such a heavy burden on their taxes? to long-term the benefits in terms of job One of the objections to trams is their need More importantly, the central areas of even creation, social inclusion and regional for overhead wiring. Of course metallic the biggest towns and cities in the UK are revenues will be far greater and more conductor wire cannot be made invisible, but dying a slow and drawn-out death as out of widespread. synthetic material can be transparent. town retail and industrial centres take over, Buses simply aren’t the solution for a Mark Chesney writes interestingly about and the only effective way to get to these modern age of mass transit. While they overhead wiring (TAUT 899), but even monstrosities in most cases is by road. provide a vital service for more rural areas circular cross-section transparent materials Bringing life back into cities is effectively and as feeders for tramways and light rail cannot be hidden from sight, they are achieved with modern, environmentally- systems, all they are doing is compounding cylindrical lenses. But transparent square friendly, low-cost transport – i.e. trams. Fine the problem in busy town and city streets. cross-section material can pass the brightness

www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 117 and colour of its background to the viewer on at the National Tramway Museum at Crich. the other side and make the ‘rope’ much less Good for all of them – it’s all just a question conspicuous. Think of glass windows! of balance. Although less optically perfect, a ‘rope’ Richard Anderson, by email made of many such strands would do much the same – but dirt build-might be a problem. Take care with political U-turns Michael Bell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (UK) Referring to Steve Barber’s letter in TAUT 890, while I have the greatest respect and Enthusiasts can be serious as well admiration for the writer I cannot feel David Cockle makes some excellent points comfortable with the note of confidence in his in his letter (TAUT 890), but he is happily first paragraph regarding his local MP. mistaken in believing that lobbyists are Too many politicians of all parties seem to doing very little to promote the case for the practice such u-turns the moment they realise construction of new UK light rail systems. the stance they portray is at variance with The truth is that the industry as a whole popular or informed thinking. It does nothing is more organised that it has been for years, to inspire trust in them. supported no doubt by the enthusiasm Light rail revival is only one of numerous currently being shown for the mode by the causes that is less than well served by such Department for Transport. This is in amazing people who appear to spread only confusion and contrast to just a short time ago when the DfT suspicion. I suggest one would be well advised not only pulled the plug on the Leeds, South to exercise care in dealings with such people. Hampshire, Bristol and Liverpool schemes Regardless of the above, congratulations are – despite millions having been invested in due to all the lobbyers involved. planning and legislation, and issuing tenders On another point, I was delighted to find to contractors and suppliers. three pages of letters, and I personally hope It is not by chance that the DfT has Some very faded anti-tram posters are merely this continues. The letters section is usually published its Green Light for Light Rail report remnants of any anti-tram feeling in Nottingham, with the first to which I turn inTAUT , as it is often and subsequently called together senior figures support now coming from all corners. Steve Barber both topically interesting and informative. from the public as well as the private sectors. Howard Burford, by e-mail It appears the government takes the views of (Ed: We always endeavour to give letters experts and campaigners very seriously indeed. “Too many politicans as much space as possible as we welcome Of course this activity must be topical debate on all things light rail-related. complemented by those who will directly U-turn the moment they The more you send, the more we will print.) benefit from better urban transit, and Mr Cockle is quite correct in suggesting them realise the stance they Well done to Murcia as the travelling public and local taxpayers. TAUT makes much of the new systems being Add to that of course those with a wider view portray is at variance introduced in France, but I have to commend of the economic benefits of regeneration. you on your comprehensive ‘special review’ It is wrong to decry the enthusiast provided with popular or informed of the new tramway in Murcia (TAUT 889). he does not confuse his hobby or passion with Not only does this appear to be a system the serious side of life. No-one will criticise thinking... one would be that has been introduced with little or no Prime Minister David Cameron for watching delay or political nonsense, but it already has football matches on a Saturday provided he well advised to exercise firm plans for expansion into a full network does not discuss the result in the House of – and quickly as well. Commons, and there is more that one chief Whether it will be able to manage it in light executive of a UK heavy rail business who care in dealings with of Spain’s calamitous financial situation is yet drives steam locomotives at weekends and to be seen however. several LRT managers are working volunteers such people.” Harry Logan, Leeds (UK)

