Tradition Meets Modernity

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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

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JUNE 2015 No. 930 HONG KONG: TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY

Debunking the myths around stray current Dallas opens wire-free streetcar line Toshiba’s battery tram technology Tube expands new revenue streams ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 Boston SMILE! 06 How snow brought UITP on reasserting a city to a standstill rail’s role in the city 9 771460 832043 LAST CHANCE TO BOOK

2015 INTEGRATION AND GLOBALISATION

Nottingham Conference Centre, UK: June 17-18 2015

The tenth edition of the UK Light Rail Conference returns to Nottingham and promises to be the biggest and best yet.

From planning and finance debates through to presentations on light rail construction, regulation and operation, the Conference brings you together with key industry players, whether attending as a delegate or exhibitor.

Nowhere else can you join 300 light rail decision-makers to debate the burning issues of the day.

• Unrivalled networking opportunities • Over 70 leading speakers and panelists • Biggest ever exhibition area • Technical tour of Nottingham Express Transit • Networking dinner hosted by international transport operator Keolis

Download the schedule at www.mainspring.co.uk/events

SUPPORTED BY CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association JUNE 2015 Vol. 78 No. 930 www.tramnews.net EDITORIAL EDITOR Simon Johnston Tel: +44 (0)1733 367601 E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK ASSOCIATE EDITOR 220 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 Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, 238 226 Vic Simons, Alain Senut, Thomas Wagner. PRODUCTION Lanna Blyth NEWS 220 COMMENT: LOCAL CHAMPIONS 236 Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] Is Bombardier the next major manufacturer TAUT Publisher Howard Johnston argues DESIGN to leave the rail market?; Dallas Streetcar that LRT needs strong personalities. Debbie Nolan opens; Battery-powered tram trials begin ADVERTISING in Kagoshima; Liège tramway funding in SYSTEMS FACTFILE: HONG KONG 238 COMMERCIAL MANAGER Geoff Butler doubt; Santos tramway passenger trials. Over 80 years separate the openings of Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] Hong Kong’s two light rail formats; Neil PUBLISHER COMMENT: URBAN RAIL’S ROLE 224 Pulling explores these distinctive systems. Howard Johnston UITP Secretary General Alain Flausch looks Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the at some of the challenges in achieving WORLDWIDE REVIEW 244 LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each public transport’s aim of doubling Melbourne project will require diversion of month preceding the cover date. ridership figures by 2025. ten tramlines; Brussels run-out reaches 300; LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY St Etienne approves third tramline plans; Brian Lomas E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] BLIZZARD BURIES BOSTON 226 Oslo to tender for 80 low-floor trams; Herbert Pence reviews the devastating Seattle’s Sound Transit approves Lynnwood LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up effects of the snowstorms that crippled light rail extension. members of the Light Rail Transit Association. Boston’s transport services – and the SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES subsequent clean-up and political backlash. MAILBOX 249 LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), Green track, bikes, and the need for detail. 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. STRAY CURRENT: MYTH OR LEGEND? 232 Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 James Snowdon examines some of the CLASSIC TRAMS: TROLLEY-POLES PT.3 251 BACK ISSUES issues around the electrical current that The development of the bow collector is Tel: +44 (0)1406 373070 feeds modern tramway systems. examined by Mike Russell and Alan Pearce. PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE Checking out the competition to urban rail c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 This month I’ve had the chance to spend a week living with a fully electric in England and Wales. car – and it’s been very nice. The model in question was almost silent in LRTA CHAIRMAN operation, very well built, comfortable, easy to charge and packed with Andrew Braddock E-mail: [email protected] clever technology that made my road journeys a much more pleasant LRTA DEPUTY CHAIRMAN experience. It even had a regenerative braking system to charge the Paul Rowen lithium-ion battery in stop-start traffic – recognise that technology? LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE: Yet while any move to electrified transport is a step in the right direction, the good c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, news for the public transport supporter is that it didn’t get rid of traffic congestion or UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 idiot drivers, and the infrastructure is still woefully inadequate in supporting their use in England and Wales. without the dreaded range anxiety. It was also expensive – even with the UK’s GBP5000 © LRTA Publishing 2015. (approx. EUR7000) grant to encourage EV adoption. With a range of just under 100 Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution miles (160km) on a single charge, and a kerbweight 275kg above a combustion-engined is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the equivalent, it was heavy and still felt more like a toy than a credible everyday vehicle. opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of The valuable taxation applied to the motorist that contributes to every major economy LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. means the car as we know it is likely to stay for a good few decades yet, so while the past No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including month has given me a glimpse into a future, I still believe that light rail offers a better photocopying, recording or by any information storage and vision of the future. But the automotive lobby has a powerful voice, and we can’t rest on retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from our laurels as EV technology is getting better each year and the prices will only drop to the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the bring such vehicles into reach of the average household. Our two Comment pieces this magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. month both make reference to the need to broadcast the message of public transport more strongly, but are we doing enough to keep up? Simon Johnston, Editor COVER: Hong Kong’s tram tracks diverge around the Western Market area – March 2015. Neil Pulling

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JUNE 2015 / 219 News Will Bombardier bail out of rail? Chinese interest reported in the western world’s largest rail manufacturer to help with losses

n 10 April suggestions new CRRC Corporation. arose in the financial Bombardier currently has markets that a number of joint ventures Canadian-based in China, including those to OBombardier Inc might sell its market its Flexity 2 low-floor transportation interests for as tram platform to planned much as CAD5.4bn. Alternatively modern tramways across it has been suggested that the the nation, while CNR and parent company could invite CSR have so far focused their an initial public offering in its export efforts on Asia, South rail business that would enable America and Africa. Acquiring it to retain a stake in its most Bombardier’s rail unit would successful division. give the merged conglomerate The company is Canada’s a major international presence, leading aerospace manufacturer, enabling it to take advantage of but is having difficulty financing surging exports as well as major its new C Series jet airliner due manufacturing capabilities in to delays and cost overruns. The both Europe and North America. company reported an annual loss Bombardier builds trams in Canada, its home country, at the former GE plant in Major changes to the in 2014 for the first time in nine Thunder Bay; TTC 4406 is the latest delivery for Toronto. D. Drum landscape of the rolling stock years, had to raise CAD2.4bn in market have already taken place the markets, and its shares fell Vevey (Switzerland) and Talbot at the moment, any detailed in 2015. Aside from the CNR/ by 34%. Rail showed a profit of and Deutsche Waggonbau in discussions cannot move CSR merger, the sale of Alstom’s CAD429m compared with a loss Germany. It was the acquisition forward until after the Chinese power business to GE in return of CAD995m on the aircraft side. of ADtranz in 2001 that turned manufacturers complete a for the latter strengthening Bombardier started out as a it into the western world’s largest planned USD26bn merger next the former’s rail business could manufacturer of snowmobiles, rail manufacturing business. month – creating the world’s be approved as soon as July, and acquired its first interest Our March analysis of the LRV largest rail manufacturer. while Hitachi’s acquisition of in rail with the purchase of market (TAUT 928) showed the That deal has now received AnsaldoBreda and a 40% stake in Montreal Locomotive Works company held orders for more final approval from China’s signalling specialist Ansaldo STS in 1975. After expanding in than 1000 new trams. Securities Regulatory is likely to conclude before the Canada with the purchase of Adding intrigue to the Commission and the Ministry end of the year. UTDC and Hawker Siddeley, it story, on 30 April Reuters and of Commerce, as well as anti- Vossloh has also announced a went on to buy US companies Bloomberg reported that the trust authorities outside China. restructuring of its own railway Budd and Pullman-Standard, Chinese CNR Corp and state- Indicating that the merger could operations, with plans to divest before turning to Europe owned CSR Corp are exploring a be confirmed as soon as June, its train and LRV manufacturing with acquisitions such as stake purchase in Bombardier’s the first appointments have divisions in order to concentrate BN (Belgium), ANF (France), rail business. While speculation been made to the board of the on infrastructure.

Shanghai orders first low-floor USD1bn for safety on NY trams from Alstom joint venture commuter lines Shanghai’s first two tramlines Co. joint venture. The six new tramlines to be built will be worked by 30 four- EUR72m order placed by in the Songjiang district by The US Federal Railway section Alstom Citadis Shanghai Songjiang Tramway 2020, worked from a depot in Administration has approved trams, to be supplied by the Investment and Operation Co. Chengta Road. This is a garden a USD967.1bn loan to fund Alstom/Shanghai Rail Traffic will provide rolling stock for city located in the western development of positive train Equipment Development lines T1 and T2, the first of suburbs of Shanghai with a control on New York City’s population exceeding 1.5m. commuter rail network, the T1 and T2 will see a largest-ever loan issued through 28.5km (17.7-mile) system its Railroad Rehabilitation begin passenger service in and Improvement Financing early 2017, carrying 173 000 Programme. passengers/day. The lines will MTA has already awarded act as a feeder to metro line 9 Bombardier and Siemens a at Songjiang University Town USD428m contract for train station. Construction will control on the Long Island and start in October with SATCO Metro North lines, involving building the trams in Shanghai 1100km (685 miles) of track and using Alstom traction systems, 1500 trains. There have been a bogies and train control and number of accidents in which monitoring systems. excessive speed was a factor, with As previously reported in four killed at Spuyten Duyvil in TAUT, Shanghai is planning December 2013 when a driver up to 800km (500 miles) of hit a 50km/h (30mph) curve at An artists’s impression of the Alstom Citadis tram for Shanghai. Alstom tramways. 130km/h (80mph).

220 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Modertrans bids for Oak Cliff line opens, Wroclaw vehicles Only one manufacturer has bid to supply the Polish city of Wroclaw with six new trams for extensions underway delivery this year, at a price of PLN23m (EUR5.6m): Modertrans. The tender includes an option for Dallas adds to its light rail offering with modern wire-free streetcar a further 16 vehicles. No decision was expected to be made on the bid for some time following close he 2.6km (1.6-mile) the DART light rail system’s Red, away from the overhead wire on of the tender, which took place Oak Cliff tramway Blue and Green LRT lines and the the single-track 1912 Houston in April. linking Union Station Trinity Railway Express to Fort Street Viaduct over Trinity River. Separately, PESA is delivering and Colorado/Beckley Worth. It is operated by a pair of The line’s second phase, an eight Twist trams to Wroclaw inT Dallas, Texas (US), was 70% low-floorLiberty modern extension to Oak Cliff’s Bishop during 2015. inaugurated at 09.00 on 13 April. streetcars from Brookville Arts District, is expected to be Passenger service began at 11.30; Equipment that have a maximum completed by early 2016, while the fare-free service runs every speed of 70km/h (44mph); the the third planned section will Providence 20-30 minutes between 05.00- USD9.4m rolling stock contract, expand the line to the Kay Bailey 19.15, Monday to Friday. There is signed in March 2013, includes Hutchison Convention Center votes to study no weekend service. an option for a further two cars. and Omni Dallas Hotel. The four-stop line features a The three-section Liberty design The line is owned by the City tram plans terminus at Union Station that is 20.3m long with two 550V of Dallas, with services operated allows onward connection to batteries that allow operation by DART. On 16 April the City Council of Providence, RI, voted to further study a 2.6km (1.6-mile) city centre tramway circulator linking the Amtrak station and Kennedy Plaza, and spend up to USD47m on the USD100m project. A Special Tax District would be created to raise the funding, and a bid submitted to the federal government for USD34m alongside state finance. The system would have 11 stops, require four low-floor trams and cost around USD3.2m a year to operate, according to a consultant’s analysis of the plan. The same report estimated an annual ridership of 956 400 if operated as a fare-free service and 868 800 if it charged a USD2 fare with a USD0.50 transfer fee. The plan envisions future extensions west down Atwells Avenue and along Westminster and south down Eddy Street and Dallas Streetcar Liberty 302 on the Houston Street Viaduct on opening day, 13 April. DART Allens Avenue.

Liège funding in doubt NEWS IN PICTURES The EU has stopped all work that is extremely important CAF in the on the planned new tramline for the heart of the Liège streets of for the Belgian city of Liège conurbation. One thing Freiburg due to concerns about the is certain: whatever the The first CAF-built EUR380m PPP financing technique used, there will be Urbos 100 100% model in relation to state aid no alternative to a retention of low-floor tram regulations. This is because the the tram project in the heart of started tests on operational risk has not been the Liège metropolis.” the streets of transferred to the Mobiliège The final signing for the the German city of Freiburg-im- consortium, but remains with award of the contract was Freiburger Verkehrs AG 301 undergoing night-time the public body TEC Liege- scheduled for April, Mobiliège Breisgau a month after delivery on tests in Mozart Strasse on 21 April. N. Pulling Verviers. EUR15m has already then had 42 months to complete 17 March. The been spent on preparatory the main works for the 11km 42m, 53t, five-door, eight-axle tram with seven body sections is the first of work, which began in February. (6.8-mile) route linking 12 on order, with five more due to arrive this year; each can accommodate Mayor Willy Demeyer the Standard Liège football 241 passengers (66 seated). told local media: “To me the stadium to Bressoux, with an The 2.3m-wide tram was shipped from Spain to Amsterdam, tested at project is not dead. I feel a opening planned for autumn Wegberg-Wildenrath, and then delivered by road. The Urbos vehicles will mobilisation behind the 2018. There would be 21 stops replace the last high-floor trams in the VAG fleet and it is hoped to start project to find a solution… along the north-south line, passenger service on 15 June. There is hope for improvement requiring a fleet of 19 trams.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JUNE 2015 / 221 News Santos begins passenger trials Brazilian tramway starts limited trials on a 6km section before full opening in December

rial operation began on and local manufacturer T’Trans operations scheduled to being in factory in Spain, three more are a 6km (3.7-mile) stretch in 2012 – are providing free travel December. due to arrive in May, while the of the new tramway in across the section’s seven stops The next steps of the project remainder will be assembled Santos, Brazil, between Monday to Friday between 13.00 will be the completion of the in Brazil with final deliveries TMascarenhas de Moraes and João and 16.00. A journey takes 24 José Menino tunnel between São planned for early 2016. Ribeiro, on 27 April. Two of the minutes, with an average testing Vicente and Santos and Pinheiro A planned second phase 43.7m seven-section Tramlink speed of 20km/h (12.5mph). Machado stations and the depot envisages a 4km (2.5-mile) low-floor vehicles, the first of The remainder of the 11km as further trams arrive. branch from Conselheiro Nébias a 22-car order placed with a (6.8-mile) first line is reported The first three LRVs were to Valongo serving another consortium of Vossloh Espana to be 95% complete, with full built at Vossloh’s Albuixech 12 stops.

Antwerpen Toronto moves ahead on Finch West LRT opens P+R The Province of Ontario transportation agency tram express Metrolinx is moving ahead with the 11km (6.8-mile), Coinciding with the 40th CAD1.2bn, Finch West light anniversary of tram subways, rail project from Finch West the 1.8km (1.1-mile) extension subway station on the Spadina from Florent Paulwelslei to P+R line extension to Humber Wommelgem was opened by College, through the Moving Flemish Transport Minister Ben Ontario Forward programme. Weyts on 18 April with new The project will help transform route 8 running to Astrid in the Finch Avenue West into a city centre, and using the tram vibrant community accessible subway under Turnhoutsebaan to pedestrians, cyclists, transit (known as Reuzenpijp). This was riders and motorists. built some years ago, and four The light rail service will intermediate stations are still not move more people faster open; 7205 was the inaugural than the existing bus service, The Bombardier LRV ordered by Metrolinx for suburban Toronto LRT. Metrolinx car. PCC 7001 was also used. making it a priority investment There was no announcement expected to open in late 2020; The running time from the for the Toronto area; 2250 about the proposed Sheppard funding is to be provided by park-and-ride to the city centre passengers/hour are expected East light rail, which is still the Ontario government and is 15 minutes and there are eight by 2031. Ontario plans to mired in the controversy administered by Metrolinx. trams/hour at peaks; service is unlock CAD4bn from public started by former mayor Rob In other news, the delayed provided from 04.52 to 00.25. assets to provide the province Ford on subways/light rail. and over-budget extension of The project cost EUR100m. with transit infrastructure A consortium including the Spadina metro to Vaughan Museum trams 200, 6451, over the next ten years. SNC-Lavalin, Dragados, and is now under a new project 7386, 2000 and Vicinal 9994 The environmental ACS Infrastructure Canada has management contract with were displayed on surface tracks assessment for the Finch West been named preferred bidder Bechtel, and is predicted to in Turnhoutsebaan as routes 10 LRT was completed in 2010, for the CAD4bn contract for open by the end of 2017, while and 24 were suspended due to but a new one is needed for the 19km (11.8-mile) Eglinton in April the new Sumitomo/ the Borgerio festival. Line 10 may the planned depot between Crosstown line. Running along Nippon Sharyo DMUs for the use the subway in future. Norfinch Drive and York Gate Eglinton Avenue, the 25-stop Union Pearson Express Ex-Gent PCC 6242 has not Blvd. The line will have 18 route will offer interchange airport service began entered regular service, but is surface stops. Work should between bus routes, three night-time testing. It is hoped modified as a literary tram. No start in 2016 for completion subway stations and GO to inaugurate passenger more PCCs will be transferred. in 2021. Transit lines. The project is service in June.

Portland’s new line tested The Type 5 Siemens S70 LRVs larger windows, better air 525+526 were unveiled at the conditioning and LED lighting. future Orange line Lincoln St/SW The USD1.5bn, 11.7km Third Ave station on 31 March (7.3-mile), Orange line linking and were expected to enter Portland and Milwaukie will service on the existing network open on 12 September. The before the end of April. first powered run over the line, The 18 new cars have minor including the new Tilikum internal differences from Crossing bridge, took place on the Type 4, including more 26 April using LRV 322. The ergonomic cabs, more legroom bridge will be open to pedestrians and improved priority seating, and cyclists on 20 August.

