<<

THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

www.lrta.org www.tautonline.com

OCTOBER 2015 No. 934 ENSURING SAFETY AND ENHANCING OUR CITIES

Nottingham Phase Two opens to the public US ‘desperate for transit investment’ Extensions in Mesa and Sacramento Rubber-tyred tests in Medellín ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 Depot design 10 Key considerations The Swiss city where for modern systems you don’t need a car 9 771460 832043 100TH TRAM FOR MANCHESTER Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries

©TfGM, Lesley Chalmers and The BOMBARDIER

The BOMBARDIER* FLEXITY* family encompasses the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of tram and light rail solutions, ranging from 100% low-floor to high-capacity light rail vehicles as well as dual-mode solutions. In the UK, operators in Manchester, Blackpool and London have opted for Bombardier trams and light rail vehicles.

In June 2015 Bombardier Transportation handed over the 100th tram to for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Metrolink’s fleet will ultimately be boosted to 120 vehicles by 2017 to provide extra space and capacity across the network. Manchester embraces green rail technology for urban transit and Bombardier Transportation is proud to be part of this success story.

1 This is a running title www.bombardier.com CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association OCTOBER 2015 Vol. 78 No. 934 www.tramnews.net EDITORIAL 402 EDITOR Simon Johnston Tel: +44 (0)1733 367601 E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK ASSOCIATE EDITOR 388 Tony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] WORLDWIDE EDITOR Michael Taplin Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] NEWS EDITOR John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Neil Pulling WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTORS Tony Bailey, James Chuang, Paul Nicholson, Richard 395 Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, NEWS 388 SYSTEMS FACTFILE: BASEL 407 Herbert Pence, Alain Senut, Thomas Wagner. Nottingham Express Transit, Portland, The Swiss city that proclaims ‘cars are really PRODUCTION Lanna Blyth Sacramento and Valley Metro all open not essential’ maintains a light rail system Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] light rail extensions; Midland Metro waves with two operators and that covers three DESIGN goodbye to the T69; APTA warns of dangers countries. Neil Pulling explores Basel. Debbie Nolan of US transit investment backlog. ADVERTISING WORLDWIDE REVIEW 413 COMMERCIAL MANAGER COMMENT 393 Campina Grande reviews diesel light rail Geoff Butler Transport for Greater Manchester’s conversion of disused rail lines; Edmonton Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] Peter Cushing on tackling vandalism and opens Northwest LRT section; Munich PUBLISHER Howard Johnston anti-social behaviour. withdraws new tram fleet over technical concerns; Deadline looms for decision on Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each COMBATTING CRIMINAL ELEMENTS 395 Dublin's DART Underground project. month preceding the cover date. Public transport operators from around LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY the world discuss the challenges of keeping MAILBOX 418 Brian Lomas open access systems safe and secure. Is austerity putting tramways at risk?; Do E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] we look at tram or track design to cut costs? LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) MODERN DEPOT CONSIDERATIONS 402 Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up A maintenance facility offers opportunities CLASSIC TRAMS: ROMAN REMAINS 420 members of the Light Rail Transit Association. for efficient, sustainable construction. Scott Mike Russell explores the ‘hidden’ museum SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), McIntosh examines the key design issues. dedicated to ’s STEFER tramways. 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 BACK ISSUES Tackling vandalism and terrorism head-on Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 Vandalism, anti-social behaviour – and terrorism – aren’t new issues. Take PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION as many precautions as you like, the determined few will always somehow Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. get through the net and cause havoc when you are least prepared for it. The LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE most attractive transport networks are those of the ‘hop on, hop off’ variety c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. that offer flexibility to travellers – sadly these are also the ones at most risk. Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 Most commonly, it’s the less severe and mindless incidents like smashing windows, in England and Wales. ripping seats, damaging ticket machines, wrecking shelters, and spraying graffiti. LRTA CHAIRMAN System operators have to effect immediate repairs, but this impacts on services. On Andrew Braddock networks where fleet availability is managed to the limit by carefully scheduled E-mail: [email protected] maintenance regimes, taking a couple of cars out of service for reactive repairs can LRTA DEPUTY CHAIRMAN often only be handled by reducing service frequencies. Paul Rowen Sadly you can’t rely on sympathy from passengers. They pay for a clean, reliable and LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, friendly service, and on time. If this can’t be delivered, for any reason, they will tell the UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 world and take their custom elsewhere. Lost confidence spreads like a disease. in England and Wales. All this pales into insignificance when you read about the potential for terrorist © LRTA Publishing 2015. attacks, something brought into focus by things like the alleged (and fortunately foiled) Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also attempt by a gunman to attack a train running between Belgium and France in August. later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the None of us have the complete answer, but these are major areas of thought for system opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of managers. We’ve spoken to operators of light rail, tramway and metro systems across LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. Europe, the US and the UK, and you can read about their approaches in this issue. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in In the first instance, it has been encouraging to see so many cities being open and any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and honest in accepting the problems they have. After that, the pro- and reactive responses retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from vary widely. From a recent spate of vehicle damage on Manchester’s Metrolink, to the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the violence against staff in Warsaw, to – at surely the most extreme end of the scale – the magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. ever-present threats of more serious terror attacks in Jerusalem, the crucial perception COVER: Trams have transformed Jerusalem, but are of safety is one that will always bug open access networks. Simon Johnston, Editor also targets for criminal and terrorists threats . JLRT

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 387 News Nottingham Phase Two launches Eight-month delays forgotten as two new lines double the system’s length, with others under study

ublic services on the John Clarke announced that he ‘Phase Two’ extensions wants to see a line built eastwards of the UK’s Nottingham to serve Colwick Country Park, Express Transit tramway Netherfield, Carlton, Geding Pbegan on 25 August. and Arnold. Mr Clarke believes Completion of the branches that NET ‘Phase Three’ could to Clifton and Chilwell has be funded through levies on added 17.5km (11 miles) of track property developers along the to the network, taking it to 32km route, saying: “It’s our turn next. (20 miles) with 51 stops; a seven- Everything else has gone down minute daytime headway is being south of the river and across to operated. The launch of services the west. People recognise that follows roughly a month after there’s a lot of disruption but, at the Station Street terminus was the end of the day, it’s the future.” replaced by the new Nottingham Meanwhile, a study into the Station stop, now the hub of the feasibility of a 6.4km (four-mile) newly-expanded system. line westwards to Kimberley As well as directly serving the prepared by Mott MacDonald has central areas of both Beeston A NET Citadis arriving at the new Beeston Town Centre tram/ interchange, reported that such a line would (including a new tram/bus on its way to Hucknall via Nottingham city centre, on 25 August. Mike Haddon cost GBP168m (EUR230m). interchange) and Clifton, the The study compared a number of new lines also connect significant increased from 15 to 37 vehicles; months and the project has been potential routes, extending west regional destinations including 22 32m Alstom Citadis trams controversial with residents in from the Phoenix Park terminus the University of Nottingham have been introduced since 2013, some areas, particularly Beeston, of Line One and passing under and Nottingham Trent University initially enhancing the timetable although early measurements the M1 motorway. A further campuses, Queen’s Medical on Line One before entering showed that footfall in Beeston extension to the Derbyshire Centre and the ng2 Business Park. service on the expanded system. over the first week since the line towns of Langley Mill, Heanor Passenger figures are expected to Cllr Jane Urquhart, Nottingham opened increased by 13.6%. and Ripley was deemed over double from the eight million City Council’s Portfolio Holder Steve Lowe, Chief Executive “technically feasible”, but would carried last year and nearly for Planning and Housing of Tramlink Nottingham, require further investigation. 30% of Greater Nottingham’s with responsibility for NET added: “Whilst not without The report, commissioned population and 20 of the 30 development, said: “This is a its challenges, this has been a by Broxtowe Borough Council’s largest employers in the city are really great day for Nottingham. It hugely significant project for previous Labour-Liberal now within 800m of a stop. marks the dawn of a new era when the city. We set out to create a Democrat coalition, has met Phase Two has more than NET becomes a true network world-class tram network for with resistance from the new doubled the size of the tramway, and, with trams running from Nottingham and all consortium Conservative administration, and introduced over 2000 new every seven minutes, it is all set partners are proud to have which has said it would not park-and-ride spaces. As well to provide easier access to key worked together to ensure we back the proposal until lessons as also doubling the size of the locations right across the city.” achieved that aim.” could be learnt about the delays Wilkinson Street depot, the Opening of the extensions Just days after the opening, to Phase Two and potential size of the tram fleet has been has been delayed by eight Gedling Borough Council leader timescales for implementation. Phoenix and Sacramento also open LRT extensions In Phoenix, Arizona, the first line was extended by 5km (3.1 and a 500-space park-and-ride Tempe and Mesa, and with expansion of light rail since miles) down Main Street in the are provided. A further 3.2km this extension we know that the Valley Metro opened city of Mesa. (two miles) east to Gilbert Rd investment is only going to in December 2008 was The extension opened seven should open in 2018. grow,” said Phoenix Mayor inaugurated on 22 August (the months earlier than forecast, The 08.00 ribbon-cutting Greg Stanton. day before mayoral elections), and has been built to budget at was hosted by Mesa Mayor Two days later, on 24 when the eastern end of the USD199m. Four new stations John Giles, who described August, the Californian city of it as “one of the biggest and Sacramento opened its 6.9km, best days in the history of (4.3-mile) USD270m Blue line Mesa”. Rides were then free light rail extension south from until 12.00 with over 3500 Meadowview Rd to Cosumnes passengers recorded. River College; another scheme The line can be operated completed early and under with the 50 KinkiSharyo budget. There are 2759 park- LRVs delivered in 2008 for the and-ride spaces at the new initial 32km (20-mile) line. terminus. Also under construction, for Service was inaugurated completion in 2016, is a 5.1km at 09.00, with free rides for (3.2-mile) extension at the other the rest of the day. Trains end of the line, in the median run 05.00-24.00, offering of 19th Avenue to Dunlap Ave. a 28-minute ride to central “Light rail has generated Sacramento. The Sacramento USD8.2bn in investment along light rail system now totals Crowds cheer at the inauguration of LRT service through Mesa. Valley Metro the first 20 miles into Phoenix, 68.8km (42.7 miles).

388 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Izmit plans Portland MAX Orange line another and Streetcar extensions new Turkish Oregon’s pioneer bridges the Willamette River with both light rail services tramway Izmit is a city of 300 000 ortland’s light rail system inhabitants in north-western reached Milwaukie in Turkey about 100km (60 miles) the south-east suburbs east of the capital, Istanbul. from 12 September, when Kocaeli Metropolitan POrange line service started, and Municipality, the provincial the Portland Streetcar’s Central government which oversees Loop also started using the new services to the city, has decided Tilikum Crossing bridge to close to build a 7.2km (4.5-mile) the gap in its circular service. east–west tramway known as the The Orange line is TriMet’s Akçaray line, linking Seka ferry fifth MAX light rail line and terminal and bus station with operates 11.7km (7.3 miles) of Otogar, and hopes to complete new track between Portland construction by early 2017; SW College/Jackson in the 16 000 passengers/day are Rose Quarter and the city of expected to use the new line. Milwaukie in north Clackamas will be 12 County. Its running time from double-ended five-section Pioneer Courthouse in the city 25.8m Durmazlar Silkworm centre is 28 minutes and in low-floor trams supplied from practice the service is through- the Bursa-based company under A set of Siemens S70 type 4 cars on the impressive new 520m Tilikum Crossing routed in the city centre with the over the Willamette River. S. J. Morgan a EUR19.74m contract, with Yellow line to Expo Center. traction equipment supplied by Service is provided 05.00-24.00 which change colour based on Portland Streetcar’s Central Siemens. The air-conditioned on weekdays, 06.00-01.00 at the river’s speed, height and Loop now features the A loop trams feature four onboard weekends with five departures/ water temperature. clockwise and the B loop CCTV cameras and have capacity hour at peak periods and a A fleet of 18 new SiemensS70 counter-clockwise. The Loop to carry 250 passengers. The 15-minute service at other times cars (521-38) have joined the service has been operating since 550-day civil engineering – park-and-ride is available at SE MAX fleet; designatedType 5, September 2012, but from 12 contract has been awarded to Tacoma/Johnson Creek and SE they feature a number of September uses the new bridge Gülermak Heavy Industries. Park Ave stations. improvements to the interior to close the gap between the The port city was devastated Rides were free on all lines on layout compared to the Type 4 Oregon Museum of Science and by an earthquake in August 1999, opening day; the ribbon-cutting variants. The 29.1m cars are Industry and Portland State but has been rebuilt as a modern ceremony and speeches for the 2.65m wide and can carry 186 University.Its 17-tram fleet, industrial centre, including the Orange line inauguration were passengers (72 seated) with one based on the Czech 10T four-axle Ford Transit van factory that at 11.00. Predicted ridership on cab and doors on both sides, and articulated design, operates the supplies the whole of Europe. the new line is 22 800 per day by operate in coupled pairs. loop and the North–South line. The city is twinned with 2030, with 9300 new to transit. The entire project is The tracks across the new bridge Kassel, Germany. The Tilikum Crossing, a cable- estimated to have been are the first to be shared by stayed bridge, and the first new completed USD10-40m under scheduled services of MAX and bridge across the Willamette the budgeted cost of USD1.49bn, Portland Streetcar. River in Portland since 1973, is with 50% federal funding. The ‘Streetcar Only’ fare on a key part of the line and carries Portland opened its first MAX Portland Streetcar services light rail, trams, , cyclists line in September 1986 and was doubled to USD2 from Artist’s impression of the new and pedestrians. Work to build the addition of the Orange line 1 September in the hope that five-section, single-ended Silkworm the bridge started in June 2011. brings the system to 95.4km the farebox recovery ratio will trams ordered for the Izmit tramway. It is lit at night by 178 LED lights, (59.3 miles). increase from 10 to 15%. Durmazlar

NEWS IN PICTURES West Midlands says goodbye to the last T69

The UK’s Midland Metro tramway Wolverhampton in 1999. They have marked the withdrawal of its last T69 been gradually replaced by new tram at a ceremony on 14 August, with Urbos vehicles from CAF, ready for the the occasion also marking the signing extension of the line into Birmingham of a new passenger charter. city centre later this year. Transforming Tram Travel is a Further trams will be required for partnership agreement between extensions to Five Ways and Digbeth, Centro (the West Midlands Passenger expected to be delivered over the Transport Executive and owner of the next seven years; more extensions, Metro), and operator National Express from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill West Midlands. The agreement and from Digbeth to the Airport and includes fare rises capped at 1% above Solihull, are currently in the planning the Retail Price Index. stage with approval to proceed likely The T69 trams were built by to come later in the year. Midland Metro T69 car 16, still in the system’s original livery, leaves Snow Hill AnsaldoBreda and went into The last T69, 16, clocked up more station in Birmingham for the last time on 14 August. Centro service between Snow Hill and than 1.6 million km in service.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 389 News

Revised G:Link expansion plan US ‘desperate for public The Gold Coast’s G:Link tramway carried 6.18m transport investment’ passengers on the 13km (8.1-mile) line in its first year, APTA President and CEO reveals the stark costs of US traffic congestion and in August the Queensland Government invited expressions of interest to build a 7.3km S public transport billion hours. Mr Melaniphy congested roadways would surely (4.5-mile) route from the and road networks estimated that these staggering be gridlock. northern terminus at Gold are seizing up and figures equal a nationwide “Americans realise our Coast University Hospital to require immediate pricetag of USD160bn, or infrastructure needs must Helensvale railway station. Uinvestment, according to the USD960 per commuter. Without be addressed with long-term This would offer connections 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard urgent investment to address the solutions. While other nations with the rail line to Brisbane in revealed by Michael Melaniphy, issue, he added that the annual significantly invest in their time for the Gold Coast hosting President and CEO of the congestion cost would jump to transportation infrastructure, the Commonwealth Games American Public Transportation USD192bn by 2020. America now ranks 28th in in 2018. The revised route Association (APTA) on 26 August. He said: “Public transportation infrastructure investment and includes two new park-and-ride The report showed that traffic is effective in saving hundreds continues to fall behind our sites and a projected end-to-end congestion caused US drivers to of millions of hours of delay and global competitors. While we journey time of 11 minutes. waste more than three billion hundreds of millions of gallons continue to sit in traffic, one Queensland Deputy Premier gallons of fuel and kept them of fuel. In fact without public has to ask, is this really the best Jackie Trad said a contribution stuck in their cars an extra seven transportation, our current America can do?” from all three levels of government is required to complete the line in time for the Games. The city has already made its commitment, Škoda shows new tram for China and Australian Prime Minister Škoda Transportation displayed Tony Abbott is reported to be a new version of its 27T 100% considering a Commonwealth low-floor tram for the Chinese Games ‘enhancement’ package. market at the UrTran in Asia 2015 exhibition in Beijing in July. The new vehicle was assembled by the Beijing Subway Rolling Tabriz opens Stock Equipment Company, first metro line a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beijing Metro, using parts The first 7km (4.5 miles) of metro supplied from Škoda in Plzen, line 1 in the Iranian city of Tabriz including the roof-mounted opened on 28 August, with free lithium-titanium battery power travel offered for three months. system developed for the Turkish The first phase of the city of Konya, permitting use on east–west line runs from El Goli sections without overhead wire. The new design of Skoda 27T tram on display in Beijing in late July. Skoda to Ostad Shahryar with four The 27T is based on the 15T intermediate stations, three of ForCity already in Praha (Prague), launched a double-ended three- The latest new design shown which are in-tunnel. Services are Riga and Bratislava. Škoda has section eight-axle tram under in Beijing is a five-section operated with Chinese-built been co-operating with CRRC a ten-year licence agreement of double-ended six-axle tram five-car trainsets running in subsidiary CSR Quingdao Sifang the ForCity design, but featuring including two suspended centre coupled pairs. since 2012, and earlier this year hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. sections.

The first of eightCitylink floor entrance height of 405mm First diesel-electric Vossloh Citylink tram-trains ordered by –passenger capacity is 228, 87 Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen seated, and the vehicle is fitted tram-train arrives in Chemnitz (VMS) of Chemnitz, Germany, with onboard toilet facilities. The for EUR42.3m has been delivered tram-train is approved for both to operator City-Bahn as 432. It BOStrab (tramway) and EBO was unveiled on 21 August. (railway) regulations. The new LRVs were ordered The eight cars in the initial from Vossloh Rail Vehicles in 2012 order will enable passengers on and built by Vossloh Espanã at rail lines to Burgstädt, Mittweida its Albuixech factory in Valencia. and Hainichen to reach the The three-section, double-ended, centre of Chemnitz from eight-axle cars can operate off December. Co-inciding with the 600 and 750V dc overhead wire arrival of these cars, VMS has or using an MTU diesel power ordered four additional Citylink pack of 2 x 390kW water-cooled tram-trains for EUR23.7m to six-cylinder engines. Four 145kW extend service to the Niederwiesa electric motors accelerate the 68t line by the end of 2017. vehicle to a maximum speed of Vossloh Espanã is building 100km/h (62mph). similar vehicles for Sheffield to The first Vossloh Citylink to arrive in Chemnitz is seen at Stollberg just before the The 37.2m air-conditioned operate the tram-train service official unveiling on 21 August. VMS LRV is 2.65m wide with a low- to Rotherham.

