Dc Gets Its Streetcar, Is New York City Next?

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

www.lrta.org www.tautonline.com

APRIL 2016 No. 940 DC GETS ITS STREETCAR, IS NEW YORK CITY NEXT?

Worldwide LRV orders down, but options on the up Bratislava’s new Danube crossing Midland Metro trams to go wire-free Düsseldorf opens latest tram subway ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 Gauging opinion Fordon 04 What’s the right Polish city realises gap for tram rails? century-old dream 9 771460 832043 “On behalf of UKTram specifically Voices from the industry… and the industry as a whole I send V my sincere thanks for such a great event. Everything about it oozed quality. I think that such an event shows any doubters that light rail in the UK can present itself in a way that is second to none.” Colin Robey – Managing Director, UKTram

27-28 July 2016 Conference Aston, Birmingham, UK The 11th Annual UK Light Rail Conference and exhibition brings together over 250 decision-makers for two days of open debate covering all aspects of light rail operations and development. Delegates can explore the latest industry innovation within the event’s exhibition area and Innovation Zone and examine LRT’s role in alleviating congestion in our towns and cities and its potential for driving economic growth.

Topics and themes for 2016 include: > Safety and security in street-running environments > Refurbishment vs renewal? Book now! > Low Impact Light Rail > Delivering added value from construction and modernisation To secure your place > Managing timetable change and passenger disruption please call > Environmental considerations for LRT construction > Selling light rail: Who? When? How? +44 (0) 1733 367600 > What the Luxembourg Rail Protocol means for light rail or visit > Tram-Train: Alternative perspectives > Where next for UK LRT? www.mainspring.co.uk > Major project updates

SUPPORTED BY ORGANISED BY 138 CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association APRIL 2016 Vol. 79 No. 940 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL 124 EDITOR Simon Johnston Tel: +44 (0)1733 367601 E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] WORLDWIDE EDITOR Michael Taplin 156 Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] NEWS EDITOR John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Neil Pulling WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTORS Tony Bailey, James Chuang, Paul Nicholson, Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, Herbert Pence, Alain Senut, Thomas Wagner. NEWS 124 SYSTEMS FACTFILE: SCHWERIN 143 PRODUCTION DC Streetcar opens at last; Midland Metro To get a true idea of the system in the capital Rick Wilson to adopt wire-free running; Düsseldorf of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, you need to Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] completes final subway; PESA to develop leave the centre. Neil Pulling explains. DESIGN metro train; will trams run in New York? Debbie Nolan WORLDWIDE REVIEW 149 ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL MANAGER WORLDWIDE TRAM ORDERS 2016 130 Alstom to supply 26 to Setif; 2021 Citadis Geoff Butler Michael Taplin presents his annual review target for Liege opening; ground-breaking Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] of the worldwide rolling stock market and for Munich’s Steinhausen tram extension; PUBLISHER finds that while orders have fallen slightly, construction starts on Kolkata’s airport line; Howard Johnston options and planned orders look healthy. Moscow Metro extension is open. Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each THE VITAL LINK TO FORDON 134 MAILBOX 154 month preceding the cover date. In January 2016 this north-eastern suburb Manchester expansion opportunities; praise LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY of Bydgoszcz realised a century-old for Olsztyn, and what about the maths of Brian Lomas E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] ambition of a tram link into the city. new systems? LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up GAUGING OPINION 138 CLASSIC TRAMS: BELGIUM 156 members of the Light Rail Transit Association. Scott McIntosh explores some issues around Mike Russell reviews some of the significant SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES tramway gauges, while Richard Buckley changes that have taken place in the Belgian LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), considers a few of the more unusual choices. heritage scene over the last year. 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 BACK ISSUES Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 Why brave early decisions are the key to success PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION This month the long-awaited streetcar line in Washington DC has opened; Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. although it is later than planned and considerably more costly, passengers LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE in the US capital can finally reap the light rail benefits seen by other cities. c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. Meanwhile, across the country, the Mayor of New York has unveiled an Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 ambitious multi-billion dollar plan for a new LRT link along the East River in England and Wales. to connect Brooklyn and Queens to the heart of the city. However, one LRTA CHAIRMAN thing that hobbles the DC Streetcar is relatively slow service speed, so in one of the most Andrew Braddock traffic-congested cities on the planet, the New York scheme needs to address this. E-mail: [email protected] Dedicated alignments, signal priority and simple connections to the Subway and bus LRTA DEPUTY CHAIRMAN services will be its key markers of success. Such measures will also make the land around Paul Rowen the line more valuable to developers and raise ridership of the system. Get this right LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, from the outset and the so-called BQX could be a real game-changer for the residents of UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 the city so good they named it twice. in England and Wales. Our Mailbox this month contains a couple of interesting letters echoing this. Alan © LRTA Publishing 2016 Robinson believes that the UK’s Greater Manchester region is missing a trick in its Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also future plans by not considering a key central Manchester corridor for expansion of later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the its Metrolink network. This is not the easiest option – after all we’ve all seen that opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of construction of new infrastructure on busy urban corridors has the potential to cause LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. major disruption – but whoever said the best solutions were the easiest ones? No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in Another commentator questions how planners can get their cost and timescale any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and estimates so drastically wrong. It’s something we see time and time again with light rail retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from projects – and it does nobody any favours when promoting new schemes. the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the Which brings us full circle. The early planning phases of new lines are key – so if magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. New York and other cities get this right from the start, their light rail future will be a COVER: Hundreds gather for the opening of the smoother one, paved with less opposition and greater rewards. Simon Johnston, Editor DC Streetcar in Washington on 27 February. A. Grahl

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 123 News

Bratislava trams cross the Danube DC Streetcar opens at last The first tram to make a test run US capital’s delayed tramway opens with six months of free rides on new dual-gauge tracks across the reconstructed 460m Danube River crossing to Petržalka was fter 18 months of trials, 7530 on 16 February. Operator the DC Fire Department Dopravný podnik Bratislava finally signed off expects passenger services to the safety case for begin in March or April. Athe 3.9km (2.4-mile) H Street/ Running south from Šafárikovo Benning Road tramway (Union námestie, the new route is the Station – Oklahoma Avenue NE) only one in the city to cross the in Washington on 16 February. Danube, also passing over the D1 It was then announced that the motorway on two viaducts before opening would be on Saturday terminating at Bosákova. 27 February, with free rides for The three-stop 2.4km (1.5-mile) at least six months, but no extension has cost EUR76.8m, Sunday service. with EU Cohesion Funds After a number of false providing 82% (EUR63m), and is starts, this time the schedule mostly dual-gauge as while the was kept and Mayor Muriel existing network is metre gauge, Bowser, the fourth city mayor standard gauge express suburban to be responsible for the lines have been proposed. project, performed the opening DC Streetcar 101, a Inekon 12 Trio model, passes 201, a United Streetcar 100 A second stage will involve a ceremony at 10.00, thanking vehicle, at Benning Road and 15th Street on Saturday 27 February. Andrew Grahl 4km (2.5-mile) extension from residents for their patience Bosáková to Janíkov dvor. and apologising for years of Trams run every 15 minutes Georgetown to Anacostia, but project mismanagement. Her using three Inekon trams (101- the Hopscotch bridge behind predecessor, Vincent Gray, had 103) and three US-built clones Union Station will have to be pledged to have the streetcars from United Streetcar (201- rebuilt first. Initial plans for a running before he left office 203), operated by the RDMT 60km (37-mile) network of lines more than a year ago, only to see joint venture of RATP Dev and across the city have since been that promise fall short following McDonald Transit. The much- scaled back to a 35km (22-mile) failed safety reports. delayed project, which saw its ‘Priority Streetcar System’, Leif Dormsjo, Director first tracks laid and first trams which includes a further of the District Department delivered in 2009, has cost over north-south line, a city loop of Transportation, said in a USD200m. Metrobus service and a spur to Buzzard Point on statement: “Mayor Bowser X2 (Lafayette Sq – Minnesota the peninsula formed by the charged my team with taking Avenue), which duplicates the confluence of the Potomac and a failed Streetcar program and tram route, and runs every 16 Anacostia rivers. making it work... After years of minutes, will continue to operate. DC’s first-generation tramway, A low-floor Škoda tram makes its overspending, mismanagement It is hoped that the line just with its PCCs operating on way across the Danube for the first and lack of direction, we made opened will form the basis the conduit system, closed in time. J. Muransky it happen.” of a cross-city tramline from January 1962. UK’s Midland Metro to adopt wire-free operation The CAF Urbos trams running Partnership is to contribute from catenary-free operation overnight tests cannot take on the UK’s Midland Metro GBP3.15m (EUR4m) and at GBP650 000 (EUR824 000), place before 23 April. are to be retrofitted with industry association UKTram with longer-term savings from Revised plans for a proposed batteries to allow catenary-free GBP1m (EUR1.27m). The avoiding the need to prepare 196-space park-and-ride at operation, it was announced batteries will be fitted on the buildings for overhead lines, Bradley Lane in Walsall have in February. roof area of the trams. plus environmental benefits in also been revealed by Centro. When the original vehicle Proposed catenary-free sensitive areas. The proposed Access was originally from specification was drawn up, sections on the new extensions Wednesbury – Brierley Bradley Lane but will now be it was intended to fit them are from Stephenson Street Hill extension is also being from Belmont Street following with supercapacitors but this to Five Ways with a section of evaluated to identify catenary- concerns from residents. approach was not taken due overhead line on Broad Street. free sections. The site is on public open to the hilly nature of Pinfold On the Eastside line the section In related news, plans space and as part of the Street on Birmingham’s from the proposed High Speed 2 to open the extension of development Centro will Centenary Square extension. station to Digbeth High Street Midland Metro from Bull provide three full-sized Technology has now improved would not have wires to avoid Street to New Street station football pitches and a junior to the extent that the steeper the need to lower the road have been put back from early pitch alongside the car park. sections can be operated solely under the West Coast Main 2016 to at least May. The slow The 196 new car parking with battery power. A further Line and reduce the headroom progress on completion of the spaces are calculated to have four trams to be ordered required under the proposed extension has been attributed the capability of taking more from CAF are to come already HS2 station at Curzon Street. In to the eight-week pause over than three million journeys equipped with batteries. Wolverhampton the imminent the Christmas shopping off the region’s roads each The cost of retrofitting extension from the bus station period and difficulties with year, reducing carbon dioxide has not been finalised, but to the railway station would organising compatibility tests emissions by at least 6000 the Greater Birmingham & also be built without wires. with Network Rail equipment tonnes. Solihull Local Enterprise Centro estimates the saving at New Street station. These

124 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org A map showing the route A new of the BQX tramline. tramline for New York? Mayor de Blasio unveils the USD2.5bn East River LRT plan to link Brooklyn and Queens

n 4 February New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would support plans for a 25.7km (16-mile) north–south light rail line along the Oeast bank of the East River to connect Queens and Brooklyn boroughs, saying: “Today we take the next great step in connecting New Yorkers to the heart of our new economy for New York.” The USD2.5bn project, called the Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX), will run from Sunset Park to Astoria serving Long Island City, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Navy Yard, downtown Brooklyn (via a branch), DUMBO and Red Hook, with construction starting in 2019 for completion in 2024. Forecasts hope the BQX could serve 50 000 passengers each weekday by 2035. Finance for the ambitious scheme would come from an increase in property tax revenues along the route, with the line claimed to have the potential to generate over USD25bn in economic benefits. The route would feature 70% private right-of-way and 30% on-street running and the end-to-end journey time would be about 40 minutes. It would connect with the subway at 17 points and pass by six ferry docks. Two new bridges would be required, over Newtown Creek and the Gowanus Canal. Consultant HDR has been retained to carry out design work. With the State of New York responsible for the city’s MTA buses and subways, the BQX would give the city a stake in surface public transport to add to its expanding ferry network and CitiBike scheme. However it is hoped that the MTA fare system will be valid on the BQX. The proposal has upset politicians on Staten Island, however, who have been arguing in favour of their West Shore light rail proposal for years, and want the city to fund a study. New York’s first-generation tramway finished with the closure of Brooklyn routes on 31 October 1956.

An energy-saving metro and new-generation PESA will also have the PESA to develop train is to be developed systems.” explained opportunity to present its by PESA, after the company Arkadiusz Sobkowiak, PESA prototype to the Polish won a PLN24m (EUR5.5m) Director of Research and market. Recently, Metro metro train research grant from Development. Warszawskie announced its the National Centre for PESA President Tomasz intention to tender later in Research & Development Żaboklicki added: “With 2016 for new rolling stock in a compeition designed the support of the NCBR, to cater for expansion of its to encourage innovative PESA will have a portfolio second metro line, which design with potential for of all types of rail vehicle. opened in March 2015. export. So far we have produced The tender will consist “Our team of designers electric and diesel multiple of between 20 and 60 and builders will use the units, locomotives and vehicles, dependent on experience collected in the trams, now we gain the proposed plans to sell the last years to develop the opportunity to refine a existing Russian rolling metro project, which will metro project, which will stock (22 cars), delivered be an innovative and safe significantly strengthen in 1990 and many of This early computer-generated image shows what vehicle built with modern, our competitiveness in the which remain in PESA's future metro rolling stock could look like. PESA lightweight materials market.” unmodernised form.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 125 News Düsseldorf opens last tram subway Wehrhahn tunnel opens for service after eight years of work; 53 000 passengers expected per day

fter over eight years of – Hamm S-Bhf; 707, Unterrath construction work, the S-Bhf – Hbf – Medienhafen; 708, EUR843.6m, 3.4km Landtag/Polizeipräsidium – Hbf – (2.1-mile) Wehrhahn Heinrichstrasse; 709, Gerresheim Atram subway under Düsseldorf Krankenhaus – Hbf – Neuss. city centre, with a northern ramp Tram subway construction at Am Wehrhahn and a southern started in Düsseldorf in 1973, ramp at Elisabethstrasse near Bilk following the perceived wisdom S-Bhf, was formally inaugurated of the time that highway traffic on 21 February. It is expected and tram traffic should be to carry more than 53 000 separated. The first short section passengers every day. of subway opened on 4 October Mayor Thomas Geisel and 1981, and major subway sections Nordrhein-Westfalen transport were placed in service in 1988, minister Michael Groscheck were 1993 and 2002, reaching a total at Heinrich-Heine-Allee to cut of 6.9km (4.3 miles). the ribbon. The last surface trams Authorisation of the through the Altstadt on lines 701, Wehrhahn line subway came in 703, 706, 712, 713 and 715 ran on 1999 and construction started 17 February. Museum trams were A set of Siemens NF8U trams ready to operate the first departure from in November 2007, but within offering public rides from 10.00 Heinrich-Heine-Allee on 20 February. G. R. Wagen a few years it was realised that to 17.00, using five-window set burying public transport was 583+797, KSW set 14+332, Aufbau Platz, Heinrich-Heine-Allee, Gerresheim S-Bhf – Universität not the best answer to the city’s set 379+643, Grossraum set Schadowstrasse and Pempelforter Ost/Botanischer Garten; U83, traffic problems, and no further 114+1629, articulated Düwag six- Strasse, with the public able to Gerresheim-Krankenhaus – subways will be built. axle plus trailer sets 2432+1680 use the resulting shuttle services Benrath Betriebshof. The subway is more expensive and 2501+1689,and Düwag eight- for free until 22.00, carrying Tram services 703, 712, 713 to build, maintain and operate, axle cars 2663 and 2965. 100 000 passengers. and 719 were withdrawn. with its elaborate manned The subway opening ceremony Regular service on the new Service changes were: 701, stations. Surface tramways are at 12.30 on 20 February featured lines began on 21 February using Rath S-Bhf – Am Steinberg; believed to be more visible and six simultaneous departures on Siemens NF8U trams 3301-76: 704, Derendorf Nord – Hbf – attractive, and can be largely new lines U71, U72, U73 and U71, Rath S-Bhf – Benrath Universität Ost/Botanischer separated from road traffic, which U83, from the underground Betriebshof; U72, Ratingen- Garten; 705, Eller – Spichernplatz is no longer seen as vital for the stations Kirchplatz, Graf-Adolf- Mitte – Volmerswerth; U73, – Unterrath; 706, Am Steinberg city’s economic prosperity.

Valley Line PPP contract LRT becomes Cairns election issue The city council in the (EUR273m) from the federal Light rail has become a hot topic The ‘Green Train’ scheme Canadian city of Edmonton government through PPP for candidates in the election to be is being promoted by the has confirmed the award Canada and the New Building the next mayor of the Australian Queensland city’s current mayor of a PPP contract for the Canada Fund, matched by the city of Cairns. A new line to link Bob Manning, who is seeking design, finance, construction, province of Alberta, which is Gordonvale and Palm Grove and re-election. Councillor Manning operation and maintenance also providing a CAD200m which has been dubbed ‘Green told The Cairns Post newspaper of the 13km (eight-mile) (EUR136m) interest-free loan. Train’ has been proposed by one that the proposed light rail Valley Line light rail project The new 12-stop line will candidate, while a rival ‘Connect system could be delivered in to TransEd Partners, a provide interchange with the Cairns’ concept includes stages and would be “a game Bechtel-led consortium. existing light rail system at investigating the feasibility of an changer”. Construction will start this Churchill in the city centre ‘electric bus loop’, but reserving The election is to take place year and the line is due to open (but will be on the surface) corridors for future LRT. on 19 March. in late 2020. and will run south-east to Mill The operation and Woods Town Centre. There maintenance contract is for will be a new 1400-space 30 years, and Bombardier park-and-ride site at Davies will supply a fleet of seven- station in the Wagner NEWS IN PICTURES section, 275-passenger, industrial area. The line Alstom/Bouygues 40.6m 100% low-floorFlexity will eventually be extended wins in Manila cars, as well as signalling, west from the city centre An Alstom/Bouygues communications and power to Lewis Farms, eventually consortium has been awarded supply; its share of the contract reaching 27km (16.8 miles) the EUR450m contract for is worth CAD391m (EUR267m). and featuring 28 stops. the 11.7km (7.3-mile) southern TransEd Partners has awarded Edmonton is Canada’s extension of Manila (Philippines) the operations contract to fastest-growing city, with a light rail line 1, and a new depot, Transdev North America. further population increase to be completed in 2020. An order for Japanese LRVs is expected shortly. The CAD1.8bn (EUR1.23bn) of 50% expected by 2040. The first of 48 Chinese-built LRVs from Dalian were undergoing trials on the 16.9km (10.5-mile) EDSA light rail line MRT-3 in February and should project includes a CAD800m Once fully-built the line is enter service in April. The government is trying to buy out the private sector (EUR546m) contribution expected to serve 100 000 consortium that owns EDSA to bring the line into LRTA. Image courtesy of DOTC from the city, and CAD400m paseengers/day.