The new Portland Type 5 LRVs. Siemens

222 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org TfL plan to Onboard battery tram re-use disused tested in Kagoshima Tube stations Transport for London (TfL) is Toshiba’s slim-profile system small enough to fit under passenger seats looking for a partner to develop a section of the disused Down Street Underground station, as agoshima part of its plans to raise GBP3.4bn Transportation Bureau (approx. EUR4.8bn) in non-fare and Toshiba started test revenue over the next decade. runs of their catenary- TfL will lease around 400m2 of freeK 1000-series Alna Sharyo- the station, sited between Hyde built Little Dancer tram on 23 Park Corner and Green Park on April. The tram is powered by the Piccadilly line, and which a lithium-ion battery and ran closed to passengers in 1932. 10km (6.2 miles) on the Toso Down Street was subsequently line from Kagoshima eki-mae used by the UK’s Railway to Korimoto without drawing Executive Committee during power from the overhead, using World War Two. the 24.3kWh secondary battery. In separate non-fare revenue Charging the battery directly deals, TfL renamed one of its from the 600V dc overhead Underground stations in April would traditionally require a in a sponsorship deal and is to large charging unit. However, transform the Charing Cross Toshiba has developed a space- station into a ‘pop-up’ cinema. saving storage system by using On 26 April, Canada Water the auxiliary power unit that station was renamed Buxton converts energy for the tram’s Water for a day after sponsorship One of the Kagoshima Little Dancer low-floor trams. KTB lighting and air-conditioning by the bottled water supplier to charge the secondary battery, discharge cycles and can operate even in the event of a short to the UK capital’s Marathon. which can be installed under the in temperatures down to -30oC. circuit caused by external Announcements and displays passenger seats. The Japanese firm also claims pressure – important as it will explained the change, while The Toshiba battery claims the new battery’s structure is now be placed in the passenger maps and the external station a life exceeding 10 000 charge- highly resistant to overheating, cabin of the tram. signage remained as normal. Meanwhile, Rooftop Film Club is hosting a festival to celebrate the start of the ‘Night Tube’ in September, transforming part Former Transport Secretary says of Charing Cross into a cinema venue complete with popcorn Edinburgh lessons should be learnt stands and food vendors. The section of station serving Former UK Chancellor of the South West at the country’s Mr Darling added of the the Jubilee line, has been Exchequer and Secretary of 2015 General Election and Edinburgh tramway: “Big closed to the public since 1999, State for Transport Alistair was known for his distrust projects are always full of although it was recently seen as a Darling has said lessons need for tram schemes while in mistakes and something went location for the James Bond film to be learnt from mistakes government, told The Scotsman very wrong along the way here. Skyfall in 2012. made during the Edinburgh newspaper: You have to learn because there tram project. “I stopped most tram will be other big engineering The 14km (8.7-mile) projects in England because projects in the future. tramway eventually opened they all had the same features “And if the tram is to be over a truncated route between that the Edinburgh tram has – extended, you wouldn’t be York Place and Edinburgh you start off with a price which forgiven if you didn’t learn Airport in 2014, significantly is hopelessly unrealistic, you from the things that clearly delayed and at GBP776m then discover nobody knows went wrong this time.” costing more than twice the what’s under the ground, and Mr Darling was the UK’s original estimate. the whole thing has to transport secretary between Mr Darling, who stepped be rethought. 2002 and 2006, and Chancellor Fancy your own Tube station? The down as the UK Member of In the interview, published of the Exchequer from 2007 tunnels leading to the main platforms Parliament for Edinburgh in the newspaper on 29 April, to 2010. of Down Street on 1 December 2014. TfL

NEWS IN PICTURES First Metropolis ships to Venezuela Alstom has shipped a Metropolis destined for Caracas in Venezuela from Le Havre (France). The company is supplying 22 six-car Metropolis trains to the Los Teques metro project in the Venezuelan capital. The trains are due to enter passenger service this year on line 1 and on the currently under- construction line 2. As well as Valenciennes where the trains are being built, Alstom sites in Saint-Ouen (design), Ornans (traction motors), Le Creusot (bogies), Villeurbanne (traction system) and Tarbes (onboard electronics) were also involved. Alstom leads the Grupo de Empresas consortium that was awarded a EUR530m contract to supply rolling stock and infrastructure for Metro Alstom/ Los Teques Line 2 in 2011. The scheme will expand the metro from 9.5km F. Castel (5.9 miles) to 21.5km (13.4 miles).

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JUNE 2015 / 223 Comment URBAN RAIL’S ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND URBANISATION UITP Secretary General Alain Flausch looks at some of the challenges in achieving public transport’s aim of doubling ridership figures by 2025.

ilan, host city for the 2015 UITP World Congress generation metro trains capable of carrying 1232 passengers each and Exhibition, is a fine example of political will which, combined with a new signal system already in operation, in terms of pollution reduction, combining what will reduce headway to just 100 seconds. Currently carrying some M is the biggest public transport offering in Italy 1.2 million passengers per day, ATM has also begun operations with private car restriction measures like congestion charging on part of the new line 5 and carried out extensions on two other and strict parking policies. ATM and FNM have both been busy lines, as well as reinforcing its metro operations more generally developing and expanding their operations recently to provide following the introduction of congestion charging in the city. the Milanese and Lombard people with modern and comfortable In the wider Lombardy region, FNM Group manages 300km of public transport services that include bus, tram, metro, and regional rail network covering 120 stations and carrying more than commuter trains, as well as car- and bike-sharing, providing a 650 000 passengers daily. The recession has caused many to move convenient alternative to the private car. out of Lombardy and the city of Milan, creating new commuters Milan offers strong evidence that urban areas that are and increased demand for transport. FNM has invested EUR700m overcrowded and congested can transform in modernisation and the development themselves into liveable cities provided of infrastructure, such as the four-track they adopt the right policies. The line between Cadorna and Bovisa, as well Congress last visited Italy in 2005 (Rome), as EUR1bn in fleet renewal, helping to but its last visit to Milan was in 1906 when contribute to a rail revival in the region. it also coincided with the World Expo, the The fact is, more and more people are theme of which that year was transport! living in cities. These areas may only cover The 2015 UITP World Congress is 2% of the world’s surface, yet they are home heavily focused on cities. The event to 54% of the population. In 1960, that slogan, ‘SMILE in the city,’ represents figure was 34%; by 2050, it is set to be 70% the themes – ‘Sustainability, Mobility, according to the World Health Organisation. Innovation, Lifestyle and Economy’ – How do we plan, build and pay for the as well as the objective for the sector: massive infrastructure developments that expanding public transport to make cities will be required to keep our cities moving? more pleasant places in which to live and How do we stay relevant in a world where work. Throughout the programme we mobility options are becoming much more will look at some of the challenges facing varied and tailored and where driverless public transport: rapid urbanisation, cars are just over the horizon? jobs and growth, climate change, finding Yet this is also an opportunity for public alternative funding sources and adopting transport to assert its role within the city, a more customer-oriented approach. to reach more people and to provide the With such challenges from both inside “In Milan, we will discuss quality journey experiences that city and outside the sector, public transport residents are increasingly expecting must change: it must perform better and how to build new urban and demanding. more efficiently and be at the forefront In terms of innovation, we can expect of offering services that meet changing rail systems affordably more electrification as we work towards expectations and lifestyles. the objective of low or zero carbon urban Despite these challenges, ‘SMILE’ in tight economic times.” mobility; public transport is already also represents the enthusiasm within powered by electricity for 40-50% so there the sector for confronting them head on. We will also be is still some way to go, particularly with buses. taking a close look at the concept of ‘smart cities’; today’s ICT Smartphones are opening up new worlds in terms of mobility, technologies offer us a way to radically change the way that we allowing door-to-door multi-modal information, smart ticketing view, provide and manage not only public transport but also all and real-time journey information. But it is not just about apps: city services. This integrated approach helps to cater for more following the ‘smart cities’ concept, ICT technologies are also people with the ultimate goal of making cities more sustainable. offering us the possibility to radically change the way we view, Urban rail has its own particular challenges. The vast majority provide and manage not only mobility, but all city services, of rail journeys today are still made on short to medium distances including public transport in an integrated way while reducing within the boundaries of metropolitan areas on commuter trains, costs, increasing efficiency and enhancing living conditions. metros and trams. So whilst local rail remains as popular as ever, it will need to adapt to ensure a bright future. In Milan, we will Alain Flausch was selected Secretary General of UITP in September 2011, discuss how to build systems affordably in tight economic times; previously holding the position of Chairman of the Finance & Commerce sub-committee of the UITP Metro Committee (2001-2009); he has also been a how to serve spatially-growing and built-up cities effectively member of the UITP Executive and Policy Boards (2004-09). as well as how to reconcile the short cycles of equipment and He is the President of the Belgian Union of Urban and Regional Public software with the long design cycles of railway assets. Transport (UBTCUR), which gathers together the three national public The event will also put the city of Milan in the spotlight. transport companies, and from 2000 to 2011 was CEO of STIB, the Brussels Public transport operator ATM has recently invested in 30 latest public transport operator.

224 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Get ready! for the biggest event in public transport

www.uitpmilan2015.org

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Full page 210x297.indd 1 19/02/2015 13:35:49 BLIZZARD BURIES BOSTON Herbert Pence examines the devastating effects of the early year snowstorms that crippled Boston’s public transport services – and the subsequent clean-up process and political backlash.

he winter of early 2015 brought hums along – if one element is out of sync In just over two weeks, 1.5m (five feet) of Arctic cold, high winds and with the other two, service suffers. Disaster snow buried Boston; Bostonians are used extreme snow, crippling up to follows when all three are out of sync. to handling snowstorms, but this cascade three-quarters of the United So it was in Boston. The forecasted winter pushed them to their limit. States. Like a heavyweight blizzard materialised, temperatures dropped pugilistT downed by a surprising opponent, well below freezing and snow began to drift One in, one out so did Boston’s Massachusetts Bay and pile up. Seventeen days after his inauguration, Transportation Authority (MBTA) succumb When the storm did not abate on Tuesday Republican Governor Baker was facing his to the ravages of Mother Nature. On Saturday 27 January, a second state of emergency day first test of leadership. In the city, Democrat 24 January the polar vortex christened was declared. By Wednesday the emergency Mayor Marty Walsh was also facing his first ‘Winter Storm Juno’ tore across New England, order was lifted. Transit service was to public works trial. Publicly, Baker’s voice with a direct hit on Greater Boston. be restored. However, it quickly became rose in frustration at the MBTA’s inability to During the entire weekend, heavy snow apparent that public transportation in operate. Most of the residents’ ire was also continued to fall. The Commonwealth of Boston and Eastern Massachusetts was directed toward the MBTA. During the height Massachusetts disaster services began to unable to function. Just over 56cm (22in) of the storm, in order to close a USD768m take action as citizens were warned to gather of snow had fallen in three days and the Massachusetts budget deficit, Governor emergency supplies and prepare to wait overnight temperature remained at around Baker proposed a USD14m reduction in out the storm. On Monday 26 January, the -15°C. Winds scoured the area, with blasts appropriations to the MBTA, claiming that MBTA announced that all bus, rail and water between 65-95km/h (40-60mph). the proposed cuts would not have any impact services would cease operation from 19.00; Dr Beverley Scott, MBTA’s General on service. this was ostensibly to allow equipment to be Manager, declared a no-transit day for From time to time, reports are published properly secured and give employees time Thursday 29 January. Four days later, a presenting an expanding figure in order to to travel home. As the storm progressed, new storm began to pound Greater Boston, clear deferred maintenance and bring MBTA Governor Charles Baker declared a state of dropping a further 41.1cm (16.2in) of snow, infrastructure and equipment to a good state emergency, ordering non-essential motor with rising snowdrifts confining residents to of repair. In 2015, the amount is USD6.7bn. vehicles off the state’s highways. their homes. Critical employees of hospitals, Ironically, Governor Baker’s political Public transportation systems, like the governmental agencies and businesses were campaign supported the repeal of an indexing MBTA, have three elements: personnel, housed on-site or provided with hotel rooms. feature in gasoline taxes; indexing would infrastructure and equipment. When the Six days later, on 9 February, another 56.9cm allow linking of the tax level to the Consumer three are in harmony, service to the public (22.4in) of snow fell. Price Index’s reported rate of inflation.

226 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Boston blizzards

ABOVE: KinkiSharyo-built Type 7 3701 – dating from 1997 and a veteran of service in severe winter conditions over the past two decades – enters the Riverside yard in late January. Note that the points heaters were in use. Alan Murray-Rust

LEFT: AnsaldoBreda Type 8 car 3821 proceeds on the MBTA’s Green line along Beacon Street in late January, showing the first effects of Winterstorm Juno. Heavier snowfall over the following three weeks brought many LRVs and rapid transit cars to a standstill. Alan Murray-Rust

BELOW: The snow continues to fall as Green line services back up in January. Timetables were lost as both infrastructure and rolling stock (of both older and newer generations) fell victim to the horrendous conditions. Alan Murray-Rust

The loss of this tax revenue is estimated to be USD1bn until 2025, leaving the state searching for ways to make up the shortfall. The diversion of a proposed USD1bn bond sale to expand the Boston Convention Center (BCC) to highways and transit purposes is being mooted. The BCC’s politically powerful leader just accepted the head position with the Boston Chamber of Commerce. He will be moving on, so it is possible that he is less concerned about the Boston Convention Center and the one billion dollars. Perhaps for once, politics works for the ‘man on the Clapham omnibus.’ On 11 February, before the fourth crippling snowstorm – and after more than two years in her position – Dr Scott resigned, effective two months hence. This notice capped a passionate news conference, during which she defended the MBTA’s herculean efforts to operate and castigated its critics. It is interesting to note that Governor Baker and Dr. Scott did not meet during the almost three-month period between his election and the storms – the Governor’s explanation is that Dr. Scott does not report to him. As a comparison, former Governor Michael Dukakis was a daily rider of the Green line, even while he was a Presidential candidate. To the apparent eternal distress of the Secret

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Service, he rode the Green line from his After the buses stopped, heavy rail (rapid the temperature. Normally in Boston the home in Brookline to the Park St subway stop, transit) services were the next to be hit, as the winter daytime temperatures are above 0°C, closest to his office. When the previous major snow covered railheads and the third rail that allowing for melting and snow compaction. snowstorm hit in 1978, he ordered the just- supplies the electricity iced. Services such During this early 2015 period and the arriving Boeing-Vertol LRVs into service to as the Green line light rail and the Blue line following weeks, temperatures remained solve the equipment shortage. operated longer, as their electricity supply below freezing, adding to residents’ The MBTA blankets Eastern Massachusetts comes from overhead wires. Eventually, piles discomfort and impacting the admirable with its services and in 2014 it transported of snow and damaged motors stopped them; a efforts of those charged with clearing a record 400.8m passengers. Clearly it does memorable YouTube clip showed a Green line the snow. On most days, the daily high operate a successful system. Transit is the car pushing through the snow, until the snow temperature did not reach -9°C. lifeblood of any contraurban, being the piled over the dash and up to the operator’s Snow removal can be an arduous task. arteries, veins and muscle which enable window. The LRV reversed and retreated. Traditionally, US electric railways used the area to function, yet Winterstorm Juno Commuter Rail’s diesel locomotives, ploughs and broom cars or sweepers. In open severely challenged each mode. with their weight and mass, fared better, right-of-way locations, ploughs would go Road services provided by 1050 diesel and until grounded traction motors forced their to work when the snow depth exceeded the hybrid buses were the first to be impacted as surrender. Finally, ferry boat service, carrying height of the rail heads, usually 15-20cm snowflakes made the road surfaces slippery, 1750 daily passengers across Boston Harbor to (6-8in); where rails were set into roadways, snarling auto and truck traffic. Central south shore communities, was stopped by ice sweepers were deployed. There was a franchise Boston is an old community with narrow, floes. All transit was halted. requirement for some companies that the winding streets, so as the snow banks electric railway would sweep the snow in rose, travel lanes narrowed and it became Attempts to maintain services winter. Historic photographs from a century impossible for the 12.1m (40ft) buses to Yet while the snowfall reached epic ago show men shovelling out the snowdrifts make sharp turns at road junctions. proportions, the true game-changer was that were too deep for the ploughs to conquer.

“While the snowfall reached epic proportions, the true game-changer was the temperature – on most days the high did not reach -9°C.”

The Red line (218 carriages) has a long route, 14.5km (nine miles) to Braintree, which is exposed to drifting snow. When revenue services became trapped, passengers had to be rescued by emergency services. The same carriages remained in place for many days, until they could be recovered. Not only did snow impede train movement, but when the contact rail became snow covered electrical power exchange was destroyed. This winter, additional staff with shovels ABOVE: Clearing the tracks to allow services didn't BELOW: A lonely passenger walks through the address the issue of the huge snow drifts that filled piled snow towards the MBTA's Newton Highlands were hired to manually clear the Red line – platforms across Boston – this view shows the Green station on the Green line in late January – the effects trade union workers from unions other than line's Reservoir station with the snow reaching well of the first snowfall are evident... another 1.4m was to those representing MBTA employees were over a metre in height. Alan Murray-Rust come. Alan Murray-Rust hired at USD30/hour. Eighty inmates from the Department of Corrections were also given the opportunity for outdoor exercise at a lesser pay rate. This was no easy job, as the snow-filled shovels had to be lifted over a metre of snow to deposit the white stuff off the right-of-way. So in Shakespeare’s words, the past became prologue. The Orange line’s 120 rapid transit cars are equipped with sleet scrapers that are permanently installed ahead of the third rail pick-up shoes. When deployed, with four pounds of air pressure, the scrapers remove ice and snow from the third rail, permitting the power pick-up shoes to work. Yet most MBTA rapid transit carriages are powered by direct-current motors – they require cooling air. As snow-filled air is sucked into the hot motors it melts, grounding the motor that then requires a rebuild. This is what happened on the Orange line, effectively stalling 50% of the 120-carriage fleet. Six weeks after the storms passed, this line was still only running at 50% capacity.

228 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org The final rapid transit line is the Blue line (94 carriages). This quirky operation is built on the right-of-way of a narrow-gauge steam railway, latterly converted to electric before being rebuilt into a heavy rail line. In the subway tunnel third rail pick-up is used, while in open sections overhead contact system (OCS) wires are used with pantographs. The line passes through some densely populated areas and the OCS is installed to avoid accidental electrocutions. By mid- March, 92% of its trains were running. What happened in Boston reminds one of Rudyard Kipling’s Tommy. Tommy Atkins is the quintessential British soldier, scorned and looked down upon when life is proceeding well. When the guns begin to fire, Tommy becomes someone to look up to and thus becomes a hero. So it is with the MBTA. When life is good, the agency is underfunded and subsequently maligned, yet when crippling snowstorms arrive, the politicians, passengers and media expect the organisation to function well and hold it to a high standard. When the transit system is unable to do so, it is soundly criticised. In previous winters, the MBTA heavy and light rail lines were able to keep the tracks operations of the 528km (328-mile) MBTA ABOVE: With roads gridlocked by slow-moving open by running trains around the clock. The Commuter Rail, wresting the contract from traffic, MBTA managed to maintain operations on height of the rail above the sleepers varies, the incumbent Massachusetts Bay Commuter the Green line in difficult conditions in the early days but 20cm (eight inches) is a good and fair Rail (MBCR). MBCR had held the contract of the snowfall. That would change rapidly as the blizzards reaching record-breaking proportions. for eight years, having taken it in turn from number to use. Until snow reaches this height Alan Murray-Rust there is no effect on operations; above that, Amtrak, the US national passenger railroad. the moving trains will blow the snow away Whilst the MBCR was winding down its BELOW: Snow-bound AnsaldoBreda Type 8 LRVs at (this supposes that the snow is wet and not contract, it reduced training. Thus, Keolis the Riverside yard (located next to the station of the ingested into the traction motors of course). took over with employee shortages and a lack same name at the western terminus of the D branch When the first storm dropped 56cm of of personnel in the training queue. In the of the Green line). Alan Murray-Rust snow, extra trains were unable to clear the subsequent seven months since takeover, lines. The MBTA deployed ‘lead sled’ ploughs Keolis continued to operate short of qualified on the Green LRT Line – this snow removal personnel; even key positions remained “This winter, additional equipment was created by placing sheets open. The Chief Mechanical Officer post of steel on a used heavy rail bogie with a has been vacant since August 2014. staff were hird to manually flat blade installed to clear the snow. Commuter Rail was thus ill-prepared for Two headlights were installed for any measurable snowstorm. Snowploughs clear the Red line – trade illumination. The contraption was designed were not inspected before winter and when to be pushed by out-of-service revenue cars. the storms hit, they had to be run through union workers were hired Due to the snow’s depth and blade design, the inspection shed before being placed these homemade ploughs were less than into service. In all fairness to Keolis, it has in at USD30/hour.” effective. Part of the removal challenge was that there was no place to deposit the snow. When one is ploughing half a metre of snow, it must be thrown higher than the surrounding snow, which is also over half a metre deep. Not only were the rails buried in snow, but platforms, walkways and car parks were also included in the whiteout. Passengers could not get to the car stops, either by walking or by automobile.

