THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER 2016 NO. 945 UK DEBATES: HOW DO WE BUILD MORE LIGHT RAIL?

NET Phase Two economic impacts quanti ed Montpellier opens city tramway ring CRRC’s home-grown o-wire tram New York appoints Streetcar ‘czar’ ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 09 San José Besancon5 America’s low- oor A simple, quality light rail convert system on a budget 9 771460 832043 LRT MONITOR e LRT 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 trams in recent major over the following three decades, a key recent years – from 2003 Siemens Combino 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 e 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 bogie motor cars and trailers of Most of the initial section of the first two metro 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 line 1 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 Bombardier Flexity 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 473001473001 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 Bombardier Flexity 2, 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 third rail @ [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: Edinburgh Trams 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  SPAIN | 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 331 CONTENTS The o cial journal of the Light Rail Transit Association SEPTEMBER 2016 Vol. 79 No. 945 www.tautonline.com EDITORIAL 347 EDITOR Simon Johnston Tel: +44 (0)1733 367601 E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] WORLDWIDE EDITOR Michael Taplin 352 Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] NEWS EDITOR John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Stas 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 324 WIDER IMPACTS OF NET PHASE TWO 347 PRODUCTION Montpellier completes line 4 city tram ring; Will Rossiter analyses the economic and Rick Wilson Cadiz and Granada to begin testing; Mengzi employment benets of Nottingham’s trams. Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] City’s tram plans revealed; Miami Beach DESIGN catenary-free loop fast-tracked. SYSTEMS FACTFILE: BESANÇON 352 Debbie Nolan A focus of industry attention for its lean ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL MANAGER COMMENT: M TICKETING 328 build methodology, Besançon doesn’t quite Geo Butler Ashley Murdoch considers how much more match the usual model for modern French Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: geo @lrtap.com mobile ticketing can offer. tramways. Neil Pulling explores. PUBLISHER Howard Johnston UK LIGHT RAIL CONFERENCE 331 WORLDWIDE REVIEW 357 Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the TAUT reports from two days of debate and New lines open in Changsa and Shenzhen, LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each exhibition at the 11th annual event. Copenhagen’s Ring 3 gets approval, month preceding the cover date. Jerusalem’s second line alignment decided, LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY THE LOW DOWN ON SAN JOSÉ 340 Tyne & Wear proposals, Atlanta threat lifted. Brian Lomas E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Santa Clara replaced its high- oor eet with LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) MAILBOX 362 low- oor equivalents. Vic Simons reports. Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up No excuses for UK tram-train, more on Brexit. members of the Light Rail Transit Association. HERTS ORBITAL TRANSIT PLANS 344 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES Reg Harman outlines the case for a new CLASSIC TRAMS: CEMETERY SPECIALS 364 LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), interurban tramway service for London’s Mike Russell recounts an annual special 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. metropolitan belt. operation in Kraków, Poland. Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 BACK ISSUES Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION New thinking to make light rail light again Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. Following two stimulating days in Birmingham for this year’s UK Light LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE Rail Conference, a number of points emerge – some revolutionary, some c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. patently obvious that maybe we have all forgotten. In no particular order... Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 Are we too closed-minded? A great deal of debate focused on how the in England and Wales. industry (particularly in the UK) seems obsessed with giving things LRTA CHAIRMAN labels. In reality, there are all sorts of vehicle, propulsion and guidance Andrew Braddock mechanisms that simply defy convenient definitions of bus, tram or train. Does that E-mail: [email protected] mean they are any less valuable to the urban transit planner? Absolutely not! LRTA DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Are we too obsessed with technology? One panellist made a statement on ‘innovation Paul Rowen not being about technology’ – but does our push for modernity (‘light rail’ is certainly LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, more fashionable than ‘tram’ in some parts of the world) distract us from what we’re UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 trying to actually achieve with rail-borne mass transit? Technology seems to be making in England and Wales. vehicles in particular heavier and more complex – and far more train-like. Imagination © LRTA Publishing 2016 should be able to lead us towards simpler solutions, rather than more complicated ones. Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also Light rail in the UK has an image problem. Project delays and cost overruns haven’t later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the helped the perception of light rail; despite the fact that it is well-proven that new lines opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of and systems bring employment, regeneration and cleaner air with them. Knowing who LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. we have to convince to get more systems built, and when, and how, is key. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in ‘Brexit’ may deliver as many opportunities as it does challenges. Our regulations any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and are unlikely to be affected, and funding will still be available, the audience in retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from Birmingham heard. Everything we need for light rail to flourish is still there, all it the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the requires is imagination and braver choices on the part of politicians and the industry. magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. So much more came out of the event (see page 331 for our more detailed report), but COVER: Delegates from the UK Light Rail Conference the key message was all about imagination. Do we have it? Simon Johnston, Editor at Birmingham’s new Bull Street stop. N. Pulling