126 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Monorails approved Last Obama budget seeks Thailand’s capital is to gain two new monorail lines after the approval of the THB56.7bn (EUR1.46bn) Pink line (Khae Rai USD9.73bn for transit – Min Buri) and the THB54.6bn (EUR1.4bn) Yellow line (Lat Phrao US recommends 23 urban rail projects for USD1.8bn funding pot – Sarong) on 29 February. Detailed plans for the scheme are now to be prepared by the Bangkok Mass S President Barack Existing projects USD (m) Rapid Transit Authority, to be Obama presented Los Angeles Regional Connector LRT 125 delivered using a 30-year Public the last budget of his San Francisco Third St light rail 173 Private Partnership. presidential term (for Honolulu light metro 244 Wave costs increase Ufiscal year 2017) to congress Boston Green line light rail extension 150 The estimated cost of the 4.3km in early February, and sought Charlotte Lynx light rail extension 125 (2.7-mile) Wave modern streetcar to increase the Federal Transit Portland-Milwaukie light rail project 125 for downtown Fort Lauderdale Administration budget from New starts (Florida) has risen to USD195.3m, USD9.35bn to USD9.73bn. A total San Diego Mid-Coast light rail 125 but with only a USD11m federal of 23 projects are recommended Santa Ana Streetcar 125 grant. The project to create the to receive federal funding, 14-stop line was approved in 2013 Maryland Purple line LRT 125 and completion is due in 2020. including rail transit projects Minneapolis South-West LRT 125 totalling USD1.8bn (see right). Trams are intended to run in Fort Worth TEX Rail diesel LRT 125 mixed-traffic, with signal priority, The President is also proposing DART Red/Blue line LRT platform extensions 49 and service frequencies up to 7.5 a USD10/barrel oil tax to help Small starts minutes mooted. fund the modernisation of Tempe Streetcar 75 Montreal AZUR in service transportation systems, but this is Sacramento Riverfront Streetcar 75 unlikely to get through Congress The first rubber-tyredAZUR train Fort Lauderdale Streetcar 11 from the Alstom/Bombardier 468- before the November election. Seattle Central Connector Streetcar 75 car order for Montreal entered passenger service on 7 February. The AZUR vehicles (also known as MPM-10) are to replace the older MR-63 vehicles dating from Nice line 2 vehicle design revealed the 1960s and feature 8% greater capacity and 27% larger doors. The Mayor of Nice and preference for an ochre livery, area than earlier cars built Read more on Montreal’s transit plans in TAUT 938, President of the Nice Côte inspired by the facades of for the city, LED lighting, d’Azur Metropole, Christian historic buildings in the city. individual seats, double doors Manchester guided Estrosi, has revealed the The 19 Citadis XO5 trams, throughout and new journey busway to open in April design of its second batch of which will enter service on information screens. The guided busway forming part Alstom trams after a public east–west line 2 at the end of Line 2 will operate using of an express route connecting consultation showed a 2018, have 40% more window Alstom’s SRS static charging Leigh with Manchester city technology, a global debut centre (UK) will open on 3 April. It will be operated by the First for this current collection Manchester bus company under solution. Each tram will be the ‘Vantage’ brand with up to equipped with an onboard eight buses per hour cutting the energy storage device, Citadis 80-minute current journey time Ecopack, recharged in less than to 50 minutes by a combination of 20 seconds at tramstops. a 7.6km (4.5-mile) guided busway The trams will be built at La on a former railway alignment Rochelle, with bogies from Le and bus priority measures on the A580 corridor. The scheme Creusot, and Tarbes/Ornans for includes three park-and-ride sites. the traction equipment/motors. Nice’s second-generation SYSTRA strengthens tramline 1 (8.7km/5.4 miles) Scandanavian expertise opened on 24 November 2007 In early March SYSTRA announced using 28 33m Citadis, some its acquisition of Swedish rail engineering and signalling specialist The Citadis X05 design for Nice line 2. Alstom/Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur since lengthened to 45m. Dalco Elteknik. Founded in 1987, Dalco Elteknik employs 52 people in nine offices across Sweden. It has managed more than 1200 projects, particularly for Swedish Innovative EVO1 single-unit tram on passenger trial road and railway infrastructure Pragoimex’s prototype low-floor to gain certification for passenger manager Trafikverket, and single-unit tram began passenger operation, involving 5000km Stockholm transit authority trials in Prague on 1 February, (over 3100 miles) of running as Stockholms läns landsting. operating on line 6 from Spořilov well as braking and noise and Leeds airport tram-train? to Smíchovské nádraží on vibration testing. WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff has weekdays, line 5 on Saturdays Pragoimex is looking for other suggested creating a tram-train and line 7 on Sundays. Trials are Czech undertakings which link to connect the UK’s to continue until August. might be interested in trialling Leeds Bradford Airport with the Yorkshire city of Leeds. The twin-bogie 15.1m the demonstrator. The proposals come in a UK unidirectional , named Prague operator Dopravní EV01 The EVO1 features pivoting twin-axle Government-sponsored study Evička, can accommodate up to podnik hlavního města Prahy bogies and offers a door access height into improving connectivity to the 110 passengers, 30 seated. The reportedly has no plans to buy of 350mm above the top of the rail airport, located around 10km prototype underwent trials on single-unit non-articulated and internal sections over the bogies of (six miles) from Leeds city centre. the Prague network in late 2015 vehicles. 500mm. Pragoimex

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 127 London, 5 October 2016 ENTRIES OPEN 4 APRIL

Best Customer Initiative; Best Environmental and Sustainability Initiative Employee/Team of the Year Manufacturer of the Year Most Improved System Operator of the Year Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award Project of the Year EUR50m Significant Safety Initiative Supplier of the Year EUR10m Technical Innovation of the Year (Rolling Stock) Technical Innovation of the Year (Infrastructure) Judges’ Special Award Vision of the Year For advanced booking and sponsorship details contact: Geoff Butler – t: +44 (0)1733 367610 – @ [email protected] Alison Sinclair – t: +44 (0)1733 367603 – @ [email protected] News Tram conversion for Wight railway? Loss-making rail line could become LRT operation InnoTrans 2016 20 – 23 SEPTEMBER • BERLIN International Trade Fair for Transport Technology Innovative Components • Vehicles • Systems innotrans.com

Ex-London Underground stock serves the Isle of Wight’s Island Line, seen here in a four-car set on the gradient from Ryde tunnel to Ryde Esplanade. A new report suggests replacement with T69 trams from the Midland Metro network. M. Taplin

new report into the stock, would be a costly initial future of rail services on investment but would bring the Isle of Wight (UK) operating savings and potential suggests conversion to for improved peak services. Aan LRT-style operation. The line There could also be extensions currently operates at an annual to the network. As the restricted loss of GBP3.5m (EUR4.4m) height of the Ryde tunnel is an due in part to falling passenger impediment to tram conversion, numbers. The former London further studies are needed. Underground 1938 rolling stock The second-hand trams is well past its life expectancy, referred to, of which nine or with spare parts hard to source. ten would be required, are the Published in February, the currently stored T69 trams from paper commissioned by the Midland Metro. These were Isle of Wight Council and refurbished in 2013, can operate prepared by former GNER Chief at the Island Line's 630V dc Executive Christopher Garnett, voltage and are deemed to have confirmed that the line plays an at lest ten years of operational important social and transport life left. role. However, the report also The current view of the found the rolling stock needed Department for Transport, significant investment; track subject to consultation, is that was in poor condition; more the next operator of the South modern converted Underground Western rail franchise will be stock would not reduce costs and required to work with the council, problems would remain with the community and stakeholders to size of the Ryde tunnel and its develop plans to turn the Island tendency to flood after heavy rain. Line into a separate and Conversion to tram operation, self-sustaining business during possibly using second-hand the life of the franchise.

NEWS IN PICTURES Riyadh driverless metro unveiled Siemens unveiled the first of 74 four-car Inspiro metro sets destined for the world’s biggest mass transit project at its Wien (Vienna) plant on 23 February. The trains are being built for lines 1 and 2 of the

Riyadh metro in Saudi Arabia, Siemens Contact a six-line system with a route Overseas Trade Show Agencies Ltd. length of 175km (109 miles). 9 Manchester Square · W1U 3PL London The EUR1.5bn Siemens order includes electrification, signalling and T +44 (0)207 886 3107 communications equipment for lines 1 and 2, which are to be driverless. [email protected] Passenger service is to start in 2019. Siemens used the tramline during the first three months of the trial period.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 129

Tramways+UrbanTransit_UK_InnoTrans2016_90x260_en.indd 1 01.03.2016 15:15:10 Tram orders WORLDWIDE TRAM ORDERS 2016 Michael Taplin presents his annual round up of the worldwide rolling stock market, showing that while overall orders have fallen back a little, options and planned orders look healthy.

fter last year’s increase in orders, LEFT: the number of trams on order in Bombardier’s February 2016 had fallen back by 100% low-floor about 600 to 3212, but options Flexity 2 design are up by nearly 200 to 1248, has been popular since its launch in Aand planned orders are up by nearly 500 to Blackpool (UK) in 1415 (plus 191 options). Some of the latter are 2012 and has won going to be dependent on the outcome of the many awards. The US Presidential election in November, but in examples for De Lijn the meantime the last Obama federal budget are still entering has looked favourably on planned schemes. service in Antwer- Durmazlar has reappeared in the list this pen and Gent. One year and a new manufacturer has joined in of the latter is seen Bozankaya. Both are in Turkey, where Siemens here. De Lijn also plans to build a new manufacturing facility to take advantage of the planned new schemes in the country. Romanian concern Astra has dropped out, as its joint venture with Siemens has been abandoned after just LEFT: Swiss trams are high quality but six cars were built for Arad. this can come at a It has been a year of massive change and price premium. The re-organisation in the rolling stock sector, Stadler Tango is with Alstom becoming just a transportation entering service on enterprise, and Hitachi taking over the BLT network in AnsaldoBreda (and dropping the Italian name Basel. M. R. Taplin due to its negative connotations in favour of a new enterprise designated Hitachi Rail Italy). The two nationalised Chinese giants have merged to become CRRC, while Stadler bought Vossloh’s Spanish factory and order book. Bombardier brought in outside finance for its transportation sector as the parent company still struggles with the financial consequences of its aerospace ventures. Škoda has acquired a controlling interest in Finnish company Transtech, which is building Artic trams for Helsinki. to thin out as large orders for Brussels, book, and it seems increasingly unlikely that Hitachi in particular has taken a gamble that Frankfurt-am-Main and Manchester are Stockholm will take up all of its options as it it can revive AnsaldoBreda’s tram business, and completed (although smaller options scales back its tramway ambitions. CAF is an overcome the difficulties with itsTramwave remain). In North America its Thunder Bay organisation that does not seem too bothered surface current collection system that seem to plant has not covered itself in glory as the about not breaking into the Chinese market, be letting down its Chinese aspirations. large Toronto order has fallen further behind even as a joint venture partner, unlike many Alstom’s order book looks healthier, even schedule; over reliance on its Mexican factory of the multinationals. China’s own rolling considering its Annaba, Algeria, plant with its as a sub-contractor is reported to be the stock business is probably the largest in captive North African market. It is good to see problem, and there are hints that the latest the world, and the creation of CRRC will French cities coming back to the market, with order for Edmonton will be manufactured see its executives following up on export Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice added since last in Europe as Thunder Bay refocuses its successes, as has happened in Tel Aviv, Israel. year. South American tramways in Cuenca workforce on manufacture rather than Some domestic orders have yet to be defined and Rio de Janeiro will cement the company’s just assembly. In Europe the company will numerically, but could be significant. worldwide ambitions, and the performance look to consolidate its position achieved in The Eastern European manufacturers, of the Ottawa contract will probably give the Wien (Vienna) with success in tenders from Inekon, PESA, koda, Solaris and Pragoimex, company a positive calling card compared Scandinavia (København, Göteborg, Odense have not enjoyed as strong a year as those in with Bombardier’s delays in fulfilling its and Oslo), while it is no doubt hoping that recent times, although existing orders are contract with Toronto. Alstom shares the there will be a positive outcome to the Zürich being fulfilled. Inekon seems to have lost its tram-train market with Stadler (Vossloh), situation, recently covered in our news pages. export business to the US as adverse reaction though its version for SNCF spends all its time CAF has seen its order book fall back to its problems with the Seattle overhead/ on railway tracks rather than in the street. slightly, though recent success in Canberra battery cars led to Brookville taking over Strasbourg line D may alter that situation. is a boost to its ambition to become a truly leadership for the small batches needed Although in absolute terms Bombardier global supplier and it has also had recent elsewhere. PESA builds lots of trains, and remains the most successful tram and LRV successes in the metro and heavy rail vehicle Solaris sells buses and trolleybuses, so the manufacturer, its order book is starting market. Its options list is higher than its order implications may not be as bad as the figures

130 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LISTING OF TRAMS/LRVS ON ORDER (+ OPTIONS) AS AT FEBRUARY 2016

MANUFACTURER ORDERS + TYPE DELIVERY MANUFACTURER ORDERS + TYPE DELIVERY OPTIONS OPTIONS (3212 + 1248) (3212 + 1248)