A baptism of fire Boston is in competition for the 2024 Summer Olympics, and as such there are the usual discussions amongst residents and the media about the pluses and minuses of hosting such an event, with venues, housing and transportation all subjects for consideration. The performance of the MBTA is becoming a negative. Boston is a transit city, with excellent coverage of possible venues, yet the record of the past winter is exposing deficiencies and providing ammunition to those against The Games being held here. Each day 129 000 passengers depend upon Commuter Rail, so when it collapsed the service became a punching bag. In July 2014, Keolis assumed

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been dealt a poor hand. Forty new diesel locomotives were to be in operation, these BOSTON SNOWFALL AND TEMPERATURES have been delayed due to a traction motor bearing failure. Thus diesels scheduled DATES SNOWFALL MEAN TEMPERATURES for replacement have been required to 24-27 January...... 56.1cm (22.1in)...... -11.6°C (11.1°F) work past their out-of-service date. 2 February...... 41.1cm (16.2in)...... -6.3°C (20.7°F) 8-9 February ...... 56.9cm (22.4in)...... -6.1°C (21.1°F) The latest new carriages from Rotem 14-15 February...... 41.1cm (16.2in)...... -12.7°C (9.2°F) failed to meet acceptance testing and are receiving warranty work out of state. Total three-week snowfall...... 195.2cm (76.9in) In turn, this means that superannuated Total 2014-15 snowfall...... 269.2cm (106.8in) carriages must soldier on. (Greatest snowfall since 1885) The MBTA is not helpful in continuing to fine Keolis for failure to meet service standards, even in the face of a force majeure meantime passengers suffer from continuing criticised as the report mixed authorised – January and February’s performance of late unreliability of service. Seemingly unknown time off, such as vacations, with questionable and dirty trains and dirty platforms cost the to local leaders are decisions made by time off, such as sick days. This part of the new operator USD1.6m. businesses to set up shop elsewhere, where report is meaningless. transit service is more dependable. Constructively, the report recommended The ‘investigation’ The panel of experts’ report was released increased fares, now limited to a 5% increase Governor Baker assembled an august panel of on 8 April. Preceding its release were a every two years. The MBTA has property not experts to examine the MBTA’s performance carefully scripted series of leaks to keep currently needed for service, so the sale of during the snowstorms, yet its launch was everyone’s interest full of anticipation – such property is suggested with the proceeds marred by the abrupt resignation of chair sadly, there is little new to report. The MBTA used to reduce the debt. However, experience Paul L. Barrett following a news report of is burdened by excessive debt. It capitalises shows that once such property is sold it is USD200 000 in unpaid Federal taxes. Cynics routine work, much like using a credit card impossible to recover it for future transit use. await yet another report on the Authority’s to purchase groceries, with no obvious plan Of course, when something negative problems and solutions, while in the for repayment. Employee absenteeism was happens the politicians feel the need to be heard – the outcome of one hearing was the thought that the Legislature becomes involved in equipment procurement! Dr Scott is no stranger to the political side of transit management. She has managed large bus and rail systems in Rhode Island, Sacramento, California and, most recently, Atlanta, Georgia. On 26 February – the day after she was replaced as General Manager, and whilst still an employee – she commissioned her own, ratepayer-funded study, on the MBTA’s performance. The study was conducted by the Volpe Center, an offshoot of the US Department of Transportation. It came back with a 145-page report focused on the period 25 January- 28 February that tells a very different story about the storms, MBTA’s performance and the partial recovery. The report is positive about the transit system’s performance in the face of the storms. ABOVE: The National Guard supported the MBTA BELOW: An Orange line subway service leaves Oak in snow removal operation with shovels and brooms. Grove station (the northern terminus of the Orange What does the future hold? On 19 February, 40 soldiers cleaned sections of the line) in late January; the huge mound of snow in the In order to return to the good graces of riders, Red line tracks that were inaccessible to machines. foreground covers a small maintenence building. the MBTA is offering a 15% reduction on Massachusetts National Guard Alan Murray-Rust all monthly passes for the month of May. Additionally, 24 April was a fare-free day across the entire system. Passengers who waited in lines for two hours for a ride, had trains cancelled or were otherwise inconvenienced, regard this offer to be ‘thin gruel’, however. But the MBTA is resilient. It has suffered many slings and barbs over the years, some deserved, others not. Boosters of public transit may look at the bright side, believing that illumination of the problems will bring solutions. Critics are having a field day. Let us hope the former happens and Boston’s busses, LRV, rapid transit and Commuter Rail enjoy resurgence and reinvestment.

The author wishes to thank anonymous employees for their assistance. Keolis’ media contact refused to answer questions and the MBTA’s spokesperson did not return repeated requests for an interview. Background information was gleaned from The Boston Globe and Boston Herald newspapers.

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THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE news Boston blizzards Will Bombardier bail out of rail? Chinese interest reported in the western world’s largest rail manufacturer to help with losses

n 10 April suggestions www.lrta.org arose in the financial new CRRC Corporation. www.tautonline.com markets that Bombardier currently has Canadian-based a number of joint ventures BombardierO Inc might sell its in China, including those to transportation interests for as market its Flexity 2 low-floor much as CAD5.4bn. Alternatively JUNE 2015 N O. 930 tram platform to planned it has been suggested that the modern tramways across parent company could invite the nation, while CNR and an initial public offering in its CSR have so far focused their rail business that would enable export efforts on Asia, South it to retain a stake in its most America and Africa. Acquiring successful division. HONG KONG: TRADITION Bombardier’s rail unit would The company is Canada’s give the merged conglomerate leading aerospace manufacturer, a major international presence, but is having difficulty financing enabling it to take advantage of its new MEETS MODERNITY C Series jet airliner due surging exports as well as major to delays and cost overruns. The manufacturing capabilities in company reported an annual loss both Europe and North America. in 2014 for the first time in nine Bombardier builds trams in Canada, its home country, at the former GE plant in Major changes to the years, had to raise CAD2.4bn in Thunder Bay; TTC 4406 is the latest delivery for Toronto. D. Drum landscape of the rolling stock the markets, and its shares fell Vevey (Switzerland) and Talbot market have already taken place by 34%. Rail showed a profit of at the moment, any detailed and Deutsche Waggonbau in in 2015. Aside from the CNR/ CAD429m compared with a loss discussions cannot move Germany. It was the acquisition CSR merger, the sale of Alstom’s of CAD995m on the aircraft side. forward until after the Chinese of ADtranz in 2001 that turned power business to GE in return Bombardier started out as a manufacturers complete a it into the western world’s largest for the latter strengthening manufacturer of snowmobiles, planned USD26bn merger next rail manufacturing business. the former’s rail business could and acquired its first interest month – creating the world’s Our March analysis of the LRV be approved as soon as July, in rail with the purchase of largest rail manufacturer. market ( while Hitachi’s acquisition of Montreal Locomotive Works TAUT 928) showed the That deal has now received company held orders for more AnsaldoBreda and a 40% stake in in 1975. After expanding in final approval from China’s than 1000 new trams. signalling specialist Ansaldo STS Canada with the purchase of Securities Regulatory Adding intrigue to the is likely to conclude before the UTDC and Hawker Siddeley, it Commission and the Ministry story, on 30 April Reuters and end of the year. went on to buy US companies of Commerce, as well as anti- Bloomberg Vossloh has also announced a Budd and Pullman-Standard, reported that the trust authorities outside China. Chinese CNR Corp and state- restructuring of its own railway before turning to Europe Indicating that the merger could owned CSR Corp are exploring a operations, with plans to divest with acquisitions such as be confirmed as soon as June, stake purchase in Bombardier’s its train and LRV manufacturing BN (Belgium), ANF (France), the first appointments have rail business. While speculation divisions in order to concentrate been made to the board of the on infrastructure.

Shanghai orders first low-floor aBoVe: Kinkisharyo-built Type 7 3701 – dating from 1997 and a veteran of service in USD1bn for severe winter conditions over the past two decades – enters the riverside yard in late trams from Alstom joint venture January. note that the points heaters were in use. Alan Murray-Rust safety on NY ta’s Green line along Shanghai’s first two tramlines leFt: ansaldoBreda Type 8 car 3821 proceeds on the MB Co. joint venture. The commuter lines will be worked by 30 four- six new tramlines to be built Blizzard EUR72m order placed by Beacon street in late January, showing the first effects of Winterstorm Juno. Heavier section Alstom Citadis in the Songjiang district by Shanghai Songjiang Tramway The US Federal Railway snowfall over the following three weeks brought many lrVs and rapid transit cars to a trams, to be supplied by the 2020, worked from a depot in Investment and Operation Co. Administration has approved Alstom/Shanghai Rail Traffic Chengta Road. This is a garden standstill. Alan Murray-Rust will provide rolling stock for a USD967.1bn loan to fund Equipment Development city located in the western lines T1 and T2, the first of development of positive train suburbs of Shanghai with a BeloW: the snow continues to fall as Green line services back up in January. control on New York City’s population exceeding 1.5m. Boston commuter rail network, the timetables were lost as both infrastructure and rolling stock (of both older and T1 and T2 will see a Buries largest-ever loan issued through newer generations) fell victim to the horrendous conditions. Alan Murray-Rust 28.5km (17.7-mile) system its Railroad Rehabilitation begin passenger service in and Improvement Financing Herbert Pence examines the devastating effects of the early year snowstorms that crippled early 2017, carrying 173 000 Programme. passengers/day. The lines will MTA has already awarded Boston’s public transport services – and the subsequent clean-up process and political backlash. act as a feeder to metro line 9 The loss of this tax revenue is estimated to Debunking the myths around stray current Bombardier and Siemens a at Songjiang University Town USD428m contract for train In just over two weeks, 1.5m (five feet) of be USD1bn until 2025, leaving the state station. Construction will hums along – if one element is out of sync Dallas opens wire-free streetcar line control on the Long Island and snow buried Boston; Bostonians are used start in October with SATCO he winter of early 2015 brought searching for ways to make up the shortfall. Metro North lines, involving with the other two, service suffers. Disaster building the trams in Shanghai to handling snowstorms, but this cascade The diversion of a proposed USD1bn bond 1100km (685 miles) of track and Arctic cold, high winds and Toshiba’s battery tram technology using Alstom traction systems, follows when all three are out of sync. 1500 trains. There have been a extreme snow, crippling up to pushed them to their limit. sale to expand the Boston Convention Center bogies and train control and number of accidents in which So it was in Boston. The forecasted winter monitoring systems. three-quarters of the United (BCC) to highways and transit purposes is Tube expands new revenue streams excessive speed was a factor, with blizzard materialised, temperatures dropped ISSN 1460-8324 As previously reported in States. Like a heavyweight One in, one out being mooted. The BCC’s politically powerful

£4.25 four killed at Spuyten Duyvil in TAUT well below freezing and snow began to drift 06 , Shanghai is planning December 2013 when a driver Seventeen days after his inauguration, leader just accepted the head position with An artists’s impression of the Alstom Citadis tram for Shanghai. Alstom up to 800km (500 miles) of Tpugilist downed by a surprising opponent, hit a 50km/h (30mph) curve at and pile up. Republican Governor Baker was facing his Boston SMILE! tramways. so did Boston’s Massachusetts Bay the Boston Chamber of Commerce. He will 130km/h (80mph). When the storm did not abate on Tuesday first test of leadership. In the city, Democrat 771460 832043 Transportation Authority (MBTA) succumb be moving on, so it is possible that he is less UITP on reasserting 9 220 / june 2015 www.tautonline.com 27 January, a second state of emergency day How snow brought . www.lrta.org Mayor Marty Walsh was also facing his first concerned about the Boston Convention rail’s role in the city to the ravages of Mother Nature. On Saturday was declared. By Wednesday the emergency a city to a standstill public works trial. Publicly, Baker’s voice Center and the one billion dollars. 24 January the polar vortex christened order was lifted. Transit service was to rose in frustration at the MBTA’s inability to Perhaps for once, politics works for the ‘Winter Storm Juno’ tore across New England, be restored. However, it quickly became 220-223_TAUT1506_News.indd 1 operate. Most of the residents’ ire was also ‘man on the Clapham omnibus.’ with a direct hit on Greater Boston. apparent that public transportation in 05/05/2015 09:26 directed toward the MBTA. During the height On 11 February, before the fourth crippling 05/05/2015 09:37 During the entire weekend, heavy snow Boston and Eastern Massachusetts was of the storm, in order to close a USD768m snowstorm – and after more than two years 217_TAUT1506_cover.indd 1 continued to fall. The Commonwealth of unable to function. Just over 56cm (22in) Massachusetts budget deficit, Governor in her position – Dr Scott resigned, effective Massachusetts disaster services began to of snow had fallen in three days and the Baker proposed a USD14m reduction in two months hence. This notice capped a take action as citizens were warned to gather overnight temperature remained at around appropriations to the MBTA, claiming that passionate news conference, during which emergency supplies and prepare to wait -15°C. Winds scoured the area, with blasts the proposed cuts would not have any impact she defended the MBTA’s herculean efforts out the storm. On Monday 26 January, the between 65-95km/h (40-60mph). on service. to operate and castigated its critics. It is MBTA announced that all bus, rail and water Dr Beverley Scott, MBTA’s General From time to time, reports are published interesting to note that Governor Baker and services would cease operation from 19.00; Manager, declared a no-transit day for presenting an expanding figure in order to Dr. Scott did not meet during the almost this was ostensibly to allow equipment to be Thursday 29 January. Four days later, a clear deferred maintenance and bring MBTA three-month period between his election and properly secured and give employees time new storm began to pound Greater Boston, infrastructure and equipment to a good state the storms – the Governor’s explanation is to travel home. As the storm progressed, dropping a further 41.1cm (16.2in) of snow, of repair. In 2015, the amount is USD6.7bn. that Dr. Scott does not report to him. Governor Charles Baker declared a state of with rising snowdrifts confining residents to Ironically, Governor Baker’s political As a comparison, former Governor Michael emergency, ordering non-essential motor their homes. Critical employees of hospitals, campaign supported the repeal of an indexing Dukakis was a daily rider of the Green line, vehicles off the state’s highways. governmental agencies and businesses were feature in gasoline taxes; indexing would even while he was a Presidential candidate. Public transportation systems, like the housed on-site or provided with hotel rooms. allow linking of the tax level to the Consumer To the apparent eternal distress of the Secret MBTA, have three elements: personnel, Six days later, on 9 February, another 56.9cm infrastructure and equipment. When the Price Index’s reported rate of inflation. june 2015 / 227 (22.4in) of snow fell. www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org three are in harmony, service to the public

. www.lrta.org 226 / june 2015 www.tautonline.com 05/05/2015 09:53 Stray current 226-230_TAUT1506_Boston.indd 1-2 Comment Stray current: urban rail’s role in climate myth or legend? change and urbanisation uitP secretary general alain Flausch looks at some of the challenges in achieving public transport’s aim of doubling ridership figures by 2025.

