THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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OCTOBER 2017 No. 958 LOOKING UP: SOLUTIONS FOR STYLISH OLE DESIGN

Chinese powerhouse banks on urban rail expansion Starting work on the Limmattalbahn Private sector must support Indian LRT Tallinn’s tramway reaches the airport

Denver ÜSTRA at 125 10> £4.40 Crossing approval Hannover’s special slows FasTracks anniversary parade 9 771460 832050 4 October 2017

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t: +44 (0)1733 367600 @ [email protected] www.lightrailawards.com CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association OCTOBER 2017 Vol. 80 No. 958 www.tautonline.com 364 EDITORIAL Editor S imon Johnston E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK 381 Associate Editor Tony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] Worldwide Editor 384 Michael Taplin Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight P O37 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, News 364 sYSTEMS FACTFILE: milan 384 Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, Herbert India’s new policy for private sector metro; Milan’s tramway is still the biggest in Italy, Pence, Alain Senut, Rick Wilson, Thomas Wagner Study finds electric LRT commuters face despite the city also having created the Pdtro uc ion Lanna Blyth less pollution; Ground-breaking on the country’s longest metro. Neil Pulling visits Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] Limmattalbahn; Property and material Lombardy’s capital. Design prices drive up costs by D ebbie Nolan

USD500m; Bangkok Metro’s ‘missing link’. WR O LDWIDE REVIEW 390 Advertising looks to set aside EU tender rules COMMERCIAL Manager appo r vals delay 370 for new U-Bahn train orders; Sydney Inner Geoff Butler Level crossing issues are delaying expansion West light rail reaches capacity; Bergamo Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] of ’s FasTracks projects. Vic Simons signs agreement for second tramline; Publisher reports on the latest new lines. UK’s Midland Metro Edgbaston line H oward Johnston achieves full funding. Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each overhead DESIGN principles 375 month preceding the cover date.

TAUT examines the tools and methods mailbox 395 LRTA Website and Diary designers and installers use to create BRT vs LRT – and is a divorce from the Brian Lomas efficient and pleasing OLE systems. automobile possible any time soon? E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) METROs in northern 381 C LASSIC : Hannover 396 Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up Dennis Schulz looks at urban rail projects in This year marks 125 years of ÜSTRA; Mike members of the Light Rail Transit Association. the Chinese economic powerhouse of . Russell witnessed the spectacular parade. Subscriptions AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 Getting bored of ‘re-inventing the wheel’ BACK ISSUES It may sound obvious to anyone over the age of eight, but choosing the Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 right person and the right tool for any given job is surely a key to success. PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION For example, I can happily wax lyrical for thousands of words on tramway, Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. light rail or metro development (and enjoy doing so), but I would never LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE claim to be able to programme the software for a signalling system or install c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. encapsulated rail to efficiently mitigate against the effects of stray current. I wouldn’t Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 know where to start. Actually that’s not true – I would start by talking to an expert with in and Wales. matching experience in the field and references of similar successful projects. LRTA Chairman Unfortunately in some parts of our we have a tendency to use people and Andrew Braddock tools unsuited to the job to get the best possible results. A light rail system is not a E-mail: [email protected] railway, and it’s not a bus either. There are many similarities and transferrable skills, LRTA Deputy Chairman but the intricacies are often very different and require specialisms that may not exist P aul Rowen in other industries. TAUT receives a lot of correspondence bemoaning the influence of LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, the railway on tramway and light rail design and construction practices – why does this UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 have to be the case when over a century of specific expertise already exists? in England and Wales. The costs of delays, rework (either immediate or due to premature replacement) will © LRTA Publishing 2017 always be a issue in meeting the challenge we are set on a daily basis of bringing down Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also costs. Even worse, they may result in reputational damage when jobs aren’t done as well later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the as they should be and more disruption is caused in putting things right. opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of Almost every conceivable circumstance for tramway and light rail construction has LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. been implemented somewhere in the world, and while materials and processes can No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in always be improved upon, there’s a lot we can learn from looking out – and looking back. any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and This issue we have compiled the thoughts of experts on the topic of retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from design. Some of the examples given show traction supply installations that enhance the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the their environment. Most authorities would never choose to hang electrified cables in magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. the skies of their towns and cities, but if you can’t hide them then there is no reason COVER: Flexity Classic no. 2 at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund why you can’t emphasise them to look stylish and elegant. Simon Johnston, Editor on 's Djurgården line on 27 June. C. F. Isgar

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2017 / 363 News Private sector must support Indian metro projects for future funding Modi government launches TOD initiative; India’s ‘Metro Man’ offers fierce criticism

he Indian Government Metro projects will receive approved a new metro approval only if they achieve a policy on 16 August that 14% internal rate of return, rather requires private sector than the 8% rate used until now. participationT for any project There will be mandatory seeking a national funding third-party assessment and contribution. the government is looking for Faced with an increasing metro development linked to demand for metros in a large urban transformation, with number of cities to cater for comprehensive mobility plans population and economic that include Transit Oriented growth, the Modi government Development. Cities and states has said that all projects must use innovative financing should benefit from private mechanisms such as value capture sector resources, expertise and financing tools and betterment Indian metro systems such as this one in Delhi have proved successful in entrepreneurship. Private sector levies to take advantage of any increasing mobility, with high passenger density. Most lines are elevated to participation could be for the increase in land values around minimise construction costs and avoid surface congestion. R. Mathur / CC-BY-SA 2.0 whole project, or just certain stations. Projects must also elements such as fare collection include last-mile connectivity Kasarvadavali with Wadala on Speaking to The Indian Express, or operations and maintenance. for a 5km (three-mile) catchment the north–south alignment; 216 Sreedharan, who has consistently Three versions of national area around stations. metro cars will be required. argued against the PPP model funding are offered: a PPP with a In a move that mirrors the new However, the policy has been for metro development, said, contribution under the Ministry policy, the Asian Infrastructure described as “the most disastrous “China is galloping way ahead at of Finance’s Viability Gap Investment Bank is to provide and retrograde urban 300km [186 miles] of metro rail Funding; a government grant USD500m towards the USD2.22bn policy,” by E Sreedharan, the being opened every year. We are covering 10% of project costs; cost of Mumbai metro line 4, due former Managing Director of the already moving at a snail’s pace. and a 50/50 equity share between for completion in 2021. The 32km Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Now with this policy, everything central and state governments. (20-mile) elevated line will link (DMRC), known as ‘Metro Man’. will come to a standstill.’’

Warsaw abandons mega tender LRT commuters face lower pollution Electrically-powered light rail and in the levels found in the has been published in the Warsaw tramway’s municipal commutes have the lowest two types of train commutes. journal Atmospheric Environment. operator Tramwaje Warszawskie average exposure per mile (1.6km) Interestingly, commuters on Readings were taken using announced on 11 August that its to pollutants recorded by a team trains where a diesel locomotive backpacks measuring personal tendering process for up to 213 from the California Air Resources pushed the service experience exposure to three air pollutants: new trams has been abandoned. Board, research has concluded. up to 90% lower ultrafine harmful particles including those Bids for new vehicles for the In contrast, trips by older diesel- particle concentrations than measuring 2.5 micrometers or Polish capital were received powered trains in the US city of ones where the locomotive was less (PM2.5); smaller ‘ultrafine’ from a joint-venture of Stadler/ Sacramento, where the research pulling the cars. particles (UFP); and soot Solaris (the lowest at PLN2.2bn/ was carried out, experienced the The research appeared in from diesel engines and other EUR516.6m), highest. Average concentrations the paper Commuter exposure to combustion sources, known as (PLN2.23bn/EUR523.6m), Škoda of particulate matter and black PM2.5, BC, and UFP in six common black carbon (BC). (PLN2.69bn/EUR631.6m), Pesa carbon were statistically similar transport microenvironments in CARB calculates that PM2.5 (PLN2.72bn/EUR638.6m) and for cars, buses and bicycle trips, Sacramento, California – which exposure from all sources in Konstal (PLN3.4bn/ California is associated with an EUR798m). They were weighted estimated 7200 premature deaths, according to price (53%), 1900 hospitalisations, and 5200 required maintenance activity emergency room visits each year. in the first million-km (20%), The study compared air energy consumption (9%), pollution exposure per mile impact on track (5%) and low- (1.6km) for each mode. floor area (3%). “The study has useful Škoda’s offer achieved the implications for our efforts to highest score in the evaluation, link transportation and land but its bid exceeded the budget use planning to develop more by PLN387m (EUR91m). sustainable communities. One The initial firm order would important finding is the need have comprised 85 double-ended for more light rail and dedicated and 18 single-ended trams, with bike paths, as well as cleaner options for a further 90 vehicles. Sacramento commuters risk the least exposure to health-damaging pollutants if locomotives,” CARB Research An appeal is expected. they use the city’s LRT; diesel rail is the most damaging. Paulkimo / CC-BY-SA 2.0 Division Chief Bart Croes said.

364 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Work begins on the Limmattalbahn New metre-gauge tramway key in the agglomeration of the Swiss cantons of Zürich and Aargau

ground-breaking from Altstetten Farbhof ceremony was held to Geissweid, providing a for the metre-gauge 7.5-minute peak service. This Limmattalbahn section will be electrified at Atramway at Schlieren on 28 600V dc, with the remainder at August. The first phase of the 1200V dc to permit compatibility Swiss line between Altstetten with S-Bahn line S17 (Dietikon – in Zürich and Geissweid in Wohlen), which will share tracks Schlieren is due to open in the between Dietikon and Wohlen. autumn of 2019. A second phase BDWM (formed in 2000 from will take the line from Schlieren the merger of the Bremgartern to Killwangen-Spreitenbach via – Dietkon and Wohlen – Dietikon in 2022. Mesiterschwanden railway The 13.4km (8.3-mile) line is companies), which operates being built by Limmattalbahn line S17, will also operate the AG, a company jointly owned by Limmattalbahn for ten years, the cantons of Aargau and Zürich, providing a 15-minute headway with co-financing and a CHF755m with service 05.30-00.30. (EUR661.4m) grant from the Fourteen double-ended 45m federal government (covering cars will be ordered to provide one third of project costs). the through service, with a depot The first phase will be covered next to the SBB marshalling yard Politicians, including Swiss President Doris Leuthard (fourth from left) and by extending VBZ tramline 2 on the border of the two cantons. officials at the Limmattalbahn ground-breaking on 28 August. Kanton Zürich

Basel tests latest international tramway extension

The first test runs on Basel’s line 3 to the border until 31 July. partially on the French side extension over the Swiss/French There is an intermediate stop at of the border, meaning that border to the town of Saint-Louis Waldinghoferstrasse. trams are not permitted to carry took place on 2 August; passenger Driver training on the full passengers while travelling service is expected to begin on 3km (1.9-mile) route, with four around it. 9 December. stops, is to begin in September. Once opened the extension A 500m extension that The final section has cost will become BVB’s second takes line 3 from its previous CHF54m (EUR47.3m), and the cross-border route, following the northwestern terminus of entire project, including the opening of a line 8 extension Burgfelden Grenze to the construction of park-and-ride into in December 2014. One of the latest deliveries of border stop of Burgfelderhof facilities, is CHF87m (EUR76.2m). Line 10, operated by Baselland Basel trams (5040) opened on 31 July. Burgfelden The cost of the first phase is Transport, already serves one at Burgfelderhof; the full cross-border Grenze stop closed on July 14, CHF35m (EUR30.6m), including stop in before crossing extension is to open in December. BVB with bus replacement services a new turning loop that is back into Switzerland.

Houston transit services suspended due to flooding EUR241m allocated for Calabrian projects Rainfall generated by Hurricane Transit Center and Palm Transit parts of the system saw water Harvey and its tropical storm Center respectively. The system levels rise more than 100mm Italian Minister of Transport aftermath saw the suspension totals 38.3km (28.3 miles) (4in) above the railhead. and Infrastructure Graziano of all transit service by Houston and carries more than 75 000 On 26 August Austin’s Capital Delrio has approved EUR241m Metro (Texas) from Saturday 26 passengers/day. Metro Red line services were in funding for 22 mainline to Wednesday 30 August. Over Although LRT infrastructure suspended north of Crestview trains, five regional trains and 800mm (32in) fell in 72 hours, survived relatively unscathed, due to fallen power lines. seven CAF Urbos LRVs for the causing extensive flooding. all service was suspended when Calabrian region. Rail service was suspended, Delivery of the new vehicles A track airports were closed and is to be completed in 2021 and cleaning highways rendered impassable. truck works will help to reduce the average In addition to bus services, on the light age of trains operating in Houston Metro operates three rail tracks Calabria, which is currently light rail lines: Red, Green and in Main St, 30 years. Purple. The Red line runs from Houston, on Additionally, EUR160m Northline Transit Center across 29 August. is being invested in the the city centre to the Astrodome C. Spieler construction of a new 10km and Fannan South Transit (six-mile) light rail line in Center; the Green and Purple Cosenza to link the city to Rende lines start in the Theater District and the University of Calabria; and run east to Magnolia Park this is due to open in 2020.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 365 News Tallinn builds international connections Estonian capital connects its tramway to the future Rail Baltica station and the airport

n 1 September the operates at six-minute intervals European railway network help of EU funds; track renewal Estonian capital of during peak periods. – invited bids to conduct a and stop enhancements were Tallinn opened the The project has cost feasibility and technical study for an important prerequisite of 1.5km (0.9-mile) EUR11.5m, of which 85% was a light rail connection from the the introduction of new rolling Oextension of tram route 4 to funded through the European Old City Harbour/Vanasadam in stock. A fleet of 20 CAFUrbos 2 the future Rail Baltica station Union’s Connecting Europe Tallinn to Ülemiste. low-floor trams were introduced at Ülemiste and a terminus at Facility (CEF) as part of the The cost of the ambitious into service on the four-line Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport. Rail Baltica project; the City Rail Baltica project is estimated network on 31 March 2015. The new route features two of Tallinn has funded the at EUR5.79bn, with the EU Rail Baltica project stops, a 150m tunnel under the remaining 15%. expected to offer contributions co-ordinator Kristjan railway and a four-lane road on Earlier in the month, RB Rail – totalling USD4.634bn, and the Kaunissaare said: “The new the approach to the Ülemiste which is responsible for the Rail three national governments in tramline, which now connects station. It is a key development Baltica project to build an 870km the Baltic region financing the the airport, Rail Baltica future in the creation of increased (541-mile) standard-gauge remaining EUR1.154bn. main passenger terminal in international accessibility for 240km/h (149mph) mixed-traffic In recent years, Tallinn has Ülemiste and the centre of the capital region. Service on the railway linking the Baltic capitals extensively modernised its Tallinn, is the first tangible result new 1067mm-gauge extension with Poland and the broader tramway infrastructure with the of Rail Baltica in .”

Sound Transit projects USD500m over budget

Seattle metropolitan transit The subsequent USD54bn Sound agency Sound Transit revealed Transit 3 package, approved by on 24 August that its projects to voters in November 2016, set bring service to out 100km (62 miles) of new Snohomish County are around light rail in Snohomish, King, USD500m over budget. and Pierce counties as well BRT The US agency said that along the I-405 corridor and light rail is now unlikely to other improvements. As part begin serving Lynnwood and of ST3 officials in Snohomish Mountlake Terrace, and two County fought to speed up the intermediate stations, before timetable of the continuation mid-2024, not late 2023. The from Lynnwood to Everett by 13.7km (8.5-mile) route, around five years, to 2036, also insisting half of which is elevated, which on a route serving the Paine Field would continue on from the industrial area. under-construction Northgate “We are in an unprecedented Link extension that is currently period of uncertainty as to under construction. The budget Seattle has a voter-approved USD54bn transit programme that will see major whether our federal funding for the Lynnwood connection, expansion of Link light rail service over the next two decades; a booming partner is completely leaving allowing travel from the city into economy may see some pared back. V. Simons the building,” Rogoff added. Downtown Seattle in 28 minutes, even the inflated real estate closer to 25%. The costs of key “The administration’s funding has grown to USD2.9bn. values that we projected. materials and labour have gone proposals are unprecedented.” Sound Transit CEO Peter Anyone who has tried to buy a up significantly as well. The Trump administration Rogoff said: “The unfortunate house in this region is staring at Cost-saving measures are recommended cutting major fact is that we are now in a red- the same thing.” planned with decisions expected federal transit grant programmes hot construction market, with Sound Transit reported that early next year. The Lynnwood earlier this year (TAUT 953 and very high bids being offered as its real estate appraisals are Link extension forms part of the 954) ; Sound Transit had been a result and very high property currently 44% higher than in voter-approved Sound Transit 2 expecting USD1.17bn for the values that are far exceeding 2014; staff anticipated a rise programme passed in 2008. Lynnwood Link extension.

Milan’s Milan tenders for 80 new trams extensive tramway Milan transport authority urban network (see page 384 for The first test run on a rebuilt has until Azienda Trasporti Milanesi more on Milan). The framework section of the Limbiate line now used (ATM) issued a tender on has an estimated value of took place on 29 August using domestic 8 August for a six-year EUR213m and the deadline for refurbished block train 507. vehicles; framework agreement for the submissions is January 2018. > For more detail on Jumbotrams supply of up to 80 double- The tender calls for 23-26m Milan’s tramway and metro cross on ended low-floor trams. vehicles designed to fit the operations, see page 384. a traffic- restricted From the order, 30 would city’s 1445m-gauge 600V lane near be dedicated to the Limbiate network, to be equipped with Piazza and Desio interurban lines, air-conditioning and onboard Cinque currently being rebuilt; the CCTV systems, regenerative Giornate in other 50 would be used on the braking and both active and March 2017. Italian city’s 170km (106-mile) passive safety systems. N. Pulling

366 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Bangkok metro’s ‘missing link’ is just the start of massive expansion Connection between the Blue and Purple lines opens for service on 11 August

hailand’s Mass Rapid line, a 13.9km (8.6-mile) western will add 23.6km (14.7 miles) with months: a 16.4km (10.2-mile) Transit Authority (MRTA) extension with 11 stations that a southern continuation from Orange line extension west from opened the 1.2km will complete the loop line and Tao Poon to Rat Burana. The first Cultural Centre via Phan Fa to (0.75-mile) ‘missing extend on to Lak Song is also 23.5km (14.6-mile) section of the Taling Chan; adding 8km (five Tlink’ between its Purple and Blue under construction, with an Purple line opened in 2016 from miles) to the Blue line from Bang metro lines (Tao Poon – Bang Sue) expected opening in mid-2019. Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon. Khae west to Phutthamonthon on 11 August, ending the need Thales is to provide automatic The new extension will comprise Sai 4 in Nong Khaem; and for a lengthy bus ride between fare collection for the two Blue a 12.6km (7.8-mile) underground additions to the Green/Sukhumvit the stations. line extensions, supplying its section with ten stations and with line from Khu Khot north to Lam The extension, which took five TransCity technology that is used 11km (seven miles) elevated and Luk Ka and from Kheha Samut months to complete, takes the on the existing line. Ridership a further seven stations. Stations Prakan south to Bang Pu. Blue line to 21km (13 miles) with on the full line is expected to top at Bang Pakok and Rat Burana will Bangkok mass transit system 19 stations, and while the eastern 230 000 passengers/day by 2020. have park-and-ride facilities for comprises six lines: Purple (Tao section is underground the route As reported last issue, tenders around 3000 vehicles. Poon – Khlong Bang Phai), Pink to Tao Poon is elevated. A further for a project to double the length Transport minister Arkhom (Khae Rai – Min Buri), Red (Bang ten-station, 11.9km (7.4-mile) of the Purple line will begin Termpittayapaisith told local Sue – Rangsit), Green (Mor Chit elevated southern extension to in October. The THB101bn media in August that more new – Khu Khot), Orange (Thailand Tha Phra is being built, to open (USD2.56bn) programme is metro projects will be submitted Cultural Centre – Min Buri) and in 2018. At the other end of the expected to take seven years and to the Thai cabinet in the coming Yellow (Lat Phrao – Samrong).