390 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Tianjin explosion Medellín line starts testing closes metro line 9 The warehouse explosion in the Alstom/NTL-supplied rubber-tyred tramway due to open in October Chinese city of Tianjin that made international news on 12 August caused severe damage to metro he Ayacucho ‘Green line 9, which passes the site, Corridor’ line in including a roof collapse at the Medellín, Colombia, Donghailu termus, falling on metro served by a fleet of 39m set 122. Service was suspended for Trubber-tyred guided vehicles the rest of the month. supplied by Alstom and NTL, French partners for began testing in late August. Casablanca Operated by metro operator CASA Transport has appointed Metro de Medellín, the new a French-led consortium of 4.3km (2.7-mile) route connects SYSTRA, CID and AREP to manage the city’s two metro lines (A construction of the second 17km and B) with nine stations and (11-mile) tramline in the Moroccan city of Casablanca and to extend is scheduled to carry its first line 1 by 1km (0.6 miles) to the passengers in October with an business district CaseNearShore. anticipated ridership of 85 000 Work on the new line should passengers/day. be completed by 2018. The fleet of 12STE5 ‘trams’ from NTL (formerly Translohr) UKTram appointments Light Rail Transit Association were ordered in a EUR42.3m Chairman Andrew Braddock has contract signed in April 2012, The first NTL STE5 rubber-tyred vehicles pictured in the depot of the Ayacucho been elected Chairman of the and are fitted with additional line in Medellín, Colombia. Alstom Marketing Group of industry body motors that, combined with UKTram. David Hand of Mott the extra adhesion provided by consortium UT Alstom-Sytecsa, equipment and control systems Macdonald is the vice chairman. the rubber tyres, allow them has provided the power supply and its intake substation, and UKTram represents operators, to negotiate the route’s tight for the line under a EUR5m three traction substations. promoters, manufacturers, curve radii and gradients of up contract awarded in late 2013, The firm’s activities are contractors and consultants in the tramway, Ultra Light Rail and to 12%. The NTL vehicles offer a including project management, managed by Alstom Spain with Personal Rapid Transit sectors. clearance gauge of 5.18m and a engineering, procurement, consortium partner Sytecsa in turning radius of just 10.5m. testing and commissioning of charge of the installation on Campaign to block Herts Alstom, as leader of the the medium-voltage network, DC the site. guided busway plan A campaign dubbed ‘no2bus’ is being fought against conversion of the Watford – St Albans ‘Abbey Flyer’ heavy rail line (UK) to a busway. Edinburgh Council boss says tram The busway proposal has been included in an updated version of Hertfordshire County Council’s extensions “absolutely the right thing” Rail Strategy and follows the New Edinburgh City Council the history of it, it’s absolutely thing is, let’s extend it to the sea abandonment in 2013 of plans to Chief Executive Andrew Kerr has the right thing strategically to and get that sorted out and then convert the route to light rail. given his backing to proposals do. We’ve got to look forward think about what the future is.” Local campaign group Abfly is arguing for the rail service to be to extend the city’s tramway to to what the city needs in terms An updated business case for improved instead. Newhaven – and beyond. of transport infrastructure the next phase, presented in June, In an interview with the rather than say we had a bit of a gave three options: to Leith Walk, metro tests Edinburgh Evening News on problem putting it together in costed at GBP78.7m (EUR110.6m), new rolling stock 12 August, Mr Kerr said that the first place.” going further to Ocean Terminal, The first six AlstomMetropolis cars while tough decisions had to be Mr Kerr continued to say that costing GBP126.6m (EUR177.9m), of a 120-unit order for line H of the made in a climate of funding cuts he would be keen to see the line and taking the line to Newhaven Buenos Aires metro arrived in the Argentinian capital on August 27; for UK authorities, extending extended further: “If you look at at a projected cost of GBP144.7m the stainless steel bodied trains the tramway was “absolutely the any European city, their transport (EUR203.3m). are equipped with air-conditioning right thing to do”. infrastructure works very well – Edinburgh opened its 14km and regenerative braking. He added: “If we’re going to there’s some kind of tram system, (8.7-mile) tramway on 31 May The previous day, testing began be a successful European city or a subway. Something that 2014, although the route was of the first ten of 105 cars that then a tram that goes from the works well for it. Given we don’t truncated in stages from the CRRC is supplying to replace the airport to the sea is absolutely have a subway, we may as well three-line system originally Fiat/Materfer vehicles on line A. the right thing. Notwithstanding have a tram that works. The first envisaged in 2001. Alstom-led consortium proposes wire-free Miami Beach tramway Alstom is leading a multi- The USD148m scheme is eight to ten stations spaced out system as envisioned in the discplinary consortium that designed to form part of the between Fifth Street and Dade latest planning round. has proposed the construction planned Bay Link system that Boulevard, estimating 23 000 Miami Beach Mayor of an 8km (five-mile) LRT links the mainland with South riders per day. A separate Philip Levine has said he line in Miami Beach, Florida, Beach over the MacArthur operations and maintenance would recommend that city using its APS ground-supply Causeway that was cancelled contract could run for 35 years. commissioners reject the technology for running off- in 2003. The proposal calls If built as outlined, the unsolicited proposal, which wire on Washington Avenue for the consortium to design, Miami Beach streetcar system only gave competitors until between Fifth Street and the build and finance the line – on would account for about a 22 October to come up with city’s Convention Center. a reserved alignment with third of the full Bay Link alternative proposals.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 391 Advertorial EVO1: THE REMARKABLE NEW TRAMCAR FROM PRAGUE zech consortium Alliance TW Team consists of engineering specialist PRAGOIMEX, rolling stock builder VKV Prague, and Krnovské opravny a strojírny, whichC provides the basis for construction, reconstruction and modernisation of tramcars. Established in 2001, Alliance TW Team has produced over 500 assembled vehicles and tramcar bodies. Its latest vehicle, the EVO1, was presented at the Czech Raildays 2015 event in Ostrava in June, with positive feedback from industry professionals and the public in the recognition of an all-new, single-section, low-floor tramcar with fully-pivoting bogies using fixed axles. The EVO1 is based on a recognised gap in the market for a 15m low-floor single-section vehicle – a class with a great tradition through the years of CKD Tatra – that fits the operating conditions of small and medium-sized cities perfectly, but is also able to effectively provide a service in bigger cities where issues often concern increased service intervals rather than overall passenger capacity. Capable of running in coupled units, it also serves a valuable purpose for lines that experience varied passenger loads in peak and off-peak times.

An innovative design concept The EVO1 is the smallest representative of the modular EVO vehicle type, using a single- The body strength and impact resistance section fully low-floor design that features two were validated through simulations carried fully-pivoting bogies (Bo’Bo’) and an overall out by the Institute of Applied Mechanics in length of 15.1m. The low-floor platform was Brno, confirmed through crash testing which a cornerstone of the new design, with a door revealed the expected impact resistance access height of 350mm above the top of the without significant damage to the vehicle. rail and internal sections over the bogies at The construction and testing process involved a height of 500mm. Transitions between significant co-operation with Prague public different floor levels are with gently inclined transport operator Dopravní podnik hlavního surfaces, meaning a step-free interior. mesta Prahy a.s., whose workshops were used The twin bogies each use a pair of fixed for completion of the prototype, proving our axles, each driven via a helical gearbox and ability to work closely with customers. 65kW asynchronous traction motor, mounted in parallel to the axle; they are also equipped What the EVO1 offers operators to capture stored braking energy, with • A choice of arrangements in vehicle length, well as high-quality seating and passenger independent ventilation. The outer bogie passenger capacity and coupling, making information systems with LCD displays. frame and cradle suspension consists of two it suitable for small and medium-sized • Electrically-operated pantograph with pairs of helical springs with vertical hydraulic operations, but also for larger networks. anti-shock sensor, exterior and interior CCTV dampers and magnetic track brakes, while • Two fully-pivoting, fixed axle bogies with systems, pneumatic sanding systems and 610mm-diameter wheels underwent separate double-sprung suspension and 610mm ergonomic drivers’ cabin arrangement. development to ensure reduced noise. wheels. This brings low axle loads, reducing • The EVO1 is designed with co-operation Microprocessor-controlled asynchronous wheel/rail wear and offering smooth turning with transport operators in mind, using traction equipment allows for electrodynamic of the wheel profile. The first bogie features an an approach that allows for modular braking to recover energy back into the power integrated device for flange lubrication, again construction at the undertaking’s workshops. grid. Both the traction motors, including helping to reduce wear and wheel noise. This enables operators to reduce procurement standby electric brakes, are controlled • Microprocessor-controlled asynchronous costs, and assists with simplified and future separately; additional electrical equipment electric traction equipment, reducing preventive maintenance. allows for multiple-operation coupled sets. maintenance costs and energy consumption. • Constructed using components mainly The tramcar’s skeleton consists of a welded • A layout with four doors that align with the produced in the Czech Republic, the EVO1 steel frame with glass-fibre body panels that platform edge at 350mm. With no steps the can be offered at a unit price lower than the are glued to the frame and a roof constructed EVO1 allows for the smooth boarding and average of European manufacturers. from a sandwich laminate. The overall design alighting of passengers with restricted mobility. is simple and timeless in both the exterior • Identical window and door dimensions and the interior. In a right-hand driving mean no major structural interventions are CONTACT configuration the tramcar’s side features four required to produce a bi-directional version. sliding doors: one 750mm front door and • Onboard equipment includes high- Tel: +420 266 109 721 [email protected] three 1300mm double doors along the side, efficiency air conditioning and heating www.pragoimex.cz providing fast boarding for all passengers. systems for optimum passenger comfort, as

392 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Comment GETTING A HANDLE ON THE VANDALS Protecting passengers, vehicles and system assets from society’s more undesirable elements is a key challenge for transport operators, as Transport for Greater Manchester Metrolink Director Peter Cushing explains.

indless vandals deliberately targeting public and this has a cost impact through lost revenue, as does running transport systems is not a new phenomenon – a replacement bus service, if necessary. but that is not to say that because it has happened If we consider a more extreme incident of vandalism that we M for as long as people have been travelling on buses, were recently exposed to, then all aforementioned costs were trams or trains, we should accept or tolerate it. We don’t: it is as incurred. In July, a tram derailed after a section of track inexcusable as it is reckless. was deliberately damaged. It took the best part of 24 hours to The responsibility to behave appropriately in a shared public recover the tram. One line was suspended, causing significant space lies with each individual and to me, and the vast majority disruption and unquestionable loss of revenue, replacement buses of right-minded people, it is unthinkable to deliberately target had to be put on and the repair bill ran into thousands of pounds. moving vehicles, to destroy infrastructure and assets, and to The total cost to Metrolink was, of course, much higher. put people in danger. But for some Such incidents, although very rare, unfathomable reason a very small attract significant press attention. minority have no regard for people This brings with it reputational risk or property. and an increase in the fear of crime, Metrolink is the UK’s largest which tends to be far higher than light rail system, transporting the actual probability of becoming a more people than ever before victim of crime. on an ever-expanding network. For the small number of customers The reality is that with more than and staff unfortunate enough to 31 million passenger journeys, experience these incidents there’s over 90km (57 miles) of track no question that it can be frightening, and 92 stops, the vast majority of so it is really important that not journeys pass without incident. only are they able to travel safely, To the visitors, pleasure-seekers and but also that they feel safe in doing so. commuters going about their daily After all, someone who is too scared business, they’re unremarkable to use public transport is unlikely to journeys that they probably don’t board our tram or use a bus or train. give a second thought to. In addition to the measures However, vandalism is a constant you’d expect: CCTV monitoring thorn in both our side, and that 24 hours a day, passenger emergency of the Metrolink operator Smashed windows are probably the form of vandalism suffered most call points on all trams and platforms (RATP Dev) and maintainers – and frequently; repairs can keep a tram out of service for 24 hours. TfGM and the daily deployment of when something does happen the more than 100 customer service consequences are many and varied. “Within a two-week period, four representatives across the network, While smashed tram windows earlier this year – in partnership are probably the worst and windscreens, 12 doors and eight with Greater Manchester Police most frequent example of this and travel operators – we launched behaviour (and perhaps that could windows had to be replaced. To the TravelSafe Unit (TSU) a pilot be considered fortunate in itself scheme aimed at boosting the when considering the challenges have so many trams out of service ability to tackle and prevent crime other global owners and operators and anti-social behaviour. face), we occasionally suffer other threatens our ability to deliver A dedicated team of police and forms of vandalism and anti-social special constables now provide regular behaviour too, predominantly to the service customers expect.” patrols – overtly and covertly – on the shelters and stops. region’s networks, using data from Repairing a windscreen keeps a tram out of service for 24 contributing operators to target patrols in hotspot areas at key times hours, repairing a window or door for at least eight. and supporting front line staff. The scheme continues to be well- School holidays are a particularly challenging time as they received and has had great results in identifying those responsible often bring with them a spike in the number of vandalism for incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour (who are now incidents we have to deal with. It is often only a small number of subject to the judicial system), in deterring crime – because we are perpetrators responsible – the few trying to spoil it for the many – seeing an active drop in the number of reported incidents – and in but they have a big impact on us. reassuring passengers and providing revenue protection. Within the space of two weeks recently, four windscreens, Peter Cushing spent many years in road and air freight operations before 12 doors and eight windows had to be replaced. To have so many moving to the rail industry in 2000. After a period at Director level of two trams out of service threatens our ability to deliver the kind of UK Train Operating Companies, he joined Transport for Greater Manchester service that our customers have come to expect. in 2007. He worked with TfGM’s Metrolink senior team on a long-term The obvious consequence – and one that is most recordable interim basis between 2007 and 2012, before assuming the role of Metrolink – is cost: every damaged item needs to be repaired or replaced. Director, responsible for overseeing both the current GBP1.4bn network Depending on the situation there may be disruption to the line expansion and day-to-day operations of the UK’s largest tramway.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 393 safe & easy crossing

LEVEL CROSSING SYSTEMS for highest demands

-/ veloSTRAIL eliminating the fl ange groove

 extremely safe crossing for cyclists, wheelchair users, inline-skaters, baby carriages and trolley bags.

 veloSTRAIL inner panels are available in 600 mm and 1,200 mm and are designed for train speeds up to a maximum of 70mph for the UK with full Network Rail Product Acceptance.

 excellent compression of “fl ange groove”, even at very low temperatures (tested down to - 25 °C) coupled with high load capacity in road direction for safe crossing of individual users. www.strail.com

STRAIL (UK) Ltd. Richard Whatley / Tannery Lane / Send / Woking / GU23 7EF / Great Britain Phone +44 (14 83) 22 20 90 / Fax + 44 (14 83) 22 20 95 | [email protected]

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE! London 7 October 2015

SUPPORTED BY

Geoff Butler – t: +44 (0)1733 367610 – @ [email protected] www.lightrailawards.com Safety and security

KEEPING A busy day in central Jerusalem, showing crowded tramstops on both sides of the street. Carrying over 140 000 passengers per day, this system has its own challenges of safety and security, like all open SYSTEMS SAFE access transport networks. S. Orenstein/JLRT Ensuring the safety and security of passengers on open access transport networks is key to their success. TAUT speaks to operators around the world to explore the different ways they manage these complex issues and reduce the ever-present anti-social banes of violence and vandalism.

eeling safe and secure is a basic and explains: “The costs and impacts of anti-social stretched in the wider force, we found it essential need for humankind, a behaviour are not always obvious. Downtime, difficult to secure consistent police support. need that can come under threat maintenance manpower and money are some Now we have a reliable and specialist team of while using public transport of the obvious risk factors, as well as risk of officers at our disposal each week. networks. Protecting passengers personal injury and, at the very least, the “We combine revenue protection activities Ffrom anti-social perils such as violence and possibility of an unpleasant experience for with police checks, which have resulted vandalism – encouraging a relaxed and passengers on the tram at the time. in several success stories that range from stress-free atmosphere – can be a difficult and “The expectations on Metrolink are great. people arrested for having outstanding continuous challenge for operators. With a six-minute service throughout the warrants to drug-related offences, unrelated Recent events on the Metrolink light day on most lines, our customers know to Metrolink. Areas identified as ‘hot spots’ rail network in Manchester (UK) have when a tram is missing and patience wears have a team of Network Security Officers who highlighted just how important and difficult thin for the perpetrators when anti-social patrol trams and challenge any suspicious this task is as the school holidays have seen behaviour is the cause. The costs are not activity or anti-social behaviour; this also a spike in cases of vandalism across the limited to simply glass and inconvenience; provides reassurance to our customers as well network, seeing trams withdrawn for repairs our reputation takes a hit as do our efforts to as to our employees out on the network.” and both delays to and suspension of services. increase customer growth on lines hardest CCTV provides another level of security Although broken side windows and hit by anti-social behaviour.” – Metrolink’s Bombardier M5000 trams are windscreens are the most common damage While keeping an “enhanced stock” of all fitted with onboard units, cameras cover inflicted on vehicles, ticket machines have glass and adhesive ensures disruption is every park-and-ride site and a network of been smashed, names burnt into seats using kept to a minimum if a tram does need to be 250 further systems cover stops and lift lighters, and ‘missiles’ have been thrown at withdrawn, the best solution is, as always, interiors. A CCTV suite in the Network vehicles. The most serious incident even saw prevention rather than cure. Management Centre monitors these 24 one tram derail on the East Didsbury line in The TravelSafe Partnership is one such hours a day, 365 days a year. Tamper early July; fortunately there were no injuries, measure recently introduced by Metrolink. alarms are also monitored for equipment but as Rob Edwards, Head of Customer Edwards explains: “Before the launch of the such as ticket machines, ensuring a quick Service for RATP Dev Manchester (Metrolink) TravelSafe Partnership, with police resources response to any incidents as well as a direct