Alstom 543 + 222 Izmir 17 LRV 2016-17 Annaba 72 Citadis 2016 Manila 40 high-floor LRV 2016 Avignon 24 Citadis Compact 2016 Shenyang 7 27T 2016 with Skoda Batna 30 Citadis 2016-17 Suzhou ? low-floor 2016 Bordeaux 15 Citadis 2016-17 Taipei ? low-floor 2016-18 with Taiwan Caen 24 Citadis 2017-18 Rolling Stock Casablanca 50 Citadis 2017-18 Tel Aviv 90 + 30 LRV 2018-20 Cuenca 4 Citadis 2016 Durmazlar 90 Dubai 14 Citadis 2016 Bursa 60 LRV 2016-17 Dublin 7 Citadis 2017 Bursa 10 Silkworm 2016 Liege 19 Citadis 2017-18 Izmit 12 Silkworm 2016-17 Lusail (Qatar) 35 Citadis 2017-18 Samsun 8 Silkworm 2016 Lyon 7 Citadis 2017-18 Nice 19 Citadis 2017-18 Elektron 5 Ottawa 34 Citadis Spirit 2016-17 Kyiv 5 T5B64 2016 Ouragia 4 Citadis 2016 AnsaldoBreda 37 + 7 Paris 17 + 68 Citadis 2017-18 (Hitachi Rail Italy) Rio de Janeiro 20 Citadis 2016 Genova 7 + 7 High-floor LRV 2016 Sétif 26 Citadis 2016-17 FGC Genova 1 Tram-train 2016 Shanghai 30 Citadis 2017-18 with SATCO Firenze 29 Sirio 2016-17 Sidi-Bel-Abbes 20 Citadis 2016 Hyundai Rotem 37 SNCF 30 + 116 Citadis Dualis 2016-20 Izmir 37 low-floor tram 2016 Strasbourg 12 + 38 Citadis 2016-17 Sydney 30 Citadis 2017-19 Pragoimex 46 + 13 Brno 7 Vario LF/LF2 2016 Bombardier 882 + 164 Kosice 10 + 13 Vario LF2 2016-17 Antwerpen 42 Flexity 2 2016-18 Pavlodar 29 Vario LF2 2016-17 Augsburg option 3 Citi-Flex Basel 45 + 48 Flexity 2 2016-18 Kinkisharyo 155 + 97 Berlin 67 Flexity Berlin 2016-18 Los Angeles 155 + 97 P3010 2016-18 Düsseldorf 42 + 16 Flexity Swift 2017-19 Modertrans 15 + 16 Edmonton 20 Flexity Swift 2017-18 Szczecin 12 Moderus Beta 2016 Frankfurt-am-Main 19 Flexity Swift 2016-17 + 5 Wroclaw 3 + 16 Moderus Beta 2016 Gent 16 Flexity 2 2017-18 PESA 5 Gold Coast 4 Flexity Swift 2017 Sofia 5 Swing 2016 Guadalajara 12 LRV 2017 Halle 4 option Flexity Swift Siemens 466 + 175 Innsbruck 16 + 4 Flexity Outlook 2017-18 Calgary 60 S200 2016 Karlsruhe 45 option Flexity Swift Charlotte 20 S70 2016 Köln (Cologne) 20 Flexity Swift 2020-21 Den Haag 10 Avenio 2016 Krefeld option 7 Flexity Outlook Denver 29 SD160 2017-18 Manchester 12 M5000 2016 Doha 16 Avenio 2016 Melbourne 35 Flexity 2016-17 Minneapolis-St Paul 5 S70 2017 Mülheim/Ruhr 8 Flexity Classic 2016 München 22 + 124 Avenio 2017-18 Nanjing ? Flexity 2 2016 with CSR Nanjing San Diego 50 S70s 2016-17 Plauen 3 Flexity Swift 2016 San Francisco 215 + 45 S200SF 2016-21 Rotterdam 20 Flexity Swift 2016-17 Ulm 12 + 6 Avenio 2016-17 Toronto 186 Flexity Freedom 2016-19 Wien 27 ULF 2016-17 Toronto (Metrolinx) 182 Flexity Freedom 2015-17 Solaris 14 + 27 Waterloo-Kitchener 14 Flexity Freedom 2016-17 Leipzig 14 + 27 Tramino 2016-18 Wien 119 + 37 Flexity 2018-26 Škoda 160 + 32 Bozankaya 30 Bratislava 30 30T 2016-17 Kayseri 30 low-floor LRV 2016-17 Brno 20 15T 2016-17 Praha 110 + 32 15T 2016-18 Brookville 24 + 19 Dallas 2 Liberty 2017 Škoda Transtech 36 + 95 Detroit 6 Liberty 2016-17 Helsinki 36 + 95 Artic 2016-17 El Paso 6 PCC 2017 Stadler 135 + 13 Milwaukee 5 + 19 Liberty 2017 Aarhus 12 Tango 2016 Oklahoma City 5 Liberty 2017 Aarhus 14 Variobahn 2016-17 CAF 170 + 242 Basel (BLT) 9 Tango 2016 Boston 24 Urbos 2017-18 Bergen 6 Variobahn 2016 Budapest 27 + 67 Urbos 3 2016 10 withDunakeszi Bern (RBS) 16 Low-floor LRV 2017-18 Cagliari 3 + 6 Urbos 2 2016 Bochum 42 + 8 Variobahn 2016-20 Canberra 14 Urbos 3 2017-18 London Tramlink 2 + 2 Variobahn 2016 Cincinnati 1 + 20 Urbos 3 2016 Mainz 7 Variobahn 2016 Freiburg-im-Breisgau 6 Urbos 3 2016-17 Nürnberg option 3 Variobahn Kansas City 1 Urbos 3 2016 St Gallen (AB) 7 + % Tango 2016-17 Luxembourg 21 Urbos 3 2017-18 Stuttgart 20 DT8 2016-17 Monterrey 22 + 4 high-floor LRV 2015-16 Stadler (Vossloh) 71 + 25 St Etienne 16 Urbos 3 2016-17 Chemnitz 4 Citylink 2017-18 Stockholm option 99 Urbos AXL Gmunden 8 Tramlink 2016 Tallinn 4 + 20 Urbos 3 2016 Karlsruhe 25 + 25 Citylink 2016-17 Utrecht 27 + 26 Urbos 3 2017-18 South Yorkshire 7 Citylink 2016 West Midlands 4 Urbos 3 2017 Wuppertal 27 Schwebebahn 2016-17 CRRC 231 + 30 Vossloh 60 + 71 Astana 19 LRV 2017-18 Bielefeld option 25 Vamos with HeiterBlick 2015-16 with 2016-18 with Alstom Beijing 31 low-floor tram Hannover 60 + 46 Typ 3000 AnsaldoBreda and HeiterBlick Chengdu 17 low-floor tram 2015-16 Foshan 10 27T 2016 with Škoda

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 131 Tram orders

appear to show. Inekon is about to launch produce the Citadis in Sankt Peterburg ORDERS PENDING 1415 + 191 its Chinese-built ‘good value’ tram to the appears dormant, although the firm has European marketplace, and must be hoping recently increased its stake in the Russian Amsterdam 63 for some western European orders. manufacturer, presumably to take advantage Athina 25 Siemens has boosted its position, but of further heavy rail orders. Bremen 67 scrutiny of the figures shows it is its North Other ways to refresh fleets without Brussels 175 American plants at Sacramento that are ordering new vehicles are second-hand Caen 23 running to capacity, while European deliveries purchases or total refurbishment of existing Chemnitz 10 are stagnating, particularly as the run of ULF cars. The second-hand market has also slowed Cosenza 11 production in Wien comes to an end. Loved significantly, with just the sale of Rotterdam Darmstadt 10 + 10 by customers, but not as admired by engineers LRVs to Bursa to really point to. The sale of Daugavpils 14 and accountants, this design never broke Rouen’s 28 Alstom TFS trams to Gaziantep De Lijn (Oostende) 62 through into the wider market. The Avenio (a Turkish city close to the Syrian border) Dortmund 24 + 2 has achieved limited success at its current has not been a success, with none entering Frankfurt/Oder 13 + 2 price point, hence the decision to build a tram service yet, though eight have been loaned Göteborg 40 + 60 factory in Turkey so that better-value products to Kayseri to address capacity issues pending Graz 35 can be offered to its traditional customers. arrival of its new fleet from Bozankaya. Hasselt 18 Stadler has benefited from the takeover of No longer are swathes of withdrawn western Innsbruck 20 + 10 Jerusalem 46 the Vossloh rolling stock business in Spain, European trams heading for eastern Europe; København 27 home of the tram-train, including designs EU funding of new fleets looks a lot more Lund 7 + 3 that run on the street as well as railway attractive to politicians in those cities. Manila 120 tracks. Bochum is keeping the Variobahn Refurbishment of the solid Duewag Minneapolis-St Paul 27 production line running, despite other Stadtbahn-B LRVs in Köln and Bonn will be Odense 14 cities having mixed experience with this followed by a similar process in Bremen, Oslo 87 design. The Tango has seen recent success in whose budget did not quite stretch to as Philadelphia 100 Scandanavia, but is also more expensive. many new cars as it needed. Sacramento has Phoenix 11 + 58 The Russian market has had its worst year finally put into service the high-floor LRVs Plzen 18 in recent memory, with just a handful of new it acquired from Santa Clara, after complete Rhein-Neckar 50 trams entering service, despite lots of new refurbishment by Siemens. And the PCCs live Riga 12 designs on demonstrations. The collapse in on with Brookville remanufacturing them for St Louis (Mauritius) 31 value of the Rouble has not helped, and the new tramway in El Paso, TX. Sassi 3 + 6 PESA still has half-completed Fokstrot cars It is worth pointing out that some of the Seattle 122 intended for Moskva in its works yard. cities listed in our Orders Pending section must Skopje 22 It seems doubtful if attempts to move some be regarded as speculative; Cozensa, Skopje Tampere 26 of these to Kyiv in Ukraine will achieve and Tiranë fall into this category. Nevertheless Tiranë 20 much, unless an advantageous source of there are plenty of announcements due this Wien–Baden 18 financing can be found. Alstom’s joint year, which will be a further pointer to the Zürich 30 + 40 venture with Transmash Holdings to long-term health of the market. Zürich (Limmattal) 14

“The second-hand market has slowed significantly. No longer are swathes of western European trams heading east as EU funding of new fleets looks a lot more attractive.”

LEFT: Alstom’s first major North American low-floor order came from OC Transpo for Ottawa. The vehicles will be seen on the Confederation Line from 2018. Alstom

RIGHT: CAF trams will soon be running in Utrecht, Netherlands. Here is a mock-up of its design for the Uithof line. R. Naber

LEFT: The refurbishment market is shown by this Sacramento LRV, renewed by Siemens after acquisition from Santa Clara. Siemens

RIGHT: Turkish bus manufacturer Bozankaya has made inroads into the market with a large order for Kayseri. Bozankaya

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www.bombardier.com Bydgoszcz – Fordon THE VITAL LINK TO FORDON

Bydgoszcz Wschód interchange: an impressive glazed roof covers the interchange that allows passengers to transfer between heavy rail services at the train platforms under the viaduct. PESA

In January 2016 the north-eastern Bydgoszcz district of Fordon – home to 80 000 residents – realised a century-old ambition of a tram link into the city, fulfilling one of the biggest tramway investments in modern Poland. Witold Urbanowicz reports.

he Bydgoszcz district of Fordon connections. Due to constrained economic system was introduced to allow passengers to has dreamt of a tramway considerations that investment, despite the ride and interchange on a single ticket. connection for over a century. district’s rapid development, didn’t come The first mentions of such a to fruition with only reserved lanes serving More than just a new tramline link appeared as early as 1900 as a reminder. Lampposts designed to carry The opportunity to construct a tramline inT a contract signed between the city and a overhead lines were even mounted along part along Lewi skiego, Akademicka and Andersa private entrepreneur; ultimately, however, of the corridor, although these didn’t survive Streets appeared again after Poland joined only a line to Skrzetusko was built. The to the modern tramway programme. the European Union in 2004 and cohesion topic arose again in 1949 in planning Bydgoszcz is a well-known tramway city. funds became available. In 2009 Tramwaj concepts presented by municipal transport Until recently trams served most districts, Fordon was established and design works operator Miejskie Zakłady Komunikacyjne w except the largest, Fordon, where the began shortly afterwards; the PLN290m Bydgoszczy (MZK) but again was unfulfilled. population is still growing. Fordon is 9-10km (EUR66m) contract with a consortium led The need for a reliable transport link (5.5-6 miles) away from the city’s centre and by locally-based Gotowski was signed in attained greater importance after Fordon is isolated by urban forests. Until the arrival October 2013. formally became part of Bydgoszcz in 1973. of the new tramline, journeys were based on The aim of the new route is to increase the By the end of the decade construction began several bus routes and changes at Wy cigowa share of public transport and is part of the on a large housing settlement, soon attracting tramway loop, says Witold Dębicki, the head BiT-City project – a combination of various 70 000 people and bringing with it a plan of the Tramwaj Fordon company established transport projects carried out by Bydgoszcz, for an express tramline and urban railway to construct the new route. In 2007 an ‘A+T’ Toru , Solec Kujawski and voivodship

134 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org INTERVIEW: RAFAŁ BRUSKI, BYDGOSZCZ PRESIDENT

How important is the line to Fordon in solution. Debt repayment can be more spread out, Q terms of overall transport in Bydgoszcz? which is especially important when preparations It is very important. Fordon really consists of investments in the new EU Financing Perspective A of several districts, which are home to require taking care of operating surplus. around 80 000 people, most of whom commute – whether for school or work – to the city centre. What are the plans for the Bydgoszcz Until recently this area was served only by a bus Q tramway network in the coming years? service, but we are looking for greener, low carbon One of the priorities for the European Union solutions in public transport and faster ways for A is low-emission transport. As a city that has people to get around, hence the tram. On the roads a tram network and defined needs, we continue to there are intersections, traffic lights and other invest in it. We are preparing a very important difficulties so the tram route has been shaped so connection of the network along Kujawska Street these distubances are minimised. Additionally, in the centre. We want to connect the upper the tram has priority so it is certainly the fastest section with the lower as tramlines are located way of travelling from Fordon to the city. parallel to each other but they don’t close in a loop. Passengers need to ride around as currently Why was the decision taken in the early they ride a few kilometres one way then a few Q stages to establish the dedicated kilometres back to find themselves in a point less company Tramwaj Fordon? than a kilometre from the place of the departure. The main benefit is clear project In addition, we are planning a link between A management. We also tried to take into Fordon, Bartodzieje and Kapuściska. As part of this account the requirements of the European Union investment we anticipate an additional bridge to as without its help the line wouldn’t be connect the two lines running along the Brda river. constructed at this time and certainly not so This will shorten journeys between Fordońska quickly. Co-financing from EU funds ultimately and Toruńska Streets. Along with several smaller amounted to around 80% of the eligible costs. investments in rolling stock and infrastructure it will cost, according to our estimates, Initially Tramwaj Fordon was also to PLN300-350m (approx. EUR68-80m) and we Q operate the route. Why did you hope to continue to make use of EU funding. eventually entrust the service to MZK? If we have enough resources a third project If Tramwaj Fordon was the operator we we are considering is an extension from the A would have a phenomena – unique in the Kujawskie roundabout in the direction of Błonie country and perhaps also in Europe – where one to Poznańskie. This is for one reason: 80% of city has two tram carriers using the same tramlines share a short section of track, several infrastructure to a large extent. Even in Łódź, hundred metres in length, in the city centre. If famous for years for its three operators, this is there is any problem we have a blockade and the now a thing of the past as it results in duplication whole network becomes inefficient. This project of costs and management difficulties. allows us to avoid those sensitive places. We convinced the Ministry of Infrastructure Every investment involves new trams, but and Development and the Centre for EU if there is a possibility to buy vehicles without Transport Projects to agree on subcontracting an assigned infrastructure project then we will operations to MZK. Bearing in mind that MZK pursue it. I would like, as president of the city performs purely operational duties on behalf of which is home to PESA – our largest employer the Tramwaj Fordon, there is no need to employ and a well-managed, recognisable company – all additional drivers and other staff. trams to be produced by them.

Can you recommend EU co-financing of In the 1970s and ’80s a city railway Q transport infrastructure to other cities? Q network was planned. Is this still viable? Yes. From the perspective of local From time to time voices postulating A government it is positive that the loan taken A construction of a city railway system appear. for the investment is not charged directly to the In my opinion, however, this is pointless. With the city budget; you only need to save the expenses tram route to Fordon, it would mean duplication of for the annual guarantee. existing rail transport. In addition, railway tracks For large transport investments, which generally run alongside this great area and do not penetrate do not have to be profitable, as well as those that the various settlements; only 12% of the population repay themselves, a it is very advantageous live within 800m of the existing tracks.

LEFT: Opening day, 16 January, at Niepodległości terminus with two generations of trams – the N type (left) and the newest PESA Swing, one of 12 ordered as part of the Fordon project. Roman Czubiński

RIGHT: MZK Swing 111 on approach to the Łoskoń loop. Michał Szymajda

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 135 Bydgoszcz – Fordon

authorities that will transform links across the entire metropolitan area, Dębicki explained. The scale of the new line is impressive, with nearly 10km (six miles) of double-track alignment, 13 stops and three new loops. The previous terminus at Wy cigowa will act as an emergency loop, as will the one at Korfantego (around 6km/3.7 miles) before the route’s end. Another loop is located at Niepodległo ci, 2km (1.2 miles) before the final terminus at Łosko , where a small depot has been established with seven stabling tracks, maintenance and administrative buildings. Part of the project also includes a 545m-long viaduct over existing railway tracks, with a large glazed interchange located over the relocated platforms of Bydgoszcz Wschód railway station. Tramway construction also offered an opportunity to rebuild the highway network: Akademicka Street gained a second carriageway between Jasiniecka and Igrzyskowa and some sections of Andersa Street and its intersections were modernised. On the adjacent streets four roundabouts were constructed and Orl t Lwowskich and Andersa Streets were extended to Andersa and Geodetów Streets respectively.

Commissioning and launch of the line The contractor handed the new line over for commissioning on 16 November 2015, with the intention that operations would begin by the start of the new year. However, those are operated by MZK). Four lines serve the At Kujawskie roundabout points will plans were deferred by delays to deliveries Fordon routes: Łosko terminus is connected be installed and provision made for a new of the new five-sectionSwing trams from with lines 3 and 5, while lines 7 and 10 route on Solskiego, Piękna, Szubi ska PESA – Tramwaj Fordon has ordered a total of terminate at Niepodległo ci. Unfortunately, and Kruszwicka Streets to Grunwaldzkie. 12 vehicles of this type. The manufacturer, Bydgoszcz is facing a few issues with the This project is currently on the reserve based in Bydgoszcz, has already supplied implementation of the new timetables as list, although it is another long-awaited its home city with two low-floor trams of trams can catch delays on intersections and investment. It is worth mentioning that in the type, which have radically changed the at traffic lights. 1979-80 standard-gauge tracks were already image of the city’s service. laid on Szubi skiego Street, although PESA had an extremely busy period What next for the network? after 1983 this route was dismantled as towards the end of 2015, associated with Bydgoszcz’s further tramway plans for the it was decided to retain the metre-gauge the accumulation of orders from other EU new EU financing perspective 2014-20 are configuration – the concrete sleepers made projects which had to be processed and more modest. Two short connecting lines regauging on the new route impossible. settled by the end of the year. As such, the are to be constructed, with a larger emphasis Another new route, to be constructed trams were conditionally commissioned by on renewing the fleet and modernisation of between 2016 and 2018, will connect the end of 2015, allowing the preservation of existing infrastructure. Fordo ska and Toru ska Streets, with a EU funding for the Fordon project. One new route will be laid on Kujawska new bridge over the Brda River; this new Finally, the launch date was set for Street, connecting Bernardy skie and connection is planned either in the axis Saturday 16 January with the first tram Kujawskie roundabouts. The existing loop at of Perłowa steet, or beside the existing departing Łosko terminus at 04.38 and an Karpacka (Rondo Kujawskie) will be closed, Kazimierza Wielkiego bridge. Overall, in the official opening ceremony that took place but the terminus at Magnuszewska will new EU Financing Perspective around 2.7km at midday. New trams satisfy half of the be expanded; part of this project includes (1.7 miles) of new track will be built and 25 demand on the new route, with other services the delivery of 15 new trams with an aim new trams will be delivered. The city also served by the existing Konstal 805N trams for completion by the end of 2018 or the plans to modernise five or six cars of dating from the 1980s and ’90s (all services beginning of 2019. its existing Konstal fleet per year.