SYSTRA acquires IBT Tube ac traction equipment ordered SYSTRA has announced the acquisition of bridge design has specialist International Bridge awarded Bombardier a contract Technologies (IBT), based in San to equip 85 eight-car 1992 Stock Diego (US); the latter company will now be named SYSTRA IBT. trainsets used on the Central line This is SYSTRA’s first with its Mitrac ac traction and acquisition in a specific control equipment. engineering discipline, doubling Replacing the existing dc the company’s geographic traction motors is expected to footprint in bridge design. reduce energy consumption More than 80% of IBT’s projects while improving reliability and are ‘design and build’. performance. The contract is Operator sought for future worth GBP112.1m (EUR122.3m), Baghdad metro lines including ongoing maintenance, The Iraqi Government is reported and is expected to run until 2024. to be seeking an operator for two The UK capital’s Night Tube London Underground’s 1992 Stock was originally built by BREL (ABB after British proposed new 23km (14-mile) Rail privatisation, later bought by and now Bombardier) and will return to passed its eight millionth underground metro lines in the their Derby site of manufacture for new traction equipment. J. Brown / CC-BY-SA 2.0 journey as the service marked its capital, Baghdad. would first anniversary on 19 August. train crews to allow the full can be extended to Highbury & have 25 stations and would have 22, with one interchange Night Tube services now operate intervals to be maintained. Islington next year. The Circle station serving both lines. The on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, The next route to receive similar and District lines are also in line main maintenance depot would be Northern and Piccadilly lines, treatment will be the New Cross for Night Tube services, but not alongside line 1, with an additional although the latter has been to Dalston Junction Overground until after their upgrades have facility at the southern end of line 2. affected by a lack of sufficient line, on which it is hoped services been completed post-2020.

NEWS IN PICTURES line 7 opens to Eilandje The latest tramway extension in Antwerpen (Belgium) opened without formal ceremony on 5 August. This is the first section of a two-stage extension (the second will be in 2019) from the St Pietersvliet terminus (formerly known as Tolhuis) to Eilandje, a distance of about 1km (0.6 miles). The line passes along two sides of the old Bonaparte Dock in an area which is enjoying significant urban regeneration of the old port district. The first trial run on the extension to Foorplein took place on 18 August. Line 10 will be extended here in September.

Poldertram 9994, an historic Vicinal (NMVB) motor car, operating on the Sunday historic tram service on 6 August, the first day on which its itinerary was extended to Eilandje. M. Russell

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 367 News

Honolulu trams a cheaper option? reaches 50 years

Hawaii’s state legislature has been told that light rail could of right-hand running offer a cheaper alternative to Honolulu’s heavy rail transit September marks the half-century since closure of most Swedish tramways system, according to local media. Hawaii News Now reports claims from experts unday 3 September that at-grade light rail could 1967 was Dagen H (Day cost around 20% the price of H for Högertrafik) when the under-construction largely the rule of the road was elevated rail system. changedS from driving on the left Formal ground-breaking for in Sweden. Better integration the 32km (20-mile) and 21 stop with neighbouring European elevated scheme took place in countries was the main reason 2011, with opening intended for the change, and the concept to be in stages in 2025 and had been backed in a referendum 2030. However, concerns have held as long before as 1955. A final been expressed since about the decision was taken by the Swedish budgets for the project, with Parliament in 1963. The date was the legislature meeting in late chosen as the end of the holiday August to discuss options. season and just before the start of the school term. New buses were purchased Göteborg M23 tram 25 on 3 September 1967, showing the (now) offside doors and kept in store until they were Snaefell temporary sealed. M. R. Taplin needed; tramways needed more closure follows careful planning. Stockholm and its adoption of light rail standards When 3 September came, the brake failure Helsingborg gave up operation on suburban lines), the post- tramways put their carefully that weekend. Malmö decided war trams of type M23 planned operation into effect, Snaefell Mountain Railway to retain just one route, and (Mustangs) were rebuilt over four under the critical eye of a group of operations (Isle of Man) resumed rebuilt its most modern cars with years with offside doors sealed Light Railway Transport League on 11 August after a temporary right-hand doors in time for the out of use, which could quickly be members who happened to be prohibition brought about by change. Norrköping bought 25 brought into use in 1967. visiting as part of a Jack Wyse- failure to comply with a reduced new trams for right-hand traffic The 125 M25 15.1m bogie led tour. The LRTL delegation speed limit. The prohibition was and rebuilt its most modern cars. trams were rebuilt during this congratulated GS General Director announced the day before. In Göteborg (Gothenburg), 53 period and used in two-car sets Sixten Camp and Director of This followed an incident on buses for right-hand running were (one unrebuilt and one rebuilt Planning Curt Elmberg, (and made 4 August when tram 2 reportedly purchased in 1964 and put into car), an arrangement that could the latter an LRTL Vice-President). lost its rheostatic braking service on routes where island be perpetuated after The M28 trams remain in capability while travelling from platform arrangements permitted 3 September until the rebuilding service today (with 60 similar M29 the Summit to Bungalow and their use (and subsequent switch) was complete. A fleet of 70 new trams), but the high-floor era will had to be stopped by use of the and 90 new right-hand traffic M28 trams built for right-hand come to an end within a few years Fell brake. buses arrived in 1967. On the traffic were delivered in 1966-67, as the new fleet of 60 Bombardier In a statement released on tramway (the country’s second and could be used similarly M33 (30m) and M34 (45m) cars 8 August, the Department of largest, which was renowned for before and after the change. begins to arrive from 2019. Infrastructure said that an investigation was ongoing and that its management and staff were working with the island’s Health and Safety at Work Purple Line Full Federal Funding Inspectorate: “The matter is being treated very seriously and US Transportation Secretary New Carrollton orbital line with (TAUT 957). The agreement frees the Department would like to Elaine Chao signed the Federal Maryland Governor Larry Hogan up USD325m in federal grants apologise to those passengers who Full Funding Agreement for the in late August. This follows legal already appropriated and a total were affected by the incident. 25.9km (16-mile) Bethesda – clearance for the project on 19 July federal contribution of USD900m. The Department also wishes to Ms Chao said at the ground- acknowledge the prompt action breaking ceremony, near New of those who applied the original Carrollton metro station, that Fell braking system.” her department was focused An 8mph (approx. 13km/h) on making it easier for states to speed limit was introduced use public-private partnerships following a post-incident review, to build large infrastructure rather than the normal 12mph projects. (approx. 19km/h). The scheme is being realised The latest SMR incident follows through the Purple Line Transit one last March in which car 3 Partners (PLTP) consortium, was destroyed. The unmanned made up of Fluor, Meridiam, Star vehicle ran away from the America, Atkins and CAF USA. Summit station, where it had In June 2016 CAF was awarded a been parked, and derailed near contract to supply 26 five-section Bungalow. No announcement has LRVs to operate the line, which yet been made about a possible The design of the CAF low-floor it was then hoped could open in replacement for the vehicle. LRV for the Purple line. PLTP early 2022, but will now be 2023.

368 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Reduce Costs The design and implementation of urban and light rail networks in busy towns and cities presents signi cant engineering challenges. At the same time, the pressure to minimise disruption and cost has never been greater.

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4 Merse Road, North Moons Moat Redditch, Worcestershire B98 9HL, UK +44 (0)1527 61243 [email protected] www.b-hepworth.com EN15085 Denver

Car 114 heads a Peoria-bound train at Aurora Metro Center station on 12 May; note the segregated alignment. All images by Vic Simons FasTracks slowed by regulatory approvals With one completed commuter line unopened and another two new light rail lines operating under a time-limited derogation, level crossing issues are delaying the latest additions to the ambitious FasTracks programme. Vic Simons visits Denver's Regional Transportation District.

he Denver Regional are down. The A line has 12 gated These waivers were granted at the end of July, Transportation District (RTD) at-grade crossings, the G line has 17 and the allowing a further 90 days of operation with has a new line, B line service to Westminster has one. flagmen to resolve the issues. However there the G line to Wheat Ridge, that The two regulatory bodies concerned, are still concerns that the lines may not gain has been complete for well over the Federal Railroad Administration full approval until 2018. Ta year – but it is unable to carry passengers, (FRA) and the Colorado Public Utilities even though initial testing was authorised Commission (CPUC), have been cautious LRT and the coming of FasTracks by the federal authorities and began on 14 about giving full approval for such TAUT last visited Denver in May 2013 (see June. Another two lines, the high-profile innovative technology. The RTD admits TAUT 907). Whilst the city has hot, dry University of Colorado A line link from the to bafflement at the length of time it has summers, it also experiences cold snowy city to Denver International Airport (DIA), taken for full approval, but is confident that winters so rail vehicles require heavy duty and the B line to Westminster only have progress is being made. HVAC systems to cater for such extremes. interim regulatory operating approval. When asked about the costs of the delays, The city has a population of 600 000, with This situation leaves significant unplanned the RTD was keen to make it clear that this around three million in the surrounding additional operating costs, borne by its would have no impact on its operating conurbation; Denver lies some 1500m contractor Denver Transit Partners (DTP). budget as all associated costs of providing (5000ft) above sea level, hence its nickname The issues causing the delays centre on a flagmen during the certification and testing ‘the Mile-High City’. new wireless technology for controlling the process are being met by DTP. The same Light rail returned to Denver after a 44- lines’ crossing gates specified by DTP. technology is planned for future lines and year break with the 1994 opening of the The challenge surrounds the amount of time throughout the commuter rail network. first line between 30th/Downing, just north that crossing gates are closed before and after The University of Colorado A line from of the city centre through downtown to a each service passes; this technical issue also Union Station opened on 22 April 2016 with new park-and-ride at I-25/Broadway. The incorporates the impact of positive train conditional regulatory approval, the previous rebuilding of Interstate 25 incorporated control (PTC) as it is the first time that such authorisation of which expired on 30 July 2017. space for light rail and an extension opened a system has been used to manage commuter On 27 July, Scott Reed, RTD Assistant in 2006 with a 21.7km (13.5-mile) southern rail services. Vice-President, Communications, told TAUT route to Lincoln. At the same time, a two- Reliability issues with the software have that waiver extension applications had been station branch was opened to Nine Mile in seen regulators demand that each crossing on filed with both the FRA and the CUPC. As the the median of I-225 which left the main the A, B and G lines is manned by a flagman applications were submitted before the expiry Lincoln route just to the south of Southmoor. to ensure neither road traffic nor pedestrians of the previous waivers, RTD would continue The junction has been built as a series of attempt to use the crossings when the gates to operate A and B line services as usual. overpasses and dive-unders to allow services

370 / OCTOBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Hyundai Rotem 4027 at the head of a two-car commuter rail service departing the new station at Denver International Airport on 23 May. from I-225 to go both north and south reopened in 2014, with eight tracks for from Union Station to Jefferson County without conflicting movements. commuter rail, two tracks and a stabling Government Center in Golden. This network extension followed the siding for light rail, and tracks for Amtrak. The A line is a 37km (23-mile) commuter earlier (2000) 13.9km (8.7-mile) south- The refurbishment has been tastefully rail service to DIA with six intermediate western route from I-25/Broadway to accomplished to incorporate much of the stations. The first section, with the first Littleton/Mineral. The operating pattern is ambience of the original structure; while four intermediate stations, is alongside a that all services from the south go to either waiting areas remain within the original major freight artery running east-west and downtown or onto the Union Station branch building, much of the concourse has been it is in this section in the 12.9km (eight which opened in 2002. One downtown filled with new retail units and restaurants. miles) between 38th Street/Blake and Peoria service is extended to 30th/Downing. Marketed as the Flatiron Flyer, the BRT to stations, where there are 12 level crossings, FasTracks is a voter-approved series of Boulder was one of the first FasTracks projects that the current issues have arisen. capital projects that began in 2004. The three to be completed, with service starting in 2010. TAUT asked the RTD how the crossing FasTracks commuter rail lines are managed Fully opened in early 2016, it brings time issues have developed so dramatically. The on behalf of the RTD by DTP, a consortium of savings of up to 15 minutes between Denver agency responded by saying “the actual civil engineering and consultancy companies and its north-western suburbs to Boulder by crossing downtimes were not known before specifically set up for FasTracks. means of using the freeway on US highway 36, construction was completed and the testing The multi-billion-dollar programme also dedicated bus lanes and limited stops. began prior to the April 2016 opening, when covers major LRT and BRT projects and a The first major LRT project was completed the University of Colorado A line opened under complete rebuild of Union Station. This in 2013 with the creation of the W line waiver that required the crossing attendants. We believed this would be a relatively short-lived waiver requirement pending the FRA and CPUC grade crossing certification process. The unacceptable alternative would have been to completely delay the line’s opening until the certifications were received. We remain satisfied that we chose the correct course of action to proceed under the waiver requirements since we have been able to provide service to thousands of passengers.” Just east of , the A line turns north by means of an overbridge, passing two intermediate stations into the new link to DIA. Much of this section is single-track with passing loops, a cost-cutting measure that limits operational flexibility with a maximum 15-minute headway. The two-platform DIA station has been incorporated into the terminal and features a spectacular overall roof to cope with Denver’s extreme winters. Platform waiting times should be minimal as the schedule requires a train to always be at a platform. In any case the single-line nature SD100 113 from the first batch of of the route means that a train cannot depart Denver LRVs on an R line working at Peoria. Note the easy interchange to until the following train has arrived on the the Airport A line on the left. opposite platform. At present, two-car trains made up of permanently-coupled sets operate

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2017 / 371 Denver

FAR LEFT: Car 4017 at the head of an A line two-car train at Union Station on 10 May; light rail platforms are to the left and the terminal is to the right.

LEFT: The exterior of Union Station shows the sympathetic restoration that has retained the building’s grandeur. the service, although there is capacity to double this if required. After initial teething problems, the line appears to be well used and RTD states that current usage (at 19 000 passengers/day) is in line with expectations. The B line, opened on 25 July 2016, is a short 9.6km (six-mile) commuter rail line from Denver Union Station to Westminster, north of downtown Denver. It shares two intermediate stations with the G line, and is the first part of a much longer 66km (41-mile) planned route to Boulder and Longmont. There are no costs or timescales for the second section, with diesel commuter rail operation being the most likely option. The 11-minute end-to-end running time means that only one two-car unit is required to maintain the 30-minute headway at most times. The latest FasTracks addition is the G line, ABOVE: New a 17.6km (11-mile) commuter rail service to station at Wheat Wheat Ridge in the north-western suburb of Ridge Ward, Arvada. Testing began on 14 June 2017 – more terminus of the than a year after construction completion yet to open G Line, and the delivery of new rolling stock. The ready for service cause of the delay was the same level crossing on 11 May. issue, with quiet zones as a secondary consideration. The authorisation of testing by LEFT: The the FRA and the CPUC gives a clear indication new car parking structure being that substantial progress has been made in built at the Ridge resolving these issues, although flagmen at Gate terminus level crossings are still required during testing. of the under- The alignment parallels the busy I-70 corridor construction Lone with six intermediate stations and around Tree extension. 2250 parking spaces at various stops along the route. Bus services will be recast to feed the stations when the line opens. Again a 15-minute headway is operated Power is supplied from the overhead The 16.9km (11.5-mile) R light rail line Monday-Friday with an end-to-end off-peak at 750V dc and each vehicle has a seating opened in February 2017 to great fanfare. running time of 43 minutes. When asked capacity of 64, reduced to 56 for the 29 cars Unusually, it is a cross-suburb service linking about why the H line was not extended to delivered in 2017 as the number of wheelchair the A line at Peoria with Lincoln through Aurora the RTD explained that this was due spaces has been increased from two to four. the major suburb of Aurora, partly within to limits on available resources. Each LRV can also accommodate up to 100 the I-225 median. The line was built as an standees. Whilst vehicles have a maximum extension of the H line from Nine Mile with Harmonising the fleet speed of 104km/h (65mph) this is limited eight new stations. At Florida, the second new Denver has standardised its light rail fleet, in service to 88km/h (55mph). The 2017 station north of Nine Mile, the alignment using high-floor SiemensSD100 and SD160 deliveries are costing USD4.5m per car. turns east through Aurora, at grade, but LRVs. The first 49 areSD100 vehicles using The 66 commuter rail vehicles are similar segregated from other road traffic, to serve the dc propulsion, the remaining 152 SD160s to Philadelphia’s Silverliner V units, with Metro Center. The alignment turns west and (successor to the SD100) use ac propulsion. stainless steel bodyshells built by Hyundai north returning to the I-225 corridor before Each of the double-ended articulated cars are Rotem in South Korea for final assembly at its heading west near the Fitzsimons station to 24.8m long, 2.65m wide and 3.8m high with Philadelphia plant. Traction power is 25KV ac, reach Peoria with its terminal track beyond four double doors on each side and hand- drawn from the overhead by . the two-platform station. Here there is easy operated wheelchair ramp access behind the The units are assembled into semi-permanent cross-platform interchange with the A line. driver’s cab. Boarding is from low platforms coupled two-car consists with only one unit Service is provided every 15 minutes with steps up to the passenger saloon. drawing power. Each single-ended vehicle during the day with an end-to-end off-peak Each station has a wheelchair access ramp. has a 170-passenger capacity (91 seated), running time of 51 minutes. At the same When asked why high boarding has been together with two wheelchair spaces, and time, the RTD extended the H line a further maintained, the RTD explained that the main there is a walk-through corridor between two stops north to Florida where a centre reason for not converting to low-floor was coupled vehicles. The maximum operating track and turnback have been provided. financial, with fleet unity being secondary. speed is 126km/h (79mph) and level boarding

372 / OCTOBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org is provided at all stations. Additional luggage racks are provided; these are particularly needed on the Airport service. All vehicles are serviced at a new Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility (CRMF), which gains much of its power requirement from solar energy. Delays in getting all services operational meant that there were, at the time of TAUT’s visit, a large number of cars lying idle. In addition to maintenance, the CRMF houses the system’s control centre with all onboard announcements determined from here as well as level crossing supervision.