ilan, host city for the 2015 UITP World Congress and Exhibition, is a fine example of political will generation metro trains capable of carrying 1232 passengers each in terms of pollution reduction, combining what which, combined with a new signal system already in operation, is the biggest public transport offering in Italy will reduce headway to just 100 seconds. Currently carrying some M 1.2 million passengers per day, ATM has also begun operations with private car restriction measures like congestion charging and strict parking policies. ATM and FNM have both been busy on part of the new line 5 and carried out extensions on two other developing and expanding their operations recently to provide lines, as well as reinforcing its metro operations more generally the Milanese and Lombard people with modern and comfortable following the introduction of congestion charging in the city. public transport services that include bus, tram, metro, and In the wider Lombardy region, FNM Group manages 300km of commuter trains, as well as car- and bike-sharing, providing a regional rail network covering 120 stations and carrying more than convenient alternative to the private car. 650 000 passengers daily. The recession has caused many to move Milan offers strong evidence that urban areas that are out of Lombardy and the city of Milan, creating new commuters overcrowded and congested can transform and increased demand for transport. FNM has invested EUR700m themselves into liveable cities provided in modernisation and the development they adopt the right policies. The of infrastructure, such as the four-track Congress last visited Italy in 2005 (Rome), line between Cadorna and Bovisa, as well but its last visit to Milan was in 1906 when as EUR1bn in fleet renewal, helping to it also coincided with the World Expo, the contribute to a rail revival in the region. Now entering its 78th year, Tramways & theme of which that year was transport! The fact is, more and more people are The 2015 UITP World Congress is living in cities. These areas may only cover heavily focused on cities. The event 2% of the world’s surface, yet they are home aBoVe: Stray current is perceived as a significant risk to damage of under-street utilities for modern slogan, ‘SMILE in the city,’ represents to 54% of the population. In 1960, that the themes – ‘Sustainability, Mobility, figure was 34%; by 2050, it is set to be 70% tramways in urban areas, riskingbeen in corrosion operation of for apparatus 15 years now,– but iswith this few fear incidents unfounded? of interference. croydon tramlink Neil Pulling has James Snowdon examines Innovation, Lifestyle and Economy’ – according to the World Health Organisation. some of the issues around the as well as the objective for the sector: How do we plan, build and pay for the expanding public transport to make cities massive infrastructure developments that electrical current that feeds “The track is quite poorly insulated; on street tramways, more pleasant places in which to live and will be required to keep our cities moving? Urban Transit is the world’s leading monthly modern tramway systems. work. Throughout the programme we How do we stay relevant in a world where it may even be partly embedded in it. The earth is not will look at some of the challenges facing mobility options are becoming much more public transport: rapid urbanisation, varied and tailored and where driverless putting an electric an efficient conductor, but it [does offer] an infinite ention jobs and growth, climate change, finding cars are just over the horizon? tramway in the street number of potential current paths.” alternative funding sources and adopting Yet this is also an opportunity for public and before very long the [1] will a more customer-oriented approach. transport to assert its role within the city, Statutory Undertakers providing tractive force and auxiliary With such challenges from both inside to reach more people and to provide the complain that stray currents services, the current has to complete the “In Milan, we will discuss either more will flow for the same pressure and outside the sector, public transport quality journey experiences that city difference, or the same amount will flow for a electrical circuit by flowing back to its source, Mwill reduce their assets to rust in short order. must change: it must perform better and residents are increasingly expecting lower effort. experiencing yet more resistive voltage drop. how to build new urban Unfortunately, the Transport and Works Acts Electricity, like water, will always take the more efficiently and be at the forefront and demanding. In scientific terms, this is defined as of offering services that meet changing publication dedicated solely to light and in force in the various parts of the UK mean route of least resistance. On the way to the rail systems affordably In terms of innovation, we can expect V = IR, where V is the potential difference that the objections raised by the Undertakers expectations and lifestyles. more electrification as we work towards measured across the conductor in units of train it has no choice, as the live conductor are often given undue consideration. The is insulated, but on the return trip the Despite these challenges, ‘SMILE’ in tight economic times.” the objective of low or zero carbon urban Undertakers have exploited this situation to volts, I is the current through the conductor also represents the enthusiasm within in units of amperes, and R is the resistance of conductor is not necessarily fully insulated. mobility; public transport is already extract onerous – and expensive – mitigation the sector for confronting them head on. We will also be the conductor in units of ohms. That is, The track is quite poorly insulated from the powered by electricity for 40-50% so there measures, often from an unproven risk, from taking a close look at the concept of ‘smart cities’; today’s ICT is still some way to go, particularly with buses. the current flow is equal to the voltage ground; on street tramways, it may even be the tramway promoter. technologies offer us a way to radically change the way that we Smartphones are opening up new worlds in terms of mobility, (pressure) divided by the resistance to flow. partly embedded in it. Although the earth The reason for this apprehension comes view, provide and manage not only public transport but also all allowing door-to-door multi-modal information, smart ticketing This is Ohm’s Law. is not an efficient conductor it is a three- from the working of one of the basic laws of dimensional body which means that there city services. This integrated approach helps to cater for more and real-time journey information. But it is not just about apps: Physics: Ohm’s Law. All electrical conductors are effectively an infinite number of potential people with the ultimate goal of making cities more sustainable. following the ‘smart cities’ concept, ICT technologies are also possess some degree of resistance to the flow Examining the issue urban rail developments. On any electric railway, current will flow current paths. As a result it forms a relatively Urban rail has its own particular challenges. The vast majority offering us the possibility to radically change the way we view, of electric current. Voltage, or the electrical poor insulator and although most of the of rail journeys today are still made on short to medium distances provide and manage not only mobility, but all city services, potential difference between any two points outward to the train via the contact wire traction current will return via the running within the boundaries of metropolitan areas on commuter trains, including public transport in an integrated way while reducing on the conductor, is necessary to get current or the conductor rail. In doing so, some of rails, some will leak back to the substation metros and trams. So whilst local rail remains as popular as ever, costs, increasing efficiency and enhancing living conditions. to flow and is proportionate to the magnitude the voltage (pressure) is lost in overcoming through the earth. This is what is termed it will need to adapt to ensure a bright future. In Milan, we will of the current flow. An electrical conductor the resistance of the conductor, an effect generally known as resistive voltage drop. stray current. discuss how to build systems affordably in tight economic times; Alain Flausch was selected Secretary General of UITP in September 2011, is analogous to a water pipe – the greater the previously holding the position of Chairman of the Finance & Commerce The result is that the voltage at the train is The problem with stray current is that it, how to serve spatially-growing and built-up cities effectively pressure differential between the two ends sub-committee of the UITP Metro Committee (2001-2009); he has also been a lower than that at the substation. Having too, likes to find the easiest way back home of the pipe, the faster the water will flow. as well as how to reconcile the short cycles of equipment and member of the UITP Executive and Policy Boards (2004-09). Similarly, the greater the bore of the pipe, got to the train and achieved its work in software with the long design cycles of railway assets. He is the President of the Belgian Union of Urban and Regional Public the lower the resistance to the water flow, so The event will also put the city of Milan in the spotlight. Transport (UBTCUR), which gathers together the three national public Hong Kong Public transport operator ATM has recently invested in 30 latest transport companies, and from 2000 to 2011 was CEO of STIB, the Brussels . www.lrta.org public transport operator. 232 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com 05/05/2015 09:58 Over 80 years separate the openings of 224 / june 2015 www.tautonline.com Hong Kong's two light rail formats . www.lrta.org 232-234_TAUT1506_EMC.indd 1systems – Neil Pulling explores

these distinctive 224_TAUT1506_Comment.indd 1 We deliver comprehensive news and analysis, systems in the most factfile 05/05/2015 09:41 urban of surroundings. No. Tram and Light Rail, CHINA 93 Hong Kong SAR, China Hong Kong

ABOVE: The interior of tram 66 exemplifies incisive technology features, tender information, modernisation within the traditional layout. rolling stock movements and the latest orders and

It was an unwelcome challenge for an intensity of settlement, no tramway Australia’s Comeng – at 63 being the largest type – and Goninan/ f no great physical size operation then facing imminent new was built in Kowloon, but trains came UGL, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, with the most recent being a ABOVE: An area or antiquity as a major competition from below the streets in 1910 with the Kowloon-Canton collaboration between UGL and China’s CSR. Refurbished Phase I of relative calm settlement, Hong Kong’s and increasing congestion on them. Railway (KCR). With the terminus at LRVs carry the livery as applied to the newest LRVs and MTR buses. for the tramway More visible from the river bank than from revenue tracks, the rise to fame began in the – Happy Valley In a tribute to the tramway Kowloon’s southern tip, journeys to ’s role in and from Hong Kong Light Rail depot (with eponymous stop) is on the western arm mid-19th Century as a terminus on Hong Kong’s development and identity, ’s administrative north of Tuen Mun Ferry Pier terminus. BritishO colony with prime roles as a 17 March 2015. the Museum of History devotes core on the Island – approximating trading centre and military outpost. considerable space to a 1950s-style to today’s Central – also involved a Population has fluctuated within a RIGHT: Kawasaki double-deck vehicle withdrawn from short sea crossing, the main route of long-term rise and currently stands at Phase II LRV service in 1991. A sign next to tram the famed Star Ferry. It was not until around 7.26 million, about 94% being 1081 and trailer 50 states “Tramway transportation 1980 that the first rail connection 1208 beneath the ethnic Chinese. Government projects is Hong Kong’s oldest mode of mass between Kowloon and the ‘ viaducts carrying Hong 8.47 million residents for mid-2041, Kong side MTR West Rail Line transport by land.” It acknowledges ’ was made, and it was not an with the greatest growth rates at the Tin Shui Wai the 1888 start of the funicular called extension of the established railway expected in the outlying districts. interchange. the Peak Tram, but the electric street – by then cut back to the new Hung Either in print or online, don’t miss out From 1842 Hong Kong Island and tram that entered service as a Hom terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui East. the southern Kowloon peninsular single-track operation in summer 1904 Instead it comprised a format new to were ‘possessed in perpetuity by was by comparison a high-capacity the area, a metro identified as the Mass Her Britannic Majesty. ’ However, service available to most people. Transit Railway (MTR) that opened its integration with the rapidly first section in October 1979. Brought developing New Territories meant that “from 1965-82 some single-deck trailers were the ending of a 99-year lease saw all in use, but the system is now the only one in the world wholly using double-deck trams.” 238 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com. ABOVE: ‘Millennium’ launched in October 2000 remained a small SUBSCRIBE TODAY! www.lrta.org class: one of three to enter service, 169 is at Finnie Street.

238-243 Systems Factfile_Hong Kong v3.indd 1-2 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JUNE 2015 / 239

05/05/2015 10:13

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James Snowdon examines ABOVE: Stray current is perceived as a significant risk to damage of under-street utilities for modern tramways in urban areas, risking corrosion of apparatus – but is this fear unfounded? Croydon Tramlink has some of the issues around the been in operation for 15 years now, with few incidents of interference. Neil Pulling electrical current that feeds modern tramway systems. “The track is quite poorly insulated; on street tramways, it may even be partly embedded in it. The earth is not ention putting an electric tramway in the street an efficient conductor, but it [does offer] an infinite and before very long the Statutory Undertakers [1] will number of potential current paths.” complain that stray currents Mwill reduce their assets to rust in short order. either more will flow for the same pressure providing tractive force and auxiliary Unfortunately, the Transport and Works Acts difference, or the same amount will flow for a services, the current has to complete the in force in the various parts of the UK mean lower effort. electrical circuit by flowing back to its source, that the objections raised by the Undertakers In scientific terms, this is defined as experiencing yet more resistive voltage drop. are often given undue consideration. The V = IR, where V is the potential difference Electricity, like water, will always take the Undertakers have exploited this situation to measured across the conductor in units of route of least resistance. On the way to the extract onerous – and expensive – mitigation volts, I is the current through the conductor train it has no choice, as the live conductor measures, often from an unproven risk, from in units of amperes, and R is the resistance of is insulated, but on the return trip the the tramway promoter. the conductor in units of ohms. That is, conductor is not necessarily fully insulated. The reason for this apprehension comes the current flow is equal to the voltage The track is quite poorly insulated from the from the working of one of the basic laws of (pressure) divided by the resistance to flow. ground; on street tramways, it may even be Physics: Ohm’s Law. All electrical conductors This is Ohm’s Law. partly embedded in it. Although the earth possess some degree of resistance to the flow is not an efficient conductor it is a three- of electric current. Voltage, or the electrical Examining the issue dimensional body which means that there potential difference between any two points On any electric railway, current will flow are effectively an infinite number of potential on the conductor, is necessary to get current outward to the train via the contact wire current paths. As a result it forms a relatively to flow and is proportionate to the magnitude or the conductor rail. In doing so, some of poor insulator and although most of the of the current flow. An electrical conductor the voltage (pressure) is lost in overcoming traction current will return via the running is analogous to a water pipe – the greater the the resistance of the conductor, an effect rails, some will leak back to the substation pressure differential between the two ends generally known as resistive voltage drop. through the earth. This is what is termed of the pipe, the faster the water will flow. The result is that the voltage at the train is stray current. Similarly, the greater the bore of the pipe, lower than that at the substation. Having The problem with stray current is that it, the lower the resistance to the water flow, so got to the train and achieved its work in too, likes to find the easiest way back home

232 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: The London Underground uses a four-rail 630V dc system, the key advantage being that the return traction current cannot leak into the metallic lining of the tunnels, causing the same kind of electrolytic corrosion often feared by utility providers in the street-running tramway environment. Neil Pulling

LEFT: The Austrian city of Linz has both tramway and trolleybus networks, necessitating the use of two overhead contact systems; here we can see the single-wire arrangement for the tramway and a crossing of twin wires for the trolleybus which cannot return current via rail. Neil Pulling and the ground in urban areas is littered intelligent design. When designing a relative to Earth, fall through a zero point with metal pipes and metal-sheathed tramway it seems simplest to connect the nominally midway between the train and cables belonging to the various Statutory negative terminal of the supply to Earth, i.e. the substation, and end up negative at the Undertakers. So if a utility pipe presents itself to a copper rod buried in the ground at the substation. The effect is that the rail/earth as a lower resistance route the stray current substation. From a stray current point of view potential is effectively halved, which will in will follow it. The problem arises where though this is not a good thing, as it provides turn halve the current. the current decides to leave the metallic an easy return path for stray current that has Clearly, it is beneficial to keep the rail/ equipment. With the DC electrifications travelled through Undertakers’ equipment. earth voltage as low as reasonably practicable, used for tramways, the current flow is always Leaving the running rails unearthed has given that the current is proportional to the in the same direction, as a result of which the benefit of reducing stray current, as now voltage. One way to do this is to ensure that the metal undergoes progressive electrolytic the current has to leak out of the rails at the the resistance of the return circuit, i.e. the corrosion, i.e. it gets eaten away at the point far end of the circuit and leak back in again running rails, is low by maximising the cross- where the stray current leaves the conductor. nearer the substation to reach the negative sectional area of the rail and ensuring that Pipes will eventually leak at the exit point – terminal of the supply. all joints are either welded or provided with lead-sheathed cables suffer even more rapidly. If the rails are imperfectly insulated from suitably sized bonding cables. Since tramways the ground, they will ‘float’ electrically, so do not generally employ track circuiting, Managing stray current that the average potential difference is zero. resistance can be further reduced by cross- Stray current is an issue that, whilst it will In other words, the voltage gradient from the bonding between the rails and between not go away, can be managed through train to the substation will start off positive tracks at regular intervals, connecting all the

LEFT: A commuter rail service on the UK’s Coastway commuter rail line, just west of Barnham station, showing the third-rail current collection system. The proliferation of substations (seen here in the background) is a common feature of third-rail systems. Neil Pulling

RIGHT: Compare the third-rail system with Essen’s traditional single-wire tramway overhead arrangement. The return current in this instance returns via the running rails. Neil Pulling

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JUNE 2015 / 233 Stray current

“First-generation tramway engineers could do nothing except try to keep the return circuit voltage drop within bounds. By the time the Metrolink system was designed pourable synthetic polymers were seized upon as a means of insulating the rails from Earth."

rails in parallel. In some cases, the provision of a parallel return cable can be of benefit, particularly where single lines are involved. Another useful measure is to avoid too great a distance between the substations, since the linear resistance of the track is proportional to the distance the current has to travel. There is an interesting argument to be had in determining the design of the system as to whether to go for the railway-type approach with each electrical section of contact wire fed at each end from two substations; or to feed each length from a single point at the middle. The latter arrangement is practised by some European tramways: it ensures that the length of the return path is never more than half the interval between substations, ABOVE: Tracklaying works on the Nottingham Express Transit extensions in 2013, showing the track slab and but has the disadvantages that should the the insulating pads laid underneath the running rails. Neil Pulling substation fail, a complete section becomes de-energised, necessitating end-feeding and dirt. Such current as does leak out of the iron duct route cut across a corner of the connections to adjoining sections to be rails will do so via surface tracking, especially tramway on an off-street – i.e. in a ballasted built into the system to cope with failures. given the legendary nature of British weather track – section. This was a classic example of A centre-fed section may be less receptive to – i.e. wet and damp for much of the time. a metallic conductor providing a short circuit regenerative braking, but this is probably of Embedding the rails in polymer can pose path for the return current, compounded by less importance now that onboard energy significant problems for maintenance, as the fact that lead will corrode significantly storage is becoming practicable. it effectively prevents access to the rails faster than iron. It should also be appreciated that when something does go wrong and makes Like all UK tramways, Tramlink convened differences in the local high voltage supply routine tasks like building-up side wear by a Stray Current Working Party (SCWP) can result in the share of load taken by the welding much more difficult. Even track throughout the construction and early two substations in a double-end arrangement renewal becomes more difficult. A widely- operating phases. Before the opening of the to be significantly unbalanced. On the used approach in the rest of Europe is to tramway, SCWP meetings were well attended UK’s Croydon (now London) Tramlink, employ a rubber pad under the foot of the by the various Statutory Undertakers. Once for example, out of the 13 substations, two rail, supplemented by rubber blocks tucked the system was up and running very few actually supplied very little of the traction into the web of the rail on both sides; the significant incidents were brought before the energy simply as a result of having incoming rail itself is held down by more conventional SCWP, the Statutory Undertakers’ interest 11kV supplies that were at the low end of the means, such as baseplates cast in situ or rapidly waned to the extent that the Working supply range compared to their neighbours. embedded concrete sleepers. These both Party simply faded away. Another element of managing the reduce the amount of rail in contact with the The lessons to be drawn from experience effects of stray current is to maintain a surrounding street material and provide a can be summarised as: non-conducting barrier between the rails flexible vertical joint between the rail and the • Simple options often give acceptable and the earth. Whereas the first-generation street, which helps in accommodating the results tramway engineers could do nothing except inevitable relative movements under load. • Anxiety is often over-played. try to keep the return circuit voltage drop There are several variations on the theme, within bounds, ‘wonder’ materials in the but one common feature is the attention paid James Snowdon I.Eng., FIET, FIMechE was shape of pourable synthetic polymers had to maintaining a flexible seal between the Chief Engineer at Tramtrack Croydon Ltd, from been invented by the time the Manchester top of the rail and the road surface. An even 1997 to 2008. Thanks also to Scott McIntosh. Metrolink system was designed and were simpler approach is to line the excavation for seized upon as a means of insulating the the trackbed with an insulating membrane, rails from Earth. which need be no more than a heavy-gauge These materials promised excellent plastic sheet. Similar techniques can be FOOTNOTES insulating properties and earth leakage applied to the construction of grass track, by resistances in the order of 1-200 ohm-km per laying an insulating membrane on top of the [1] In the United Kingdom Statutory Undertakers kilometre of track were promised. In practice, sleepers or track slab, extending up the sides are the various companies and agencies with legal rights to carry out certain development and these levels were never achieved; the leakage of the rails, before placing the infill. highways works. Generally speaking they are gas, resistance for Croydon was set at what would water, drainage and telecoms companies. appear to be a more practical level of 10 ohm- How much is this an issue? km/km, and even that was never achieved. It is debatable to what extent stray current [2] The siemens is the unit of electric conductance BS EN 50122-2, first published in 1999 and damage has actually been an issue in the in the International System of Units (SI). One revised in 2008, uses the lower level of UK. The author’s experience on the Croydon siemens is equal to the reciprocal of one ohm. 2.5 siemens/km[2]. It has to be remembered system was that, on the whole, the fears of The siemens was accepted as an SI unit in 1971 that what may be achieved in a laboratory is the Undertakers were unfounded. The one and has come to be accepted as the standard not replicated on the streets of Britain, not place where a problem arose was where a measurement unit in the last 20 years. least due to the effects of surface water, damp lead-covered telephone cable in a buried

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www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JUNE 2015 / 235 Thermit Going the Distance Ad-90Wx127.5H.indd 1 Thermit Going the Distance Ad-90Wx127.5H.indd07/05/2014 15:51 1 07/05/2014 15:51 Comment WHY THE CHAMPIONS ARE KEY TO DRIVING LRT DEVELOPMENT TAUT Publisher Howard Johnston argues that there aren’t enough strong personalities prepared to put placemaking before politics.