LEFT: The mini depot constructed at the new Łoskoń terminus features seven stabling tracks and maintenance and administrative facilities. Michał Szymajda

RIGHT: Herbrand VNB-125 (or GE-58) dates from 1886 and was rebuilt in 2012. It made an appearance at Niepodległości terminus on the opening day. Roman Czubiński

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Bordeaux Dublin Luas www.systra.co.uk Tramway gauges GAUGING OPINION Scott McIntosh explores he subject of an ‘optimum’ [15cm] could be adopted to allow greater space gauge for railed transport for locomotive machinery. However, he also some of the issues systems is endlessly fascinating acknowledged that it was probably too late and surrounding the great and debate of the issue can while that the economic solution was not to seek away many a long evening for the best gauge but to accept the commonest. tramway gauge debate, Tamateurs and rail professionals alike. Broad gauges were said to offer greater while Richard Buckley The great George Stephenson seems to stability, or allow for more powerful have given the matter little thought, simply locomotives. Brunel’s ultimate broad considers a few of the building locomotives to match the crude gauge (2140mm/7ft ¼in) was originally seemingly more bizarre colliery railways that already existed. His son adopted to allow the carriage body to fit Robert, with a wider technical knowledge inside large wheels, offering reduced rolling gauges and the reasons and considerable experience in building resistance and a low centre of gravity – an behind their adoption. locomotives, publicly stated that it would obsession amongst early railway designers. be better if a gauge ‘about six inches wider’ Interestingly, only one design of broad gauge coach adopted the ‘body between the wheels’ design, all the others used a more conventional ‘body on top’ layout, albeit with some wheel projections through the floor.

Dispelling a few myths Narrow gauges were said to offer savings in construction costs and to allow sharper curves to be used. However, a little thought will show that placing the rails closer together will effect only minimal savings in the cost of sleepers; the real saving comes in having a narrower loading gauge, not a narrower track gauge, but this comes with a reduction in the carrying capacity of each vehicle. Ironically, metre and ‘Cape Gauge’ (1067mm/3ft 6in) colonial railways often have generous loading gauges; the South African rail network employs Cape Gauge and has a maximum width of 3048mm (10ft) and a maximum height of 3962mm (13ft), greater than the standard British loading gauge. The curve radius question is more interesting; previous TAUT articles have discussed the problems of fixed-axle vehicles going round sharp curves and it would be ABOVE: A very tightly-spaced delta junction BELOW: A dual-gauge layout in central Krefeld allows safe to say that if one has two steel wheels on Bielefeld’s system shows one of the perceived standard gauge Rheinbahn B80D stock to traverse the fixed on an axle and very sharp curves then a benefits of metre gauge. Neil Pulling same rails as Krefeld’s metre-gauge trams. Neil Pulling narrower gauge will be marginally beneficial. However, it must be remembered that some first-generation tramways combined standard gauge alignments and curves of under 11m (35ft). Toronto still combines 12m (39ft) curves with its peculiar 1473mm (4ft 10in) gauge track. Of course these curving problems can be mitigated if the tramcar is fitted with individually-controlled wheel motors, these can eliminate skip-slip on curves entirely. It has been claimed that lateral oscillation of rail vehicles is a major concern on narrow or metre gauge track, but these issues could be addressed by modifying the track panel resistance.[1] These difficulties are unlikely to arise at the lower maximum speeds of tramways, however. The Queensland Railways in Australia have shown that a well-aligned Cape Gauge track can carry trains operating at up to 170km/h (105mph) and tramway slab track already offers greater lateral resistance than ballasted heavy rail track. Nor does a narrower gauge unduly restrict vehicle height or width. Hong Kong (and in an earlier era Birmingham, UK) show that high-capacity double-deck cars can be successfully operated on 1067mm gauge track

138 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org “Placing the rails closer together will effect only In 2009 Austria’s Pöstlingbergbahn was re-gauged from metre-gauge to the ‘standard’ of 900mm to allow through-running to the Linz tramway. The Pöstlingbergbahn also features some of the steepest minimal savings in the gradients of any tramway. Neil Pulling cost of sleepers; the real and in Trondheim, Norway’s metre gauge builder PK Transportnye Systemy presented Ggråkallbanen has successfully operated a prototype that it is building for Yevpatoria. saving comes in having a 2.65m-wide light rail cars for many years. Its 2.3m-wide Varyah (which bears a striking There are fears that narrow gauge resemblance to the Škoda/United Streetcar narrower loading gauge.” low-floor cars might be more difficult vehicle) is designed for metre gauge networks. to construct, with unacceptably narrow standardisation across a network to allow gangways and constraints on traction Metre gauge is still growing integration of services and maintenance. motor size. However, German cities such There seems to be a general consensus that This has been the reason for many as Frankfurt an der Oder and Jena have no new systems should be built to any gauge conversions in Germany, which makes the been running Adtranz GT6M cars, with other than 1435mm, yet there are three decision in Toronto to make the Transit longitudinal, flank-mounted motors new-build tramways in Bilbao, Valencia in City LRT lines a different gauge to the since the 1990s. The later Variotram (and Spain and in Eski ehir, Turkey, that are TTC streetcar and metro lines seem even Variobahn) is available in metre gauge metre gauge. more bizarre. versions with significant orders delivered At one time there was a drive to convert Stadtwerke Ulm has ordered 12 Avenio M to Mannheim, Helsinki and Bochum. legacy systems to standard gauge when low-floor trams as part of a project to This variant has hub motors on all wheels, they were modernised; this was done in expand the German city’s metre gauge tram thus eliminating the need for axles entirely. Stuttgart, Essen and Chemitz in Germany. network with the addition of a new line 2. Siemens also reports that a significant Sofia, Bulgaria, began a gauge conversion The planned 10.5km (6.5-mile) route will proportion of its Combino low-floor variants programme in the late 1980s, but this was have 20 stops and will share tracks with have been built for metre gauge systems. halted after its second standard gauge line line 1 for 1.2km (0.75 miles) in the city A new entrant to the rolling stock market was completed. It is difficult to see what centre when it opens in 2018. Interestingly, is the Ukrainian concern Elektotrans – it is advantage was gained by this work as cars the project budget cost is approximately currently delivering 100% low-floor trams of similar size and performance could EUR192m (less than EUR21m/km), but I to the metre gauge network in Lviv (see have been provided on metre gauge track. suspect that this low cost is due to German TAUT 935). In February 2016 the Russian car In other cases it is sensible to seek gauge efficiency and the employment of standard

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 139 Tramway gauges

Frankfurt an der Oder’s Adtranz GT6M cars, with longitudinal, flank- The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system uses the unusual 1676mm broad gauge, mounted motors, show that metre gauge need not offer constraints on the with designers in the 1960s claiming greater stability and a better ride for passengers. positioning of traction equipment. Howard Pulling Neil Pulling contracts rather than any inherent economy gone before – a typically crass political view. in metre gauge. “If politics can produce If politics can produce strange decisions then financiers, often with little knowledge What about going wider? strange decisions then of engineering and even less of transport Tramways built with a broader gauge may systems, can make equally odd choices. offer some advantages, particularly where financiers, often with little They will tend to think that what is the most 100% low-floor cars are operated as the knowledge of engineering common must result in economies of scale, ‘trench’ passageway between the wheels thus reducing capital cost and maximising can be wider; for example using Indian and even less of transport the return on investment. This view will Gauge (1676mm/5ft 6in) could give an aisle not be tested and the financiers will be width some 230mm wider than a standard systems, can make equally encouraged by the car builders and track gauge low-floor car. Unfortunately the manufacturers who will want to lock buyers space outboard of the wheels and within odd choices.” into buying their off-the-shelf products. the Dynamic Kinematic Envelope of the car One of the many peculiarities of the various will be reduced – which may cause a space PFI/PPP financial models used for modern problem if outside longitudinal or wheel the bogies, and the the Prague version has all urban rail systems is that the financiers will motors are to be employed. wheels powered and the Riga version has four want to show that the rolling stock has some In the early days of San Francisco’s unpowered ones.[2] It is unlikely that there residual value and could (in theory) be moved BART, a study of car dynamics claimed is anything special or costly about metre or from a financially ailing system to another, that a wider gauge gave a better quality ride Russian gauge (1524mm/5ft) rolling stock. thus protecting the investment and revenue for the passengers. I am not sure exactly stream. The fact that this has almost never how this exercise was done. It would be Outside considerations happened does not influence the view. of interest to know if experience over the It would seem that the engineers are being It is also claimed that buying ‘standard’ years has justified the decision and how the forced to operate in the tight triangle of space items of stock can drive down price by joint determination might be made. where the trajectories of politics, finance ordering with other systems. Again this It was also claimed that a wider gauge was and physics overlap, but do not necessarily usually proves almost impossible to achieve in required for safety if the cars were to cope meet. A change in one will drive the outcome. the real world. Most governments only seem to with high winds on the Golden Gate Bridge. Historically, the decision to prescribe a be able to fund one new system at a time and However, many believe that BART covered gauge of one metre for all Swiss tramlines this makes joint ordering difficult, although its engineering decisions by implying the has been seen as part of a political decision we have seen occasional examples of one safety aspect which no-one would question that would prevent standard gauge heavy rail system using the ‘options’ of another to bring (standard gauge Key Systems cars used the goods wagons being run through the public down vehicle prices and decrease lead times. Bay Bridge for nearly three decades with no street. This may have had some validity in The physics of tramway systems seems to problems). I suspect that the real reasons are the early days of railway construction, but show that for the broad range of performance that the non-railway engineers involved in the later growth of the metre gauge secondary parameters set for modern systems – cars up to the project wanted to be seen to be offering lines in Switzerland eroded the differentiation 2.65m wide, running to a maximum operating ‘something different’ to that which had gone between tramways and railways. speed of 80km/h (50mph) – any gauge 3 before and wished to keep the production Conversely, the choice of the odd 4ft 7 /4in between about 3ft and 5ft 6in will do. design of the system in-house. (1416mm) gauge for the first-generation Presumably BART and others who have tramway in Glasgow, UK, was precisely followed have found, like the Russians, that it because this permitted standard gauge costs little more to have a special track gauge goods wagons to traverse the streets to reach NOTES for a closed system when the operator orders riverside shipyards. Some of the reasons put 1. A smoother ride on narrow gauge track cars hundreds at a time. It is only the single forward to justify BART’s odd gauge have Sundararaja Gopalakrishnan, Manager car that has a significant price difference for been discussed above, but it is also thought (Track Works & Systems), Rawang – Ipoh the non-standard. The 2010 base price for that the gauge was chosen to prevent other Electrified Double Track Project, both the Prague and Riga ForCity appears railroads getting running rights over the UEM Construction Malaysia Sdn Bhd 2. It is extremely risky to marshal an argument to be EUR3.7m in spite of Riga using a track BART Transbay tunnels into San Francisco. on a narrow data base. It would be of great gauge wider than the Western standard The choice of a wider gauge in Stuttgart advantage to access the UITP and International and that all other Škoda low-floor trams and the Bay Area may also have been made Railway Journal databases to provide a are standard gauge. The only differences to show that the new transport system was sounder argument. between the Prague and Riga versions are ‘newer and therefore better’ than what had

140 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AND THE ODD MEN OUT ARE... By Richard Buckley

part from the three main tramway gauges, there A are many exceptions, either past or present. Yet despite appearances, there is often a logical explanation. There were four 760mm-gauge 15 tramways (2ft 5 ⁄16in); this being a common standard for light railways in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Dubrovnik and Ybbs have closed, whilst the two larger ones were later converted, Sarajevo to 1435mm in 1960 and Zagreb to metre in 1910. Milan, Rome and Turin use 7 1445mm (4ft 8 /8in), and that is because this was the standard Italian railway gauge until 1930. Lisbon still uses the 900mm (2ft 117⁄16in) gauge, shared with Linz, and in the former case at least it was adopted because mule omnibus proprietors were spacing their wheels so they could run along the existing 1435mm tracks. The new British owner thought that a narrower gauge would eliminate this problem, and by May 1900 all existing lines had been Chemnitz works car 1271, built in 1925, parked outside Kappel depot in 1977 and showing the narrow 925mm gauge trackfan. relaid. Another oddity is Sofia’s R. Buckley 1009mm (3ft 323⁄32in, now shared with 1435mm routes), and this “Another oddity is Sofia’s 1009mm; this seems to have been seems to have been simply an error, as the intention had been simply an error, as the intention had been to lay metre. ” to lay metre gauge. Turning to Germany, The British Isles as a whole had In North America, the 1495mm; today this ‘Toronto Braunschweig uses 1100mm seven tramway gauges. Cork’s Pittsburgh LRT system runs gauge’ also applies to the city’s (3ft 75⁄16in) gauge. An English 900mm (2ft 117⁄16in) made it on 1588mm (5ft 2½in) tracks, subway system. company opened a horse possible for the 3ft-gauge trains which was the Pennsylvania It is remarkable how often tramway in the city in 1879 using of two light railways to use the trolley standard. Quite why New British engineers or imperial Edge rail, which had no groove tramway. The reason why the Orleans follows the same gauge measurements have caused the but instead holes that matched Glasgow area settled on 1416mm is not so obvious. One assumes trouble! pegs on the wheels. In 1881 the (4ft 7¾in) is similar; standard the Philadelphia subway-surface concern was bought out by the gauge goods trucks were hauled lines and the Market-Frankford Erlanger Bank, who found upon between some of the shipyards subway, which use 1581mm Richard Buckley is the lifting this track that 1100mm in the Govan area over Glasgow (5ft 2¼in), somehow just fell Honorary Editor of TAUT’s lines would fit in the space, Corporation lines. Both steam short of the Pennsylvania gauge. sister title Tramway so avoiding the need to seek and electric locomotives were The streetcar’s tracks in depot Review, the quarterly additional authorisation. The used. In Ireland the famous Hill areas here, incidentally, still have journal dedicated to same bank was also behind the of Howth tramway had 1600mm some points manufactured by Kiel tramway, laid to the same (5ft 3in) tracks because it was Hadfields of Sheffield (UK). the history of tramway gauge, and in 1881 a different railway-owned, and this is the Finally, Toronto has the unique development. company followed suit in Irish standard railway gauge. gauge of 1495mm (4ft 107⁄8in). Lübeck. The narrow streets and The British Empire took its The most probable explanation sharp curves in all three towns measurements with it. Hong is that the original 1861 street Tramway made a narrower gauge desirable. Kong’s 1067mm (3ft 6in) is railway used step rail, with a flat Review The oddest German case is explicable because of the British running surface and an outer No.245 March 2016 £4.65 possibly Chemnitz, where a imperial connection, this being flange. A car with unflanged British engineer laid the first the normal railway gauge for the wheels at 1435mm fitted horse line in 1880 at 915mm, or colonies in southern Africa and properly, but the width between a shade over 3ft. By 1914 all very common in Australasia. The the rail flanges was 1495mm. routes had been widened to Kimberley tramway in South The early track gangs had gauge 925mm, with the intention of Africa, at least, also used 1067mm. bars 1495mm long and when Aigle – Leysin: In sickness and in health eventually reaching metre gauge. It is difficult to explain Cape the first rail was fairly soon Damascus part 3: Vichy to closure However, the East German Town’s 1448mm (4ft 9in), except replaced with grooved rail they Southampton’s final movements authorities decided to convert by the fact that the first horse continued to use the old bars on A Dutch Quartet the key routes to standard gauge, tramway of 1863 laid its lines to the new track, thereby setting Pre-war Liverpool and the final narrow-gauge trams that gauge and all subsequent the internal gauge between TR245_001_Cover.indd 1 28/01/2016 16:26 ran in 1988. companies followed suit. the new running surfaces at

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142 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Schwerin

It is necessary to leave the central area of the capital of Schwerin SYSTEMS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to fully appreciate its tramway, much of which GERMANY FACTFILE was added in outer districts towards the end No. Schwerin, of the 20th Century. 103 Germany

bout 180km (113 miles) ABOVE: The welcome north-west of Berlin, sign near Gartenstadt Schwerin is the smallest stop is also visible from of Germany’s state main roads and boats on the Schweriner See. capitals. Despite having Ahad around 130 000 residents in 1988 RIGHT: In service and 115 000 by 1995, the 96 370 from July 2003, recorded for December 2013 828 is seen here on continued a return to stability after 2 June 2005 at the the severe decline triggered by East Marienplatz platform Germany's collapse. Although Rostock for southbound trams had a higher profile and twice the leaving the single-track population, Schwerin won the vote branch. following German reunification to become the capital of Mecklenburg- Vorpommern. Abolished under East Germany's 1952 government changes, 'MeckPomm' was amongst the entities reinstated in 1990. From the 1960s in particular, Words and pictures Schwerin grew outwards rather than by Neil Pulling

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 143 Schwerin

“In 2014 approximately 73% of NVS passenger journeys were by tram, with four lines serving 38 stops.”

upwards, covering a bigger area than population figures alone might suggest. The tramway projects underpinned industrial and housing developments, with central planning assuming scarcity of petroleum-based fuels and low levels of private vehicle ownership. As the city expanded, Schwerin's original tram coverage markedly decreased as a proportion of the system. A subsidiary of the municipal utilities company Stadtwerke Schwerin, Nahverkehr Schwerin (NVS) is the transport network name. It was created in 1991, with NVS owning the infrastructure, vehicles and related assets of the uni-directional 1435mm tramway. Under an administrative change in 2005, operation of 30 trams, around 40 buses and a ferry passed to the NVS subsidiary Mecklenburger Verkehrsservice. In 2014 approximately 73% of NVS passenger journeys were by tram, with four lines serving 38 stops. Horse trams began in 1881, with December 1908 bringing the start of electric services, a subsidiary venture of the local power generator. Immediately south-west of the centre in an area no longer on the system, Wallstrasse depot was destroyed in April 1945. This was just before American forces captured Schwerin; when tram services restarted in May 1946, it was in territory under Soviet control. It was during the command economy years of the German Democratic Republic that the tramway gradually gained today's elongated X-shaped configuration,

THE FLEET Regularly used in pairs, Schwerin’s yellow livery. This draws from the single-ended Bombardier Flexity emblem of the armed horseman Classic trams (numbered 801-830) credited as Schwerin’s founder, are designated Type SN 2001 by Heinrich den Löwen. ‘Henry the the operator. With Kiepe electrical Lion’ has featured as a cab-end equipment, they were built in badge, decorations that have 2001-03 in Bautzen, Germany, and changed to celebrate aspects of are 29.7m long over three sections Schwerin life. and 2.65m wide with space for 199 A delta junction on the Neu passengers, including 84 seated. Pampow line near Haselholz There are three double doors and stop connects to the system’s two single doors, on one side only. eponymous depot. Commissioned Internal fittings include ticket in 1980, the modernised Haselholz vending and validation machines, facility also has heavy rail access passenger counters, information and has serviced stock used screens and video surveillance. on Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Ventilation improvements were regional services. Some Tatras made after experience in service. were converted to works cars, and Partial and all-over advertising retained T3D trams and trailers features strongly, but not to the make it the largest type in Schwerin’s The system features long terminus loops: 817 between the arrival and exclusion of the white, blue and small heritage collection. departure platforms at Kliniken.