Light Rail Developers’ Handbook By Lewis Lesley Hardcover, 6 x 9, 280 Pages ISBN: 978-1-60427-048-8 J. Ross Publishing BOOK REVIEW

Lewis Lesley wants life to be simple and straightforward, and this is a comprehensive guide to planning and building a light rail system at the lowest reasonable cost, consistent with safety and customer service. It is essential reading for anyone involved in operating rail transit through urban areas, especially those adding light rail to the mix. System planners have a new paradigm to consider, running well-devised light rail lines without operating subsidy, while those proposed for especially strong markets can cover capital debt service as well. This is the primary incentive for private-sector involvement, beyond cost-plus operating contracts. Equipment can then be specified with such extraordinarily low operating cost, and no loss of service quality. Infrastructure doesn’t require movement of below-ground utilities, allowing quick installation of in-street rail, unobtrusive traction poles placed in a hole in the ground, and modular substations going from delivery truck to prepared concrete plinths in a matter of hours. Municipal leaders can more accurately evaluate the significant, but avoidable cost of ‘gold plated’ enhancements to local vehicles, thus reducing procurement costs and easing the process of enlisting community involvement and support. After a concise history lesson, there are chapters detailing the many steps from conception to commissioning. Although only 250 pages long, this volume still goes into enough technical detail, including mathematical formulas for approving authorities and elected leaders to challenge the alluring assumptions that far too often yield gross overestimates of projected ridership. Mr Lesley is clearly an expert in cost-benefit analysis, and he demonstrates how critical it is to build patronage. The high apparent cost of the book (around GBP60 or USD90) can be measured against spending one hour less with a transit consultant or indeed a university visit. As a guide to where we need some modification to the UK legislation, a copy should be made available to the House of Commons. RF and JH

118 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org Obituary: Dr Frits Van Dam

We regret to report the death of long-standing and Transport League Dutch tours. He joined Dutch Light Rail Transit Association member the LRTL and wrote articles for Modern Dr Frits van Dam. He died in an Amsterdam Tramway describing Dutch modernisation hospital on 2 December. plans. He was a participant in several tours Frits van Dam was born in Den Haag organised by Jack and his outstanding black- on 18 June 1936 and soon revealed a and-white photography and film-making fascination with trams; by his fifth year he introduced his talents to a wider audience, had travelled on the entire HTM network. especially to those who enjoyed the delights The war years were difficult for the family of the NZH and HTM electric interurbans and and Frits was separated from his parents, the rural aspects of the Vicinal in Belgium, never seeing his father again. which he loved dearly. After high school he studied economics in When the magazine switched to colour Rotterdam and obtained his university degree he was still contributing atmospheric in 1960 and his doctorate in 1971 based black-and-white prints, but eventually the on the thesis Defining Moments in Urban attractions of digital photography saw his Passenger Transport. After some time in the One of Frits’ last batch of photos for TAUT captures work appearing in our pages in colour. family business, Frits joined the government trials of the new system in the French city of Frits lived his entire life in and around service and became an economic advisor to Le Mans. F. van Dam Den Haag and took great pleasure in the the Ministry of Transport. He is credited with growth of the local tramway network and forming the decision to retain and modernise ticketing system, a project which came to the new systems sprouting in the cities of the HTM network at a time when many were completion shortly before his death. Britain, France and Spain in recent years arguing for conversion to buses. Frits’ interest in trams led to him joining We offer our condolences to his wife, Later he was involved in the first attempt other enthusiasts, and in the 1950s he met Rineke, his three children, their spouses and to develop a nationwide computerised Jack Wyse, by then leading Light Railway his six grandsons. JM and MRT