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 395 Safety and security

link to TravelSafe officers and the Greater ABOVE AND RIGHT: Replacing tram seating, Manchester Police. windows and windscreens due to vandalism damage Customer Service Representatives are is not only costly and time consuming, but it also also equipped with body-worn cameras, removes a vehicle from service risking additional delays to passenger timetables. TfGM/MRDL with Edwards crediting employees as the biggest source of information when it comes to tackling incidents on the network: “To “These issues will always encourage reporting of instances of crime and anti-social behaviour, we launched an exist, but the severity and internal campaign called, ‘Report It!’. As one of the objectives of the campaign, frequency can be targeted we regularly feedback to driver and customer services staff about how their reporting has through intelligence.” helped us tackle these issues on the network as it’s vital we have their buy-in.” including trespassing, loitering, or fare further police patrols around stops, platforms, Of the constant challenge posed by evasion. To aid in streamlining the penalty and park-and-ride sites. Emergency call boxes vandalism in the face of growing a large process for these minor offences, Valley Metro and safety lighting feature at each stop, while network with multiple lines, Edwards has introduced electronic citations into the emergency call buttons inside each LRV concludes: “These issues will always exist, but fare inspection process. link directly to the operator, so passengers the severity and frequency can be targeted by “Valley Metro is continually looking for can report suspicious activity immediately. intelligence-led operations with the police ways to advance the technology used in the An ongoing national public awareness and greater community cohesion with the fare inspection process,” explains Adrian campaign, Transit Watch, encourages active system, as Metrolink is undoubtedly at the Ruiz, Director of Safety and Security. “By participation of riders and employees in heart of every community we serve.” introducing electronic citations, we are able maintaining a safe transit environment. to reinforce safety and security on light rail to Tackling a wider issue, Valley Metro works The Valley Metro approach more effectively engage with customers.” It’s in partnership with Tumbleweed Center for The challenges faced by Manchester’s working, too, as random ticket inspections Youth Development, a local agency serving Metrolink are sadly far from unique. indicate that fare evasion sits at just 5%. vulnerable youth, through its ‘Safe Place’ Valley Metro in Phoenix (USA) operates Vandalism is another low-level occurrence, programme. All of the system’s stops are bus, light rail, paratransit and vanpool with just ten reports between January 2013 designated Safe Places for young people in services within the metropolitan area, serving and May 2015, thanks to a zero tolerance crisis, who are homeless, have run away over 250 000 riders daily, up to 22 hours every policy and swift reactions to any incidents. because of abuse or neglect, or have been day of the year. The LRT system, opened in With the opening of the Central Mesa asked to leave by parents or guardians. December 2008, serves the cities of Phoenix, extension, all of the system’s security and Teens can seek help at any light rail stop 24 Tempe and Mesa, with a 5km (3.1-mile) safety measures have been stepped up, with hours a day, seven days a week; they are met extension into Central Mesa that took the an increase in the number of officers (both by Tumbleweed staff who will help connect network to 37km (23 miles) in August 2015. uniformed and plain clothes), as well as them to immediate housing and basic needs. A proactive approach in managing safety In this way, while safety and security are and security is deemed “critical” by Steve considered paramount in providing a safe, Banta, Valley Metro CEO: “Our safety and efficient and reliable transportation service, security team work diligently to address Valley Metro goes beyond just meeting the those issues straight-on. Our philosophy is most obvious needs of its riders. to engage, educate and enforce the rules of riding so that using public transit is a good Violent means, human measures experience for everyone.” As well as vandalism, anti-social behaviour A similar emphasis is placed on front-line can take the form of violence, and in particular staff and camera monitoring: staff from cases of assault against public transport Valley Metro’s service provider, Allied Barton, employees. This serious issue is something routinely manage rider safety and fare that Wieslaw Witek, Head of Warsaw inspection, working in shifts as two-person Transport Authority (ZTM) is keen to address. teams across six zones on the expanded system. During the first six months of 2015, “Valley Metro also partners with the eight cases of assault were reported against cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa police Warsaw’s ticket inspectors (compared to 25 departments to provide support to these in the same period in 2014). Broken fingers, security officers,” adds Banta, while hundreds hand injuries, hip fractures and even having of cameras onboard the Kinkisharyo LRVs, at part of an ear bitten off were just some of The high visibility of uniformed law enforcement stations and park-and-rides mean the agency the injuries that resulted from struggles and security officers can help reduce criminal can view activities on and around transit. behaviour on and around LRT networks; the between inspectors and passengers travelling Because of these rigorous initiatives, Banta TravelSafe initiative launched in Manchester (UK) without a valid ticket. says that major crime rates are “negligible”, this year has paid dividends in supporting front-line Verbal aggression is also common, Witek but are more likely to involve civil offences transport staff on both trams and buses. TfGM comments: “People using public transport

396 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial A BRITISH REVOLUTION IN ANTI-GRAFFITI TECHNOLOGY Garrandale’s innovative product range offers simple to use and cost-effective anti-vandal solutions for light and urban rail operators everywhere.

nwanted graffiti exposes innocent people to often incredibly offensive and anti-social remarks across public transport every day. UVehicles, stations and infrastructure are equally at risk. These issues can affect passengers’ feeling of safety and security on urban rail systems, and also cause damage to the reputation of any network and its operator. Anti-graffiti coating systems from Garrandale offer a simple and effective answer that save vast amounts of time and money when trying to keep the blight of ABOVE: Unsightly graffiti used to blight the seafront in Blackpool that borders the tramway. INSET: Garrandale’s “tagging” at bay. Once the system is applied, environmentally-friendly coating uses the sea to actually remove the graffiti. Garrandale Group graffiti can be removed with just water. The GraffStop® system is a truly and GraffStop® Self Release is available in nationally, before the Olympics, to tidy up revolutionary range of anti-graffiti coatings, clear and pigmented versions. the railway; this focused on graffiti and litter developed in-house by Garrandale’s dedicated Working together with Network Rail on removal. On the Midland Main Line, key chemists to be unlike any other system on the the Visual Image Impact cleanup programme cities benefiting from this were Leicester, market, outperforming them at every turn for the 2012 Olympics, GraffStop® Self Release London and Nottingham. and with every application. Garrandale offers Clear and Pigmented products were used “Various lineside equipment cabinets and full product training and support with its to great effect on several mainline routes buildings were painted in light grey; bridges entire range, a service that completes the total into London. and walls painted anthracite grey, light grey, solution the Derby-based company offers any Unsightly graffiti was erased using holly green or brick red. The intention was to client subject to this increasingly upsetting GraffStop® and structures are now protected rely on the deterrent effect of GraffStop® to vandalism that plagues our public spaces. against future attacks. Jim Nightingale, keep those assets in good condition, at least A single-pack polymer, the GraffStop® Network Rail Maintenance Protection for the duration of the Games. Having made range can be used on a wide range of surfaces Co-ordinator, states: “We ran a project them water washable, they could be readily cleaned without having to apply fresh paint.” This is a perfect case study to illustrate just how simple, yet effective, Garrandale products can be utilised in the fight against this senseless crime, and it gives the firm great pleasure to work alongside organisations such as Network Rail. Sharing their philosophy and issues have helped the company better understand a client’s problems whilst eliminating their graffiti issues and allowing them to learn how to best serve them in other areas in the future. Moving forward, Garrandale is using its vast experience gained in dealing with organisations such as Network Rail to widen its reach to all transport services and public areas affected by the blight of unwanted graffiti.

CONTACT INFO

W: www.garrandale.co.uk ABOVE: Blackpool’s famous promenade sees millions of tourist visitors each year; the opening of the modern E: +44 (0)1332 291100 tramway in 2012 made the task of maintaining a clean and tidy seafront even more important. Garrandale Group

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 397 Safety and security

without a valid ticket often obstruct the performance of the official duties of a ticket inspector, disturb the peace, insult controllers and urge other free-riders to ignore the directives of ticket controllers.” To combat this problem, as well as working with the Municipal Police of the Capital City of Warsaw, ZTM employs security agency employees to accompany ticket inspectors on night buses and suburban lines. Since February, this approach has mitigated 25 504 potential issues. The human angle is also played to the fore, with the roll-out of ZTM’s ‘I work as a ticket inspector’ campaign last year. Witek explains: “The aim was to present the work of ticket inspectors, thus limiting the number of acts of aggression. One of the participants noted: “Often, when we issue a request for payment for travelling without a ticket, passengers say, “Please be human and let me go.” Automatically, I reply: “And what do you consider me to be?” That’s the biggest A visible staff presence onboard vehicles helps reassure passengers, and plays an important role in tackling problem. If some of the passengers rob us of fare evasion. Valley Metro our human qualities it becomes easier for them to challenge, push and kick us. “In order to make a quick intervention in passengers, as well as mutual respect and care “The campaign lasted several weeks. the event of any incidents affecting traffic for the vehicles, another major issue for the We exhibited posters on vehicles in which and passengers’ safety, the Tram Traffic Polish capital’s transport network. ticket inspectors shared their passions, Supervision System is extremely helpful. This The city suffers significantly at the hands interests and ways of coping with an inherent system has operated in Warsaw since 1997 of vandals: 9700 acts of vandalism were element of their work – stress.” and enables vehicle staff to communicate by reported across the public transport network Tramwaje Warsawskie works closely with radio with a dispatcher. The dispatcher may, in just the first quarter of 2015, mostly ZTM to ensure the security of the tramway if necessary, establish a connection with all directed towards vehicles and stops. Display environment, and responds quickly to any or a selected group of drivers and convey cabinets and schedules suffered 4192 attacks, criminal reports via its Traffic Headquarters, important information or instructions.” signs 3924, and shelters/canopies 1253. which operates 24/7. This hub received 14 In 2011, Tramwaje Warszawskie allowed Additionally, 214 windows were smashed reports of violence in 2014 – and although an application from the Municipal Police to and 180 benches destroyed with a total repair most were fights between passengers, one was track vehicles on its extensive network. This bill of around PLN473 000 (EUR112 000), of an act of aggression towards a tram driver. software allows them to preview in real-time excluding the value of materials. Waclaw Niewiadomski, Head of the Traffic the last free location of selected trams; from A further campaign has been brought in to Supervision Bureau at Tramwaje Warszawskie, this information they can quickly work out the protect transport infrastructure, called says that the general response depends upon current location and direction of any affected ‘Do not tolerate it, let us know!’. This the act and development of situations, but vehicle and thereby efficiently intervene. encourages passengers to inform the police once the driver has raised an alert, “the Traffic The operator has also organised a series of of any crimes that they may witness, as Headquarters takes further steps, notifying social campaigns for ZTM to promote safety Witek explains: “We place great emphasis on relevant services (police, municipal police on the city’s lines: its latest campaign – ‘The providing information by text message to the and ambulance) and sends a traffic supervisor, Direction of Kindness in Public Transport’ Municipal Police of Warsaw. Sending a text who prepares the required documentation. – promotes positive interactions between does not require a voice call, and thus doesn’t draw the attention of a perpetrator of an act of vandalism. Detailed instructions for using intervention text messages are placed on all vehicles as well as on selected stops.” On the city’s metro, a zero-tolerance policy is operated when it comes to vandalism and evidence of incidents are removed as soon as possible, with trains immediately withdrawn from service for cleaning or repair. Dominika Szterk, Security and Crisis Management Director of Metro Warszawskie, ABOVE, RIGHT, BELOW: Serious cases of says that as well as cleaning up after the vandalism, such as these in Warsaw, can cause major vandals, the Metro’s security officers play delays and damage the reputation of tramways as a a major role in prevention. Their quick safe means of travel. ZTM Warszawa/Twój Motorniczy response times are such that offenders can often be caught in the act. “Thanks to close co-operation with the Warsaw Metro police (located at several stations along the system’s two lines), it is possible to quickly react and apprehend the vandals,” she says. “24-hour CCTV helps with such duties. Observation of stations and trains allows us to thwart attempts at vandalism or minimise their scale. In other situations it helps the police in identifying and arresting the perpetrators.” An Analysis Department has also been established to check procedures and identify new ways of improving the system’s security.

398 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Metro Warszawskie, Szterk says, has also witnessed a rise in violent behaviour towards staff and passengers, “In 2014, Metro Security Service guards passed 58 people suspected of committing various crimes and offences to the Municipal Police.” And, similarly to its methods of vandalism prevention, CCTV and metro employees play a big role in maintaining safety: “At each station there is a duty station master and a Metro Security Services guard. Thanks to their vigilance it is possible to prevent many potentially dangerous situations and maintain order at stations. They are the first point of contact for the passenger and they are the first to intervene if first aid is necessary. They have direct contact with municipal emergency services and are trained to evacuate the station.” To increase their visibility, new high-vis Well-lit, clean and cared-for stops are crucial in portraying an image of safe and secure systems – an excellent uniforms and signage were introduced , example is this stop on the Valley Metro LRT network in central Phoenix, Arizona. Valley Metro while station masters and drivers were also provided with distinctive uniforms and a 1600 badge advising of their role. 1367 1331 More serious threats, such as potential 1400 acts of terrorism, also occur on Warsaw’s Metro: 2013 saw two notifications of 1200 explosive devices being planted; fortunately both incidences were false alerts. For such 1000 occurrences, Metro Security Services employs 759 800 specially-trained dogs. Unusually, Warsaw Metro has also Casualties 600 488 instigated briefings for the passengers themselves, so that they can respond more 400 161 206 200 “9700 acts of vandalism 0 were reported across 1982-91 1992-2001 2002-11 Aviation Rail Period Warsaw’s public transport Comparison of rail and aviation passengers killed worldwide in acts of terrorism (1982-2011) Arnold Barnett: Solan School of Management, MIT network in just the first quarter of 2015.” 35 effectively to any developing emergency. This is especially useful considering 30 that passengers are likely to be the very first people present at a scene: “Metro Warszawskie has introduced regular 25 briefings as part of a cycle entitled ‘Social Assistant of the Metro’. This aims 37% to train a group of people who travel on 20 the metro every day in the field of safety 71.4% 90.6% procedures, specifics of technical services 15 and the desired response in unusual Number of events of Number situations. Holders of such knowledge can be an invaluable aid in passenger crowds in the 10 63% event of an emergency,” says Szterk.

5 Countering terror 28.6% At the more extreme end of the scale, the 9.4% potential for terror attacks is an aspect 0 of security that Simcha Orenstein, 1982-91 1992-2001 2002-11 Chief Technical Officer on Jerusalem’s Period light rail network, is all too familiar with: Aviation Rail “Terrorists’ efforts are primarily concentrated Comparison of successful acts of terrorism against rail and aviation (1982-2011) on transport and, since more restrictive Arnold Barnett: Solan School of Management, MIT security measures were introduced for air travel in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the USA in 2001, the focus has shifted to mass considered a ‘success’ tend to be replicated; a wide area, covering many neighbourhoods transportation. the potential for terrorist attack is therefore a and having as a core principle the “Over the last decade rail users have been widespread international problem.” dependence upon everyone being able at greater risk than frequent flyers: there have Again, open networks such as the LRT to have easy access. been attacks in Madrid (2004), London (2005), system in Jerusalem are by their very nature However, having such a strong security Mumbai (2006) and Russia (2009). Attacks difficult to secure, he adds, being spread over initiative in place to try and deal with potential

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 399 Safety and security

ABOVE AND LEFT: Regular drills help ensure that passengers on the Jerusalem LRT are kept safe from the more serious terrorist threats that are ever-present in a city with an often politically charged atmosphere. JLRT attacks has some positive side-effects: “Our windows designed to meet the Israel Defence also works anonymously in the background. dedicated security policy is grounded in the Forces (IDF) standard for protection – despite All this makes things harder for potential principles of Israel’s national security policy. 200 stones being thrown at trams, zero spalls attackers, and gives confidence to travellers. However, we have found something else too: inside have resulted – and roof-mounted Our security team is our ‘front line’.” as a by-product of having a security system in equipment that is protected by metal Being prepared for a terrorist attack is place, you solve the problems of vandalism, platework, as well as full CCTV coverage. something this front line is ready for, and violence and anti-social behaviour.” A “defensive” strategy is adopted for regular training and drills are routinely “Jersualem’s tramway carries 35 million physical constructions: Orenstein explains, carried out. Live exercises form part of this, passengers a year over a 13.8km (8.6-mile) “Whereas most of the system is ‘open’, the where drills are realistically recreated and line, with 21 sets of vehicles, that operates depot area is ‘closed’. This houses not only services halted. “The ability to manage major 05.30-24.00. Keeping vehicles and facilities maintenance and stabling facilities, but other security events and to return the situation to in good repair serves as a preventative potentially vulnerable infrastructure such normal as soon as possible should also be part measure, as vandalism and graffiti create an as communication equipment, servers, and of the security system,” Orenstein says. impression of lawlessness, and vandalism the Operational Control Centre (OCC). The “Another aspect of protection is a much encourages more vandalism. In 2014 there Security Control Centre (SCC) is also located more simple one – running a high service were only 97 instances of vandalism – here. Workers, visitors, baggage and vehicles frequency, which itself also serves as a 36 stickers were found, there were 32 cases are screened and security systems are preventative measure,” he adds. of graffiti, 27 of chewing gum and just two installed (intrusion detection system, access “Most LRT networks are not set up to of spray paint.” consider the threat of terrorism, despite Following Israel’s security concept, the city’s “Keeping vehicles and stops the fact that attacks could jeopardise the LRT line is protected by a four-tier system: mode’s increasingly popular role in mass Tier one: Various intelligence units in good repair serves as a transportation. However, a further benefit operating abroad, gathering information of maintaining security systems is that it on terrorist organisations – their plans, preventative measure, as significantly reduces vandalism, and the targets and goals – and trying to hinder and threat of violence.” disrupt such plans. vandalism creates an Despite the daily challenges the Jerusalem Tier two: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) LRT faces, the system is nonetheless a major defending and controlling the national impression of lawlessness.” success story, carrying 140 000 riders each borders, trying to prevent the penetration day (160 000 on some occasions), with a of terrorists and hostile elements. control system, threat detection, perimeter passenger satisfaction rate of over 75% and Tier three: The General Security Service fence protection and others). well-patronised park-and-ride sites. (GSS) operating inside the country, “Carefully designed stops have been fitted The grime and air pollution in Jaffa Street gathering information on the movements, with protective glass, sloping roofs and have given way to a green boulevard of trees plans and targets of those terrorists that blast-resistant rubbish bins. Materials are with cleaner air; traffic lanes on Herzl Avenue manage to get through tiers one and two. non-flammable, and colours are selected to are decorated with flowering gardens and The role of the GSS is to try, together with be anti-vandal. Termini are equipped with trees, and the honks of car horns have given the police, to thwart such plans before they ‘bomb pits’. Also, following an attack where way to street musicians. The level of air reach the LRT system. a road vehicle was driven onto a stop in pollution in the city centre has decreased by Tier four: The Israeli Police protect the 2014, stops are now protected by bollards. 85% with the wider neighbourhoods served environs of the LRT system and specific CCTV coverage includes not only the stops by the line enjoying the fruits of a successful designated forces and methods for themselves, but also the immediately rejuvenation and revival process created, protecting the LRT system and its facilities. surrounding areas too. The system is inter alia, by light rail. Potential threats to the system cover monitored live from the SCC.” everything from Molotov cocktails, arson, The importance of ongoing and efficient Grateful thanks are due to Simcha Orenstein gunfire directed at passengers and vehicles, intelligence is also underlined: “Jerusalem’s of Jerusalem LRT, Rob Edwards, Chris Coleman suicide bombers and explosive devices, LRT has a security officer and a dedicated and Nicola Watson of Metrolink RATP Dev, through to the deliberate collision of vehicles unit. Their strategy is guided by Government Michael Del Rosso of Transport for Greater with the trams or passengers, and derailment security forces, but the designated force Manchester, Steve Banta, Adrian Ruiz and Ann due to sabotage or explosive devices. is specially trained to protect the LRT Glaser of Valley Metro, TAUT correspondent Orenstein outlines a multi-pronged system. The force’s operation is deliberately Witold Urbanowicz, Wieslaw Witek of Zarzad approach to these threats: bespoke Alstom unpredictable; it has a visible presence Transportu Miejskiego (ZTM), Waclaw Citadis rolling stock is fitted with special across the network – sometimes on trams, Niewiadomski of Tramwaje Warsawskie and measures and equipment including tram sometimes at stops, sometimes both – but Dominika Szterk of Metro Warszawskie.