144 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org with the city centre towards its northern end. Officially identified as being in 1160, Schwerin's foundation relates to being a stable and defendable site in a watery low-lying landscape that would remain relevant for the city’s evolution. The geographical centre of today’s tramway is broadly between Platz der Jugend and Gartenstadt stops. It is threaded between some smaller lakes at the western edge of the 60km2 (23 sq. mile) Schweriner See. Platz der Jugend marks the southern limit of mainly road-based track, much of it tightly bordered by buildings. To the south, where the more recent tramway expansion was concentrated, the infrastructure is a spacious over one of each of the northern ‘Doppeltraktion’ 803+809 approaches Platz der Jugend. One of the installation with its own right of way, and southern arms, the longest at two spurs to Bertha Klingberg Platz loop is just visible beyond the trams. largely with ballasted track. Staggered 11.6km (7.3 miles). Using only the platforms are common, with fencing two southern arms and not entering The cab-end badge on 820 at Platz der Freiheit in May 2009 celebrated the centenary of Schwerin’s electric tramway. between the tracks to deter careless or central Schwerin, line 3 between reckless crossing by pedestrians. Hegelstrasse and Neu Pampow is The following relates to the service restricted to a 30-minute interval, pattern of recent years, rather than Monday-Friday only. the arrangements due to bridge The NVS network’s busiest point reconstruction at Wittenburger Strasse is in Schwerin’s commercial centre – see www.nahverkehr-schwerin.de for where shared bus and tram platforms updates. Normally there are three are sited on a narrow wedge of full-time lines (1, 2, 4) running paved space. Dominated by modern

Paulskirche Evangelical Church lies ahead of 825+811 climbing the northbound single track section towards Platz der Freiheit.

The departure platform at Lankow-Siedlung terminus on the north-western arm on 12 May 2009.

Flexity Classic 810 takes the branch to Hegelstrasse at the delta junction incorporating Blumenbrink stop on 5 May 2015.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 145 Schwerin

NETWORK FACTS Opened: 1881 (electrification 1908) Lines: 4 Distance: 21km (13 miles) Depots: 1 Approx. weekday hours: 04.30-23.30 Line frequency: 15 minutes (30 minutes Neu Pampow line) Gauge: 1435 mm Power: 750V dc overhead supply Fleet: 30 Bombardier Flexity Classic Regional transport authority: Verkehrsgesellschaft Mecklenburg- Vorpommern (VMV) City Network: Nahverkehr Schwerin GmbH (NVS) Operator: Mecklenburger Verkehrsservice GmbH Schwerin Tram 823 with a Neu Pampow to Kliniken (MVG) service near the Haselholz depot access tracks.

INFORMATION City network: www.nahverkehr-schwerin.de Civic information: www.schwerin.de Tourist information: www.schwerin.com ABOVE: shopping complexes and now titled The modern Marienplatz, it is a location deemed development facing important enough by previous Dreescher Markt stop regimes to have been named after is on an extension begun in the 1970s. Hitler and Lenin. To the south was once a tramway crossroads, the LEFT: A common east-west axis of which no longer German public exists. Marienplatz now contains the transport practice, junction at which a single-track arm onboard equipment carrying lines 2 and 4 southwards for ticket vending rejoins the core route. Also single- and validation. track, these lines’ northbound arm diverges just north of Marienplatz. BELOW: Tram 824 passes Schlosspark Variously over roads, grassed and The route through central Schwerin is Center, part of the ballasted track, line 2’s two directions mainly over narrow roads, as seen here retail concentration are together between Platz der Freiheit near Schlossblick. around Marienplatz. (where line 4 turns) and Lankow- Siedlung terminus. The main railway station, Schwerin Hbf, once had a terminus loop on the forecourt. It is now served by line 1 platforms on a section prone to trams being held in traffic, as road width precludes track segregation. Line 1’s northern limit, once designated by the name of an engineering works, ends at Kliniken terminus outside the large Helios hospital. Schwerin is on the Hamburg- Rostock main line, with Schwerin Hbf also having a concentration of local services. There are some NVS network interchanges at or near other stations, but comparatively low frequencies restrict the scope for such transfers. Installed mainly to support housing developments, the south-eastern arm terminating at Hegelstrasse was completed by 1984, having reached the Grosser Dreesch district a decade earlier. Served by lines 1, 2 and 3, it is clearly better used than the south- western arm from which it diverges at a delta junction that incorporates Blumenbrick stop on one side. Heading south from the junction,

146 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Approaching Schwerin Hbf during an evening peak, trams are interlaced with crawling traffic on Wismarsche Strasse.

“The latest track addition is a loop near Platz der Jugend built to serve the main entrance of Germany's biennial national garden show.” the area is visually dominated by now called Bertha-Klingberg-Platz the 180m chimney at Stadtwerke has since served as a bus replacement Schwerin’s combined heat and transfer point and for runs by NVS electricity plant, with related piping a heritage trams. feature of the trackside. Increasing the system’s capacity Used by lines 3 and 4, the route to and more suited to the longer routes Neu Pampow terminus, which opened being added, the first of 115 Czech in October 1979, had an emphasis on KD single-car Tatra T3D trams and industrial developments rather than B3D trailers was introduced in 1973, housing. Although industry remains, with deliveries up to 1988. Although the reduced workforces are now trailer use would fall in line with more likely to be car users. The two passenger numbers, the trams were services on this line each have at best a once expected to see longer service 30-minute interval, half as frequent as in Schwerin. Accordingly many were the others, and with single rather than modernised in the 1990s, some work paired trams being prevalent. being completed by an automotive Ludwigsluster Chaussee on the Neu Pampow line, which has the The latest track addition is a loop concern (later MANIKA, 2001-12) in system's lowest service level. fed from both directions near Platz nearby Güstrow. der Jugend. It opened during August The power supply was improved 2008 in preparation for Schwerin through the 1990s, later being uprated hosting the Bundesgartenschau, the to 750V dc for an entirely new fleet. biennial German national garden Bombardier low-floor stock similar show. The April-October BUGA 2009 to models for Kassel and Dresden was important for the city’s profile took over from 2001, with normal and economy. Set on a vantage point Tatra services ending in early 2004. across the Burgsee inlet to the castle, The disposal of Tatra trams included the loop allowed trams to serve the some passing to operators such as show’s main entrance. Not on a Almaty (Kazakhstan), Dnipropetrovsk through-route, this track on what is (Ukraine) and Daugavpils (Latvia).

The newest ESSENTIAL FACTS system addition Local travel: Staffed NVS information points at Marienplatz and Platz der Freiheit and is not part of ticket machines are found onboard trams and at stops: tickets must be validated. regular operations. Fares are unchanged since December 2014: EUR1.50 for up to three stops; single with Berta Klingberg 45-minute validity EUR1.80; day ticket (Tageskarte) at EUR5.50 is for 24 hours from the Platz loop, with validation rather than being day-specific. Schweriner Schloss to the left. What is there to see? More palace than castle, the city emblem and landmark Schwerin Schweriner Schloss set on a small island is the main attraction. Combining roles as the Tatras 151 and 251 seat of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state government, museum and gallery, it extends went to Latvia’s to ornamental gardens. Schweriner See cruises are from Werderstrasse quay near Daugavpils system the Schloss. The restored old town with an immense brick cathedral lies between the as 074 and 075, Schloss and the small Pfaffenteich lake, a popular gathering spot often hosting events. seen in May 2014.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 147 FREE to attend HOST RAILWAY SUPPORTER for Rail Operators, 19-20 APRIL 2016 PASSENGER TERMINAL AMSTERDAM Metros & AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Government

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ALGERIA SÉTIF. Alstom will supply 26 Citadis 44m trams under an order signed on 15 February. They will be assembled at the recently-opened manufacturing facility at Annaba. The 15.2km (9.5-mile) east–west tramline is due to open in the first quarter of 2018. RGI

ARGENTINA BUENOS AIRES. A further 60 metro cars have been ordered from Alstom for line D, with half of the EUR120m cost covered by bank loans. Alstom is currently supplying 120 cars to line H from its Brazilian plant. IRJ

AUSTRALIA GOLD COAST. The 30-year-old monorail at the Oasis shopping centre is to be demolished under plans for a new sports arena. Gold Coast Bulletin MELBOURNE. The Government of Victoria has shortlisted three bidders for its Melbourne Metro Rail St Etienne articulated PCC 955 was displayed in Paris for the COP environmental conference in early December to show how project: CPB (formerly Leighton) goods could be delivered to city centre businesses using trams. J. J. Doerflinger Contractors; John Holland/KBR; Lend Lease/Coleman Rail. Work is Wondelgem; 4, UZ Gent – Moscou; full-year revenues; for 2016, trams and 12 Stadler Tango tram- due to start in 2018. IRJ 21, Zwijnaarde – Melle Leeuw; it is expecting revenues of trains this summer. Next to the PERTH. A joint venture of Salini 22, Kouter – Gentbrugge DC; approximately USD8.5bn from its CMC a covered stabling area of Impreglio and NRW has been 24, Rabot – Melle Leeuw. transportation sector, compared 5000m2 is also under construction. awarded the design and build The first PCC to be sold is 6231, with USD8.8bn in 2015. In the city centre, the first slab contract for the 8.5km (5.3-mile) to a private buyer who has moved TORONTO. A Request for tracks were cast in cement at the Forrestfield Airport rail link, due to to the former Musson station Proposals for the 11km (6.8-mile) beginning of February, marking open in 2020. RGI in Province Luxembourg. Finch West light rail (Finch West another milestone for the project Available for service are station – Humber College) has 45 years after the previous trams AUSTRIA 6202-6223 (modernised) and been issued by Metrolinx, with had their last day in operation. WIEN (Vienna). A total of 84 6225/6/39/40/1/4/6/7. T-2000 completion planned for 2021. Aarhus Light Rail consists of E1 first-generation articulated LIEGE. On 26 February Walloon The city planning department 12km (7.5 miles) of new double- trams remained in service at the Minister for Mobility Carlo Di has said the proposed city centre track alignment in the city of end of February; B1 ULF trams up Antonio announced a 100% relief subway should be built under Aarhus and the transformation to 778 were in service. financing solution for the Queen St, linking Pape station and of 98km (61 miles) of existing U-Bahn line U4 will operate tramway project within the City Hall. Funding has still to be railway aligment into electric between Heiligenstadt and regional budget, and set 2021 as secured and construction would light rail. Commercial service Hietzing only from 30 April to 1 the opening year. take ten years. will begin in 2017, the same July to permit station Delivery of Bombardier Flexity year Aarhus is European Capital modernisation. EB BRAZIL trams had reached 4418 by the end of Culture. J. Velling RIO DE JANEIRO. The of February. BELGIUM Corcovado rack tramway has The fare on the UPX airport rail EGYPT ANTWERPEN. PCCs of the placed a BRR100m (EUR23.7m) line has been cut from CAD27.50 MASR-EL-GEDIDAH (Heliopolis). first series (7000-60) remaining order with Stadler for six new to CAD12 after disappointing It is reported that a consortium available for service are motor cars. When delivered in passenger figures. D. Drum led by China Railway Group is 7001-10/6-9/21/2/6/7/9/30/32-60. 2018, the new stock will reduce investing USD1.5bn in a 69.2km Of these six (7001/2/17/52/5/9) the running time on the line from CHINA (43-mile) light rail system, which have been fitted with ZUB 20 to 14 minutes. CHONGQING. Jiangbeicheng may be partly a renovation of the equipment for subway operation, The mayor has conceded there station on metro line 6 was Heliopolis tramway. K. Matzka equipment that is being fitted to all is a high risk that metro line 4 opened on 28 January. urbanrail.net trams in the series 7061-65. T-2000 to Jardim Olympico will not be HONG KONG. The TramOramic FRANCE BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. STIB ready to open before the Olympic double-deck tour tram 68 is a CAEN. The city has confirmed its has announced an opening date Games in August. EB new-build, with the existing tram plans to replace its Bombardier- for tramline 9 of 2 April 2018. carrying this number renumbered supplied TVR guided bus with The new tram terminus at CANADA 81. T. Runnacles steel-wheeled trams from 2019 in Berchem station was opened on INDUSTRY. B o m b a r d i e r a project estimated at EUR247m. 19 December. Transportation is expected to DENMARK A fleet of 23 trams will operate Work will start this year on the reduce its workforce by around AARHUS. Construction of the three lines totalling 16.8km (10.4 extension of tramline 94 from 3200 as part of an overall cut of Control and Maintenance Center miles): T1, Hérouville St Clair Woluwe to Roodebeek. T-2000 around 7000 across the group. (CMC) for the Aarhus Light Rail – Ifs Jean Vilar; T2, Campus 2 – GENT. With the opening of the Some of those affected by the project, the first of its kind in Presqu’Ile; T3, Théâtre – Fleury sur extension to UZ Gent in March, workforce cuts will be contractors. Denmark, is almost finished. The Orne. New infrastructure is the the network was due to become: In February Bombardier 7000m2 building will be ready to branch from Théâtre to Presqu’Ile 1, Flanders Expo – Evergem/ announced fourth-quarter and service the 14 Stadler Variobahn (2.2km/1.4 miles) and the 1km

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The new tram bridge across the Rhein linking Strasbourg in France and Kehl in Germany will be opened in CAF 306 was the opening vehicle on the new Messe 2017. M. R. Taplin line in Freiburg-im-Breisgau, Germany. B. Köhl

