THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

www.lrta.org www.tautonline.com

NOVEMBER 2016 No. 947 CINCINNATI’S HARD-WON MODERN REVIVAL

InnoTrans: The world’s greatest railway showcase Russian cities’ major low-floor orders Stadler and Solaris join for tram bids tunnelling is complete ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 Canada’s ‘Radial’ 11 Above and below the Exploring Ontario’s streets of the capital Halton County line 9 771460 832043 LRT MONITOR TheLRT MONITOR series from Mainspring is an essential reference work for anyone who operates in the world’s light and urban rail sectors. Featuring regular updates in both digital and print form, the LRT Monitor includes an overview of every established line and network as well as details of planned schemes and those under construction. POLAND

POZNAŃ

Tramways play an important role in one of of the main railway station. Poland’s biggest and most historic cities, with In 2012 a line opened to the east of the city, the first horse-drawn tramline opening in 1880. with an underground section containing two An overview Electrification followed in 1898. sub-surface stations and a new depot. The The network was badly damaged during World reconstruction of Kaponiera roundabout, an A high-quality War Two, resuming operations in 1947 and then important tram junction, is set for completion in of the system’s only east of the river Warta. Service returned to 2016. When finished, it will be a three-level image for ease the western side of the city in 1952 with the junction, with a PST interchange on the lower development, opening of the Marchlewski bridge (now named level. Future plans include construction of the of future after the 14th century Polish Queen Jadwigi). much-needed line to Naramowice. Outlying districts were gradually connected Poznań has introduced many new in recent major over the following three decades, a key recent years – from 2003 reference development coming with the opening of the (14 cars), from 2011 Solaris Tramino (45) and projects and express PST (Poznański Szybki Tramwaj) line in partially low-floor Moderus Beta produced by 2007, cutting journey times from the densely- MPK Poznań subsidiary Modertrans (24). The populated northern districts of Winogrady and partially low-floor Tatra RT6, in service since known plans Piątkowo to the city centre by 30 minutes. 1997, were extensively modernised but are now The missing PST section to the city’s railway being phased out. In late 2015 MPK Poznań for the future station opened in 2011. This 2km extension is selected Modertrans to deliver 20 partially carried in a cutting, parallel to the railway line low-floor trams with an option for further ten and below the level of the Roosvelta Street. that was exercised in June 2016. Unlike the other Trams terminate at the former platform seven 44 cars, these latter ten will be double-ended.

SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS Opened: Horse 1880, Electric 1898 Fleet: 180 x Konstal 105N with modifications, Wojciech Tulibacki - CEO Contact names Lines: 18 (+ 1 night service and 1 tourist service) 4 x Konstal 4N with modifications, 11 x Tatra +48 61 839 6011 System length: 82km RT6 MF06AC, 47 x Düwag GT8, 2 x Düwag Jerzy Zalwowski - Finance Director Stops: 130 GT8NF, 24 x Modertrans Moderus Beta Marek Grzybowski - Engineering Director and numbers The vital Depots: 4 MF02AC, 45 x Solaris Tramino S105p, one Jan Firlik - Operations Director Gauge: 1435mm Solaris Tramino S100, 14 x Siemens Combino Media contact: for the key operational Power supply: 600V dc (total 342, including 14 works cars) +48 61 839 6099 Annual ridership: 120M (2012 estimate) @ [email protected] decision-makers statistics Operator: Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo General contact: Komunikacyjne w Poznaniu (MPK Poznań) +48 61 839 6000 @ [email protected] Operator website: www.mpk.poznan.pl

SPAIN UKRAINE BELGIUM UNITED KINGDOM

MURCIA VINNYTSIA BRUSSELS METRO BLACKPOOL

The Murcia tramway was promoted and is stops in total, 24 for the regular service and four The metre-gauge tramway at Vinnytsia, dating trams featured motor cars and trailers of Most of the initial section of the first two approximately 39% metro, 36% tram, 25% bus. Blackpool’s tramway celebrated its 130th additional services provided by a refurbished owned by the city government, and is operated for the shuttle. The 11-strong Alstom Citadis from 1913, has in recent years been transformed the Karpfen type dating from 1959-63; a few lines were inaugurated in 1969 as pre-metro STIB anticipates 415M passengers by 2017. anniversary in 2015 and is the oldest of the UK’s heritage fleet. Although the fleet roster is by the Sociedad Concesionaria Tranvía de 302 fleet is maintained at a depot near Nueva into arguably the finest in Ukraine, following a solo motor cars are still in operation. The Zürich tram subways, converted in 1976 to a six- A departure from 45 earlier vehicles (still in first-generation electric tramways – indeed, one extensive, and almost all maintenance is still Murcia. This joint venture of Comsa Emte Condomina. Showing steady passenger growth deal concluded in 2007 for the transfer of cars provide the majority of services on the station, 11 km initial metro line. STIB/MIVB service), the 94m M6 CAF ‘Boa’ trains from of the oldest street-running electric tramways carried out in-house, at any one time no more Concesiones and FCC holds a concession period the line carried its 20 millionth passenger in 2016. surplus rolling stock from Zürich (Switzerland) six-route tramway, with seven Tatra KT4 increased metro operations by extending from 2007 represent a new generation of fully in the world, and one of only three that still use than 40 cars are usually to be found in of 40 years and a total investment of EUR264M. Construction was noted for its speed (two accompanied by a ten-year maintenance articulated cars, repainted in a pseudo-Zürich initial city coverage. The Chronos network now through-gangway trains. Forthcoming M7 double-deck trams in regular passenger service. operational condition. One of the highlights for The initial 2.2km line and four stops opened as a years) and minimal traffic disruption. It was also contract. A requirement was that the Zürich cars livery, making up the balance. consists of four conventional metro lines (M1, stock will be for lines scheduled for automatic The seaside resort’s fortunes declined the heritage fleet is the world-famous demonstration project in 2007 with the whole recognised for environmental considerations should retain their blue/ivory livery, and although Very high frequencies are provided and high M2, M5, M6) and three premetro lines (T3, T4, operation. throughout the 20th Century, but careful ‘Illuminations’ festival each autumn when cars of opening officially in May 2011. such as the reuse of excavated material and they have been renumbered with Vinnytsia fleet passenger loadings are experienced throughout and T7). The premetro network consists of three Not an original feature, stations have been management enabled the tramway to continue covered with spectacular lighting effects offer The single 18km line forms a ‘V’ that connects careful replanting of 90% of the affected trees. numbers, the Zürich fleet numerals continue to the day. A recent extension has linked the outer subway and surface tram lines. The completion fitted with barriers to improve revenue and in 2005 a business case was put to the UK tours along the Promenade. the northern part of the city to the centre; it is Clever marketing initatives included the offer of be displayed internally. ends of lines 2 and 6, and an outer-end circular of a connection at Gare de l’Ouest/Weststation protection. As with tramway stops, metro Government which sought funding for a A funding package has been agreed thatwill operated as a regular service connecting Nueva a lifetime pass in exhange for private cars. Today, most routes are served by three- service introduced, whilst new route 3 was in 2009 enabled line 2 to form a circle line and as stations are bi-lingualy named in French and comprehensive rebuild of the system’s allow a 600m branch of the tramway to be built Condomina to the Universidad de Murcia and a Recently plans were announced for a 2km section articulated Mirage cars, built between introduced in December 2015, providing further a consequence the metro was significantly Dutch. Cross-mode ticketing covers STIB infrastructure, along with other seafront along Talbot Road to the town’s main railway shuttle spur from Terra Natura to the extension south from Plaza Circular to El Carmen, 1966 and 1969. The original deliveries of Zürich direct suburban connections. reorganised into the current 4 line operation. modes and other public sector operators for renovation projects. station, Blackpool North, and the purchase of Universidad Católica de San Antonio. There 28 using catenary-free operation along Gran Vía. The metro runs mainly sub-surface in services within the capital region. The system was reborn as a modern tramway two additional low-floor trams. This line is twin-track tunnels. To increase capacity as per A terrorist attack at Maalbeek station on 22 in 2012 with relaid tracks, fully refurbished expected to open by 2019. Furthermore, a SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS STIB’s Pulsar project, EUR5.2Bn was approved March 2016 killed 16 metro passengers and stops, a new depot at Starr Gate and a new fleet feasibility study is being undertaken examining SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS Opened: 1913 Fleet: 78 x Be 4/6 Mirage with modifications, Mykola V. Formanyuk - CEO in October 2015 for a ten-year programme for injured many more. This resulted in a temporary of 2 low-floor trams. The a further extension of the main line south to Opened: 2011 Stops: 750V dc Severiano Arias Gonzalez – Director General Lines: 6 12 x Be 4/4 Karpfen, 14 x B4 Karpfen, 11 x B4 + 380 432 611 693 fully-automatic operation on new extensions full closure of the metro, to be re-opened in new vehicles operate the basic service, with Lytham St Annes. Lines: 1 Fleet: 11 x Alstom Citadis 302 Santiago Molina – Technical Director System length: 19.6km FFA/SWP, 36 x Tatra KT4, one Tatra T4, Mykola I. Zaveryukha - Deputy Director and retrofitting some existing lines. sections. Two further metro lines are planned System length: 18km Annual ridership: 5M (2014, estimate) General contact: Stops: 36 one Gotha T57 - total 162, including various General contact: STIB network passenger journeys increased and it is hoped that these will open between Stops: 28 Operator: Tranvia de Murcia + 34 (0) 982 230 068 Depots: 1 works cars + 380 432 091 067 by 110% for 2000-14, with a modal split of 2022 and 2025. SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS Depots: 1 @ [email protected] Gauge: 1000mm Annual ridership: 68.1M (2013) @ [email protected] Opened: 1885 Jane Cole – Managing Director General contact: Gauge: 1435mm Operator website: www.tranviademurcia.es Power supply: 550V dc Operator: Vinnytska Transportna Kompaniya, KP Operator website: www.depo.vn.ua Lines: 1 + 44 (0) 1253 473001 + 44 (0) 1253 473001 SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS System length: 18km @ [email protected] @ [email protected] Opened: 1969 (pre-metro), 1976 (metro) Annual ridership: 134.9M (2015) Brieuc de Meeûs – CEO Stops: 37 Bob Mason – Director of Delivery Operator website: PALMA YENAKIEVE Lines: 4 Operator: Societe des transportes Tom Michiels – Technical Director Depots: 2 + 44 (0) 1253 473116 www.blackpooltransport.com System length: 39.9km intercommunaux de Bruxelles (STIB/MIVB) Marc Haumont – Director of Operations Gauge: 1435mm @ [email protected] Stops: 69 @ [email protected] Power supply: 600V dc Paul Grocott – Tramway Programme Manager Palma’s metro is an excellent example of the terminus at the university. Less than five months The industrial town of Yenakieve opened its and only about ten are still serviceable. The Depots: 4 An van Hamme – Media contact Fleet: 16 x , 9 x English + 44 (0) 1253 476329 blurring of definitions in the light rail industry; after opening the line suffered serious flooding tramway in 1932. The skyline is dominated by a system is the only one in Ukraine to have taken Gauge: 1435mm + 32 (0) 2525 2056 Electric Balloon, 37 x heritage/Illumination cars @ [email protected] Line M1 is a true light metro but line M2 operates and services did not restart until July 2008. large steelworks, though this is (unusually) not delivery of one of the latest Ust-Katav KTM-23 Power supply: 900V dc @ [email protected] – total 67, including 5 works cars of various types Bryan Lindop – Head of Heritage Operations CAF EMUs on regional rail lines. In November 2012 it was announced that a served by the tramway that features four prongs, bogie cars with a low-floor centre section. It Fleet: 217 x M1-M5 (Bombardier, CAF: 4- and General contact: Annual ridership: 4.9M (2015) + 44 (0) 1253 473116 Constructed between 2005-07 at a cost of second line (M2) would operate between Plaça on a mainly north/south axis, which includes the was also the only tramway other than Luhansk 5-car trains), 126 x CAF M6 ‘Boa’ (6-car trains) + 32 (0) 2515 5400 Operator: Blackpool Transport Services @ [email protected] EUR312M, the metro opened in April 2007 with d’Espanya and Marratxi using 8.35km of existing original line. The town’s limited commercial centre to trial the LT-10 bogie cars built there but its - total 343 @ [email protected] one line, now designated M1. The service rail lines. With minimal work required, revenue is located a little to the south of the mid-point, experience was even worse than elsewhere and Operator website: www.stib-mivb.be operates between the city centre’s intermodal service began in March 2013. Sharing its first and features an involved single-track loop layout. none lasted in service more than three years. EDINBURGH station at Plaça d’Espanya and the Universitat three stations with line M1 and also running Trams serve mainly residential developments as Although Yenakieve has suffered heavy de les Illes Balears (UIB), a distance of 7.2km underground until Son Costa Son Fortesa, the well as the Red October coal mine. A feature is shelling in the 2014-15 insurgency and remains CHARLEROI with nine stations including the two termini. lines split as M1 turns north and M2 runs on the the preponderance of tramway streets, where in rebel-held territory, the tramway remains Edinburgh’s original tramways ran from 1871 until disputes with the scheme’s lead contractors From Plaça d’Espanya the line runs surface for the remainder of the route to Marratxi. tracks are laid on central or side reservation. operational unlike the subsidiary trolleybus 1956, originally with cable traction, but electrified and unexpected utility works delayed the underground to just beyond Camí dels Reis then Rolling stock is all CAF supplied, with six The fleet comprises mainly Soviet-built (ex-tramway) in neighbouring Vuhlehirsk, which Charleroi is the biggest city in Wallonia, a mainly Beaux-Arts is the focal point on the north of in the 1920s. Edinburgh’s second-generation project significantly. Funding problems and at surface level for a stretch of 2.5km, including Class 71 units operating on M1 and five Class 81 KTM-5 bogie cars; many are now 40 years old, was completely destroyed during the fighting. French-speaking region that once formed the the circuit. Part of the western arm (opened tramway opened on 31 May 2014, although the political disputes led to the scaling back of the the station at Son Sardina (interchange with FC EMUs on M2. The system’s depot is located on industrial heartland of Belgium. 1986) and the eastern arm (including the 2012 story of the project is not a happy one. original plans and the truncated scheme finally de Soller), before diving back underground for the line M2, just west of Verge de Lluc station. In the 1960s, Charleroi had an extensive tram Soleilmont extension) are fully grade- The original system proposed in 2003 detailed opened in May 2014, the final cost is estimated SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS network; interurban operations were run by the separated, the remainder is mainly a street or a three-line route, with a loop serving the city to be over EUR854M. A fleet of 27 CAF Urbos 3 Opened: 1932 Fleet: 33 x 71-605 (KTM-5M3) with Oleksandr S. Vaynsteyn - CEO SNCV (National Provincial Tramways) and urban roadside tramway. This includes the 7.2km centre and northern suburbs and radial routes trams was delivered, but only 17 are needed for SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS Lines: 3 modifications, 3 x 71-623-02 (KTM-23) - total + 380 625 222 232 operations by STIC (Charleroi City Transport). northern line to Gosselies, opened in June 2013 to Newcraighall in the south and Newbridge in regular passenger services on the curtailed line. Opened: 2007 Gauge: 1435mm Mateu Capella Ribot – CEO System length: 14.2km 38, including works cars Galyna V. Kyslychka - Finance Director An increase in car and bus transport – combined when old track retained for depot access was the west. The cost of the scheme in 2003 was A public inquiry into the management of the Lines: 2 Fleet: 6 x Class 71 (M1), 5 x CAF Class 81 (M2) General contact: Stops: 31 Annual ridership: 10.7M (2013) + 380 625 290 282 with de-industrialisation – led to its decline. rebuilt. Because of the narrowness of some estimated at EUR697M. The line finally opened project was called in 2014 and is ongoing; System length: 15.55km Annual ridership: 1.2M (2014) + 34 (0) 871 930 000 Depots: 1 Operator: Yenakiyivske Tramvaino-Troleibusne General contact: Had a plan to reinvigorate the area with a streets in Gosselies, the line uses single track in in 2014 contains parts of two of these lines, meanwhile, encouraging passenger figures and Stops: 19 Operator: Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM) @ [email protected] Gauge: 1524mm Upravlinnia, KP + 380 625 222 232 52km metre-gauge métro léger (light metro), different streets for each direction. These covering a 14km route from Edinburgh Airport revenues have led the City of Edinburgh Council AVAILABLE Depots: 1 Operator website: www.trensfm.com Power supply: 550V dc integrating former tram routes and the Vicinal extensions were followed by a reorganisation to York Place in the city centre. to investigate a number of potential extensions interurban Anderlues line been adopted, it of services to provide four routes (M1 – M4) all Authorisation for the tram network came from to the east, reinstating some or all of the would have provided eight branches off a radiating from the city loop. M3 and M4 run at a the Scottish Parliament in March 2006. Breaking proposed line to the Port of Leith, Ocean PARLA YEVPATORIA central circuit of Charleroi. Continuing economic ten-minute headway at peak times, but M1 and ground in 2008, management problems, Terminal and Newhaven. decline and political vacillation resulted in M2 only manage a 30-minute headway. cancellations and long delays leading to the Services are provided by BN/ACEC LRVs, The single Tranvia de Parla circular line is 8.3km stretch has four stops with a “Sur” and “Norte” Yevpatoria is a resort on the Crimean Black Sea track and opened in 1990-91. The route pattern abandonment. once 54-strong in anticipation of the bigger SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS long and serves the major facilities and urban alternative for each. coast; its metre-gauge tramway opened in May was reorganised some years ago to provide The metro launched with a short section in system. The bi-directional Charleroi version is Opened: 2014 George Lowder – CEO Colin Kerr – Head of Engineering developments of the dormitory town of Parla. The system uses five-section 2.4m-wide 1914 to cater for resort visitors as well as locals. more direct links and enable the circuitous route 1976, but progress was slow and openings much closer to the original appearance than Lines: 1 +44 (0) 131 469 5402 +44 (0) 131 338 5769 It connects with the local Madrid interurban rail Alstom Citadis 302 trams, housed in a depot at During its existence there have been several 2 to be suspended in winter months. stalled after 1996 with just 25km delivered; contemporary examples on De Lijn’s Kusttram. System length: 14km @ [email protected] @ [email protected] network at Parla Centro on its western flank the system’s northern end, close to the Plaza de suspensions of service, whilst from 1923-41 On Prospekt Lenina, cars on trunk route 1 some infrastructure completed to an advanced A tender was launched in April 2016 by Société Stops: 15 Lea Harrison – General Manager Gaynor Marshall – Media contact and Parla Norte to the north stretch, opening in Toro stop and adjacent to the interurban rail operation was restricted to summer months. connect with the shuttle line 3 to the railway stage has never seen services, with other parts Régionale Wallonne du Transport for Depots: 1 @ [email protected] +44 (0) 131 475 0129 two phases in May and September 2007. tracks. Current use is around 5M passengers In recent years four routes have been station. This uses either coupled Gotha cars or an not begun. Although four stations on the refurbishment of the 45 cars currently used. Gauge: 1435mm Sarah Thompson – Head of Operations @ [email protected] Double-track for its entire length, the layout is annually (2014), above initial estimates. operated, two of which are seasonal. Of these, articulated Tatra KT4 motor car, one of three Châtelet branch were completed, and four more In early 2016, the city council announced plans Power supply: 750V dc +44 (0) 131 338 5784 Operator website: www.edinburghtrams.com interesting not just for its almost circular nature Future plans include two more lines, both line 4 to the New Beach was built as a single- converted to double-ended configuration. In early partially constructed, the structures now lie to open the long-dormant Châtelet tramline, Fleet: 27 x CAF Urbos 3 @ [email protected] but also for a 2.4km stretch of split-running on circular. The city’s current financial situation and track roadside line in 1981 and operates 2016 a prototype partial low-floor for the system ravaged by decay and vandalism. with a 600m extension to a new hospital. Annual ridership: 5.3M (2015) the eastern side of the system where the a recent scandal concerning the system’s June-September. Much of the rest of the system was unveiled by PK Transportnye Systemy. Operator: clockwise and anti-clockwise tracks are in original funding mean that extensions are not is laid in single-track with passing loops. The Since the Russian seizure of Crimea in March separate streets a 250m block apart. Each expected to be announced in the near future. most recent extension, serving the northern 2014, visitor numbers have declined, affecting SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS KEY CONTACTS Sputnik-2 housing estate, was built as double- both ridership and frequencies on the tramway. Opened: 1887 Didier Gilson – Director General GeneralMonseux contact: Gerard – CEO Lines: 4 @ [email protected] @Xavier [email protected] Robert – Operations Manager SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS System length: 33km Philippe Vandemeersche – Technical Director Veronique +32 (0) 7123 Benoit 4111 – Commercial Director Opened: 2007 Fleet: 5 x Alstom Citadis 302 Tomas J. Perez Cortes – Maintenance Manager SYSTEM FACTS KEY CONTACTS Stops: 48 (operational) @ [email protected] OperatorGeneral Contactwebsite: www.infotec.be Lines: 1 Annual ridership: 5M (2011) Juan Carlos Martínez Moreno Opened: 1914 Power supply: 550V dc Olexandr V. Melnik - CEO Depots: 1 +32 (0) 7123 4112 + 32 (0) 7123 4115 System length: 8.3km Operator: Tranvia de Parla S.A. – Technical Leader Lines: 2 (+ 2 seasonal) Fleet: 16 x Tatra KT4, 5 x Gotha T57, one Gotha + 380 656 927 678 Gauge: 1000mm Xavier Robert – Operations Director @ [email protected] Stops: 16 General contact: System length: 14.9km B57 - total 24, including works cars Vladimir V. Sysoyev - Engineering Director Power supply: 600V dc @ [email protected] Operator website: www.infotec.be Depots: 1 + 34 (0) 900 702 010 Stops: 42 Annual ridership: 13.1M (2013) + 380 656 933 314 Fleet: 45 x BN LRVs Marc Bolly – Head of Infrastructure Gauge: 1435mm @ [email protected] Depots: 1 Operator: Yevpatoriyske Tramvaine Upravlinnia General contact: Annual ridership: 8M (2014) @ [email protected] Power supply: 750V dc Operator website: www.viaparla.com Gauge: 1000mm imeni I. O. Pyatetskoho, KP + 380 656 927 678 @ [email protected] Operator: TEC Charleroi NOW SOUTHERN EUROPE  | 5 EASTERN EUROPE  UKRAINE | 11 2 | WESTERN EUROPE  BELGIUM WESTERN EUROPE  UNITED KINGDOM | 1