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 323 News Montpellier completes line 4 ring Celebrations mark the opening of the city tramway loop, bringing the French city’s system to 57km

ramline 4 in the French city of Montpellier became a circular service from 1 July, when the T nal 1.2km (0.7-mile) section of the city ring was inaugurated between Observatoire and Place Albert 1er, by French Prime Minister Manuel Valls. It was built at a cost of EUR44m. The date coincided with the inauguration ABOVE: The ribbon-cutting party of the rst tramway of the new for the inauguration of line 4 included era 16 years earlier on 30 June French Prime Minister Manuel Valls 2000. In that time 57km (le ), Montpellier mayor, Philippe Saurel, and Regional President Carole (35.4 miles) of new tramway has Delga. TAM opened in this city of 268 500, the eighth largest in France. LEFT: A line 4 service passes under Tram 2099 was decorated the Pont de Peyrou by the old city with special vinyls to mark the ramparts. Y. Allain occasion and there was free travel the following day. Line in a baroque gold livery designed Courreau) and passing through 20.25km (12.6 miles) from 4a runs clockwise and line 4b by fashion icon Christian Lacroix; the historic medieval ramparts of Prades la Manadarine/Clapiers anti-clockwise and the completed the layover point is Garcia Lorca. Ecusson in a short tunnel. There in the north to Lavérune/Les line is 8.5km (5.3 miles) long. Weekday operations run is interchange with lines 1, 2 and Bouisses in the south. This will It provides a tram every eight 04.45-01.30, serving three 3 at Gare SNCF Saint-Roch. not serve Gare SNCF, but will minutes in each direction, using new stops (Cathédrale, Arc de The city is planning to build a share tracks with line 4 along the ten 32m Alstom Citadis 302 cars Triomphe and Saint-Guilhelm fth tramline by 2025, running west side of the city centre.

Cross River Spanish LRT systems step forward Tram objectives Spain’s two newest LRT systems Each 55% low-oor vehicle Tracklaying on the new ‘already achieved’ have taken a step closer to opening is 38.2m long and 2.6m wide, Metro de Granada tramway with Cadiz taking delivery of accommodating 309 passengers. was of cially completed on New London Mayor Sadiq Khan its rst vehicle and Granada’s The 24km (15-mile) 21-stop 8 July, when the last rail was is to outline his transport plans tracklaying reaching completion. system comprises nearly 14km ceremonially welded into place for the UK capital in a ‘direction On 7 July, the Andalucian (8.8 miles) of new track between at the stop that will serve the of travel’ document likely to be Regional Government welcomed Chiclana and San Fernando, main Renfe railway station. published in September/October, the arrival of the rst of seven where it joins the Renfe Cercanías Completion of tracklaying with a view to consultation on CAF tram-train vehicles to its rail network for a further 10.5km enabled the civil works to enter a draft strategy with London rolling stock maintenance depot (6.6 miles) to Cadiz, including their nal phase, which in turn Boroughs in March 2017 and at Chiclana de la Frontera, with 2.5km (1.6 miles) in-tunnel. will allow dynamic testing of approval in October 2017. a further two due imminently. The remaining two vehicles are the whole system to begin in Yet despite pressure from Delivered by road from Linares, currently undergoing acceptance September. At a length of 16km campaigning groups, the new the three-section car is due to trials on the national network (ten miles) and with 26 stops, mayor has declined to re-open undertake dynamic testing between Irún and Vitoria. Granada’s new system includes planning for the CrossRiver Tram between Chiclana and San Passenger service is due to begin three central stops in a 2.8km project. A spokesman said: “The Fernando during September. in March 2017. (1.7-mile) underground section. Mayor does not intend to reopen the Cross River Tram project as many of its objectives have already been achieved by ongoing Former TTC Chair to lead New York’s BQX Streetcar improvements in the area. This includes the extension of the New York Mayor de Blasio has line running from Sunset Park route, that would connect with London Overground, upgrades to appointed former Toronto to Astoria serving Long Island the subway at 17 points and the Victoria and Northern lines, Transit Commission Chairman City, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, pass six ferry docks. Two new work to investigate the reopening Adam Giambrone as Director Navy Yard, downtown Brooklyn bridges would be required, of Camberwell railway station of the Brooklyn-Queens (via a branch), DUMBO over Newtown Creek and the on the Thameslink line, and Connector (BQX) Streetcar and Red Hook. If approved, Gowanus Canal. developing proposals to extend project. Giambrone led the construction could begin in A City spokesman said: “The the Bakerloo line.” TTC between 2006-10 and 2019 – supporting Mayor de BQX will be the rst streetcar In other news, TfL has championed the Transit City Blasio’s commitment towards to ply New York City streets agreed a licence with Cubic streetcar plan later cancelled industrial and manufacturing in roughly 70 years, and Transportation Systems for use by Mayor Rob Ford. Since 2010 jobs in the city – and opening having someone with hands- of London’s contactless ticketing Giambrone has advised transit for service in 2024. on experience from North system worldwide in a deal which systems across North America. Project nance is expected America’s largest streetcar it is hoped will bring TfL revenue The BQX Streetcar calls for a to be driven by an increase system will be valuable as we of up to GBP15m (EUR18m). 25.7km (16-mile) north – south in property taxes along the undertake the project.”