400 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial MECHAN MAKES ITS MARK ON URBAN RAIL NETWORKS Rail vehicle lifting specialist Mechan is function well, thanks to regular maintenance perhaps best known for its ubiquitous yellow from Mechan’s expert engineers. jacks – a familiar sight in maintenance Manchester Metrolink also uses Mechan facilities across the UK. jacks at its Queen’s Road and Trafford Bar The Sheffield-based manufacturer is depots, alongside a range of other equipment, popular among depot operators, thanks including work stands, bogie stacking frames to the quality, safety and reliability of its and automated sanding systems made by equipment. Its flagship jacks are suitable for Klein Anlagenbau AG of Germany. all types of vehicle and can be produced in Mechan represent Klein in the UK and various weights and gauges to meet the needs Ireland and installed the Metrolink systems. also ordered to house the vehicles and a silo of any tram, metro or intercity train. An ergonomically-designed nozzle, similar capable of storing 10m3 of sand. As trams sit so close to the floor, Mechan to a petrol pump, is used to dispense sand Not all of Mechan’s work centres on the has designed a special type of jack with an from an onsite silo, via a dense phase production of new equipment, however ultra-low lifting arm and fast operating pneumatic pipe, directly into the vehicle. – the firm is committed to keeping depot speeds. It is available in small capacities for It is transferred under pressure at low machinery in service as long as possible. light loads and can be designed to work in sets velocity, minimising pipe wear, whilst dust is London Underground is a great proponent of six, to lift coupled or articulated vehicles. eliminated by an exhaust. of this philosophy and has sent numerous London Trams ordered eight such jacks to Mobile sanding carts from the Klein range accommodation bogies for repair, some service its new Stadler fleet, introduced two were supplied by Mechan to Midland Metro’s dating back to the 1920s. A 50-year-old years ago. The eight-tonne units are used Wednesbury depot, which maintains the turntable from Waterloo, the capital’s only alongside eight six-tonne jacks that have CAF Urbos 3 trams used on the Birmingham subterranean depot, was also refurbished and been in operation since 1998 and continue to – Wolverhampton service. A garage was returned, ready to serve another half century.

RAIL DEPOT LIFTING & HANDLING EQUIPMENT

/ / RAILCAR LIFTING LIFTING JACKS JACKS / /BOGIE/EQUIPMENT BOGIE/EQUIPMENT DROPS DROPS / /TRAVERSERS TRAVERSERS / / TURNTABLES TURNTABLES / / BOGIE BOGIE TEST TEST MACHINES MACHINES / UNDER CAR EQUIPMENT HANDLING / UNDER CAR EQUIPMENT HANDLING / RAIL DEPOT WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT / RAIL DEPOT WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

E: [email protected] W:E: www.mechan.co.uk [email protected] T: W: +44 www.mechan.co.uk (0)114 257 0563 T: +44 (0)114 257 0563

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 401 CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEPOT DESIGN The beating heart of any modern LRT system, the maintenance facility offers many opportunities for efficient, sustainable construction. Scott McIntosh looks at some of the key design issues.

iven the number of new tramway 1924 and reprinted in facsimile in the 1990s, that are combined with bus or systems that are being built – and still has many useful pointers for designers, operations – operate 24 hours per day. As the number of existing systems notwithstanding the huge changes in potentially hundreds of employees will be that are being extended and/or technology that have come about since it was working on site at all hours, the provision of radically renewed – there is an first written. The US Transportation Research a safe and comfortable environment is key Gongoing problem that the amount of practical Board has examined the issue of depot location to a facility’s success without unnecessarily experience and design talent available to the and design on a number of occasions over the increasing a site’s footprint. industry is being spread rather thinly. last three decades and such documents may With a modern depot costing anywhere One can see that many new systems are be purchased from its website.[1] from EUR20m upwards, these are major simply copying that which went before and In Europe, the VdV alliance of transport investments and must therefore be well- similar mistakes or inefficiencies are repeated. companies has published a number planned with close consideration of function What is needed is a ‘Tram Depot Design for of advisory papers, which can also be as well as form, not only for current operations Dummies’ handbook that demonstrates the downloaded. These cover various aspects of but also with future development in mind. good, the bad and the ugly amongst existing depot planning, including considerations designs, supporting its recommendations of internal transport and storage, traffic TramStore21 with a wide range of detailed data. infrastructure and parking space.[2] The most recent international study of Such textbooks have existed and the US Many depots and maintenance centres – depot issues has been undertaken by Electric Railway Handbook, last revised in especially those on larger systems or those TramStore21, a co-operative project between

Maintenance Stabling area and cleaning Workshop

Exit/entry

ABOVE: VdV idealised depot vehicle flow diagram for depot (note laid out for right-hand running).

RIGHT: Metro Tenerife’s depot features a unique ‘folded’ design that makes excellent use of a constricted site.

402 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Depot design

ABOVE: Dijon’s Les Ateliers site incorporates both review the work of colleagues with a critical eye If a central depot is not possible then some tram and bus maintenance and stabling. Neil Pulling and to challenge assumptions and established of the effects of out-of-centre depots can LEFT: RET Citadis 2005 passes Rotterdam’s practice. It must also be recognised that be mitigated by careful timetable planning Beverwaard depot. The first of four sites developed much work has been carried out in wealthier to ensure the best revenue mileage/dead under the collaborative TramStore21 programme, countries that are willing to invest money mileage ratio is achieved. For example, the it has sustainability at the core of its design and a in high quality public services. The current more robust nature of modern car designs, 500-capacity park-and-ride site on its roof. Neil Pulling political/economic conditions may mean that with longer periods between routine all EU partners adopt the penny-pinching maintenance means that it is not necessary the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, attitudes evident in the UK outside London. to have all the trams return to the central Belgium, France and Germany, co-funded by We need to maximise the ‘bang for each buck’ maintenance depot every night. An efficient the partners of the project and the European if tramway projects are to have a future. maintenance works, coupled with simple, Union Development Fund under the Given the scope of the subject, this article secure tram stabling on each route can be INTERREG IVB co-operation programme. can only touch on a few issues, but I hope acceptable if each car’s working diagram is Between 2008 and 2013, the European that this will result in reflection and debate adjusted to ensure that it passes through the partners worked to pool existing best practices about how best to locate and design a depot. maintenance works at regular intervals. aiming to improve transport efficiency and the urban integration of tram depots. Layout New tram depots in Brussels, Rotterdam, “Ideally a depot should be Given that many depot designers come from Blackpool and Dijon feature, including a heavy rail background it is not surprising integration with a bus depot or a park-and- located centrally within a that many modern tram depots have a ride, specific measures to deter corrosion, through-flow layout, with a fan of turnouts sustainable designs, and peer reviews at the system... but high city at each end of the sidings. Indeed VdV planning stage. The project was intended Recommendation 823 is that ‘track crossings to encourage innovative practices such as centre land values can should be avoided through anti-clockwise local authorities working in an open manner make sites unaffordable.” vehicle driving (right driven tracks) and it is in an international setting, accepting peer advised to connect the different depot units reviews in the planning process (which can directly, thus achieving more efficiency’.[3] be more cost-effective than hiring in expert Location This layout may be useful when one is consultants), overcoming language barriers Ideally a depot should be located as close as dealing with long trains of vehicles, but it is and confidentiality clauses in contracts. possible to the centre of a system to worth questioning whether it offers efficient Unfortunately, much of this work has minimise the amount of dead running at land use and value for money on tramway consisted of rapportage, simply recounting the beginning and end of the traffic day. systems. It is claimed that with a dead-end what has been done on different sites rather Older readers may remember the Mersey siding a single failed car can trap others behind than a gathering of data and undertaking Square Depot in Stockport, similarly Rigby it; however in 30 years in the industry I have a rigorous analysis of the effectiveness or Road was fairly central to the Blackpool never seen any data on the frequency of this value for money of a project. If research system – particularly when the inland routes happening. Lack of data leads me to conclude funding could be found and various transport were running – and today the Therapia that this is an ex post facto justification for undertakings were willing to give accurate and Road depot on London Tramlink is only double-ended sidings. It is notable that of the honest data on the costs and benefits of their approximately 2km (1.2 miles) from the town four depots examined by TramStore21 21 two depot strategy then a rigorous analysis and centre loop. Unfortunately land values in (Blackpool and Dijon) are single-ended, as are commentary could be provided that would be city centres can be so high that sites for the modern depots in Nice, Tenerife and Lille. of inestimable value to tramway developers. depots are unaffordable. Where sites can be What can be much more frustrating is a The consensual nature of much working found there is often objection from local derailment during morning run out – this within the European Union also tends to residents who fear noise and light pollution can block a whole depot throat. If the layout reduce the willingness of participants to from depot operations. uses ballasted track then the car can settle on

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 403 Depot design

the ballast and will require lifting, packing vinyl graphics. In colder countries outdoor a massive and expensive structure will be and slewing to get it back on the rails, a time stabling means the cars absorb more energy required to support the development. and labour intensive process. However if the when they are heated and condensation is A better solution is to provide a lightweight depot fans are laid in paved track often all driven out before cars enter service – and the structure that can be used for a low-rise car that is needed is a reversal of the car to get conditions for cleaning staff or for drivers park. Prefabricated buildings like this are it to drop back into the grooves. If this fails leaving or returning to the cars is poorer. often used to provide additional parking on a little ‘persuasion’ with another car and A roofed depot contains more of the space-constrained hospital and supermarket some stout lads armed with levers can often operating noise and light pollution that can sites. The car park can be used for staff parking sort the problem out. An examination of be a source of complaint from local residents. and to form the basis of a park-and-ride site, the paving around the decaying track fan at A fully-enclosed building also offers increased generating extra revenue for the tramway. The Rigby Road, Blackpool will show how often security in areas suffering from vandalism. allocation of reserved parking to residents of trams have suffered a minor derailment and However, a roof can be very expensive to the immediate area can often help reduce local then been run back onto the track. construct and maintain. The ideal solution objections to the structure and also reduce is to find a source of revenue from leasing unsightly on-street parking. Such an approach Covered stabling? out the air space above. In Tuen Mun, Hong can mean that everyone gains, turning Most modern depots take advantage of the Kong, this space accommodates a number opponents of the scheme into supporters. weather resistance of 21st Century trams of 29-storey residential towers, but it is rare by stabling the cars in the open. This is that land is scarce and expensive enough to Equipping the Maintenance Hall obviously the cheapest solution, but it can make this worthwhile. The need for utility The choice of rolling stock can have a result in an increased need to wash the cars and services access to the buildings – and the significant effect on depot design and the and a more rapid deterioration of any applied great weight of the structures – means that amount of space required can be influenced by the type of bogie and the accessibility of RIGHT: Inside equipment cases. Thus many depots have Blackpool’s Starr Gate large fixed roof-level walkways and plenty of depot, showing the air space to allow work to be carried out on variety of pits, jacks, lifts control and auxiliary equipment fixed to the and gantries that are roof. However other designs (most notably essential to the efficient, the Eurotram supplied to , Milan safe upkeep of a modern and Porto) have removable equipment cases (and in Blackpool’s case, heritage) fleet. Neil Pulling that can be lifted from the car. This approach minimises the number of gantry workspaces, their size and headroom requirements. Access to a wheel lathe is essential for the efficient running of a modern tramway. The complex layout of traction motors (particularly in earlier monomotor cars) means that all the wheels on a bogie have to be exactly the same size, and difficulty in getting the bogie out from under a car means that an underfloor lathe is usually specified. Such a RIGHT: No modern lathe is an expensive item and needs to be put maintenance facility in a shed at least twice as long as the longest is complete without an car specified for the system, so that all the underfloor wheel lathe; wheels can be dealt with whilst the shed doors the Hegenscheidt unit at are closed. Where mistakes are made and doors Blackpool’s Starr Gate site have to be opened this can let bad weather in has the ability to turn all and noise out into the local community. the wheels of a Flexity 2 low-floor tram in a single Thus if the operator expects that it will day. Neil Pulling ever have to run cars in the 40-45m length range it will need to provide a building over 90m long, a large structure for a small-start system. It is to be hoped that innovative designs with individually controlled wheel- hub motors may allow easier tolerances and wheels to be machined singly off the car, resulting in savings in plant and buildings.

Car washing RIGHT: Semi-automated The exterior cleaning of trams and LRVs is drive-though wash plants, an important issue. The outer appearance is such as the system used the first impression given to passengers as in Blackpool, can clean these are the moving advertisements for any an entire tram in a few system, so there is good economic sense in minutes. Sitting at 6.2m having them look their best. high it can accommodate both the modern Flexity 2 There are two main types of wash plant: trams and the tramway’s drive-through and gantry. The drive-through double-decker heritage type is most common as it takes less time (for fleet. Due to the tramway’s example, Dijon claims 2.5 minutes for a 30m coastal setting, the wash tram, in contrast to six minutes required for a plant is constructed from gantry-type machine). Drive-through plants stainless steel to protect it are good at cleaning car sides and can handle from excessive corrosion simple, smooth end-shapes, but are generally from the high levels of less-effective at cleaning roofs, especially if salt in the atmosphere. Neil Pulling they feature a jumble of equipment cases. The washing facility location is generally on the way to a train stabling area and should

404 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org be directly linked to the depot entrance. ABOVE: Note the wind turbines Washing the car on the way into the depot at Angers’ Raymond Perron Centre means that trams are cleared of potentially Technique des , just damaging dirt at the earliest possible one example of using innovative sustainable energy technology moment and any delay at the wash plant to create an efficient facility; it is does not delay revenue service. However, soon to be expanded as the French this can result in a tram standing wet on the city seeks to double the length of stabling sidings overnight; as it cools it will its system. Neil Pulling tend to draw cold, damp air into the car and equipment cabinets, at worst potentially RIGHT: Light rail systems damaging electrical equipment. in warmer and drier climates Washing the car on the way into service don’t always require four walls; Casablanca’s tramway, opened means that cars ‘blow dry’ as they travel to in December 2012, uses a simple their start of duty point and damp air is drawn lightweight structure for stabling away from the saloons. However, this requires some of its Alstom Citadis vehicles. the tramwash to have a quick throughput and Neil Pulling the provision of an emergency bypass track in the event of a delay. throughput of the wash unless a large buffer Additionally, a pair of efficient wind tank is provided. turbines generate electricity, while thermal Sustainability Another useful environmental activity is solar energy panels provide the facility’s hot With strong political implications, it is of the harnessing of sun and wind to generate water. In a further innovation, a prototype little use to proclaim the green credentials electricity. The Kirnitzschtalbahn in Germany autonomous photovoltaic system provides of light rail schemes if auxiliary functions has been using solar cells on the roof of its power for lighting of the site’s car park. are consuming scarce resources. Of course depot for over a decade; these contribute Tram systems tend to have small areas of the construction phases can include the use approximately 20% of the necessary unused land around the edges of depots and of recycled and renewable materials in areas electricity for the system’s operation. permanent way yards etc, and these could be such as insulation, noise mitigation, surfacing The tram depot in Tenerife has had solar ideal for the installation of wind turbines or and paving, but other key areas include the panels installed since it was built in 2005. solar plants to provide additional green energy. reduction of water and energy usage. In accordance with Metropolitano de Tenerif The topics above only refer to a number Rainwater can be harvested from the roof of policy, the rail system – train and LRT – aims of the more obvious design aspects, but they depot buildings and used for most purposes, to be 100% self-supporting in terms of do show the importance of an integrated other than drinking, in the depot. This is energy supply by 2020. approach to the specification, design and one advantage of having covered stabling, In the US, the installation of a solar-voltaic procurement as poorly thought-out decisions albeit the Starr Gate depot at Blackpool does plant capable of generating 780kW per can have knock-on effects all over the system. not achieve this as well as it might as the annum has recently been completed at Careful consideration must also be given to proximity of the sea means that the rainwater the Valley Metro LRT operations and the delivery and storage of spares, social and is contaminated with salt. Of course the run- maintenance facility in Phoenix, estimated training facilities and the location of Control off from a car park built over the depot can to save approximately 16% (USD100 000 Centres. It has become standard practice to also be used, once treated to remove fuel and average per year) in energy consumption. co-locate these within modern depots, but land oil contamination, for most purposes. Another example is the depot in Angers, availability may make it necessary to disperse One significant saving can be effected opened in 2011, that was specified by Angers them across the system. It is hoped these by recycling the water from the tramwash; Loire Métropole to be a ‘positive energy’ issues can be addressed in a future article. modern plants can recycle over 80% of the structure – therefore producing more water used, reducing water demand and cost. electricity than it consumes. The installation In France, the recycled water cost is estimated of 400m2 of photovoltaic solar panels help REFERENCES at about EUR0.2/m3. By comparison, the achieve this aim; the recently tendered current cost of drinking water in Dijon is 9.9km (6.2-mile) line B also includes 1 www.trb.org 2 cf. VdV Recommendation 823: approximately EUR3.40/m3. The water has provision for an expansion of this Recommendation on the Design of Depots for to be filtered and stripped of contaminants programme to meet an expanded site’s LRVs and Tramcars, Köln 10/01 2 between each use and this can lower the increased energy requirements.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 405 Advertorial MODERN RAIL LIFE EXTENSION Rail milling instead of re-railing.

tudying the wear of rails and rolling stock wheels, particularly the wheel/rail interface, is of major interest in the development of rail maintenance strategies. SRolling contact fatigue (RCF) is a widespread problem and must be managed proficiently to guarantee passenger safety and avoid high costs such as re-railing. In addition, ‘head check’ defects are seen as a major threat to rail life and track safety, being the subject of intensive industry research as they have the potential to extend deep into the rail head, leading to catastrophic rail breakage. Conventional rail maintenance techniques, such as rail grinding, have limitations when it is necessary to correct profile deviations and remove rail defects as significant plasticisation can remain on the rail head surface after processing. Substantial heat generation during the grinding process also affects the rail material and the environment (dust and risk of fire). If a large amount of material is to be removed in one grinding continuously improved and successfully is negligible. All removed metal and dust is pass, bluing of the steel will occur due to the implemented for rail maintenance strategies collected by vacuum systems and recycled, high grinding pressure and frictional forces, around the world. The rapidly-growing leaving a very clean track. No water is needed which create great heat and plastic flow of demand for this well-proven technology in the LINSINGER process. steel. As a consequence, so as not to overheat has been accelerated by developments in On modern railways there is a 100% the rail, multiple passes are needed to remove rail inspection methods which have led to a commitment to a safe working environment severe defects by conventional grinding. better understanding of rail defects. and minimisation of disturbance to There is also a risk that deeper defects may Rail milling has been found to be the neighbours, so a clean, quick and silent not be entirely removed, leaving the only technology to remove severe rail process is required for work on urban rail possibility of new cracks forming; these defects without negative impact on the rail´s tracks and especially in tunnels. Switches residual defects are likely to be hidden under metallurgical structure; the railhead can and crossings need to be machined in one plasticised material generated by the grinding be touched with bare hands immediately pass without removing auxiliary equipment process, and may function as catalysts for after processing as no severe heating occurs. signals and guiding rails, and it is necessary accelerated crack growth. The lack of heat is due to a characteristic of to process all gauge widths and curve radii A novel approach to dealing with the the milling process whereby the majority without interruptions. The nature of rail serious problem of rail wear has been of the heat is in the metal chip, which is milling is to precisely remove defect material, developed by Austrian specialists LINSINGER, removed. Rail milling uses a ‘cutter head only where it is needed, and this technology with work beginning over 20 years ago. disc’, equipped with sharp, cemented carbide can be used for all types of track: high-speed, As a specialist in milling technology, the cutters to precisely cut defects from the rail. heavy haul, metros and tramways. profound know-how of the company could This precision cutting depth can be from In summary, there have been a variety of be transferred to overcome rail maintenance 0.1mm to 3mm, thus problematic rail defects developments in rail maintenance concepts issues and the Milling Train was invented such as Head Checks are fully removed in and strategies over the years, all focused on to gently remove sufficient thicknesses one step. After re-profiling a railhead with increased safety and track life. Predictive of track material in one pass. Since then, milling technology, it has been found that and corrective maintenance concepts have LINSINGER rail milling technology has been the plastic deformation at the rolling surface been developed and carried out in the field, yet still the complex problem of RCF keeps the industry busy. Milling has been found to be the most versatile, accurate and clean technology in cost effective railhead re-profiling and defect removal.