6 | CENTRAL EUROPE  POLAND

@ [email protected] | www.mainspring.co.uk/monitor 416 CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association NOVEMBER 2016 Vol. 79 No. 947 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL 421 Editor S imon Johnston E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK Associate Editor T ony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin 426 Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight P O37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] News Editor John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] Senior Contributor Neil Pulling Worldwide Contributors Tony Bailey, James Chuang, Paul Nicholson, Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, Herbert Pence, Alain Senut, Thomas Wagner. News 412 systems factfile: 432 Production Rick Wilson Russian cities’ bumper trams orders; Neil Pulling reports on the recent resurgence Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] Cincinnati streetcar opens; Stadler and of this unusual tramway in Lower . Design Solaris partner for Eastern Europe; New UK Debbie Nolan minister announces his support of light rail. WR O LDWIDE REVIEW 437 Advertising looks for lower COMMERCIAL Manager Innotrans 2016 416 maintenance track; Škoda chosen for G eoff Butler TAUT gives you the highlights of the key Ekisehir; EU funds expansion. Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] technology and debating points from the Publisher H oward Johnston world’s biggest railway trade exhibition. mailbox 442 Electrical systems and regulations explained. Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each ctincinna i streetcar 421 month preceding the cover date. Hans Retallick and Hebert Pence go behind CLASSIC trams: ONTARIO 444 LRTA Website and Diary the scenes of the fascinating development Mike Russell visits Canada’s Halton County Brian Lomas of the US’ newest urban LRT circulator. Radial Railway Museum E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up Berlin urbaN rail special 426 members of the Light Rail Transit Association. In the second part of our focus on the rail-based networks of the German capital’s BVG, Subscriptions AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES TAUT focuses on the U-Bahn metro system, including its current U5 expansion programme. LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 BACK ISSUES Can we afford not to invest in future transit? Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION The biennial running of the world’s biggest railway trade fair in Berlin Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. offers much food for thought. Key themes of automation and digitisation LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE are explored in our report beginning on page 416, but what really c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. interested me was whether all this new technology is truly needed. Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 I fully understand that automation can create greater reliability and in and Wales. availability and that passengers need a convincing reason to abandon their LRTA Chairman cars, yet many of these innovations also add complexity, weight and are an extra power Andrew Braddock draw when there are often effective alternatives. My current phone provider gives me a E-mail: [email protected] huge amount of mobile data for a very small sum each month and the 4G coverage is faster LRTA Deputy Chairman than most Wi-Fi. Likewise, air-con systems are always going to struggle Paul Rowen with doors that open every five minutes and if you gather more than a hundred people in LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, a small area there is always going to be a lot of heat generated. What about scaling them UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 back and having windows that open? Buses and trains have them, so why can’t trams? in England and Wales. A serious note is whether such things make systems less affordable when some cities © LRTA Publishing 2016 are counting the pennies. I’d far rather see money spent on decent waiting areas, Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also better seating and passenger information and ultimately new lines. later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the It could be argued that we sometimes get too hung up on the shiny bits. There are opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of dangers associated with designing to a specification we think will please politicians LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. or accountants... that perhaps miss the overall objective. Step back, think about what No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in we want to achieve in the long term and then look at the best ways of doing it – an LRT any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and system will more often than not work out as the more expensive option, but it also retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from delivers so much more than a bus or a car can do over a 30, 40 or 50-year period. the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the They are also vote winners in many cases, and can we afford not to invest if they clean magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. the environment, create jobs and spark investment? A perfect example is the Cincinnati COVER: Cincinnati Bell Connector 1177 at Bell Connector – another fascinating read that starts on page 421. Simon Johnston, Editor Park on 9 September. Herbert Pence

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 411 News Russian cities’ major tram orders Moscow and St Petersburg both look to domestic manufacturers for significant low-floor fleets

ussia’s two largest cities Russia’s second-largest city and both announced the historic capital Sankt Peterburg placement of significant (St Petersburg) has also agreed orders for new tramway an order for new trams, albeit Rfleets on 26 September. a smaller one than in Moskva. The country’s capital Moskva UKVZ (Ust-Katav) submitted the (Moscow) is to take 300 three- best bid to build 19 71-631 trams; section articulated trams of the deal is worth RUR900m low-floor type71-931 Vityaz-M (EUR13m). The first three of the from a consortium of new vehicles are to be delivered Metrovagonmash and this year, with the remainder to PK Transportnye Systemy in follow by May 2017. Tver. The contract is worth Sankt Peterburg already RUR56bn (approx. EUR807m) operates 28 71-631 trams, and delivery is to take place in including 16 that have doors on 2017-19 at the rate of 100 trams/ both sides and run in back-to- year. September saw the arrival back formation to form double- from Volgograd of a Vityaz for ended sets; the new batch will demonstration. however be standard single- The 71-931 is similar in layout ended trams. The Baltic city also to the Ust-Katav 71-631, both has seven 71-931 cars. being six-axle trams with a short Reconstruction at the centre section featuring a 70% The PMTS 71-931 demonstrator on trial from Bauman depot as Moskva 0207, Transmashholding OEVRZ low floor, except over the end after transfer from Volgograd. Alisa manufacturing facility in Sankt (powered) . Peterburg has freed up space for The contract price includes 30 of PMTS is relatively small, the metro trains used in the city. the creation of a new 15 000m2 years of maintenance (the latter but Metrovagonmash has a Meanwhile, funding has also complex to build metro and accounting for nearly half the large factory at Mytishchi near been secured for ten further low- tramway vehicles that includes contract value). The Tver factory Moskva and has built many of floorFokstrot trams from PESA. a 1.2km (0.75-mile) test track. Stadler and Solaris partner for Dudley Very Light Rail Eastern European tram contracts Centre close to Solaris has formed a joint the selection by Leipzig the partnership will make its venture with Stadler Polska of transport authority LVB for products more attractive. agreement Siedlce to bid for tramway and a EUR7.7m order for five 45m The first joint bid is due to be light rail contracts in central and Tramino cars for the city for an offer to supply the city of Dudley Council (UK) was due eastern Europe. delivery this winter; options Krakow which in August released to complete a contract with Founded in 2001, Poland’s for a further 36 exist. a requirement for up to 50 new Warwick Manufacturing Solaris is already a well-known Stadler Polska employs around 32-35m low-floor vehicles. Group (WMG), for the bus and trolleybus manufacturer 800 staff at its site in Siedlce and Commenting on the deal, GBP27.8m (EUR32.1m) and entered the light rail market is one of the biggest rolling stock Peter Spuhler, CEO of Stadler, Very Light Rail complex at in 2009. It has since delivered manufacturers in the country. said: “The product portfolios Dudley’s Castle Hill at the low-floorTramino vehicles to Solaris and non-domestic of both companies are end of September. the Polish cities of Pozna and manufacturers have found complementing themselves The site will incorporate a Olsztyn as well as Jena and it difficult to compete with a very well. We will be able to vehicle assembly workshop, Braunschweig in . dominant PESA in the Polish profit from one another in research labs, conference Its latest export success was market and it is hoped that our technology development, facilities and a demonstration therefore I am very pleased with line. This will run from the the co-operation with Solaris.” Castle Hill site through Dudley Solaris CEO Solange Olszewska Tunnel before terminating added: “We aim to still grow our close to Cinder Bank that will activities in the light rail market run parallel to the mothballed and therefore we searched for a freight line from Wednesbury renowned strategic partner for to Stourbridge, which is the further development of our also the site of the proposed products and facilities in the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Pozna area and also to utilise extension of Midland Metro. our excellent market contacts The agreement will be and even grow our engineering subject to procurement of and car body manufacturing design consultants and a competence. construction contractor and “For such co-operation there the signing of a 25-year lease Solaris supplied the low-floor vehicles to Poland’s newest tramway in Olsztyn is no better partner than Stadler, for the demonstration track (TAUT 939); its new strategic partnership with Stadler will see the firm intensify its which is a globally-recognised with UK rail infrastructure offering to the Eastern European market. Martyn Jandula Swiss brand.” manager Network Rail.

412 / november 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Wabtec Faiveley acquisition agreement UK Transport Minister The European Commission has cleared the acquisition of 51% of Faiveley Transport SA in a EUR1.7bn deal on the condition ‘a supporter’ of light rail that the firm much divests Faiveley Transport’s sintered Paul Maynard MP addresses Global Light Rail Awards on 5 October brake material operation, Faiveley Transport Gennevilliers (FTG). Both Wabtec and Faiveley will ew UK Parliamentary de and Pre-Metro continue to co-operate with the Under-Secretary of Operations, which operates the US Department of Justice to reach State for Transport UK’s Stourbridge Branch with a approval; the deal is expected to Paul Maynard told Parry railcar. be completed this year. theN Global Light Rail Awards on In a packed hall, winners also 5 October “you definitely have a included Nottingham Express Green track handbook A guide to tramway and light rail supporter here today”. Transit and Edinburgh Trams green track systems has been made He said he looked forward to for the Most Improved Systems, available in English by Germany’s working with UKTram to push and Metrolink RATP Dev, named Grüngleis Netzwerk. The costs down and added “I’m not Operator of the Year for its work in Handbook Track Greening includes new to the sector as I have seen Manchester. However, perhaps the recommendations for design, the tramway develop in Blackpool greatest applause was reserved for construction and maintenance and know its importance to two individuals who won special and is available through the LRTA the community… I want there awards from the event’s judges: bookshop (see page 446). to be more and more systems London’s First Tram Operations Cross-border Citadis arrives competing to win these awards”. Managing Director John Rymer, The firstCitadis intended to run Mr Maynard is the Member and Manchester’s Dave Skirrow, cross-border to Kehl (Germany) of Parliament for Blackpool who has led attempts to improve has been delivered to Strasbourg. North and Cleveleys and was safety through improved A further 11 are to follow by May Paul Maynard MP offered positive appointed in July, replacing under-run protection. 2017 under a EUR41m order placed feedback to the industry at the Global in 2014. The delivery is under a Andrew Jones. The politician was Next year’s ceremony is to be Light Rail Awards on 5 October framework agreement between and emphasised his commitment speaking at the awards ceremony held on 4 October 2017. Alstom and operator Compagnie to working with the industry to in London, at which he helped A full supplement on the des Transport Strasbourgeois for encourage the development hand out awards to organisations Global Light Rail Awards is to 50 vehicles. of more new systems. J. Hill as diverse as Spain’s Tranvía appear in the next issue of TAUT.

Mid-Coast construction NEWS IN PICTURES to start in October A ground-breaking ceremony undertaken by a Stacy and for the Mid-Coast Trolley Project Witbeck-led joint venture, Mid- is to take place on 22 October. Coast Transit Constructors, in a Extension of the San Diego line contract worth around USD922m. from Old Town Transit Center The USD2bn project is being to University City will create 50/50 funded between a local an 18.5km (11.5-mile) line with sales tax and the Federal nine new stops. Transit Administration, which Construction, due for signed a funding agreement completion in 2021, is to be in September.

Škoda wins Tampere order Škoda is to supply 15-20 ForCity vehicles the price ranges from Smart Artic trams to Tampere EUR3.2m-3.8m per vehicle. (Finland) after being named Phase one of the LRT scheme preferred bidder for a deal that will run from Hervanta into includes options for a further central Tampere. Cincinnati tramway loop opens 46 vehicles. The contract also Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Federal Transit Administrator Carolyn includes maintenance for ten Flowers and other officials have celebrated the opening of the Cincinnati Bell years, with an option to extend Connector, the 5.8km (3.6-mile) city tramway loop whose ten-year naming this for a further 30 years. rights were sold to telecommunications provider Cincinnati Bell for USD3.4m. The award was made to Over 18 000 passengers were carried free on opening day, 9 September, and Finnish subsidiary Transtech 50 646 by the end of the free weekend. The line is worked by five CAF 100% which is already supplying low-floor cars (1175-1179), a follow-on from an order for Kansas City. Paid riders were averaging 3185/day during the first week; the service runs trams to Helsinki; Škoda every 12 minutes at peaks and every 15 minutes at other times. acquired a majority holding For more on the Cincinnati Bell Connector, see our full feature on page 421. in August 2015. Final approval is expected on 24 October Deliveries of the Artic are underway ABOVE: Four CAF Urbos trams in Cincinnati Bell Connector livery arriving and with the contract value for Helsinki; a new order will see them for the launch ceremony at Washington Park on 9 September. P. Ehrlich dependent on the number of running in Tampere in 2021. Škoda

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org november 2016 / 413 News Seattle orders 122 Siemens Lrvs New cars ordered to service Sound Transit 2 expansion as new Angle Lake terminus opens

ound Transit has in this November’s ballot. announced a USD554m The order was announced order with Siemens for 122 by Sound Transit CEO Pete new three-section LRVs, Rogoff, who moved to the plusS an option for 30 more. agency this year. He The new S70 vehicles may use the previously spent four years single-ended but double-sided at the Federal Transportation design used by Portland. Agency (2009-2014) and was Sound Transit bought its initial subsequently Under-Secretary fleet of 62 cars from Kinkisharyo, of Transportation for Policy but they are all now needed as in the US Department of the system has grown north and Transportation. south from the initial line and The new Angle Lake terminus patronage has boomed, requiring – on a 2.6km (1.6-mile) extension longer trains. The first of the south from SeaTac and featuring Siemens deliveries are to take a 1120-space park-and-ride place in 2019, in time to be used site – opened on 24 September. on the University of Washington Running time to Westlake in the – Northgate extension, and then city centre is 41 minutes. on the Sound Transit 2 expansion package. This will take the system Above right: A computer north to 164th/Ash Way, east to generated image of a coupled set of Bellevue and south to Tacoma. Siemens LRVs at SeaTac station. However, the new order will not Right: An interior view of the new cover the USD53.8bn Sound Siemens S70 for Seattle, maximising Transit 3 package, which voters passenger capacity. will have the chance to approve BOTH: Sound Transit

CAF wins major Amsterdam tram order VDVA celebrates its 60 years Amsterdam’s GVB announced current metro-style operation an order for 63 CAF Urbos 3 trams is cut back to Amsterdam-Sud. The Verband Deutscher on 12 September, with an option They will also permit extension Verkehrs-Amateure, an affiliate for 60 more. A mock-up will be of the line to Uithoorn. society of the Light Rail Transit delivered in 2017, with series CAF-built metro cars have Association, celebrated its delivery in 2019-22. worked in the city for 20 years, 60th anniversary during the The 100% low-floor double- and the company is building 27 last weekend of August in the ended cars will replace the last new trams for the Uithof Although the livery is to be Bergisch Land. 45 11G (901-20) and 12G (817-41) line. Amsterdam has a 213.3km confirmed, the first image of the new Participants enjoyed several trams dating from 1989-91 and (132.5-mile) network; apart from CAF low-floor trams for Amsterdam tours, either with historic provide for a higher level of service the 11/12G trams, the fleet is has been released by GVB. GVB trolleybuses and buses, on a on the Amstelveen line when the mainly Siemens Combino cars. passenger boat, the Kaiserwagen of the Schwebebahn, or historic trams at the BMB Innsbruck expansion – and anniversaries marked museum at Kohlfurth. The anniversary book Trams in the Technikerstrasse/Karl- Hall in 1891 and 75 years since the Sixties was also presented. Innerebner-Strasse junction. the formation of the IVB. In the east, tracklaying has On 16 September, former been finished along the eastern Hall bogie motor car 2 of 1909 section of Gumppstrasse and and four two-axle trailers on Langstrasse to the junction 102, 103, 106 and 112 dating with Reichenauer Strasse. from 1900, made two return Route 2 is scheduled to enter trips between Bergisel and service late next year with Mühlauer Brücke (the section Hall bogie tram 2 with its four tiny route 5 following in 2018. once used by withdrawn route trailers at Wilton depot. R. Deacon Utility work has also begun 4 to Hall) and a third from in Pastorstrasse in readiness Bergisel to Igls (route 6). Extension work continues for the installation of tracks Museum cars were paraded on Innsbruck tramway leading to the new tram depot. outside the TMB depot the routes 2 and 5. Work on the Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe following morning. An hourly VDVA guests in front of Barmer western extensions has been (IVB) operated free services with service operated 09.35-15.35 Bergbahn tram 94 at Kohlfurth. From left: Gunter Mackinger (Salzburg), completed, with tracks and preserved cars in September in over route 1, cars being selected Prof. Hans Ahlbrecht (Essen), Honorary overhead installed the full conjunction with the Tiroler from those on display. Included Chairman Walter Vögele (Karlsruhe), length of Kranebitter Allee MuseumsBahnen (TMB) to in the static display was former immediate past Chairman Alex allowing the installation mark the 125th anniversary of Hagen GT8 car 83, its first outing Reuther and current Chairman Rolf of a three-way crossing at the opening of the first line to since withdrawal in 2009. Hafke (both Köln). VDVA

414 / november 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Doha Metro tunnelling complete Arabian mega project reaches a key milestone, first Kinki Sharyo vehicle mock-up due soon

unday 23 September Major contracts still to be marked the completion awarded include facilities of the initial 111km (69 management and operations and miles) of tunnelling maintenance; this is planned to requiredS to deliver the first be co-ordinated with the 38.5km phase of the Doha Metro. The (23.9-mile) Lusail Tramway. final breakthrough was made Earlier in the year Qatar Rail at Terminal One of Hamad confirmed six potential operators International Airport, at the had prequalified: a Mitsubishi southern end of the Red line. Heavy Industries/JR West joint Qatar Rail said the milestone venture, MTR Corporation, means phase one is now more Serco, , RATP/ and than 50% complete, with /DB International. tracklaying, station construction A full size mock-up of a Kinki and mechanical and electrical Sharyo metro train will be work still to be done. The unveiled shortly. Each of the 75 opening is now set for 2020, trainsets will have two standard a year later than planned. class cars with 88 seats and one A record was set in September car split between Gold class with last year for the most tunnel 16 seats and Family class with 26 boring machines in operation in seats. Kinki Sharyo is to design a city at any one time – at least and build the trainsets at its Doha’s ‘Al Faras’ – named after the famed Arabian racing mares – will be some of 21 have been used in total. facility in Osaka, Japan. the fastest driverless trains in the world, operating at 100km/h (62mph). Qatar Rail

Brussels M3 First Liberty tram arrives for ’s QLINE Streetcar The first of six BrookvilleLiberty public-private partnership trams was delivered to the US formed in 2007. It is to connect progress city of Detroit on 14 September, Detroit’s waterfront with New The Belgian Government is two months early, in advance Center and North End. moving ahead with Brussels’ of the imminent completion The first vehicle is numbered north-south metro line 3, which of construction on the 5.3km 287, one up from the last Detroit will take over the Nord – Midi tram (3.3-mile) Woodward Avenue tram in a tradition followed by subway from tramlines 3 and circulator. Work is expected US cities that have readopted 4. Work on the EUR1.6bn 5km be finished by November, with light rail. The more than 70% (three-mile) expansion project passenger services to start in 2017. low-floor 20m streetcars will use The first M-1 Rail Liberty undergoing should be completed in 2025. The QLINE tramway is being batteries to traverse the 60% of testing at Brookville’s Pennsylvania When complete, M3 will delivered by M-1 Rail, a non-profit the route that will be wire-free. facility in September. Brookville cover the route from Bordet – Schaerbeek – Brussels Nord on a new line, as well as running through the existing tunnel and NEWS IN PICTURES Granada light rail on to Albert in the south in what operations tender has until now been pre-metro A six-year operating contract for utilised by trams. Running time Granada’s new 15.9km (ten-mile) over the entire route is expected 26-stop light rail line between to be 20 minutes, with headways Albolote and Armilla, estimated of up to three minutes. to be worth EUR32m, has been In addition to Brussels put out to tender. The total cost of Nord, M3 will also serve the project (which includes a tram subway under the centre of the the major Brussels-Midi Spanish city) is now EUR558m. station, terminating point for Driver training continues. international Eurostar trains. The extension is to be Midland Metro progress delivered by the government Development around Birmingham’s planned Curzon organisation Beliris and will Street High Speed 2 station (UK) be operated by Brussels city will allow for a tramway extension transport operator STIB. Dublin lays connecting curves from Bull Street. GBP183m Dublin city centre is in the throes of the construction phase for the cross Opening of the new shopping (EUR211m) is to go into a new line, city line, which will connect the existing Green line terminus at St Stephens centre on Quai des Usines in which is to be taken forward by the Green with the city centre and Broombridge. Midland Metro Alliance (MMA). October saw a new stop, Dockx Tracklaying is in progress across the Irish capital, and curves and points The MMA has appointed Brussels, opened for lines 3 and 7, have been installed at O’Connell Street and Marlborough Street to connect Alejandro Moreno as its director; and the renaming of the existing to the existing Red line in Abbey Street. These will not be used for passenger he is currently Managing Director stop Teichmann. Metro stations service, but will allow trams to transfer between the depots at Sandyford for Scandinavia for Colas Rail, (Green line) and Red Cow (Red line); the Green line will get an additional depot are all to be fitted for free Wi-Fi one of the MMA partners, but has at Broombridge. Luas hopes to start passenger service before the end of 2017. by the end of next year, with previously been General Manager the first stations equipped Above: The new crossover at Abbey Street/Marlborough Street. M. Taplin of Tranvía de Zaragoza in Spain. this October.