What the future holds Three further FasTracks light rail projects are in the pipeline, but only the 3.7km (2.3-mile) A two-car train led by 108 awaiting departure from Lincoln working a new R line service to Peoria on 12 May; three-station extension to Lone Tree has note the proximity of the I-25 freeway. reached the construction stage. The extension is generally south from Lincoln but features infrastructure on this alignment is the Skyway The other key development to come out a crossing over the I-25 freeway to a large Bridge; a 2.9km (1.8-mile) 64-span viaduct of FasTracks is the success of the Flatiron new park-and-ride at RidgeGate Parkway. The over railway tracks and sidings, industrial Flyer, which has shown a 45% increase in project is costing USD233.1m, with a planned roads and the I-270 freeway. At its maximum passenger numbers since opening, according intermediate station at Lone Tree City Center. height, the bridge will be some 15.4m above to Genova. This has led to the RTD looking at Aside from the additional park-and-ride ground. This first section is scheduled to open other BRT schemes for future corridors. facility, which will relieve pressure on the busy in 2018 or 2019 and the RTD is confident RTD operates a zonal fare system using site at Lincoln, much of the extension is being that regulatory approval will be much more three concentric rings based upon downtown built in a sparsely populated area other than straightforward as there are no parallel freight Denver; the airport is in its own zone at the first new station at Sky Ridge Avenue. tracks. There are no timescales available for with a premium fare of USD9 to and from The RTD has indicated that there are major the final 8.9km (5.5 miles) to North Thornton. downtown. The one-way basic local fare as developments planned around the Lone Tree at June 2017 was USD2.60, or USD4.50 for Center. All three light rail services (E, F and R) View from the top a two-zone ride. Tickets can be purchased currently terminating at Lincoln will serve the David A. Genova, General Manager and singly or in ten-ride books and there are the route. Opening is set for 2019. CEO of the RTD, explained in some detail usual savings through weekly, monthly or Two other extensions have been approved. the issues causing the approval delays to annual season tickets, all of which can be Firstly, there is the 4km (2.5-mile) one-station the commuter rail lines. The biggest issue, purchased online or at RTD sales outlets. extension from Littleton to a large park-and- he explained, was the downtime between Further savings can be made using the ride at C470/Lucent and planned to be served barriers closing and reopening after a train ‘tap-in, tap-out’ MyRide smartcard that by both the C and D lines. Secondly, there had passed. When built these downtimes can be preloaded with up to USD200 either is the short 1.3km (0.8-mile) extension of were originally between 60 and 90 seconds, online or at RTD sales offices. It should be the D line from its current terminus at 30th/ which was considered too long and has noted that the RTD, apart from the airport Downing northwards to connect with the since been dramatically reduced; the design premium fare, uses the same fare structure A line at 38th/Blake with two intermediate time catered for an average of a 30-second across bus, light rail and commuter rail, but stations. RTD is currently trying to secure downtime with a 14-second buffer. not on paratransit or other specialist services. funding for these extensions. Genova said that on average there had been What RTD has delivered so far is impressive, As well as the planned Longmont between two and three accidents a month on being cheap and easy to use. While it has commuter rail extension, the other key non-gated freight crossings throughout the obviously enticed some drivers from their project is the 29.6km (18.5-mile) N line to RTD light rail and commuter rail system, all cars, peak-hour tailbacks on I-25 and I-70 are North Thornton, of which the first 21km of which have been the fault of car drivers. still lengthy; even so these are nowhere near (13 miles) as far as Eastlake/124th is under Pedestrian crossings are not locked when the as exhausting as in other major US cities. construction. The line will be single-track gates are down to allow pedestrians a safe with passing loops; a peak headway of 20 escape route if the gates go down while they Grateful thanks are due to David A. Genova, minutes is planned, reduced to every 30 are crossing, a practice that is generally not Scott Reed, Michelle Brier, John Thompson, minutes off-peak. End-to-end running accepted in Europe. Despite the flashing lights Pauline Haberman and Christina Zazueta from time for this first section is projected at 27 and audible warnings people are occasionally the RTD and Denver Transit Partners for their minutes. Services will be operated by two-car trapped. Genova strongly believes that the assistance with this feature. standard RTD commuter rolling stock. RTD is “going from problem child to model The route is largely on an abandoned Union child”, in the eyes of the FRA and the CPUC, Detailed maps of the FasTracks expansion Pacific trackbed which the RTD bought for adding: “Of course the RTD has to balance programme are available at USD119m in 2009. The biggest single piece of efficiency of rail use with road users.” www.rtd-denver.com/Fastracks.shtml

LEFT AND ABOVE: Inside the new Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility; and temporarily surplus vehicles parked outside on 12 May.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2017 / 373 When intelligent infrastructures don’t just react but anticipate. That’s ingenuity for life.

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Powerlines Group: Innovative GRP components

New material technologies are now also facilitating the development of innovative solutions in overhead line construction, offering a multitude of benefits. The Powerlines Group develops and distributes two such innovative components – GRP masts and GRP cantilevers – for local mass transit infrastructure.

Safe and highly durable ABOVE: GRP cantilever. GRP is a 100% non-conductive self-insulator. This enables BELOW: GRP mast in Ostend. overhead line structures to be built without the installation of additional insulation. Furthermore, GRP is particularly light, which makes transportation and assembly safer and more cost effective. The special GRP structure ensures that components offer extreme resistance to corrosion, UV light and weather conditions.

Aesthetic and flexible Especially in urban areas, the demand for aesthetics and adaptation Powerlines – the system supplier for to the cityscape is becoming increasingly important. The use of GRP railway electrification components is particularly beneficial in the urban context, since both shape and colour can be varied. There is also room for versatility in Reliable. Economical. Safe. the way in which GRP masts are erected. All common methods of grounding can be implemented, and masts can be inserted or surface-mounted. On request, customers can also www.powerlines-group.com be supplied with steel-core GRP hybrid masts. Electrification OLE DESIGN PRINCIPLES TAUT examines the tools and methods that electrification designers and installers use to create efficient and aesthetically pleasing overhead contact wire systems.

ince the 1880s, tramways have appeal, height clearance for special events, within its surroundings. This is particularly made use of overhead contact wires economics and, often, political factors. relevant in cities with a strong heritage or to supply them with their lifeblood Yet as each new system is different, any cultural identity where visual intrusion is an – electricity. Since the earliest common practice and ‘standardisation’ is important consideration. This integration is German trials and the subsequent more likely driven by market forces than by largely achieved through the colour, shape, or workS of US pioneer Frank Sprague that need common characteristics. style of key components, but by far the biggest has remained the same. Yet while trolley Anyone involved in light rail OLE design effect is achieved by minimising the amount poles have, almost universally, given way to needs to study historical and worldwide of electrical equipment that cannot be cost- pantographs, a reliable, uninterrupted flow of practice to gain a full appreciation of the effectively hidden or buried underground. electric power from the lineside substation to technology. ‘Re-inventing the wheel’, or Service speeds and desired headways also the moving tram remains the key to mobility. working entirely from first principles, is seldom make a difference as higher-speed suburban The most popular method of tramway appropriate in a field with a rich abundance of sections (often using old railway rights of and light rail electrification is to employ an previous experience. Railway principles cannot way), can relinquish aesthetic considerations energised contact wire suspended along the be indiscriminately applied. There is, however, so the finished system may exhibit more of line of the tramway onto which a pantograph plenty of scope for imaginative and artistic the features associated with the main line mounted on the roof of the vehicle is pressed. enhancement based on established principles. railway when it leaves built-up areas. This contact is a sliding surface, with a force On a typical design-and-build project of around 100 newtons (10.5kg/22lb) and a Similarities and differences there will be many interfaces that the tramcar speed of up to 80km/h (50mph). Tramway and light rail overhead designs overhead designer must manage. As well The power circuit of any direct current- share the basic laws of physics with their main as the obvious interactions with trackwork supplied rail system has six fundamental line railway counterparts, but require more and civil disciplines, many other groups will elements: the substations, which supply detailed design and calculation due to their become involved – local authorities will have direct current at the line’s designated operating environment and development. an input to the location, style and colour of nominal voltage (normally 600V or 750V); Other infrastructure is often not present at street items, heritage groups will be involved the positive conductor (the overhead line); the the start of the scheme – even the proposed in attachments to historic buildings, and positive distribution network; the load (the alignment may not be available until the emergency services will have a say in vehicle); the negative conductor (the rails, obstructing buildings have been demolished emergency isolation procedures. through which the current is returned to the or new structures created – and the gradients substations); and the negative distribution involved are also likely to be steeper with Electrical design network. In most cases the rails are bonded more severe vertical and lateral curves. It might be expected that tramway overhead together at regular intervals, and bonded or Finally, any overhead system will be in full line is an electrical design concept, but in welded at joints, to provide as low a resistance public view so must be designed as part of the reality this is a fairly straightforward task path as possible for the return current. overall project aesthetics and ‘fit’ seamlessly once a few basic parameters are known. The past decade has seen massive advances in traction supplies that allow the removal of A fine example of minimising the equipment ‘in the air’; Helsinki 419 is seen at Eläintarha Djurgården, Nordenskiöldinkatu, working a line 3 service on 26 June 2017. C. F. Isgar the overhead line – such as onboard energy storage, magnetic or inductive pickup or switched systems. While these technologies are now relatively well- developed and proven in many cities, they are still mainly used for relatively short sections of line rather than whole systems. Even then their use is determined by various factors such as topography, geography, aesthetic

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 375 Electrification

The first is to establish the required along- It is desirable that the contact wire should damage the pantographs of passing trams. track resistance. This is predominantly a be as level as possible, without ‘hard spots’, This risk of one system damaging the other simulation process, where substation positions so that wear of both wire and pantographs in operation means that the pantograph and and line resistance are decided, taking into is minimised. Hard spots can result in overhead contact system should be designed account the desired service density and the pantograph bounce, and arcing. The contact and maintained as one entity. loss of power along the line due to electrical wire should be flexibly mounted, using span Once the alignment and trackwork layouts resistance. The number of substations wires or shorter bowstrings from bracket arms. are available, a start can be made on drawing required is directly related to the planned All this is more important the higher the a more exact position for the contact wire. frequency and the amount of overhead operating speed. On high-speed sections, The wire shape need not follow all the curves line to be provided. Simply put, a greater catenary suspension is best; this minimises of the trackwork; instead a series of chords is number of substations means less copper the number of poles required, but can be formed between support points. but as substations can be expensive, both in visually more obtrusive. The catenary also The limits of the position of the wire terms of equipment and land usage, a balance carries current, so reducing resistance. are defined by calculations looking at the between the two will give minimum system In street-running sections, speeds are lower acceptable movement on the pantograph cost and optimum operational flexibility. and simple suspension from span wires head, allowing for track tolerances, vehicle That said, substations are usually required suffices. The contact wire can be suspended suspension and support structure movements, at intervals of 2-3km along the route. from the span with short ‘bridles’ to give and wire displacement due to atmospheric Each is a fully-enclosed building with a softer suspension, but this may require conditions. The output is the maximum lateral cabling ducted underground; due to internal additional register arms to maintain lateral deviation of the wire from the track centre heat generation, it is necessary to provide wire position. In city centre locations where line at support points and at mid-span areas, for ventilation. It is also possible to place a the tram movements are slower, a hanger depending on the position of the pantograph substation in an easily accessible location fitted on the span wire is often sufficient. relative to the track/vehicle geometry. within an existing or new building, and Clearly there must be at least one contact It would be convenient to have one length of wherever reasonably practicable this is wire above the line and one 150mm2 wire overhead contact wire stretched from one end preferable. If a new substation building is is normally sufficient for a 750V dc system of the line to the other, but this is impossible required, it should be sited to integrate into running up to 80km/h (50mph). To achieve a for today’s longer lines. Overhead line must the surrounding landscape. single contact wire, a parallel feeder is likely also be sectioned electrically (typically in Wiring the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ lines to be required; this is laid underground. 1000-1500m lengths), terminating off the separately allows the flexibility of single- Twin 107mm 2 section contact wires not only track line to poles or other structures. line operation in the case of a failure; but increase cost and visual intrusion against the Tensioning is achieved either by weights for tramways in tight urban locations this is sky, but challenges around maintaining even placed inside poles or by gas or spring not normally possible without major traffic wear also increase maintenance cost. tensioners; these have the advantage of disruption and so the opportunity is taken to Other considerations include defective lower cost and reduced maintenance. bond together both lines of overhead. pantographs that can damage long lengths of If auto-tensioning is used, overlaps ensure This provides parallel paths for the current overhead line, requiring time and resource to continuity of contact with the tram’s and can reduce the overall weight and repair, during which the service is interrupted; pantograph. Modern innovations include bulk of the overhead line requirement. conversely, a defect on the overhead line can systems that offer remote monitoring and The overhead must be separated along its length by insulators and isolator switches to allow for maintenance and emergency working. This is achieved by splitting the line into sections, separated electrically by insulators that can be powered independently.

System and layout design Once the approximate power requirements are established, the next thing is to design the basic overhead line system. For tramways the key principle is to minimise the equipment in the air, reducing the loads (both static and ice/wind loads) on the poles and foundations while also reducing the risk of theft and vulnerability to vandalism or terrorist acts. To this end most designers adopt simple trolley wire, with or without automatic tensioning.

K ey design principles Creating an elegant, efficient and cost-effective overhead power supply is as much an artistic endeavour as it is an engineering one, with a few key principles that require observation: Avoid visual impact clutter wherever possible, through rationalising and sharing of facilities. If equipment is required in the public space, it should either be disguised, or made into a feature; Visual impact of lineside equipment can be further minimised by integration into existing or new buildings and structures where possible or placement underground; Colour, design and equipment placement can be a key element where stakeholders can be engaged early to help generate positive project support.

Innsbruck Flexity Outlook 316 outside Wilten depot – sadly the magnificent 12th Century Wilten monastery is partly obscured. N. Pulling

376 / october 2017 ABOVE: A beautiful illustration of the OLE designer’s craft; a cross-span of polyester parafil rope with delta suspensions on Lyon’s tramway allows great views of the clear blue sky. Note also the elegant masts that incorporate street lighting and signage that follow the simple motto ‘if you can’t hide it, make it a feature’. M. Chesney/Malico adjustment for exceptional circumstances The number of supports can be minimised such as extreme temperature changes. by means of ‘bridling’, a technique which may In practice, there will be many revisions also be used in the conventional horizontal to the alignment in any new-build project as plane or the less conventional vertical plane the design proceeds. Platform and substation to enable fixings to be made to buildings clear locations may change and overbridge details of architectural or decorative features. may change; these alterations all require The number of poles can also be reduced compromises in the overhead line design. by supporting two sets of wires from one As such, very close co-operation is required pole, placed between tracks. This solution between contractors throughout the design results in a well-balanced design that puts all and installation for an optimum outcome. overhead equipment in the track area and away from pavements and walkways. Supporting structures As the poles are evenly loaded, they may be TOP: ’s Second City Crossing At each support point the contact wire must of modest size. The next best approach is to operates in a busy city centre environment; it uses be attached to poles, span wires (either use double-track bracket arm, where one pole rigid cantlievers to supply both tracks from a single stranded galvanised steel, stainless steel or supports both lines from one side, although centrally-placed mast in key locations such as synthetic materials) or structures, which can this must necessarily be of larger diameter Exchange Square. Lineside equipment is seen near TAUT be some distance from the track bearing in and height as it is loaded unevenly. the platform in the black metal cubicle. mind that the further away the fixing is, the Span wires need to be positioned where INSET: Other span wire supports on the new 2CC higher it will have to be on the structure to high road vehicles will not hit them, and line include simple building fixings. TAUT which it is being fixed. If long span wires or should be schemed so that if individual wires pull-offs cross an urban space, which may are damaged or poles are knocked down So if wall fixings are to be used, they must be required from time to time for temporary the tramway operation should be able to be agreed in principle by the client or main features such as Ferris Wheels, temporary continue without allowing the wire to fall so contractor in the very early project design block-mounted poles can be substituted. low that it becomes a hazard for pedestrians. stages, undertaking an outline or reference The positioning of permanent poles can In locations where large convoys crossing design in advance. Further opportunities be particularly challenging, with spacing the tramway’s path are expected, solutions for building fixings and for overhead line being a key consideration. Locations must need to be employed to raise and lower the rationalisation and improvement should be found where they are not likely to be contact wire. An obvious choice is to use continue to be sought throughout the life knocked down or damaged – the presence of onboard traction energy storage to remove of an urban tramway. Property owners, large, fixed obstacles near road and tramway the requirement for overhead contact for example, may develop a more positive intersections can significantly worsen the wires entirely, but if this is not practical or attitude towards the tramway when it is in consequences of a collision between a road cost-effective then technology exists for operation and benefiting them. In particular, vehicle and a tram – and a balance needs to be extendable support structures that allow the standards achieved on extensions should be found so that they can be placed as far apart wires to be raised and lowered by a few metres. retrospectively applied to existing installations. as possible to limit installation cost, but not At complex junctions, the skill of the There are a number of foundation options so far apart that the wires sag excessively. designer is in supporting the contact wires for poles. The preferred option is usually Intelligent and considered design means with minimum support structures to both steel piles, although reinforced concrete or that poles can be multi-use and enhance reduce the possibility of obstruction of sight pre-cast units that are dug into the ground the urban realm by providing additional lines and for aesthetic appeal. are suitable alternatives that require less functions such as supporting street lighting, Building fixings are always preferable extensive civil works. Pole foundations road traffic signals and signage. To maintain for overhead wire support in urban are dimensioned on the basis of the forces safety, suitable distances of usually a metre environments, but the major challenge here is applied by the contact wires, any additional or more are necessary between high-voltage one of consent and legal formality. Permission low voltage equipment (public lighting etc), tramway equipment and other equipment needs to be obtained from the building owner the geotechnical properties of supporting and accessories mounted to the poles. and detailed surveys are required to prove ground conditions and buildings and Poles must also be placed in optimum that the structure is suitable for the required structures in close proximity. locations relative to bridges and stops, due to loadings. If many such fixings are desired, the If the pole base is to be bolted onto the the wires’ design in these areas, but elsewhere process of obtaining approvals from different foundation or adjustment – with advantages the intention is to achieve an even spacing. building owners will necessarily require for future replacement – disguising the Where there is a strong visual axis along the agreements and interfaces with different base and protective covering of the bolts length of a street, the rhythm of the poles surveyors and solicitors, often creating a must be addressed. There are all manner should be considered for the street as an entity. cumbersome and time-consuming process. of ways of doing this, including decorative