(0.6-mile) extension to Hauts de tramway, the first in Germany IRELAND building on the basic generally l’Orne in Fleury. lineone-oz to use trolley-poles for overhead DUBLIN. Luas services have been hourly timetable, with evening LYON. The first match at Grande current collection. disrupted by strikes by employees services running to as late as Stade on 9 January attracted 58 000 On 11 September there will be pressing for a considerable increase 23.40. Various special events will spectators with 29 000 using public an open day at the Museum tram in remuneration. No services were also see enhanced services. transport to access the stadium. depot. M. J. Russell operated on 11-12 and 18-19 Trams cleared fans from the new KÖLN (Cologne). Work has February and further stoppages JAPAN terminus within 70 minutes of started on the 650m extension of were expected on 8 and 17 March FUKUOKA – OMUTA. Nishi the end of the match. E. Stuart tramline 3 from Ollenhauerring and (St Patrick’s Day). Nippon Railroad has ordered PARIS. Public consultation on Bocklemünd (Schumacherring), Operator Transdev has said it 18 series 9000 1067mm-gauge plans for the 3km (1.86-mile) for completion in 2017. DS will consider an increase in the EMUs for use on this 78km (48.5- extension of line T2 from Porte MÜNCHEN (Munich). The range of 1-3%, while the SIPT mile) line, for delivery in 2017. RGI d’Asnieres to Porte Maillot and ground-breaking ceremony for Union has asked for pay rises HIROSHIMA. Two more Porte Dauphine closed on 21 the EUR18m, 2.7km (1.7-mile), ranging from 8.5% to 53.8% and low-floor trams, 1009/10, have February. Steinhausen tramway extension major improvements in working joined the fleet. Y. Nogi Siemens has been awarded of route 25 was on 26 February. It conditions. KOCHI. The five European trams a EUR186m contract to supply is hoped to open in December. RGI Transdev has indicated that used on special service on the communications-based train WUPPERTAL. The first test it made a loss on operations in system have been withdrawn control for the central section run with a new Schwebebahn Dublin in 2015 and expects to from service temporarily. Y. Nogi of RER line E, permitting a peak set took place on the night of make a loss in 2016 with a penalty OSAKA. The Hankai Tramway frequency of 22 trains/hour. 8-9 February between Vohwinkel payment of EUR100 000 for each closed the section of line between The government has committed and Hammerstein. In the early day services do not operate. The Sumiyoshi (crossing) and a further EUR500m towards its hours of 23 February the car ran industrial action has been referred Sumiyoshi-koen on 30 January. EUR1bn funding for the western all the way to Oberbarmen for the to the Irish Workplace Relations Y. Nogi extension of line E from St Lazare first time. P. Bosbach Commission, which, it is hoped, to Mantes-la-Joile. will be allowed to mediate. KENYA Egis has been appointed INDIA NAIROBI. The Kenyan and to project manage the 35km KOLKATA. Work on the 6.9km ISLE OF MAN Hungarian governments have (21.7-mile) metro line 18, due to (4.3-mile) metro extension from DOUGLAS. An initial report from entered into a partnership to open in 2024-2030. IRJ Dum Dum to the airport started the working party established procure a light rail line between on 21 February. RGI to suggest a way forward for the the existing railway station and GERMANY PATNA. The Bihar state horse tramway was expected to the proposed standard gauge DUISBURG. It is reported that government has approved plans be published in March. The group Nairobi – Mombasa railway. This the private Norwegian buyer for a 27.9km (17.3-mile) metro comprises officers from the Isle will be an opportunity to use of Variotram 2000 is now in the line linking Saguna More and of Man Government, Douglas the tram design originally process of buying historic tram Bypass Chowk. IRJ Borough Council, Manx National proposed for Addis Ababa, but not 177 from DVG. Car 177 is a Heritage and Culture Vannin, selected for that project. RGI six-axle articulated tram built by IRAN and was set up with a view to Harkort in 1926, the first German MASHAD. The opening ceremony operating a horse tram service this MALAYSIA articulated car featuring a Jakobs for the 6km (3.7-mile) extension season and also to consider the PUTRAJAYA. Plans for a tramline bogie under the articulation. of light rail line 1 to Hashemi long-term future. to serve the federal administrative The tram has not run since an Nejad airport was on 6 February, While the council is supporting capital (25km/15.5 miles south accident in April 2015. TramClub 177 attended by President Hassan the aims of the working party, it of Kuala Lumpur) should be HALLE. On Sunday 17 April Rouhani; 70 cars built by CNR has indicated that keeping the realised within three years. there will be a cavalcade of Changchun are in service on the trams would add IMP0.07 (EUR.09) Free Malaysia Today historic and modern trams line. RGI to property rating charges. from Freilimfelder Strasse depot TEHRAN. Mirzaye Shirazi MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY. NETHERLANDS through the city to mark the station on metro line M3 was opened A 30-minute headway will be AMSTERDAM. The operating 125th anniversary of the electric on 10 February. urbanrail.net operated at the busiest periods, tram fleet at 1 January was

150 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org run 13.7km (8.5 miles) from Extension of the tramway to Innertkirchen to Hardeck and Blackpool North station and then through the new 8.3km reconstruction of ten railway (5.2-mile) Grimsel tunnel to over-bridges are listed in the Oberwald. Construction is Strategic Transport Prospectus planned for 2019-25, permitting published by the Lancashire metre-gauge trains to run through Enterprise Partnership. Reaching from Interlaken to Chur. RGI Blackpool North is estimated to LIESTAL – WALDENBURG cost GBP18.4m (EUR23.3m), with (WB). Baselland canton has funding approval expected in 2017 voted to convert the 13.1km for construction to begin in 2018. (8.1-mile) 750mm-gauge line The costs are to be shared between to metre-gauge at a cost of the UK Government and the local CHF275m (EUR254m). Work authority. should be complete in 2023. EDINBURGH. Tram-trains Responsibility for the line was could be the answer for returning transferred to BLT management passenger services to the South from 1 January. EA Suburban Railway, according to ST. GALLEN (AB). The number Edinburgh Southern MSP Jim of Stadler LRVs on order for the Eadie. A tram-train service linked through service across St Gallen into the existing tramway would has been increased to 12, and overcome one of the obstacles to The Black Sea city of Odesa, Ukraine, has put its first rebodied T3 tram with a it is understood the existing reinstating passenger services, low-floor centre area into service. K. Wilhelm Trognerbahn Be4/8 cars will be that of lack of capacity at Waverley sold to Neuchâtel. EA station. eight-axle trams 780/1/4/6/7/94, SERBIA GLASGOW. Strathclyde 801/4/5/9/13/5/6, 817-41, BEOGRAD. The former Basel SWEDEN Partnership for Transport has 901-20, 3001 and Combino 2001- BLT articulated trams 101-15 STOCKHOLM. The proposed been allocated GBP20m (EUR25m) 151, 2201-4. (excluding 110/3) are entering Kistagrenen 8km (five-mile) from the Scottish Government for Metro line 50 was the first to service without a repaint, but branch of the Tvärbanan (Bromma work on the Glasgow Subway in receive the red and grey R-net renumbered in the series 701-15. DS – Ursvick – Helenelund) will cost 2016-17 instead of the expected colourscheme at its stations. Trains SEK4.9bn (EUR525m) and require GBP45m (EUR57m). This will will be repainted in due course, SOUTH KOREA 26 more LRVs. Construction mean a reduction in the progress still carrying GVB logos. OR INCHEON. Wednesday 3 February should start in 2017 for of refurbishment of stations. DEN HAAG. The operating saw the start of service on the completion in 2021-23. MfSS However, the Scottish Government fleet of GTL8 trams at 6.1km (3.8-mile) maglev line has indicated that despite the 1 January was 3001/2/8/10/ between Yongyu and the UKRAINE cut for the next financial year 3-5/7/9/25/37/8/42/3/5/7-50/2- international airport. Hyundai ODESA. The first Tatra T3 to be it will stand by its longer-term 4/6-80/2-95/7-100 and 3101-47. Rotem has supplied four rebodied by STS KP Kyivpasstrans commitment; it was expected to RandstadRail cars were 4001-72. automated trains that run at up and featuring a low-floor at contribute GBP246m (EUR312m) Siemens Avenio trams 5001- to 110km/h (68mph), every 15 the centre door is 2966, which of the total Subway modernisation 42/7-54/6/7 had been delivered by minutes from 09.00 to 18.00. RGI re-entered service on 24 February. cost of GBP282m (EUR358m). the end of February. digitaletram.nl transphoto.ru GREATER MANCHESTER. SPAIN YEVPATORIA. A n e w Stockport Council has released PORTUGAL BARCELONA. The metro arrived metre-gauge tram built by PK its plan for the town’s railway PORTO. EMEF has been awarded at the airport on 12 February Transportnye Systemy at Tver is station; proposals include two a EUR10.5m contract to overhaul when line automated line 9 was due for delivery as type 71-922 new concourses on each side of the the original Bombardier Eurotram extended by 19.6km (12.2 miles) Varyah. The city will order 27 tracks, with provision for a future fleet dating from 2001. IRJ from Zona Universitária. Service new trams to replace its existing tram-train Metrolink line between operates every 4-7 minutes 05.00 to fleet of Tatra vehicles; a previous Reddish, Cheadle and Manchester RUSSIA 24.00 using 14 Alstom-built 9000 order for a prototype from Airport. There would also be a MOSKVA. Metro line 1 was series trains. Journeys to the airport Elektrontrans has been cancelled. Metrolink facility incorporated in extended south by 1.9km (1.2 carry a EUR2.35 surcharge. IRJ RGI the town’s proposed GBP41.8m miles) from Rumyantsevo to BILBAO. The first of 28 CAF (EUR53m) Transport Interchange Salar’yevo on 15 February. This three-car metro trains for line UNITED KINGDOM to replace the current bus station, brings the number of stations on 3 was unveiled on 17 February. BLACKPOOL. The threat expected to be financed from a the system to 200. The 5.9km (3.7-mile) line from to the tramway outside GBP115m (EUR146m) Growth ATCO trials with passengers Etxebarri to Matiko is due to open Blackpool Borough has been lifted, Deal between the UK Government onboard started with a train on at the end of the year. RGI at least for the time being, by and the Greater Manchester Local line 5 on 18 February. N. Semyonov Lancashire County Council (LCC) Enterprise Partnership. NIZHNEKAMSK. Two Ust-Katav SRI LANKA agreeing to continue its payment Planning permission has been 71-623 trams were dispatched COLOMBO. The Economic of GBP314 000 (EUR389 000) for obtained for a GBP33m (EUR42m) from the factory on 23 February, Management Committee track maintenance. The funding Transport Interchange in Tameside including the 250th 71-623 appointed by the government was agreed by LCC after it received (Ashton-under-Lyne), which will to be built since production is recommending light rail an additional transitional grant provide a new bus station closer started in 2009. J. Titenok instead of monorail to address from central government. to the present Metrolink terminal ROSTOV-NA-DONU. The first growing traffic congestion. It is The agreement will involve and more convenient for town 71-911 CityStar low-floor bogie hoped that Japanese finance may Blackpool Council paying the centre shopping. Construction tram was delivered from Tver be available. cost of English National is expected to start in winter with fleet number 080 on 23 Concessionary Travel Scheme 2016-17 with the interchange February. transphoto.ru SWITZERLAND journeys made on the tramway due to be open for use in late VLADIKAVKAZ. Uraltransmash INNERTKIRCHEN – by residents of Wyre Borough, 2018; funding is also through has delivered the first of ten OBERWALD (ZB/MGB). a facility withdrawn in 2014. It the Growth Deal. 71-407 39% low-floor bogie The cantons have approved will be reintroduced from April LONDON (UNDERGROUND). trams to be acquired under a the creation of the 22km (13.7- but will not extend to residents of Croydon Council has refused leasing deal. RGI mile) Grimselbahn which will Lancashire outside Wyre Borough. to give up hope of extending

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ABOVE AND RIGHT: Rail works in connection with the UK's tram-train pilot scheme in Sheffield in February, immediately before the road crossing prior to the Supertram Hyde Park stop. R. Buckley the London Underground to been in place since October and CHARLOTTE, NC. The city O’Call redevelopment and could the borough after its proposal these will continue. council has added USD13m reopen in a few years. LACMTA to divert the proposed Bakerloo Future works include to the budget for the 14.4km MEMPHIS, TN. MATA has line extension from Bromley to construction of a 400m section of (8.9-mile) LYNX LRT extension to purchased rebuilt Melbourne W5 Croydon was turned down by the track (the Tinsley Chord) to link ensure that the USD1.1bn contract tram 799 from Gomaco as a step Greater London Authority. the tram network to the rail line at delivers the new line in August towards restoring heritage tramway A Transport for London Meadowhall and the construction 2017. E. B. Havens service. This is a hybrid car that can consultation issued in February of new platforms at Rotherham CINCINNATI, OH. The third operate from the overhead line or said an extension from Elephant Central and the Parkgate terminus. new CAF tram was delivered on on batteries. It has been used as a & Castle to East Croydon would WEST MIDLANDS. Preliminary 10 February. E. B. Havens demonstrator by Gomaco. have a significant adverse impact works on the Wolverhampton city DALLAS, TX. The operating E. B. Havens on the environment due to the centre extension to the railway hours of the Oak Cliff Streetcar MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, lack of suitable locations around station are expected to start in were extended from 15 February MN. The Southwest Corridor each area for construction and May with some road closures for (though early morning service LRT project from Target Field to tunnelling works. It would also utilities relocation. The date is was eliminated) and are now Eden Prairie has been allocated have low potential to support dependent on Transport and Works 09.30-0.00 daily. USD125m in federal funding in further growth in the area due to Order approval, which is expected DART has decided to spend the 2017 FTA budget. The 23.2km the existing large-scale housing shortly. Provision has already USD4.8m equipping 48 (14.4-mile) line is estimated to and employment projects already been made for bus shelter relocation Kinkisharyo LRVs from its fleet cost USD1.79bn. implemented. The council believes and the coach loading point in with security cameras with facial- Brooklyn Park City Council has it has an overwhelming case, with Pipers Row is being relocated to recognition software. approved the proposed Blue line population increasing towards the St George’s tramstop. The proposed federal budget for extension, 20.8km (12.9 miles) 400 000 and new commercial and 2017 allocates USD49m in grants north, estimated to cost USD1.5bn. cultural developments coming USA towards a USD118.76m platform E. B. Havens on stream. It also believes that ANNE ARBOR, MI. The extension programme that would NEW ORLEANS, LA. The city is logistical problems at East Croydon Transportation Authority and enable DART to run longer LRT bidding for federal TIGER funding could be alleviated by diverting the Downtown Development trains. E. B. Havens for a Canal St ferry terminal that line to West Croydon instead. Authority are developing plans for FORT WORTH, TX. The includes a tramway extension to Bromley Council is also still a north–south tramway circulator, FTA budget for 2017 allocates the Convention Center. E. B. Havens opposed to the Bakerloo line and seeking public support at a USD125m to the proposed TEX NEW YORK, NY. When the first extension, preferring either a series of meetings. E. B. Havens Rail project, a diesel light rail line 3.2km (two-mile) section of the Docklands Light Railway or ATLANTA, GA. The introduction from Fort Worth to DFW Airport. Second Avenue subway is opened London Tramlink extension. of a USD1 fare on the city centre E. B. Havens at the end of December, MTA MILTON KEYNES. A report tramway resulted in a 66% drop in KANSAS CITY, MO. The third plans to run the Q train through prepared by consultant Arup has ridership, with 21 818 passengers CAF tram for the new line was it (Coney Island to 96th St), and proposed a high-speed (190km/h recorded in January. E. B. Havens delivered on 3 February. The bring back the W train from Astoria /120mph) elevated guideway to BATON ROUGE, LA. The first start of public service has been to Whitehall St. New York Times connect central Milton Keynes public meeting on the proposed announced for 6 May, with two NORFOLK, VA. Virginia Beach with a peripheral point with good city centre tram circulator took days of free travel. E. B. Havens city council will vote on 5 April access to the motorway network place on 28 January. Five trams LOS ANGELES, CA. The opening on the proposed extension of and a park-and-ride facility. The would be required. E. B. Havens of the Foothill extension at noon Norfolk’s Tide light rail line to guideway would be electrically- BETHESDA – NEW on 5 March saw Gold Line light Town Center or Oceanfront. operated with a high frequency CARROLTON, MD. It is reported rail service extended by 18.4km USD20m in city and state funding and a journey time of only two that the preferred bidder for the (11.5 miles) from Pasadena to has been set aside for the project. minutes. Construction is suggested construction of the new light rail Azusa (Citrus College). The project E. B. Havens to take place in five to ten years. line is Purple line Transit Partners, was completed on time and within OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. The No indication of finance or the a consortium led by Fluor and budget (USD741m). There were city council has approved a route technology has been given. including Atkins, Hatch Mott free rides for the rest of the day. revision for the city centre tramline, SOUTH YORKSHIRE. Weekend MacDonald and rolling stock The 10.6km (6.6-mile) extension adding track to Chesapeake engineering in connection with manufacturer CAF. E. B. Havens of the Expo Line from Culver City Arena. The first of five Brookville the introduction of tram-trains was BOSTON, MA. ‘Owl service’ until to Santa Monica (4th St) will open Liberty trams will be delivered in to be completed on 28 February, 02.00 on Friday and Saturday on 20 May, 63 years after the last car September or October 2017. making replacement bus services on the transit system was to be ran on the Pacific Electric Air Line. E. B. Havens between Fitzalan Square and eliminated from 19 March, and The suspended San Pedro PHILADELPHIA, PA (SEPTA). Meadowhall no longer necessary. services now cease between 0.00 heritage tramline is to be The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Overnight engineering works have and 00.30. E. B. Havens incorporated into the new Ports the rebuilt transit interchange at