CONTACT LINMAG rail service company provides rail maintenance with LINSINGER rail milling trains.

Dipl.-Ing. Joerg Radanitsch T: +43 7613 8840 W: www.linmag.com E: [email protected]

406 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Basel

“Cars are really not essential in Basel!” Basel SYSTEMS So proclaims the city authority – a situation that it FACTFILE and its partners are keen to No. Basel, maintain with 97 Switzerland further public transport investment.

ith Kleinbasel on ABOVE: Old and new: the Rhine’s north BVB Swiss Standard bank and Grossbasel and BLT Tango cross on to the south, Münchensteinerbrücke, the bridge spanning collectively Basel tracks east of the isW Switzerland’s third-largest city. In city’s main transport the country’s north-western corner, interchange Basel SBB Basel-Stadt (city) canton’s resident station. population was 197 007 (May 2015), with 35.5% identified as non-Swiss. The international aspect extends RIGHT: Intensively beyond city boundaries, with Basel’s served by trams, the conurbation of around 830 000 site of the city hall and a daily market, extending into France and, the part Marktplatz is regarded showing most growth in recent years, as the centre of Basel. Germany. From tram termini with names including Grenze – Basel is linguistically Swiss-German – at several points it is only a short walk into another country. On 14 December Words and pictures by 2014 even the walk was obviated Neil Pulling

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 407 Basel

From 1895 the Mittlere Brücke Rhine crossing has carried Basel’s tramway: BVB Siemens Combino 324 heads south on 31 March 2014.

“Although Germany has gained the first THE FLEET modern international extension, France Consolidation and modernisation series, 5003, arrived in July 2015. has more cross-border commuters.” leaves BVB and BLT each with two Claimed as Basel’s largest-ever single depots. BVB’s Klybeck works are tram order at 60 – later 61 – it is split on the Kleinhüningen loop near respectively 44/17 between 43.2m their Wiesenplatz depot. The oldest (83 seated, 171 standing) and 31.8m regular service vehicles are BVB’s lengths. The shorter 6001-series will late-1960s Swiss Standards, built see use on the Bruderholz line. locally at Pratteln by Schindler BLT also has Schindler trams, Waggon, as were the more angular frequently run in multiple. The mid-1980s Be 4/4 and early 1990s Be 44 extended Be 4/8 are the most 4/6 (659-686) that have a retrofitted numerous type. The 75% low-floor part low-floor space centre section. Tango trams (101 seated, 163 standing) In lighter green than BVB’s normal run singly. The eventual Tango livery, the fully low-floor 42.8m fleet will consist of the four Siemens Combinos 301-328 in service (151-154) pre-series used for from early 2001 were all rebuilt long-term evaluation in service, 2004-08 due to the type’s structural and batches of 15 and 19 with a problems. Received in September modified specification due 2015-16. 2014, Flexity Basel 5001-2 have Collectively they are intended to been used for training and in public handle all normal services on lines service. The first of the production 10 and 11.

ABOVE LEFT: Awaiting departure for Basel, Combino 306 at the German line 8 terminus above Weil am Rhein station.

LEFT: BVB 324 enters Switzerland from Germany at Weil am Rhein Grenze; the tracks are separated by the border control building.

RIGHT: Schindler Be 4/6 676 winds down towards Jakobsberg stop on the Bruderholz line.

408 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

ABOVE: Basel’s main transport interchange is the combined SBB and SNCF station with a cluster of BVB and BLT lines.

RIGHT: Tango 157 at Barfüsserplatz, one of Basel’s very busy and tightly located central stops. on line 8 when a 2.8km (1.7-mile) Basel. Using the same stops where extension opened to the German town overlapping with BVB, BLT’s trams are of Weil am Rhein. Although only 1km an integral part of the overall service. (0.6 miles) falls within Switzerland, BVB operates all of line 14 which such are the concerns over road reaches east into Basel-Landschaft‘s congestion and pollution in this Pratteln district. commuting area that the greater part The tramway is mainly inside zone of the project was Swiss funded. 10, with BLT lines’ outer ends in other Basel’s tram and bus network – Basel zones and with line 8’s German operated 1941-2008 – presence classified differently. On the complement a heavy rail concentration. great majority of the system falling A European freight and passenger within the large Swiss Tarifverbund railway hub, there is also much local Nordwestschweiz (TNW) region, traffic. Basel has several tram to train ticketing crosses modes and operators, interchanges, significantly with the as do the various TriRegio tickets with S-Bahn which handles 70% of public cross-border coverage. ABOVE: BVB 469 and 466 leave Burgfelden Grenze in April 2015. transport’s cross-border demand. The Rhine trade drove Basel’s early With the extension into France, this terminus will be replaced by a main rail gateway is Bahnhof SBB, the development and the river still new stop at the border crossing. site incorporating a French SNCF area; contributes to the area’s considerable outside the station’s grand frontage are prosperity. The main industries are LEFT: is multiple platforms for trams and buses. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, finance a terminus and a The other main station is the German and transport. Although the high- through stop on BLT’s DB-operated Basel Badischer Bahnhof valued Swiss Franc (CHF) does not line 10, also the limit of peak-hours line 17. in Kleinbasel. Some trains serve both encourage inward tourism, the city’s stations, with tramline 2 providing a location, services and visual charm BELOW: more frequent connection. make Basel a popular destination. Waldenburgerbahn Adjoining Basel-Stadt is partly rural There are three Rhine tramway is moving to BLT Basel-Landschaft canton which has crossings in the city. Located where a operation: BDe 4/4 some districts on the tramway – this predecessor carried the original 1895 17 leaves Liestal SBB accounts for the system having two electric tramway, the most intensively station on 2 April 2014. operators, both in the public sector. used by trams is the suitably named The city’s Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe Mittlere Brücke. Usually bedecked (BVB) vehicles carry versions of with flags, the ‘middle bridge’ also a conservative green livery, with carries buses, cyclists and pedestrians. (BLT) in a rich From here southwards across the small yellow with red detailing. Advertising central area to Bahnhof SBB is only liveries are fittingly commonplace in about 1km ‘as the crow flies’. One of this highly commercial city. many tram routes in the city’s core, BVB operates eight full service line 8’s progress over this section has tramlines and BLT two; others such six stops with several junctions and as 17 and 21 are peak-time additions interchanges – probably Switzerland’s over core sections. Making little most intensively used tram tracks. sense to turn back at administrative The 2.3m width of even the most boundaries, BLT’s lines 10 and 11 modern Basel trams make them (at almost 26km/16 miles the system’s palpably more suited to the winding longest) are prominent in central and narrow thoroughfares than buses

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 409 Basel

NETWORK FACTS Opened: 1895 Lines: 10 + peak and special services Distance: 76.8km (48 miles) Depots: BVB 2; BLT 2 Approx. weekday hours: 05.00-01.00 Line frequency: 7 minutes Gauge: 1000mm Power: 600V dc overhead supply Tram fleets: Approx. 130 (BVB), 100 (BLT) plus trailers Operators: Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) and Baselland Transport (BLT)

INFORMATION City network: www.bvb.ch Baselland: www.blt.ch Area network: www.tnw.ch Civic and tourist information: www.bs.ch and www.baselland.ch

ABOVE: The Margarethenstich project will connect these two lines, with a chord rising to the right near the Dorenbach viaduct.

LEFT: On BVB- operated BLT line 14, 661 and trailer leaves the Pratteln return loop on 31 March 2014. It is a short walk to Pratteln SBB station.

RIGHT: Inside an early BLT Stadler Tango.

and the intensity of tram movements in the centre is perhaps the uni- directional system’s most striking aspect. Dedicated rights of way prevail more in outer areas, with BLT lines in particular being railway-like in places. Trams mainly turn on loops. A circuit route characterised by steep inclines and curves sees line 15 and 16 trams switch identity at Bruderholz, proceeding without turning; other distinctive features include the bridging of lines by others, trams running through villages and countryside, single line sections and elevated track ABOVE: Integration at Bahnhof: left of Be 4/8 219 is integrated with the modern office a cross-platform connection between trains and trams created in 2009. development east of Basel SBB. Line capacity and heavy demand ABOVE RIGHT: Long-serving Düwag trams will be displaced has prompted longer tram lengths, by incoming Flexity vehicles: BVB 652 with a peak-time line initially with multiple formations, 21 service approaches Dreirosenbrücke stop on 2 April 2014. widespread trailer use and now with RIGHT: A large heritage fleet sees use for tourism and individual trams. For BLT – and also party hire: 1920s-vintage 181 and trailer 1193 are at Basel SBB for a time it seemed BVB – the 44.9m on 3 June 2011. six-section Stadler Tango represents

410 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org this evolution. In May 2010 BVB Bombardier’s low-floor trams by both operators terminus, the CHF98m (EUR90.4m) decided not to jointly procure the Flexity Basel sees the fleets with a mix of very old, project may see trams running Tango with BLT, later that year will become the albeit admirably presented, and newly to the main Saint Louis SNCF station switching to its specification of mainstay of BVB arriving stock. BLT is further into park-and-ride by late 2017. services: 5002 Bombardier’s Flexity 2. The larger of modernisation with its Tango which The CHF20.7 (EUR19.1m) million leaves Wiesenplatz the two Flexity Basel versions is 43.2m depot on is built at Altenrhein in St Gallen Margarethenstich project will create long with seven sections. 20 April 2015. canton, first introduced in 2008 and a more direct access for BLT services A mix of platform and street now prominent. A larger programme to Basel SBB and eventually to north boarding includes locations where given the scale of its operations, BVB of the Rhine. A 350m chord will be the tram extends across road services are currently handled by added near the present Dorenbach intersections, a notable example being Schindler Swiss Standard and later Be stop on the Leimental route, rising the extremely busy Aeschenplatz stop 4/4 and Be 4/6 stock, reducing as the to Margarethen on the present BVB which is dispersed around a complex Bautzen-built fully low-floorFlexity line 2. From commissioning planned intersection. The move to single, longer Basel enters service. Due for early for late 2017, a revised line 17 in withdrawal, German-built Düwag its present peak hours format will trams also remain active in 2015, use the new route before becoming ESSENTIAL FACTS mainly for peak services and training. a full service. Other substantial Tramnetz 2020 is a continuing builds classified ‘in planning’ Local travel: Short trips (30 minute/four stops) in one direction joint programme of the two Basel under Tramnetz 2020 would extend cost CHF2.20 (EUR2). A CHF9.40 (EUR8.70) day ticket covers cantons for improving connections, coverage of Kleinbasel including a zones 10,11, 13 and 15. At CHF17.50 (EUR16.10) the full TNW day extending to the conurbation’s cross- better service for Badischer Bahnhof. ticket adds, amongst others, the western extreme of line 12 and border presence. In March 2012 it Other new connections will allow for Waldenburgerbahn; good value TriRegio tickets (www.triregio.info) extend coverage into France and Germany. Some Basel hotels envisaged a 93km (58-mile) network, redistribution of loadings created by may issue a free local transport Mobility Ticket. Multi-lingual an approximate 25% increase over the present radial channelling of most vending machines are featured and information points include the extant system, then before the trams via the city centre. Basel SBB and at Barfüsserplatz and Heuwaage tramstops. Weil am Rhein extension. Although Basel-Landschaft canton intends to Germany has gained the first modern incorporate the Waldenburgerbahn What is there to see? A bustling and historic city centre, with era international extension, France with BLT as a prelude to service river tours and small chain foot ferries. Represented by the is the larger source of cross-border improvements. Mostly single-track, quayside Dreiländereck marker in Basel’s docks (nearest tram commuters at 54% (2010) of the total. the 750mm-gauge railway does not stop Kleinhüningen), the international aspect is now better appreciated by walking north from Weil am Rhein Grenze then BLT’s short line 10 section in France connect with the tramway. It joins left over the Dreiländerbrücke footbridge into France. Visitors including the rural Leymen stop is with the railway network at Liestal may find cheaper accommodation and food just over a frontier. a quirk of the present system, but in station, extending 13km (8.2 miles) Heritage tram tours are organised by Basel tourist information April 2015 preparatory works began to Waldenburg. – main office near Barfüsserplatz. Bern, Zürich, Freiburg and for a 3.4km (2.1-mile) BVB addition. Mulhouse are each within one hour of Basel by rail. Extending about 500m to the border See the BVB or BLT websites for Basel’s from the present Burgfelden Grenze Liniennetz public transport map.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 411 Advertorial OCS DESIGN AND RENEWAL IN BASEL Kummler+Matter Ltd from Zurich have been due to the gravel routes, co-ordinating OCS closely involved with the Basel tramway for works with various track construction and many years – as the market leader in Switzerland civil engineering companies, working on for overhead contact systems (OCS) for trams steep gradients of up to 60‰, and completing and trolleybuses – including recent replacement the project without closure of this important of overhead contact line equipment on the significant line of the network. Bruderholz line, particularly on sections Overhead contact line replacement at between Hechtliacker and Jakobsbergerstrasse Elsässerstrasse (completed in 2014) again on line 15, and on Elsässerstrasse on line 10. included the renewal of overhead lines, masts Co-ordinating works on an operational and support structure, suspension and contact tramway with minimal disruption to services wire and an additional double feeder for cross- posed a number of detailed challenges, all of sectional enhancement. Track renewal was which were addressed by Kummler+Matter’s undertaken with the associated displacement expert teams in close co-operation with of the overhead contact line to the new track BVB (Basler Verkehrsbetriebe) and other position, as well as replacement of the “St-Louis construction and maintenance teams. Grenze” terminal bend. These works were The first project, completed in 2015, carried out during construction breaks with a included cross-sectional enhancement number of temporary support structures. to secure the operating voltage over the With over 100 years of experience in the Bruderholz; renewal of overhead contact design, construction and maintenance of lines, masts, support structures, suspension high-quality overhead contact systems around and contact wire; additional double feeder for the world, Kummler+Matter supports its cross-sectional enhancement; and replacement customer’s equipment throughout its entire of the “Jakobsberg” inner bends. lifecycle, starting with the first project study, Challenges on this section included the supply of equipment and its installation, construction works using two-way vehicles through to service and maintenance.

Innovative and high quality OCS-Systems for Basel

For the BVB Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe we are the competent and reliable partner.

Our comprehensive services include: „ Project studies and planning „ Material supply „ Installation and supervision „ Maintenance and service

Kummler+Matter Ltd. Hohlstrasse 176 CH-8026 Zurich Tel. +41 44 247 47 47 Fax +41 44 247 47 77 [email protected] www.kuma.ch

412 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tramnews.net . www.lrta.org Worldwide Review

AUSTRALIA CANBERRA. On 11 August ACT CAMPINA GRANDE. T he Legislative Assembly approved a government and CBTU have budget that included AUD24m asked consultants to examine (EUR15.2m) for work on the the feasibility of a light rail line. proposed tramway in 2015-16. A 15km (9.3-mile) diesel LRT The Assembly has also indicated service could be launched on that it favours the 3.2km disused heavy rail tracks between (two-mile) extension from the University Hospital in the Northbourne Ave to Russell. ABC north and Aluizio Campus in the MELBOURNE. Delivery of south. IRJ Bombardier Flexity trams had RIO DE JANEIRO. The Federal reached 6028 by mid-August. Development Bank BNDES M. Rowe has agreed to provide 42% of the funding of the BRL1.77bn AUSTRIA (EUR400m) VLT Carioca tramway WIEN (Vienna). 150 years now under construction. ETS 1076 at the southern terminus of Edmonton’s new Northwest LRT line, City of Edmonton of tramway operation will After a four-year suspension, Century Park. be celebrated on Sunday 27 the first section of the Santa is the result of a dispute with (61 miles) of existing railway for September with a tram parade on Teresa tramway reopened on the original CBTC signalling electric light rail service. J. Velling the Ring, starting from Rathaus 27 July, using new replica trams contractor, Thales. Trains run at 13.00. Vehicles will depart and extending 1.7km (1.1 miles), through to Century Park on the ECUADOR Erdberg depot from 09.00 and be from Largo da Carioca to Largo existing line. E. B. Havens CUENCA. The first of 14 33m assembled between Schottentor do Curvelo (including across the TORONTO. Bombardier tram Alstom Citadis trams for the new and Franz Josefs Kai, and normal iconic former aqueduct). Service 4409 was delivered on 24 July, tramway was delivered in mid- tram service on the Ring will be is running 11.00-16.00 initially, but did not enter service in time July. The 10.2km (6.4-mile) line anti-clockwise only. every 20 minutes, Monday to for the Pan-Am Games; 22 cars will use Alstom APS technology The parade of 78 trams, buses Saturday and is fare-free during are supposed to be in service by in recognition of he city’s status and works vehicles will last for two what is being called a ‘test phase’. 31 December. TTC is entitled to as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. hours, with other tram traffic on Despite the fleet’s very limited 5% liquidated damages on the The USD232m system is due to the Ring suspended. M. J. Russell capacity (and the short hours of CAD1.2m (EUR800 000) cost due open before the end of 2016, with service), around 2000 passengers to late delivery of the 204-car testing starting this November. BELGIUM were carried on Saturday 1 August, order. Leslie depot and trackwork ANTWERPEN. The Vlaamse the first weekend day of service. were completed in August. EGYPT Government is making EUR8.4m It is hoped to re-extend service Bombardier has signed a EL QAHIRA (Cairo). The first available to bring into use the farther along the line later this CAD400m (EUR269m), 30-year of 20 Hyundai Rotem metro subway ramp in Foorplein for year. The old fleet remains in maintenance contract for the trains for line 1 entered passenger line 10. This line will start using storage at the depot. S. J. Morgan Flexity Freedom LRVs that are due service on 15 July. Four nine-car the Carnotstraat subway to reach SÃO PAULO. The 2.9km (1.8- to be delivered to the Eglinton trains are being manufactured the city centre from 2018. mile) section of monorail between suburban light rail line. in South Korea; the remainder The first Bombardier Flexity Vila Prudente and Oratório was M. J. Russell, TalkRadioAM640 will be assembled in Egypt. RGI were due to enter service on line opened on 8 August, giving line 15 before the end of September 15 interchange with metro line 2 CHINA ESTONIA following the completion of at Vila Prudente. urbanrail.net CHENGDU. Metro line 1 was TALLINN. Tenders have been minor gauging work at subway extended south from Century invited for a 2km (1.2-mile) platforms. Tram-2000 BULGARIA City to Guangdu on 25 July. tramway branch from the junction BRUXELLES/BRUSSEL. The SOFIA. A consortium of Siemens urbanrail.net of lines 2 and 4 to the airport. IRJ peak tramway requirement during and Newag has been named as the summer was 190 cars during preferred bidder for the supply of CZECH REPUBLIC FRANCE the evening; 15 articulated PCCs 20 three-car metro trains for new LIBEREC. Metre-gauge tram CAEN. It is confirmed that steel remain on lines 39/44 and 97. line 3, due to open in 2019. The service on line 11 through to wheel trams will start running on The fourth season of the Inspiro trains will be based on those Jablonec resumed in mid-July after two lines in September 2019, with restaurant Tram Experience started supplied to Warszawa. Although a year of rebuilding work. DS a contract awarded to the Asyas on 21 August and runs to 17 July existing lines have 750V dc third- PRAHA (Prague). T h e consortium to carry out design 2016; 7601 departs from Place rail electrification, line 3 will be refurbished Skoda 14T trams are and project management. A. Senut Poelaert at 20.00 on Fridays, 18.30 fed by 1500V dc overhead. IRJ being allocated to routes with a DIJON. A new tramstop was and 21.30 on Saturdays and 12.00 minimum of curves, lines 3 and 17. built at Park Valmy this summer, on Sundays for a 2h45 trip, whose CANADA Meanwhile delivery of the next resulting in the cut-back of line price has increased from EUR95 CALGARY. T h e f e d e r a l batch of 125 15T trams has begun; T2 to operate Chenôve-Centre to EUR115. Tram-2000 government has announced the first (9326) was delivered on – Zénith only during the period HAN-SUR-LESSE. The second CAD1.53bn (EUR1bn) in grants 11 August and unveiled on 24 13 July to 23 August. A. Senut autorail to be converted to electric towards the cost of the Green line August. These trams are allocated LILLE. Alstom has started operation was AR266, which LRT from North Pointe to Seton via to Motol depot for line 9. A. Prescott delivery of 27 new four-car returned to the line on 2 July. the city centre. It is hoped to start rubber-tyred automated metro Tram-2000 construction in 2017 and open DENMARK sets (200-series) for line 1. TR OOSTENDE. Eleven Hermelijn the line in 2024. Low-floor trams AARHUS. Most of the preparatory MONTPELLIER. The mayor trams were moved from would be used. work for the 110km (68-mile) has said he is not against the Antwerpen and Gent to the coast EDMONTON. The first part of LRT project is completed and planned tramline 5, but has yet for the summer season: 6332/4-7/9 the light rail Northwest (Metro) construction of single and double to identify how the EUR350m and 7225/36/46/67-9 (7236 had line from Churchill to NAIT, tracks has commenced. cost can be met. The councils in been on the coastal tramway all opened on 6 September under The project consists of 12km the urban community have asked winter). Eight-axle tram 6030 has temporary line-of-sight operating (7.5 miles) of new double-track for the line to be built as soon been scrapped after being stripped arrangements and a maximum alignment in the city of Aarhus as possible to relieve increasing for spare parts. speed of 25km/h (15mph). This and the transformation of 98km traffic congestion. A. Senut