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The first Siemens Inspiro for Riyadh was given its world debut at InnoTrans.

INNOTRANS 2016 The world’s railway market descended on Berlin for another running of the giant trade fair in September. TAUT explores some of the key themes and innovation for the light rail sector.

416 / november 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org he InnoTrans railway trade This is primarily driven by major projects fair in Berlin (held for 2016 on in Europe and the Middle East. September 19-23) has grown and Allied to the projections that successful grown in size ever since its first cities are growing between 3 and 7% per running in 1996. Now in its tenth year, city planners need to think about how Titeration, 2955 exhibitors from 60 countries best to address these challenges in order presented their products and services in the to make urban transportation a catalyst to cavernous halls and grounds of the Berlin facilitate this growth. In many major cities Messe, attracting almost 150 000 visitors that requires either the replacement of either from more than 140 countries. ageing or inadequate links or the creation of Light rail content has grown exponentially new ones and the reduction in automobile as well, with new vehicles and innovations traffic – and taking the long view. As from every section of the industry on Bombardier Transportation President Laurent display; this year also welcomed an outdoor Troger explained in his company’s press ABOVE: Bombardier Transportation President exhibition of bus manufacturers for the first conference on 21 September: “City planners Laurent Troger spoke of the need for greater automation time, proving the increasing crossover and need to think 20 and 30 years into the future… and digitisation to provide the capacity required to cross-pollination of urban transit. these will be the top jobs of tomorrow.” cope with the growth in rail passengers. Messe Berlin With such a huge show there is no way that Making that important link between any report can detail all of the interesting capex and opex for rail networks was the key LEFT: As well things going on, but what was apparent marketing message for many participants as complete vehicles, from TAUT’s three days in Berlin was the at InnoTrans, with solutions that promise component diverse range of solutions from outside the greater longevity, increased availability suppliers such sector now being applied to the rail market. of assets and more accurate lifecycle as Valdunes Three key words resonated more than any costings to be produced. One of the services showcased other amongst the assembled community presented in this respect is a new online their latest displaying their wares to the global tool from VoestAlpine for contrasting rail innovations marketplace, however: efficiency, lifecycle grades. Aimed at infrastructure promoters – this is a and digitisation. and designers, the simple tool allows the wheelset for Stadler’s new comparison of differing environments and IK trains for the Shifting the focus to lifecycle systems based upon data gathered from 120 Berlin U-Bahn Recognising the conflicting requirements operators over a period of many years. that promises of promoters, operators and maintainers to As light rail systems are permanent increased provide efficient urban transportation for the investments for cities that should be expected longevity and lowest possible cost, one big call from the to provide 30 years-plus of reliable operation reduced noise. light rail industry has long been how vehicles with only regular planned maintenance, and infrastructure can be made lighter and tools such as this are part of the matrix for in a more modular fashion to reduce upfront consideration of multi-year maintenance costs and minimise environmental impact at programmes and can be tailored for increases the same time. And while the term ‘Mobility in traffic alongside a range of other variables. 4.0’ has become one that has been bandied This refocused lifecycle market approach around freely in 2016 – referring to the for covering every aspect of the urban continual push towards smart technologies railway was also evident from the displays and network integration – the efficiency of modelling and monitoring aids for mantra is repeated time and time again as designers, operators and maintainers. One operators and promoters seek to squeeze more such presentation came from TTInspect (now ‘bang for their buck’ from their assets. part of Danish firm Aarsleff Rail), showcasing UNIFE, the European Association of the its range of automatic inspection systems rail supply industry, presented its biennial that cover all aspects of both the vehicle and report on the world market at InnoTrans, the infrastructure. Far from being the only ABOVE: Battery supplier Saft displayed its latest claiming that demand for rail equipment systems of their type, such remote condition- remote monitoring equipment and compact battery and services is set to increase by almost 20% based monitoring systems promise huge arrays for light rail vehicles; units such as this will by 2021 to around EUR185bn per year. reductions in costly and disruptive physical soon feature on the latest Midland Metro Urbos trams.

inspection by allowing relevant parties to interrogate aspects of an asset via any internet-connected device. A similar clever innovation from Frauscher is a new system that provides valuable information about assets using existing capacity on fibre optic cables laid next to infrastructure. Simple to install acoustic sensors mounted on the cables provide data to Frauscher systems that then use a new algorithm to give a wide range of data about the health of the system without expensive additional equipment. The key to the technology is how it interprets data to determine the source and nature of the vibration, differentiating between rolling stock, works or even wildlife. The Saft stand likewise offered another vision of how the rail industry can harness Above left: The LRVs presented in 2016 were fewer than in previous years, but one notable display was the ‘Internet of Things’, with its new PESA’s Krakowiak – based on the Twist platform it has recently entered service in the Polish city of Krakow. C.O.M.M. remote battery monitoring system. Above right: Side by side with the Krakowiak was the latest offering from Turkish manufacturer Particularly relevant as more and more Durmazlar, the 100% low-floor Panorama. operators seek to move towards catenary-

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free operation, the ability to monitor every aspect of a battery’s performance without inspection will be a key driver.

The challenges of digitisation As passenger numbers on tramway and metro systems rise, the need for increased capacity from either existing or new assets is growing as new lines and longer vehicles cannot ever be the whole solution. Such predictive maintenance tools that use existing bandwith capacity are proving useful across the whole transport industry and operators are reaping the rewards with greater availability of assets – this will only come through less physical intervention. As the ‘Internet of Things’ is now common parlance, it was all too apparent that rail transport is just an extension of this as the mobile element of the concept. Bombardier President Mr Troger emphasised this point further by stating that “greater automation means greater flexibility and greater flexibility means greater capacity and improved return on investment.” Taking a diametrically opposed view to the fear that smart technologies would remove the need to travel – home working, video calling and the pervasiveness of online services that take away the necessity of human interaction – figures show that there has never before been an increased ‘desire’ ABOVE: CRRC had one of the most impressive stands at the 2016 fair, with a giant curved plasma screen to travel, and travel further. The younger displaying its offering to the world market, as well as many different virtual reality experiences of its latest vehicles. generation is moving more than ever before, has a more flexible attitude to transport to protect digital networks against cyber and robust while retaining easy access and yet demands constant connectivity. attack. Alongside established players in for authorised users. Although this may In this way, the internet has driven a huge this sector such as Thales, it was interesting sound like a contradiction in terms, it is demand for mobility for both passengers and to note the prevalence of stands from nevertheless a crucial component of the freight. The vast range of new equipment telecomms and networking specialists. transport conversation in the 21st Century. at InnoTrans aimed at delivering both Statistics show that cyber crime is now higher-speed and more reliable wi-fi and outstripping traditional crime in terms of Greater Chinese presence 4G connectivity for passenger services only growth across the developed world, and It couldn’t escape the notice of any visitor proves this model. manufacturers and operators now face to this year’s InnoTrans that the growth in Of course with wider connectivity and the considerable everyday challenges in securing exhibitors from China was bigger than ever greater incorporation of IT infrastructure operational, safety-critical and passenger before. Demonstrating innovations from comes the need for improved security, and systems. If new connected technologies are every aspect of the rail business from new there was a large focus in Berlin on the need to be employed then they must be reliable materials, to infrastructure and vehicle new vehicles

Many visitors to InnoTrans go for Notable by their absence were long and 100% low-floor with the new vehicles; and this year any tram or LRV exhibits from capacity for 288 passengers, 50 for Aarhus. there were fewer in light rail than Alstom or Bombardier, although seated. Capable of a maximum at previous events. both manufacturers (and others) speed of 70km/h (43mph), it has There were world debuts used virtual reality technology a claimed curve radius of 20m. for Siemens’ radical Inspiro for to allow visitors to ‘walk-through’ Despite the lack of complete the ; the official new vehicles and systems in a vehicles, more and more handover of a Stadler Variobahn way previously unseen. manufacturers had displays in for the Danish city of Aarhus One of the most interesting Berlin this year, proving that and the latest Citylink tram-train outdoor displays came offerings fromE astern Europe, for Chemnitz; and the debut of from Turkish manufacturer the former Soviet Union and the latest Skoda ForCity Plus for Durmazlar. Designated the Asian suppliers are around to Bratislava. Panorama, its latest vehicle is 33m challenge the major suppliers.

Skoda ForCity Plus Stadler Citylink for Bratislava. for Chemnitz.

418 / november 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org technologies, the diversity of displays was both striking and impressive. With both perceived opportunity and e Driv rless trams? challenge coming from the emergence of Against the backdrop of a greater focus on urban sustainability in automation and digitisation of China’s ever-growing gamut of million-plus operating processes, a key topic population cities, the potential prize is huge. of conversation amongst some Whether either supplying direct to Chinese of the delegates and exhibitors TAUT spoke to was the future of cities or through partnerships with state- the driverless tram. owned industries, many of the key industry While automated driver players we spoke to in Berlin see the growth warning systems from both of tramway and metro infrastructure as a Bombardier and Bosch huge boost to the sector. Engineering are already in Two significant contracts signed in Berlin service or on trial – others are included an extension of the co-operation available or in development between Bombardier and China Railway – the question is surely only a matter of when, not if, the first Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) to driverless tram is offered to take advantage of the growing demand the market. for transportation solutions. Another Driverless metros are already saw the recently refocused Vossloh and commonplace in many cities CRCC High-Tech Equipment Corporation and autonomous cars are also desirable future for the mixed be proven that such a street- Limited (CRCCE) sign agreements for the on trial in countries around traffic environments of light running vehicle can run more construction of self-propelled high speed the world, proving that the rail operation surely has to be efficiently and more safely than grinding machines for application on China’s technology exists to remove the focused around the conflicting one with a human at the controls, expanding metro networks. human element from vehicle considerations of safety, first, then who will be the first? operation. Whether this is a and cost, second. But if it can Photo: Bosch Engineering Across the railway spectrum – from double- deck high-speed trains for intercontinental travel, to fuel cell light rail vehicles – the pace of progress in Chinese industry is little short of remarkable. While some embrace HydROgen fuel cells the competition and the chance to prove themselves against the new suppliers, others and Hyperloop are more wary of the might of the various TAUT has reported extensively in recent subsidiaries of the recently-merged CRRC. years on the advances in hydrogen fuel cells Manufacturers and suppliers alike spoke of as an alternative traction power source for the difficulties in competing in the future in urban rail vehicles. Passenger services are their ‘traditional’ markets, with one senior running in Oranjestad, Aruba and Qingdao, figure from a major company – who asked China and other systems are nearing revenue not to be named – saying that he feared that operation; in November 2015 Canadian fuel cell even the most established suppliers would manufacturer Ballard Power Systems signed struggle to keep pace. “The abundance of an agreement with Tangshan Railway Vehicle Company to develop next-generation fuel cell resources, both physical and material, that systems for tramways. the Chinese manufacturers have is little short In Berlin, Alstom unveiled the first of two of astonishing. They are coming to market ABOVE: Alstom’s Coradia-based iLINT multiple unit pre-production iLINT fuel cell multiple units with innovative products in such a short prototype uses onboard hydrogen tanks and shows which are to be tested on regional services space of time, and at a very competitive cost… that fuel cell vehicle developments may finally be around Hannover; type approval is expected by this will keep us all on our toes.” reaching the mass market. the end of 2017, enabling trial passenger running in late 2017 or early 2018. The two trainsets use the same bodies, bogies and drive equipment as conventional diesels and will replace two such units to provide a real-world comparison. The hydrogen tanks are roof-mounted and carry 94kg of hydrogen per car, enough for one day or 700km (435 miles) of operation. Although both Bombardier and Siemens said that they have no plans to introduce fuel cell vehicles in the near future, with such a major breakthrough into the ‘mainstream’ rail industry it can only be a matter for time before more fuel cell applications are revealed. Interest is also growing in Hyperloop, brought to prominence by PayPal founder and aerospace and electric vehicle pioneer Elon Musk. The concept sees passenger pods travelling in vacuum tubes, removing rolling resistance and environmental factors to allow speeds of 600mph-plus (965km/h). Competing designs are fighting for both the news headlines and also to produce prototypes. Although it may seem like the stuff of sci-fi, French national rail company SNCF has recently invested significantly in the Hyperloop One programme, while composite specialist Mersen The star of Vossloh’s stand has signed a partnership with Transpod – both was its HSG-City rail grinder. were present at InnoTrans. Although exciting, Already used on German city Mr Musk has estimated that construction of a networks, it can operate at up to 60km/h; fully operational Hyperloop project may cost 24 enclosed grinding stones promise several billion dollars. reduced noise and safety.

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RE-CONNECTING CINCINNATI

Cincinnati recently welcomed a hard-won renaissance of streetcar service – and hopes are high it will precipitate a downtown revival. Herbert Pence and Hans Retallick relate the full story for TAUT.

riday 9 September 2016 was a day for celebration in the US Midwest city of Cincinnati. As much as the cheering from the assembled crowds was for the new Cincinnati BellF Connector service, it was also a cry of relief for long-time streetcar supporters whose project survived ballot referenda, political roadblocks and budgetary challenges. Whilst the day itself was overcast, the mood at Washington Park was brightened by the first appearance of a sleek new CAF low-floor vehicle wrapped in the blue, green and white colours of the project’s sponsor to proclaim ‘Cincinnati Bell Connector’. The streetcar stood on Elm Street, between the 1877-built Music Hall and hundreds of people cheering the launch of city rail service, after a 65-year hiatus. It was on 29 April 1951 that the last orange and cream Cincinnati Street Railway streetcar entered the Brighton Car House, ending local rail passenger service that had begun in 1859. TOP: Crowds lined the streets at Washington Park ABOVE: CAF Urbos 1179 approaches the back for the opening of the Cincinnati Streetcar on entrance track to the depot on Race Street near the Cincinnati’s streetcar history 9 September. Herbert Pence Findlay Market. Herbert Pence Cincinnati has a long and distinguished There was, however, a great desire to move Company, which used a new standard gauge association with streetcars. By the 1850s it outside the downtown area which led to the of 5ft 2½in (1587mm) to satisfy the City was the sixth-largest city in the USA with early establishment of horse streetcar lines, Council’s requirement to use a gauge other a population of 115 000. The population the first of which was opened in 1859 by the than railroad standard (4ft 8½in) to avoid density during this period was one of Cincinnati Street Railroad Company. This steam trains from using streetcar tracks to the highest in the country, and was only initial line was the pioneer for a number of access the city center. exceeded by Manhattan in 1900. small operators, often with just one line each. In the 1870s came the first of Cincinnati’s The natural barriers of the Ohio River, The first Northern Kentucky line crossed the five inclined plane railways that were to the swampy Mill Creek Valley and the steep new suspension bridge to Covington upon form part of the streetcar system for many hillsides to the north and east of the city its completion in the 1860s. Consolidation years in scaling the many hillsides. After the prevented a lot of development outside the followed, with a number of lines being construction of three cable car routes and a downtown area. merged into the Cincinnati Street Railway brief flirtation with steam traction, the first

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 421 Cincinnati

“The new streetcar is seen as a precipitator of long-term electric service began in 1888 – one of the peculiarities of the system was that as so change. Indeed, after a period of suspicion many many horse lines existed, and no rails were bonded, they couldn’t be used for the return residents and business owners are beginning to realise current, so twin overhead wires were used. Cincinnati became one of few cities in the the positive contribution the streetcar can make.” world using double wire for its street railway; others included Havana, Cuba, and Tokyo, Japan. This became the standard for all lines within the city limits after an injunction which came from a lawsuit filed by the telephone company. Maintenance and In 1896 came the final consolidation of Operations Facility a number of companies – except for the

Brewery > Northern Kentucky and Vine Street lines – District into the Cincinnati Street Railway, which < Findlay leased all of its property to the Cincinnati Findlay Market - Race Market Traction Company to operate and maintain. By the 1910s most of the lines had been Findlay Market - Elm > built, including large interurban networks in many directions, and in the 1920s there was a major programme of infrastructure Liberty Liberty investment. Peak ridership for the network & Elm & Race Liberty Street was nearly 100m in 1929, but the effects of

Central Parkway the Great Depression saw a dramatic fall in < these numbers. In 1936 the first trolleybus > line opened – the overhead was already in

Main Street Walnut Street place with the dual-wire system, and the 14th & vehicles were fast and quiet, leading to two Music Elm lines being converted before World War Two. Hall Washington During this period, Cincinnati also Park Hanke tried PCC cars and ordered one each from < Exchange 7th & Main JACK Casino Pullman-Standard, Briliner and St Louis, < the latter being chosen to supply further Court & Main examples in 1939 and 1945. In the 1940s, the private car became the dominant means of > < Central Parkway Central > Parkway transport, as it did across much of the nation, and there was a big push to abandon the Public streetcars that were seen to impede the flow of 8th & Main Library traffic. Although most of the streetcar system Ninth Street Aronoff was still in use by the end of the war, there Center was a major programme to convert routes to Richter & trolleybus service. When the last streetcar ran Seventh Street Phillips in 1951, the 51 PCC car roster – some only six

Vine Street Race Street years old – were sold to Toronto. > Elm Street < For the remainder of the 20th Century, the private car ruled the city. The trolleybus Fountain system had closed by June 1965, and the Square Fifth Street 4th & Main last incline, to the top of Mount Adams, closed in 1948 in the light of costly repairs > < becoming necessary. It is interesting to note that at the time of its closure, this incline was the city’s top tourist attraction. Third Street The Banks Opening day Great American Passengers jammed the loading platforms Taylor-Southgate Bridge Ball Park on 9 September. In the city centre, lines of intending passengers snaked off the platforms and onto the adjacent sidewalks; Paul Brown Stadium two women interviewed for the local TV news station reported waiting for 90 minutes for

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge their first ride. Grandparents, with children in hand, shared a generational experience. Certainly some of the elders remembered riding the original streetcar system to work, for pleasure and off to school; now it was their Clay Wade Bailey Bridge grandchildren’s opportunity to begin their OHIO RIVER own 21st Century familiarity. Ridership for the three-day free ride period was reported as 50 646. Ridership has settled in the following weeks at about 4500 per day. The dedication ceremonies were held in Washington Park, at the route’s centre. Master of Ceremonies, Councilwoman Amy Although without detailed alignments confirmed, campaigners are lobbying to extend the Cincinnati Bell Murray, opened the proceedings by speaking Connector across the Ohio River via the Taylor-Southgate Bridge. of the renaissance of Over-The- (OTR)