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 377 Electrification

ornamentation and the application of street furniture surrounds. For aesthetic and technical reasons it is important that poles never lean, or appear to lean, towards the track. They should be installed with positive ‘rake’, leaning away until their loads are applied, pulling them near to, but never beyond, vertical. Where overhead clearance is limited, particularly under road or pedestrian footbridges, it is often sensible to fix the contact wire directly to the structure or to install a rigid overhead bar. This may also be used where the wire is required to follow a severe vertical track curve. The cost of lowering track, especially in city streets where you may find conflict with under- street utilities apparatus, has to be balanced against the cost of potentially complex A useful vehicle in any maintainers’ toolbox is a dedicated works car, although few modern systems have future maintenance. The bar may be a such assets. Blackpool Engineering car 754 is shown here in 2010. T. Stevenson standard contact wire backed up by a steel or aluminium structure, or it may be a separate conductors must be properly insulated from line, so there are great practical advantages to conductor rail of stainless-capped aluminium. earth and from the running rails. Tramways reducing their mass and size. In either case the transition to conventional will usually use a double insulated system Finials: Finials prevent water ingress into contact wire must be made with care. which simplifies the bonding requirements hollow poles and come in an almost infinite and provides the opportunity to work live on array of shapes, designs and colours, from the Wire profile and hazard analysis the finished installation. This practice also traditional ‘spike and ball’ arrangement to a The next job is deciding the vertical profile simplifies and speeds up emergency responses. design that may reflect a local theme or the of the wire. This is done with reference to Modern insulators use glassfibre or operator’s logo or corporate shape. the standards that define the required wire composite cores with silicone moulded Materials: To reduce maintenance, heights above the rail level on street, in sheathing, and cast stainless steel crimped components are best made from pedestrian areas, and segregated line, and end fittings. These are often combined with non-corroding materials such as composites then there are occasional complications stainless steel rope to produce a complete or stainless steel, or should be galvanised, of allowing abnormal loads to move under insulated span segment, or a support stitch. and, for insulators, plastics or glass-fibre the wires. These heights are relative to the The position of these insulators is chosen to reinforced plastics or composites. track, which has its own inherent gradient reduce the chances, should components fail, Remote monitoring: Bluetooth and profile, and the wire gradient relative to the of danger to pedestrians from live equipment. wireless technology has seen the advancement track is a feature on which the pantograph The alternative of insulating synthetic of technologies for the remote monitoring performance depends, defined in outline in ropes avoids the need for extra insulators, and of the height and stagger of the contact wire. international specifications. these have been used in many systems across Portable or hard-wired laser-based solutions Registration arms set the horizontal Europe in the past few decades. Cost savings of remove the need for physical interaction with position of the contact wire, the stagger, which around 20-30% per km can be seen from these the energised wires and can be used in any is alternately either side of the centre line of examples through the reduction in additional weather conditions, increasing safety and the track by a set distance of usually between components and a consequent saving in reducing maintenance costs. 75-200mm on straight track and 200-350mm installation time. Certain experience has on curves. The purpose of this is to ensure shown that these ropes can suffer from greater Finding a way forward even pantograph wear and account for factors environmental degradation in coastal and From the above considerations, it is easy to such as changing day and night-time and heavily polluted environments, and so their see that overhead line design, installation and seasonal temperatures and conditions. use must be carefully considered. maintenance is a complex process with many The result is a complex set of calculations to Where pedestrian bridges run over disciplines and interfaces. The final design produce a set of wire heights at each support overhead lines, suitable barriers such as walls, will inevitably therefore be a compromise point. There is now enough information to fences or railings must be positioned to avoid between civil and electrical requirements; produce the layout plans, showing support contact with live parts of the system. These engineering excellence and reasonable cost; points, wire heights and staggers, and the must respect local or international standards. first cost and lifecycle maintenance; and position of poles, wall fixings and special Isolation: As mentioned earlier, the artistic and political aspirations. supports, switchgear and ducting schematics. overhead contact wire is divided into Negotiating the minefield of competing Modern CAD and BIM systems allow the electrical sections that can be individually requirements and achieving an installed overhead line to be entered onto the main switched on and off. This allows part of system that is at the same time robust and civil interface drawing as a separate layer so the network to be shut down due to an visually appealing is not an easy one. Yet with interfaces can be shared with other disciplines emergency or for planned work. careful consideration, engagement and to address potential conflicts at an early stage. Such sectioning locations are related to the plenty of forward planning, tramway and The design process is accompanied by track layout, in particular near junctions and light rail overhead line equipment can indeed a comprehensive hazard analysis that emergency crossovers. These isolator switches be a pleasant addition to any cityscape, both identifies the possible risks associated with may be mounted at the pole top, with enhancing its unique identity and providing a the equipment during installation and linkages down to a handle at shoulder level, reliable power supply for decades to come. operation. Such incidents might include but the resulting assembly is cumbersome the breakage of a span wire, a pole being so it is preferable to mount such equipment toppled or damaged, or an act of vandalism in a lineside cubicle that can be more easily or terrorism. Such analyses form a strong disguised with the cables running in ducts to NOTES justification of the design and a good source the poles. Where a substation is located near This article is a compilation of material from of reliability predictions. a sectioning point, the associated switchgear various contributors, to show international will be located within the substation building. practice, and previous TAUT articles, including Safety, materials and decoration The section insulators themselves are the two excellent pieces from former Brecknell Willis Chief Engineer David Hartland (1999 and 2011). Insulation: The overhead line for most most visual of all the overhead components, Thanks are due to LRTA members David Holt tramway systems is energised at either 600V and create more maintenance effort and and David Gibson for their additions. or 750V dc and it is obvious that all the live wear and tear than any other item on the

378 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial electrifying the limmittalbahn

n 28 August, the ground-breaking ceremony took place for the new Limmattalbahn tram route linking the growing urban conurbations in the Limmattal OValley, stretching north-west of Zurich. Most of the population and commercial growth the nation’s largest city has been in the Limmattal area and this growth has put pressure on existing infrastructure, which created a need for a truly multimodal transport solution to link existing transport and facilitate further growth. The new tramline links with existing S-Bahn metro services with buses, local and long-distance trains as well as airports. Additionally, there has been an emphasis on active transport – such as walking and cycling – incorporated into the design. The project was originally conceived in 2010 with planning commencing in 2012. Formal approval was given in 2014, which allowed the tender process and design to commence. As the Limmittalbahn passes through urban areas served by different regional governments, the planning and design were unusually complex and a key consideration has been to minimise impact to the environment through noise, vibration and visual aesthetics. The electrification system is therefore a critical element of the new line. The designers and planners proposed a sleek, contemporary network to the project team to fulfil the forward-looking aspirations of the region. This design ethos applied to the stations and bridges, as well as the electrification system, to create a already busy streetscapes. The focus in comprehensive modern look. these urban areas was to create equipment LIMMATALBAHN FACTS Furrer+Frey was chosen to design and build that is small, simple and as light as possible, the electrification system for several reasons, minimising or removing the overhead T otal length: 13.4km (8.3 miles) with the main advantage being over 90 years clutter. This explains why a lower voltage was S tops: 27 of international experience in providing utilised in the inner-city area. P ower: 750V dc (urban), 1200V suburban electrification development for tramways Significant collaboration with station Max . speed: 48km/h (30mph) in mixed-traffic; and light rail systems. Furrer+Frey have a architects allowed the OLE systems to be 60km/h (37mph) on segregated routes significant depth of experience in city centres integrated with stations, minimising intrusion 9 2% segregated alignment and areas of aesthetic significance, a key and continuing the sleek, modern aesthetic. pre-requisite for this project. In suburban areas, without existing On the Limmattalbahn, Furrer+Frey has supports for the overhead line equipment, local government and residents to see and worked closely with the project architects, by working closely with architects and feel them for themselves, prior to production. planners, local government and stakeholders designers, a new structural mast was With the ground-breaking happening in to ensure the electrification system was seen developed. A sleek tapered mast using a August 2017, continued engagement proved by all as a success. Through collaboration, hollow box frame construction was installed. critical in meeting project deadlines. early engagement and a significant effort The side facing the track has a recessed With construction now underway, and to streamline communication, the best section with attachments for electrification set to continue into 2019, Furrer+Frey will solutions were developed and any residents’ equipment; this allows for attachment on the continue these successful communication concerns were addressed before detailed inside of the mast and out of view. From the and collaborative working methods to design and construction began. perspective of the general public there are no allow the benefits of the design to be carried bolts visible, just clean tapered lines. forward into construction. Urban and suburban designs Recessed foundations and lighting are There has been a split between the incorporated into the design; this removes requirements of more densely built-up the need for separate masts for electrification FIND OUT MORE inner city areas and those of suburban areas. equipment and street lights. Rows of trees, In the former, most of the electrification in-line with the OLE masts, create a visual www.furrerfrey.ch [email protected] system has been supported from adjacent segregation and further minimise impact. buildings on span wires, reducing the Furrer+Frey created a full-size mock-up in @furrerfreyGB need for new structures that could clog early 2017 that allowed planners, architects,

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2017 / 379 For almost 100 years Furrer+Frey have been developing electrification solutions for light rail, trams and metros around the world.

Furrer+Frey are experts in:

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

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

[email protected] @furrerfreyGB www.furrerfrey.ch

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See usStand at Nordic BO4:111 Rail Tianjin CATCHING UP IN NORTHERN CHINA

Line 1 had a fractured development, opening in With plans for regional conglomeration imminent, 1984, closing in 2001 and then reopening following Dennis Schulz looks at urban rail operations in a major renewal and replacement of rolling stock in 2006. It forms the core of the city’s metro network, the Chinese economic powerhouse of Tianjin. with extensions planned. This is Fuxingmen station.

ianjin is often known as as the Beyond the core, the focus for urban biggest cities of the time – Beijing, Shanghai, ‘port of Beijing’, being 130km development is the Binhai New Area; Binhai Tianjin, and Shenyang – in 1965 to address (80 miles) from the Chinese is located at the easternmost edge of Tianjin, pollution and congestion associated with capital and housing a large and while Yujiapu is the location for the planned increased road traffic. economically significant port on ‘Financial Hub’ some 50km (30 miles) away Construction on line 1 began in 1970, theT Yellow Sea’s Bohai Gulf, one of the world’s from Tianjin’s downtown core. Accordingly, according to contemporary descriptions busiest shipping routes. As the gateway to Tianjin and Binhai could easily be seen as with full-time workers supplemented by northern China, the city has also long been two separate cities. a large volunteer labour force. Using a dry an important industrial hub, supported by the Since the 2000s, urban rail planning and canal bed led to faster development, with the central government in Beijing until the 1980s. construction is gaining speed to match as consequence that the tunnel is only 2-3m With the nation’s economic opening under regional conglomeration plans advance under the surface for the original section. the administration of Deng Xiaoping, the with the planned creation of the Jing-Jin-Ji In 1976 the first section was completed, focus shifted to cities in southern China and (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) megalopolis. with four stations along a 3.6km along the east coast. Only after the previous (2.2-mile) length, but major delays were President Hu Jintao and his government Examining the network forced by reconstruction following the decided to further promote Tianjin and Tianjin’s current urban rail network planning Tangshan earthquake of 1976 and political establish a new financial hub in the ‘Binhai proposes three kinds of lines – ‘M’ lines: challenges following the death of leader Mao New Development Area’, has the city’s metro services in the urban core; ‘B’ lines: Zedong. Work on subsequent sections was development gathered momentum again. metro lines covering Binhai; and ‘Z’ lines: halted for many years. Operations finally Tianjin is one of four ‘direct-controlled suburban services for rural areas. began on the ‘completed’ 7.4km (4.7-mile) municipalities’, meaning it does not belong Whereas M and B lines use a traditional route between Tianjin Xizhan and Xinhua Lu to any province (although it maintains metro configuration in both Tianjin and (with eight stations) in 1984. the same rank) and is instead under the Binhai, Z lines will feature a more commuter The next 15 years were challenging, direct adminstration of China’s central rail-like service, similar to the German with ridership lower than expected due to government. Its population is reported as 15.5 S-Bahn or French RER specification. ‘C’ lines unreliable service and passengers finding million, but this requires consideration of have previously been listed in overviews the new mode less than inviting. The line Chinese administrative structures. The urban for Tianjin’s urban rail transit; there were remained the solitary urban rail presence in core, with its four suburbs, has a population originally four lines connecting the urban the city, but in 2001 operations were shut of around 6.9 million, with other residents core and Binhai, which will now be part of down for a comprehensive upgrade and the living in counties, towns or cities which the InterCity network from . building of an extension. Five years later, belong to the municipality – for example, the Tianjin was the second Chinese city to the route had expanded to 26.2km (16.3 Wuqing district bordering Beijing has some introduce metro service, after Beijing. miles) with 22 stations running through the 900 000 inhabitants of his own. The first proposals were drafted for China’s city’s urban core.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 381 Tianjin

Meanwhile, operations started on the Metro Group and the Binhai Mass Transit Next to open was the semi-circular line 6, ‘JinBin-Line’ (TianJIN-BINhai) – today’s line Development Co. (BMT); the latter operates connecting Tianjin North and Tianjin West 9 – in 2004. This elevated route connects and the TEDA tramway, with Tianjin railway stations. the city with the Tanggu District, where Metro responsible for all other lines. The first eight-station western section, the Tianjin Economic Development Area Line 1 runs north-west to south-east, from Changhong Gongyuan to Nancuiping, (TEDA) had been established. Both have been passing the Tianjin West railway station, opened in August 2016 with connections integrated into the Binhai New Area ever along the Nanjing Lu, one of the major to lines 2 and 3. A second section from since. Line 9 also faced a forced closure in arteries in downtown Tianjin. The line is Nansunzhuang to Nancuiping opened three 2015, with the line divided into two sections mostly underground, with elevated sections months later on 31 December, expanding the for over a year due to damage caused by a series at the northern and southern extremities. line to 21 stations. Eventually the 39-station, of explosions at a container loading area in the After the 2001 reconstruction programme, 50km (31-mile) line will, with the future Port of Tianjin, even destroying large parts of new rolling stock was introduced, adding line 5, form a loop around central Tianjin. the Donghai Lu station. Full services along the 1.5m-height platform screen doors and Line 6’s island platforms have full platform line’s entirety resumed on December 2016. extending the line to Shuanglin. screen doors and the long platforms at Further catering for growth within Line 2 is a 27.2km (16.9-mile) west-east Tianjin West railway station have been built TEDA, in 2006 a modern rubber-tyred route, connecting downtown and the main for the future provision of eight-car services. Translohr tramway system was installed with with Tianjin Binhai Line 9 starts with a short underground interchange with metro line 9; passenger International Airport (as of mid-2014) – a section from Tianjin Railway Station to services on the 8km (five-mile) north-south major cargo hub for operators serving key its previous terminus at Zhongshanmen. line with 14 stops began in 2007. The line Asian markets. A short 1.3km (0.8-mile) From here the line follows an elevated uses 25m three-section STE3 vehicles, with portion around Konggangjingjiqu is at grade, alignment towards Binhai. onboard battery power to allow running otherwise the line is entirely underground. Even with two operators, there is shared under bridges along the route. Line 3 runs for 29.7km (18.5 miles) from ticketing, barrier-free interchange and The city previously featured an extensive Gaoxinqu in the southwest to Xiaodian in integrated system mapping. network of street-running trams for just over the northeast, with a small elevated section 70 years; this dwindled over time with the for the three stations at the northern end of Stations and rolling stock last steel-wheeled vehicle running in 1972. the line and five at the southernmost end. Significant for the stations in Tianjjin is the Two more lines (2 and 3) joined the metro The significance of line 3, as opened on fact that Chinese locations have not been in 2012, but line 2 suffered severe flooding 1 October 2012, was in its connections translated, but purely converted into Latin and was forced to operate as two separate to two of the city’s main railway stations wording. For example, Binhai International shuttle services for over a year. The latest, line (Tianjin and Tianjin North) and in offering Airport remains Binhaiguojijichang, or 6, opened in two stages in late 2016. interchange to the other two lines, the Tianjin North Railway Station remains creating a true network for the first time. Beizhan. Other Chinese cities usually provide One system, two operators This line was extended to Tianjin South translations, just keeping lu or jie for road and As of July 2017, five metro lines and one station in late 2013. Line 3 has a fleet of street. This can make navigation challenging. tramline are in service. Operations and B type six-car trainsets supplied by Station design mostly follows the current maintenance are handled by Tianjin CSR Sifang. Chinese standard: generally island platforms

ABOVE: Only the ends of line 3 are above ground. CSR Qingdao Sifang supplied the stainless steel-bodied trainsets; the CRRC subsidiary also supplied line 6.

ABOVE RIGHT: Line 2 connects the city with Tianjin Binhai International Airport, with only a short section around Konggangjingjiqu featuring surface-running. A fleet of 23 six-car units were supplied by CNR Dalian in 2010-11.

LEFT: Translohr-supplied STE3 006 at the TEDA station that offers connections to line 9.

RIGHT: Beizhan on line 6 is typical of many stations, clean, modern and with signage in both Mandarin and English.

382 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LEFT: Line 9 is the only line with overhead electrification, at 1500V dc.