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 413 Worldwide Review

cars given in September 2014. 2.1% to 5.78m, while inter-city MVG professed astonishment at journeys totalled 4.95m, up 1.5%. the decision, stating that the cars Dublin Bus increased passenger had operated without significant numbers by 2%. problems for ten months. A decision on the new DART This is the latest phase of long- Underground line was needed running poor relations between before compulsory purchase MVG and TAB, which has also seen powers expired on 24 September. newly-delivered C2 U-Bahn trains This deadline had been imposed sitting idle. The Avenio trams on Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) by were temporarily allowed to the High Court following legal return to service from 10 August challenges to an original 2018 extending to 30 September, by date of expiry. DART Underground when MVG is required to submit is a 7.6km (4.7-mile) EUR4bn link further documentation to TAB. project between the Northern and 105 years of trams to Grünwald Kildare railway lines on which will be marked on 10 October by more than EUR43m has been spent a tram parade and free ride on to date. A decision is expected to museum trams 11.00-17.00. DS form part of the government’s A Bordeaux Alstom Citadis on line B runs off the new extension to France POTSDAM. Eight Siemens long-term capital investment plan Alouette to join the existing line at Bougnard on 21 July. Y. Allain Combino trams are to be extended in the autumn, along with the PARIS. The mayors of four COTTBUS. Route 5 resumed to 42m using new centre sections Metro North proposals for links communities have requested the operation to Madlow from 30 built by Siemens for delivery in to the Airport and Swords. extension of tramline T2 beyond August. Route 1 (Schmellwitz 2016 -17. DS Tracklaying on the EUR368m Pont de Bezons to Sartrouville Anger – Jessener Strasse) is still RHEIN-RUHR. The European Luas Cross City project started on and Argenteuil. A. Senut bus -operated due to roadworks. DS Investment Bank is providing O’Connell Street in August, and TOURS. The section of tramway DORTMUND. Tenders have been a EUR340m loan towards the was to be followed in September at between Liberté and Jean invited for the modernisation of purchase cost of the 82 double- other locations, including Middle Monnet was suspended from 64 Stadtbahn-B cars (43 six-axle, deck EMUs ordered from Siemens Abbey Street, Hawkins Street, 11 July until September due to 21 eight-axle) and the supply of for the RRX project. EIB College Green and Dawson Street. the consequences of a malicious 24 new high-floor cars (with an WUPPERTAL. W S W h a s As well as linking the Red and Green fire on Grammont railway option for two more). announced that three of the Luas lines, the route reinstates a bridge. A. Senut Delivery of the first modernised existing fleet of 25 Schwebebahn transport corridor in the north- car is required in March 2016 cars will be donated to groups west of the city centre through GERMANY and supply of the new cars by able to demonstrate ideas for the former Broadstone railway BERLIN. The new November 2025. DS keeping them on display in cutting, and will provide tram 4572 (formerly KT4D 6120) FREIBURG/Breisgau. Wuppertal when the new fleet is Phibsborough and Cabra as well entered service in September. When new tramline 4 opens in delivered next year. as the DIT campus facility at Following trials with two December the route network will Grangegorman with Luas service prototype sets, 11 more four- be: 1, Littenweiler – Landwasser; HUNGARY on completion in 2017. section narrow-profile U-Bahn 2, Hornusstrasse – Günterstal; BUDAPEST. The first 56m-long Alstom has completed the sets of Type IK have been ordered 3, Haid – Vauban; 4, Technische CAF low-floor tram (2101) was overhaul of 26 Green line Citadis from Stadler Pankow for delivery Fakultät – Gundelfingen; delivered on 28 July. trams, including changing wheels, in 2017 for EUR60m. BVG 5, Bollerstaudenstrasse – The city council has voted in overhauling cab air-conditioning BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. Hornustrasse.Route 5 will serve favour of building a link between systems, master controllers, Forty-two new trams have been Hornustrasse – Gundelfingen at metro line 2 and the HÉV suburban heat and ventilation units ordered from Stadler, with an peaks. All routes will pass through rail line to Gödöllö/Csömör and and articulations. Pantograph option for eight more. The first Bertoldsbrunnen in the city centre. operating a through service to connectors were also replaced. eight Variobahn from this order Correcting last month’s news, eliminate the interchange at will be delivered in the second half the first CAF low-floor tram to Örs vezér tere. The HUF200bn ISLE OF MAN of 2016; 30 trams of this type are carry passengers ran on 16 July, (EUR600m) project should be MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY. already in operation on the system. but regular service did not start completed in 2022-2023, with An official statement from the Isle The city council of Bochum has until 27 July. DS new hybrid rolling stock. TR of Man Government has reported approved the extension of line MANNHEIM. Tenders have been that the trailer that overturned on 302 from Laer-Mitte through the invited for the refurbishment INDIA the crossing to the north of Laxey site of the former Opel factory, of 35 Bombardier Variobahn LUCKNOW. The first stage of station during a routine shunting which is due to be redeveloped. DS trams dating from 2003, each of a 22.8km (14.2-mile) metro manoeuvre on 7 July did so as a BONN. Stadtbahn-B car 7571, which has operated for more than line (19.4km/12 miles elevated) result of driver error. The driver which has spent a number of years one million km in service. DS connecting the airport and concerned has since resigned. at a dealer’s yard in Salzgitter, was MÜLHEIM/Ruhr. A ceremony Munshipulia via the city centre SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN returned to Dransdorf depot on on 14 August marked the entry has been approved with an RAILWAY. Activities on 20 14 August, and will be used as a into service of the first six of 15 Indian Government budget of August marked the line’s 120th source of spare parts. DS new Bombardier Flexity NF2 70% INR69.3bn (EUR900m). It is hoped anniversary, culminating in an BRANDENBURG. Tatra KT4D low-floor air-conditioned trams to launch an initial passenger evening re-enactment of the 173 has been scrapped. This was (8001-15). service before the end of 2016. RGI opening ceremony and the first the first tram of this type to be When tramline 112 is extended airing of a specially commissioned modernised, in 1992. DS to Hbf from 4 October, line 110 IRELAND chamber ensemble work, BRAUNSCHWEIG. Tr a m will be withdrawn, meaning the DUBLIN. Luas carried an extra 7 Kingdoms. On the following 0051 (created in 2000 from ex- closure of the section of tramway 740 000 passengers in the first evening a Snaefell Sunset Dinner Mannheim car 7762) left for to Styrum. DS half of the year, up 4.4%, between was hosted in the restaurant with Schöneiche on 11 August, where MÜNCHEN (Munich). A ll January 1 and July 12. The figures commemorative artworks and its low-floor centre section will be Siemens Avenio trams were are compared to those for 2014. Victorian photographs on display. used to extend a Tatra KT4D. DS withdrawn from 1 August after Over the same period, DART BREMEN. Withdrawn Wegmann the technical authority for electric service use was up 5.8% tram 3524 and matching trailers Oberbayern (TAB) declined to to 8.16m journeys. Commuter NAPOLI. Tenders have been 3724/46 have been scrapped. DS renew the authorisation for eight diesel service numbers increased invited for ten more metro trains,

414 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org POLAND SERBIA GDANSK. Airport rail service BEOGRAD. Trailers acquired from both Gdansk and Gdynia from Swiss tramways in 2012, was inaugurated on 1 September, 1301-4/16-21 have been when the 18km (11-mile) PKM renumbered 1440-49. Ex-Basel line was brought into use. TR Duewag trams 143 and 658 are KATOWICE. The first of 12 being stripped for spare parts. Modertrans Beta trams on order Now ex-BVB 641 has been was being tested in Poznán in renumbered 658. More Duewag August. The 18m double-ended trams from Basel are expected. tram tram should be in the Silesian city by now. IRJ SPAIN KRAKÓW. Airport rail service BARCELONA. At the first resumed on 1 September and now working meeting between the new links Kraków Glówny with the mayoress of Barcelona Ada Colau airport terminal using EMUs. TR and the president of the Catalan SZCZECIN. The new tramway Government Artur Mas on 30 July, branch from Most Dlugi to both agreed to work together to Poulicka opened on 29 August. DS achieve a connection of the two Praha (Prague) 9326 is the first of a new batch of Skoda 15T 100% low-floor trams WROCLAW. The first three of Barcelona tram systems via the to be delivered to the city. DPHMP five (3201-5) PESA Twist 30m Diagonal. R. Felski a contract expected to be worth (EUR5.7bn) contract awarded on three-section double-ended CADIZ. All seven of the about EUR100m. IRJ 21 August. The plan includes five trams entered service on line 3 on 1668mm-gauge tram-trains for PALERMO. The city council light rail (automated mini-metro) 14 August. IRJ the Bahiá de Cadiz line had been has decided to extend the tram and two tramlines as well as bus, delivered by CAF Santana at network at present awaiting ferry and networks. RUSSIA Linares by mid-July. TR opening with three more lines: The aim is to increase the public MOSKVA. Moskovskiy Transport, 4, Corso Calatafimi – Bonagia; transit modal split from the the recently-established SWEDEN 5, Stazione Centrale – Notabartolo; current 3% to 40% by 2030. IRJ municipal transport co-ordinator, GÖTEBORG (Gothenburg). On 6, Stazione Centrale – Mondello. has created its first Customer 15 August, the day before the start One source says line 1 will finally NETHERLANDS Service Centre at Ulitsa Staraya of regular service, the new 1.1km open in October. TR DEN HAAG. The section of Basmannaya in the city centre, (0.7-mile) tramway link between line 9 between Centraal Station open Monday-Saturday. Lille Torget and Järntorget via JAPAN and Gevers Deynootweg was The city’s busiest tramline Stenpiren was inaugurated by a HIROSHIMA. Three-section closed from 24 August to permit is now route 17 (Ostankino – special service of heritage trams; articulated trams 3005/6 and infrastructure renewal ahead Medvedkovo) carrying 61 000 6000 passengers were carried. bogie tram 772 have been shipped of the introduction of Siemens passengers/day, followed by route 6 From 16 August regular services to Yangon in Myanmar. Myanmar Avenio trams. digitaletram.nl (Sokol – Bratsevo) with 43 500 1 and 9 used the new line. National Railway will electrify and passengers/day. N. Semyonov G. Zettermark operate them on its Strand line NORWAY PAVLODAR. 1977 KTM-5 tram 97 near the port area from Pansodan OSLO. Major roadworks affecting has been converted to a café tram SWITZERLAND to Htor Li Kway. It was hoped to Prinsens gate and Wessels plass in complete with air conditioning, a BASEL. Track replacement in start operation in October. the city centre, lasting two years, kitchen and toilet. It made its first means BLT line 10 Many surplus Japanese DMUs would prevent through service on private hire run on 13 August. is terminating at Flüh until 18 have also gone to Myanmar. Y. Nogi lines 12, 13 and 19. A diversion is transphoto.ru October. The budget for BVB track being built with temporary tracks SANKT PETERBURG. replacement is being increased LATVIA on Rosenkrantzgate to connect TransmashHolding subsidiary from CHF17.5m (EUR16.2m) DAUGAVPILS. The city wants the west end of the affected lines OERVZ has been selected to to CHF21m (EUR19.5m)/year eight more bogie trams and six with Stortorget. Work to create the deliver 20 eight-car metro trains from 2017 to tackle a backlog of more articulated trams to complete diversion started on 16 August and in 2016-20 under a contract work. Baselland canton is adding its rolling stock replacement should take three months. worth RUB10.5bn (EUR1.03bn). CHF240 000 (EUR223 000) programme. However prices have The recent 600m extension New Ust Katav 71-623 trams for trackwork outside the city increased to EUR8m since last at Bjørvika is not supposed to delivered over the summer were boundary in Allschwill. year’s delivery of Ust Katav cars end at a stub terminus, but will 3701/2 and 7910-15. IRJ, transphoto.ru Four more withdrawn Duewag from Russia, which cost EUR6.5m. connect with the Ljabru line 300m TVER. The Director of Municipal trams have been sent to Beograd The number to be ordered will further down the street. However, Electric Transport was reportedly (Belgrade). Four-axle tram 474 has depend on the availability of EU the final part of the extension fired in April for financial been withdrawn following a fire. grant money. Latvijas Radio cannot be completed before 2017, irregularity after an investigation For more on Basel, see Systems RIGA. A EUR90m tramway because the area will have to showed 1440 employees were Factfile on page 407. BS, tram investment programme is being be dug up for construction of a being paid to operate just 19 trams BERN. A tram parade on 11 planned, with EUR76m expected new railway connection and a and 22 trolleybuses. N. Semyonov October will mark 125 years of to be available from EU funds. bridge. Although desired, the ULYANOVSK. Saturday 18 tram operation; 18 October will see A new 3.6km (2.2-mile) stub end will probably never be April saw the re-introduction an open day at Eigerplatz depot. tramline will be built to Sporta used by a regular tram service. of single track tramline 107 The first long Combino to iela north-east of the city centre, The rebuilt metro depot at from Park Pobedy to the area receive all-over advertising livery infrastructure rebuilt on routes Avløs was completed in August. of summer bungalows in the is 762, which has been painted in 5 and 9, and at Brivibas depot, R. Budmiger north-west suburbs. It ran daily a shade of green close to that of and a further 12 low-floor trams every 15 minutes 07.00-11.00 and Basel’s trams to promote Vaudoise acquired. The work should be PANAMA 11.30-20.30 using KTM-8 trams. Assurance. tram complete by 2023. RGI PANAMA CITY. The government N. Semyonov BERN – SOLOTHURN/WORB has approved the USD157m VLADIVOSTOK. The former (RBS). Tenders have been invited MALAYSIA purchase of 70 more metro cars Aeroexpress airport rail service has for the next generation of rolling PENANG. The project delivery of from Alstom to increase the been revived by Express Primor’ya, stock, 14-16 four-section cars with the Penang Transport Masterplan capacity of line 1 from 19 to 26 offering lower fares, but with only eight doors each side accessing will be overseen by the SRS trains; 215 000 daily passengers five round trips/day. N. Semyonov low-floor sections. Delivery should Consortium under a MYR27bn are now being carried. J IR be completed by 30 November