422 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org and the downtown core. She recognised selected attendees, especially Earl Clark, 93, who rode the last streetcar; Mr Clark is internationally respected for his knowledge of streetcar and interurban services. Appropriately, streetcar advocate John Schneider was the first speaker. He spoke of the first shovelful of dirt being turned four-and-a-half years previously and thanked those who stood by him throughout the struggles to make the streetcar a reality. He was followed by Mayor John Cranley who had previously opposed the streetcar, trying to transfer the project’s funding to a motorway interchange reconstruction. Mayor Cranley’s comments were gracious, giving credit to former Mayors Mark Mallory and Roxanne Qualls and also John Schneider. Former Mayor Mallory was also on hand to thank the Federal Government, especially President Barack Obama, for the required funding to establish the new line. In the previous election, Mallory was term-limited so could not stand for re-election. Ted Torbeck, CEO of dominant local telecommunications provider – and now also sustainable energy supplier – Cincinnati Bell spoke of his company’s job to connect people, just as the Cincinnati Bell Connector now does in a more physical sense. Cincinnati Bell’s operational contribution, sourced just before the opening and which saw the system rebranded into the company’s green and blue corporate livery, promises USD340 000 in sponsorship annually for ten years. Finally, Eric Avner, Vice President of the Haile/US Bank Foundation spoke. The Foundation committed USD9m to underwrite the streetcar for ten years; this came at a critical time when the system’s future lay in the balance. Without it, no flanged wheels would be turning in the city. With that, a confetti-fuelled explosion signalled time to depart. Car 1177, with attendees wishing to be on the first service, pulled away from the Music Hall stop. All change TOP: CAF 1178 undertaking dynamic testing on the The local newspaper, The Cincinnati As is the case for so many US cities that have system in May 2016. The original orange and white Enquirer was restrained in its coverage. made the move to light rail, the Cincinnati livery was replaced with the corporate colours of Cincinnati Bell just before opening. Hans Retallick Whilst for three days it gave front page Bell Connector is seen as a catalyst for space to the streetcar and pages of text, change in the neighbourhoods in which it ABOVE: Inside the Race Street depot, showing the paper withheld the cheerleading one runs. Studies have shown that the population the underfloor wheel lathe and the gantry used would expect for such an event. One car was in the inner city areas covered by the new for inspection and maintenance of roof-mounted temporarily out of service for a warranty system has fallen significantly with 200 000 equipment. Herbert Pence brake problem, but even so the newspaper fewer people living in the city since 1950, gave this minor maintenance issue eight with many districts subsequently falling column inches. into decay as residents moved away –

ABOVE: A proud day for Streetcar advocate ABOVE: Although an outspoken critic of the ABOVE: Streetcar advocates from communities across John Schneider, a key figure in the campaign to streetcar, Mayor John Cranley (pictured with his the Ohio River such as Newport and Covington turned up bring light service back to Cincinnati. wife Dena), acknowledged the work of city officials at the Washington Park opening to express their desire for Herbert Pence in inaugurating the new service. Herbert Pence extensions to the system into North Kentucky. Herbert Pence

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 423 Cincinnati

ABOVE: A side-on view of one of the Urbos bogies. Each wheel is powered by its ABOVE: Looking into the depot at car 1179 resplendent in its new blue and green own motor, shown here beneath the coil springs. Herbert Pence Cincinnati Bell Connector livery. Vic Simons coincidentally since the original streetcar A hard-won return Further discussions of a modern light rail system was abandoned. Despite such high hopes for a promising system began in 2001, when experiences in As such the new streetcar is seen as a future, the return of the streetcar has taken the city of Portland showed the potential precipitator of long-term change. Supporters some time, with the use of rail in Cincinnati’s of the streetcar for tackling the problems of already note property value increases and urban mix long lurking in the background. urban decay in inner-city areas. Cincinnati the impact of redevelopment, with reports A hundred years ago a major subway plan had a serious problem in this regard, in of speculative purchases and renovations of was mooted, its primary goal to intercept particular in the Over-the-Rhine district – buildings along the route, but the city has not interurban lines approaching the city and an area straight out of the old country with created a benchmark by which to evaluate provide a quick route into the central core. breweries, sausage factories and buildings this success. That said, The Cincinnati Enquirer Capital financing was available prior to the modelled on the styles echoed from performed an analysis of 750 properties Great War, which brought construction to a Germany, but which has deteriorated into a along the line and established a value of halt ‘for the duration.’ Following the hostilities, semi-slum since the 1960s. about USD1.5bn. inflation ravaged the construction budget and For the next three years, transit supporters Indeed, after a period of suspicion many spider web-like highways drained interurban pushed against unrelenting reluctance from residents and business owners alike are ridership, triggering abandonments. By the traditional anti-rail Republicans, when beginning to realise the positive contribution late 1920s the subway was partially completed, into the fray stepped Mark Mallory, elected the streetcar can make to the city. With a enough to cause continuing interest in how as Mayor in 2005. Within three months a real sense of excitement about the benefits it could be put to use. For decades, Sunday proposal was made to build a line from the of the new system, one business owner told supplements and college projects periodically downtown area up one of the city’s seven the local USA Today news outlet: “I heard brought the ‘hole in the ground’ back into the hills, past the 40 000-student university story after story about how once the city public consciousness. and to the Cincinnati Zoo. Mayor Mallory obtained fixed rail, people planned to drop In 1993, the regional planning jumped on this idea to become his leadership to one vehicle or forego a vehicle altogether. commission proposed light rail lines legacy and under his guidance a longer line Many talked about the great networking the radiating from the city to suburban locations was proposed in 2008, but this was truncated new-found density of population has brought much like the interurban network of 70 years into the present 5.8km (3.6-mile) route when and how all of a sudden there was a real sense ago. A more concrete proposal had an LRT USD52m in Federal funding was returned. of community. route connecting the suburban Blue Ash A new deal was put together for an urban “That community saw the streetcar as its Airport with the downtown. Eager supporters circulator with an extension to the river way to put the city’s urban core back on the envisioned the line crossing the Ohio River which attracted TIGER (Transportation map and show the country that Cincinnati is into Kentucky, extending to the Greater Investment Generating Economic Recovery) progressing... it is our hope to one day see the Cincinnati Airport (CVG). Little progress was grant funding. The new mayor stopped the streetcar reach all areas of our city”. made with such proposals. project in 2013, but a huge swell of local

ABOVE: CAF 1178 arriving at The Banks stop on Second St on the third day of ABOVE: In order for streetcars to safely turn left at road junctions, rails divert free service. The Banks is a resurgent entertainment area, including the Cincinnati sharply across the highway; streetcars are given traffic signal priority when Reds baseball stadium that seats 42 271 fans. Herbert Pence making such moves. Herbert Pence

424 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: Simple yet stylish glass structures such as the one at The Brewery District ABOVE: New steelwork rises up against buildings awaiting reconstruction in the stop are typical; bi-lingual ticket machines accept cash and card payments and cycle Over-The-Rhine district. This neighbourhood has seen large-scale redevelopment rental stalls allow passengers to complete the final leg of their journey. Herbert Pence and an influx of investment as part of the streetcar project. Herbert Pence support saw it restarted and construction of Findlay Market, the line turns east again began again on the new standard-gauge onto Henry before turning south onto Race line, which is largely set to a figure-of- around the northern perimeter of the depot eight pattern with uni-directional services to complete the loop. All of the route is single running on parallel streets. Finance was track as it is mostly on one-way streets, and acquired from a variety of sources, with offers a strong connection between OTR almost USD16m coming from TIGER, Federal and downtown, with around 70 000 people Transit Administration grants of USD25m employed in this area. and a CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and The route operates 18 hours per day and Air Quality Improvement Program) grant 365 days a year. Each of the 18 stops has a of USD4m. The City contributed a further shelter with a system plan and an electronic USD87m, with USD11m plus a further next car display, as well as a bi-lingual ticket USD15m to come from the sale of part of the vending machine. Tickets cost USD1 for two Blue Ash airfield that closed in 2012. Plans for hours and USD2 for a day ticket, and must the streetcar’s renaissance were back on track. be validated before use. Metro bus tickets are The City owns the line, infrastructure transferable to the streetcar and include the and rolling stock and contracts with the one-day or 30-day passes and transfer fares. Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Tickets can also be purchased by means of the (SORTA) to be the operator of bus services, as Android or iOS Cincy EZRide app. Reductions well as the Cincinnati Bell Connector. SORTA, are in place for children based on their height. in turn, subcontracts to multinational ABOVE: Due to Buy America restrictions and the Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday operator Transdev for Connector operations. lack of an American steel mill that makes girder rail, 06.30-0.00, Friday 06.30-01.00, Saturday There are 26 employees, with most of the 'T' rail has been used for the Cincinnati streetcar – 08.00-01.00, Sunday and holidays 09.00- operators (drivers) being former bus drivers seen here embedded in the street with the necessary 23.00, and frequencies are every 12 minutes in the city. Many of the systems used for the encapsulation. Herbert Pence Monday-Friday 11.00-19.00 and every 15 streetcar operation are common to the city’s minutes at all other times. In the first few buses, such as ticketing, fare structure and “More ambitious future days of operation, the service struggled to the ‘Bus Detective’ app that locates all of the maintain these frequencies, and plans are in city’s vehicles in real-time. objectives include a line hand to adjust to the traffic signal system in The streetcars themselves are part of the the Downtown area to improve matters. same batch ordered by Kansas City (read more to Covington and perhaps about this project in TAUT 946), and are the Where next for the streetcar? first 100% low-floor trams in the USA. There even a route to Cincinnati/ So with the first line open, what does the are five 23.6m three-section CAFUrbos trams future hold? Fledgling proposals have been in Cincinnati and, as in Kansas City, their Northern Kentucky put forward by a group of residents, business fleet numbers follow on from the last vehicles leaders and elected officials known as the delivered to the first-generation system. They International Airport.” Northern Kentucky Streetcar Committee were delivered between October 2015 and to cross the Ohio River via the Taylor- May 2016 and have been extensively tested After leaving the depot, the line heads Southgate Bridge into neighbouring Newport with a 500km (310-mile) ‘burn in’, of which south on Race Street, passing the historic in Northern Kentucky. More ambitious the last 100km (62 miles) has to be defect-free Findlay Market and Washington Park, objectives include a southward projection before they are passed for passenger service. crossing the return line at Twelfth Street further into Covington and perhaps even a They are fitted with a GPS activated auto- before turning east onto Central Parkway. route through Fort Mitchell to Cincinnati/ lubrication system to minimise wheel squeal. At Walnut, the line turns south again, past Northern Kentucky International Airport. The two-road depot, located near the Fountain Square and Government Square and But this initial line has to prove itself first famous Findlay Market, is a new building taking the streetcar right into the heart of the as some doubters remain. If it can maintain equipped to deal with any maintenance business district and very close to the Ohio the success shown in its first weeks then issues. There is an underfloor wheel lathe and River, before turning east onto Second Street extensions will become more and more viable a mezzanine level that provides access to the and immediately North onto Main Street. possibilities. Only time will tell, but the vehicles’ roof-mounted equipment. Electrical At Twelfth Street, the line turns west and initial signs are very positive. supply across the system is by means of three after the Race crossing, takes a right to go 1Mw substations that deliver a 750V dc feed to northbound past the other side of Washington Grateful acknowledgement is given to Paul the vehicles; the rather elegant traction poles Park in the heart of the Over-the-Rhine Grether, Manager of Rail Service, SORTA, historian are coloured black with silver bracket arms. (OTR) district. After passing the western side William Myers and The Cincinnati Enquirer.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 425 BERLIN: URBAN RAIL ABOVE AND BELOW A new Stadler IK Kleinprofil PART TWO train crosses the double- deck Oberbaumbrücke, a key Berlin landmark that links Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg in the south-east of German capital. BVG/Oliver Lang

ander around the streets Underground big and small Unlike cities such as London where lines of Berlin and you might We talk of the Berlin U-Bahn as a whole, may parallel each other and serve the same find that the yellow buses but the German capital’s metro is in effect stations, this is the exception in Berlin, or trams are the most two different networks. That is because although and U3 do share the section visible part of the transport there are Kleinprofil (narrow-profile) lines – between Wittenbergplatz and Nollendorfplatz Woffering from municipal operator Berliner with vehicles to a standard width of 2.3m in the west of the city. A further difference Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). However, more than – and Großprofil (wide-profile) – on which is that whereas the UK capital is only now half the total passenger numbers come not the vehicles have a width of 2.65m. This is introducing all-night running at weekends, from either mode, but from the U-Bahn. not the only difference: although both are this has been a feature in Berlin on nearly all U-Bahn – a shortening of Untergrundbahn standard-gauge and both are powered at lines for more than a decade. or ‘underground railway’ – is an accurate 750V dc with pick-up from a third rail, Trains run at up to every four minutes in description of this vital network in the Kleinprofil trains pick up electricity from the peak hours, stretching out to a 15-minute German capital, but not one that fits entirely top of the rail, while the shoes of Großprofil headway service on Friday and Saturday comfortably; the first line, which after a vehicles run along the rail’s underside. nights. Night buses run on other days. series of openings in 1902 extended from As with so many networks around the Warschauer Brücke in the east to Knie in world facing similar challenges, the existence The current routes are: the west, was in fact an . of two incompatible systems as part of a U1: Uhlandstraße – Warschauer Straße Both above and below ground the U-Bahn single organisation is historical: Berlin’s first : Pankow – Ruhleben returned 534.5m passenger journeys in 2015, privately-built lines were constructed to the U3: Nollendorfplatz – Krumme Lanke against a total BVG figure of 1.01bn. smaller and therefore cheaper Kleinprofil, U4: Nollendorfplatz – Innsbrucker Platz The metro also currently attracts the whereas later additions from after World War (no night service) majority of infrastructure investment, One were to the larger scale (see the first U5: Alexanderplatz – Hönow perhaps inevitable given that the scheme to part of this special focus in TAUT 946 for U55: Hauptbahnhof – Brandenburger Tor extend U5 westwards from Alexanderplatz more on Berlin’s transport history). (no night service) to meet what is presently designated U55 Currently BVG operates ten U-Bahn lines, U6: Alt-Tegel – Alt-Mariendorf at Brandenburger Tor is the BVG’s biggest providing comprehensive coverage of the U7: Rathaus Spandau – Rudow current development project. Significant major areas of the city. Four (U1-U4) are : Wittenau – Hermannstraße spending is also taking place in updating Kleinprofil with the remainder built to the U9: Rathaus Steglitz – Osloer Straße the train fleet, with new Stadler IK subsequent Großprofil. There are currently narrow-profile vehicles being delivered 173 stations, across around 146km (91 miles) The ‘odd man out’ is U55, which runs only from mid-2017. of route network. the 1.8km (1.1 miles) from Hauptbahnhof

426 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: GI / 1 E class 1094 leads a U1 train in June 2015 on one of the oldest ABOVE: Grunewald depot, opened in 1913, is the only such dedicated Kleinprofil sections of Berlin’s U-Bahn. Above ground for the majority of its length, this facility on the network and is situated directly adjacent to the overground U-Bahn east-west line forms a key component of central Berlin services. Neil Pulling station Olympia-Stadion in the west of the city. Neil Pulling to Brandenburger Tor via Bundestag, built; doubled up into eight-car trains they though this will become part of U5 once “Both above and below offer capacity for 778 passengers and a top extension of that line from Alexanderplatz to speed of 60km/h (37mph). Brandenburger Tor is complete. ground Berlin’s U-Bahn Also still in service are variants of the Nobody who uses Berlin’s U-Bahn would returned 534.5m passenger long-lived A3L series, which in its initial surely be in any doubt that the bright versions has a history going back to the yellow trains running under the city are journeys in 2015.” 1960s; indeed the initial A3 prototype was part of a metro-style operation, however the delivered in 1960 itself. The finalA3L 92 rules controlling the U-Bahn are actually versions were only delivered in 1994; these Germany’s BOStrab (tramway regulations). last vehicles were built by ABB Henschel. This means the system is formally a tramway, Whereas the A3 series stemmed from the just like the BVG’s, completely separate, demand for the U-Bahn in what was then surface rail-borne operations. West Berlin, the following decade brought With regards to infrastructure, the various the introduction of the class G to what lines of the U-Bahn have been categorised by at that time was considered its capital by letters – and indeed were identified by these the German Democratic Republic. From for public services from the 1930s until 1966 a prototype in 1975 came not only the G in then West Berlin, and until the process of but then the further developed GI trains, Germany’s unification in the eastern part of of which the last were built in 1989; GI/1E the city. The lines are categorised by letters vehicles remain in use, and offer capacity for from A to E, with lines A and B being broken 760 people across an eight-vehicle train. down further. ABOVE: Wittenbergplatz in western Berlin features Rolling stock: Großprofil Rolling stock: Kleinprofil an imposing Art Nouveau facade, designed by Alfred Most modern among the trains on the In July 2016 Stadler announced that it was to Grenander, that was constructed in 1913 – almost a Großprofil lines are those of class H. decade after the station first opened. BVG/Oliver Lang supply a further 27 IK trains for the Kleinprofil Introduced with prototypes built in 1995, network to the BVG. This follows successful BELOW: The latest H class Großprofilrolling and subsequently built in further series until testing of two pre-production trainsets in early stock features innovations such as all-aluminium 2002 (the last being series H 01) the number 2015 and a 12-month trial service on lines construction, walk-through interiors and LED delivered rose to 46 six-car trains. Suppliers U1 to U4 that resulted in an initial order for lighting. BVG/Oliver Lang have been ADtranz, ABB Henschel and 11 sets that are currently under construction. Bombardier. Capable of an 80km/h (49mph) The initial contract volume is some EUR140m, top speed, the class H trains are 2.65m wide although by mid-2019 a total of 40 IK trains and nearly 99m long, and offer a passenger should be in service. Eleven of the trains capacity of 748. ordered have been specified with adaptations Also still in service are the older class F, for both Kleinprofil and Großprofil lines. which in various series was supplied over a The IK vehicles are produced by Stadler more than 20-year period. The final deliveries in Berlin-Pankow and are 2.4m wide and came from ABB Henschel in 1994 and offer 51.6m long over the buffers, with 80 seats and capacity for 708 in a six-car train. Top speed space for around 250 standing passengers. is 70km/h (43mph). Maximum speed of the new IK – part of In addition to the trains used in regular Stadler’s Tango light rail family and deriving service, there is also an historic fleet, with much technology from the manufacturer’s vehicles going right back to the class A – a surface-operating multi-purpose LRV – is design that dates even to before the opening 70km/h (43mph). Nicknamed ‘Icke’ by of the first line. the operator in a play on the way ‘IK’ is pronounced in German, they are being Workshops delivered as four-car sets with two sets Berlin’s U-Bahn has four workshops, one of coupled to give an eight-car train. which is known as the Hauptwerkstatt – or Previous generations of Kleinprofil trains main workshop – with the others each being dating back as far as the 1960s are also still a Betriebswerkstatt, and carrying out more in service; the most recent of these is the minor work. Bombardier HK, which dates from 2006 Tightly hemmed in by housing, the listed (designated HK 06 – the prototype HK 2000 Hauptwerkstatt at Seestraße (the postal came from ADtranz in 1999) and which bears ABOVE: Car 2660 seen on U55, the network’s address is actually off Müllerstraße) is a similarities to the Großprofil class H newest line – opening in August 2009 – and also its remarkable construction. Opened from 1923, (see below). Some 24 four-car trains were shortest at just 1.8km (1.1 miles). BVG/Joite the facility occupies a square in the western

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 427 The route of the under-construction U5 extension, planned to open in 2020. BVG/PRG U5

suburb of Wedding – and because trains reach This time, it will be very different politics former Lehrter Stadtbahnhof was located the workshops area through a tunnel under a that puts Französische Straße to sleep. here before it was demolished with the modern shopping centre from line U6, if you Construction of a new section of line U5 to construction of the new station) it had little were walking along one of the adjacent roads fill the gap between Alexanderplatz (U5) in the way of transport connections: neither you might almost not know it was there. One and Brandenburger Tor (currently line U55) the U-Bahn nor the tramway served Hbf at the major clue, however, is the historic gatehouse. will lead to creation of a new station on the time it opened. With Seestraße responsible for world famous Unter den Linden, offering Line U55 opened in 2009 and heads maintenance of the entire fleet, major work interchange between U5 and U6. The close eastwards from Hbf; it includes the stations takes place here not only on Großprofil trains, proximity of that station is the reason for the Bundestag and Brandenburger Tor (formerly but also Kleinprofil vehicles that are towed plan to shut Französische Straße, which is Unter den Linden). Although U55 is isolated here over the Großprofil network; the two expected to take effect in 2020. from the wider U-Bahn network, interchange parts of the system are joined via a pair of Closure of this listed station (the structure is possible here with the S-Bahn. tunnels. The adjacent former Betriebswerkstatt is to be retained and trains will simply run This was effectively the beginning of the at Seestraße has now been merged into the through it without calling) is just one of many U5 extension, as it will be incorporated into Hauptwerkstatt. changes brought about by the EUR525m U5 when the missing link between the two is The U-Bahn’s other workshops are located project to close the 2.2km (1.4-mile) ‘gap’ completed. Work on that started in 2012. at the depots at Grunewald (Kleinprofil), and bring Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof properly The new U5 extension from Alexanderplatz and Britz-Süd and Friedrichsfelde (both onto the U-Bahn network, rather than will have three further new stations when it Großprofil). These depots are also used for only being serviced by the short U55. The opens, planned to be in 2020. Heading west stabling stock. scheme is state funded under the deal that from Alexanderplatz these are Rotes Rathaus, made Berlin the unified Germany’s capital just a short distance away, Museumsinsel Extending U5 and is being delivered by a BVG subsidiary, (which will be partly located under the Spree Berlin is famous for its underground Projektrealisierungs GmbH U5. River) and a new station on Unter den Linden Geisterbahnhöfe or ‘ghost stations’ – Berlin’s new Hauptbahnhof opened in that will revive the name now carried by abandoned during the Cold War and only 2006 on the historic site of Lehrter Bahnhof, Brandenburger Tor. reopened as a result of Germany’s unification as a new central main line interchange. The ‘Future proofing’ may currently be a a quarter of a century ago. station’s construction was accompanied by popular term, but it is not entirely new: In a few years Germany’s capital will have the creation of a north-south main line tunnel building the extension has been made a new ghost station – Französische Straße under the city, allowing a reorganisation of easier by the fact that back in the 1920s (on line U6), which opened in 1923. Indeed, heavy rail services that previously all had to Alexanderplatz turning loop was built in this will be the second time Französische run along the east-west axis. such a way to allow for future extension of Straße ceases to serve passengers, it having Symbolically, Berlin Hbf is located right the line. When the expansion is complete, been one of those closed between 1961 and alongside the Spree, alongside a spot that U5 will run for 22km (14 miles) between Hbf 1990; Französische Straße is in the former once marked the end of West Berlin and the and Hönow. In doing so, it will connect key East Berlin, whereas the line it is on ran into start of East Berlin. That location also meant areas of the city, including some of its most West Berlin in both directions. that other than a stop on the S-Bahn (the prominent sights.