Obituary: Fred Andrews

We regret to record the death, at the age of fire and then as a result of the machinations brought great efforts to bear to achieve this, 87, of Fred Andrews, the Light Rail Transit of the Lord Mayor. He became deeply being a prolific letter-writer to the local Association’s former Assistant Publicity involved in the local campaign to save the newspapers, advocating the advantages of Officer and a stalwart protagonist for the tramway, earning the nickname ‘Middleton- light rail technology. Sadly, hopes of an LRT Association. He was a strong advocate of Bogie Boy’, reflecting that excellent class system for Leeds have yet to be fulfilled. tramway and light rail systems and produced of car that had operated in his native city. Fred was a member of several other countless newsletters and factsheets on Unhappily, the campaign failed and the transport organisations across the world, modern LRT. He died on 19 December 2011 system closed in 1969. particularly those concerned with light rail, in a nursing home at Undercliffe, Bradford. Moving back to Leeds in 1965, Fred shipping and canals. He was also involved Frederick Archer Andrews was born helped his father run his engineering with the Ramblers’ Association, for which on 13 April 1924 in Leeds. During the business. He later became an electrical he devised a circular walk around Leeds Second World War he served in the Royal draughtsman at the Department of Public which attracted the attention of the city Navy. An accident onboard his ship caused Building and Works, first in Leeds and council which introduced its own version his admission to a Bundaberg hospital in then in London. In 1983-4 he suffered a based on his input. A man of gentlemanly Australia, and this chance happening was stroke and this was a major reason for his disposition, he possessed great tenacity over to change his life since it gave him the retirement. In his final years he suffered issues for which he felt deeply. opportunity to explore the city of Brisbane. severe mobility problems, and became When living in Australia, he met his wife, So taken with it, he emigrated in 1949. house-bound until moving into residential Margaret, a nurse from Doncaster, and they He returned to Brisbane, and was care, at Otley and then Undercliffe. married in 1952. They had two daughters, employed as a draughtsman with English A founder member of the Association’s Susan and Jenny. The former daughter pre- Electric before working in the docks as an development forum, Fred took a keen deceased him, but he is survived by his wife, electrician. At the time, the future of the interest in the development of the Sheffield his other daughter and several grandchildren, fine Brisbane tramway was under threat, Supertram system. He had great hopes of to all of whom we extend commiserations in first as a consequence of a disastrous depot a similar development for Leeds and he their loss. PTJ and GBC

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

February 2012 Andrew Macfarlane: Eastern Europe in the ’90s. . Friday 9. Glasgow 19.30. Mike Russell: . Friday 24. Edinburgh 19:30. Alastair Tramways in Australia & New Zealand. (STTS) . Saturday 18. Taunton 14.00. Peter Davey: Richards: Update on the Edinburgh tramway. . Friday 9. Leeds 19.00. Richard Buckley: Weston-super-Mare and Taunton by tram. (TLRS) . Friday 24. Leicester 19.45. TBA. (TMS) Tramways of Portugal. . Monday 20. Liverpool 19.30. Models . Saturday 25. Beeston 14.00 Paul Fox: . Saturday 10. Birmingham. TBA. night. (TLRS) A backwards look at Rotherham. (TLRS) (Joint LRTA/TLRS/ERS) . Monday 20. Sheffield 19.30. Robert . Monday 12. Thames Valley 19.30. Martin Pritchard: The expanded Dublin tramways. March 2012 Eady: Hong Kong and Australia 2011. (TLRS) . Monday 20. Wickham 19.30. Don . Wednesday 14. Brighton (Southwick) Mitchell: Famous trains. (TLRS) . Saturday 3. West Midlands. 14.00. 19.40. Martin Jenkins: Glasgow. (TLRS) . Tuesday 21. London 19.00 Nick Britton: General meeting. (TLRS) . Saturday 17. Taunton 14.00. Ernest Swiss tramway update. . Tuesday 6. Southampton 19.30. John Earnshaw and David Edwards: Rochdale to . Thursday 23. Manchester 19.00. Laker: 2010 Balkan trip. (LRTA/SEG) Romania. (TLRS)

www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org MARCH 2012 119 Classic Trams: Stockholm