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 415 Worldwide Review

will provide the best system for the journey times. Work was carried lowest whole-life cost as stops will out on the track and guideways. be close, requiring vehicles with MANCHESTER. Work in the rapid acceleration and braking to St. Peter’s Square area that had minimise journey times. curtailed tram services to either side EDINBURGH. Edinburgh Trams’ of the city centre was completed first set of annual accounts show on target and test trams ran in the the service generated revenue of nights prior to planned restoration GBP6.4m (EUR8.8m) from nearly of the link on a single track from three million passengers in its 28 August. The new pattern of first seven months, 3% more than tram services is: Altrincham to projected. During the first full Etihad Campus; Altrincham to year of service 4.92m passengers Deansgate-Castlefield; Bury to travelled, around 370 000 ahead Piccadilly; Bury to East Didsbury; of the target set before launch. The Eccles-MediaCityUK to Piccadilly; tramway received a 95% overall Rochdale to Ashton-under-Lyne; customer satisfaction rating Manchester Airport to Cornbrook. following a UK-wide survey by This pattern is likely to be An artist’s impression of the new Chinese-built LRV for the Turkish city of Izmir. RV Passenger Focus and has operated operated until the end of June 2016 with 99% service reliability. while work continues on a new 2020 and the new stock will be and features asynchrous AC The City of Edinburgh Council four-track layout to accommodate used on line S7 to Worb via traction equipment to reduce budget to support the first three the Second City Crossing. A further Worblaufen and line S9 to power consumption by 35%. BS years of tram service was agreed as closure will be necessary before an Unterzollikofen. BS KYIV. A UAH183.7m (EUR7.7m) GBP600 000 (EUR826 000) in 2014 improved stop opens close to the BEX – BÉVIEUX (TPC). Three- contract has been placed with but due to the strong performance, Cenotaph in autumn 2016. axle tram 15 is still used to ElectronTrans of Lviv for seven the final figure was reduced to Transport for Greater make morning round trips at single-ended 30m five-section GBP450 000 (EUR619 000). Manchester has launched a public 06.58 and 07.24 Monday-Friday. T5B64 low-floor trams. Two The council is expected to consultation for a reconstructed Its traditional blue livery has prototypes have been operating contribute GBP2m (EUR2.8m) transport interchange for Ashton- been replaced by the green and on the metre-gauge system in Lviv, towards the Edinburgh Tram under-Lyne town centre; the new yellow TPC colourscheme. tram but the new cars will be 1524mm- Inquiry to cover its legal costs and facility will be located next to the NEUCHÂTEL. Tramline 5 to gauge for the Kyiv system. those of some former employees. existing bus station. Work is due Boudry will be replaced by buses It is understood that the GLASGOW. The Subway is to to start in winter 2016-17, with the from 5 October to 13 November Memorandum of Understanding close for a month next July to interchange opening in late 2018. while a new track alignment is signed with PESA for 50 trams allow for work associated with the TfGM and its partner Atos have created at Serrières. tram will not now be taken up. RGI introduction of driverless trains agreed to the mutual termination and platform screen doors; it had of a contract to design, build and TURKEY UNITED ARAB EMIRATES previously been hoped that a full operate the ‘Get Me There’ smart ISTANBUL. Tenders have been DUBAI. Passenger transport shutdown would be avoided while ticketing programme. launched for contracts to build patronage in the first six months of the GBP282m (EUR388m) upgrade The scheme was launched in two more metro lines, the 13.3km 2015 reached 271.3m, up 3.3% on was carried out. A replacement bus 2012 and is currently operational (8.3-mile) Ataköy – Ikitelli line 2014. Metro patronage accounted service will be provided serving with around half a million on the European side and the for 88.2m journeys, the Dubai most stations during the closure. concessionary card holders, but 14.3km (8.9-mile) Dudullu – tram 1.55m and bus riders 66.5m. LONDON (DOCKLANDS). A TfGM claims that “it is clear that Bostanci line on the Asian side. IRJ Marine transport accounted for new timetable was introduced Atos cannot deliver the smart IZMIR. The 17 five-section LRVs 7.5m and taxis 53.5m. RTA from 23 August. Changes included ticketing system as contracted.” to be supplied by CNR from China an increased frequency Monday- SOUTH YORKSHIRE. Services will start arriving in October 2016, UNITED KINGDOM Saturday between Stratford and resumed across the Supertram joining the eight four-section BLACKPOOL. The 130th Canary Wharf and between network from 25 August following cars supplied by CSR in 2009. RGI anniversary of tramway operation Stratford and Lewisham Monday- completion of track replacement KONYA. Skoda completed is to be celebrated over the Friday, with twice as many trains work, Ridgeway Road being delivery of the 12 28T trams weekend of 26-27 September. running between Bank and finished a week ahead of schedule equipped for battery operation The programme includes all Lewisham on Saturdays 19.30- on 23 August. The work should (4261-72) in August. GRN serviceable heritage fleet trams 22.30. Some Beckton to West Ham enable the network to remain on a 20-minute daytime headway services now operate between stable until 2018 when further UKRAINE from Pleasure Beach, with Beckton and Canning Town. rail replacement will become KHARKIV. In 2014 the additional heritage trams running A new layout is being necessary. Over 12km (7.5 miles) undertaking purchased from Starr Gate to Fleetwood on implemented on the 55 B2007 of rail has been replaced in the withdrawn Tatra T3 trams from a 30-minute headway. A line-up stock vehicles. These are being past three years and over 22km Riga, intending to use some on of unserviceable and engineering converted to longitudinal seating (14 miles) will be replaced in total. its own network and pass others vehicles was also expected in along the body of the vehicle As a ‘thank you’ to passengers on to Donetsk. Riga 4045-8/55/60 Blundell Street close to Rigby with transverse seats remaining inconvenienced by the works and and 5095/101-2/17-20/3/4/6/31- Road depot. Depot visits were to at either end. The modifications to mark celebrations for the 21st 4/45-6/55-6/71/2 are running be available on a pre-booked basis. should be made on all vehicles by anniversary of the network in in Kharkiv in Riga livery and Twin car set 675+685 was to be the end of the year. The converted October, Stagecoach Supertram retaining their Riga fleet numbers; re-launched in a new 1970s-style cars have the same number of seats reduced adult tram-only fares by 5115/6/25 went to Donetsk, where livery after further restoration. but with more gangway space. around 21% from 29 August. they run as 4182-4. The transfer of CARDIFF. TramForward has LUTON. Following an accident on WEST YORKSHIRE. Local further trams to Donetsk ceased welcomed the Welsh Assembly ’s 1 August, Luton Borough Council media has reported the cost of the when hostilities broke out. recently announced plans for a closed the Luton – Dunstable Leeds New Generation Transport The first new metro train to Cardiff City Region Metro with Busway between New Bedford trolleybus public inquiry could be delivered since 2004 entered the proposed electrification of the Road, Luton, and Church Street, reach GBP2.6m (EUR3.6m). service on line 2 on 21 August after Valley Lines at its core. Dunstable, from 17-21 August Inspector Martin Whitehead’s a ceremony marking 40 years of TramForward believes the with the Clifton Road and Stanton report is with the UK Government metro operation. The five-car train Welsh Government will find that Road busway stops shut and buses for a decision, unlikely to be was built by Kriukov Vagonmash light rail and tram technologies diverted to local roads, with longer made until late 2015 or early 2016.

416 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org USA The last day of operation of way for a federal funding bid of PORTLAND, OR (US). On CINCINNATI, OH. CAF has the San Pedro heritage tramway USD144m. The money will come the Willamette Shore Trolley, advised delivery of the first tram was to be 27 September. The Port from local sales tax. E. B. Havens rehabilitation and strengthening for the new line will be three or Authority is under pressure to WASHINGTON, DC. In July of the two high trestles in the four months late, in late November re-instate the line once highway Australian Tim Borchers, Riverwood area, deemed necessary or early December. This should not work is completed, but claims this project manager for the Atlanta by local authorities before the affect the planned opening on 15 would cost USD39m. E. B. Havens Streetcar, was appointed on a relatively heavy Gomaco Brill September 2016. E. B. Havens MILWAUKEE. The FTA has six-month contract to ensure replicas would be permitted to cross BETHESDA – NEW approved plans for a revised route implementation of the peer review them, took place in the spring. CARROLLTON, MD. for the tramway project near recommendations on the H St/ From 8 August, service was re- Montgomery County has agreed Cathedral Square to reduce utility Benning Rd tramway and get the extended northwards to Powers to pay an additional USD40m relocation costs. E. B. Havens line open. E. B. Havens Marine Park, increasing the towards the cost of the Purple NEW YORK, NY. The USD2.4bn serviceable line from around light rail line, while Prince Flushing line 7 subway extension MUSEUM NEWS 3km (1.9 miles) to around 5km George’s County will pay an extra to 34th St/Hudson Yards finally BROOKS, OR (US). OERHS (3.1 miles). Car 513 remains USD20m, plus USD10m in in-kind opened on 13 September. ERA has acquired nine ex-Brussels unserviceable for now. S. J. Morgan contributions. E. B.Havens PORTLAND, OR. After preview trams, in the largest one-time SWANSEA (UK). The Amman DALLAS, TX. Further to our rides for employees on 26 July, and fleet acquisition in the group's Valley Railway Society has August news, although the the public preview on the Tilikum history. The cars had been owned recovered an early Swansea tram formal opening ceremony for crossing on 9 August, simulated by a Canadian enthusiast, Claude from the Black Mountain in the the McKinney Avenue heritage service on the Milwaukie light Sabot, for several years and been Brecon National Park. It had been tramway was on 6 June, the rail line started on 30 August, in stored mostly in Port Mellon, BC used as a store for more than extension had been carrying readiness for the start of Orange (near Gibsons, BC). 80 years and has been moved passengers since 4 May. J. May line service on 12 September. The acquisition comprises 1952 to the society’s headquarters at DETROIT, MI. The M-1 tramline The Portland Streetcar CL line PCC car 7020 and eight two-axle Llansamlet where it is being stored on Woodward Avenue will not now resumed operation on 17 August, cars of mid-1930s vintage. The under cover until restoration open until spring 2017 due to the ending a seven-week suspension latter are passenger cars 1048, can begin. It is thought to be delivery schedule of the Brookville for Broadway Bridge repainting. 1247 and trailer 2190; and work an original horse tram dating Liberty trams. E. B. Havens The A Loop and B Loop cars 19, 25, 26, 31 and 34, which from around 1890 and is in poor DURHAM – CHAPEL HILL, NC. configuration of the CL line that are ex-passenger cars originally external condition although the The draft environmental action is mentioned in the featured numbered 1052, 1380, 1085, framework is sound. Donations statement for the proposed 27km news item went into operation 1178 and 1290, respectively – for its restoration are being sought. (17-mile) LRT line was published on 30 August but with no service 1048+2190 operated on the former ROCKHILL FURNACE, PA (US). at the end of August, firming-up on the section across the bridge Grand Cypress Resort tramway A special ceremony on 22 August most of the proposed route and (passengers are required to get off, in Florida from 1985 until that marked the entry into service of forecasting 23 000 passengers/ while the streetcar proceeds across line’s closure in the mid-1990s. two restored trams, Johnstown day by 2040. A public consultation the bridge empty), until 11.00 on The cars were moved from BC to Traction 311 (Wason 1922) and period then started. E. B. Havens 12 September, when the bridge the Oregon museum between late ex-Philadelphia PCC 2743 (St INDUSTRY. Massachusetts opens. This means that CL service May and mid-July. S. J. Morgan Louis 1947), plus San Diego LRV Governor Charlie Baker joined was extended from PSU to Moody EAST HAVEN, CN (US). 745, 1019 (Duewag 1982). E. B. Havens Springfield Mayor Domenic Avenue, along the NS Line, on the 1972 PATH car that was Sarno and CRRC Vice-President 30 August – a doubling of service retrieved from the basement of CONTRIBUTORS Yu Weiping on 3 September at the along that section. the World Trade Center after the Worldwide items should be sent to groundbreaking of the Chinese Both lines will go from a 11 September terrorist attack, has Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin company’s USD95m rolling stock 14-minute headway to 15 minutes, been donated to the Shore Line at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, facility. Based on the site of the the best Portland Streetcar can Trolley Museum after a period Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. former Westinghouse plant in manage with the existing fleet of in storage at Kennedy Airport. Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or e-mail: Springfield, the facility’s first 17 cars and the extension of CL PATH 143 is still in a hangar [email protected] contract is for the supply of 284 line’s length. S. J. Morgan. at the airport. E. B. Havens UK and Ireland items metro cars for Boston’s Orange PROVIDENCE, RI. Consultants EREZÉE–DOCHAMPS (BE). are welcomed by the Home and Red lines in a USD566m have been appointed to oversee The EUR870 000 project to bring News Editor, John Symons, order signed in October 2014. planning and engineering services the 6km (3.7-mile) Dochamps 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Construction is to begin in for a central tramway circulator. – Lamormenil section of the Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. spring 2016 for completion in E. B. Havens tramway Touristique de l’Aisne E-mail: [email protected]. late 2017, will the first series-built SALT LAKE CITY, UT. The line back into use was achieved Contributors this month cars completed in January 2019. operating hours of the Sugar House on 21 June when Prince include Mike Ballinger, Colin KANSAS CITY, MO. CAF has told Streetcar were extended from Laurent formally opened the Brown, Richard Buckley and Eric the city it is unable to keep to the 16 August and are now 05.00- extension, and rode on tram set Pounder, plus ABC Australian agreed delivery schedule for four 23.30 on weekdays and 06.00- AR133+A1208. Tram-2000 Broadcasting Corporation, new trams; this will affect the 23.30 at weekends. E. B. Havens KATWIJK (NL). Temporary BS Blickpunkt Strassenbahn, planned opening of the line in SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). tracks were laid on Rijnstraat in BVG Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe, the first quarter of 2016. CAF will It is confirmed that the PCC- August to permit the operation digitaltram.nl, DS Drehscheibe, have to pay liquidated damages operated E-Embarcadero tramline of Blue Tram set A327+A106 with ERA Electric Railroaders Association, of USD3300/day until the first car started regular operation on 1 a generator trailer between them. GRN Global Rail News, Irish arrives in December. E. B. Havens August, operating Saturdays and Unfortunately A327 derailed on Independent, IRJ International LOS ANGELES, CA. LA Metro has Sundays 10.00-19.00. the first trip on 23 August and had Railway Journal, Latvijas Radio, approved USD30m for pedestrian The Muni Metro Market St to be recovered using a crane. The Manchester Evening News, Nexus, crossing improvements, including subway was closed after 22.00 daily tram did run carrying passengers Nottingham Evening Post, RGI gates at 27 intersections, on the from 31 July to permit installation the following day. digitaltram.nl Railway Gazette International, Blue line to Long Beach, which of new communications NELSON (CA). T hu r s d ay RTA, SYPTE, TalkRadioAM640, uses the former Pacific Electric equipment. Shuttle buses provide 27 August saw the opening Transport for Greater Manchester, interurban right-of-way. The a replacement. SFMTA of the museum depot, Transport for London, TR Today’s first test train on the Expo line SANTA ANA, CA. The Orange the first time the public has been Railways, tram, Tram-2000, extension reached Santa Monica County Transportation Authority able to access the barn since transphoto.ru, urbanrail.net, on 29 July, with the first powered has pledged USD56m towards the operation of the museum tramway Wolverhampton Express & Star and run on 7 August. tramway project, opening the started in 1992. NETS Yorkshire Evening Post.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 417 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.

Continuing ‘austerity’ jeopardises tramway development

Various reports in TAUT in August (932) present a glowing expression), climate change seems a faraway concept in which, picture of developments in the UK, with UKTram taking I’m afraid, expensive UK light rail schemes will have no place. forward several initiatives to reduce the complexity and The same issue of TAUT commented on the issue of costs of light rail schemes; one hopes they will take onboard obsolescence. Manchester Metrolink has replaced its fleet, and Bob Hall’s papers on rail interface. The UK Light Rail the Docklands Light Railway will soon be tendering for its Conference report was also optimistic on developments on third-generation cars, but the 20-year-old Sheffield Supertram the international scene. cars soldier on. Whilst they are to be augmented by a small fleet However, the elephant in the room is surely that, when of Vossloh vehicles for the tram-train service to Rotherham, the various system extensions underway or positively where will funding come from to replace the original fleet? programmed for delivery in the short-medium term are In the absence of a major system expansion, such as that in completed, there are no UK light rail projects that are Birmingham that is enabling the Midland Metro to piggyback anywhere near moving off the ‘good idea’ phase to hard fleet replacement, it is difficult to see how our other early programming, identification of real funding, public second-generation systems will ever pay for new rolling stock. consultation and legislative approval, to Lest we in the UK think austerity say nothing of actual implementation. economics only affect our public Realistically, even if, say Cardiff “Realistically, even if, transport, across the Channel in France wished to develop a system now, it – a beacon of excellence in light rail would be a minimum of 15 years before say Cardiff wished to delivery over the last three decades – the anything would be in service. In the reality is similar. Réseaux Urbains No. meantime, any expertise gained by develop a system, it 123, the magazine of the Association engineers and designers on the current France passion des Transports Urbains crop of works will have been lost, and, as would be 15 years before (FTPU), reports on page 12 on the Bob Hall bemoans, we’ll be back at the impact of the cycle of austérité that is stage of learning it all over again. anything would be threatening future investment on urban The warm words of support by the in service.” public transport in that country. This new UK Transport Minister, Andrew includes abandonment of eco-taxes, Jones, to the Light Rail Conference that severe reductions in local authority the view of the Conservative administration, elected in May funding, free-market competition in bus services and removal 2015 is “very, very simple. In three words, we support it: it’s of constraints on tendering. Sound familiar? Worst of all, the a no-brainer” must be taken with the biggest bucket of salt Versement Transport minimum application is to be raised from imaginable. This comes from a Minister in a government companies with nine to 11 employees. that is delivering unrelenting austerity to public services The FTPU thinks this could remove EUR500m per year and funding, as well as slashing of green initiatives across from public transport. The Fédération Nationale des the country. It has recently “paused” major main line rail Association d’Usagers considers the measure “unjustifiable, electrification schemes and its big idea, the “Northern dangerous and incomprehensible”. The article concludes that Powerhouse” merely re-packages existing and previously this attack on public transport in France, after many years of announced funding. development, will reverse the process of delivering civilised In addition, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) or annual car tax is cities and could have disastrous results on the environment. now to be equalised, except for pure electric vehicles, so there Although there are still projects in progress, the years when will be no penalty for gas-guzzling cars, whilst the Treasury TAUT could report regularly on the latest French city to open is promising to fully devote the proceeds of VED to even a new tramway may be over. more road schemes. In this environment (if you’ll excuse the Graham Whiteley, Dumfries

Melbourne trolleypoles trailers died out, and I can understand the Thank you for the previous articles on points that Mr McIntosh raises for this, but trolleypoles and how most tram systems in my estimation they still have their place have replaced them with the more modern in the toolbox for any tramway operator. pantograph. Here in Melbourne two vehicles Street-running tramways offer a wide are still in regular service using trolleypoles – variety of operating scenarios, and surely and with trolley wheels and not carbon slides. for many larger systems with tight streets or They are two of the traversers in challenging topography there is no ‘one size Melbourne’s Preston Tramway Workshops fits all’ rolling stock solution. used to shunt trams over the various tracks While I can also appreciate the obvious between the sheds. I enclose a photo of one of benefits of fleet continuity and economies of them taken on 29 July 2015. scale in having ‘one make’ car rosters, surely Michael Stephens, by e-mail the most operationally and most cost-effective solution must always be worth consideration. The right tool for the job Again, it goes back to considering tramways in Hurrah to Scott McIntosh for another their entirety from as early as possible: what thought-provoking article in the latest do you want your service to achieve? edition – Trams, Trailers and Trains (TAUT A traverser that uses trolleypole operation at For more lightly trafficked routes or for 933). I have often considered why the use of Melbourne’s Preston workshops. M. Stephens those that show more differentiated loadings