ABOVE: Seestraße in northern Berlin is the system’s main workshop and serves ABOVE: The elevated Gleisdreieck station serves both U1 and U2 and was both types of stock, although it opened in 1923 to serve GroßprofilU6. BVG/S. Lambert subject to a major rebuilding project in 2015. N. Pulling

428 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: Crime and incidences of disorder are remarkably low on the U-Bahn due to well-organised measures employed by BVG and local partners. BVG

LEFT: A class 480 S-Bahn train at Südkreuz, rebuilt extensively in the last two decades as a core interchange as part of the reshaping of the capital’s transport system. Neil Pulling

Digitisation Electrification of these and other lines new Stadler vehicles to be designated class Digitisation is a core part of the BVG took place in the 1920s, and in 1930 the then 483/484 are to begin entering service. There operation, with tangible results now realised: state railway Deutsche Reichsbahn brought is also an historic vehicle collection managed free Wi-Fi is currently being rolled out to an these together under the description ‘S-Bahn’, by the support group Historische S-Bahn e.V. expected 76 U-Bahn stations in a EUR4.9m a tag that would subsequently also become with its base at Erkner depot. project, having first appeared at Osloer familiar in many other German cities. Although other colours have been seen Straße in August 2015. The S-Bahn today is the remaining major over the years, trains today are painted in Development of smartcard ticketing part of Berlin’s transport network alongside the red and ochre colourscheme first continues, after the introduction of the U-Bahn, buses and trams, and is a segment introduced in 1928. the fahrCard for subscribers in 2014; not operated by the BVG: instead, it is operated Recent times have not always been easy: and digitisation of internal processes is by the Deutsche Reichsbahn’s successor, a wheel-break-induced derailment in 2009 taking place too, with changes to the BVG Deutsche Bahn. Responsibility for the S-Bahn with one of the most recent design of trains procurement system. falls to a DB subsidiary, S-Bahn Berlin GmbH. cued a difficult period when large numbers The BVG has long been active in offering Largely double-track and with a more than of trains were withdrawn from service, events that allow a different insight into 300km (186-mile) network stretching out of significantly affecting the timetable. Repairs the organisation, whether through the Berlin into the state of (around were undertaken and stored stock reactivated, organisation of open days or the running 75km/47 miles is in the neighbouring state), but reduced services were a problem for of vintage vehicles on special services. The the S-Bahn is powered using 750V dc and many months. organisation supports a U-Bahn museum, electrified third rails on a system unique to For a while, part of the S-Bahn was operated located at Olympia-Stadion station – and it this city. Largely running above ground, the by the BVG. Although the East German DR also has two quite extraordinary offerings. S-Bahn interchanges with the U-Bahn and initially continued operation throughout A converted Tatra tram is now a rolling bar, heavy rail systems at various points. the city in the years of division, including the ‘BERLINERFAHRBAR’, which can be DB is to remain the operator for a while after the building of the Berlin Wall, in chartered; while on selected dates passengers yet: Following the effective collapse of a 1984 S-Bahn operation in West Berlin was can take an open-top underground train trip franchising competition earlier this decade transferred to the BVG. This followed years of with the U-Bahn Cabrio train. Those onboard after bidders pulled out, it was decided in 2015 tension including a boycott of the system in receive hard hats and headsets so they can to give a direct award to the existing operator. the western part of the city, as well as strikes hear their guide explain what they are looking The ambition is still to allow sections of the by staff. However, the S-Bahn reverted to the at while travelling through the tunnels. operation to potentially be taken over by DR as part of Germany’s unification process. other operators on a rolling basis from 2020. The DR became part of the new pan-German Berlin and its S-Bahn Split like Berlin’s other transport networks Deutsche Bahn in 1994. With more then 3.5 million inhabitants, in the years of post-war division between East Like the BVG’s operations, the S-Bahn Berlin is Germany’s largest city, by a factor and West, the S-Bahn has been pieced back comes under the Verkehrsverbund Berlin- of two compared to the number two city together in the period since; the ‘Ring’, for Brandenburg tariff union. Hamburg. However, with the wider urban area example, was reopened following Germany’s only adding another half a million or so this 1990 unification. Among other projects, the TAUT would like to thank the BVG’s Jannes bigger figure falls a long way behind the programme to build a new line to the under- Schwentuchowski and his colleagues for area in the western part of the country, which construction Berlin Brandenburg Airport at assistance in the preparation of both parts of this is home to a population of more than 6.5m. Schönefeld that is intended to replace both two-part special focus. Thanks are also due for Although it has a history dating back to Schönefeld and Tegel currently stands out as U5 materials to Dr Stephanie Niehoff. the 12th Century, Berlin came to particular a major undertaking. The new line extends prominence from the late 19th Century from the existing terminus at Flughafen following the founding of the German Berlin-Schönefeld for around 8km/five miles. U-BAHN IN FIGURES Empire and the city’s naming as its capital. It An opening date is uncertain as completion of had previously been the capital of . the new airport facilities has repeatedly been Routes: Ten (night – eight) Route length: 146.3km/90.9 miles Expansion and development brought a put back over a period of years. The airport (night – 142km/88 miles) need for improved mass transport and the station will also serve main line trains. Stations: 173 beginnings of the city’s third main urban rail The present train fleet largely dates from Average service speed: 31km/h (19mph) network – the S-Bahn. post-unification in the shape of the class Vehicles: 1244 Prussia’s first railway arrived in 1838, more 481/482 vehicles built by Bombardier locally Kleinprofil – 478 lines followed and the 37.5km (23-mile) in Hennigsdorf from 1996. However, also still (274 x A3, 100 x GI/1, 96 x HK, 8 x IK) ‘Ring’ that traces a kind of lopsided oval and in service are trains from the former West Großprofil – 766 currently has 27 stations was opened in 1871. Berlin now designated class 480 – these were (490 x F, 276 x H) The main east-west axis, the 11km (seven-mile) first delivered in 1986 at a time when the Depots: Three that allows main line penetration S-Bahn in West Berlin was under BVG control Workshops: One main, two supplementary of the city by connecting Charlottenburg and (see below) – as well as former East Berlin Punctuality (2015): 98.6% (2014, 98.9%) Ostbahnhof, followed in 1882. vehicles now known as class 485. From 2020

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Braunschweig

Styled as Die Löwenstadt (The Lion SYSTEMS City), Braunschweig Braunschweig might justifiably also use a phoenix FACTFILE GERMANY to symbolise the resurgence that No. Braunschweig, has extended to its 109 Germany extensive tram system.

raunschweig (Brunswick) prosperity. The city is particularly Solaris Tramino long-established system. Horse-drawn in Niedersachsen (Lower associated with manufacture, higher 1462, delivered in services started in 1879 and, with few Saxony) state has an education and research and it is also an 2014, heads north natural restrictions, soon expanded approximate quarter- important location for the automotive on Bohlweg past in many directions even before Braunschweiger million population that is giant Volkswagen, whose global electrification began in 1897. Some Schloss, an epic forecastB for moderate growth. Well- headquarters is in nearby Wolfsburg. sections, mainly the outer reaches, restoration leading connected by national road and rail As tariff zone 40, Braunschweig is to a 2007 reopening. are however relatively modern. These networks, the city is around 240km the biggest community in the cross- came after this once closure-threatened (150 miles) west of Berlin and 70km mode association, Verbundgesellschaft system gained viability due to changes (44 miles) east of Hannover. Region Braunschweig. The city’s own in local railway infrastructure. Braunschweig occupies a mainly Braunschweiger Verkehrs-GmbH Visitors arriving by train may be level site on the edge of the North operates five tramlines (1-5) and 36 surprised by the almost suburban German Plain. Part of the Weser river bus lines. The 40.3 million network setting of the main station, system, the Oker was an early source of passengers in 2015 represented a 4.9% Braunschweig Hauptbahnhof (Hbf). commercial strength, also fashioned increase over 2014. An eventful year, In this context, the 1.6km (one mile) into a defensive moat that defined 2015 saw a high-profile launch of new from there to the centre is significant. the central area, much later being trams, broadened ticketing options The more centrally-sited old terminus developed for visual appeal and leisure and the last full year of the M (Metro) near Friedrich Wilhelm Platz tramstop use. Much was destroyed during tag which had designated higher was abandoned due to operational World War Two and today’s city mixes frequency services since 2008. limitations. However, it was the angular post-war buildings, impressive The radial spread of tracks branching remoteness of the new Hbf, opened in reconstructions and some overtly from Bohlweg, the north-south central All photographs by 1960, which helped to tip the balance modern structures that reflect current thoroughfare, accurately suggests a Neil Pulling. in favour of retaining trams.

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THE FLEET

The 1970s numbering system change means the first two vehicle digits represent classes according to their introduction or major conversion year; many trams and buses carry names of places or people that are significant in the area. German tramways often sell stock to other operators, but Braunschweig’s peculiar 1100mm gauge means its withdrawn trams generally go directly to scrap. The two-section, high-floor classes have a capacity for around 110, 40 seated. The 29.4m three-section NGT8D accommodates 173, 66 seated. The Solaris Tramino is Braunschweig’s most capacious vehicle (211 passengers, 87 seated), with its S110b variant also the largest of the type at 35.7m long with a width of 2.3m. A bogie is centrally mounted beneath each of the four sections and are fitted for energy re-use. Low-floor throughout with wheelchair and pram spaces, all six doors on the S110b are double-leaf; they have prominent service displays and are the fleet’s first fully air-conditioned vehicles. Numbered 1451-1468, they were delivered in maroon and white livery, although like the rest of the fleet, Braunschweiger Verkehrs-GmbH intends that Traminos will be used for advertising.

ABOVE: Beyond Friedrich Wilhelm Platz is the central building of the once tram-served main station, replaced in 1960.

LEFT: The Braunschweig Hauptbahnhof combined bus and tram stop was built with the expectation of hosting tram-train services.

BELOW LEFT: Alstom NGT8D 0761 at the junction of lines on Bohlweg and Georg Eckert-Strasse, with the flamboyant 'Happy Rizzi House' in the background.

BELOW: Between Heideblick terminus and Veltenhöfer Strasse, the system’s northernmost section opened in 1999.

“It was the remoteness of the city’s new Hauptbahnhof, opened in 1960, which helped tip the balance in favour of retaining trams.”

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1

Wenden Heideblick

Veltenhöfer Straße

Flughafen Geibelstraße Braunschweig- Wolfsburg Carl-Miele- Straße

Lincolnsiedlung

Hansestraße Ost

Nordhoffstraße

Schmalbachstraße

Stadion 3 Burgundenplatz 2 Volkmarode Ottenroder Grenzweg Gesundheitsamt Nibelung- Straße enplatz Siegfried- straße Schützenplatz Moorhüttenweg

Petzvalstraße Querumer Bahnhof Straße Gliesmarode Ludwigstraße Messeweg

Mozartstraße Hamburger Straße Gliesmaroder Bindestraße Mühlenpfordtstraße Straße

Am Wendentor Botanischer Garten Inselwall 4 Theaterwall Hagenmarkt Radeklint Alte Waage Rathaus Museumstraße Georg-Eckert-Straße Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße Am Magnitor Schloss Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz Leonhardplatz (Stadthalle) Europaplatz Marienstift John-F.- Campe- straße Hauptfried- Helmstedter Luisenstraße Kennedy- Willy- Straße Am Platz Brandt- hof Platz Acker- Jödebrunnen Leisewitzstraße Heinrich- straße 4 Cyriaksring Büssing- Ring Hauptbahnhof Emsstraße DEPOT Alsterplatz Bürgerpark 5 Donaustraße Rheinring Am Jahnplatz Saalestraße Queckenberg

Weststadt NETWORK FACTS Weserstraße Am Lehmanger Richmondweg 3 Opened: 1879 (electrification from 1897) An der Rothenburg Lines: 5 Broizem Turmstraße Distance: 39.6km (24.8 miles) Kruckweg 5 HEH-Kliniken Depots: 1 Erfurtplatz Approx. weekday hours: 04.45-00.00 Sachsendamm 2 Main line frequency: 15 minutes

Militschstraße Heidberg Gauge: 1100mm Anklamstraße Power: 600V dc overhead supply

Trakehnenstraße Fleet: Approx. 50, plus trailers Regional authority: Verbund- Siekgraben gesellschaft Region Braunschweig Operator: Braunschweiger Siedlerstraße Verkehrs-GmbH Stöckheimer Markt INFORMATION Großes Weghaus Regional network: www.vrb-online.de City network: www.verkehr-bs.de Civic and tourism information: 1 Stöckheilm www.braunschweig.de Salzdahlumer Weg

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BELOW: The interior of Braunschweig Solaris Tramino.

ABOVE: LHB GT6 7755 on Helmstedter Strasse, ABOVE: Part of the tramway depot and works, a modern returning to the depot after a morning peak. installation on redeveloped railway land.

BELOW: NGT8D 0759 “It is the convergence of lines rather than approaching the turning loop at Hbf; note the high frequencies that gives central rails for the abandoned tram-train project. Braunschweig an intensive service.”

With traffic and pollution increasingly Braunschweig an intensive service. ABOVE LEFT: albeit with some grooves filled, this recognised as problems, the cutbacks The prevailing 15-minute interval Representing early feature is most marked around the that had taken the tramway down to is bolstered on school days. Rathaus fully low-floor roofed Hauptbahnhof tram and bus about 12km (7.5 miles) were ended. stop on Bohlweg hosts four tramlines developments, stop on Berliner Platz which opened in 9556 is among 12 By the 1970s, a policy of in both directions and the timetable May 2000. These sections are remnants GT6S received encouraging public transport use allows for passengers to transfer by Braunschweig of the RegioStadtBahn project that was was well underway; the system was between them here. Line 5, the line in 1995; this is conceived in the 1990s but abandoned expanded to development districts not present at Rathaus, is a short walk Hamburger Strasse in late 2010 as cost forecasts escalated like (opened May 1978, now from Schloss or Georg-Eckert-Strasse at Gesundheitsamt. beyond any willingness to fund the lines 3 and 5 south-western arms) and stops. Extra services operate for events scheme. The rationale had similarities Heidberg (line 2) in the south. By 1999 at Eintracht-Stadion, with Stadion ABOVE RIGHT: with Germany’s Kassel system in the system was serving the northern stop having one of the system’s Near Donauknoten, having a non-central main station and Wenden district to Heideblick, this intermediate turning loops. this junction of a mix of electrified and non-electrified lines was installed ‘heath view’ name accurately reflecting A potentially disastrous tramway feeder railways necessitating two- during the late 1970s the rural reach of some lines. The new accident occurred in November 2003. to serve Weststadt, system (600V dc and 1.5kV ac) diesel/ routes mainly had their own right of Caused by a component wedged in then new south- electric hybrid stock. A mainly north- way. A short link between Hbf and the track, injuries to the near-100 western housing south axis of regional rail services Bürgerpark brought more flexibility passengers onboard GT6 8163 were developments. around 120km (74.5 miles) long would to operations from 2005. The south- thankfully minor despite a spectacular integrate with Braunschweig’s tramway. between Sachsendamm plunge into the Oker near Europa Urban tram-train operation would and Stöckheim completed in October Platz. The scale of the damage forced have run between near the Hbf and 2006 was a branch from the Heidberg the scrapping of 8163. just beyond Hamburger Strasse stop — line that had opened in 1970. Also The uni-directional system uses the connection would have been made discouraging car use, there is evident the unusual 1100mm gauge, but in by redeveloping a line near the former planning for pedestrians and cyclists. places there are three-rail formations Nordbahnhof building. It is convergence of lines rather than where an extra rail creates a 1435mm Much of Braunschweig’s fleet is high frequencies that gives central alignment. Apparent on Bohlweg, from Linke Hofman Busch (LHB) and

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successor Alstom Deutschland based Hauptgüterbahnhof (main rail in Salzgitter, about 20km (12 miles) freight depot), south-east of the south-west of the city. For its size, Hbf. Tram access is by non-revenue the fleet remains very mixed. High- track branching from line 4 near floor Düwag/LHBGT6 from the Ackerstrasse stop. Lines 1 and 2 1970s (Mannheim-type) and 1980s services were amended between (Braunschweig-type) remain into 2016, spring and autumn 2016 due to the prominently so in peak hours. An Stobenstrasse reconstruction, with added central low-floor section created track renewal between Schloss and the now withdrawn GT6NM 0051, but John F. Kennedy Platz. more conversions did not follow. Continuing to promote public The first fully low-floor trams were transport, in 2016 the state 12 AEG/LHB GT6S (9551-9562), but government approved EUR10.2m technical problems followed their for co-funding improvements in the 1995 introduction. Until 2015, the Braunschweig area. Increased vehicle newest trams in service were 12 70% accessibility is due, with tenders issued Magdeburg-type low-floor Alstom/ for new buses and seven more low- Bombardier NGT8D (0751-0762) floor trams to be in service by 2019. received in 2007 – growing demand Other enhancements are planned for was addressed with Düwag and service information and ticketing. LHB trailers. Outside the heritage According to the 2013 collection, these include the oldest Stadtbahnausbaukonzept (light rail vehicles (1974) in normal operation expansion plan), the tramway seems and trailers are used with high-floor destined to keep growing. With trams and six modifiedNGT8D . nothing yet designated, possibilities Withdrawals accelerated with the include long extensions of line 4, highly-publicised Tramino debut in north-west from Radeklint and April 2015; built by Polish bus and south-east from Helmstedterstrasse. coach manufacturer Solaris they utilise A separate second line to Heidberg Vossloh Kiepe electrical equipment. and another eastern branch from the Officially opened in April 2009, the core route are also candidates. depot, works and Braunschweiger Verkehrs-GmbH headquarters For further maps and timetables, visit occupy a site redeveloped at the www.verkehr-bs.de

ABOVE: Tramino 1458 at Am ESSENTIAL FACTS Wendentor, with city landmark Local travel: Supplementing its Katharinenkirche in website, Braunschweiger Verkehrs- the background. GmbH staffed customer centres near Hbf and Rathaus tramstops have a RIGHT: With a good publication range and these normal rather than offices or machines supply 90-minute peak additional tickets at EUR2.30; day tickets from service, GT6 7756 EUR5.10 (with pro-rata reductions and its B4 trailer for multi-person equivalents). Unlike near Stöckheimer many German systems, Braunschweig Markt on 6 May trams do not currently have onboard 2016. machines. The network accepts the state-wide DB Niedersachsen Ticket, from EUR23, representing good value if using regional rail services to reach Braunschweig from or Hannover – networks in these cities also accept this ticket.