Djurgårdslinjen: A unique operation

In the second part of his trilogy on Swedish preservation, Mike Russell considers PART Stockholm’s Djurgårdslinjen; its remarkable operating arrangements seamlessly TWO meshing heritage tramway interests with those of the regional transport authority.

n 2 June 1991, a remarkable event took place in the Swedish capital. Almost a quarter of a century after street-running tramways disappeared from OStockholm’s streets, an iconic route reopened with heritage tramcars. This not only permitted some of the preserved tramcars to be used again in passenger service, but was intended as an evaluation of the possibility of reintroducing rail-borne street-running public transport to the city. In the intervening 20 years, the operation has proved an unqualified success, spawned the re-introduction of the new tramway originally envisaged, and forged a unique working relationship between the volunteer heritage movement and transport authority. The Djurgårdslinjen (zoo-park line), was opened in 1877 as one of the initial horse-drawn routes in Stockholm. It was converted to electric traction in 1904, becoming the very line 7 between Norrmalmstorg and Djurgården familiar to present-day readers. In this form it survived to become one of the city’s last street-running tram routes, closed on 2 September 1967 on the occasion of the rule-of-road change. From that date, Stockholm had no conventional tramways, paraded by their manufacturers eager to demonstrate their 1 Stockholm class the two isolated suburban lines ( and low-floor vehicles, whilst during summer 1998, Bruxelles A1 two-axle car 76 is Lidingöbanan) being effectively entirely on reserved track. 2021, one of that city’s first series of low-floor cars, the oldest tramcar in operated for several weeks. Subsequently, both Alstom and regular operation; A tramway reborn Bombardier have had new trams as guests at Djurgårdslinjen. although built in A move to recreate the Djurgårdslinjen emerged during A remarkable operation in 2009 was that of former Stockholm 1904, it is preserved the 1980s. The city was contemplating whether its future trolleybus 4038, drawing power from a pantograph mounted in the state to which planning might encompass a role for street-running on an open-platform trailer towed behind the vehicle. it was locally rebuilt light rail to complement the extensive metro system, With the line established as part of the city’s public and an intelligent arrangement was agreed whereby the transport system – albeit only coming into its own during in 1926. In this 26 Djurgårdslinjen would be recreated as a testbed. the season – the scene was set for the long-mooted adoption September 2004 After track was relaid and a new depot building opened of modern light rail. On 23 August 2010, the Djurgårdslinjen view, it is seen at Alkärret to house a small number of heritage tramcars, was projected from Norrmalmstorg 600 metres further into entering Allmänna it re-opened on 2 June 1991 to immediate success. Locals the city to Sergels torg, where a segregated single-track stub gränd, an attractive welcomed the return of historic tramcars to a short line terminus was established in the middle of the carriageway. area paved in from the city serving a recreational area, as line 7 passes Named Spårväg City (Tramway City), this extension granite setts that through an area of amusement parks and restaurants as well presented a requirement for a fleet of double-ended cars, forms part of the as a theatre in an old circus building and a much-visited and six Bombardier Flexity low-floor cars were initially non-service depot- open air museum. taken on loan, three each from Frankfurt-am-Main and connection track. In the summer season, the area is thronged with visitors, Norrköping, more recently replaced by six similar but brand arriving by land and also by to the pier a short distance new cars, rented by Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), the 2 On 17 September from the tramway. The line was thus no mere museum regional transport authority. 2006 two-axle trailer tramway but met a real transport need, and the basic As many museum cars were of single-ended configuration car 846, dating summer service of a 12-minute frequency was much needed. or hauled trailers, they were unable to operate the extended from 1929, is at the To demonstrate its modern credentials, several service and were thus restricted to their original route, or its depot at Alkärret, contemporary tramcars have operated the line since 1991. short-working facility at Skansen, under the route designation built to house the In February 1995, a moving rolling stock exhibition took 7N. N is historically correct, as extra trams in old times were Djurgårdslinjen place with cars from Magdeburg, Chemnitz, Bonn and Wien called 7N as they had their city terminal at Norrmalmstorg. fleet. 2 3 3 One of the Djurgårdslinjen stalwarts is bogie motor car 335, built by ASEA in 1924. On 1 August 2011 it is seen turning on the intermediate Skansen loop. The centre-entrance trailer is B11 class 521, dating from 1937.