152 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org its refurbishment was almost ZÜRICH (CH). A new addition to complete and it awaited the fixture the museum fleet of TMZ is 1946 of coloured lights for use during the Swiss Standard Be4/4 1517, privately Illuminations period. Period-style owned since withdrawal in 1980. tram tickets are also now in use ‘tram’ on heritage services, replacing the standard machine issues. CONTRIBUTORS CRICH (UK). Horse tram Worldwide items should be operation is to resume from 21 sent to Michael Taplin at Flat 1, May using 1874-vintage Sheffield 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, horse tram 15. Horse tram services Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. will also be provided on 15-26 Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or June, 15 July and 15-31 August. e-mail: [email protected] A charge of GBP1 adult (EUR1.27) UK and Ireland items are and GBP0.5 child is made for a horse welcomed by the Home News tram ride in addition to the normal Editor, John Symons, 17 Whitmore admission fee. Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on- ISSAQUAH, WA (US). Ex-Milano Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: More light rail was added in Los Angeles from 5 March when the Azusa Gold interurban tram 69, acquired [email protected]. line extension opened. A pair of new Kinkis haryo LRVs run through Arcadia on in 2002 from San Francisco but Acknowledgements are due to their way to Azusa. A. Weeks never used, is being moved to the Birmingham Post, BS Blickpunkt 69th St took place on 29 January. mile) Garden Grove tramway, Oregon Electric Railway Museum at Strassenbahn, Richard Buckley, The project cost USD1.69m. branded OC Streetcar. E. B. Havens Brooks. E. B. Havens Digitaletram.nl, DS Drehscheibe, EA The final route has been selected SEATTLE, WA. Fares (USD2.25) PHOENIX, AZ (US). The Trolley Eisenbahn Amateur, EB Eisenbahn, for the proposed branch of the were charged on the First Hill Museum at Hance Park, which Edinburgh Evening News, Free Malaysia Norristown light rail line to King Streetcar from 16 February. operates Birney 116, faces eviction Today, Gold Coast Bulletin, Irish of Prussia, which could attract The FTA is proposing a USD75m under a city redevelopment plan, Independent, IRJ International Rail 8500 passengers/day. E. B. Havens federal grant for the proposed and is looking for a new site. Journal, lineoz.net, Manchester Evening PHOENIX, AZ. Valley Metro was USD135m Center City Connector E. B. Havens News, MfSS Meddelanden från Svenska to open its 5km (3.1-mile) north- tramline to link the First Hill and VANCOUVER (CA). BC Electric Spårvägssällskapet, New York Times, west extension to Dunlop Avenue South Lake Union lines. E. B. Havens Interurban 1207 has been removed OR Op De Rails, Eric Pounder, RGI on 19 March. E. B. Havens SYRACUSE, NY. A feasibility from the defunct Downtown Railway Gazette International, T-2000 PORTLAND, OR. A bill is going study has been launched into Historic Railway and is now at the Tram 2000, TramClub177, transphoto. through the Oregon legislature potential for light rail links on two Fraser Valley Heritage Railway in ru, urbanrail.net and Wolverhampton that would enable TriMet to cross-city corridors. E. B. Havens Cloverdale. E. B. Havens Express & Star. borrow money for projects outside TEMPE, AZ. Following its service area. This is seen as a way confirmation of federal Small of reviving the dormant plan to Starts funding of USD75m in take light rail across the Columbia the 2017 FTA budget, work River to Vancouver, WA. on the proposed USD177m PMP Transport Films TriMet is preparing to implement Downtown Streetcar (Marina a smartcard ticketing system Heights – Dorsey Lane) could Check out our website for recent releases and new locations. called Hop in 2017. The Hop start in 2017, for completion Still serving electric traction enthusiasts worldwide – FastPass will be valid on light rail in 2019. However approval was and yes we are happy to supply those with no internet access. and buses as well as the Portland subject to the outcome of the city Streetcar. Cards will cost USD3, plus council election, held on 8 March. 1386. Berlin. Germany. Trams / Light Rail. May 2006. 1411. Graz. Austria. July 2006. Trams, Buses. Another day an initial deposit of USD5. Fares E. B. Havens Berlin trams around Alexanderplatz and Keopenick plus of clear blue hot sunny sky and delightful trams from Potsdam, Woltersdorf and Schoneiche. traditional to low floor in many liveries. will be capped to the maximum for a day pass. E. B. Havens MUSEUM NEWS 1391 Helsinki, Finland. Trams Buses. May 2006. A bright 1413. Innsbruck. Austria. July 2006. Trams / Light Rail. It RALEIGH-DURHAM, NC. BEAMISH/BLACKPOOL (UK). spring day to explore both the city centre and out to couldn’t get much better, route 3 in town and scenic route The FTA has approved the Beamish Living Museum and several of the tram termini in the suburbs. 6 cab ride plus interurban STB ride. final Environmental Impact Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours 1394. Minsk, Belarus. Trams , Trolleybuses, Buses. June 1414. Linz / Gmunden. Austria. July 2006. Tram Trolleybus. Assessment for the proposed have announced that they will 2006. The last European dictatorship, lovely in the Great tram scenes in the city centre in the sunshine plus USD1.6bn, 27.2km (16.9-mile), exchange trams on loan for the sunshine though, loads to see RVZ, local stuff etc. the small trolleybus network. Durham – Chapel Hill light rail 2016 season. Marton Box 31 will line. If work goes to plan, service operate on its Blackpool home 1395. Latvia. Trams. Trolleys, Buses. June 2006. An 1422. Antwerp. Belgium. Trams. September 2006. Low E. B. Havens amazing variety with a start at Leipaja single route trams, floor cars on routes 2 / 15 / 11, sunny weather, could start in 2026. system, while Beamish will receive then Daugavpils, trolley poles, RVZ, also Riga. reconstruction work in the city centre. SACRAMENTO, CA. The FTA’s Standard 147 in exchange. It was budget for 2017 includes USD75m hoped the exchange would be in 1407. Riga. Latvia. Tram. Trolleybus, Bus. June 2006. A very 1423. Brussels. Belgium. Trams. September 2006. New in funding for the 5.3km (3.3- place prior to the Beamish ‘Power interesting and modernised city with plenty of activity on Low floor cars on route 23, cloudless sunny weather, mile) West Sacramento tramway, from the Past’ event in early all fronts in sunny weather. masses of locations around the city. estimated to cost USD150m. March when it was also expected 1410. Vienna. Austria. July 2006. Trams. Scorching hot 3252. Medellin. Colombia. Translohr, Bus, BRT, Train, Cable SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). that Sheffield 264 would make sunny weather as we look at the delightful tram system in Lines. Feb 2016. Once a city infamous for high murder rate SFMTA has unveiled plans to build its public debut after extensive both city centre and suburban views. of drug cartels now opening for tourists. a subway for line M from West refurbishment. Portal to Parkmerced, at a cost of In Blackpool, 31 will join the . E. B. Havens A SELECTION OF FILMS FROM OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE, SENT POST FREE WORLDWIDE. USD2.5bn existing fleet of heritage trams DVDs £15 EACH, TWO OR MORE £12 EACH. CREDIT CARDS WELCOME. SAN JOSE, CA. Santa Clara and be available for tour hires and VTA recorded an extra 10 000 operation on heritage services passengers on Super Bowl day, during the summer and early PMP, 17 BIRCHWOOD DRIVE, LOWER PEOVER, 7 February, as fans made their way autumn. CHESHIRE, WA16 9QJ to Levi Stadium. E. B. Havens As well as the exchange it is Tel: 01565 722045 Fax: 01565 722038 SANTA ANA, CA. The FTA’s expected that Blackpool feature E-mail: [email protected] proposed budget for 2017 includes tram 737 (the ‘Trawler’) will rejoin USD125m towards the USD289m the heritage fleet after completion www.pmpfilms.com cost of the planned 6.6km (4.1- of overhaul. By the end of February

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 153 Letters

MAILBOX Get your views into print Letters should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. [email protected] +44 (0)1733 367615 We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication.

The obvious Manchester expansion possibilities

The Manchester Evening News has recently requested readers to submit suggestions for expansion of the Metrolink network (UK), and this has produced a remarkable range of schemes. However, all correspondents seem to have suggested new outer suburban and orbital routes when surely the real natural home of the tram is in the densest urbanity? A recent visit to Manchester demonstrated the existence of a corridor with a density of bus service (with good ridership) rivalling that of London's Oxford Street. It is Manchester’s own Oxford Street to which I am referring, and it too provides a good illustration of the tribulations that ensue when too many buses are deployed on a city artery. Oxford Street (which becomes Oxford Road as it heads out of the city) runs south-eastwards from St Peter’s Square towards Fallowfield. Along this thoroughfare lies the University of Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary and various other major journey generators. Demand for travel is such that over 50 buses per hour are scheduled in each direction, even at off peak times. I travelled the length of this corridor several times on a mid-week late morning and can report that due to the excessive number of buses and Manchester’s Exchange Square stop is the latest addition to the Metrolink network and the Second City Crossing project will address many of the numerous intersections (for which it is quite impractical to bottlenecks for city centre services; but what of other congested central provide bus priority), very slow journeys ensued. Manchester corridors? TfGM In fact it took me 25 minutes to travel from Piccadilly to Whitworth Park, a journey of less than two miles. There were – university. If it was possible to include Piccadilly station in no particular interruptions, and few cars. The congestion was this line-up then a bonanza should result and there is also the essentially caused by an excess of buses (just like London); this possibility of including this in a new route to Stockport also. would appear to be a perfect opportunity for a tramway to However a really successful implementation of a tramway display its superior characteristics. A five-minute interval of on such heavily-used streets (with limited road space) double Metrolink tramsets would provide more capacity than really does require full integration and regulation, so that the current bus service whilst at the same time halving journey bus service may be reduced to permit trams to operate at times due to the practicality of providing tram priority. maximum speed and maximum benefit. This would require The ridership is already there. It appeared to me that better transport co-ordination and integrated ticketing, buses are conveying around 2000 passengers/hour in each which we haven't got – yet. direction – trams should be able to beat this figure easily. One wonders whether local authorities are prioritising Readers with experience of new French tram systems may future tramway routes on a demonstrated transport need or recognise that Oxford Street/Oxford Road contains most of from political pressures? the tried and tested formula for success: city centre – hospital Alan Robinson, by e-mail

What future for light rail? ‘aesthetic considerations’ being behind off- a relative minnow and certainly doesn’t Another month’s issue and another wire is surely a moot point if overhead designs have the combined lobbying might or R&D fascinating debate on the more technical are carefully considered to minimise visual budget. He has made similar comments aspects of tramway construction and intrusion. In fact, as previous correspondents before and it surely can’t be lost on the operation in the debate on wire-free to the magazine have stated, overhead lines executives at the world’s car manufacturers solutions. It is refreshing to read open and can be an art form in themselves if properly that their gravy train could be coming to educated discussion from experts. However, considered and also serve as useful wayfinders end under environmental legislation and it did raise a couple of issues that I’d like to in unfamiliar cities. growing congestion. develop further if I may. Secondly, the opinion column from the If the car-makers (or Apple or Google who On the subject of aesthetics, Nico Dekker Editor offers a cautionary note about where are also working on their own driverless and raises two very pertinent points in my the next advances in off-wire technology electric vehicles) ‘perfect’ the automobile opinion when he says “It would appear that will come from that offer interesting food for and the highway then what future does often the overhead supply is, in aesthetic thought. He makes a sound argument for the urban rail have? design terms, treated as the poor cousin to best connection being a physical one, this is Ally this to an increasingly online society stop furniture… I have fought many a battle proved in almost every other discipline, but (from the likes of Amazon, the major to convince authorities that spending an what is more frightening are his predictions supermarkets and others) where goods are extra EUR100 000 and devoting a small of where the advances in the battery/ delivered to you seamlessly at home or work amount of attention on the appearance of the supercapacitor industries will come from. within hours of ordering and what need overall infrastructure really pays off.” If he is right, who has the most to gain would many residents have for more than If the figures he claims are correct then I and also the most to lose? Compared to the a small vehicle to transport themselves couldn’t agree more. The marketing behind automotive sector, the railway industry is and their families? Any significant luggage

154 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org could be sent on in advance, while a small, driverless, electric vehicle could transport you to and from your destination. It is all about convenience and ease. Travelling inches apart, these cocooned eco-boxes will offer the benefits of private transport while removing some of the congestion and environmental arguments that currently stack up against them. Although this is a difficult proposition to see realised in the immediate term as congestion gets ever worse, perhaps he is right. I hope he isn’t however of course as that is a scary thought indeed for the light rail enthusiast and professional alike! B. Dippenden, by e-mail

Olsztyn lessons for UK planners The article on Olzstyn in TAUT 939 is one of the most inspiring I have ever read in the magazine. It is a model of what can be achieved by a Mayor with the will and determination to proceed with a scheme (not the least expensive), and overcome great setbacks in the process. A brand new state-of-the-art 11km (seven-mile) tramway scheme built and commissioned in less than two It should be read by all UK transport years. How did Olsztyn do it? Ask the Mayor and his team of dedicated officials. Martyn Janduła planners and politicians. Peter Jackson, Liverpool (UK) This disease seems to be replicated across “What is it about designers all rail projects, in fact. Atfer all, how many A seemingly remarkable feat revisions have we seen to high-speed rail I found the article on the new tramway in and engineers in terms of projects around the world? Olzstyn, Poland, of great interest – what a their cost estimations? Anonymous, by e-mail tale! It just goes to show what a strong Mayor can do, and Mr Grzymowicz must be admired I read very little about Geneva corrections for delivering a tramway when faced by what In relation to the Systems Factfile on must have seemed insurmountable odds with schemes coming in early Geneva (TAUT 939) I would like to make the a contractor failing to deliver and facing a following observations: potentially fatal withdrawal of funding. or ahead of budget.” ‘The Fleet’ section mentions, in the fleet Yet rather than deliver the scheme as roster, 32 Stadler Tango 1801-1832. planned, the Mayor states that a number of Douglas Promenade after 140 years (TAUT In fact, only the first 19 units of the initial improvements were made over the original 939) amongst a climate of operating losses order, 1801-1819, were delivered and are in design and the fact that all of this was and council cutbacks. operation. The 13 further units, an option accomplished in just 18 months from the What makes me put pen to paper, however, that was exercised, could not be delivered award of contracts is remarkable. Again, it is the sentence that describes how proposals because of a lack of storage facilities, itself shows what strong political will and sound to relocate the stables have almost doubled caused by the delayed construction of the new project management can do. in cost to nearly GBP3m (EUR3.9m). This En Chardon depot. The network development The Mayor states that the tramway will same story crops up time and time again in programme being currently on hold, those now be the ‘backbone’ of the city and that the magazine, with costs of new schemes units are anyway not necessary at present. the authorities have already begun the design increasing significantly once a project has The uni-directional Düwag-ABB-Vevey works for what will eventually become quite a begun construction. (DAV) vehicles are used exclusively on line 12 comprehensive system. Both Mr Grzymowicz What is it about tramway designers and since this is the only line that has all required and the city are to be congratulated. engineers in terms of their cost estimation turning loops. H. Gindle, by e-mail profiles? I read very little about schemes May I also seize this opportunity to coming in early or ahead of budget – as a congratulate you for the highly interesting Who's doing the maths? rough estimate drawn from the past few years contents of TAUT, which I read every month It was with great sadness that I read of the I calculate that at least 75% of schemes cost with great pleasure. decision to remove horse tram services from significantly more than originally planned. Pierre Hofmann, Geneva

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

MARCH 2016 Saturday 26. Beeston 14.00. Saturday 2. Garstang 14.00. General modelling meeting. (TLRS) Peter Locastro: Models – What's on North Lancs AGM; Istanbul Monday 11. Thames Valley 19.30. Wednesday 16. Bristol 19.30. your work bench? (TLRS) tramways, quiz, instant museum and Martin Eady: Round the world Alan Wilkins: Canadian travels Thursday 31. Manchester model exhibition. (TLRS) looking at trams. (TLRS) Monday 21. Liverpool 19.30. 19.00. John McCarthy: Metrolink Tuesday 5. Southampton 19.30. Wednesday 13. Brighton 19.40. Carl Phillips: Luas. Venue: Rathbone Construction (illustrated highlights). Steve Bigley: Railways at night. Mike Funnell: Trams, trains and Room. (TLRS) (LRTA/SEG) transport films. (TLRS) Monday 21. Sheffield 19.30. APRIL 2016 Friday 8. Glasgow 19.30. Garry Saturday 16. Taunton 14.00. Andy Robert Pritchard: A tour of Germany. Ward: The Western Story, Pt 5. (STTS) Steel: A technical miscellany. (TLRS) Monday 21. Wickham 19.30. Friday 1. Edinburgh 19.30. Saturday 9. Northampton 14.00. Monday 18. Liverpool 19.30. AGM plus photos and slides. (TLRS) Gavin Booth: A Busman looks at Tel. 01865 370634 for details. (TLRS) Dr Jim Ford: Rails of the South. Friday 25. Leicester 19.45. TBC. (TMS) European tramways. Saturday 9. Sutton Coldfield 14.00. Venue: Conference Room. (TLRS)

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 155 Classic Trams BELGIAN 1 DEVELOPMENTS Mike Russell reviews some of the changes that have taken place in Belgian heritage operations during the last year and adds pointers for future developments.