RIGHT: Station architecture on the newer lines is imposing and colour-coding helps line identification; this is line 9’s Citizen Plaza station. with aluminum panels, and platform screen eastbound service shares an island Catering for 130m passengers doors with coloured markings according to platform with line 9 eastbound, which With its Z lines, Tianjin is setting up a the line's colour-coding. Floor markings in on the other side has another island network of commuter rail lines within front of each door show where passengers are platform. Another track for line 9 is located the city boundaries. The high-speed expected to board and disembark. there, which is currently not in use. inter-city line between Tianjin and Beijing Line 1 uses mostly side platforms and its Line 3 access is located in B4. was the first in China and carries passengers stations follow an older design, although Currently all lines use B type trains of at over 320km/h (200mph); it is already renovation has improved this massively. a similar design, manufactured by CNR at near capacity and a second route and Tianjin Railway Station’s metro access is a Changchun (lines 1 and 9), CNR Dalian extended network connecting the city with vast underground structure. Being cost- (line 2) and CSR Qingdao Sifang (lines 3 its neighbouring province and nearby cities sensitive, one wonders whether this was and 6). For future lines 7 and 8, B1-A type is under construction. necessary. Subway access is in the northern trains have been considered, whereas lines What will be interesting is what effect side, so when arriving at the southern – 10 and 11 will also use B type trains. Lines the Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) and more representative – side, intending Z2 and Z4 have been designed based upon plan of the central government has for passengers need to walk through a long tunnel A type trains: Z2 will use six-car units while further integrating Beijing, Tianjin and to cross the railway infrastructure below. Z4 will operate eight-car trains, both with a the province Hubei surrounding them into Level B1 provides the railway’s arrival area, maximum speed of 120km/h (75mph). one ‘megalopolis’ with a population of over with several retail outlets and restaurants. Lines 1, 2, 3 and 6 all use third rail 130 million. Below this in B2 is the concourse for the electrification at 825V dc, while line 9 uses Finally, China’s major cities are still subway, while level B3 hosts platforms for 1500V dc overhead supply at 1500V dc with developing at breakneck speed – five years lines 2 and 9. The layout is unusual as line 2 pantograph current collection. All lines are from now the whole design, with its 24 urban westbound has a side platform, while the 1435mm gauge. transit lines, may not be sufficient… fu ture PLANNING Current forecats propose 24 urban transit lines in total, a description of what is known about each is provided below

Op erational Line Termini Start of operation Stations Length (km) Notes M1 Liuyuan – Caijingdaxue 1984 22 26.2 M2 Caozhuang – Binhai Guojijichang 2012 20 27.2 M3 Xiaodian – Nanzhan 2012 26 30.8 M6 Nansunzhuang – Nancuiping 2016 26 24.0 M9 Tianjin Zhan – Donghai Road 2004 21 52.8 Total 160.9

Planning / under Construction Li Ter Start of Planned start L N ne mini construction of operation Stations ength (km) otes M5 Beichengkejiyuanbei – Liqizhuang 2012 2017 28 33.6 M6 Shuishanggongyuan Donglu – Meilinglu 2012 2017 13 17.6 Southern extension M1 Shuanglin – Shuangqiaohe 2014 2017 TBC TBC Eastern extension M4 Dongnanjiao – Xinxingcun 2015 2019 33 41 M8 Ziyanglu – Qishuidao 2017 2020 18 20 M10 Liyuantou – Yudongcheng 2016 2020 20 21 Phase 1: Southern section, total 43.2 M7 Yuguandao – Saidabazhilu 2016 2021 21 26.5 Phase 1 M11 Shuishanggongyuan – Liujinglu 2016 2021 22 25.4 Phase 1 M12 Zhao Zhuang – Dasi TBC TBC TBC TBC M13 Dajuenzi – Qilihai TBC TBC TBC TBC B1 Huanggangxinjiayuan – Linganggongyequ 2016 2020 22 31.3 North-South B2 Beitangshuiku – Huangquancun TBC TBC TBC TBC B3 Jiafenglu – Nanjianghaishiju TBC TBC TBC TBC B4 Yiliu – Linhailu TBC TBC TBC TBC B5 Yiulunmugang – Linganggongyequ TBC TBC TBC TBC B6 TBC TBC TBC TBC B7 TBC TBC TBC TBC Z1 Ziyachanyeyuan – Yujiapu TBC 2022 TBC 115 Z2 Binhaiguojijichang – Wuqing TBC 2020 TBC 115 Z3 Jixianxincheng – Nangangshenghuoqu TBC TBC TBC 200 170-200km Z4 Xinchengyi – Hancailu TBC 2020 TBC 43.7 Phase 1 Total 690.1 Line M12 and M13 do not appear to be finally defined as different route The Z system will start with small portions of each line, while their complete descriptions are available from official sources.F or the Binhai Metro only length will be >100km (60 miles) each, largely covering rural areas. For limited information is currently available; it seems that lines B6 and B7 do example, Phase I of line Z2 will have a lengths of 39.1km (24.3 miles) with 13 not yet have fixed routes. stations, whereas the total project length is 115km (71.5 miles).

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 383 Milan

Milan’s tramway has remained the Milan systems country’s biggest system, despite the ITALY city also creating by factfile far the longest metro operation in Italy. No. Milan, Neil Pulling pays 120 Italy a visit to the north.

ilano (Milan) was (gate)-named locations. Surrounded ABOVE: An with ATM identifying 2.5 million a political giant by motorways, plus having above 80-year generation residents in its catchment and around and significant the national average car ownership, gap: Ventotto 1893 2 million daily journeys. centre atmospheric pollution remains a and 2008-built Milan is a focus of national railway AnsaldoBreda Sirio long before Italian major issue. ‘Area C’ congestion 7608 at Milano Porta services, most apparent at the Milano unificationM in 1870, and it remains charging has been in effect since 2012, Genova station. Centrale on the north-eastern edge of the country’s main financial and there have been short-term bans the central zone. There are also stations centre with a strong background in on private vehicles. on the Trenord regional and suburban manufacturing. It is the capital of the Tramways from surrounding lines with varying levels of tramway Lombardy region and Italy’s second towns like Monza preceded the city interchange. Normal tramlines are largest city with approximately lines. A mainly level site encouraged numbered 1-33, most buses from 34 1.35 million residents and, subject to installation of horse-drawn lines. and trolleybuses (filobus) 90-93; metro definition, between 3.2 and 4 million These lasted until 1901, with the services (Metropolitana di Milano) are in the metropolitan area. electric network expanded under numbered M1-M5, currently without Despite its ancient origins, Milan the Edison company and passing M4, which is not expected to open is far from representative of classical to municipal ownership in 1917. before 2022. ATM additionally runs Italy and today’s tourism success is The public transport network is line 179, a surviving interurban line broadly based. Good transport links, now run under a service contract by from north-west Milan to Limbiate. a cultural mix including fashion, the Commune of Milan’s Azienda The Passante cross-city heavy rail line football (with two top teams in the Trasporti Milanesi (ATM). on a north-west to south-east axis country’s premier Serie A league), art When founded in 1931, the opened in sections between 1999 and and opera draw year-round visitors. emphasis was firmly on the tramway, 2008. Joining with existing routes, Milan’s core is the Centro Storico, reflected in ATM’s original name, yet it helped to offset poor connections mostly within the medieval walls today’s network consists of trams, All pictures by caused by Milan’s termini being which also bequeathed many Porta buses, trolleybuses and metro lines, Neil Pulling. outside the city centre.

384 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

THE FLEET The 4600 and 4700 series of two-section 19.8m trams date from the mid-1950s; they came from Padua-based Stanga and Milan’s Breda, the latter one of the Ventotto builders. The 100 4900 series three-section, 29.3m 270-capacity ‘Jumbotrams’ from 1976 came from Fiat Ferroviaria and Stanga. Launched in 2014, the latest modernisation is by AnsaldoBreda, now . This includes a lifting platform for wheelchairs, air-conditioning, LED lighting and new interiors. ATM notes the type’s reliability, identifying a 70% saving on the rebuilds over a new equivalent. Milan’s first low-floor stock was the 7000-seriesEurotram ; a design with Italian origins, 26 were built 1999-2002. ATM has the smallest of the Eurotram fleets, these 34.1m seven-section trams with a passenger capacity of 265 are now concentrated on the 10km (six-mile) line 15 which runs south from the city centre. Two versions of AnsaldoBreda’s fully low-floor, air-conditioned Sirio are the most modern of the fleet, built between 2002 and 2009. The slightly earlier seven-section 7100 series (7101-7148) supported the Metrotranvia additions. They are 35.4m long, with capacity for 285, 71 seated. A 26.5m five-section version which carries the Sirietto name is represented by the similar 7500 ABOVE: Sirio 7106 at Cascina California on an upgraded former interurban line, of which the (35 built) and 7600 (33) series, capacity 206 (54 seated). final section, Desio to Niguarda (in the background here), closed in 2011. The green as carried by the 7100 series extended to the Sirietto, but their standard finish became a version of the yellow and white/cream adopted for the Ventotto from 2008. ATM has issued a tender for 80 double-ended 23-26m trams, 30 of which would be for the Limbiate and Desio interurban lines.

ABOVE: The tramway’s remaining visual presence at Piazza del Duomo: Jumbotram 4988 passes Milan Cathedral with a northbound line 12 service on 30 March 2017.

LEFT: Cairoli stop, sited above the M1 metro station. Closed for rebuilding, there is another tramline between here and Sforzesco Castle in the background.

RIGHT: Tram 4604 with a line 2 service by the Naviglio Grande (Grand Canal), an old industrial area attracting residential development.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 385 Milan

Limbiate

31 Cinisello Balsamo Primo Maggio

M1

Sesto 1 Maggio FS

M5 Bignami 179 Niguarda M3 (Parco Nord) Comasina 4 12 19 Roserio DEPOT Ospedale Sacco 7 Cologno Nord / Gessate Ospedale Precotto Maggiore Deposito M2 (Niguarda) 5 Piazzale Cimitero Maggiore ABOVE: With collection restored 14 2 Piazzale and in a Milan livery lasting about 40 years, a 1 Bausan Rho Fiera Milano San Francisco Peter Witt in November 2012. Piazza Greco Castelli Rovereto 1 Viale Lunigiana 10 M1 33 9 DEPOT Lambrate DEPOT 19 33 Rimembranze M5 di Lambrate 16 San Siro Stadio 4 5 Ortica 24 15 27 DEPOT 3

M1 12 Viale Molise

Bisceglie 16 Via 10 Monte Velino Piazza 24 Maggio The ATM tramway is uni-directional Lorenteggio 27

DEPOT Viale and has the unusual 1445mm gauge, Piazzale Ungheria as seen in Rome and Turin. This ‘Italian 14 2 Negrelli gauge’ was the national standard until the 1930s, when the country adopted the 1435mm ‘standard’ gauge. M3 Much retains a traditional character. Abbiategrasso M2 Street-running is commonplace, with San Donato trams interspersed with other road traffic. Special lanes are shared by other 24 public transport and taxis. From 2003, Vigentino the Metrotranvia project added more segregated rights of way to allow faster network facts running at the system’s outer edges. ATM’s 2015 identification of 170km Opened: 1881 (electrification from 1893) (105.6 miles) of tramway relates to

3 Lines: 16 combined route; other sources suggest M2 Gratosoglio Approx. weekday hours: Via Baroni 115km (72 miles). At around the Assago Milanofiori Forum 05.00-01.00 (wide variations) peak of tramway coverage in Milan, Frequencies: 5-10 minutes (variations) trolleybuses were introduced in 1933. Gauge: 1445mm After some expansion, these reduced in Power: 600V dc, overhead supply importance. All some distance from the Rozzano centre, the system’s core is the circuit Via Cabrini Fleet: 334 formed by lines 90/91; with off-shoots, 15 City network/operator: Azienda Trasporti Milanesi – www.atm.it this approximates to 40km (25 miles). The complex road layout with a mass Civic information: www.comune.milano.it of intersections is the main reason why Rozzano progress by tram can be very slow. It is Guido Rosso Tourist information: easy then to see why metro – almost all www.turismo.milano.it below ground – was adopted; at around

386 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

LEFT: Eurotram 7003 at Piazza Fontana in March 2017. Under ATM’s April 2017 changes, the line 15 city terminus is now at Duomo (Via Dogana).

BELOW: From a series introduced in 1955, 4723 is at Via Farini Via Ferrari, the stop overlooked by the Sanctuary of St. Anthony of Padua.

LEFT: With metro M5 reaching the San Siro stadium in April 2015, the multiple sidings for trams handling match-day crowds were removed: Jumbotram 4916 leaves the rebuilt loop.

RIGHT: Sirio 7140 at Parco Nord – Centro Scolastico on the northern Metrotranvia line in November 2010 where line 31 was introduced in 2008.

BELOW: Outbound Eurotram 7016 at Porta Ludovica on line 15. The southern end of this line is receiving a long-delayed 1.8km extension from Rozzano Via Cabrini terminus.

100km (62 miles) this is now longer ABOVE: A circuit of converging tracks was large system convergence, Ticinese is than all the Italian metros combined. Sirietto pair ended by an order in 1926. This was the oldest depot, opened in 1885 for Despite the growth of ATM’s metro, outside Stazione ascribed to trams being inappropriate horse-drawn lines. Similarly close which opened the first line in 1964 Centrale. Part of at such a revered site – or getting in to central Milan and also tightly the remodelling and a fourth by 2013, the tramway has the way of influential people with hemmed in by surrounding on this side of the a strong central presence. station, the stop cars. However, trams remain a short buildings, Messina opened in 1912. Making a virtue of protracted was formerly distance from the Duomo, with nearby An expansion in 1927 used the same journeys, trams – particularly the distinguished as Piazza Cordusio now the main central style and it is regarded as a classic of many high-floor types – are ideal Piazza IV Novembre. concentration. Further north, trams industrial design. In contrast with for sampling the city sights and on Piazza Castello pass close to the these and the Leoncavallo site which atmosphere. The great majority of lines Sforzesco Castle and Sempione Park. was restored after severe war damage, either pass through or have a terminus Like the tram fleet they serve, the the 2007 Precotto tram facility is not in the city centre. Their presence on the maintenance facilities mix the very accessed directly from encircling square outside the Duomo (cathedral) old with the modern era. Near Porta streets. Much more spacious, it is on where they turned on the ‘carousel’ Ticinese towards the south-west, a a site shared with the first 1964 Milan

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org october 2017 / 387 Milan metro depot. The compound is at the northern end of tramline 7, near to two tram tunnels, one containing Arcimboldi Ateneo Nuovo stop. Compared to ATM’s online promotion of metro, little encourages visitors to use the tram. If there is an official tramway map showing streets and stops, such useful information does not seem to have made the public domain. The ATM website includes the all-mode Giromilano journey planner, but an overall system view would assist those with little pre-knowledge of the area or services. Amongst Milan’s tram roster, old and diverse in the western European context, the 1500 series is emblematic of the system and remains essential. It has been around long enough to accumulate alternative names – the Carelli, or the Ventotto (28) in reference to the production series from 1928, or Peter Witt due to the design developed under the Cleveland (US) ABOVE: Halting the traffic as paperwork railway commissioner. There were 500 is checked, Sirietto 7630 awaits an evening production models (over 100 remain return to Messina depot. available for service), licence-built up to 1930 by six Italian suppliers. RIGHT: Despite access restrictions, central Their robust basic structure has Milan is not a place for rapid journeys. enabled several rebuilds, most importantly during the system’s BELOW: A genuine yet practical classic restoration after World War Two. with popular appeal, Milan’s Ventotto. Not easy to board or alight for those with restricted mobility, the 13.9m Ventotto is nevertheless spacious, comfortable, provides good views and by virtue of drop-down windows, natural ventilation. Such qualities are also appreciated by San Francisco’s Market Street Railway, which regularly use its Milan imports, identifying 11 examples in its care. ATM’s current tram liveries are green, in a simplified form reflecting the years 1930-70 and its replacement, a solid orange that remains on many Jumbotrams. Interpretations of a pre-1930s yellow (Giallo Milano) plus white/cream colourscheme have followed since its revival in 2010, the most recent being on the latest Jumbotram rebuilds. essential facts L ocal travel: Network maps and specific line information are at stops, but printing an internet-sourced tramway map in advance will assist travel. An observed proneness to not changing destination displays on trams at termini may confuse those without local knowledge. To navigate by smartphone and access some ticketing options, the ATM Milano app is available via ATM’s website. Tickets available from machines, in metro stations and at the in-city Linate airport (bus 73 to M1 Piazza San Babila); also agency outlets (newspaper stands, tobacconists, bars). For all modes in most of the urban area single tickets are EUR1.50, valid for 90 minutes from validation; ‘One Day’ (24 hours from validation) at EUR4.50; 48 hours at EUR8.25. What is there to see? In the centre are the Duomo, La Scala opera house and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Opened in 1877 and still the shop-windows for upmarket brands, the Galleria owes much to the industrial engineering of the era. Milano Centrale station is a multi-level epic of railway construction and includes features linked with the fascist administration after 1922. Picturesque and more relaxed than the centre, the Navigli (canal) district with many restaurants and bars is a short walk from Porta Genova. Tours of the spectacular Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – home of both AC Milan and Internazionale (Inter Milan) football teams – better known by the district name, San Siro, are available (tramline 16, metro M5). Also on tramline 16 is the Musei di Milano at Santa ABOVE: One of the extensively rebuilt Jumbotrams, only the nose Maria Della Grazie, home of Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’. of 4902 survives the advertising wrap to display the latest version of ATM’s current livery.