120 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org 4 4 Car 329 is one 5 of three examples of the five Mustang motor cars acquired from Göteborg for use on the Djurgårdslinjen that are no longer in use. In this view taken on 10 August 1998, the tram is at Nybroplan with the impressive Dramatiska Teatern as background. 5 There is no 6 mistaking the line’s 7 light refreshment tram as the pair of ex-Göteborg Mustang cars, café trailer 618 and motor car 331, return to Norrmalmstorg on Djurgårdsvägen on 7 August 1998. 6 In its distinctive red McDonalds advertising livery, ex-Oslo bogie car When first opened, the Djurgårdslinjen was operated 210, dating from Oslo in 1994, where it had been used as a works car. Car solely by SL-approved volunteers from the Svenska 1953, is hauling 335 is an impressive class A12 bogie car built by ASEA Spårvägssällskapet (Swedish Tramway Society, SSS). With Mustang trailer 616 in 1924 and is a regular performer on the line; it was also the introduction of the extended route, an all-year service in Djurgårdsvägen operated in Oslo in connection with the 1994 centenary with operating hours covering the full Stockholm traffic at Alkärret junction celebrations. Sister car 342 is also preserved. Class A11 day, a new arrangement was necessary. on 2 August 2011. bogie car 288 of 1922 has also been a regular performer. Five pairs of Mustang bogie cars were acquired from ‘Heritage’ operator 7 The extended Göteborg to assist with early operations and two still make Drivers on line 7 are mostly full-time employees of SS line 7 is operated appearances: class A31 motor cars 331 and 333 and B31 ( Spårvägar AB), the subsidiary set up by by double-ended trailers 615 and 618, built by Hägglund in 1947 and 1952 SSS Stockholm department, which is contracted by SL to low-floor cars from respectively. Car 618 has been fitted as a travelling café tram, operate the new line until the end of 2013, with an option to Bombardier. On advertising itself by means of a large roof-mounted tea cup. the end of 2015 if necessary. 3 August 2011, An older trailer is Stockholm 521, another ASEA product SL staff are not involved in the operations; its Norrköping 33 and dating from 1936. Currently on loan from the city transport responsibility is mainly connected to the infrastructure and 35, rebranded in museum is Lidingöbanan motor car 17, built by ASEA in purchase or leasing of the trams used for regular service. SS black/gold livery 1949. Another regular is ex-Oslo bogie motor car 210 of is paid by SL according to the terms of a contract and SL 1953, now in red advertising livery to contrast with the takes all fares revenue. SS has many obligations on its own in common with all blue/grey of the majority of the heritage fleet. Various account but, of course, plans to earn some revenue which other such cars on works cars are also to be seen. can be invested in more renovated museum trams loan, are seen in Two typical Stockholm tramcars not currently available The heritage operation is still carried out by volunteers. Djurgårdsvägen. for service, due to bogie renovation, are Class A24 Some of the drivers on the museum line are part-time Ängbyvagn, of which 373 is preserved as a museum tram, employees, working at weekends and to cover for full-time and the class A25 Mustang. Car 71 is a Malmö version of staff leave or sickness. Thus, the same person can one day the popular Stockholm Mustang, on loan to Djurgårdslinjen drive an ‘old-timer’ on line 7N as a volunteer and the next since there are no original Stockholm Mustangs available day drive a modern tram on line 7 as a paid employee; this, for right-hand traffic. It is planned that both 71 and 373 will however, applies to only a few staff. return to service in 2013-14. SS is the only operator in Stockholm that does not have a state or foreign conglomerate as a financial supporter. Mixed operation The company is owned by Svenska Spårvägssällskapet The newly-extended Spårväg City now operates 05.15- Stockholm department and some of its members and is 01.45 daily to a basic 7.5-minute frequency, using only perhaps the only tramway operator in the world, created modern double-ended low-floor articulated trams. The from a volunteer organisation, which has succeeded in heritage operation under the brand Djurgårdslinjen (7N) obtaining a contract to provide a regular public transport operates as a supplementary service; whilst private hire cars service within an integrated city-wide network. may be seen at any time, the main operation of extras is at Djurgårdslinjen includes examples from the Stockholm weekends from the end of March to 26 December and daily museum and others sourced from beyond the city. Cars from during the high summer period (mid-June to late August). the Swedish national collection at Malmköping museum Due to planned road works in Hamngatan, the heritage (to be featured next issue) of types not replicated elsewhere operation on the Djurgårdslinjen has been suspended from pay only occasional visits of short duration. 19 December 2011 until at least March and possibly May The oldest working example is two-axle class A1 car 76, 2012. An announcement of the resumption date will appear built in 1904 by ASEA and now displayed in the condition on the website www.sparvagssallskapet.se/djurgardslinjen, to which it was rebuilt in 1926. This car was retrieved from no later than 15 March 2012. TAUT