here has hitherto been something Tramway Touristique de l’Aisne Thuin of a reticence towards the The bigger events, however, have been in Meanwhile, activity continues apace on the operation of heritage cars on the Wallonia. Chief amongst them must rank network of lines operated by the Association tramways of Antwerpen and Gent the ceremonial re-opening on 21 June, before pour la Sauvegarde du Vicinal (ASVi), based in Vlaanderen (Flanders), both Prince Laurent of the Belgian Royal Family, on Thuin. The association’s ambitious plans Toperated by the regional transport company, of the extension of the line of the Tramway never fail to impress. In 2014, a newly- De Lijn. Antwerpen, however, is in the Touristique de l’Aisne (TTA) from Forge à restored electric tramcar was added to the process of a massive expansion of its tramway la Plez to Dochamps and Lamorménil. The operational fleet. This is 9288, one of over network that will continue for many years. TTA was a pioneer amongst Belgian tramway 100 four-wheel cars known as the Manage Some services will permeate areas once served preservationists, securing rights of way over type ordered by the SNCV in 1909. All were by the Antwerpen Group of the mighty a 12km (7.5-mile) section of the former 64km withdrawn well before the heritage tramway Vicinal, Belgium’s national tramway operator (40-mile) U-shaped Vicinal line linking movement took hold. In 2000, however, the (NMVB/SNCV). Each new extension is a good Manhay with Melreux, deep in the wooded body of former car 9385 (Franco-Belge, 1910) opportunity to bring to public attention the terrain of the Ardennes — a good example of was rescued by ASVi. This was originally museum fleet and create goodwill amongst a former SNCV rural non-electrified line. mounted on a plate-frame truck. None were decision-makers on the usage of these cars. For many years only the section between available so it travels on the truck of former Many Belgian tramcars survive in Pont d’Erezee and Forge à la Plez was worked, Verviers car 38, reasonably resembling one preservation and several others are in store the track over the remainder being in poor of the big batch ordered for the SNCV’s pre- awaiting their turn. A project brought to condition. In 2008 the section between Forge World War One programme of electrification. fruition in 2012 was the restoration of NMVB and Dochamps was reopened but still not It is now numbered 9288 and painted in early Standard bogie motor car 9994, which spent regularly worked. Then reinstatement was Vicinal dark green livery. its working life on routes in and around planned for the remaining 3km (1.9 miles) An even more ambitious project awaits. Antwerpen. The car has an interesting between Dochamps and Lamorménil, a The SNCV began its nationwide operations history, having been built in 1932 as one curvaceous and hilly section. The cost was using steam traction; some engines survived of a series of wooden-bodied trailers and, well beyond the capabilities of the limited on goods workings until the 1950s and 1960s. like many contemporaries, subsequently band of TTA financial supporters. EU regional The SNCV once possessed over 1000 steam motored. It suffered damage during a fire development funds, coupled with smaller locomotives but only six authentic metre- at Rumst depot in 1947 and was rebuilt to contributions from local communities, gauge engines, plus two of the small number incorporate features typical of the metal- provided the estimated funds of around of standard-gauge versions, have survived bodied Standard cars of the Antwerpen EUR870 000, and by early 2015 all was ready. into preservation. Of these, the example in Group. After completion of its long-term Reopening to Lamorménil brings the the ASVi collection — class 7 HL303 — is by restoration, this tram operated as part of the overall length of the TTA line to 11.26km far the oldest, having been delivered by the TTO fleet on the Kusttram (Coastal tramway) (6.99 miles). Given the steady pace of the Tubize factory of Les ateliers Métallurgique but in late 2014 returned to Antwerpen. The diesel-engined Autorails that operate the line, in 1888. It has been a static exhibit in the hope was that it be permitted to operate over it is unsurprising to learn that the end-to-end museum building at Thuin since that opened. local metals to evoke its earlier career. journey takes around one hour. Only two A working steam locomotive is absent from There was initial reluctance to permit this through daily journeys are operated on the ASVi’s operational inventory, an omission the but different counsel later prevailed, with complete line; afternoon journeys are limited association now intends to rectify. a first public operation in connection with to Forge à la Plez. In June 2015, HL303 was transferred by the April 2015 opening of the new pre-metro A problem is the acute shortage of volunteer low-loader in preparation for restoration to tunnels under the Turnhoutsebaan (line 8). TTA staff, both for traffic duties and in the working order. The mechanical components In August, 9994 led a short convoy of historic Blier workshop, resulting also in rolling stock will all be overhauled in the CITEV cars, followed by urban cars 6451 and 7386, at shortage. For 2015, only Autorail ART133 workshops at Saint-Jean du Gard, but the the reopening of the reconstructed Bredalaan was available for motive power, hauling one replacement boiler will be built by a specialist tramway in Merksem. This attitudinal of three trailers: the hilly terrain beyond Polish firm. The intention is to unite these change bodes well for the future. In the Forge renders it impracticable to haul heavier elements so that 303 can haul passenger meantime, the restoration of trailer 19568 trains. Towards the end of the season the service trains from 2018. It will be operated has started in Hoboken, to one day recreate a situation began to improve and following only on the fully reserved-track line to full Poldertram train. repairs to the air-brake system, AR69 was due Biesmes-sous-Thuin, rebuilt on the alignment Another new asset is Standard car 9942, to return. Reconstruction of the Dochamps – of part of the abandoned SNCB railway line fully renovated and to become the main Lamorménil section has given an impetus to 109b, (see TAUT 878 — February 2011). It will player in the next years on the Kusttram line. improvements elsewhere; the level crossing at then be the country’s only working example Fine-tuning of the restored car took longer Forge was relaid in 2015 and with completion of a typical metre-gauge steam tram. than expected, and a final small technical of a track relaying programme between With steam, electric and diesel tramcars issue prevented a first public appearance last Amonines and Forge, over 80% of the line has all in use, ASVi’s will then be one of the December. No doubt the car will be the queen been rebuilt in recent years. most comprehensive operational tramcar of the tracks in all events from 2016. The TTA is remote from large population museums anywhere in the world, but the While historic operations seem accepted in centres but well worth a visit and a journey project to restore 303 to working order is a Antwerpen and are integral to the Coast line, behind a noisy Autorail evokes memories of huge financial commitment, to be met solely the situation in Gent is again bleak. The three Vicinal country lines that disappeared over by private fund raising. Sympathetic readers three-axle cars have left the network and half a century ago. For 2016 timetable details may contribute to the project through the found temporary refuge on the Coast. see www.tta.be. ASVi website, www.asvi.be.

156 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. SNCV steam tram locomotive HL303 on display in the ASVi’s exhibition hall at Thuin during May 2013. It has now left Belgium for restoration to working order. There is now the enticing prospect of its return to service at Thuin in 2018.

2. The official opening of the extension to Dochamps and Lamorménil, performed in the presence of members of the Belgian Royal Family on 21 June 2015. On parade is one of the TTA's two steam tram locomotives at Pont d’Erezée. 1075, a type 18 engine dating from 1919, is currently out of service. Behind, appropriately enough, is ‘royal’ trailer A165 built by Franco-Belge in 1904. Luc Keonot

3. The new extension of the TTA line ends in a single-track stub terminus in the village of Lamorménil. An adjacent loop enables the motor car to run round. Autorail AR133 prepares to perform such a movement 2 on 17 July 2015. 4. Fine summer weather allows use of the cross-bench baladeuse trailer cars acquired by the TTA from the Grottes de Han line elsewhere in the Ardennes region. A8944, drawn by Autorail AR133, has just arrived on its hour-long journey from Pont d’Erezée and entered the terminal loop at Lamorménil on 17 July 2015.

5. The latest addition to the electric running fleet on the ASVi line at Thuin is motor 3 4 car 9288. Here it is seen on 16 August 2015 returning to the ASVi premises at Thuin from Lobbes, followed by motor car 9924 (Ateliers de la Dyle, 1931).

6. Vicinal trailer car 19568 in covered workshops at Hoboken, Antwerpen, during renovation which should see it form part of a complete Poldertram set. Luc Keonot

7. Restored Vicinal (NMVB/ SNCV) bogie car 9994 led the series of cars that were paraded on Bredalaan, Merksem 5 6 (Antwerpen), on 29 August 2015. Behind are former MIVA two-axle car 6451 and bogie car 7386, both part of the local historic fleet. Luc Keonot

8. Local De Lijn management at Antwerpen is more sympathetic to the operation of historic cars than is the case at Gent. Four-wheeler 4408 enters Groenplaats after performing special pre-Christmas operations. Luc Keonot 7 8 All photography by Mike Russell unless otherwise credited.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org APRIL 2016 / 157 BOOKSHOP Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage & packing – Any UK address: add 10%; All addresses outside UK: add 20%. For Airmail despatch outside Europe: add 30%.

NOW AVAILABLE! NOW AVAILABLE! Japan’s Colourful Tramways Nottingham’s growing tramway - A comprehensive account of Building on NET’s success all the tramways and light rail Geoffrey Skelsey has put together lines currently operating, together Nottingham’s this new book to tell the story of with an overview of museums, growing tramway the two additional tramlines in tramcar manufacturers, ticketing Building on NET’s success Nottingham, which opened on 25 systems and an analysis of recent and August 2015 to more than double the future developments. With a wealth size of the existing NET system dating of mostly colour pictures this is an from 2004. essential guide to Japan’s tramways. A4 softback; 96 pages, 100+ colour A4 softback; 216 pages, fully illustrated pictures and several maps in colour with maps and fleet details. Geoffrey Skelsey £16.50 plus postage & packing as £27.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. shown above. Look out for another new book coming soon from the LRTA: Hongkong Tramways The Tramway Revolution in France Die Zehn: Mit der Straßenbahn von Ost 1985-2015 “Thirty Glorious Years” nach West quer durch das Vest Volume 2: Paris and the Île de France. A fascinating tour along one of the A detailed look at the French tram key routes of the legendary Vestische cities continues with the capital and Strassenbahn in the north of its environs. The technologies used Germany’s industrial Rhein-Ruhr area. by RATP and SNCF are explained The authors carefully set the scene for and each route is described and line 10’s construction and record its comprehensively illustrated. history through to decline and final closure in 1981. German text. 215 x 240mm softback, landscape format; 168 pages, 230 colour and 37 B5 hardback; 146 pages, 98 colour and black & white pictures, 8 maps. 111 black & white pictures, 20 maps. £15.00 plus postage & packing as shown above. £19.50 plus postage & packing as shown above.

British Trolleybuses in Colour Chicago Surface Lines: The Last Decade 1961-1972 The Big 5 Routes and 5 Others A nostalgic tour of the systems that Shore Line Interurban Historical Society saw out the decline and ultimate Dispatch Number 6. The glory days of disappearance of the “silent servant” the city’s vast streetcar network are in the UK. The variety of streetscapes brought to life in text and pictures. in the photographs remind us of a less The sharp images of the huge PCC fleet frenetic life in our towns and cities. and older types of car show a bygone era in American public transport. B5 softback; 96 pages, 158 colour pictures. 275 x 210 mm softback; 100 pages, 24 colour and 106 black & white pictures plus network map. £14.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. £16.50 plus postage & packing as shown above.

Tramwaje w Elblągu Trams in Wallonia - The Advent of the TEC 120 lat na torach This new DVD provides a good round- The 120-year history of trams up of the changes to the former Belgian in this small Polish port city Vicinal network around Charleroi is explained with a selection from the creation of the SRWT as of superb historical and successor to the SNCV to the present present-day images. day. Despite the decline in the area’s Polish text. industry the “light metro” network has expanded and has helped with urban A4 hardback, landscape regeneration. format; 96 pages, 13 colour and 51 black & white pictures. 80 minutes running time, includes descriptive booklet. £12.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. £17.50 (includes VAT) plus postage & packing as shown above. IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE OF

SYSTEMS FACTFILE: THE TRAMWAYS A LATIN AMERICAN LYON OF ROMANIA PIONEER Since 2001 the French city has embraced In his latest multi-part country study, Dave Spencer explores the first city in trams in a successful bid to enhance Mike Russell takes a comprehensive look Latin America to adopt a rubber-tyred public transport. Now possessing a at Romania – the little-visited central tramway: Medellín in Colombia. number of routes, including an airport European nation that rebelled against The 4km Ayacucho line has been express line, Lyon is a showcase and communism in 1989, and has since running since 2015 and includes champion of urban light rail. joined both NATO and the EU. gradients of up to 12%. PLUS... MAY + Classic Trams: Arnhem Openluchtmuseum ISSUE + The latest news, rolling stock orders and movements, system developments, transport policy and leading industry comment on sale from around the world 15th April

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE News Düsseldorf opens last tram subway Wehrhahn tunnel opens for service after eight years of work; 53 000 passengers expected per day

www.lrta.org fter over eight years of www.tautonline.com construction work, the – Hamm S-Bhf; 707, Unterrath EUR843.6m, 3.4km S-Bhf – Hbf – Medienhafen; 708, (2.1-mile) Wehrhahn Landtag/Polizeipräsidium – Hbf – tramA subway under Düsseldorf Heinrichstrasse; 709, Gerresheim 2016 N o. 940 city centre, with a northern ramp APRIL Krankenhaus – Hbf – Neuss. at Am Wehrhahn and a southern Tram subway construction ramp at Elisabethstrasse near Bilk started in Düsseldorf in 1973, SUBSCRIBE NOW! S-Bhf, was formally inaugurated following the perceived wisdom on 21 February. It is expected of the time that highway traffic to carry more than 53 000 DC GETS ITS STREETCAR, and tram traffic should be passengers every day. separated. The first short section Mayor Thomas Geisel and of subway opened on 4 October Nordrhein-Westfalen transport 1981, and major subway sections minister Michael Groscheck were IS NEW YORK CITY NEXT? were placed in service in 1988, at Heinrich-Heine-Allee to cut 1993 and 2002, reaching a total the ribbon. The last surface trams of 6.9km (4.3 miles). through the Altstadt on lines 701, Authorisation of the 703, 706, 712, 713 and 715 ran on Wehrhahn line subway came in 17 February. Museum trams were 1999 and construction started offering public rides from 10.00 A set of Siemens NF8U trams ready to operate the first departure from Heinrich-Heine-Allee on 20 February. G. R. Wagen in November 2007, but within to 17.00, using five-window set a few years it was realised that 583+797, KSW set 14+332, Aufbau Platz, Heinrich-Heine-Allee, burying public transport was set 379+643, Grossraum Gerresheim S-Bhf – Universität set Schadowstrasse and Pempelforter not the best answer to the city’s 114+1629, articulated Düwag six- Ost/Botanischer Garten; U83, Strasse, with the public able to traffic problems, and no further axle plus trailer sets 2432+1680 Gerresheim-Krankenhaus – use the resulting shuttle services subways will be built. and 2501+1689,and Düwag eight- Benrath Betriebshof. for free until 22.00, carrying The subway is more expensive axle cars 2663 and 2965. Tram services 703, 712, 713 100 000 passengers. to build, maintain and operate, The subway opening ceremony and 719 were withdrawn. Tram Regular service on the new with its elaborate manned at 12.30 on 20 February featured service changes were: 701, lines began on 21 February using stations. Surface tramways are six simultaneous departures on Rath S-Bhf – Am Steinberg; Siemens NF8U trams 3301-76: believed to be more visible and new lines U71, U72, U73 and 704, Derendorf Nord – Hbf – U71, Rath S-Bhf – Benrath attractive, and can be largely U83, from the underground Universität Ost/Botanischer Betriebshof; U72, Ratingen- separated from road traffic, which stations Kirchplatz, Graf-Adolf- Garten; 705, Eller – Spichernplatz Mitte – Volmerswerth; U73, is no longer seen as vital for the – Unterrath; 706, Am Steinberg city’s economic prosperity. Now in its 79th year, Tramways & Urban Transit is the world’s leading Valley Line PPP contract LRT becomes Cairns election issue The city council in the (EUR273m) from the federal Canadian city of Edmonton Light rail has become a hot topic government through PPP The ‘Green Train’ scheme has confirmed the award for candidates in the election to be Canada and the New Building is being promoted by the of a PPP contract for the the next mayor of the Australian Canada Fund, matched by the Queensland city’s current mayor design, finance, construction, city of Cairns. A new line to link province of Alberta, which is Bob Manning, who is seeking operation and maintenance Gordonvale and Palm Grove and also providing a CAD200m re-election. Councillor Manning of the 13km (eight-mile) which has been dubbed ‘Green (EUR136m) interest-free loan. told The Cairns Post newspaper Valley Line light rail project Train’ has been proposed by one The new 12-stop line will that the proposed light rail to TransEd Partners, a candidate while a rival ‘Connect provide interchange with the system could be delivered in Bechtel-led consortium. Cairns’ concept includes existing light rail system at stages and would be “a game Construction will start this investigating the feasibility of an Churchill in the city centre changer”. year and the line is due to open ‘electric bus loop’, but reserving (but will be on the surface) The election is to take place in late 2020. corridors for future LRT. monthly publication dedicated solely to light and urban rail developments. and will run south-east to Mill on 19 March. The operation and Woods Town Centre. There maintenance contract is for will be a new 1400-space 30 years, and Bombardier park-and-ride site at Davies will supply a fleet of seven- station in the Wagner section, 275-passenger, NEWS IN PICTURES industrial area. The line 40.6m 100% low-floorFlexity will eventually be extended Alstom/Bouygues cars, as well as signalling, Worldwide LRV orders down, but options on the up west from the city centre wins in Manila communications and power to Lewis Farms, eventually An Alstom/Bouygues Bratislava’s new Danube crossing supply; its share of the contract reaching 27km (16.8 miles) consortium has been awarded is worth CAD391m (EUR267m). and featuring 28 stops. the EUR450m contract for TransEd Partners has awarded the 11.7km (7.3-mile) southern Midland Metro trams to go wire-free Edmonton is Canada’s the operations contract to extension of Manila (Philippines) fastest-growing city, with a Transdev North America. light rail line 1, and a new depot, further population increase The CAD1.8bn (EUR1.23bn) to be completed in 2020. An order for Japanese LRVs is expected shortly. Düsseldorf opens latest tram subway of 50% expected by 2040. ISSN 1460-8324 project includes a CAD800m The first of 48 Chinese-built LRVs from Dalian were undergoing trials on £4.25 Once fully-built the line is the 16.9km (10.5-mile) EDSA light rail line MRT-3 in February and should 04 (EUR546m) contribution expected to serve 100 000 enter service in April. The government is trying to buy out the private sector from the city, and CAD400m Gauging opinion Fordon paseengers/day. consortium that owns EDSA to bring the line into LRTA. Image courtesy of DOTC What’s the right Polish city realises 9 771460 832043 126 / APRIL 2016 www.tautonline.com. gap for tram rails? century-old dream www.lrta.org We deliver comprehensive worldwide news and analysis, incisive technology features and key interviews with leading industry figures each and every month.

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12 - 14 April 2016

ROSEHILL RAIL CROSSING SYSTEMS

For City Railways & Depots

Solid rubber panels can be individually removed or replaced without needing to dismantle the whole crossing.

Panels can be cut-to-fit on-site to fit around existing infrastructure.

Easily adapted to fit tram stops, depots, complex crossovers, High performance tight curves and turnouts. rubber crossing systems that outperform other systems in long-term use at road and pedestrian crossings, tram stops and depots.

Visit us at Railtex Stand K31 · 12 - 14 May 2015 NEC, Birmingham - UK

For more information, or to enquire about training, please call the Rosehill Rail rosehillrail.com sales team on +44 (0)1422 317 473, or email [email protected]