418 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org in peak and off-peak schedules, smaller, from the virtually empty ‘last tram’. argument. It has a ruling that any curve on lighter vehicles that avoid the hauling around Scott suggests that bus evidence from a passenger line with a radius of less than of “a lot of redundant metal and fresh air”, as Europe shows that trailers can be acceptable, 200m must have a check rail. Tramway Mr McIntosh puts it, would seem to be more but have we not all used the greater attraction curves are typically ten times as sharp as that, efficient. The lessened impact on track and of a fixed system over buses as a justification as Bob points out in one of his articles, yet infrastructure are also a key advantage. You (in part at least) for support for a light rail those ‘experts’ did not think that the trams’ wouldn’t use a minibus to drive to the shops solution? Is there not at least a hint that wheels needed any mechanical assistance on your own and pick up a newspaper, would maybe a bus has a greater tendency to be a rounding them. As he explains, there are you? (You might if all you own is a minibus, distress purchase? If we want the significant French and German rail sections which are but this goes back to my earlier point!) modal shift seen in Europe, light rail can designed to give this mechanical assistance, Any other kind of mass fleet operator (a never be seen as a distress purchase. with thickened checks to take the wear. utility company, for example) will have a My evidence? Look at the astronomic Other features, such as raised grooves range of vehicles to suit the job at hand: increase in use on the London Overground through crossings, were also to be found if the chief executive may have a luxury car, rail system. Yes, some serious service the engineers had looked for them. the engineer a small or medium-sized van improvements have had a big part to play, but G. Quarmby, by e-mail depending on what they have to carry, while passengers clearly like ‘walk-through’ trains. the logistics crew will have a large lorry. Given a choice between trailers/coupled Impressions of Bergen I appreciate that this may be a simplistic operation and a lack of capacity, they may be Having just returned from a flying visit to analogy, but the principle remains that part of the answer, but I would urge promoters Bergen, Norway, I thought I would record tramways offer similar challenges in terms not to start from a ‘cheap as chips’ approach. some of my impressions of the rail-based of passenger loadings – and a 25m-plus There is no doubt we must tackle the costs of urban transport system in the city. articulated tram is probably not the right light rail, but I feel strongly that the approach Like many tourists, I headed to the solution for every line and every time of day. should be to address infrastructure costs, Fløibanen funicular, one of Norway’s best- The advent of the low-floor ‘artic’ has particularly all that time and effort before a known attractions. This is a short walk from undoubtedly been a benefit to the adoption of digger arrives on site, rather than providing Bryggen wharf and the famous fish market, modern light rail systems – and I am sure that passengers with an unattractive vehicle. and the queue stretched back for some these certainly please the politicians – but Jerry Swift, Great Barugh (UK) distance from the lower station entrance. this is another case of ignoring the past in the The standard timetable for this short line of light of the ‘latest and greatest’ technology. Tramways in the ‘wilderness years’ less than a kilometre appeared to be a service I would conclude, like Mr McIntosh, that At first glance, Bob Hall, in the first part of his every 30 minutes. However, as cruise ships there is a place for artics, trailers and coupled two-part article on wheel/rail interface seems were in town, a shuttle service was run to cater cars in the planning and operational armoury to be at odds with David Holt, whose letter for the crowds. It was interesting to note that of systems the world over – it’s just a case of (in the same issue) sums up the evidence there are intermediate stations and I assume choosing the right tool for the right job. available to second-generation tramway that every half-hour one of the shuttles T. Annatone, by e-mail engineers if only they had had the will to stopped at these stations to maintain some look for it — just across the English Channel. semblance of normality. The metre-gauge Trailers: An alternative view On the other hand, Bob suggests that in line takes passengers to Fløyen, a parkland I feel I must put forward an alternative view the 50-year absence of British tramways, complex on a hill overlooking the city. to that expressed by Scott McIntosh in his the accumulated experience of those who In the city centre, the Byparken light rail article in the September issue, one from the designed and maintained first-generation terminus is situated in a side street off the passenger’s point of view. systems had been lost (this statement forgets main shopping street. There is no obvious I understand Scott’s economic justification or ignores Blackpool, which soldiered on signage indicating the station, but services for the use of coupled or trailer operation throughout the wilderness years and – so far as seem to be regular and well patronised. and agree with his assertion that there is I know – stuck to the tried-and-tested methods There was also evidence of trolleybus little evidence that passengers move far from that had been refined down the years.) overhead wiring in the vicinity of the fish the door they board by. Security through an Even if the first-generation knowledge market, but in the half-hour or so in the improved view from the driver (and any other had been lost, however, one fundamental vicinity I saw no trolleybuses, which would single crew member) is clearly flawed for the design feature by the railway engineers who suggest the service is either very poor or has reasons he outlines. were called in to specify and build the new been replaced by motor buses. But may I suggest that passengers see tramways is exposed by Bob. My overall impression is that Bergen articulated cars as a modern attractive form It seems to have been universally accepted is a typical, clean Nordic city that is very of transport, whereas trailers, and possibly to in the industry that a check is not needed picturesque, but could be very cold in winter. a lesser extent coupled sets, are not. Whether in tramway grooved (girder) rail; it was Peter Vannucci, by e-mail that’s because they feel safer or that they could incongruously labelled a ‘keep’. It seems Ed: Bergen still has a trolleybus line, route 2, move to another part of the vehicle without that its only function was to keep the road and we understand that in 2012 the city impediment if they needed to I suspect will surface away from the flangeway: what voted to continue to support the 6.5km depend on the situation. The issues raised by a nonsense! The railway industry in which (four-mile) route until 2018 pending further crowded peak hour service are clearly different these engineers were at home destroyed this expansion of the light rail system.

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

OCTOBER Thursday 1. Liverpool 13.30. Online Transport Archive. (STTS) 14.00 in Oxford. (TLRS) Friday 23. Leicester 19.45. Brian Peter Jackson: Tramways and Saturday 10. Sutton Coldfield. Saturday 17. Taunton 14.00. Geoff Edwards: Travels in New Zealand, trolleybus systems of Galati, Braila, 14.00. (TLRS) Price: Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Hong Kong, Dubai and UK. (TMS) Botosani and Cluj Napoca, April 2015. Monday 12. Thames Valley 19.30. Electric Railway. (TLRS) Thursday 29. Manchester 19. 00. Saturday 3. Birmingham 14.00. Martin Jenkins: British trams in Monday 19. Liverpool 19.30. Martin Ian Dougill: Leeds Tramways. Mike Ballinger: 'Oh, What Transport colour, part 2. (TLRS) Jenkins: Merseyside Transport, Saturday 31. Beeston 14.00. of Delight' (Isle of Man and more. Wednesday 14. Brighton 19.30. part 2. Rathbone Room (TLRS) Mike Skeggs: Tramway films. (TLRS) (LRTA/TLRS/ERS) Graham Bilbe: Trams and trolleys Monday 19. Wickham 19.30. Clem Friday 30. Edinburgh 19.30. Tuesday 6. Southampton 19.30. on DVD. (TLRS) Fallows: Driving at Seaton. (TLRS) Graham Whiteley: Memories of the TBA. (LRTA/SEG) Thursday 15. Dartford 19.30. John Tuesday 20. London 19.00. GDR in 1971. Friday 9. Glasgow 19.30. Martin Pigott: Germany, part 2. (TLRS) Graham Jellett: New French light Saturday 31. Garstang 14.00. Brian Jenkins: Slideshow with images from Saturday 17. Oxford & Chilterns rail systems in the 21st Century. Yates: Geneva and Belgium. (TLRS)

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 419 Classic Trams ROMAN REMAINS Tucked away at the west side of Piramide railway station at Piazzale Ostiense in Roma (Rome) is a shy little open-air museum recalling a much-loved tramway. Mike Russell reports on his October 2014 visit. 1

oday visitors to Rome could spend mechanical equipment and Thomson- 1962 for both passenger and goods traffic. several days sightseeing without Houston electric equipment for 600V dc This was one of the first prototype high- becoming aware that the city is operation. By the standards of the time they tension locomotives in Italy, predating the served by a tramway. The strange- were powerful, with four 60hp motors, and FS mainline railway equipment by a decade. shaped network, the legacy of intended for operation around the Castelli Locomotore 05, in biscuit-coloured livery, anT earlier massive abandonment scheme, Romani district, the most intense network dates from 1922 and was intended for use on is more a series of disparate lines than a of all STEFER lines. This car was rebuilt with the standard-gauge Roma – Lido di Ostia line, coherent network and, with the exception a metal-framed body in 1957 in STEFER’s with supply at 2400V dc. Carminati & Toselli of the turning loop at Termini station and own workshops. When the last of the Castelli supplied the mechanical gear and TIBB the the section between the National Gallery of interurban lines closed on 3 January 1965, electrical equipment; it was fitted with four Modern Art and Piazza del Risorgimento, 70 migrated to the truncated urban sections 170hp motors. This was one of nine similar does not serve parts frequented by tourists. of Cinecittà and Centocelle and was seen out units and in 1947 was completely rebuilt It was not always so, and until 1980 the and about until the closure. It is displayed by STEFER with new bodywork, the voltage city was also served by the blue and silver carrying a route plate for Rocca di Papa, being reduced to 1500V dc. trams of the former STFER (later STEFER) where connection was once made with a Also exhibited is a works trailer built in company, absorbed into the municipal ATAC funicular that operated from 1906 to 1963. STEFER’s workshops in 1951. It was intended network after 1976. The STEFER lines had The second tramcar is more modern but of for use on the interurban tramways and built once formed a large series of radial interurban a type especially associated with STEFER. using parts from old two-axle rolling stock. routes on two gauges, though all these had Car 404 is a two-section articulated six-axle It was used both for the carriage of market contracted by the mid-1960s to leave a rump motor vehicle built to the design of the goods, and maintenance of the tramway of two standard-gauge urban sections and company’s Chief Engineer, Mario Urbinati, infrastructure until it was withdrawn in 1980. one interurban narrow-gauge line. A peak to whom tramways are in debt for developing period visit to the STEFER operating area was the concept of articulation. This is one of A truly remarkable company a joy, with fast and frequent services operated the 1941 production series of 11 cars that By now, readers who never knew the by varied rolling stock, some of it of ground- followed the prototype (401), from which they STEFER undertaking should have realised breaking own construction and other vehicles differed in minor respects. These were built that this was a remarkable company, with bought second-hand. All that is in the past; for the intensive local services to Capannelle varied rolling stock operating both local STEFER tramways are sadly but a memory. and Cinecittà from 1935 onwards over the and long interurban lines, each seemingly All is not lost, however. After the final inner sections of the interurban Castelli to a different voltage supply. It was a much closure in February 1980, several tramcars Romani lines. Again it was built for 600V dc loved undertaking and in addition to the were set aside for possible preservation, to operation with four 58hp motors; mechanical cars displayed, several others survive. add to older rolling stock that had been kept equipment was by Stanga and the electrical Pride of place must go to the beautifully- by the company. The tramcar preservation equipment by Brown Boveri (TIBB) with the restored bogie car 312 of 1935 built for the movement in Italy was not then well bodies constructed in STEFER’s works. introduction of urban service to Capannelle advanced, and several cars have languished. These cars remained in service until and Cinecittà, now in the ATTS historic It is thus a pleasure to relate that a small closure of the Cinecittà line in February 1980, fleet at Torino. This organisation also has selection has been restored and placed on when Metro line A opened. This example was car 210, one of four 1935 bogie cars acquired display in a gated compound adjacent to later exhibited near the famous Colosseum as from ATM Bologna. Also in the final stages Piazzale Ostiense. There are no advertised part of a wartime memorial display. The eight of restoration there is car 447, one of the public openings and the whole display gives post-war articulated cars (501-8) were sold six 1938 bogie cars acquired from Trieste. the impression of being almost a private after closure to ATAC, in whose service they The operations of the former STEFER fiefdom, but a word with the duty inspector can be found as 7101-15 (odd numbers only; company have in recent years been subsumed or gatekeeper should be enough to allow even numbers were for trailers). into the greater Roma public transport access to seriously interested visitors. The other items of displayed rolling stock network, which re-emerged in 2010 as ATAC, are more diverse. Motor car ECD 21 was the traditional acronym of the municipal STEFER built in 1931 by Stanga with TIBB electrical passenger transport undertaking. Even then, The Società delle Tramvie e Ferrovie equipment rated for 3000V dc and four not all trace of the STEFER tramways has Elettriche di Roma was formed in 1899 to 171hp motors, one of ten cars acquired for died. A solitary 950mm-gauge line survives develop a network of interurban electric conversion of the Roma – Civitacastellana – (truncated and now only operating tramways in Italy’s Lazio region. Its name Viterbo interurban from narrow to standard- between Laziali and Giardinetti). It is the last was customarily abbreviated to the acronym gauge. This line was originally built for remaining section of the Roma – Fiuggi STFER until 1941, and thereafter STEFER single-phase ac electrical supply. The prefix line, albeit much rebuilt and almost entirely (used here). Any attempt to represent all ECD indicated a third-class motor car with on reservation, but with a tantalising mix forms and designs of company rolling stock baggage compartment. In the 1960s some of of modern and rebuilt pre-war rolling would be bound to fail in the absence of a this class had the baggage area removed and stock – a reminder of the years when the full-sized tram depot; the array was quite were converted for urban operation. STEFER tramways contributed greatly to the staggering. This brief review highlights the Locomotore 1 was built in 1915 for use on transport needs of Rome. cars currently exhibited; it is possible that the 950mm-gauge Roma – Fiuggi – Frosinone When the new Metro line C is completed – others are still under restoration. line; Breda supplied mechanical equipment sometime in 2020, it is hoped – it is intended There are two passenger motor cars. and General Electric electrical equipment. that it will be closed, although strong voices The older is car 70, one of eight bogie cars The car was fitted with four 96hp motors at are arguing otherwise. (70-77) purchased in 1912 with Brill bogies 1650V dc supply. Four similar examples were built under licence by Böker, Pistoia supplied built and were still in use until the end of With grateful thanks to Gennaro Fiorentino.

420 / OCTOBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. This train of works rolling stock complements the passenger and goods vehicles in the STEFER display.

2. Locomotore 05 is displayed in the condition to which it was rebuilt by the STEFER company in 1947.

3. 70, originally built in 1911, stands in a separate compound a short distance apart from other exhibits.

4. The multi-functional bogie car ECD 21, with segregated baggage and postal areas, and separate passenger compartment.

5. Locomotore 1 on display amongst the foliage that complements the main exhibition area.

6. Representing the fleet of articulated passenger tramcars built for local services to the design of STEFER’s former Chief Engineer is 404 of 1941.

2 All photography by Mike Russell.

3 4

5 6

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OCTOBER 2015 / 421 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% – minimum & maximum values no longer apply.

More Tram Images DVD: Hong Kong Tramways of a journey through in the 1980s Australia and New Zealand The iconic 3ft 6-in gauge A great selection of images from author tramway on Hong Kong Hugh Ballment’s travels in the 1950s and island is shown 1977 1960s. Includes a DVD of movies shot to 1992. Single-deck during the same period. trailers were still in use and most of the double- A4 softback; 140 pages, 134 black & white and deck cars dated from the 340 colour pictures. 1950s. Includes scenes of the MTR, KCR, Star £29.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. Ferry, Peak Tram and New Territories Light Rail. We have available a small stock of the earlier volume Running time 74 minutes. Tram Images of a journey through Australia & New Zealand (published 2008) – £20.00 plus P&P as above. £17.95 (inc. VAT) plus P&P as shown above.

Bangkok Tramways The Tower to Bispham Eighty Years 1888-1968 The Blackpool Tramway since 1960 A pioneering work telling Volume Two the complete story of the The second of three books Thai capital’s tramways from showing how the tramway their horse-drawn origins along Blackpool Promenade through electrification in developed from a precarious 1893 to their demise in the survivor through to the age late 1960s. of the Supertram.

A4 softback; 180 pages, A4+ hardback; 176 pages, c.250 black & white and colour 60 black & white and 360 pictures plus several maps. colour pictures.

£26.50 plus postage & £30.00 plus postage & packing as shown above. packing as shown above.

Australian Trams Through the Ages Part 1 – Adelaide to Kalgoorlie & Part 2 – Launceston to Victor Harbor Richly illustrated records of the continent’s tramways past and present – from tiny systems to the super-network of Melbourne. Highly recommended!

A4 softback; 160 pages, fully-illustrated in black and white and colour.

£21.50 plus postage & packing as shown above.

Also available as a limited-edition 320-page combined hardback volume – £55.00 plus postage & packing as shown above. IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE OF

CHARLOTTE SPECIAL REVIEW SYSTEMS FACTFILE: STRIKES GOLD NET PHASE 2: ROSTOCK A new central corridor streetcar line Nottingham Express Transit has opened Neil Pulling reports from the northern has joined the established modern light two new lines that serve Beeston, Chilwell German city of Rostock on the Baltic rail system in this North Carolinan city. and Clifton – and brings the system very Sea, home of a modernised tramway Herbert Pence reports on its modest close to the planned HS2 station at Toton. with a long tradition that serves a widely beginnings and big plans for the future. Held over from this issue. dispersed population. PLUS... NOVEMBER + Latest developments from the Ukraine: Kyiv and Lviv ISSUE + The latest news, rolling stock orders and movements, system developments, transport policy and leading industry comment on sale from around the world 16th October

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

www.lrta.org www.tautonline.com SUBSCRIBE NOW!

OCTOBER 2015 N O. 934 ENSURING SAFETY AND ENHANCING OUR CITIES conSIdeRaTIonS foR depoT deSIgn Now in its 78th year, Tramways & Urban Transit is the The beating heart of any modern LRT system, the maintenance facility offers many opportunities for efficient, sustainable construction. Scott McIntosh looks at some of the key design issues.

iven the number of new tramway 1924 and reprinted in facsimile in the 1990s, systems that are being built – and still has many useful pointers for designers, that are combined with bus or trolleybus the number of existing systems notwithstanding the huge changes in operations – operate 24 hours per day. As that are being extended and/or technology that have come about since it was potentially hundreds of employees will be radically renewed – there is an working on site at all hours, the provision of ongoingG problem that the amount of practical first written. The US Transportation Research Board has examined the issue of depot location a safe and comfortable environment is key experience and design talent available to the to a facility’s success without unnecessarily industry is being spread rather thinly. and design on a number of occasions over the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely last three decades and such documents may increasing a site’s footprint. One can see that many new systems are With a modern depot costing anywhere be purchased from its website. [1] simply copying that which went before and from EUR20m upwards, these are major similar mistakes or inefficiencies are repeated. In Europe, the VdV alliance of transport companies has published a number investments and must therefore be well- What is needed is a ‘Tram Depot Design for planned with close consideration of function Dummies’ handbook that demonstrates the of advisory papers, which can also be downloaded. These cover various aspects of as well as form, not only for current operations good, the bad and the ugly amongst existing but also with future development in mind. designs, supporting its recommendations depot planning, including considerations with a wide range of detailed data. of internal transport and storage, traffic infrastructure and parking space. TramStore21 Such textbooks have existed and the US [2] The most recent international study of Electric Railway Handbook Many depots and maintenance centres – , last revised in especially those on larger systems or those depot issues has been undertaken by TramStore21, a co-operative project between to light and urban rail developments.

Stabling area Maintenance Nottingham Phase Two opens to the public and cleaning Workshop US ‘desperate for transit investment’ Extensions in Mesa and Sacramento

Rubber-tyred tram tests in Medellín Exit/entry ISSN 1460-8324 aBoVe: VdV idealised depot vehicle flow diagram for depot (note laid out for right-hand running). £4.25 10 RIgHT: Metro Tenerife’s depot features a unique ‘folded’ design that makes excellent use of a constricted site. Depot design Basel The Swiss city where 9 771460 832043 402 / october 2015 Key considerations www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org for modern systems you don’t need a car We deliver comprehensive news and analysis,

402-405_TAUT1510_Depots.indd 1

07/09/2015 09:57 06/09/2015 14:35 385_TAUT1510 Cover.indd 1 incisive technology features and key interviews with leading industry figures each and every month. Either in print or online, don’t miss out Subscribe today!

Personal membership with TAUT subscription: Commercial – online only (12 issues) £39.44 To December 2016 (14 issues) Invoices available for Commercial membership only. UK £57.17 International £71.17 For online payments visit: www.lrta.info/commercial Personal membership with TAUT and Tramway Review: To December 2016 (14 TAUT + 5 TR) UK £76.23 International £95.23 Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Forename...... Surname ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Personal membership with online only access to TAUT: Address ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� To December 2016 (14 issues) £41.42 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Personal membership with online access to TAUT and Tramway Review: ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� To December 2015 (14 issues + 5 TR) £57.05 Postcode...... Email...... For online payments visit: www.lrta.info/personal I enclose a cheque for £ ...... payable to ‘LRTA Subscriptions’ For details of Student membership and other membership queries email: [email protected] Please complete this form and send it with your payment to: LRTA Commercial members (12 issues) Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK UK £54.44 International £67.78 Prices valid to end of September 2015. OCTOBER RUBBER CROSSING SYSTEMS FOR CITY RAILWAYS

ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST

■ Value for money More cost effective than other modular systems. ■ Simple to install Available for all gauge, rail and sleeper confi gurations. ■ Ideal for inspections Individual panels can be removed in under a minute, or replaced without dismantling the whole crossing. ■ High performance Safe and robust, designed for light or heavy traffi c. ■ Solid rubber - tough and durable Outperforms other rubber systems in long-term use at road and pedestrian crossings, tram stops and depots. ■ Sustainable products Made from 100% recycled tyre rubber and bonded using our innovative cold cure technology to ensure a long life. ■ No special tools required Tool kits and lifting pins can be supplied.

For more information, or to enquire about training, please call the Rosehill sales team on +44 (0)1422 317 482, or email [email protected]

rosehillrail.com