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Next issue PCCs of Western Europe 1950-2010 Copy deadline: 27 February The tram that Belgium made On sale: 16 March By Geoffrey Skelsey and Yves-Laurent Hansart TRAMS THROUGH THE DUNES In a follow-up to their The Belgian Coastal Tramways 1885-2010 previous work for the by Geoffrey Skelsey & Yves-Laurent Hansart LRTA on the Brussels and Belgian Coastal tramways, From the authors of the the authors vividly describe acclaimed book Brussels – the development of the A Tramway Reborn. PCC car in Specialist chapters on the post-war Western Europe coastal tramway, how it right through to the demise developed, its connections of this iconic type in inland, and the variety of recent years. rolling stock. It features 84 pages and With 104 pages and 136 over 150 black & white illustrations, 60 in colour, and colour photographs. plus eight maps, it will soon Softback A4. Price: £14.50. Postage/packing extra: UK become an indispensable guide to Belgian Coast orders, add 10%; Overseas/ROI, add 20%. visitors. Flexible covers. Available from museums and bookshops for £13.50, or by post for £14.85 (UK) or £16.20 (Europe and LES TRAMWAYS overseas). Postage/packing extra: UK orders, add 10%; Overseas/ROI add 20%. FRANCAIS EN 2012 Subtitled “Long live the tram!”, this latest edition of the popular INNSBRUCK’S ALPINE TRAMWAYS French-language tramway reference work has just appeared and is By Ray Deacon offered for sale. This new book from Innsbruck Modern tramways are now operating in almost all of France’s enthusiast Ray Deacon major cities, not to mention the features all aspects of this Ile-de-France (Paris region). fascinating system, where Another two have opened in 2011, with many more city trams link directly with on the way over the coming years. These are all fully surrounding upland villages in covered in Les Tramways Francais en 2012, together particular Fulpmes and Igls. with details of the nation’s future tramway plans. With details of cars present Featuring full and detailed descriptions of current and past, descriptions of systems, town-by-town, with reviews of the latest routes, depot information and technology, this title is a must for all afficionados of much more, it features 160 French tramways. A4-sized, with clear maps, route A4 pages, around 300 photos and descriptions and up to date images. Approx. 90 pages. seven maps, gloss cover. Price £17.50. Postage/packing Price £12.50. Postage/packing extra: UK orders, add extra: UK orders, add 10%; Overseas/ROI add 20%. 10%; Overseas/ROI, add 20%.

122 MARCH 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org