et’s face it, the construction of tramways and managing publicity – both good and bad – all deserve our respect improvements to major urban rail networks cause and admiration. And we need many more of them. significant short-term disruption to the cities they will So what can we do to help? Good question, but one with an L eventually serve so well. However, the pain before the obvious answer. In our own way we all need to spread the good pleasure is sometimes too great to contemplate, and the furore word about urban rail systems and how they transform cities. about a late-running project is fertile ground for both point- There is a long list of benefits to choose from: generous capacity, scoring politicians and the media that thrives on bad news stories. reducing congestion, improving air quality, proven high customer High construction costs aside, the reality of ripped-up streets, satisfaction, increasing confidence for inward investment, diverted traffic, disrupted businesses makes the birth of any enhancing local connectivity, unparalleled accessibility for all – light rail project a difficult one. Gossip about a construction any of these arguments apply to electrified urban rail in a way that delay spreads quickly, so it’s easy to see why there is often major other transport systems just can’t match. opposition to even the prospect of any new scheme. So, why is it Of course, support at national levels is also key and we have that some countries seem able to mobilise mass support for new to have all our ducks in a row by getting regulatory bodies, schemes while others struggle? passenger groups and the wider business community on side as Due to the very nature of their planning and development, well. Allying the need for new light rail development to national tramways and light rail schemes require strong local and regional objectives of increasing access to education, employment and champions to make them happen. retail and leisure activities in a sustainable manner as part of wider Inspiration can come from a variety of places – and even vocal, policies really helps, too. committed individuals can make an At the time of writing, the UK was about impact. The important commonality is “Often champions are the to take to the polling booths in a General that they have to be passionate, articulate, Election – required every five years - and determined, thick-skinned and fully public face of campaigns, it seems to have been one of the closest prepared to face an uphill struggle to get for decades. Such a pity that improving heard and come up with a convincing case. but sometimes they are the transport has been so low down the agenda They can expect a hard time from a range compared with taxation, education, of opposition bodies. Well-mobilised project directors, health and immigration. Most parties self-interest groups are less interested in agree that ‘improvements must be made’, cost-benefit ratios than whether buildings campaigners, planners and but their statements have been short of will be demolished, local traders affected substance in terms of cost and timescales. or public safety compromised by new engineers who work Just as worryingly, there has been scant interfaces with road traffic. Rumours and recognition that the UK is in serious supposition are more often than not spun behind the scenes.” breach of air quality regulations, and one into fear more than fact. minority party committed to withdrawing It is not unknown for it to take 10-15 years to develop the case from the European Union even suggested that international for better urban transport, so campaigners need to be there for anti-pollution agreements should be torn up altogether. the long haul, so long that political alliances may have come and It’s hardly a vote-catcher to offer to cut emissions and combat gone, along with economic recessions and credit squeezes. climate change (most parties focus on the adoption of electric cars New systems are complex animals, but even when a new line and improvements to the UK’s charging infrastructure), foster is agreed and completed (or further down the chain, just new social inclusion and increase inward investment in our towns and stops and stations), what appears on the ground often bear little cities to rebuild the high street. Is it our fault that LRT merits hardly resemblance to what was originally planned or designed. any mention in any manifestos, when in reality they achieve all Many of the new tramways and light rail schemes in Europe I these objectives – and will continue to do so for decades to come? can think of have been made possible by a strong advocate who More data needs to be collated on exactly what the return on has pushed the scheme forward. Often these champions are investment is for new systems to showcase the ‘soft benefits’, and the public face of the campaign – this is certainly the case with presented on a level that secures more than a polite passing interest. elected politicians – but sometimes they are the project directors, For starters, we do know that every euro, dollar or pound that is campaigners, planners and engineers who work tirelessly behind spent on light rail delivers a massive return to the local and regional the scenes, facing the battles that no-one else wants to fight. economy. It isn’t instant, but it is readily quantifiable over time. Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo has made herself well known for We know that governments can be short-sighted and don’t like trying to take trams back into the centre of the French capital. facing issues that only deliver long-term returns; perhaps this is Back in 1989, Mayor of Strasbourg Catherine Trautmann won her why talk of safeguarding the environment beyond the end of the seat largely on the basis of cancelling the already agreed scheme next decade is so little talked about. Light rail’s gestation period for a VAL-type system in favour of a state-of-the-art city tramway. means it will always be on a sticky wicket, but now is not the (The city expressed its appreciation by voting her out of office at time to be disheartened. Rain or shine, local champions must step the next election). on the gas. At a lower level, people devoting their energies to attending endless public inquiries and consultations, rallying support Howard Johnston is the Publisher and former Editor of TAUT and has been from the community and like-minded organisations and even a transport commentator for over 40 years.

236 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org London, 7 October 2015

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Over 80 years separate the openings of Hong Kong's two light rail formats SYSTEMS – Neil Pulling explores these distinctive systems in the most urban of surroundings. FACTFILE CHINA No. Tram and Light Rail, 93 Hong Kong SAR, China Hong Kong

f no great physical size ABOVE: An area or antiquity as a major of relative calm settlement, Hong Kong’s for the tramway rise to fame began in the – Happy Valley terminus on mid-19th Century as a 17 March 2015. OBritish colony with prime roles as a trading centre and military outpost. RIGHT: Kawasaki Population has fluctuated within a Phase II LRV long-term rise and currently stands at 1081 and trailer around 7.26 million, about 94% being 1208 beneath the ethnic Chinese. Government projects viaducts carrying 8.47 million residents for mid-2041, MTR West Rail Line with the greatest growth rates at the Tin Shui Wai interchange. expected in the outlying districts. From 1842 Hong Kong Island and the southern Kowloon peninsular were ‘possessed in perpetuity by Her Britannic Majesty.’ However, integration with the rapidly developing New Territories meant that the ending of a 99-year lease saw all

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ABOVE: The interior of tram 66 exemplifies modernisation within the traditional layout.

ABOVE: Seen at Johnston Road, 1990s build 120 has recreated 1950s features like rattan seating and wooden window frames. ABOVE: Trams 90 and 29 outside Western Market – the oldest surviving market building in Hong Kong. of Hong Kong pass to China in 1997. The tramway’s alignment mainly Designated a Special Administrative kept to the curving narrow strip of THE FLEET Region (SAR), Hong Kong retains low land facing the inner (Victoria) local administration under the harbour; initially from Kennedy Town Opened in 1989, the tram depots are near the western and eastern ‘one country, two systems’ premise. through the urban strip to Causeway ends of the system, respectively the larger Whitty Street which Chinese (with Cantonese most widely Bay, it was soon extended east to Shau includes the works and Sai Wan Ho. The trams are distinguished spoken) and English are the official Kei Wan. With detail modifications, in terms of generation, although modifications have been made to each. The nominal capacity for 160 includes 45 seated. languages, with both evident on this remains the core route, albeit in The current principal types are Sixth Generation (presented public transport signage. utterly transformed surroundings. 1986) and Seventh Generation (2011) – also termed ‘Signature’ by Although part of China, residents Archive photographs show trams in the operators. The intervening and more rounded Millennium still perceive and cherish a distinct proximity to the harbour’s edge, but as type with bus-like fixed front windows did not enter production identity – this was powerfully in so much of Hong Kong, the city has although it trialled some features that have become standard. illustrated by the street protests of since grown dramatically outwards There are two purpose-built part open-top party trams for hire. late 2014. One side-effect of this and upwards. The Island’s skyscraper- The 141 single-car LRVs are 20.2m long and 2.65m wide with initially very civilised civil unrest studded waterfront owes much to years doors on one side. They operate singly or paired, including some cabless powered trailers. The four types entering service was disruption of the 110-year-old of land reclamation, thus harbour 1988-2009 are classified Phases I-IV, capacities from 204 to tramway, reported as losing 3.9m views from the tram are now fleeting. 252 with seating for 26 to 43. Chronologically, suppliers were passenger journeys and substantial Perhaps surprisingly given the Australia’s Comeng – at 63 being the largest type – and Goninan/ revenue up to late November. intensity of settlement, no tramway UGL, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, with the most recent being a It was an unwelcome challenge for an was built in Kowloon, but trains came collaboration between UGL and China’s CSR. Refurbished Phase I operation then facing imminent new in 1910 with the Kowloon-Canton LRVs carry the livery as applied to the newest LRVs and MTR buses. competition from below the streets Railway (KCR). With the terminus at More visible from the river bank than from revenue tracks, the and increasing congestion on them. Kowloon’s southern tip, journeys to Light Rail depot (with eponymous stop) is on the western arm In a tribute to the tramway’s role in and from Hong Kong’s administrative north of Tuen Mun Ferry Pier terminus. Hong Kong’s development and identity, core on the Island – approximating the Museum of History devotes to today’s Central – also involved a considerable space to a 1950s-style short sea crossing, the main route of double-deck vehicle withdrawn from the famed Star Ferry. It was not until service in 1991. A sign next to tram 1980 that the first rail connection 50 states “Tramway transportation between Kowloon and the ‘Hong is Hong Kong’s oldest mode of mass Kong side’ was made, and it was not an transport by land.” It acknowledges extension of the established railway the 1888 start of the funicular called – by then cut back to the new Hung the Peak Tram, but the electric street Hom terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui East. tram that entered service as a Instead it comprised a format new to single-track operation in summer 1904 the area, a metro identified as the Mass was by comparison a high-capacity Transit Railway (MTR) that opened its service available to most people. first section in October 1979. Brought “From 1965-82 some single-deck trailers were in use, but the system is now the only one in ABOVE: ‘Millennium’ launched in October 2000 remained a small the world wholly using double-deck trams.” class: one of three to enter service, 169 is at Finnie Street.

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Queen Connaught Shek Tong Tsui Eastern Street Road West Victoria Harbour Street Whitty Sutherland Street Street Western Macau Sheung Man Wah Water Street Ferry Western Wan Lane Hill Road Street Terminal Market Hillier Gilman Jubilee Street Holland Queen's Road West Street Street Street Kennedy Town Praya Pottinger Street North Pedder Street Tonnochy Sands Street Road Street Ice House Street Murray Road Admiralty Fenwick Luard Road Fleming Kennedy Town Street Smithfield Road Bank Cotton Tree Road Davis Street Street Street Arsenal Gresson Street Street Swatow O'Brien Street Road Burrows Street

Hong Kong's tramway. Background information courtesy of J.Häseler – www.urbanrail.net

LEFT: Chun Yueng by tunnel to what were initially two Street Market lines stations on the Island, the metro most of the North grew as a direct tramway competitor. Point terminus loop. More MTR and road tunnels have also RIGHT TOP: eroded the business base of the inner Between the old harbour ferries. In December 2014, the and new Hong MTR’s Island Line extended to wholly Kong Bank of China shadow the tramway’s core route. buildings in the The 1435mm tramway is uni- main financial directional over 13km (8.1 miles) of district. route – around 30km (18.8 miles) of track with 120 stops. Mostly running RIGHT MIDDLE: Before the local in the centre of the street, it is double- advent of MTR: track between Shau Kei Wan and trams await service Kennedy Town. Intensely urban, there on the non-revenue are however contrasting scenes along section of Kennedy this main axis with public housing, Town loop on a international banking headquarters, late 2012 Sunday tiny shops and outlets for luxury morning. brands, limousines and handcarts. FAR RIGHT: The tramway exists primarily One of two mid-1980s for normal transport demand, yet party trams, little can match it for absorbing 128 'Victoria' on the sights and atmosphere of the Queensway in surroundings. Running clockwise March 2015. from the Wanchai district, there is also a mainly single-track southern loop LOWER RIGHT: about 3km (1.9 miles) long. Serving North Point Road the prosperous Happy Valley area exemplifies a widespread type of and in less hemmed-in surroundings stop. than much of the tramway, the loop encircles the racecourse and sports pitches. This line previously gave access to the large Sharp Street depot, which had developed from the tramway’s original depot at Russell Street. In a very common Hong Kong way, rising land values led to Sharp Street’s 1989 closure for redevelopment, the site now occupied by the Times Square complex. From the Happy Valley through- terminus at the loop’s southern end, services are integrated on the east-west route in both directions. To the east, a

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North Point Chung Yeung Street Tin Chui Street Shu Kuk Healthy Street West North Street Healthy Street East Point Java Road Road Fortress Hill Finnie Street Jupiter Street

Lau Li Street Kornhill Wing Hing Street Tai Koo Shing Mount Parker Road Shipyard Road Lane Tai Hong Street Hing Fat Street Tai On Street Holy Cross Path Lau Sin Street Hoi Foo Street Nam Shau Kei Wan Hong Patterson Victoria Park Sun Sing Street Street Street Percival Street Shelter Street Pennington Chai Wan Canal Road Street Causeway Bay Road West Foo Ming Street Tonnochy Road Tin Lok Lane “In December 2014, Fleming Road Leighton Road Morrison the MTR’s Island Line Hill Road

Queen's Broadwood Road extended to wholly Road East shadow the tramway’s Wong Nai Chung Road Colonial Cemetery core route.”

Happy Valley

much shorter single-track loop turns trams for the North Point terminus. Near the ferry pier, this section – which passes through Chun Yueng Street Market – approximates to the stereotype image of Hong Kong’s past. Car ownership as a whole is low, apparent even in some urban centres, particularly in the New Territories. However, free road space for trams does not prevail. Despite mass building renewal and the insertion of arterial roads, the street layout is mainly small city blocks with multiple intersections under traffic light control. In spite of having delineated road space, trams compete with cars, buses, delivery vehicles and massed pedestrians. It is congestion rather than transport competition that the operators cited in March 2015 as the main problem faced by the tramway. Begun with Veolia buying a 50% stake from local Wharf Holdings in 2009, Hong Kong Tramways is now fully owned by a 50/50 joint venture of Transdev and RATP Dev. Unlike the MTR Corporation, the joint venture cannot develop space as commercial properties like housing or retail centres, there is no public subsidy and fare changes need Government approval. Fares and advertising space are the main revenue streams. Contrasting with the other land modes where fares relate to distance or zones travelled, flat fares apply on the tramway. Set since June 2011 at HKD2.30 (EUR0.28) for adults, there are reductions for children and those over 65; the incentive is thus to take longer tram journeys, although long transit times conflict with this. It should take 80 minutes from Kennedy

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ABOVE: The tramway’s far east: departures from Shau Kei Wan terminus are on the sharply curving return loop.

LEFT: A rare snatch of urban greenery, Victoria Park in Causeway Bay borders one of the least congested tramway sections. “Branded as Light Rail, the LRT system opened in September 1988 and uses platforms 1100mm above the top of the rail for level entry to high-floor vehicles (LRVs).”

Town – Shau Kei Wan by tram, with accessibility limitations of the basic 34 minutes for an MTR single trip configuration, such as stepped access NETWORK FACTS equivalent costing HKD10 (EUR1.20). and steep narrow stairways. Opened: Tramway 1904; Entry to trams is via the rear door, Despite a humid subtropical climate Light Rail 1988 with the driver overseeing payment and the prevalence of air conditioning Lines: Tramway 6; Light Rail 11 at the front exit either by the Octopus on most public transport, cooling Distance: Tramway 13km (8.1 miles); smartcard reader or transparent fare on Hong Kong trams has remained Light Rail 36.2km (22.7 miles) box – no change is given. limited to air flowing through the The least frequent interval at two plentiful windows. Air conditioning Depots: Tramway 2; Light Rail 1 per hour is Kennedy Town – Shau Kei was fitted to a ‘Millennium’ tram

Stops: Tramway 120; Light Rail 68 Wan; as end-to-end trips are unlikely but did not go into normal service, Approx. weekday hours: Tramway to be made except by sightseers although a 2015 trial is expected. 05.30-23.30; Light Rail 05.30-01.00 or tram enthusiasts, this has little The costs of widespread adoption Line frequency: Large variations; significance. Multiple route overlap and necessary power supply upgrades check operator timetables provides an average 90-second would have implications for fares. Gauges: Tramway 1067mm; interval on the core of the system, yet The Government’s Transport Light Rail 1435mm near-constant congestion in practice Department identified an average of Power: Tramway 550V dc; Light Rail often causes nose-to-tail trams. 182 000 daily tramway trips in 2014. 750V dc – both overhead supply Exported in kit form from Dick, Kerr Slightly confusingly, a figure of 180 000 Fleet: Tramway 161; Light Rail 141 & Co in Preston, UK, for local assembly, was cited in the South China Morning Transport authority: Hong Kong some of the single-deck trams that Post given by Hong Kong Tramways Government Transport Department launched the system lasted until after a 10% fall in ridership following the mid-1930s. Within ten years of the MTR Island Line opening to Tramway operator: Hong Kong Tramways (Transdev / RATP Dev) opening, high demand meant that Kennedy Town in December 2014. two-axle double-deckers – by the 1930s Whatever the detail, the tramway has Light Rail operator: MTR Corporation gaining fixed roofs for the upper deck – become increasingly exposed to factors became the standard. From 1965-82 challenging its competitiveness. some single-deck trailers were in use. Yet seemingly major disadvantages INFORMATION The system is now the only one in the like low speed and usually being very Tram: www.hktramways.com world wholly using double-deck trams crowded are less clear-cut. The closely MTR and Light Rail: for normal services. A decades-old spaced tram stops, average 250m, www.mtr.com.hk configuration, re-use of components allow for very precise boarding and Transport authority: from withdrawn stock and trolley-pole alighting relative to a passenger’s www.td.gov.hk current collection obscure the changes needs. MTR stations are not only made such as aluminium replacing further apart, but passing from surface Civic information: www.gov.hk wood in the main structure, improved to platform can be time consuming, Tourist information: seating, modern controls and better even if the trains run much faster and www.discoverhongkong.com All images by Neil Pulling unless passenger information. These upgrades are more able to maintain schedules. otherwise stated. cannot, however, solve the inherent Accessibility is certainly in the MTR’s

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ABOVE: New Territories landmark Castle Peak looms over Tuen Mun and the Light Rail depot.

LEFT: LRV 1032 and an MTR feeder bus near the Swimming Pool stop.

RIGHT: The newest LRV type on the newest part of the Light Rail system: Phase IV 1129 and 1126 at Wetland Park. favour, yet this is compromised by by the KCR Corporation whose crowding which is just as prevalent, operations merged under the MTR arguably forcing travellers into even identity in December 2007. The closer proximity than on a tram. 36.2km (22.7-mile) double-track uni- Once primarily a link from Central to directional system features a southern properties in the prosperous Mid Levels concentration spreading from Tuen via the intermediate stops, the 1.4km Mun Ferry Pier, a multi-platform (0.87-mile) Peak Tram is now more terminus. Set beneath Ocean Walk geared to leisure and tourist use. Mall, the ground level interchange is It is owned by Hong Kong and Shanghai dominated by rail and bus passengers Hotels, which is currently seeking rather than those for the ferry pier extended operating rights and a project itself. North of the complex track to increase vehicle capacity from 120 layout near triangular Siu Hong station passengers to 200. The upper terminus is an intensively used line that diverges is in the company’s Peak Tower before Tong Fong Tsuen stop for Yuen complex. The famed harbour view Long and Tin Sui Wai. A two-way is from lookouts here or the adjacent circular service runs over the most Peak Galleria, location of Hong Kong recent extension, opening in late 2003. ABOVE: Tin Yiu Road in the northern area of Light Rail coverage. Trams Station (Tramway-related, not Now an international operation, Peak Tram) a small exhibition and the MTR Corporation is 76% owned by shop: http://hktramstation.com Hong Kong Government. MTR is also ESSENTIAL FACTS Located in the north-western New the majority shareholder amongst five Territories, MTR Light Rail and its feeder companies (not including Hong Kong Local travel: A standard non-personal Octopus Card is essential bus lines represent the main internal Tramways) owning the Octopus stored when exploring Hong Kong by public transport and can be used transport for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long value card that is the principal form of for many other retail payments – www.octopus.com.hk. Buy at the airport: an initial HKD150 (EUR18) includes a HKD50 (EUR6) which together have over a million payment for public transport. Unlike returnable deposit, the remainder stored value. Reloading is residents. New developments have the tramway’s flat fare and overseen via MTR station machines or widespread retailers like 7-Eleven, grown here since the 1970s and are yet payment, Light Rail is zoned for fares Circle K and Starbucks. Exact card use varies according to mode. to reach their target figures. Within the and there are no barriers, with revenue area served by the 11 lines (the number protection by inspection. Complexities What is there to see? Concentrated attractions around the has varied) are four interchanges on like touching in and out by Octopus main harbour are well documented by Discover Hong Kong. the MTR West Line which extends relative to time and where the trip is Take buses over Hong Kong Island (rather than via Aberdeen from Tuen Mun 30.5km (19.1 miles) to made are displayed at each stop. Tunnel) for spectacular views; in part intensively settled, the Kowloon’s Hung Hom terminus. The Transport Department identified south side remains comparatively relaxed. Conventional ferries, rather than high-speed craft, give Branded as Light Rail, the system 473 000 passengers using the MTR low-cost sightseeing en route to more remote spots like Cheung opened in September 1988 and uses Light Rail daily in 2014. The MTR’s Chau, Peng Chau and Lamma. Lantau retains expanses of platforms 1100mm above the top of heavy rail lines (with 84 stations), undeveloped land and coastline: the MTR terminus with a the rail for level entry to high-floor including the dedicated Airport line, nearby bus station and ferry pier make Tung Chung the best hub. vehicles (LRV); it was developed carried 4.46 million per day.