388 / october 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org “I very much enjoyed “The presentations, increased informal Manchester networking, logistics networking opportunities and atmosphere were in such a superb venue. excellent. There was a The 12th Annual Light Rail common agreement Conference quite clearly 18-19 July 2017 among the participants marked a coming of age that the UK Light Rail as the leader on light rail Conference is one of worldwide, as evidenced the best in the industry.” by the depth of analysis The UK Light Rail Conference and exhibition is the Simcha Ohrenstein – from quality speakers and CTO, Jerusalem LRT the active participation of premier knowledge-exchange event in the industry. Transit Masterplan key industry players and suppliers in the discussions.” With unrivalled networking opportunities, and a Ian Brown CBE – 75% return rate for exhibitors, it is well-known as Director, UKTram THE place to do business and build valuable and “This event gets better long-lasting relationships. every year; the 2018 dates are in the diary.” Peter Daly – Sales & There is no better place to gain true insight into the Services Manager, Thermit Welding (GB) Voices workings of the sector and help shape its future. V from the T o discuss how you can be part of it, industry… visit us online at www.mainspring.co.uk “An excellent conference as always. or telephone +44 (0) 1733 367600 Well done for such a well-organised and “I had a great time in highly-informative Manchester. Thank you for MEDIA PARTNER ORGANISED BY event.” everything, the conference David Hand was a great success.” Global Lead for LRT Ana M. Moreno – & Divisional Director General Manager, Mott MacDonald Tranvía de Worldwide Review

AUSTRALIA SYDNEY. Patronage on the line has climbed to 10m trips/year, with peak overcrowding common. From 21 August extra services were added to introduce an eight-minute headway, but this is the maximum with the existing fleet and infrastructure. Sydney Morning Herald

AUSTRIA LINZ. Work will start in November on the new rail bridge over the Donau river. It will feature dual-gauge tracks for 900mm- gauge trams and 1435mm- gauge light rail. Opening is scheduled for 2020. TR STERN & HAFFERL. ET 23.111 has moved to the Vöcklamarkt – Attersee line, where it will serve as a works car. EB WIEN (Vienna). The last two B1 Siemens ULF trams, 800/1, have now entered service, bringing to an end a production run of 342 (including ten for Oradea). The first Alstom Citadis X05 tram for Sydney has been delivered. Alstom E1 tram 4783 and c3 trailer 1260 have been sent to the HSM TORONTO. Bombardier delivered Chengdu line 6, and 78 cars that tramway museum at Wehmingen SÃO PAULO. CPTM will start low-floor tram 4442 in August, but CRRC Changchun is building for near Hannover. service on metro line 13 in the first it is reported that 4443/4 missed Chongqing line 4. IRJ U-Bahn line U1 was extended half of 2018, 12.2km (7.6 miles) the deadline for shipment from KUNMING. The city’s fourth by 4.6km (2.9 miles) from linking Safira station on line 12 Thunder Bay. metro line, the 23.4km (14.5-mile) Reumannplatz to Oberlaa from and Guarulhos International The first track on the 19km east-west line 3, was inaugurated 2 September (opening ceremony Airport. Tenders have been invited (11.8-mile) Eglinton Crosstown on 29 August. RGI the day before). Tramline 67 was for eight eight-car trains with LRT line was laid on 11 August; NANCHANG. Trial operation on cut back from Reumannplatz to luggage provision. IRJ CAD27.7m (EUR18.4m) is being the 19.6km (12.2-mile) second Otto-Probst-Platz from the same spent creating a new permanent metro line, from Metro Central date. Route 58 was withdrawn and BULGARIA way yard at Hillcrest workshops, (interchange with line 1) to Nanlu replaced by extensions to lines Sia of . Seven bids have been replacing various yards in the city. in the south-west suburbs, started 10 (Hietzing) and 60 received for a BGN40.4m The new facility will open in 2018. on 18 August. IRJ (Westbahnhof). Lines 2 and 44 (EUR20.7m) contract for the As discussions continue exchanged western termini. DS, EB reconstruction of the tramline about their replacement with EGYPT linking central Sofia with the a conventional metro, the 32- AL QAHIRA (Cairo). On BANGLADESH southern neighbourhood of year old Scarborough RT fleet is 15 August a USD1.24bn contract DHAKA. A JPY40bn (EUR3.04m) Knyazhevo south. The EU-funded suffering advanced corrosion was signed with a consortium of rolling stock and depot contract project envisages works to be and TTC is seeking permission AVIC International and China for the planned metro was awarded completed within 20 months. to award a CAD6.8m (EUR4.5m) Railway Group for the 66km to a consortium of Kawasaki contract to Bombardier to carry (41-mile) express light rail line and Mitsubishi on 2 August, the out remedial work to keep the cars planned to serve the eastern same day as the ground-breaking HAMILTON. T he Onta r io running for a further ten years. suburbs of the city. RGI for construction work on the provincial government has D. Drum ISKANDARIYA (Alexandria). 19.9km (12.4-mile) north-south given its approval to the planned WINDSOR. The mayor has The only connection between elevated line. The consortium 14km (8.7-mile) light rail project, proposed a heritage tramway along the urban and suburban tramway will supply 24 six-car trains for following submission of an the waterfront using a restored systems is now line 15 (Ras El Tin delivery in 2019. RGI amended environmental review. 1886 tram. Windsor was the – Ramleh Station), which provides Councillors have backed the first Canadian city to introduce a 15-minute service using three BELGIUM line being operated by unionised electric trams; its first-generation renovated Ganz sets. BRUXELLES/BRUSSEL. HSR operators, rather than a system closed in 1939. D. Drum Six refurbished ex-København The planned De Lijn link from private operator. D. Drum Düwag articulated trams have Heysel to Brussels Airport will MISSISSAUGA. A Request for CHINA been equipped with pantographs now be a so-called trambus Proposals for a DBFO contract HONG KONG. A 13% fare increase and operate as the supplementary ‘in order to offer customer for the 20km (12.4-mile) light will be implemented in early suburban line 2 between a new relief from traffic congestion rail line from Port Credit to 2018, the first for six years. The turning circle at Gamea Ibrahim, as soon as possible’. EUR90m Gateway was issued on 17 August. adult single will rise to HKD2.60 150m north of Ramleh station, to will be spent on the project The contract should be awarded (EUR0.28), and the monthly ticket San Stefano (out via Ramsis, back to provide a high-quality to one of the three shortlisted to HKD220 (EUR23.6). SCMP via Safar). They run to and from bus service on a protected consortia (Huronatario Light Rail INDUSTRY. Bombardier and Karmous city depot each day. right-of-way by 2019. T-2000 Connection Partners, Mobilinx New United Group have won two Regular suburban lines CHARLEROI. The first test tram and Trillium Transit Partners) in contracts to supply metro traction 1 and 2 continue to link Ramleh along the rebuilt Route de Thuin 2018, with the aim of carrying equipment for 600 metro cars Station and El Nasr using the was 7412 on 25 August. T-2000 passengers in 2022. D. Drum that CRRC Sifang is building for double-ended Japanese sets

390 / OCTOBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org (some including double-deckers). RHEIN-NECKAR. The two Two of the six double-deck trams, ex-Helsinki trams, 237/44, had 221/4, have been converted to café not entered service by late August. trams. Düwag trams 814/30/58/85 DB Regio has ordered 57 were destroyed by fire during the three-car EMUs from Siemens 2015 riots. In April renovated to provide S-Bahn service in the Düwags in green livery were Mannheim/Heidelberg area from 805/10/25/36/48/69/73/81/6, December 2020. IRJ with 803 being worked on in the workshops. Refurbished GREECE red trams are 833/54/9, while ATHINA. Fo u r c on s or t i a refurbished blue trams (for tourist responded to the request for service) are 867/93/9. The order expressions of interest to build for 15 new 22m articulated trams and equip the 13km (eight-mile) from Tatra-Jug includes an option metro line 4: GEK Terna/Vinci/ for a further 30. Siemens; J&P Avax/Ghella/ The ex-Berlin/Potsdam KT4D Alstom; Aktor/Hitachi Rail Italy; shipped to Egypt were purchased FCC/Archirodon/Mytilineos. by a private dealer who has them in Construction is due to start from a warehouse in the city and hopes Alsos Veikou to Goudi in 2019. to sell them to the undertaking A fleet of 18 trains will be required at a 20% margin. BT as part of the contract. IRJ

FINLAND INDIA HELSINKI. H K L a n d HYDERABAD. F r e n c h Bombardier have reportedly consultants are being lined up to reached an agreement that will carry out a study for a 2.9km (1.8- see the 39-strong Variotram fleet mile) tramway shuttle in the city withdrawn by the end of 2018, centre. Times of India with Bombardier making a payment of EUR33m. INDONESIA As reported last issue, two JAKARTA. A contract has been vehicles have been sent to RNV signed for the installation of in Germany, which will evaluate track, electrification and control them on its lines in Mannheim, systems for the light metro, under Heidelberg and Ludwigshafen. construction to open in time for They will stay in Germany until the Asian Games in August 2018. Shenzen tram LH1011 leads a four-car set at Da He on 25 July. Siemens-supplied at least January 2018. L. Kangas The 5.8km (3.6-mile) line are charged at stops to enable catenary-free running. H. Pulling between Kelaspa gading and the FRANCE Velodrome will be worked by eight Bus , light rail, car- LATVIA STRASBOURG. During seven two-car trains supplied by sharing and private car usage. LIEPAYA. Tenders have been weeks of the summer holidays, the Hyundai Rotem. RGI The council said that expert invited for the delivery of new 23-year-old subway tram tracks SURABAYA. The government advisers will be appointed by the 100% low-floor four-axle trams, a under the railway station were has allocated funding for the end of year. Limerick Reader 19-20.5m car, 2.3m wide with 37 completely replaced. F. continued development of an seats and standing space for 120. DS 11.4km (7.1-mile) north-south ITALY RIGA. The tramway will receive GERMANY tram line that could be carrying BERGAMO. The agreement for EUR65.5m in EU Cohesion BERLIN. BVG is seeking to passengers before the end of 2019; the construction of a second light Funds to improve the system’s set aside EU tendering rules 25 cars will be required, including rail line was signed on 27 July. infrastructure. A new line to and place a direct order with stock for a second, 6.8km Line T2 will share T1 tracks for Skanska will be built, and 12 more Stadler Pankow for 20 new four-car (4.2-mile), stage. Jakarta Post 1.6km (one-mile) from Bergamo new trams ordered. ec.europa.eu U-Bahn trains, citing emergency FS to San Fermo, continuing north needs for more stock. rbb24 IRAN on 9.9km (6.2 miles) of new line MALAYSIA BOCHUM – GELSENKIRCHEN. SHIRAZ. The 10.5km (6.5-mile) to Villa d’Alme. The construction KUALA LUMPUR. T h e Line 310 is to operate over the extension of metro line 1 from cost is estimated at EUR145.1m, MYR1.56bn (EUR3.07m) rolling new alignment for Langendreer- Vali-e Asr to Shahid Dastgheyb with 11 LRVs costing an additional stock contract for 42 six-car Süd on 7 October. DS was opened on 22 August. RGI EUR39.6m. A contract should automated light metro trains for HALLE. Plans have been revealed TEHRAN. The branch of metro be awarded in mid-2018. IRJ the 37km (23-mile) line LRT3 to extend line 5 to a new terminus line 1 was extended to Imam project has been awarded to a at Bad Dürrenberg Markt. Khomeini International Airport JAPAN consortium including CRRC The existing turning circle will on 7 August, and rebranded HIROSHIMA. Mitsubishi has Zhuzhou and Siemens. The line be retained for heritage tramway as a separate line 8 (26.2km/ been awarded a contract for 11 from Bandar Utma to Johan Setia is operation. The EUR3m project 16.3 miles to interchange with six-car, aluminium-bodied due to be opened in August 2020. will be completed in 2018. DS line 1 at Shahed). RGI automated guideway trains to IRJ KASSEL. The latest low-floor replace existing stock on the trailer to enter service is 504 (ex- IRELAND 18.4km (11.4-mile) New Transit Rostock 751), operating with LIMERICK. The City and County Line 1 (Astram). The new trains PORT LOUIS – CUREPIPE. articulated tram 603. It will be Council has announced that it will be delivered from 2019. RGI A USD572m design/build contract followed by 505 (ex-Rostock is to consider light rail as part for the 26km (16.2-mile) light rail 859) and 506 (ex-Rostock 761). of a “comprehensive transport KAZAKHSTAN line was signed with Larsen & Partly low-floor trams 461/8 have strategy” for the city region that ASTANA. Chinese companies Toubro on 31 July; construction been scrapped. H. Menzel it is drawing up with the National are building the 22km (13.7-mile) began in early September. MAINZ. Line 52 trams have Transport Authority. light rail line linking the airport The project is fully-funded reversed at Zollhafen since The partnership will study all and new railway station on the east by grant/credit from the Indian 13 August, instead of Ingelheimer transportation modes, including side of the central area; 19 trams Government, and will eventually Aue. DS walking, cycling, buses, coaches, will be supplied from China. OR require 30 LRVs, though the

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ORSK. Eight LM-99 bogie trams SWITZERLAND dating from 2004-06 have joined BASEL. The last Be6/8 trams the fleet from Moskva where they transferred to Sofia were 667/76/ were 3019/22/6/8/35/9/43/5. 8-81/3, in September. F. Roski Orsk fleet numbers have not yet BERN. Trams were re-introduced been allocated. transphoto.ru on line 3 to Weissenbühl from ROSOV-NA-DONU. The fleet 14 August on completion of of 71-911 Citystar trams from infrastructure work. Tram PK Transportnye Systemy is GENEVE. Due to a shortage of being increased from 17 to 30 depot space as new trams are in time for the 2018 FIFA World delivered, withdrawn Be4/6 Cup football matches. N. Semyonov 803/21/6/34/45 are being stored on SANKT PETERBURG. PK the Carouge turning circle. Tram Transportnye Systemy has LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS – been awarded a RUR255m SAIGNELÉGIER (CJ). BDe4/4 (EUR3.3m) deal for three 621, assembled in 1991 using 71-922 Varyag three-section parts from older rolling stock, 100% low-floor 22m articulated has been scrapped. EA trams for delivery before the end LUGANO – PONTE TRESA At one time, three-car trains of Konstal bogie cars were common on Polish of the year. They will be joined (FLP). A planning application tramways. The last Krakow sets were withdrawn in 2016 and their use on Warszawa line 31 has ceased due to construction works. In spring 2017 Gdansk reformed a by three Vityaz-M cars from the has been submitted for federal three-car set (1350+1349+1346) to operate for the summer, working from Nowy Port same company. approval for the 4km (2.5-mile) depot – seen here passing the shipyard (Stocznia Gdansk) on 22 July. Mike Russell The only competing bid came line branching off the existing from Elektrotransport, however line at Bioggio-Molinazzo and initial order will be for 18. new seats and lighting, despite being cheaper the bid running through a 2.3km (1.4- Passenger service should start and new driver controls. InfoTram was rejected on the grounds of mile) subway to reach a new on half the line in 2019 and the KRAKOW. After a decision to non-compliant documentation. underground station at Lugano remainder in 2021. IRJ award the contract for new trams Transmashholding subsidiary FFS station, continuing on surface to Solaris/Stadler was overturned OEVRZ began the delivery of tracks to the city centre. Nine 45m MEXICO in the Court of Appeal, MPK 27 six-car Yubileyny metro trains tram-trains will be needed when MEXICO CITY. Tenders have has selected Pesa as preferred on 7 August; a total of 15 trains are the new line opens in 2020. IRJ been invited for a study of bidder for 35 new single-ended due for delivery by the end of ZÜRICH. VBZ is considering possible express rail links to the Krakowiak II trams for delivery in the year with the balance ready the purchase of nine Be4/8 new airport, due to replace Benito 2018-19. The contract is valued to enter service in 2018. They articulated trams with low-floor Juárez International Airport in at PLN299.2m (EUR70.2m) and were built at the Oktyabrsky centre sections from BLT in Basel 2020-21. STC is planning the there is an option for a further Electric Railway Car Repair plant. to fill the gap until its own new extension of metro line 9 from 15 cars. The tender specifies OEVRZ is also supplying fleet is delivered. More trams are Tacubaya to Observatorio. RGI that two protoypes must be 20 eight-car trains under a separate needed from December for lines equipped for up to 3.5km (2.2 contract, with final deliveries 8 and 15. The Basel trams (200 miles) of off-wire running. RGI due in 2020. RGI series) are younger than VBZ’s AMSTERDAM. A mock-up of TULA. The last Tatra T3SU trams, Tram-2000 series. Tram the new CAF-built 15G tram was QATAR from 1982-86, were withdrawn presented at Lekstraat depot on DOHA. The first four metro trains on 9 August. transphoto.ru THAILAND 18 July, carrying the R-Net livery. were unloaded at Hamad Port on BANGKOK. Bombardier is Further to last month’s news, the 20 August after a 21-day sea voyage SINGAPORE to supply automated monorail new north-south metro line will from Kobe in Japan. Kinkisharyo MASS RAPID TRANSIT. A trains to two private companies: be line 52 running from Noord to is supplying 75 automated three- bilateral agreement with Malaysia 42 four-car Innovia 300 trains Station Zuid via Centraal Station, car trains for the first phase of the will be signed before the end of will operate the 34.5km Vijzelgracht and Europaplein. system, due to open in 2020. IRJ the year permitting the (21.4-mile) Pink line from Khai From March 2019 line 51 will be construction of an MRT line from Rai to Minburi, and 30 four- cut back from Amstelveen and RUSSIA Woodlands North to Johor Bahru, car trains on the 30.4km diverted to Isolatorweg to permit KAZAN. The firstBKM845 tram to to be opened by the end of 2024. (21.4-mile) Yellow line from the Amstelveen alignment to be be delivered by Belkommunmash The heavy rail shuttle currently Ladprao to Samrong. The trains rebuilt for low-floor trams only was 1362 on 8 August. transphoto.ru providing service 26 times/day will be assembled in China (lines 5 and 25). OR KOLOMNA. The new tram order will cease service at that time. RGI and should enter service in 2020. DEN HAAG. The front end reported last month would see The lines are being built under of articulated tram 3004 has the delivery of 71-407 cars from a 30-year PPP contract. RGI been relocated to a restaurant in Uraltransmash. N. Semyonov ALACANT. FGV has awarded Voorburg that will open later this MAGNITOGORSK. On 9 August Valencia a EUR35.8m UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC year as Trammmhuys. It is owned a leasing deal was signed for 15 new contract for six electro-diesel LRVs DUBAI. The Red and Green line by the same firm as the Hoftrammm 71-623 trams from Ust-Katav, with that will operate the upgraded metros carried 100.56m riders in restaurant tram. digitaletram.nl delivery in the first half of 2018. service on the 50.8km (31.6- the first half of 2017, compared transphoto.ru mile) Denia – Benidorm line 9, with 96.49m in the same POLAND MOSKVA. Tatra T3SU 5729, which is to receive EUR36.2m in period of 2016. Dubai Tram ELBLAG. Services returned dating from 1986, is now driver infrastructure improvements. recorded 3.087m riders to normal from 1 August after training tram 00303 working They will be able to operate compared with 2.535m last year. extensive infrastructure works. from Krasnopresenskoye depot. through-service to Alacant over Bus traffic was 77.69m in the Lines 1, 2 and 4 have resumed transphoto.ru the 43.2km (26.8-mile) electrified first six months of 2017, compared their routes and temporary lines 9 NIZHNIY NOVGOROD. The line from Benidorm if required, with 69.92m in the same period and T2 withdrawn. InfoTram tram/trolleybus/bus fare was replacing the 2500-class DMUs. last year. Gulf Business GDANSK. Tram 1502, a 1997-built increased from RUB20 (EUR0.29) In July the five lines of the vehicle and one of the oldest low- to RUB28 (EUR0.40) from 15 light rail system carried 1 085 112 UNITED KINGDOM floor cars in Poland, has been August, but a new feature is a passengers, up 1.7% on the same BLACKPOOL. Events at the refurbished by Modertrans with RUB40 (EUR0.57) ticket offering month in 2016, and a new record. Tower over the Bank Holiday a renovated interior, improved unlimited transfer within 90 Denia – Benidorm carried 33 400 weekend, as well as the annual access for disabled passengers, minutes of validation. N. Semyonov passengers. IRJ Illuminations switch-on, were