What is there to see? Excellent online multi-lingual tourist information includes historic tram operations (www.braunschweig.de/tourismus) and the staffed office at 14 Kleine Burg, the classically-styled Residenzschloss (Ducal Palace) which includes a museum, dominates central Braunschweig. Most attractions are however set back off Bohlweg, all within easy walking distance of central tramstops. Burgplatz has an impressive cluster of buildings, with Kohlmarkt more of an informal gathering place and Rathaus viewing point. Riverside parks and Oker boat hire and tours are worth exploring.

RIGHT: Like some other termini, Salzdahlumer Weg in the extreme south borders the countryside.

436 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Worldwide Review

AUSTRALIA OTTAWA. Alstom has won a BROADBEACH – SOUTHPORT. EUR125m contract to maintain Tenders have been issued for the new light rail line, including stage three of the Gold Coast infrastructure, power supply light rail line, which would take and the 34 Citadis Spirit LRVs it 22km (14 miles) south from for a period of 30 years. Broadbeach to Burleigh. Subject TORONTO. approved to finance, work would start in its 2016-17 budget on 9 early 2018. Gold Coast Bulletin September, which included MELBOURNE. and tendering for light rail lines in Metro Trains have been offered Mississauga and Hamilton, due to seven-year contract extensions, open in 2021 and 2022 respectively. subject to a tougher performance The Ontario Government has regime (98% of services operated signalled that it may retender with 77% within five minutes the contract placed with of schedule). Bombardier for 182 LRVs for B class trams will be fitted with Metrolinx’s Eglinton/Finch light new static inverters by Strukton rail lines if the company remains to extend the life of the traction incapable of effecting delivery systems by 15-20 years. within a timescale that would The Evolution Rail consortium permit opening on schedule. On 15 September the new depot for the SNCF tram-trains at Noisy-le-Sec was (Downer/CRRC Changchun) has Bombardier missed its end of inaugurated, with an Alstom Citadis Dualis on display. SNCF been selected for the PPP contract August deadline to deliver a to design and build 65 EMUs for prototype LRV for the Eglinton cannot be accommodated at service and provide cross-town line. The prototype Hostivar. More T3 trams sent LAON. The last day of operation a new depot at Pakenham East. IRJ will come from Thunder Bay, but to Kyiv are 7081/3/110/23/7/ of the POMA cable-operated production is being organised 45/65 and 7215/47. BS peoplemover line was 27 August. AUSTRIA at an extended Kingston factory. urbanrail.net GRAZ. Tramline 7 was extended TTC Bombardier tram 4424 NANTES. The renewal of the 1km (0.6 miles) from St Leonhard entered service on 22 September, TALLINN. The first half of 2016 junction at Commerce, which to LKH Med Uniklinikum Nord while 4424 left Thunder Bay on saw the completion of the first part caused tram services to be at a cost of EUR10m. Service started 2 October. D. Drum of Tallinn’s infrastructure renewal curtailed and split during July and on 10 September. IRJ VANCOUVER. The first programme, which covered August, was completed in time LINZ. Tram service 4 was extended Mark III Skytrain set entered lines 3 (Tondi – Kadriorg) and 4 for normal service to resume from by 1.8km (1.1 miles) from Trauner passenger service on 18 August. (Tondi – Ülemiste jaam). On 1 28 August. R. Bramley Kreuzung to Schloss Traun from Seven four-car trains have been June, work started on lines 1 (Kopli STRASBOURG. The declaration 10 September, costing EUR30m. EB delivered by Bombardier. – Kadriorg) and 2 (Kopli – Ülemiste) of public interest for the Robertsau VÖCKLAMARKT – ATTERSEE. From 22 October the to renew the section of these tramway line E extension was New Stern & Hafferl Vossloh Millennium line was changed lines that does not overlap with approved at the end of August. Tramlink cars 125-7 have been to operate Lougheed Town lines 3 and 4, from Viru väljak Work should start next spring for delivered and were to enter service Centre – VCC-Clark and the Expo (Viru square) in the centre to completion in late 2019. J. S. Wilson from 10 September. BS Line King George/Production Kopli in the north west. Both WIEN (Vienna). Delivery of Way-University to Waterfront. lines were substituted by buses GERMANY B1 trams up to 785 in August saw The 11km (6.8-mile) Evergreen and by 31 August the Viru väljak BERLIN. To mark 40 years of Tatra the withdrawal of articulated car line from Lougheed to Coquitlam junction including track, poles and KT4D tram operation, museum car 4553 and trailers 1343/52. via Port Moody is due to open catenary along Mere puistee (Mere 219 482 of 1986 has been repainted The opening date for the before Christmas. BS, P. Gooderson Avenue) as far as the Linnehall in the original 1982 red and white extension of metro line U1 from stop had been replaced, allowing livery as delivered by CKD Tatra. Reumannplatz to Oberlaa will CHINA a provisionally shortened line 2 This tram was numbered 9482 be 2 September 2017. Tramline 67 BEIJING. The first eight-car metro from Balti jaam to Ülemiste to from 1992 to 2000. DS will be cut back to Reumannplatz train for line 16 (a PPP venture by start operation on 1 September. BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. at that time. BS, EB Beijing MTR Corporation) was Line 1 is only scheduled for 101, the first Stadler Variobahn unveiled on 22 August. RGI reopening in autumn 2017. of the next delivery of 42 trams, BELGIUM HONG KONG. A ceremony From Balti jaam to Kopli, all arrived on 30 September. ANTWERPEN. The underground on 8 September marked the the overhead has been removed, Track scrubber 677 has been tram station Opera was closed breakthrough on the 11km (6.8- as well as from Kopli depot, also withdrawn and replaced by the from 1 September for renovation mile) Shatin to Central metro line. undergoing refurbishment. new 678, an articulated car rebuilt likely to last two years. Trams pass Passenger service will start in 2019. Tatra KT4s 99/100/109/115 from Stadtbahn-M tram 340. through without stopping. OR On 23 October the Kwun Tong /117/143/152/ 154/162 are BREMEN. 1957 works car AT4, GENT. The extension of tramline line was extended by 2.6km stranded for the foreseeable future. threatened with scrapping, has 21 to Zwijnaarde Dorp was to be (1.6 miles) to Whampoa. Line 3 is operated by Tatra KT4s; been sold for EUR1 to a garden opened on 6 November. E. de Jong line 4 is the preserve of CAF Urbos, project and will be used as a CZECH REPUBLIC although the occasional Urbos clubroom at Überseestadt. BS CANADA BRNO. Škoda is delivering 20 does stray onto line 3 and the odd COTTBUS. Tatra KTNF6 tram CALGARY. Siemens SD-160 new 13T trams 1930-49. With the KTNF6 appears on line 4. R. Felski 129 returned from repair in was destroyed on 20 September withdrawal of Tatra T3M 1555 last mid-August. This tram features when a light rail train overran summer, just works cars 1532/44 FINLAND the low-floor centre section of the Tuscany terminus on the remain of this type. K2 1126 has HELSINKI. Final approval for the former Braunschweig car 0051. BS NorthWest Red line. CBC been replaced by a Vario LF2 10km (6.2-mile) Laajasalo light rail DARMSTADT. Plans for a tram EDMONTON. The prototype carrying the same fleet number. BS line came on 13 September when link to Lichtwiese have been Stadtbahn car 601 was PRAHA (Prague). The the Crown Bridges were approved abandoned after 100 objections to returned to Hannover, Germany, undertaking has leased part of (three bridges of 2km/1.2 miles). the application were received. BS for museum purposes in the former CKD factory in Zlicin Construction should start in 2018 DUISBURG. Tenders have been September. Globalnews.ca to carry out tram repairs which for completion by 2026. invited for 47 new trams estimated

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 437 Worldwide Review

to cost EUR134m. Delivery is on 21 September, when the 8.6km required from 2020-2022. DS (5.3-mile) Blue line from Little DÜSSELDORF. Work to extend Mount to Chennai International tramline 701 from Rath S-Bhf to ISS Airport was inaugurated. Dome started on 29 September. DS KOLKATA (Calcutta). Press FRANKFURT/Main. It was reports, prompted by the sale of expected that the last Ptb eight- depot sites to private interests, axle trams would be withdrawn speculate that the West Bengal from line U5 on 9 October, on Government plans to phase out completion of infrastructure work tramway operation to reduce the at the stations. BS burden of its deficit. Gulf News FRANKFURT/Oder. A Solaris Tramino low-floor tram from IRAN Jena (705) was on trial here in the SHIRAZ. Avini metro station was second half of September. DS opened on 28 August. urbanrail.net FREIBURG-IM-BREISGAU. TEHRAN. Shahid Ghoddoosi A new housing development is station on metro line 3 was opened A computer-generated image of the new Škoda tram for the Turkish city of being planned at Dietenbach, on 14 September. urbanrail.net Ekisehir. Skoda and could be served by a tramway extension from Rieselfeld. DS ISLE OF MAN JAPAN communication cables from the KARLSRUHE. From 12 September DOUGLAS. The auction of FUKUI. Ex-Stuttgart GT4 tram trackside. Osu Defender suburban tramline 8 was surplus horse trams took place on 735 will be in service at weekends KANO. The China Railway withdrawn apart from two trips 27 August, with all six being and holidays until 27 November, Construction Corporation has on schooldays. From the same sold for a total of GBP9200 shuttling between Fukui railway been awarded a provisional contract date night tram services were (EUR10 617). Car 37 was station and Tawaramachi to build a 74.3km (46.2-mile) withdrawn Monday-Thursday. DS acquired by IoM Health Minister 10.00-14.00. BS light rail network. RGI KÖLN–BONN. The administration Howard Quayle, who will TOKYO. Two more new bogie of Rhein-Sieg-Kreis is carrying restore it at an undercover site at trams to arrive are 8907/8. NETHERLANDS out a feasibility study for a right St Marks, and 39 by the Manx Just four 7700-series trams are AMSTERDAM. CAF-built metro bank of the Rhine Stadtbahn link Electric Railway Society. Winter in service (7701-4, rebuilt from cars 75 and 93 have returned to from Köln to Bonn via Niederkassel, saloon 28 was sold for GBP2800 7007/26/31/15), but 7018/24 service after an overhaul and using in part an existing goods (EUR3187), bulkhead crossbench will follow. repainted in the new R-net livery. railway alignment. There would cars 33 and 34 for GBP1200 OR also be a link from Niederkassel to (EUR1366)and GBP1300 MALAYSIA DEN HAAG. The last day of Troisdorf. BS (EUR1480) respectively, and car KUALA LUMPUR. Klang operation of unrebuilt GTL8 trams MAGDEBURG. After a burst 40 for GBP1000 (EUR1138). Valley metro line 1 will open in was 17 September. digitaletram.nl water main put the western end Douglas Borough Council is December between Sungai Buloh of lines 1 and 4 out of action on selling the horse tram stables and and Semantan; the remainder of 29 August, museum trams were Tramway Terrace. These buildings the 51km (31.7-mile) line should TRONDHEIM. 115 years of used from Sundenberg depot for had not been transferred to the open in July 2017. The line will be tramway operation were marked a few hours to provide a shuttle Department of Infrastructure, worked by 58 Siemens four-car sets. on 4 September with a parade of service over the affected sections. TR (DoI) which now runs the tramway, The ground-breaking for the preserved trams 21 (1914), 6 (1942) MANNHEIM – HEIDELBERG. although the stables continue in 52.2km (32.4-mile) regional Klang and 29 (1958). R. Kjenstad Of the 35 Duewag-built high-floor use. Plans have been drawn up to Valley metro line 2 was held on eight-axle trams built in 1966-89, convert Strathallan depot, which is 15 September. The first section, POLAND just eight remain available for in the process of being transferred Sungai Buloh to Kampung Batu, is WARSZAWA. The EU is to provide service, with six in normal use as to the DoI, into a combined depot due to open in mid-2021. RGI 60% of the PLN3.16bn (EUR0.74bn) three coupled sets on schooldays and stables; the project will require funding for the extension of metro (4098/100/111/4-6). planning permission as it is within MEXICO line 2, 3.5km (2.2 miles) at the POTSDAM. The Siemens Combino the Promenades Conservation Area. MEXICO CITY. Spanish western end in the Wola district low-floor trams that will be consultancy Ineco has been and 3.1km (1.9 miles) at the lengthened are 409-16; the first awarded the project management eastern end to the Praga district. will return to service next summer. TEL AVIV. Consultants are being contract for the 4km (2.5-mile) Both should open in 2019. RGI RHEIN-RUHR. VRR has awarded appointed for a feasibility study extension of metro line 12 from the 12-15 year contracts for S-Bahn for a high-capacity north-south Mixcoac to Observatorio. RGI RUSSIA operation from December 2019 metro line. This is in addition to KAZAN. Ust-Katav has delivered to Keolis and Abellio. New Stadler the five planned light rail lines (the NEW ZEALAND 71-623 partly low-floor bogie trams Flirt trains will be purchased. BS Red line is under construction). IRJ . Operation of the 1341-55. The contract was worth WUPPERTAL. Clearing the Waterfront heritage tramway RUB270m (EUR3.9m). transphoto.ru new Schwebebahn stock for public ITALY line has been suspended due KEMEROVO. A rough replica of operation is taking longer than NAPOLI. The Centrale to construction work and road a type Kh two-axle car was put on expected due to the approval was taken out of service from redevelopment in the Wynyard a plinth at KEMZ tram terminus authority. The hope that several 1 August for ten months of Quarter. Following an inspection on 28 June. This type opened the cars would be in service at the renovation work. TR by the office of the New Zealand system on 1 May 1940. N. Semyonov end of October remains in doubt. DS TORINO. The planned metro Rail Regulator on 11 September, MOSKVA. On 19 September extension from Lingotto to Bengasi approval has been given to metro line 10 was extended from has been delayed in completion recommence operation over half Mar’ina Roshcha to Petrovsko- BUDAPEST. The latest batch to mid-2018. TR the line on Sundays and holidays Razumovskaya. Transit service of ex-Hannover Stadtbahn cars TRIESTE. Following the 16 August from 9 October. Full-loop on the 54km (33.6-mile) entered service on 12 September collision, the tramway was still operation is not now expected to Central Ring commuter rail line as 1610-19 (ex-Hannover 6105/9/ closed in late September. TR resume until mid-2018. M. J. Russell started on 10 September, with 14/5/22/4/32/72/6/91). DS TRENTO (FTM). The 816m President Putin taking a ride. extension of the metre-gauge line NIGERIA A 6.5-minute service is provided INDIA from Marilleva to Mezzana was ABUJA. Opening of the light by RZD and travel is free for the CHENNAI (Madras). The second opened on 23 July, featuring a rail line has been delayed due first month; 3 five-carES2G EMUs stage of the Chennai Metro opened 225m viaduct and two bridges. EA to continual theft of copper are used. transphoto.ru

438 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOGINSK. The federal Duma Herrera to Altza was opened on storage on behalf of their owners been proposed by a Herefordshire elections on 18 September 12 September, served by trains in September. These are Balloon Council member. He envisages were used as the occasion for a every 7.5 minutes. urbanrail.net 708 and illuminated ‘Hovertram’ trams operating within three years referendum on the restoration PALMA – SÓLLER. The rail tunnel 735, both of which have been in by utilising a disused railway line. of the city’s tramline. Supporters will be closed from 7 November for Sunderland under the care of the It appears that ultra light vehicles arranged for the last surviving tram three months for renovation work, North Eastern Electrical Trust, and track are being proposed. to be towed along the surviving with trains replaced by buses. TR although 708 is in the ownership LONDON (UNDERGROUND). track to promote their views. of the Manchester Transport Work to modernise the Northern Unfortunately turn-out was too SWITZERLAND Museum Society (Heaton Park). line ticket hall at Charing Cross low for the referendum to be BASEL. The first shortFlexity (6001) Neither is currently operational. began on 26 September. The hall valid. N. Semyonov was delivered by Bombardier on BRISTOL. North Somerset will be closed until July 2017 when NOVOSIBIRSK. Ex-Moskva 31 August. Trailers 1455/60/1/74 Council has applied to the UK work on the adjoining Bakerloo KTM-8 trams 1240, 4201/43, 5255/9 are being sent to Beograd. Government for GBP1.95m line ticket hall will begin. This will have arrived here. transphoto.ru The opening of the extension of (EUR2.25m) to draw up proposals then be closed until December SANKT PETERBURG. The city line 3 across the French border to to improve the A38 road corridor 2017. During the works, Northern has awarded Transmashholding a St Louis has been fixed for between Bristol city centre and line passengers will be directed to RUB13.4bn (EUR0.19bn) contract December 2017. A further 500m the expanding Bristol Airport. Embankment, and Bakerloo line for 27 six-car metro trains for extension is the subject of a study, The funding would evaluate a passengers to Trafalgar Square. delivery by 2020. the first stage of taking the line package of improvements and A new version of the Tube Tramline 3 was re-introduced to Basel/Mulhouse airport. will include the possibility of map has been launched which from 1 October (after a trial run on From 11 December Swiss general introducing a tram system or new shows how many steps it takes to 22 September). It links Ploschad and half-price tickets will no longer rail link. The overall cost of the walk between stations in Zones Lenina with Ploshad Repina, be valid on the German section evaluation project is estimated at 1 and 2. London’s Mayor has put returning trams to Trinity Bridge of line 8 in Weil-am-Rhein. A GBP2.8m (EUR3.2m). a focus on making it easier and after ten years. N. Semyonov supplement of CHF2.70 (EUR2.47) EDINBURGH. Work began in more enjoyable to walk around TVER. The 115th anniversary of northbound and CHF2.6 (EUR2.40) September on the next stage of London and is in the process of the inauguration of tram operation southbound will be payable. BS a project to improve Leith Walk. appointing a new Walking and was marked on 28 August with a Phase Four of the programme, Cycling Commissioner. depot open day featuring several TURKEY between Pilrig Street and McDonald The Circle and Hammersmith trams: GS – 1976 two-axle track Ekisehir. Škoda has been Road, will last for ten months & City line’s 1926-built signalling sweeper; 217 – 1986 Tatra T3; chosen to supply 14 30m 100% low- and include the introduction of cabin at Edgware Road has been 103 – 1998 KTM-8 acquired from floor single-ended hybrid trams dedicated cycle lanes, as part of a designated as an item of national Moskva; 003 – 2015 71-911 low- with battery and overhead power, design that will take into account historic interest. The cabin’s floor car. Tours around the depot of the same type already in service the potential for extending the original technology is still in use. perimeter track were offered in in Konya (ForCity Classic); the tramline to Leith. Early enabling The system at Edgware Road will ex-Moskva KTM-8 102 and 195. contract is worth EUR26m and works have been incorporated shortly be changed as part of a N. Semyonov delivery is expected in 2018. RGI to ensure minimum disruption programme of modernisation, and should the decision to extend be the signalling cabin will be retired. SOUTH KOREA UKRAINE taken by the council in 2017. To support the further roll-out of DAEGU. On 8 September the AVDIYIVKA. Tram service GLASGOW. Glasgow City Night Tube services, Transport for extension of metro line 1 from resumed on 1 October after repair Council and Renfrewshire Council London has invited manufacturers Daegok to Seolhwa-Myeonggok to damage sustained during the have pressed Scottish Transport to come up with specifications was opened. urbanrail.net civil war. transphoto.ru Minister Humza Yousaf for early for lower maintenance track. SEOUL. The 57km (35.4-mile) KYIV. A tram-train feasibility government backing to be given The authority is looking for standard-gauge Gyeonggang study is to be carried out by to the Glasgow Airport link. an improved bullhead rail commuter rail line running German consultants covering Current plans include a tram-train fastening as its current trackform south-east from the city was lines east of the Dniepr River. RGI link from Glasgow Central station has ‘a number of undesirable opened on 24 September, with using existing tracks to Paisley weaknesses in terms of its 12 four-car trains from Hyundai UNITED KINGDOM and a newly constructed light rail operational performance, Rotem. The area was served by the BLACKPOOL. Blackpool Council link to the airport. The other, less predominant failure modes and narrow-gauge 44km (27.3-mile) is intending to provide a bus favoured, proposal would be for a consequent intrinsic risk’. Suryeo line until 1972. IRJ interchange in the vicinity of light rail link from Paisley Gilmour As Friday and Saturday night Blackpool North station once the Street to the airport. The councils ridership has grown by 70% since SPAIN tramway is extended. The plans are hoping that the scheme will be 2000, track access times are now BARCELONA. On 2 September are currently being discussed with included in Transport ’s more limited and the expansion the Catalan Minister of Public Blackpool Transport Services. future rail planning proposals due of Night Tube services means its Works Josep Rull announced a The Lancashire Enterprise to be finalised next year. current inspection regime would EUR130m order for 15 new trains Partnership (LEP) has agreed to GREATER MANCHESTER. It not be possible in the future. for the Metro del Vallès (Barcelona contribute GBP16.4m (EUR18.9m) is intended that main tracklaying NOTTINGHAM. Councillor Nick – Sabadell/Terrassa) for delivery in to the cost of the extension. works on the Second City McDonald, portfolio holder for 2019.These will help deal with the This is estimated at GBP24m Crossing, including installation of business, growth and transport, increased number of passengers (EUR27.3m), the balance of which catenary, will be completed before wants to see Nottingham’s tram from the Terrassa extension of is to be met by Blackpool Council. the Christmas shopping rush. network expanded by another 2015 (50% more users) and the However the council remains The GBP165m (EUR190m) ‘2CC’ is five lines, the Nottingham Post 20% more expected when the confident that the scheme will be to open next year, allowing services has reported. In a recent speech, Sabadell extension is completed brought in at less than this, based to be revamped including the Cllr McDonald envisaged trams in spring (in the medium term, on the evidence of the promenade extension of airport and Didsbury running to Gedling, Kimberley FGC projections anticipate double tramway. It also suggests that services into the city centre. and Eastwood as well as to the the present five million users additional contributions could A testing and commissioning Toton site of the proposed High from Terrassa and Sabadell by be obtained from other sources, programme on the new tracks is to Speed 2 station. 2020). They also allow frequencies including additional LEP funding, start in early 2017 before the first SOUTH YORKSHIRE. to be reduced from 8-10 minutes which could bring the council’s passenger services are launched. A consultation by the Passenger to just five minutes, allowing a liability down to GBP2m-3m HEREFORD. A scheme for trams Transport Executive inviting views metro level of service. R. Felski (EUR2.3m-3.5m). to run into the city centre from on how the Supertram network DONOSTIA (San Sebastian). The heritage fleet at Rigby Road Redhill via the Great Western could be developed was to end on A branch of the Hendaye line from received two further trams for Way and Hunderton Bridge has 30 October. Feedback will assist