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One of the new Bombardier Flexity Swift trams for the Belgian city of Gent was Moskva Metro has given train 7253 a special livery to mark the 70th anniversary tested on the former OEG between Mannheim and Heidelberg. G. Hoff of victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War Two). R. Antipov

AUSTRALIA six-axle PCCs still required, on CHINA FRANCE BENDIGO. A report by the State routes 39/44, 93 and 97. FUZHOU. The first of 28 six- BORDEAUX. Five more Alstom Government and Bendigo Trust GENT. The first Bombardier car metro trains built by CNR Citadis 44m trams have been has made recommendations to Flexity double-ended 100% low- Tangshan was rolled out on ordered for delivery in 2016, which keep the tramway relevant to the floor tram to enter service was 18 April. The 24.9km (15.5-mile) will bring the fleet to 105. city’s economy in the future. It 6352 on line 1 on 20 April. T-2000 line is due to open in October. IRJ MARSEILLE. Service without suggests new stops at the Chinese HONG KONG. Sai Ying Pun passengers on the T3 tramway Museum and Cathedral, better BOSNIA station on the Island Line metro extension was to start on 11 May, audio equipment and more SARAJEVO. The Turkish city opened on 29 March. urbanrail.net with passenger service from themed trams and events. It does of Konya is offering 20 Duewag HOHHOT. A two-line 51.4km 1 June. lineoz.net not suggest turning the line into a eight-axle trams (originally built (31.9-mile) metro system has NANTES. A depot open day will regular transit service. ABC for Köln) to GRAS. One has arrived been approved for this be held on 19-20 September to MELBOURNE. It has been for trials, and if successful the Mongolian city. The first line will mark 30 years of tram service. revealed that construction of the others will follow. DS link industrial areas west of the T-2000 AUD11bn (EUR8bn) Metro Rail city with the international PARIS. Tenders have been invited project under Swanston Street BRAZIL airport in the eastern suburbs. IRJ for 22 low-floor trams for use on in the early years of the next FORTALEZA. The 12.7km LANZHOU. CNR Changchun planned line T9, plus various decade will require the diversion (7.9-mile) diesel metro, which has been awarded a contract for options for a further 68 (which of ten tramlines, with most was due to open for the 2014 26 six-car metro trains for line 1. will also cover line T10). There using Elizabeth Street. The plan to FIFA World Cup but was hit by IRJ will also be an option for a operate City Circle trams in one financial problems, is now being NANJING. The 44km (27.3-mile) maintenance contract. direction only has been dropped. put out to tender again. IRJ north-south metro line 3 linking ST. ETIENNE. On 1 April the With delivery of E class trams SALVADOR. Metro line 1 was Linchang and Mozhoudonglue city council approved plans 50% complete, Bombardier has extended from Retiro to Bom Juá via the city centre was inaugurated for a third tramline linking warned of layoffs at its Dandenong on 23 April. urbanrail.net on 1 April. urbanrail.net Châteaucreux, Gare SNCF plant unless a further order is SÃO PAULO. The ground- and Terasse, adding 4.5km placed by November. There is an breaking ceremony for the CZECH REPUBLIC (2.8 miles) to the network at a option for a further 100 cars. 13.5km (8.4-mile) north-south PRAHA (Prague). Metro line A cost of EUR80m. It is hoped The Age metro line 6 took place on 13 was extended 6.1km (3.8 miles) to complete the project by the NAMBOUR. The council of April. Passengers should be carried from Dejvická to Memocnice end of 2019. IRJ this Sunshine Coast town has from 2020. IRJ Motol on 6 April. The project cost TOULOUSE. Line T2 was adopted a proposal for a wire-free CZK22.5bn (EUR0.82bn). extended 2.4km (1.5 miles) to tram service using the tracks BULGARIA urbanrail.net Aeroport de Blagnac on 11 April. of a closed sugar cane railway., SOFIA. Thursday 2 April saw the contributing AUD500 000 5km (3.1-mile) extension of metro EGYPT GERMANY (EUR360 000) towards land line M1 from Tsarigradsko Shosse EL QAHIRA (Cairo). The first BAD SCHANDAU. Tram service acquisition. Sunshine Coast Daily to Letishte Airport. urbanrail.net air-conditioned train from on the Kirnitzschtalbahn was Hyundai-Rotem was to enter suspended on 12 April after AUSTRIA CANADA service on the Helwan – Marg strong winds brought down trees WIEN (Vienna). From 4 July to MISSISSAUGA. The Ontario metro line on 15 May. Cairo Post onto the overhead. DS 31 August line 49 will be cut back Government, through its transit BERLIN. There will be an open from Hütteldorf to Baumgarten to agency Metrolinx, has approved FINLAND day at Erkner S-Bahn depot on permit track renewal. the 23km (14-mile) CAD1.6bn TAMPERE. Two consor t ia 6-7 June. H. Tschirner (EUR1.2bn) light rail line have been shortlisted to design BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. AZERBAIJAN linking the city with Brampton and build the planned 25km The NF6D Duewag trams were BAKU. Metrovagonmash is to GO station. Construction should (15.5-mile) tramline. They cleared for 50km/h (31mph) deliver five four-car metro trains start in 2018, with opening are TRALLI (Vr/YIT/Pöyry/ operation from 31 March, for use on line 3. news.az in 2022. Ratatek) and TRALA permitting a normal timetable One of the sources of funding (Lemminkäinen Infra/Rambøll/ to resume on lines 308 and 318. BELGIUM is the expansion of beer sales to Alstom/A-Insinöörit). A However BOGESTRA has decided BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. The 450 more province-owned separate tender will be used for to replace all 42 20-year-old trams peak run-out of trams has locations, raising CAD400m 23 trams. Work should start in of this batch by 2020, and increased by four to 300, with 43 (EUR303m) over four years. GRN August 2016. IRJ is tendering for new cars.

244 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org The rebuilt 4900-series ‘Jumbo’ trams in Milan , originally dating from the late 1970s, can be seen on line 27. J. May Torino’s new route 6 is worked by Alstom Cityway double-ended trams. P. Stevenson

The Stadtbahn-M car converted completed in 2018. Siemens will MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY. KITAKYUSHU. Low-floor tram by HeiterBlick into a railgrinder supply 12 31.5m Avenio trams A restoration project is 5001 was built by Alna Sharyo. has been numbered 678. Bogestra costing EUR31m. IRJ currently underway, which will Y. Nogi CHEMNITZ. The first dual- see a ratchet-braked car returned KUMAMOTO. Low-floor tram system tram-train from Vossloh HUNGARY to service after a gap of more 0803 was delivered by Niigata was being tested in Valencia SZEGED. Plans are being than ten years. Crossbench car 14, Transys last October. Y. Nogi in April. DS developed for a tram-train which has been stored accident- NAGASAKI. Bogie tram 204 has ERLANGEN. Although voters project that would link the damaged and minus trucks at been rebuilt as an illuminated car in Erlangen-Höchstadt rejected city and Hódemzóvásárhely via Laxey depot, has been chosen and renumbered 87. H. Usui the proposed Nürnburg – Erlangen the Szeged – Békéscsaba rail line, for restoration to original 1920s OSAKA. The new low-floor tram interurban tramway in the by extending tramline 2 from condition and moved to Derby 1003 was built by Alna Sharyo. 19 April referendum, the cities Rókus railway station. IRJ Castle for work to be undertaken. H. Usui of Erlangen, Nürnberg and SAPPORO. The new tramway Herzogenaurach are keen to INDIA ISRAEL linking the two city termini of proceed independently. DELHI. Plans are being made TEL AVIV. LRT Red line the U-shaped tramway will be nordbayern.de for a 12km (7.5-mile) tramline construction from Petah Tikva to completed in December. The FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN. The along the Noida Expressway. Bat Yam is to start in August. Globes low-floor tram series is now first use of typeU5 LRVs on line Noida is a city in the suburbs of A1201-3. Y. Nogi U4 (rebuilt with 800mm New Delhi under the management ITALY TOKYO. Kawasaki is to supply platforms) was on 10 April. DS of the New Okhla Industrial MILANO. Thursday 29 April saw eight three-car 500 series EMUs to KARLSRUHE. The last day of Development Authority, and the opening of metro line M5’s the Tobu Railway for its 1067mm- operation of the classic DWM the tramway would be a feeder to 7.5km (4.7-mile) extension from gauge, 1500V dc, Sky Tree line from trams on route 5 was expected to the Delhi metro. Times of India Garibaldi to San Siro Stadio. Tokyo Asakusa to Miyashiro. IRJ be 22 May. The western section urbanrail.net TOYAMA. Co-inciding with the of line 5 was then to be closed for IRELAND ROMA. The B1 branch of metro inauguration of the Hokuriku two weeks for infrastructure DUBLIN. Nearly half of people line B was extended north from Shinkansen on 14 March was the work, returning with modern coming into Dublin city centre in Conca d’Oro to a new terminus opening of the new tram terminus rolling stock. DS the morning peak now arrive by at Ionio on 21 April. The BIG and at Toyama-eki (railway station) on MAGDEBURG. Berlin Tatra bus, rail or Luas light rail. Cycling BTI tickets have been replaced by the ground floor of the Shinkansen T6 5168 has been purchased for or walking accounts for 15%, Roma 24/48/72 tickets offering terminal, a 160m extension from conversion to a training car. BS with only a third of people unlimited travel for that number the existing tram line. A new tram MÜLHEIM/Ruhr. The first of choosing the car – a fall of some of hours for EUR7/12.50/18. TR from Alna Sharyo is T103. Y. Nogi 15 Bombardier NF2 trams was 16% since 2006. However, TORINO. On 19 April tramline delivered on 22 April. The batch commuting by all modes is falling 6 was introduced between Piazza KAZAKHSTAN will be numbered 8001-15, with in favour of cycling and walking. Statuto and Piazza Hermada via ALMATY. On 18 April the metro more cars arriving in the autumn. More than a million Leap Porta Susa and Duomo, to assist was extended south from Alatau ROSTOCK. The last day of regular smartcards have been sold since pilgrims visiting the city to see the to Moskva (2.7km/1.7 miles). operation of Tatra trams was their launch with more than Turin Shroud. Series 6000 Citiway urbanrail.net 24 April, with 701, 705 and 710 60% of public transport journeys double-ended trams are used in service. Two days later 704 in Dublin now paid for in this to provide a 15-minute service NETHERLANDS took part in a parade with museum way. Initially applied to public 06.30-23.00 daily. From the same AMSTERDAM. 12G t ra ms trams 1, 26 and 46+156. DS transport modes in Dublin, use date line 10 was extended north 817-41 are receiving an STUTTGART. The opening of has now spread to Galway, Cork to Rondo de Forca. P. Stevenson intermediate overhaul with the U6 extension from Fasanenhof and Limerick with Waterford to interior upgrades. The CAF to Messe-West and Flughafen/ be added shortly. JAPAN metro cars 71-106 are also to be Messe has been postponed to the FUKUI. Further to last month’s overhauled in the coming years. OR end of 2019 due to problems with ISLE OF MAN news, low-floor tram F1002 was DEN HAAG. A multi-disciplinary groundwater along the route. DS DOUGLAS. The horse tramway built by Niigata Transys. H. Usuai task force has been set up to ULM. The Federal Ministry of may be moved onto the walkway HIROSHIMA. The new low- examine operational issues Transport has approved a EUR65m of the sea front under new plans for floor trams 1006-8 delivered in affecting RandstadRail services 3 grant to support the construction the Promenade. It was previously January-March were built by Kinki and 4, which operate on both ex- of tramline 2 (11km/6.8 miles, intended to have a single track Sharyo/Mitsubishi. Y. Nogi railway alignment and street track. Kuhberg – Hbf – Science Park II). (with passing loops) to the side of KAGOSHIMA. The new tram A project to renew infrastructure Work will start this year, and the roadway, replacing the current depot at Shinden was opened in Spui, including the junction the EUR155m project should be double track in the road itself. in May. Y. Nogi with Scheldedoekshaven, started

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on 20 April, requiring diversion delivered five new 71- 623 of routes 1, 9, 15 and 16 until low-floor trams. transphoto.ru May 2016. OR YEKATERINBURG. T hree ROTTERDAM. A project has Uraltransmash low-floor trams begun to reduce alighting and are to be purchased in readiness boarding times on routes 21 and for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 24, to increase their commercial Local residents have been invited speed from 18km/h (11mph) to select from three external to 25km/h (15mph). Platform appearances by voting on markings show passengers where the undertaking’s website. the tram doors will be, more ticket validators have been SLOVAKIA installed on trams and door KOSICE. Pragoimex Vario LF2 operation by the driver improved. six-axle articulated trams 801-15 Line 10 with heritage trams are in service, with 816-28 runs from 22 May, initially due for delivery. TR Friday-Sunday, but daily 1 July to 29 August, then Sundays to SOUTH KOREA 25 October. OR DAEGU. The 24km (15-mile) automated Hitachi monorail Toyama railway station with the new tramway extension. H. Usui NEW ZEALAND line 3 (Chilgok – Dong – A Suseong) AUCKLAND. Three bidders was opened between KNU weekdays and 15.00-23.00 at and new doors will provide an have been shortlisted for the Medical Center and Yongji on weekends. The National enhanced entrance to the Govan contract to operate the commuter 23 April. urbanrail.net Road concourse. Work should be rail network from July 2016. UKRAINE finished by the end of 2016. They are Serco, Transdev and SWITZERLAND AVDIYIVKA. No trams have run LIVERPOOL. A report for the Kiwi Rail. By mid-April CAF GENEVE (CFF). T he 1994 since 22 January due to war damage elected mayor has recommended had delivered 50 of the 57 new 1500V dc Bem550 L RVs , and continued fighting. that the Liverpool City Region trains on order, and 33 were in withdrawn from the La Plaine transphoto.ru Combined Authority and service. IRJ line last year when the voltage Merseytravel embrace bus was upgraded to 25kV ac, failed UNITED KINGDOM Quality Contracts and consider NORWAY to find a buyer, and have been BATH. Trampower Technical reviving plans for a tramway. The OSLO. Tenders are to be issued scrapped. TR Director Lewis Lesley has visited Merseytram project collapsed in for 80 new low-floor trams for NYON – ST CERGUE (NStCM). Bath to promote the establishment 2005 when the UK Government delivery from 2019, to replace Stadler has delivered ABe4/8 of a tram system. A local removed its funding offer for the both the SL79 Duewag cars and cars 401-4. They will permit businessman is intending to form project amid escalating costs. the SL95 AnsaldoBreda trams. EB a 15-minute service to be a group to bring trams back to the LONDON (TRAMLINK). The introduced between Nyon and city to solve traffic problems and Rail Accident Investigation POLAND Genolier in December. TR increase property values, and for Branch has found that a GDANSK. SKM rapid transit their environmental benefits derailment shortly before service was extended from Gdansk SWEDEN BLACKPOOL. Services were midnight on 29 December 2014 Glówny to Gdansk Sródmiescie LUND. Trafikverket has allocated improved from 7 April with a was due to contaminated fluid in on 1 April. urbanrail.net funding for the proposed 5.5km daytime headway of 12 minutes a damper attached to the spring WROCLAW. Tenders have (3.4-mile) SEK895m (EUR96.5m) Mondays-Fridays and ten minutes loaded points, exacerbated by been invited for six single-ended tramline, but a final decision at weekends. Daily evening freezing weather conditions. low-floor trams for delivery before on state funding is expected in headways became 15-minutes The tram, travelling from New the end of 2015; there will be October. Global Rail News for Starr Gate – Bispham with Addington to Wimbledon, came an option for 16 more. TR alternate trams to Fleetwood to off the track at points about TAIWAN provide a 30-minute headway. 200m west of Mitcham Junction PORTUGAL TAIPEI. Testing on the 35km The ten-minute daytime headway tram stop platforms. The vehicle LISBOA. Tenders have been (21.7-mile) metro line to the is expected to extend to the was moving at low speed and invited for a ten-year contract airport started in April. Monday-Friday timetable for the there were no injuries to the 20 to operate the tram and metro Thales has been awarded a main summer period. passengers on board. services, with an announcement EUR17m contract to supply GLASGOW. Strathclyde LONDON (UNDERGROUND). of the successful candidate signalling and the control centre Partnership for Transport has Over 15 000 responses were expected by 31 July. IRJ for the Danhai tramway’s Blue proposed a GBP7.16m (EUR10m) received to the consultation into Ocean line. Global Rail News upgrade to Govan’s Subway and plans to extend the Bakerloo ROMANIA bus station to help link passengers line, with 96% of respondents BUCURESTI. Metrorex has TURKEY using the interchange with the supporting the extension of the ordered 43 six-car metro trains KONYA. The first of 12 new Skoda new South Glasgow Hospital. New Bakerloo line. from CAF for line 5. There is 28T low-floor trams with battery passenger lifts are to be installed Of the two alternative routes an option for eight more. TR traction was on test in the Czech to access each circle of the Subway offered between Elephant & Castle city of Plzen in April. GRN between concourse and platform and Lewisham, 64% favoured RUSSIA level, in addition to lifts installed in a route via Camberwell and IZHEVSK. Sixty type 71-407 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES the course of refurbishment works Peckham Rye and 49% supported trams have been ordered for DUBAI. The western extension at the station. the option via the Old Kent Road delivery in 2015-17. transphoto.ru of the metro Red line by 14.5km Other improvements will (some supported both equally). MOSKVA. Ust-Katav KTM-8 (nine miles) to the Expo 2020 site include a new ticket office, new It is estimated that once the tram 8019 (dating from 1991 and has been authorised. flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, permissions are received and withdrawn last July as 5007) has The first 1km (0.6 miles) of the signage and enhancements funding secured, construction joined the museum fleet. Dubai Trolley along Mohammed including hearing loops, tactile could begin by 2025 and be Type 81-760 metro train 37253 bin Rashid Blvd was unveiled maps, tactile paving and colour completed in the early 2030s. has received an all-over livery on 20 April, with TIG/m- contrast flooring. Four new A revised budget and to mark 70 Let Pobeda (70 Years supplied hydrogen fuel-powered escalators have already been timescale for the continuing of Great Victory). transphoto.ru double-deck car 1. Service installed. A modern entrance programme to modernise PAVLODAR. Ust-Katav has is provided 16.00-24.00 on will be installed on Golspie Street London Underground’s District,