392 / OCTOBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org to see tram services disrupted on A larger platform at Crumpsall 25-27 August and 1 September. Park will be among changes After 15.00 each day the normal made in readiness for the 2020 tram and heritage services were opening of the Trafford Park line, split into two sections: Fleetwood – services on which will terminate North Pier, and Starr Gate – Tower. here. New track, a new pedestrian Passengers making a through crossing and improved stairs will journey were advised to walk also be provided. between Tower and North Pier. LONDON (TRAMLINK). The Heritage services ran between line was closed between Lloyd Tower and Pleasure Beach, with Park and New Addington 25 occasional journeys extending August-3 September to allow to Starr Gate. track work to take place in the CAMBRIDGE. UK Transport Gravel Hill area. A replacement Secretary Chris Grayling said bus service was provided he would be ‘very supportive’ between East Croydon and of regional light rail network New Addington. proposals for Cambridgeshire. Transport for London is The city opened a new station, considering scrapping paper Cambridge North, in May and tickets and cash payments on This 11 August view shows works to construct the low-level platform extensions at Rotherham Central station that from 2018 will be served by the UK’s tram-train plans are advanced for a second in Tramlink in 2018. The current pilot service. Mike Haddon the south of the city to serve ticket machines do not accept Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a new card payments, new GBP1 coins Mansfield, a Nobel Prize winner five-stop western extension from Biomedical Campus. or, in some cases, the new polymer and one of Nottingham’s most Grand Central to Edgbaston, Addressing residents’ fears over GBP5 note. Most transactions celebrated scientists, who died sections of which will be catenary- car parking at the potential site of are not now made through earlier this year. free. Opening is due in March a Cambridge South railway station, these machines, with passengers SOUTH YORKSHIRE. The 2021, with up to ten trams per hour the region’s newly-elected mayor, instead paying for their journeys Passenger Transport Executive is in peak periods. James Palmer, said in August that using a contactless debit or credit considering renaming stops. It has The Iron Man statue in Victoria planned light rail links to the card, or an Oyster card; paper been suggested that Shalesmoor Square is to be removed to station and Addenbrooke’s tickets would still be sold from be renamed Kelham Island, and storage for more than a year, Hospital would mean a car park third-party retailers. the Don Valley Stadium stop name alongside the Boulton, Watt would not be necessary. Payment by card costs GBP1.50 is no longer accurate. and Murdoch statue in Broad EDINBURGH. A report setting (EUR1.6) per single journey as The current GBP32m (EUR35m) Street; both are on or close to the out the business case for the 5km opposed to a machine or pre- rail replacement programme alignment of the Midland Metro (three-mile) tramway extension purchased price of GBP2.60 is contributing to the current extension to Centenary Square. to Newhaven was to go before (EUR2.8) per journey. indebtedness of the PTE, which The statues are to be replaced in the City Council’s Transport TfL estimates that replacing its stands at GBP179.4m (EUR194.3m) alternative locations. and Environment Committee current ticket vending machines and bore an interest charge of for approval in principle on 4 would cost GBP2.8m (EUR3m), GBP13.6m (EUR14.7m) in 2016-17. USA September and then before the full with ongoing maintenance costs The second phase of work to CHARLOTTE, NC. The LYNX council on 21 September. of GBP500 000 (around EUR541 assist in linking the system to Blue line extension to the If approved, a final decision 500). A paper on the topic also notes the national rail network was due University of North Carolina did on whether to proceed and the that “the absence of cash held in to be completed in August with not open in time for the start of appointment of a contractor devices eliminates the risk of theft, signalling and overhead line the new term at the end of August would then be made in autumn and will also remove some of the construction being brought into due to accumulated construction 2018, with works beginning in factors potentially encouraging the Network Rail system through delays. CATS is now giving March 2019 to open for service in 2022. anti-social behaviour.” works undertaken 19-22 August, 2018 as the project completion The outline business case forecasts Statistics show that 0.3% of when Rotherham Central station date, but is practicing time- tram ridership would double in the tram passengers purchased a was again closed and services saving activities which could see extension’s first year of operation paper ticket for their journey in maintained by bus substitution. an opening this year. Students to reach around 13.7 million. May and that 99.6% of customers TYNE & WEAR. Metro closure will receive an all-access pass to Edinburgh has been ranked by have never used a ticket machine between South Gosforth and ride the line, paid for through the Easy Travel Index as the best on the network. Four Lane Ends or Shiremoor an annual USD50 fee that will be city in the UK for its travel links TfL expects to make a final took place 31 July-2 September, included in tuition fees. E. B. Havens for the second year running. The decision in January following with normal services due to DALLAS, TX. A city council city scored 7.5 out of ten for ease consultation with passenger resume on 3 September. Work committee has approved the of local travel, and 7.1 out of ten groups, local politicians, business included replacement of the proposed Commerce Street for ease of longer distance travel. and community groups. Victorian-built Killingworth subway alignment for a second GREATER MANCHESTER. NOTTINGHAM. T r a c k Road bridge in Gosforth. A new city centre route, with new surface After becoming responsible in replacement works took place over steel bridge was installed as part tracks in Elm and Commerce July for funding and undertaking the August Bank Holiday period of a GBP5.5m (EUR6m) scheme; Streets. The USD1.3m project has Metrolink renewals and at the junction of Mount Hooton the wrought iron parapets of the still to receive final approval and enhancements, Transport for Road and Bentinck Road (south of old bridge have been donated to financing. E. B. Havens Greater Manchester is appointing The Forest stop). The main work the Stephenson Railway Museum DETROIT, MI. Fares were contractors. Framework was to take place 26 August-30 in North Tyneside. charged on the Q Line tramway agreements will be split into August. Service changes were WEST MIDLANDS. T h e from 5 September. E. B. Havens areas of responsibility covering to include a shuttle bus Department for Transport FORT WORTH, TX. The first of civil engineering and structures; running between The Forest and confirmed on 1 September that it eight Stadler Flirt diesel LRVs for buildings; permanent way; Royal Centre. is to provide GBP59.8m (EUR65m) the Fort Worth – DFW Airport power; and signalling systems/ The new 90m-long bridge towards the Edgbaston extension line was unveiled at the company’s communications. The framework linking the tramway platform of the Midland Metro; the plant at North Salt Lake, UT, in will not be limited to one with the main buildings on the GBP149m (EUR162.7m) project early August. Passenger service company in each category and Queen’s Medical Centre site is now fully-funded. will start in 2018. RGI agreements will be for five years has opened. It has been named Preliminary work started in the KANSAS CITY, MO. The result with possible extension to eight. in honour of Professor Sir Peter summer on the 2km (1.2-mile), of the write-in ballot for a taxing

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2017 / 393 Worldwide Review

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BART). entered service on 1 July after 12 Completion of the Fremont – San years of restoration work. The Jose extension has been pushed museum line also has on display back to June 2018. E. B. Havens the oldest steam tram locomotive SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). in the country, Merryweather 2 of On 15 August the SFMTA board the Rijnlandsche Stoomtramweg- approved a 20-year USD21bn Maatschappij, built in 1881. capital plan (at this stage This is on loan from the essentially a wishlist) that Utrecht Railway Museum. OR includes extension of line F to LIEGE (BE). From 6 October to 30 Fort Mason, plus an independent November the MTCW transport loop for line E cars; extension of museum will host an exhibition the subway for line M from West devoted to the 36 tramway portal to Parkmerced, light rail systems built or owned by Belgian to replace the 38 Geary bus; interests in Russia between linking Geneva and Sunnydale 1880 and 1917. R. Dussart-Desart light rail along Geneva Avenue, LOFTUS (AU). Sydney steam tram and extending the future T-Third 1A was loaned to the tramway light rail line from Stockton/Clay museum for six months from 28 to Fisherman’s Wharf. July by the Museum of Applied The centenary of the J-Church Arts and Sciences. TW The PCCs on Muni line F in San Francisco are being refurbished. Car 1072 now carries Mexico City livery. P. Ehrlich tramline was marked on September SKJOLDENAESHOLM (DK). 9/10 by the operation in passenger The Danish Tramway Museum has district released on 4 August was permit freight trains and LRVs to service of cars 1 (1912) and 1040 acquired 1985 Tatra T3 7079 from approval of the tramway extension share part of the alignment. The (1952 PCC). E. B. Havens Praha (Prague). BT to UMKC by 2458 votes to 1048. next milestone will be a USD929m SANTA ROSA–SAN RAFAEL, However at the special ballot on 8 match funding grant from the CA. The 69km (43-mile) SMART CONTRIBUTORS August, voters approved a proposal federal government. E. B. Havens diesel LRT service began carrying Worldwide items for inclusion requiring a city-wide vote before PHILADELPHIA, PA (SEPTA). passengers on 25 August, should be sent to Michael Taplin any tramway extension can be Twelve passengers and the with a day of free rides, then at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, built. Activist Clay Chastain’s driver were injured just after half fares until 4 September. Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. latest sales tax proposal to midnight on 22 August when a Half-hourly peak service is Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or support light rail was rejected. Norristown line train collided provided, hourly off-peak but e-mail: [email protected] Transit service was halted on with another stabled at the 69th no service 10.00-12.00. The line UK and Ireland items are 21 August during the total eclipse Street terminal. R. Barrows should be extended by 3.5km welcomed by Home Editor, John of the sun. E. B. Havens PORTLAND, OR. TriMet was (2.1 miles) to Larkspur (ferry to Symons, 17 Whitmore Avenue, LITTLE ROCK, AK. T he unsuccessful in its bid to purchase San Francisco) in 2019. In the Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 operation of the heritage tramway two RDCs from Dallas for its WES meantime a bus connection is 0LW, UK. E-mail [email protected] fare free will continue until the commuter rail line, and all 12 such being provided. Acknowledgements are due to end of the year. June ridership cars were sold to Vermont-based Eleven two-car DMUs have been Bytrafik (BT), digitaletram.nl, doubled to 15 300 when fares AllEarth Rail LLC in early 2017. supplied by Sumitomo/Nippon Drehscheibe (DS), ec.europa.eu, were dropped. E. B. Havens However, TriMet successfully Sharyo. E. B. Havens Edinburgh Evening News, Eisenbahn LOS ANGELES, CA. The 1901 negotiated with that company to Amateur (EA), Eisenbahn (EB), Gulf Angels Flight funicular was re- purchase two of the 1957 RDCs MUSEUM NEWS Business, InfoTram, International Rail opened on 31 August. J. Marinoff from it, and ex-Dallas RDCs 2007 HAMPTON, VA (US). Newport Journal (IRJ), Jakarta Post, Limerick MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, MO. and 2011 arrived at TriMet's News & Hampton bogie tram 390 Reader, Vic MacKinlay, Manchester Four bids have been received WES maintenance facility in (J. G. Brill, 1917) has returned from Evening News, Nottingham Evening for construction of the line Wilsonville in mid-August. the Baltimore Streetcar Museum Post, Op de Rails (OR), Railway between Minneapolis and Eden They will require some for restoration at Fort Monroe. Gazette International (RGI), rbb24, Prairie, ranging from USD797m modifications before they are E. B. Havens South China Morning Post (SCMP), to USD1.08bn. The lowest bidder able to enter service, and as with HOORN – MEDEMBLIK (NL). Sydney Morning Herald, Times of was Ames Kraemer SWLRT. TriMet’s two other RDCs they The oldest steam locomotive in India, Today's Railways (TR), Tram, The Council has approved an will probably be used only as the Netherlands, NS 6513, built Tram-2000 (T-2000), transphoto.ru agreement with BNSF Railroad to spares, initially. S. J. Morgan in 1887 for the Staatsspoorwegen, and Trolley Wire (TW).

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

S epTEMBER 2017 Road, Birkenhead (TLRS Mersyside) Ooberct 2017 Monday 16. Liverpool. 20.00. Saturday 16. Paris. Light Rail Transit Mike Mabey, Head of Operations, Tuesday 5. Southampton 19.30. Association 80th AGM. Venue: TBC. Tuesday 3. Southampton 19.30. Nottingham Trams: Is Nottingham Martyn Davies: Railway miscellany. Monday 18. Wickham 19.30. Steve Dungay: Trams and transport the most interesting new tramway? (LRTA/SEG) Paul Coles: Preserved Tramcars. in and around Vienna. (LRTA/SEG) (TLRS Merseyside) Monday 11. Liverpool 20.00. Frank Tuesday 19 London 19.00. TBA. Saturday 7. West Midlands 14.00. Monday 16. Wickham. 19.30. Rogers, Chief Executive, Merseytravel: Friday 22. Leicester 20.00. Members’ Dr C C Thornburn: Cambodia et al. Peter Williams: Trams around the Liverpool City Region Combined evening (DVD, slides or cine). (TMS) (LRTA/TLRS/ERS) South – Brighton and eastwards. Authority. (TLRS Mersyside) Thursday 28. Manchester. 19.00. Monday 9. Thames Valley 19.30. Ed Saturday 21. Blackpool 13.00. Wednesday 13. Brighton 19.40. Andy Barclay: Slides from the Peter Humphreys: London conduit trams. John Whitehouse: San Francisco Ian Bull: The Woolwich Arsenal Fox Collection – 1970s-1990s plus the (TLRS) and model meeting with more DCC. Railway. (TLRS) last weeks of Sheffield trams in 1960. Wednesday 11. Brighton 19.40. (TLRS) Saturday 16. Liverpool 18.00. Saturday 30. Beeston. 14.00. TBC. Paul Snelling: Zürich trams (TLRS) Saturday 21. Taunton 14.00. Martin Jenkins: 60th anniversary of (TLRS) Saturday 14. Oxford 14.00. Andy Steel: Simplified tramway Liverpool's Last Tram. Venue: Pacific Saturday 30. Garstang. 14.00. TBC. Tel: 01865 370634 for details. (TLRS) technology – Part 2. (TLRS)

394 / OCTOBER 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 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.

Is a divorce from the automobile possible any time soon?

The editorial leader in the last TAUT (957) was obviously an more attractive places to live, work and bring up our children: impassioned plea and one that I thought really summed up the electrified, sustainable public transport is a key element of this. thoughts of most transport campaigners. I do own a car, and have done ever since I was 18 years old growing Mr Johnston is right to praise the free public transport up in a small village where bus services ran once an hour for most initiative in Tallinn – although it was far from the first city to do of the day and stopped in the early evening. I have owned more than this – and that this ‘utopian vision’ is one that all cities should I care to count and have covered many hundreds of thousands of aspire too. Sadly, political and commercial forces make such a miles since that time. However, over the past ten years my family bold step impossible in most places. It requires strong leadership, has made conscious decisions to reduce our reliance on the car. clear communication of the benefits from the very top and a Weekends are now largely car-free, we all own cycles and my public mandate to drive radical change. Few cities have this. children are encouraged to use public transport rather than always The election of metropolitan mayors in the UK offers a to see the car as ‘the first option’. Sadly, public transport services positive step towards local empowerment, but even then I fear in the UK outside the big cities are not always compatible with my that central government still retains too much control on the family’s non-traditional work (i.e ‘9 to 5’), social or leisure patterns. funding levers that could enable true decision-making on such For long distances travel rail is prohibitively expensive and often major issues. There is still too much focus on inter-city travel overly crowded (compared to a modern, comfortable car that allows while cities choke under the weight of congestion and pollution. 50-60mpg and allows far faster door-to-door connections). Interestingly, I would be interested to know if the Editor This goes back to my point. Mass mobility should be available to himself owns a car and how much he uses it. We can all make a all, with convenient, attractive options given by local and national difference, but we must first practice what we preach… authorities. Young people everywhere are faced with a difficult Paul Mackeson, by e-mail choice; many are being priced out of automobile ownership with higher fuel and insurance pricing, yet there is often no suitable Ed: I am glad that my editorial struck a chord with a few readers alternative. They are increasingly environmentally-conscious, who felt inspired to get in touch – I wish there were more. I do feel fantastic at mobilising mass opinion (and quickly), digitally-savvy very passionate about cleaning up our urban areas and creating – and are the voters of the future. But are we listening to them?