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 439 Worldwide Review

more Kawasaki M-8 EMU cars to the heritage tramway started on meet increasing patronage on the 26 September, running 07.00- New Haven line. E. B. Havens 12.00 every 30 minutes. E. B. Havens OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. Bids for operation of the new tramway MUSEUM NEWS were received from First Transit, CARLTON COLVILLE (UK). Herzog Transit Services, RATP Dev The museum will be open America and Transdev Services. on 4/10/11/17/18/22 and 23 The lowest bid came from RATP December for ‘Santa Specials’. Dev. E. B. Havens It will then re-open at Easter 2017. PHILADELPHIA, PA (SEPTA). CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE Commuter rail services returned (UK). The museum held its to normal from 3 October as ‘Tram Day’ on 10 September, repairs to most Silverliner V cars focusing on changes within the were completed. E. B. Havens vehicle collection. The event saw PITTSBURGH, PA. The the National Railway Museum rebuilt street track in Beechview officially transfer ownership of was brought into use from Chesterfield horse tram 8 and the 25 September, when the Red South Staffordshire Tramways The first of the Siemens trams for San Francisco approaching completion at the company’s plant in Sacramento. Siemens line resumed normal service. truck to the National Tramway E. B. Havens Museum; both vehicles were the development of the Sheffield 4000 people inspected the first PORTLAND, OR. The last use formerly on loan. City Region Mass Transit Strategy, automated light metro. E. B. Havens in service of an LRV fitted with The NRM is also transferring including an investment strategy. KANSAS CITY, MO. In August the destination blinds occurred on ownership of Bournemouth TYNE & WEAR. A 2km (1.2-mile) city tramline carried an average of 19 August, and the two-year tramcar 85 to the NTM. stretch of track between Jesmond 6500 passengers/day, far above programme to replace blinds with This tram is currently located in Metro station and the QEII Metro the 2700 predicted in the project’s LED displays in the 105 affected the former Museum of Electricity Bridge is being replaced over business case. cars was completed in September. in Christchurch, which closed a 22-week period, in a GBP3m LOS ANGELES, CA. LACMTA The fate of the proposed in 2012. It is expected to move (EUR3.5m) project that began in has awarded a contract for the Southwest Corridor MAX line, to Crich. July. The work is being carried out refurbishment of 74 metro cars from downtown Portland to HEATON PARK (UK). The at night by Nexus engineering to the US subsidiary of Patentes Bridgeport Village, in Tualatin and tramway will close for the teams, without line closures. Talgo. The first 55 cars will Tigard, depends on the outcome winter period after operation of An air vent for the Metro’s cost USD55m. RGI of the 8 November referendum Halloween specials on 30 October. tunnels beneath Newcastle has MINNEAPOLIS, MN. A last- in the city of Tigard (the second LANISCAT (FR). The Chemin de been listed as an important piece minute plan to share the cost largest city that the line would fer du Bon Repos in Brittany has of post-war public art. ‘Parsons of the SW light rail (Green line serve). In March 2014, Tigard acquired former ELRT tram 520 Polygon’ is a terracotta obelisk extension) was unveiled at the end voters narrowly (51%) passed a (1950) with the aim of rebuilding with faces decorated in tribute to of August, replacing the state’s 10% ballot measure requiring their a 4km (2.5-mile) section of the the engineer Charles Parsons. share in the USD1.84bn project city to oppose any high-capacity Carhais–Loudéac line of the The Metro is playing a part in with funding from Met Council, transit project unless given Résau Breton. T-2000 Tyne and Wear’s biggest-ever Hennepin County and the five- voter approval in a future public ROSARIO (AR). Restored two- mass participation public art event, county Counties Transportation referendum on a specific project. axle tram 277 started operating the ‘Great North Snowdogs’. A trail Improvement Board. This clears If Tigard voters reject Measure 1.3km (0.8-mile) street tramway will have sculptures displayed, the way for 50% federal funding. 34-255, which would permit heritage operation again from almost all in easy reach of a Metro The FTA has approved the their city council to support the 25 September. D. Menzies station. A Metro trail map has Environmental Impact Assessment project, TriMet has said that been produced, as well as a for the Blue line extension to planning work will stop. CONTRIBUTORS ‘Snowdogs Pop’ pay-as-you-go Bottineau. Record one-day S. J. Morgan Worldwide items should be card and a family wristband for all patronage of 117 000 was recorded SAN DIEGO, CA. The third sent to Michael Taplin at Flat 1, day travel. on the Blue and Green lines on restored PCC will be 531, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, 3 September. E. B. Havens originally Philadelphia (SEPTA) Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. USA NEW JERSEY. The impasse over 2186. The bogies come from Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or ATLANTA, GA. The FTA has the Transportation Trust Fund was San Francisco Muni 1123. e-mail: [email protected] awarded the city USD500 000 to broken at the end of September, It will enter service in late 2017. UK and Ireland items are plan future land uses along an when Governor Christie agreed to E. B. Havens, P. Ehrlich welcomed by the Home News expanded line raise motor fuel tax by 23 cents/ SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BART). Editor, John Symons, 17 Whitmore known as the Atlanta Beltline. US gallon, raising billions of A BART Perks programme for Avenue, Werrington, Stoke- Service was suspended for two dollars for transportation projects. regular travellers was introduced on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail days at the end of September The commuter train crash at from 30 August to discourage [email protected] due to a sinkhole developing on Hoboken on 29 September led to peak-hour travel. Off-peak Acknowledgements are due to Edgewood Ave. E. B. Havens the closure of Hudson-Bergen light journeys earn one point for every BS Blickpunkt Strassenbahn, CBC, CHARLOTTE, NC. Tenders have rail service at the station until 1 mile travelled and 3-6 points digitaltram.nl, DS Drehscheibe, been invited for the 4km (2.5-mile) October. The train that crashed depending on frequency of travel, EB Eisenbahn, Edinburgh Evening extension of the CityLynx light was a testbed for Positive Train before 07.30 or 08.30-09.30. News, EA Eisenbahn Amateur, rail Gold line. Meanwhile CATS Control. J. Marinoff Points can be cashed in at the globalnews.ca, Gold Coast is consulting on the route for the NEW ORLEANS, LA. Passenger rate of USD1 per 1000 points. Bulletin, P.Gooderson, Gulf News, proposed Silver line. IRJ service on the new USD30.6m, BART expects to distribute IRJ International Rail Journal, CHICAGO, IL. Delivery of the 2.6km (1.6-mile), Rampart- USD50 000 each month. Irish Times, Manchester Evening fleet of 160 double-deck commuter St Claude tramline started on SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). News, OR Op De Rails, Osu rail EMUs to Metra by Nippon 2 October, 67 years after The first refurbished PCC to be Defender, Eric Pounder, RGI Sharyo was completed at the end buses first replaced trams. The returned from Brookville was Railway Gazette International, of August. E. B. Havens tram service runs to Union 1056 in Kansas City livery. T-2000 Tram 2000, TR, Today’s HONOLULU, HI. The first Passenger Terminal. E. B. Havens 1051/5/9/60/2 will follow. P. Ehrlich Railway, transphoto.ru, urbanrail.net, open day at the Pearl City depot NEW YORK, NY. The Connecticut TAMPA, FL. A six-month trial John Wilson, and was held on 25 September, when DoT has agreed to purchase 60 of morning commuter service on Express & Star.

440 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org PMP Transport Films Check out our website for recent releases and new locations. Still serving electric traction enthusiasts worldwide – and yes we are happy to supply those with no internet access. 1905. Rotterdam. Netherlands. Tram. 1989-1996. A long 3346. Sheffield. UK. Trams. July 2016. Another of our running compilation of 1989, 1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996 reviews of British tram systems with lengthy lineside shots material by J F Bromley, Ken Harris and Dave Spencer. over varying sections and a short rear cab ride.

1906. Rotterdam. Netherlands. Tram. 1999-2001 visits by 3378. Midland Metro. UK. Tram. August 2016. Another of Dave Spencer with new trackage complete, extensive look our 2016 updates on UK tram systems with the full line at the system and cars. Running time 90 minutes. now open to the central station in Birmingham.

1908. Amsterdam. Netherlands. Trams. 1989 - 96. Features 3379. Den Haag. Netherlands. Trams. August 2016. A catch work by John F Bromley, Ken Harris and Dave Spencer, up on the now more mundane city system still busy with some previously unseen. First time out on DVD. track works taken in bright hot sunny weather.

1909. Amsterdam. Netherlands. Trams. 1996 - 1999. All 3380. Rotterdam. Netherlands. Trams. August 2016. The shot by Dave Spencer, another long running programme ever friendly tram city but devoid now of any variety with with trams in transitional period, lots of action. just adverts to show the difference, hot and sunny.

1915. Den Haag. Netherlands. Trams. 1999. Once more 3381. Arnhem. Netherlands, Trolleybuses and buses. extended coverage of this important tram system serving August 2016. Sparkling sunny hot weather with the much the administrative capital of the country. modernised trolleybus fleet, just 2 older artics seen.

1918. Utrecht, Den Haag. Netherlands 1996-2001. Trams 3382. Amsterdam. Netherlands. Trams. August 2016. Buses. Visits to Utrecht in 1996, 1999 and 2001 plus our Mainly sunny, some thunder cloud, wide variety of routes Den Haag trip of 2001, long running good value. covered, alas now a lack of variety or even adverts.

3325. Nottingham. UK. Tram. June 2016. Our long awaited Remember PMP films make the look at the new route to P&R at Clifton with coverage of the whole route lineside plus some original route. ideal Christmas present. Numerous overseas and UK tram or trolleybus systems being covered in 2016, see them first on our web site and follow our blog.

A SELECTION OF FILMS FROM OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE, SENT POST FREE WORLDWIDE. DVDs £15 EACH, TWO OR MORE £12 EACH. CREDIT CARDS WELCOME.

PMP, 17 BIRCHWOOD DRIVE, LOWER PEOVER, CHESHIRE, WA16 9QJ Tel: 01565 722045 Fax: 01565 722038 E-mail: [email protected] www.pmpfilms.com The first trial run over the relaid Commerce junction in the French city of Nantes on 26 August. R. Bramley

Our Autumn Transport Spectacular this year is on Saturday 12th November

London's biggest and best transport sale for books, models, photographs, timetables, blinds and much, much more ! For more details of the benefits of The new venue is the RAF Museum membership of at Colindale in London NW9 Britain’s largest Bus Entry is via the Halton gallery. enthusiast society, with the most The nearest railway station is Colindale comprehensive (Northern Line – Edgware branch) or Mill information on the Hill Broadway (First Capital Connect). ever changing There are good bus links from Colindale London bus scene, and Mill Hill Broadway on bus route 303. or our latest sales Routes 186 and 204 also stop nearby. The list, why not check parking is Pay & Display next to the site. out the web site, or alternatively send a Doors open from 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. large stamped addressed envelope Admission £3.00

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www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 441 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.

Energy and power requirements for modern tramways There is a tendency to look for alternatives to overhead be returned to the grid system in dc traction systems, but wires for tramway power supply; one reason for this is that this is not the case. Certainly, conventional rectifiers can’t overhead installations have become heavier compared to return energy, but inverters can be incorporated to enable it. first-generation systems and now account for an appreciable Modern ac traction systems do it; after all these are actually proportion of the costs of a tramway. We need to know the dc vehicles with an onboard substation. reasons why this has happened. So what can be done? Weight is an obvious target. The It is said that modern trams are more energy demanding purpose of a tram is to convey about 18t of passengers and than their predecessors, but does this have to be so? In reality, to do this we have a typical vehicle weight of 40t. We can the opposite ought to be the case as electronic control has address the motor losses; the induction motor largely used has replaced traditional resistor-based control, with its energy three sets of major losses: stator, rotor and magnetising. It is loss in the form of heat. We also now take regenerative a mechanically simple machine, but its electrical operation braking as the norm, so why the increase in energy demand? is complex; being a combination of motor and transformer. Modern trams are of course larger, but there are fewer of Using permanent magnet motors removes two of these losses, them. To determine the energy requirement for traction, rotor and magnetising. In the past, permanent magnets we need to look at basic physics. A tram in urban duty has were poor compared with the electromagnets used in the frequent cycles of acceleration, steady state running and then traditional series-wound traction motor; but in the last 25 braking. We are mostly operating at moderate speeds in these years they are now equal in magnetic performance, and are cycles, say up to 50km/h (approx. 30mph). very much lighter and smaller. We can also eliminate the gear The resistance to motion of a railed vehicle at these speeds and transmission losses by using Wheel-motors, as well as on level, straight track is low, less than 50 Newtons/Tonne. saving a lot of space and weight. Those used on the trials with If we have a laden tram of 68t, this requires 3.4kN tractive Blackpool 636 have only a third of the losses of induction effort; at 50kph (14m/s) this is a power of 47.6kW, not a large motors, and save about half the weight of conventional amount. By far the greater amount of energy is required for motors and drives. I have since completed a design that acceleration – if we choose a rate of 1.3m/s/s, this requires a should reduce weight and losses even further. tractive effort of 88.4kN, 26 times as much as the steady state. Weight can be addressed by a change in vehicle At starting, initially no mechanical power is required as configuration by making use of steerable motors. This has speed is zero. As the tram starts to move, the speed increases been tried in the past without full success, notably with the as does the power required, at 50km/h this amounts to VdV Stadtbahn 2000 project. This failed with driven wheels, I 1.24mW. This ramp-up of power takes 11 seconds, and believe by a lack of a suitable drive. then the power drops to 47.6kW. In practice, to avoid jerks, Yet I believe that use of synchronous permanent magnet the acceleration will be lowered initially and at the end. motors could achieve this. To this end, a test rig was built, The average power required during this period is 620kW, and steering was demonstrated. This was back in 1997. Now converted to kinetic energy, plus 23.8kW of rolling loss, and steering is being tested again with wheel-motors on 636 under the energy used 7.08MJ, or 1.97kWh. the Radical Train project. This is however using steering On braking, the kinetic energy should be recoverable, within bogies to reduce wheel and track wear, a more timid minus the rolling loss, so we should recover 6.82MJ. If we project than I would wish. I am working on an alternative consider the distance between stops to be 500m, we have a which I hope to demonstrate on a miniature tram on my steady-state running of 34 seconds that consumes 1.62MJ. Our garden tramway. This equates to a 6m wheelbase four-wheel net energy consumption is 1.88MJ and the recovery is 78%. tram operating on 15m radius curves. This is of course the mechanical energy audit. Why then If we used energy storage onboard the don’t we see anything like this in electrical energy figures? vehicle, we can recycle the regenerated energy for use for the Electric motors are frequently said to be about 90% next acceleration cycle. This keeps high peak currents out of efficient, but this figure is only attained at full load and the distribution system, and should, with permanent magnet speed. Tram traction motors don’t operate for very long, if motors, enable a recovery rate of around 60% to be attained. ever, at this condition. As we require the highest tractive The current in the overhead would be smoothed out, the peaks effort for acceleration, this requires a high current in the being largely removed, resulting in a reduction of rms (root motor and produces quite high losses in winding resistance. mean square) current to about one third. This will also reduce We now largely use induction motors for traction – these the leakage current by the same amount, effectively removing are relatively cheap and robust but they do suffer from that problem. A smoother current demand should also enable high losses in this condition; typically the accelerating and more favourable power tariffs to be negotiated with electricity braking losses will be around 100kW. This translates into suppliers due to the drop in maximum demand. about 2.2MJ, which is more than the energy required to keep Incidentally, the current idea of having energy storage the tram rolling at 50km/h over the distance. There are other topped up at stops will make the latter much worse unless losses as well, such as windage in the motors, gears, inverters energy storage is also incorporated at these charging points. and in the distribution system; the latter is also not always Is all this complication really economic compared to having a receptive to regenerated energy. The result is that the recovery simple copper wire over the track? is only around 30%, a lot less than the theoretical 78%. A three-fold reduction in current would It is also often not realised that the use of regenerative enable much lighter and cheaper construction, reducing braking actually places more demands upon the supply visual intrusion. Feeders will also be reduced in number, and system as both acceleration and braking cause large currents substations reduced in capacity and size; the size of modern to flow in the overhead. It is said that regenerated energy can’t substations must be quite an expense in terms of land costs.