246 / JUNE 2015 www.tramnews.net . www.tautonline.com A Nippon Sharyo diesel LRV for California's San Rafael–Santa Rosa line. SMART Powered testing on Los Angeles’ Santa Monica light rail line on 6 April. D. Clarke

Circle, Metropolitan and has joined Transport for Greater NET’s Chilwell line could be for 2015. Seven Vossloh tram- Hammersmith & City lines has Manchester in sharing a vision extended to Long Eaton if Toton trains to the Karlsruhe pattern now been agreed between LU to create a south orbital network was chosen for a High Speed 2 are currently under construction and Thales, the sole bidder for for Metrolink trams, connecting station according to proposals and it is expected that they will be the programme. The contract eastern Greater Manchester contained in a leaked council delivered this year. The current will see the re-signalling of to the airport via central Stockport. report, the Nottingham Post round of track replacement on these lines as a replacement for A Passenger Focus (now has reported. the existing network is designed the scheme originally proposed Transport Focus) survey between The Light Rail Transit to accommodate these vehicles, by Bombardier which was September and November 2014 Association’s campaigning arm three of which will be used terminated by mutual agreement found that 85% of passengers TramForward has congratulated principally to provide extra in December 2013. Bombardier is were satisfied with their journey, Nottingham, and all the UK tram capacity on the existing network. still supplying new rolling stock up 2% from the previous year and systems covered by a recent survey Real-time passenger for the lines, which are in the despite line closures at Victoria conducted by Passenger Focus information indicators have been course of delivery. restricting many services. (now Transport Focus), after more installed at a number of tram stops. Overall costs for the Free superfast wi-fi has now than 95% of passengers surveyed In the Passenger Focus modernisation have increased by been rolled out to all Metrolink’s reported their enjoyment and (now Transport Focus) survey 30% to GBP5.54bn (EUR7.7bn), current fleet of trams in a GBP1.7m comfort in travelling by tram. undertaken last year, 92% of which includes the rolling (EUR2.4m) investment to meet PRESTON. Trampower’s Supertram passengers were stock and other infrastructure Greater Manchester’s ambition application proposing the satisfied with their service. improvements. to become a top 20 worldwide first phase of a project to build TYNE & WEAR. A GBP47m LUTON. The Luton – Dunstable digital city region. a tramline in Deepdale was (EUR65m) mixed-use development busway is still running with under NOTTINGHAM. No date has rejected by Preston Council is being proposed for land close half the passengers originally yet been given for the start of on the grounds that sufficient to Newcastle United’s St James’ expected. Despite new services services on the two new lines to information about highway Park ground which is currently being introduced, ridership is Chilwell and Clifton, although safety had not been submitted, owned by Nexus, the Tyne & Wear only around 1.5m/year, 1.4m trams have now reached both following an earlier deferment Passenger Transport Executive. It having been recorded between terminals and regular testing on of the application, and that noise is currently leased to the football October 2013 and September the inner sections of the lines is levels had not been satisfactorily club for parking and other uses. 2014. The provision of three new being carried out. Statements from addressed. Trampower Technical Tracks on the Queen Elizabeth II stops is being explored to increase NET still indicate that services Director Lewis Lesley said the Metro bridge that spans the passenger numbers, but certain will commence in mid-2015. company would consider its River Tyne have been replaced. developments in the business From 20 April timetables on options, including an appeal. The work, which forms part plan have failed to materialise the Hucknall and Phoenix Park SOUTH YORKSHIRE. A n of the GBP389m (EUR541m) and this has contributed to the routes were again improved, this application for permission Metro: all change modernisation low numbers travelling. time extending the 7-10 minute to connect the local rail and programme, involved replacing Luton is still in dispute with headways to the afternoon peak, Supertram networks has been two 400m stretches of track, contractor BAM Nuttall over the giving a 3-5-minute headway submitted to the Secretary of State part of the original layout from project costs, despite completing between Station Street and for Transport. The application 1980. The work was undertaken a mediation process. The council Highbury Vale. This follows the covers construction of 150m of over the first two weekends in is trying to recover further introduction of similar headways new track at Tinsley together with May when no Metro services ran repayments from the company. in the morning earlier in the year. electrification of the railway line between Monument and Heworth; MANCHESTER. A pilot scheme NET passengers and local from there to Parkgate. This will a replacement bus service operated launched in April (the Travelsafe residents are being asked to allow the proposed tram-train and Metro tickets were available Partnership) will see a dedicated suggest possible names for the pilot to take place. Depending on Northern Rail trains. team of 16 police constables, latest trams joining Nottingham’s on approval, construction would WEST MIDLANDS. Tra m police community support expanding network. The original begin next year with a view to services were extended back officers, special constables and fleet of 15 was named after tram services being provided in to the St George’s terminus in security personnel provide regular people associated with the city 2017. The trackworks will cost Wolverhampton city centre on patrols on the region’s networks and community campaigners GBP1.8m (EUR2.5m) with the March 31 after a seven-month for the next three years. following suggestions made by overall scheme costing GBP60m absence, meeting the promise they A new masterplan for transport the public. NET wants to continue (EUR84m). Public consultation on would be restored during March. in the Stockport area has been this tradition with the 22 new the application closed on 28 April. The timescale for replacement commissioned by Stockport Citadis trams. Four have already The scheme has been of worn-out tracks was extended Council from consultants WSP. been named and the other 18 considerably delayed with by the discovery of undetected As part of the plan, the council were to be announced in May. operation previously proposed mine-workings under the A41

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It will replace the existing temporary depot in 2016 and be large enough to accommodate a fleet of trams for the proposed Anacostia and Georgetown extensions. This is the only line now listed in the city’s budget. The metro Red Line returned to automatic train operation from 13 April. The new Kawasaki-built 7000-series trains started service on the Blue line the following day. E. B. Havens, R. Barrows

MUSEUM NEWS BLACKPOOL (UK). The tram on a plinth at Pleasure Beach has been repainted in advance of the main holiday season. It remains in the ownership of the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust; it is expected that it will be exchanged for another vehicle currently being refurbished by the Blackpool Football Club Sheffield Supertram track repairs underway on 29 March at Hillsborough Barracks. Richard Buckley Supporters Trust. road between The Royal and St KANSAS CITY, MO. T he installed and should be completed An appeal has been launched George’s stops and there were completion of the first tram stop by November. E. B. Havens by the North Eastern Electrical also difficulties in lengthening was marked by a street party on RALEIGH – DURHAM, NC. Diesel Traction Trust for the restoration the platform at St George’s for 24 April. E. B. Havens light rail is emerging as the of the Hovertram (735), which the new tram fleet. This has been LOS ANGELES, CA. Powered preferred alternative for the currently resides in its depot in resolved by converting the stop testing on the Metro Expo Line proposed transit scheme. E. B. Havens Sunderland. It was originally from double-track on either side of extension to Santa Monica started SAN DIEGO, CA. Publication of sold by Blackpool in 2007 to the an island platform to a single-track on 6 April; passenger service is the SANDAG regional transport Scottish Transport Trust. Its new along one side of the platform. predicted for spring 2016. plan on 24 April revealed the owners have carried out minor June will see the completion following light rail lines: San repairs but are planning to raise USA of a USD265m 84-car depot at Ysidro – Carmel Valley; Pacific GBP10 000 (EUR14 000) as part ATLANTA, GA. It has been Monrovia required for the Gold Beach – El Cajon; San Diego city of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to decided that the city centre line light rail extension from centre – San Diego State University; make the tram sound and restore tramway circulator will continue Pasadena to Azusa, due to open in University City – Sorrento Valley. its lighting features. to offer free rides until the end of January. E. B. Havens Expansion of the Oceanside – LOFTUS (AU). Arrivals at 2015. Annual running costs are MEMPHIS, TN. MATA has Escondido diesel light rail line is the Sydney Tram Museum are now expected to be USD4.8m, decided that rather than restore also proposed. E. B. Havens Melbourne Y1 611 (from Bendigo) compared to the original estimate operation of the closed tramway SAN RAFAEL – SANTA ROSA, and Sydney track scrubbing car of USD3.2m, but fares were only with heritage trams, new trams CA. The first SMART Sumitomo/ 11W. The new South Shed depot expected to cover 25% of costs. should be purchased. Service Nippon Sharyo diesel LRVs were was brought into use in February. E. B. Havens on the three-route system was unveiled on 7 April at Cotati BATON ROUGE, LA. A modern suspended last year after two station. Seven two-car units are CONTRIBUTORS tramline to the State University ex-Melbourne trams caught fire on order. E. B. Havens Worldwide items should be sent has been approved for FTA whilst in service. E. B. Havens SEATTLE, WA. Sound Transit to Worldwide Editor Michael technical assistance under the MIAMI, FL. Tri-Rail DMU service has approved the USD1.7bn, Taplin at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, LadderSTEP programme. to Miami International Airport 13.6km (8.5-mile) light rail Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, BOSTON, MA. One day of free began on 5 April. A. Chard extension north from Northgate UK – Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or fares was offered to all MBTA MILWAUKEE, WI. The city has to Lynnwood. Passenger service e-mail: [email protected]. riders on 24 April as a goodwill invited bids for four trams for its could start in 2023. The city UK and Ireland items are gesture for the winter problems new city centre line from 2018, of Bellevue has approved an welcomed by the Home News experienced. E. B. Havens with an option for up to 20 more. agreement with Sound Transit that Editor, John Symons, 17 CINCINNATI, OH. On 15 April The target price is USD4.1-4.4m/ will permit construction to start Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, the city council voted to approve a car. It is understood that some of on the East Link line to Overlake Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. study for the extension of its under the options could be sold to other to start in early 2016. E. B. Havens E-mail [email protected] construction starter tramline to cities such as Fort Lauderdale and TAMPA, FL. Florida Department Acknowledgements are due to the university. E. B. Havens Sacramento. E. B. Havens of Transportation has offered ABC, Mike Ballinger, R. Barrows, HOUSTON, TX. 23 May was to MINNEAPOLIS, MN. T he USD1m towards planning work Richard Buckley, Cairo Post, see the inauguration of two new latest analysis put the cost of the on possible extensions to the Drehscheibe Strassenbahn (DS), light rail lines, the Green line to proposed southwest LRT line up TECO heritage tramway. One Eisenbahn (EB), Global Rail News East End (Altic/Howard Hughes) by USD341m to USD2bn, with possibility is that modern trams (GRN), Globes, International Rail and the Purple line south-east to opening not likely until 2020. would serve an extended line, with Journal (IRJ), Irish Times, lineoz.net, Palm Center transit Center. The PHILADELPHIA, PA the GOMACO heritage trams just Manchester Evening News, news.az, city centre terminus for both lines (SEPTA). Work has started on linking the city and Ybor City. nordbayern.de, Nottingham Evening is Theater District, one stop west of refurbishment of the 69th St E. B. Havens Post, Eric Pounder, Op De Rails (OR), the intersection with the existing Terminal, transfer point between WASHINGTON, DC. T he Sunshine Coast Daily, Tram 2000 Red line at Central Station. the Markey – Frankford subway planning permit for a definitive (T-2000), The Age, transphoto.ru, A further extension of the and the Norristown High Speed depot for the H St-Benning The National, Martin Thorne, Times Green line to Magnolia Park Line/Red Arrow tramlines. Rd tramline in the grounds of of India, Today's Railways (TR), Transit Center will open in 2016. The USD19.6m project will also Spingarn High School at 2550 urbanrail.net, and Wolverhampton E. B. Havens see energy efficiency measures Benning Rd was issued on 1 April. Express & Star.

248 / JUNE 2015 www.tramnews.net . www.tautonline.com 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.

Green track, bikes and the need for greater track design detail

Scott McIntosh’s articles have provided interesting pointers on some of the reasons why we have some way to go in delivering urban light rail to more towns and cities in the UK. In TAUT 928 he highlighted the need for embedded rail to have the ability to ‘float’ with a higher compliance in the vertical plane, and greater restraint laterally. A basic encapsulation of the rail in a moulded-on polymer is limited in this respect, especially with factory-moulded systems which have to be cut back for rail welding, and the encapsulation at the weld restored by on-site use of poured joint filler. Many of the products used for this require mixing the basic polymer with an inert filler, and are critically dependent on the rail preparation and also the weather. Even the STRAILastic_KFV product, (illustrated in the article) which actually used water to accelerate curing, had critical preparation detail when poured against freshly-laid asphalt. To deal with this issue, STRAILastic product development ABOVE: The high quality finish currently being delivered by MPT on recent Manchester projects shows the smooth transition from road surface to rail. MPT now provides a close-fitting rail insulation system which no longer requires a poured top seal, and a vertical compliance RIGHT: A seedum which can be ‘tuned’ or for less onerous locations kept as roller at work, showing a simple moulded boot for the bottom flange. ‘Tuning’ of the ease of installation the lower part of the rail support contains the vibration for a pre-grown roll – just one of the green transmitted through the rails to the rails alone. Separable track solutions. blocks fitted to the rail profile have the advantage that Dr H. Schreiter units can be lifted out to permit joint welding, and put back trimmed (if required) to fit around the cleaned weld. This further aspect also means the blocks can be fitted locally to accommodate a of attenuation; sliding joint. providing a filter At this point a note should be made of the need to deliver for airborne micro a high standard for flatness in the way the abutting road particles with surfaces align with the railhead and keeper. I write both as the deposits then someone working with track systems, and also their nemesis washing down as I regularly ride a bike, around tram systems. The critical into the growing issue of not having the railhead protrude above the road medium. surfaces affects all, even car drivers, as the contact patch of One detail that those with a matured use of green track the tyre is lifted clear of the high friction road surface, and express surprise at is the conservative approach to the design any forces acting along the rail from turning or braking have and maintenance of many designers coming to the concept minimal resistance. for the first time. Track construction to standards capable It is thus impressive to see that MPT’s recent work on of taking mainline axle loads - up to 25t and speeds up to Manchester Metrolink is consistently delivering the final 125mph (200km/h) – and the provision to lift out the grass concrete screed, with an enhanced high friction specification, in removable panels to tamp the track seems odd to those at +2mm above the rail surface, and the minimum distance who simply get the track stabilised and then lay down the to ‘bridge’ with a tyre contact patch – typically 120mm for ‘grass’. Long-term monitoring indicates that the growing a two-wheeler, either powered or pedalled. This very closely medium, laid on a filter membrane, keeps fine material out matches the detail currently stated in the Office of Rail and of the underlying ballast, whilst the natural systems provide Road guidance, and likely to be a foundation for the revised attenuation of rainfall – easing the impact of a heavy shower standards being developed by UKTram. on downstream drainage.Less obvious gains are the capacity In March (TAUT 927) Scott focused on ‘grass track’, a detail to keep track temperatures down in hot weather through which offers substantially more than just noise control. the high latent heat of evaporation for water (something Germany has widely adopted the use of green track with mainline operators might appreciate in a hot summer), the Grüngleisnetzwerk bringing together suppliers of rail plus figures indicating particulate filtering by the plant insulation systems and botanical specialists. Typical pitfalls ‘leaves’ (2kg/sq.m/yr), and oxygen regeneration. A variety of can be the use of non-native plant species, struggling with solutions are available, from a complete encasing of rail and drought or drenching, or worse, as found in Berlin, something fixings (as used in Zurich), a basic protection of rail fixing and which provided a grazing bonanza for local wildlife. rail (Augsburg) and a detail for those who still require access Often it is not grass which is appropriate. Seedum plants, to rail fixings and ballast. offering a greater range of colours, are more tolerant of Finally, as Scott evangelises, green track running centrally variable moisture, require less depth of growing medium in the street not only reduces construction costs, but also and minimise the need for mowing. Clover provides a richer enhances property values from the improved ambience of a green than plain grass, and enhanced nitrogen (and COx) linear park, running through otherwise hard urban landscapes. absorption. Sampling of seedum track has also shown a Dave Holladay, by e-mail

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JUNE 2015 / 249 Letters

Overhead is perfect for wayfinding and thereby offer some unbiased opinion. There has been much discussion recently in Gil Sutherland, by e-mail TAUT about the merits of removing OLE and replacing it with onboard energy storage, for The Artic: A “back to the future” tram example (see TAUT 926). However, your April On a recent visit to Helsinki I had the editorial commented on “poor signposting” pleasure of experiencing one of the city’s new of modern public transport systems. low-floor Transtech trams, and have compiled Am I alone in thinking that OLE represents a few observations with some background a wonderful, continuous, highly-visible information to give a short review. advertisement for light rail? It is a symbol The demanding conditions of the Finnish of power and permanence but, equally capital have been taken into account for the An Artic in service in Helsinki. J. Harkins importantly, it is a way of locating the system. development of the Artic, with a construction I have lost count of the number of times that includes a freely pivoting bogie that winters, the design is technically adept: it I have found my way to the nearest stop by copes superbly with the network’s sharp has a traction control system and automatic spotting OLE at the end of the street I was on. curves, and surface materials that have been sanding for slippery rails, while a heated Prof Eric Savory, London, Ontario, Canada selected with easy maintenance in mind. composite floor prevents snow and ice from The tram is 100% low-floor with 74 fixed accumulating inside, transferring heat energy Doubting the low-floor concept and 14 folding seats. The design – Jouni dissipated by the water-cooled brake resistors. I have been intrigued by Scott McIntosh’s Riikonen of Oy Windell & Riikonen Design A driver’s committee influenced the cab recent articles, as I have long harboured was selected as the vehicle designer by city layout, with ergonomic controls, two 10.4in doubts about the ‘merits’ of low-floor vehicles operator HKL from around 20 leading design (26.4cm) LCD displays that display the with their fixed bogies. offices on 28 January 2011. IDIS Design Oy was tram’s various systems, air conditioning and It is clear there are great benefits for speedy also chosen by Transtech as its design partner a multi-adjustable leather driver’s seat that boarding, with ease of access for prams and – shows many innovations to consider the features a digital memory for specific drivers. wheelchair users, but given the drawbacks environment, with its weight per passenger Three displays provide the driver with 11 of the current technology which govern seat reduced as much as possible. Exterior camera views from both the interior and their speed in curves, pointwork, crossovers lighting and interior displays employ LED exterior of the car – these can be divided in – together with some pretty rough riding if technology, apart from the headlamps, which two, for six different cameras at a time. and when they do reach the heady heights of is energy efficient and improves the car’s The ride is particularly smooth, despite 70km/h (43mph) on plain track – I wonder visibility in traffic, even in bright sunshine. the geometry of the roadway, and the design what long-term future they have given the The appearance was intended to be similar performs well with super crush loading wear and tear on track, and their trucks. to the earlier fleet (grey roof, with a vertical experienced at the several ferry terminals. I Successful as the Citadis vehicles seem to front and red seating), but with an image that was particularly impressed at the performance be, I find their performance in curves and would prove ageless, functional and totally of 402 at Route 9 Lansiterminal where I pointwork disappointing as they are forced practical. With this in mind, the choice of calculated the load was 400 passengers, yet 402 to creep through at very slow speeds with materials reveals wear-resistant high-pressure pulled away and up the gradient effortlessly. a great deal of jerking and shuddering. laminate, stove-enamelled aluminium It is usual for a list of references to be By comparison most German trams I have sheeting, stainless steel, rubber, leather and included in a call for modern tram tenders, experienced seem to sail through plush fabric in the interior. A useful touch and it will be easier for the firm to respond pointwork/crossings at a reasonable speed. is the simplified route map incorporated when at least five of the production series Even Manchester’s well-admired into the seat fabric. The raised seats provide Artics are in operation and further practical Bombardier trams are governed with the a good view, and the bright and spacious experience is gained. same restrictions as 10-15mph appears to interior is aided by light coloured surfaces. It is well-known that if a tramway is be the norm through sharp curves, thereby Accessibility is a key consideration with constructed according to the requirements lowering their average speed considerably. contrasting colours to assist the visually of the tram it uses, the end result is usually Of all the current low-floor vehicles it impaired and vertical grab rails and seat successful. However, if the tramway is built seems to me the Finnish Transtech tram back handles in abundance. A mechanically- according to the demands of the town offers some hope with its conventional operated folding ramp is provided at one of structure, the vehicle itself has to be flexible. bogies, a streamlined design (without the the entrance doors. Since Helsinki chose Transtech, other highly visible ugly roof-mounted equipment The tram’s ‘face’ is designed with an eye manufacturers have offered trams according which mars the lines of most low-floor cars). to safety, with a lower part shaped to absorb to the principles of the Helsinki Artic, and for It also has a reasonable top speed of 80km/h collision force so that should a pedestrian this reason I believe that it offers a vision of (50mph), which I would have thought the be struck, he/she will not fall underneath, a ‘standard’ tram of the future, having taken vital minimum to compete with BRT which but be rolled up and onto the bumper. The historic lessons into consideration. now looms large on the horizon. I understand bogies are fitted with protective flaps so that Thanks to Mr Ollipekka Heikkila of HKL; it has excellent riding qualities, low decibel no loose garment becomes entangled with some background information is taken from noise and great passenger comfort. It would rotating parts. Surveillance cameras are Tom Heino’s book Artic Back to the Future be of much interest to readers for a tramway installed in the passenger accommodation. (available from the LRTA) engineer to report on the Helsinki vehicle In terms of preparation for the city’s harsh Jim Harkins FCILT, Light Rail (UK)