Questions over NY/NJ tunnel plans NJT project to get out of control. Commerce is speeding up. Witness the success Regarding the article by Mr. Pence in the The incoming governor did the right of Amazon in delivering goods to homes and September TAUT (957), many points are on thing. Whether it was for all the right businesses within hours of ordering. Across the the mark. However when it comes to the reasons is perhaps irrelevant. world, tunnels are being opened to speed trade. subject to the NJ to NY tunnels, he needs to Also, do not be led by the article to think Such proposals as Boston’s North-South Rail Link have done more homework. that there is a “Cross Harbor” tunnel in and the Cross Harbor Rail Freight Tunnel have The tunnel plan as it existed when the existence to be re-purposed. There was some been kicked around for a century. In my view, change of NJ Governor took place was work begun on such a tunnel about 100 it is time to act on them. completely a New Jersey Transit (NJT) years ago, but little else was done, and the project. It was fought against by a number idea perished. Freight is still moved across El Paso raises BRT vs LRT parallels of parties, particularly the New Jersey the harbor by what we call ‘car floats’ as has At the end of the article on El Paso (TAUT 956), Association of Railway Passengers (NJ-ARP) been the case for well over 125 years. It is not the author made an interesting comment that as it had undergone many changes and cost necessary to go 280 miles and never has been. 53km (33 miles) of BRT routes are going to increases and because it would eventually It is primarily a question of economics. cost about the same as 8km (4.8 miles) of the terminate not in Amtrak’s Penn Station, but Russell E. Jackson, Collingswood, NJ (US) streetcar. This variation in cost-per-mile is a in a separate deeply underground two-level, factor of nearly seven. Even if the streetcar six-track station of huge cost at a location Herbert Pence: Being a resident of New Jersey carried more passengers on that corridor than under 34th Street which came to be known as and a renowned railway enthusiast Mr. Jackson’s BRT, which is likely, the difference in cost-per- “Macy’s Basement”, Macy’s being an adjacent comments are appreciated. It is difficult to passenger-carried will still be substantial. major department store. There is no open rebut some of his points, as he was in situ as the The light rail community has tended to ground underneath for a new station. reported events occurred. think of BRT as the ‘poor relation’ of the Additionally, with no onward connections The ARC Tunnel was a poor plan. However, urban transport community; excellent or any other tracks being possible at the it filled the need for a second pair of tunnels, as a complement to LRT, but never to be Manhattan terminal, this project was of little however imperfect, between New York and New thought of as something which in certain value to Amtrak. It deserved to be scrapped. Jersey. The point I was trying to make in my circumstances, could be a more appropriate The situation today is that before long commentary was the cancellation of the ARC solution for the same number of passengers. Amtrak must take its tunnels out of service, Tunnel and the diversion of funds to statewide So, in the interests of generating discussion: perhaps one at a time, for major renovation. highways negatively affected the need for Amtrak where would the LRT community think of The logical approach is to construct two new tunnel relief. With the termination of the project, BRT as being a good option when compared tunnels parallel to the 100-plus-year-old in my view the proper course of action for Governor with an LRT option of a similar scale? And if tunnels. That will allow major rehabilitation of Christie would have been to escrow the monies so, under what circumstances? one of the existing tunnels to take place while and create a replacement rail tunnel project. On a related note, I agree that past a certain also providing the additional capacity needed The transportation of goods wagons via car per-hour passenger load, BRT will not work, to meet today’s needs. This is the sensible floats between New Jersey and New York began in even with full grade-separation, but it would direction in which things are now headed. the 19th Century, powered by steam. In the 21st be interesting to hear the received wisdom as The Pence article has got it wrong. The Century, are diesel-powered floats the best way to to what that point is. Governor before Mr. Christie had allowed the handle this traffic? Ross Clark, Edinburgh (UK)

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2017 / 395 Classic Trams ÜSTRAt a 125 This year marks the 125th anniversary of Hannover’s transport undertaking. The most notable event was a spectacular parade on 25 May, featuring tramcars spanning the entirety of the city’s electric tramway era. Mike Russell reports. 1

annover was the sixth German to a line-up of rolling stock in chronological Car 227 was one of ten vehicles built city to open a horse tramway order. Participating cars were brought from by Crede of Kassel in 1941-43, following a system, on 14 September 1872. Döhren and Glocksee depots. Setting up the prototype ordered in 1938; 227 was one of six Owned and operated by parade was a logistic challenge, since the Aegi delivered as single-ended cars and rebuilt in Continentale Pferdeeisenbahn terminus featured two stubs and a scissors 1971 for a short single-manning career. It was Actiengesellschaft,H the first route ran from crossover, but no run-round loop or turning followed by ÜSTRA’s car 239, an Aufbau built Steintor via Georgstraße, Aegidientorplatz circle for single-ended cars. As a result, most in 1950 by Düwag on recovered trucks from a and Hildesheimer Straße to Döhrener Turm. single-ended cars plus 168 were hauled war-damaged car. In 1879 operation passed to The Tramways backwards to Aegi. Only car 336 ran the In the post-war era Hannover was at the Company of Germany, which built its entire 2.6km (1.6 miles) from Glocksee depot forefront of new tramcar design. Its first own lines to expand the network. A third to Aegi backwards using the rear controller, examples of the Düwag bogie Grossraum cars company, Hannoversche Vorort-Straßenbahn normally used only for shunting. arrived in 1951 and 336 dates from 1955. Gesellschaft, opened a line from Döhrener Opposite the imposing Hauptbahnhof This was followed by Breitraum bogie car 478 Turm to Wülfel in 1890, but without through building, extensive tiered staging was erected of 1956, originally 438, a type with only the running to the initial line. so that spectators could obtain a good view, front bogie motored; it hauled matching On 22 June 1892, a new company based in whilst a public address system allowed every motorised trailer 1464 (originally 2026), Hannover was formed at the insistence of the car or set to be individually introduced by both Düwag products. Once developments city council: AG Straßenbahn Hannover. radio host Jens Krause, also a Wehmingen had progressed ÜSTRA ordered six-axle This was owned by the ‘Tramways’ company museum group volunteer. From a prompt articulated models, permitting a useful and took over all assets of both the other start at 10.00, it was not until just before staffing economy by withdrawal of trailers. companies. The new company started 12.00 that the last car passed the staging. Car 522 represents this type, delivered by electrification of the network and embarked Horse-drawn bus 8 led the way – horse bus Düwag in 1961-62, and hauled bogie trailer on an extension programme taking trams to services had started in Hannover in 1852. 1513 (originally 2073) of similar vintage. many villages in the region, as well as bringing In 1872 came the first horse-drawn trams, For many years, Hannover tram services electricity to households and businesses. and from May 1893 electrification began, have been in the hands of 260 Stadtbahn As a result it finally changed its name to on a line between Königsworther Platz and light-rail vehicles delivered from 1974. Überlandwerke und Straßenbahn Hannover Herrenhausen. It was appropriate that the Many older vehicles have been transferred to Aktiengesellschaft (ÜSTRA) in 1921. electric car leading the parade was 168, one Budapest, some via Den Haag, but cars of this With the exception of the section to Sarstedt of the original five-bay two-axle electric type are still in service and a sample set was all interurban routes had closed by 1961. vehicles of 1893 built by van der Zypen and included. The formation was made up of the Hannover was in the vanguard of the preserved since 1953. It was propelled with first and last of the production series: 6001, German move to sub-surface operation, the assistance of batteries, for until 1903 all in green, built by Düwag in 1974, and 6260, starting construction of its Stadtbahn system tram services in the central city had to be the last of the Linke-Hoffman-Busch (LHB) to replace central area street-running battery powered owing to the initial refusal of series built in 1992 and specially repainted in tramways in 1965. By 1993 a network of the city fathers to sanction overhead wiring. a celebratory 125th anniversary livery. three tunnels with a central interchange at The convoy of enclosed electric cars started Finally came two examples of the newest Kröpcke was complete, leaving only route 10 with works vehicle 804, one of seven goods rolling stock. Three-section articulated car from Limmer on the surface. However, plans motor cars built in 1928-30 by HAWA and 2002 of 1997 was followed by a coupled to build a fourth tunnel with interchanges at Schörling. It was later rebuilt as a snowplough three-car set of two-section articulated cars Steintor and Hauptbahnhof, and bypassing and is now in the ÜSTRA museum collection. comprising 3001+3040+3030; this was also Kröpcke, never came to fruition. Initially the Then followed examples of the Hannover the last composition on surface tracks from remaining surface section terminated at passenger fleet delivered in the inter-war Aegi. Neither 2000 or 3000-series cars ran to Rathaus. In 1996 it was curtailed to a new stop period, led by car 129 (originally 130) of Aegi in normal service due to gauge issues. with high-level platforms at Aegidientorplatz, 1927. This was one of ten unusually built by Although there is no scheduled heritage or ‘Aegi’. Autumn 2017 will bring new tracks Nordwaggon, the majority of this series being operation on the short section of remaining to the central bus station behind the main constructed by Hannoversche Waggonfabrik city centre surface tramways, the opportunity station to improve interchange with the (HAWA). Next came a three-car set led by still arises to ride museum cars on suburban underground Hauptbahnhof stop. 178, one of the steel-bodied HAWA-built cars. sections. The annual Maibaum operation on These customarily hauled one or two trailers 1 May sees a special service of museum cars Farewell to Aegi and the ‘Anhänger’ were 1039 and 1063, the operating between Döhren and Sarstedt. The parade date was dictated by construction former a contemporary bi-directional car from The latter town, where the truncated former works on the new link, which meant closure the same builder and the latter an Uerdingen- line to Hildesheim (closed in 1958) now of the Hauptbahnhof to Aegi section. The last built KSW (Kriegsstrassenbahnwagen) of 1945. terminates, is part of the last link with the service tram operated on 25 May 2017. Aegi was formerly extensive Überlandbahnen. a focal point of the early electric tramway Wehmingen takes part Further Hannover tramcars are preserved system, being a commercial centre of the city. An interesting participant in the parade was in the collection of the HSM at Wehmingen, The closure of the surface tramway marked 227, the only one loaned for the occasion by reachable by ÜSTRA bus route 390 from the end of an era, Aegi being without surface the Hannoversche Strassenbahn-Museum Gleidingen on the Sarstedt tramline (1). tram tracks for the first time in 145 years. (HSM) at Wehmingen, where its restoration As would be expected of this proud city, had recently been completed. This was the The assistance of Christoph Heuer in no effort was spared to produce a memorable first time that a preserved HSM car had the preparation of this article is gratefully spectacle. The city centre track was given over operated on ÜSTRA metals. acknowledged.

396 / OCTOber 2017 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Seen at Thielenplatz at the head of the parade of electric tramcars is veteran car 168, one of the original 1893 fleet. This car traversed the parade route on batteries; operation under overhead wiring was prohibited in central Hannover until 1903.

2. Nordwaggon-built car 129 of 1927 emerges from Thielenplatz into Joachimstrasse. This car was originally numbered 130 but renumbered whilst in the museum fleet to avoid conflict with a preserved car of 1900 carrying the same number.

3. The parade was the first opportunity for a car in the HSM museum collection at Wehmingen to operate over ÜSTRA metals. Newly-restored single-ended car 227, one of a small batch by Credé of Kassel, is seen here in Prinzenstrasse with Aufbaucar 239 behind.

4. Car 804 was originally built as a freight car and later 2 converted for snow clearance before being added to the official ÜSTRA museum fleet. It is seen here departing from Thielenplatz.

5. Aufbaucars were post-war reconstructions of war- damaged cars using salvaged running gear. Hannover 239 represents this stage in tramcar development and is here seen in Prinzenstrasse.

6. Standing on the stub-terminal tracks at Aegidientorplatz are the 3 4 tramcars that will be the last to operate on surface tracks here after 145 years. On the left is car 2002 of 1997, whilst the three-car train on the right comprising cars 3001+3040+3030 will later garner the final laurels.

7. The last Stadtbahn car of the original design, 6260, received a special livery with celebratory inscriptions to mark the 125th anniversary of ÜSTRA.

8. Seen on Prinzenstrasse 5 6 before entering the parade are two examples of modern bogie cars first introduced into the ÜSTRA fleet in 1951. In the lead is car 336 of 1955, with Breitraum car 478 of 1956 and trailer 1464 behind.

7 8 Photography by Mike Russell.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org octoBER 2017 / 397 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%.

The Tramways of

Published jointly with Trolleybooks, the Joint Publications Panel of the British Trolleybus Society and the National Trolleybus Association, The Tramways of Wolverhampton traces the full history of the Wolverhampton tramway system. It explores the system from its earliest horse-drawn beginnings in 1878, through the subsequent electrification of the routes in the early 1900s, with the controversial decision to use a system that proved to be unique to the town (and indeed the world), resulting in the town having to endure route isolation from other tramway operators until the eventual, and somewhat inevitable, wholesale conversion to the more conventional form of overhead wire operation in 1921. The gradual contraction of the system and change to trolleybuses between 1923-28 is also covered in detail. The continual political battle fought over the years with the British Electric Traction Company Limited tramway empire, whose various companies effectively surrounded Wolverhampton, has not been ignored, and there are fascinating insights into the daily life of the systems, in particular the Wolverhampton District Electric Tramways Company πand Kinver Light Railway.

> A4 softback; 112 pages, fully illustrated in colour/black and white.

£22.00 plus postage and packing as shown above.

SPECIAL OFFER: BOTH BOOKS FOR £47 – VALID UNTIL 31/12/2017 Trolleybus Days in Wolverhampton

Published jointly with Trolleybooks, the Joint Publications Panel of the British Trolleybus Society and the National Trolleybus Association, Trolleybus Days in Wolverhampton traces the history of trolleybus operation in Wolverhampton from its beginnings in 1923, through the development of the 1930s and on into the war-torn days of 1939-45. The golden years from 1950-60 have been documented, as has the fight by the people of Wolverhampton to retain the system, culminating in its sad demise in 1967. Trolleybuses represented an important part of the history of transport development in the British Isles, and all events are fully covered and written in a detailed but not dry style that can be enjoyed for pleasure and research alike. A full set of appendices is included, covering route wiring maps, timetables and tickets, operational equipment and fleet histories. Also contained is a potted history of the three trolleybus manufacturers during their time in Wolverhampton and a ‘lead in’ chapter on the tramway system to set the scene from 1896-1923. This is supported by a wealth of documents plus photographs covering the period 1896-1967. The author has been a keen transport historian for many years. Although currently living in Wellington, Eric Challoner spent his early years in Wolverhampton, growing up amongst the trolleybuses he came to love and later becoming a member of the Transport Group at the Black Country Living Museum, where he now regularly drives Wolverhampton 433. He also helps to maintain the wiring system and runs the overhead line store.

> A4 softback; 240 pages, fully illustrated in colour/black and white.

£30.00 plus postage and packing as shown above.

Please bear in mind that we often advertise books before stock is received from publishers so delivery can take some weeks. in your next issue of

dallas growth saip n’s tramway systems factfile: never ends SUCCESS story montpellier Recently opening its latest extension, the Tranvía de Zaragoza’s line 1 has Few developed cities have introduced DART light rail system now totals 150km transformed the city with significant surface light rail as comprehensively (93 miles). Vic Simons explores the Texan reductions in urban noise and pollution; or to such effect as Montpellier. city and its concurrent expansion of the a second line is under development to Neil Pulling reports from south-west Dallas Streetcar and McKinney Trolley. spread the benefits across the city. France. Celebrating 25 years of Manchester Metrolink PLUS... NOVEMBER + Fuel cell evolution and innovations in traction energy efficiency issue + Classic Trams: Kyiv’s 125th anniversary tram parade + The latest news, rolling stock orders, system developments and on sale transport policy and industry comment from around the world 20 October

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Tianjin CATCHING UP IN

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OCTOBER 2017 N O. 958 Sub scribe now! LOOKING UP: SOLUTIONS FOR STYLISH OLE DESIGN

With plans for regional conglomeration imminent, Line 1 had a fractured development, opening in Dennis Schulz looks at urban rail operations in 1984, closing in 2001 and then reopening following the Chinese economic powerhouse of Tianjin. a major renewal and replacement of rolling stock in 2006. It forms the core of the city’s metro network, with extensions planned. This is Fuxingmen station. ianjin is often known as as the Now in its 80th year, Tramways & Urban Transit is the world’s leading Beyond the core, the focus for urban ‘port of Beijing’, being 130km development is the Binhai New Area; Binhai biggest cities of the time – Beijing, Shanghai, (80 miles) from the Chinese is located at the easternmost edge of Tianjin, Tianjin, and Shenyang – in 1965 to address capital and housing a large and while Yujiapu is the location for the planned pollution and congestion associated with economically significant port on increased road traffic. theT Yellow Sea’s Bohai Gulf, one of the world’s ‘Financial Hub’ some 50km (30 miles) away Construction on line 1 began in 1970, busiest shipping routes. As the gateway to from Tianjin’s downtown core. Accordingly, Tianjin and Binhai could easily be seen as according to contemporary descriptions northern China, the city has also long been with full-time workers supplemented by an important industrial hub, supported by the two separate cities. Since the 2000s, urban rail planning and a large volunteer labour force. Using a dry central government in Beijing until the 1980s. canal bed led to faster development, with the With the nation’s economic opening under construction is gaining speed to match as regional conglomeration plans advance consequence that the tunnel is only 2-3m the administration of Deng Xiaoping, the under the surface for the original section. focus shifted to cities in southern China and with the planned creation of the Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) megalopolis. In 1976 the first section was completed, along the east coast. Only after the previous with four stations along a 3.6km

President Hu Jintao and his government (2.2-mile) length, but major delays were decided to further promote Tianjin and Examining the network Tianjin’s current urban rail network planning forced by reconstruction following the establish a new financial hub in the ‘Binhai Tangshan earthquake of 1976 and political New Development Area’, has the city’s proposes three kinds of lines – ‘M’ lines: monthly publication dedicated solely to light and urban rail developments. metro services in the urban core; ‘B’ lines: challenges following the death of leader Mao development gathered momentum again. Zedong. Work on subsequent sections was Tianjin is one of four ‘direct-controlled metro lines covering Binhai; and ‘Z’ lines: suburban services for rural areas. halted for many years. Operations finally municipalities’, meaning it does not belong began on the ‘completed’ 7.4km (4.7-mile) to any province (although it maintains Whereas M and B lines use a traditional metro configuration in both Tianjin and route between Tianjin Xizhan and Xinhua Lu the same rank) and is instead under the (with eight stations) in 1984. Chinese powerhouse banks on urban rail expansion direct adminstration of China’s central Binhai, Z lines will feature a more commuter rail-like service, similar to the German The next 15 years were challenging, Starting work on the Limmattalbahn government. Its population is reported as 15.5 with ridership lower than expected due to million, but this requires consideration of S-Bahn or French RER specification. ‘C’ lines have previously been listed in overviews unreliable service and passengers finding Chinese administrative structures. The urban the new mode less than inviting. The line Private sector must support Indian LRT core, with its four suburbs, has a population for Tianjin’s urban rail transit; there were originally four lines connecting the urban remained the solitary urban rail presence in of around 6.9 million, with other residents the city, but in 2001 operations were shut living in counties, towns or cities which core and Binhai, which will now be part of Tallinn’s tramway reaches the airport the InterCity network from China Railway. down for a comprehensive upgrade and the belong to the municipality – for example, the building of an extension. Five years later, £4.40 Wuqing district bordering Beijing has some Tianjin was the second Chinese city to 10> introduce metro service, after Beijing. the route had expanded to 26.2km (16.3 900 000 inhabitants of his own. ÜSTRA at 125 The first proposals were drafted for China’s miles) with 22 stations running through the Denver city’s urban core. Crossing approval Hannover’s special 9 771460 832050 anniversary parade www.tautonline.com slows FasTracks . www.lrta.org oc Tober 2017 / 381

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