442 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Various parties are now tackling these problems, but all It would surely be desirable to co-ordinate all these are limited by resources. Parry People Movers is the only one developments to enable large scale production of trams with to have vehicles in public service, using mechanical energy a much better energy profile – perhaps this is something that storage to enable a smaller engine running at optimum UKTram could address? loading. The road vehicle industry has of course adopted such We also need trams with a much better curving systems with hybrid technology. Professor Lewis Lesley has performance; the now almost ‘standard’ low-floor design demonstrated weight reduction in body design, and by using with large overhangs is not good in this respect. The UK has automotive type components, but so far not in public service. a particular problem in this respect. Having lost almost all of SET are working on wheel-motors and steering, with 636 our first-generation systems, we now have to try and install as a demonstration. The latest entrant to the field is WMG, new systems into existing urban fabric; the sinuous nature of going for weight reduction through advanced materials and Nottingham Express Transit’s Chilwell line is witness to that. construction techniques and hybrid technology. David Gibson, Derby (UK)

Guided busway rules explained In 2003, the Health and Safety Executive maintained after responsibility for railway Dave Holladay (TAUT 943) and David Lyall (HSE) issued a Discussion Document titled safety passed to the Office of Rail Regulation (TAUT 944) observed that guided buses are Safety on the Railways: Shaping the Future in (now the Office of Road and Rail). not covered by the current railway safety preparation for the new safety regulations So there we have it. Rightly or wrongly, regulations, the Railways and Other Guided which eventually became ROGS. For main guided buses do not come within the scope Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations line railways, the new regulations would of ROGS. Incidentally, ROGS also did away 2006 (known as ROGS). They are correct, implement the EU Railway Safety Directive with the inspection and approval of new and while it may seem logical that guided and Railway Interoperability Directive vehicles and equipment by HMRI, and the buses are a type of guided transport and with a regime of safety certification and responsibility for safe operation now falls on should be included, it is what the regulations authorisation by a national authority, the the operator, supported by sign-off from an themselves say, not the title, that matters. HSE (the responsibility for rail safety later Independent Competent Person. ROGS also To understand why guided buses are transferred to the Office of Rail Regulation). placed on the operator the responsibility of not covered, we need to look back at the The Discussion Document also envisaged having a Safety Management System in place earlier regulations, the Railways and Other a less prescriptive, but similar, regime and of ensuring that safety-critical staff are Transport Systems (Approval of Works, Plant for tramways, metros and “functionally fit, competent and not fatigued. and Equipment) Regulations 1994 (known separate” railways such as heritage lines. The At the request of the industry, ROGS also as ROTS). Under ROTS, new railway vehicles consultation considered which other guided amended the definition of a tramway for and equipment had to be inspected and systems to include, and on the subject of safety purposes to a system operating wholly approved by HM Railway Inspectorate before guided buses it concluded: “The operation of or partly in the street, thus making a system they could be brought into service. The ROTS guided buses on the public highway is subject such as Metrolink truly a tramway. regulations were made under the Transport to various Road Traffic Acts. In addition, the These provisions in ROGS apply to and Works Act 1992 (TWA), and were part of a design and construction of guided buses tramways and other transport systems as well raft of railway safety regulations made in the is closely regulated by the Road Vehicles as to railways – but not to guided buses. early 1990s to ensure that privatised railways (Construction and Use) Regulations 1996. David Walmsley, Wokingham (UK) could operate safely. For railways, TWA, ROTS The approvals process currently adds value and other regulations replaced British Rail’s only in relation to the guided elements of Very long cars or multiple unit trains? own safety procedures; for new tramways, the bus systems [that is, the guidewheels and The new CAF cars in Budapest are certainly they replaced the requirements in their guideways (DW)] which are not covered by long, but are they single vehicles or train sets? enabling Acts of Parliament. other standards or regulations. In HSC’s view The photos shows two pantographs, suggesting ROTS applied to railways, tramways and a permissioning regime for just this part of a two back-to-back, single-end, double-sided other guided transport systems. Railways and guided bus system adds little value.” [Safety on cars with a continuous gangway, operating as tramways were defined in TWA (a tramway as a the Railways: Shaping the Future, paragraph 175] an multiple-unit train that is capable of being rail-based passenger transport system operating The later Consultation Document on the uncoupled. It would certainly be a handful for wholly or mainly in the street or other public draft regulations did acknowledge that this the workshops if that were not the case as lifts space), and the other guided systems were left uncertain the position of guided buses or pits of c.185ft (56m) would be required. listed in a Schedule. There were, as I remember, that operated away from the highway, but Also in your news section you note ‘the six other systems including kerb-guided and the conclusion was clear: The HSE considered suspension of Schwebebahn service’ on two cable-guided buses, plus and the that guided buses were already adequately days in August. May I point out that the like. So, under ROTS, guided buses needed to covered by road legislation and so they were Schwebebahn service is always suspended! be inspected and approved by HMRI. not included in ROGS. This position was Olaf Olsen, Millerton (USA)

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

October 2016 NOV EMBer 2016 Saturday 12. Norfolk (Holt) 14.30. Cole, Blackpool Transport Services: Cecil Greenwood: Trams on film, Future plans (TLRS Merseyside) Thursday 27. Manchester 19.00. Tuesday 1. Southampton 19.30. AGM 1898-1959 (part 2). (TLRS Norfolk) Monday 21. Sheffield 19.30. Alan Peter Jackson: South Eastern US and members' photos. (LRTA/SEG) Monday 14. Thames Valley 19.30. Paul Yearsley and Robert Pritchard: tramways, plus LA and San Diego, Saturday 5. Birmingham 14.00. Kirkup and Terry McElarney: Trams Trams around Europe. April 2016 David Voice: UK cable tramways. in and around Manchester (TLRS) Monday 21. Wickham 19.30. Clem Friday 28. Leicester 20.00. Monday 7. Cardiff 14.00. Alan Tuesday 15. Leeds 19.00. Ian Fallows: More Seaton. (TLRS) Member's evening. (TLRS) Wilkins: InnoTrans. Note day change! Dougill: Leeds trams. Thursday 24. Manchester 19.00. Brian Saturday 29. Beeston 14.00. Wednesday 9. Brighton 19.40. Ian Tuesday 15. London 19.00. ERS Yates: Porto, Alicante and Bremen. Modelling: What's on your Gledhill: The world's largest system – AGM followed by Stephen Williams: Friday 25. Leicester 20.00. David workbench? (TLRS) The Melbourne tramway story. (TLRS) Rails in in the 1980s. Witt: Berlin, Potsdam, Prague plus Saturday 29. Garstang 14.00. Friday 11. Glasgow 19.30. Brian Saturday 19. Taunton 14.00. Peter Olomouc and Liberec 2016. (TLRS) Ian Longworth: Manx Transport, Hardy: London Underground's Snowden: Fares please. (TLRS) Saturday 26. Garstang 14.00. Model especially tramways. (TLRS) pre-1938 (Standard) stock. (STTS) Monday 21. Liverpool 19.30. Jane tramways workshop. (TLRS)

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 443 Classic Trams TRAMS IN THE ONTARIO WOODS In the first of a two-part series, Mike Russell explores the Halton County Radial Railway, the only operational tramway and railway museum line in Canada’s province of Ontario. 1

egular readers will be aware that This is former Toronto Civic Railways (TCR) product but 2894 was constructed by the Toronto possesses one of the great car 55 of 1915, a double-ended four-wheeler Ottawa Car Company; this vehicle has tramway systems of the world, built by the Preston Car & Coach Company been restored to 1936 condition whilst still blessed with two traditional on a Brill 21E truck for operation on the TCR’s 2786 remains as withdrawn. features increasingly absent North Lansdowne line, with rear-entrance The PCC car will be forever associated Rfrom most tramways – current collection ‘pay as you enter’-style bodywork initially with Toronto; although the city was not by trolley-pole and almost all trackage laid developed at Montreal in 1905. Cars of this amongst the first in North America to take in the street. Around 70km (43 miles) from type were not fitted with air brakes and were examples. It eventually acquired the largest the capital of Canada’s Ontario province, withdrawn from passenger service in 1926 fleet anywhere, totalling no fewer than 745 however, is another operational tramway, by the TTC (which had been formed in 1921); cars. So it is appropriate that car 4000, the first albeit on a much smaller scale. it later served as a snowplough until 1954. PCC to appear in Canada and forerunner of This is the Halton County Radial Railway Restoration to the TCR all-over dark green the TTC’s huge fleet, should be included in at Milton; the only operational streetcar and livery was carried out by the OERHA and the the collection. It is an air-electric car (the only railway museum in Ontario features a huge car returned to passenger service. Two similar Toronto survivor of this type) built in 1938 variety of items of tramway, interurban and cars in their latter-day works car condition jointly by the St. Louis Car Company of the heavy railway rolling stock, many restored also feature in the collection. USA and CCF. and operational on the 2km (1.2-mile) route. Although the museum’s remit is to cover No other Canadian tramway took more The museum is owned and operated by all electric railway transport in Ontario than a few PCC cars and Toronto’s fleet the Ontario Electric Railway Historical province, it is inevitable that the tramway became symbols of the city for four decades. Association (OERHA). This had its genesis in fleet predominantly represents the city of Several post-war examples are included in an informal meeting of local enthusiasts in Toronto. Many other cars from this system the collection; 4386 and 4426 are all-electric December 1953 determined to save examples have been added over the years. A particular versions built by the same manufacturers of the rapidly-disappearing Canadian electric gem is 327, donated by the TTC in 1968, one in 1948-49, the 44xx series being equipped railway scene, including urban tramways. of many similar single-ended four-wheel with couplers for multiple-unit operation. Within six months, negotiations had been open cross-bench cars dating from the Car 4684 is one of 25 all-electric PCC cars concluded for the arrival of the group’s first earliest days of electric operation in Toronto. acquired from Cleveland in 1952, originally two cars and thereafter progress has been It was originally built in 1893 but withdrawn built for the Louisville Railway Company in one of almost continuous rolling stock from service in 1915, when side running- 1946 by the St Louis Car Company. Prior to acquisition. The site on which the museum boards were prohibited in street tramway delivery Louisville changed its policy and the was later developed was purchased outright, operation. After many years in storage, the cars were exchanged for motor buses with allowing four depot buildings to be erected original body was scrapped but a replica Cleveland Transit System. starting in 1955 and concluding in 2003. was built by TTC in 1934, using the original Three cars from the 50-strong class A-8 The Toronto Transportation Commission mechanical and electrical components. The batch built by St Louis/CCF in 1951 survive, (TTC) had maintained a small collection two-axle ‘Montreal’ truck is almost certainly but in their heavily-rebuilt form of the late of historic rolling stock but by the early the last survivor of early Canadian-built 1980s. Car 4600, originally 4505, was the 1950s the constraints on space meant that equipment – production ceased before 1900. prototype for this series and 4618 was the most of these artefacts were liable to be No collection of historic Toronto streetcars last car to be completed in the rebuilding scrapped. Prevention of this outcome was would be complete without representatives of programme, in 1993. Car 4611 was the last a main impetus behind the creation of the the big fleet of Peter Witt bogie cars ordered Toronto PCC to operate in revenue service. OERHA and from the outset a co-operative by the newly-formed TTC to undertake relationship was developed with the TTC that modernisation of the system in the early Lightweight car 416 continues to this day. This forces the museum 1920s; their greater width resulted in much of One further TTC passenger car should also be to be the same 1495mm as TTC the city’s track having to be relaid to increase mentioned. This is 416, built by the Ottawa and necessitated all other operable cars to be separation. The OERHA has two examples Car Manufacturing Limited in 1925 as a re-gauged. Power supply is at 600V dc and of each of the ‘large Witts’ and ‘small Witts’. domed-roof double-ended bogie car for the operable cars were converted where needed. The former are 2424 and 2984, built in 1921 Toronto & York Radial Railways. These were and 1923 respectively by Canadian Car & lightweight city and suburban type cars, Building the collection Foundry (CCF) of Montreal with front and more typical of contemporary USA practice The first two cars were historically important centre doors and domed roofs. Car 2424 was than Canadian, and featured the roof- examples: 1326, dating from 1910, is now rebuilt for one-person operation in 1941 mounted headlamp that characterised cars the only survivor of 461 similar combination but 2984 remained crew-operated until of the Hydro Electric Power Commission, single-ended bogie cars built by the Toronto withdrawal in 1954. Car 2424 was retired in which operated several tramways on lease Railway Company (one of the TTC’s 1961, subsequently being purchased for the from their owning municipalities. predecessors) between 1903 and 1917. It holds a OERHA collection from a scrap dealer. After After it was retired in 1948 the body of 416 special place in the collection, its conservation restoration, it enjoyed a remarkable became a residence and was acquired in 1972. effectively being the reason for the group’s new life with the TTC, being leased from The original Taylor low-floor trucks were foundation. Restoration of the car to 1932 1975 to 1990 for tourist operation. replaced by examples sourced from Boston condition was the first project carried out by By contrast, the two ‘small Witts’, 2786 as this model was extinct in Canada by the OERHA and it was subsequently displayed at and 2894 of 1922 and 1923 respectively, time of acquisition; it currently rides on CCF the 1978 Canadian National Exhibition. remained in TTC service until 1963, having bogies pending restoration of the Taylors. While 1326 was donated by TTC, the been converted to one-person operation as second arrival of 1954 had to be purchased. early as 1933. Car 2786 was another CCF Continued next issue.

444 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Historically important within the OERHA museum fleet is Toronto 1326, saving which was the impetus for the formation of the group. It is the only survivor of a large fleet of single-ended bogie cars built by between 1903 and 1917.

2. The oldest car in the collection and a regular performer in passenger service on fine days is 327, a 1934 reconstruction of an 1893 cross- bench two-axle car. Here it stands at the Rockwood Station loading point awaiting its next group of visitors. TTC Peter Witt car 2424 is in rear.

3. Three examples survive of the former Toronto Civic Railways fleet of double-ended two-axle cars built in the period 1915-17, but only car 55 is restored to its TCR passenger- carrying condition.

4. TTC 'large Witt' car 2424 was rescued from a scrapyard, fully restored and enjoyed a 2 subsequent lengthy period back on Toronto metals as a tourist car. It now operates regularly at the museum and is shown here at the outer end of the line.

5. This is former TTC 'small Witt' car 2786, one of two such vehicles in the OERHA collection. Cars of this type were early adaptations for one-person-operation and remained in service until 1963.

6. The distinctive lines of 3 4 Toronto’s first PCC, car 4000 of 1938, seem to be particularly pleasing in TTC’s maroon and cream livery. This air-electric car was the forerunner of what became the largest fleet of PCC cars to operate in any North American city.

7. This glimpse into the museum workshops shows restoration work in progress on TTC car 4600, the prototype rebuild of 50 class A-8 PCC cars built by St Louis/CCF in 1951. In its original form this was car 4505. 5 6 8. At the time of the author’s visit, extensive restoration was taking place on 416, a lightweight bogie car of 1925 built for the Toronto & York Radial Railways by the Ottawa Car Company. The museum workshops are largely self- sufficient but under a mutually beneficial arrangement, TTC undertakes any heavy engineering work whilst OERHA volunteers carry out routine work on TTC’s own heritage PCC cars. 7 8 All photography by Mike Russell.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NOVEMBER 2016 / 445 BOOKSHOP Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage & packing – Any UK address: add 10%; All addresses outside UK: add 20%. For Airmail despatch outside Europe: add 30%.

Handbook: Track Greening Les trams en images 2 Design · Implementation · Maintenance Trams in beeld 2

An excellent guide to the subject, giving A beautiful book that complements expert advice based on experience over the first volume, with superb images many years in several German cities. of trams in Belgium from 1965-1980. Anyone concerned with the design and Mainly covers the Vicinal networks implementation of a new tramway should with a few views of urban systems in read this book and follow its advice. , Brussels, Charleroi, and Verviers. French and Dutch text. > B5 hardback; 200 pages, three black & white and 186 colour pictures > 2 65 x 210mm hardback, landscape format; 208 pages, plus numerous diagrams. 201 full-page colour pictures.

£47.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. £33.50 plus postage & packing as shown above.

Atlas van de Verdwenen Spoorlijnen Straßenbahnen in den sechziger jahren in Nederland 60 Jahre Verband Deutscher Verkehrs-Amateure (VDVA) 1956-2016 A well-designed book highlighting 29 rail routes in The Netherlands that closed A ‘must have’ book for those with an interest in the 1960s, including Amsterdam’s tramway in the transformation of Germany’s tramways museum line. Full of atmospheric ‘then & during the 1960s, from which the survivors now’ images – recommended. Dutch text. emerged on the path towards modernisation and growth. A celebration of the VDVA’s > 2 50 x 310mm hardback; 208 pages, sixtieth anniversary. German text. 400+ pictures in colour and black & white, numerous maps. > B5 hardback; 128 pages, 200+ mainly black & white pictures.

£30.00 plus postage & packing as shown above. £18.00 plus postage & packing as shown above.

Liniennetz (Stadtplan) BVG-West & Ost 1960 The Tramway Revolution in France 1985-2015 ‘Thirty Glorious Years’ – Volume 4: Central France Set of two reproduction network maps showing tram, The storyline from Volume 3 continues trolleybus, bus, U-Bahn and with a detailed look at the tramways of S-Bahn services in the two a further nine cities, plus the new Puy halves of Berlin just before de Dôme funicular and cross-border construction of the Wall. lines extending into France from Includes lists of services Germany and Switzerland. operated. German text. > 2 15 x 240mm softback, landscape format; 210 pages, > A2 folded to A4; full colour. 293 colour pictures, 11 maps.

£12.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. £15.00 plus postage & packing as shown above.

Around Bournemouth by Trolleybus Cardiff Trolleybuses

A route-by-route review of this Detailed history of this late entrant to fondly-remembered system with the UK trolleybus scene, which grew good quality images set largely significantly from 1942 to 1955 but two to a page. A brief fleet review was finally abandoned in 1970. is included. Full fleet information included.

> A 4 hardback; 224 pages, > A4 hardback; 300 pages, profusely fully illustrated in black & white illustrated in black & white and colour and colour. with several maps.

£47.0 0 plus postage & packing £50.00 plus postage & packing as shown above. as shown above.

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

suspended celebrating systems factfile: transportation LRT's success SZEGED With over 20 years of upgrading and new The Global Light Rail Awards have once Neil Pulling reports from Hungary's stock finally due to enter public service, again been a huge success, celebrating Szeged, a city that combines old and Wuppertal's Schwebebahn is both old and innovation and achievement. new trams in a population centre in modern. Neil Pulling assesses one of the TAUT reports in detail on the winners the south of the country that also has a world’s most unusual transit systems. at the prestigious international event. significant trolleybus operation.

PLUS... december + Light rail development and expansion in Maryland. issue + Part two of our report on Halton County Radial Railway Museum. + The latest news, rolling stock orders, system developments and on sale transport policy decisions from around the world. 18 November

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE CONTENTS 416 The o cial journal of the Light Rail Transit Association NOVEMBER 2016 Vol. 79 No. 947 421 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL EDITOR Simon Johnston E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, www.lrta.org Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK ASSOCIATE EDITOR www.tautonline.com Tony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] WORLDWIDE EDITOR 426 Michael Taplin NOVEMBER 2016 N O. 947 Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] Sub scribe now! NEWS EDITOR John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Sta s ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR CINCINNATI’S HARD WON Neil Pulling WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTORS Tony Bailey, James Chuang, Paul Nicholson, Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, MODERN TRAM REVIVAL Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, NEWS Herbert Pence, Alain Senut, Thomas Wagner 412 SYSTEMS FACTFILE: BRAUNSCHWEIG . Russian cities’ bumper trams orders; 432 Neil Pulling reports on the recent resurgence PRODUCTION Cincinnati streetcar opens; Stadler and Rick Wilson Solaris partner for Eastern Europe; New UK of this unusual tramway in . Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] minister announces his support of light rail. DESIGN WORLDWIDE REVIEW 437 Debbie Nolan INNOTRANS 2016 London Underground looks for lower ADVERTISING 416 COMMERCIAL MANAGER TAUT maintenance track; Škoda chosen for gives you the highlights of the key Geo Butler technology and debating points from the Ekisehir; EU funds Warsaw metro expansion. Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: geo @lrtap.com world’s biggest railway trade exhibition. MAILBOX PUBLISHER 442 Howard Johnston CINCINNATI STREETCAR Electrical systems and regulations explained. Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the 421 Hans Retallick and Hebert Pence go behind LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each CLASSIC TRAMS: ONTARIO month preceding the cover date. the scenes of the fascinating development 444 of the US’ newest urban LRT circulator. Mike Russell visits Canada’s Halton County LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY Radial Railway Museum Brian Lomas E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] BERLIN URBAN RAIL SPECIAL LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) In the second part of our focus on the rail-based networks of the German capital’s BVG, 426 Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up members of the Light Rail Transit Association. TAUT focuses on the U-Bahn metro system, including its current U5 expansion programme. SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES Now in its 79th year, Tramways & Urban Transit is the world’s leading LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 Can we a ord not to invest in future transit? BACK ISSUES Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 The biennial running of the world’s biggest railway trade fair in Berlin PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION offers much food for thought. Key themes of automation and digitisation Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, are explored in our report beginning on page 416, but what really Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. interested me was whether all this new technology is truly needed LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE . c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. I fully understand that automation can create greater reliability and Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 availability and that passengers need a convincing reason to abandon their in England and Wales. cars, yet many of these innovations also add complexity, weight and are an extra power LRTA CHAIRMAN draw when there are often effective alternatives. My current phone provider gives me a Andrew Braddock huge amount of mobile data for a very small sum each month and the 4G coverage is faster E-mail: [email protected] than most public transport Wi-Fi. Likewise, air-con systems are always going to struggle LRTA DEPUTY CHAIRMAN with doors that open every five minutes and if you gather more than a hundred people in Paul Rowen a small area there is always going to be a lot of heat generated. What about scaling them LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE monthly publication dedicated solely to light and urban rail developments. back and having windows that open? Buses and trains have them, so why can’t trams? c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, A serious note is whether such things make systems less affordable when some cities UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 in England and Wales. are counting the pennies. I’d far rather see money spent on decent waiting areas, © LRTA Publishing 2016 better seating and passenger information and ultimately new lines. Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also It could be argued that we sometimes get too hung up on the shiny bits. There are later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution InnoTrans: The world’s greatest railway showcase dangers associated with designing to a specification we think will please politicians is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the or accountants... that perhaps miss the overall objective. Step back, think about what opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. Russian cities’ major low- oor orders we want to achieve in the long term and then look at the best ways of doing it – an LRT No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in system will more often than not work out as the more expensive option, but it also any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including delivers so much more than a bus or a car can do over a 30, 40 or 50-year period. photocopying, recording or by any information storage and Stadler and Solaris join for tram bids retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from They are also vote winners in many cases, and can we afford not to invest if they clean the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the the environment, create jobs and spark investment? A perfect example is the Cincinnati magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. Doha Metro tunnelling is complete Bell Connector – another fascinating read that starts on page 421. Simon Johnston, Editor ISSN 1460-8324 COVER: Cincinnati Bell Connector 1177 at

£4.25 11 Washington Park on 9 September. Herbert Pence Berlin Canada’s ‘Radial’ Exploring Ontario’s 9 771460 832043 www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org Above and below the NOVEMBER 2016 / 411 streets of the capital Halton County line 411_TAUT1611_Contents_TS.indd 1

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