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

MAY 2015 Saturday 30. Beeston 14.00. TLRS Tuesday 9. Leeds 19.00. Mike presentations): 21st C. UK trams National AGM at Beeston. (TLRS) Waring: Balkan Tramways. Thursday 18. Dartford 19.30. Derek Tuesday 19. London 19.00. Paul Wednesday 10. Brighton 19.30. Sayer: Reminisce with Dell. (TLRS) Rowden: Crossrail update. (ERS) JUNE 2015 Ed Humphreys: The London Street Saturday 20. Taunton 14.00. Wednesday 20. Bristol 19.30. Ian Tramways Co and its Legacy. (TLRS) Speaker to be arranged. (TLRS ) Beckey: 50s Underground Units. Tuesday 2. Southampton 19.30. Monday 15. Liverpool 19.30. Thursday 25. Manchester 19.00. Thurs 21. Dartford 19.30. J.Buckle: Members' slides. (LRTA/SEG) Outdoor meeting. (TLRS) Ride Airport Metrolink line, meet at Portugese City Tramways. (TLRS) Monday 8. Thames Valley 19.30 Monday 15. Wickham 19.30. St Peter's Square – 18.30 for 19.00. Saturday 23. Garstang 14.00.Videos. Anne Watkins: The tramways of John Prentice: Hong Kong. (TLRS) Saturday 27. Beeston 14.00. Thursday 28. Manchester 19.00. Gravesend and models evening, 'Len Tuesday 16. London 19.00. Modelling: Bring along your module/ Tony Williams: Metrolink Hodges Trophy' competition (TLRS) Members' evening (multiple short what's on your work bench. (TLRS)

250 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Classic Trams WHAT ABOUT THE TROLLEY-POLES? In the final part of this trilogy, Alan Pearce and Mike Russell look at the development of the bow PART collector and pantograph, and those tramways 3 that remain faithful to trolley-pole collection. 1

t was not long before others, following to allow the bow to turn over. This is difficult enough for reliable tracking of suspended Siemens’ lead, rigorously investigated to arrange with wire also to be held closely wire and increased contact area made it alternative bows; without doubt the positioned for reliable trolley-pole operation, viable for many operations to convert to most successful of these was when tight support is generally needed. Thus, this arrangement of current collection. the collector developed under the at the UK’s National Tram Museum at Crich, Over many years the pantograph aegisI of Mr Fischer, Traffic Manager of the Fischer bow cars have to be coasted into framework was simplified and made one of the Budapest tramways. The disparate the depot with the bow tied down in the lighter, occupying less space on a car’s roof. Budapest tramways moved quickly to reverse position. They can then be safely For all designs there is but one fundamental adopt this development, and its use rapidly driven out and up the gradient into the yard, arrangement for a stable and effective spread across many tramways of the it being impossible to reverse the bow in pantograph. All designs, whether older Habsburg Empire. that area. eight-arm, symmetrical four-arm or The improvement was to make the Reversing of Fischer bow collectors on asymmetrical four-arm types, are pivoted, bow base pivot work in both directions bi-directional cars was generally undertaken hinged and constrained together so that the of operation without needing a rotating, by means of a short section of slack wire, a top plate can only move up and down in a but lockable, base assembly. The bow method still practised until very recently in vertical path. Modern lightweight designs generally allowed good upwards pressure Changchun, China; an alternative method often have two arms arranged inside the on the wire and was able to withstand was fitment of a ‘dog’ in the overhead mid- other two, with the necessary pivots and any slight mechanical shocks from minor span, which would catch a bow collector in hinges partially enclosed. The top plate can inconsistencies on the running surface, reverse motion and thrust it up and over for have one or several contact strips collecting that would instead just knock down the travel in the opposite direction. In Britain, current, and nowadays these have carbon plate briefly without the almost-inevitable this method was employed in Aberdeen and inserts for both improved current collection dewirement of a trolley-pole. Divergences, it can still be seen in use at Dalian, China – and self-lubrication. convergences and crossings could therefore Overhead for pantograph operation be easily engineered and did not require such must be more carefully installed and close maintenance as trolley-pole operations. “Reversing of Fischer better maintained than for bow operation, The Fischer bow, whilst uni-directional bow collectors on as a dewirement of a pantograph is not in operation, was easily rendered effectively recoverable. Often the hardware required to automatic in reversing for use by double- bi-directional cars via hold up pantograph wires is greater than for ended cars, thus significantly improving any other collector system. speedy and reliable operation. a 'dog' in the overhead In the UK, the bow collector was not widely Trolley-pole compromise used – but of those that were in use most mid-span is still seen For the enthusiast lamenting the loss of were of the Fischer type, with a replaceable trolley-pole systems it is a compromise. collector plate assembly allowing a good at Dalian, China – Often the only viable solution for heritage contact area for the more powerful cars that operation is to convert the collection to became needed. As UK use at the time was almost certainly the last pantograph, unless the system can retain always double-ended with double-decked compromise overhead, at least in part, for cars, the simplicity of reversal of the Fischer place to do it.” frequent trolley-pole use. Long may Bruxelles bow was advantageous; the systems of (Brussels) be willing to keep this solution Glasgow, Aberdeen and Leeds achieved almost certainly the last place to do it. Such available for its associated museum trams. high operational reliability with the an arrangement, however, is incompatible Whilst this appears the most simple solution Fischer bow. with joint use of trolley or pantograph it does require the wire used for trolley-poles Bow collectors work very well with single- collection, since both require a clear lower to be restricted in diameter and cross-section ended cars at normal operational speeds and wire surface. The only location in Dalian still to fit into the collector head. Also, the thus are retained by many systems that had fitted with a ‘dog’ allows pantograph-fitted points and crossings in the wire needed them installed. The apparent incongruity cars to reverse just before that point. for poles must have diversion fittings to of modern car types and older-style bow As the electrical needs of bigger and allow a smooth path for the collector plates collectors often seen in Russia is easy to more powerful trams and interurban cars of the pantographs. understand, since there is no need to change has increased, the contact area provided and the overhead would require too much in both sliding head trolley-poles and bow investment for reliable pantograph operation. collectors has also needed to increase. 1. In the early years of this century, a new route (35) Bow collectors in museums and on heritage Furthermore, the reduction in operating was introduced connecting Alexandria (Egypt)’s cars can happily co-exist with trolley-poles, staff and need to facilitate fully automatic two networks, requiring the use of dual-fitted cars. the exception being in places that must also operation of the current collector has driven The 1982 11xx-series of KinkiSharyo bogie cars were selected and are distinguished by their red and cater for trolleybuses’ negative wiring. the development of the pantograph collector. yellow livery. Here, in 2004, cars 1101+1102 head west The reversing of Fischer bows, however, is First this involved a large and heavy pivoted near Orabi Square on the city system. The leading a particular problem on wiring also used by framework, requiring significant roof space. trolley-pole is raised for current collection; both trolley-poles. Fischer bow reversing can only The advantages of fully-reversible working pantographs and the trolley-pole of the trailing car be done with the ability to push the wire up and the use of a contact strip both wide (1102) are retracted.

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For museums with low speed running deciding upon conversion for delivery of its this is not onerous, but for city operation it second batch. requires a willing owner and operator. When A particular problem has arisen with the these are present the city and enthusiast both operation of historic museum cars over city benefit. To have the operation of historic cars tramways that have converted to pantograph under trolley-poles amongst the heavily-used operation. In some instances the older cars modern articulated low-floor cars under have been fitted with modern collector pantographs is a delight to the enthusiast, equipment, but those seeking to achieve a tourist draw to the city and also a very authenticity have faced a problem and few positive demonstration of the quality of life are prepared to show the enthusiasm of and transport available to large numbers Bruxelles in reconverting overhead for dual of people. Thus we should encourage the use. The Czech tramway in Plzen has devised installation and retention of such diversity an ingenious solution, worthy of emulation 2 in street-based electric tramway operations, elsewhere, for use on its preserved 1899 and do all we can to encourage museums to car that was originally trolley-pole fitted: a keep trolley-poles in use. special collector plate has been fitted to the Now, outside dedicated tramway museums, top of a conventional trolley-pole, so that only a small number of full-service tramways the overall appearance of the car is authentic retain trolley-pole equipped cars; the even if the actual current is collected by a survivors are shown in the table below. Given more modern form of collection. the prevalence of the use of sliding collectors from the 1930s onwards, it is interesting that several of this small number (Manx Electric, “Outside tramway Porto, Sintra-Atlantico and Kolkata) retain museums, only a small brass wheels for current collection and that most use the fixed-head trolley system rather number of full-service than the later, more versatile, swivel-head variant. Interestingly, one system, Lisboa, has tramways retain 3 to retain a dual system of collection to ensure that cars used on the famous Graça circle trolley-pole cars.” 2. The latest delivery of low-floor cars to the Latvian operate with trolley-poles; the narrowness capital, Riga, features pantographs, but at least for the time being trolley-pole collection is being retained of some of the streets served means that It is an ironic twist that there remain on older members of the fleet. This coupled set of 977 pantograph plates would be within the considerably more tramways in the world Tatra T3A cars 51493+51503 shows both equipped reach of people hanging out from frontagers’ today that operate with bow collectors than with trolley-poles but current being drawn only buildings. Alexandria retains some dual- with trolley-poles. The great majority of by the leading car, which is cable-connected to the equipped cars for use on a route that covers these bow collector systems are in Russia and second unit. This view is from 13 May 2012. both its urban network (wired for trolley- other republics formerly part of the Soviet 3. Alexandria (Egypt) effectively operates two poles) and the pantograph-worked reserved- union, but examples exist elsewhere and separate but physically connected tram networks: track Ramleh interurban line. mixed bow and pantograph operation can the city system of local routes, worked by trolley- It may be assumed that the process of often be seen. Some Russian tramways, even pole-equipped cars, and the Ramleh interurban, conversion is largely complete for the present, big city examples such as Novosibirsk, are so which uses cars fitted with pantographs. In the early with the exception of the two Latvian determined to retain bows that even recent years of this century, a new route (35) was introduced systems (Daugavpils and Riga), where deliveries of modern cars are fitted with them. connecting the two networks, requiring dual-fitted trolley-poles have survived but are to The trolley-pole, however, will always cars. The 1982 11xx-series of KinkiSharyo bogie cars be replaced by pantographs on the new remain for many the epitome of tramcar are distinguished from the rest of the fleet by the special red and yellow livery. On 12 December 2003, generation of low-floor cars. Not that current collection, and the fact that some cars 1109+1110 are seen heading east, with the leading trolley-poles and low-floor cars are managements consider its use still appropriate (far) pantograph raised for current collection on incompatible, of course, as St-Étienne on a big city tramway over 125 years after it the interurban section and both trolley-poles and the demonstrated very successfully with its first was first developed is a fitting tribute to its trailing pantograph retracted. The cars are batch of low-floor cars in the 1990s before durability and soundness of concept. cable-connected.

TRAMWAYS STILL OPERATING WITH TROLLEY-POLE CURRENT COLLECTION

CONTINENT COUNTRY SYSTEM FORM OF COLLECTOR NOTES

Africa Egypt Alexandria Swivel-head trolley-wheel City lines only America Brazil Rio de Janeiro Fixed-head trolley-wheel Currently suspended Canada Toronto Fixed-head carbon skid USA Boston Fixed-head carbon skid USA New Orleans Fixed-head carbon skid USA Philadelphia Fixed-head carbon skid Subway-surface streetcar lines only USA San Francisco Fixed-head carbon skid Line F – common wire with trolleybuses Asia China Hong Kong Swivel-head carbon skid India Kolkata Swivel-head trolley-wheel Europe Isle of Man Manx Electric Fixed-head trolley-wheel Railway Latvia Daugavpils Swivel-head carbon skid Latvia Riga Swivel-head carbon skid Portugal Lisboa Fixed-head trolley-wheel Lines 12 and 28 only Portugal Porto Fixed-head trolley-wheel Portugal Sintra-Atlantico Fixed-head trolley-wheel Spain Tibidabo Fixed-head trolley-wheel (Barcelona)

252 / JUNE 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 4. St-Étienne (France) demonstrates that trolley-pole use is compatible with low- floor articulated tramcars. This view shows the first of the 1998 batch, 901, fitted with trolley- poles at Campus Trefilerie in 1998; the trolley-head extends well beyond the back of the tramcar even when the pole is fully raised, as illustrated by the angle of the retriever rope, which is well off the vertical.

5. Although the Lisboa (Portugal) tramway was converted to pantograph in 1995, it was necessary to retain trolley-poles on the two-axle cars operated on routes 12 and 28. In the Graça district, the narrowness of the defile served by the trams is such that the use of pantographs would present a danger to anyone inclined to lean out of a window. Car 559 turns from Rua da Conceicao into Rua da Prata while operating on circular route 12 on 6 May 2014, while car 548 passes towards 4 Graça on line 28. 6. During the transition from trolley-pole to pantograph in Bruxelles, it was necessary for the city tramways to equip cars required to work through the pre-metro subways with dual equipment. Pantographs were used within the subways, transfer to trolley-pole working being necessary for operation on surface tracks; the changeover was carried out without the need for manual intervention. On 15 April 1974, Bruxelles (STIB) PCC car 7056 emerges from the temporary 5 6 track laid in Rue d’Artois to join Boulevard du Midi while working on route 55.

7. New Toronto low-floor car 4402 test running on 26 June 2014 at Roncesvalles junction, showing the complicated overhead with many fouling fittings that must be changed for pantograph operation. The pantograph is fitted to the centre section of these cars and the trolley rope retriever enshrouded by a panel. Alan Pearce

7 Photography by Mike Russell unless otherwise stated.

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An illustrated history of the Liverpool Tramways Midland Metro T69 Trams Volume 1: 1869 to 1932 Following on from the author’s similar book on the By the Editor of the LRTA’s Tramway Review, this Manchester Metrolink T68s, this interesting review picture album is a fine record of covers the first life of the unique cars the development of one of the that launched Midland Metro and have UK’s largest networks. served it well for 16 years. 210 mm x 270 mm softback; A4 softback; 160 pages, illustrated in 112 pages, fully illustrated in black colour throughout. & white with 4 maps.

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Mauerfall 25 Liverpool Tramways The author takes us on a tour of the 27 East German Volume 2: 1933 to 1957 tramways that existed at the fall of the Berlin Wall Continuing the pictorial review through to its and brings their story up to demise, this second helping covers date, with some mention of the glory years of one of Britain’s other forms of transport. most progressive tram systems. 215 mm x 240 mm softback; 210 mm x 270 mm softback; 96 280 pages, illustrated in colour pages, fully illustrated in black & white throughout. with three maps. £20.00 plus P&P as shown above. £14.50 plus P&P as shown above.

Via Mound and Tollcross Trambahnen in der Transport in Edinburgh 1854 – 2014 Schweiz damals By the same author as Mauerfall 25, This DVD explores the three extensive tram this is a comprehensive review of the networks in Basel, Bern and Zürich, with footage Scottish capital’s public transport and from the 1970s and 80s and a few scenes from the particularly the first generation tram 1930s too. Museum car operation is also covered, network and its successor. including the steam tram in the Swiss capital. 215 mm x 240 mm softback; German commentary. 880 pages, fully illustrated in black & white and colour. 45 minutes. Produced by Eisenbahn Kurier.

£15.00 plus P&P as shown above. £16.50 (inc.VAT) plus P&P as shown above.

Obusse in Wuppertal Straßenbahnen in der DDR Detailed history of the trolleybus in this most A DVD filled with nostalgia from the former East interesting of cities, alongside two gauges of tramway Germany with historic Löwa and Gotha two-axle and the legendary Schwebebahn. trams and trailers, rudimentary early articulated German text. cars from the latter builder and the subsequent A4 hardback; 96 pages, 143 black & near-standard Tatra T4D bogie tramsfrom the 1960s white and 26 colour pictures, 14 maps through to re-unification. Some modern scenes are and fleet list. also included. German commentary. 58 minutes. Produced by Eisenbahn Kurier. £18.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. £16.50 (inc.VAT) plus P&P as shown above. IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE OF

SYSTEMS FACTFILE: RAPID PROGRESS EXAMINING THE TRANSPORT CORE IN WARSAW WHEEL AND RAIL In 2012 a second line opened in Orléans to The landscape of the Polish capital is The relationship between steel wheel and create a system running both north-south changing rapidly. The second metro line steel rail remains critical for the success and east-west overall. Neil Pulling explains opened in March 2015, and investment in of any light rail system. Bob Hall explains how the tramway is the main structure for regeneration continues apace. the principles and offers a critique of the French city’s public transport network. Witold Urbanowicz reports. current practice. PLUS... JULY + Classic Trams ISSUE + The latest news, rolling stock orders and movements, system developments, transport policy and leading industry comment on sale from around the world 19 June

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