324 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org China metro expansion China’s National Development China’s latest tramway & Reform Commission has approved metro expansion in three cities over the next ve years. Qingdao will get 181.7km system: Mengzi City (112.9 miles) of new lines by 2021, Chengdu 124.2km (77.2 miles) by First phase of four-line 2020 and Guiyang 114.1km (70.9 miles) by 2021. network in Yunnan Detroit chooses Transdev Province to open later M1 Rail has selected Transdev to operate and maintain the this year 5.3km (3.3-mile) QLine tramway now under construction along Woodward Avenue in Detroit; four-line 62km (38.5- the ve-year contract is worth mile) tramway is being USD15.5m. The USD137m line is to built in Mengzi City open in 2017, using six Brookville – situated in Honghe Liberty 70% low-oor streetcars Aprefecture in south-west China’s capable of catenary-free operation for around 3.2km (two miles) of Yunnan province and with a the route length. population of 330 000 – at a reported cost of CNY6.619bn First Vivarail operation (EUR835m). A eet of 34 ve- The rst of the former District line section 100% low-oor trams Underground trains acquired are being built by CRRC Nanjing by Vivarail for conversion into Tram training in progress on the Mengzi city test track in Honghe Prefecture. diesel units is to go into trial Puzhen under Bombardier licence Xinhua service with London Midland on at a cost of CNY630m (EUR85m). its Nuneaton to Coventry service The rst tram has been on equipped with supercapacitors tramway company with the rst (UK); the newly-designated Class trial since 27 May on a 3.5km and overhead to recharge the passengers expected to use the 230 three-car train is being leased (2.2-mile) section between batteries at stops. system in December 2016 or early to a consortium led by the West Shilpu Rd and Nisou, part of Operational training is being 2017; the operator is Honghe Midlands Combined Authority. the future Red line; the cars are provided by the Shenyang Prefecture Modern Tramway. Midland Metro Alliance The Midland Metro Alliance that will construct four light rail extensions in the UK’s West Midlands over the next decade Sidi bel Abbès tram testing begins was launched in July. The alliance comprises the West Midlands Combined Authority; infrastructure The rst Alstom Citadis 402 CITAL joint venture of Alstom, main railway station – built contractor Colas Rail and its has started dynamic testing on Ferrovial and Entreprise Métro as part of the state-sponsored partners Colas Ltd, Barhale, Thomas the 4km (2.5-mile) completed d’Alger. 1200km (745-mile) High Plateau Vale and Auctus Management section of the 14.5km (nine-mile) Ground-breaking on the line railway – and Djillali Liabés Group; and a consortium of Egis Sidi Bel Abbès tramline under took place in June 2013, with 26 University. Passenger services are Rail, Tony Gee and Pell Frischman. construction in Algeria. A eet stops on a north-south alignment expected to begin in December Read more about the Midland of 30 seven-section 44m cars are with a loop at the northern end 2016, with an anticipated Metro Alliance on page 335. being built in Annaba by the that will serve both the city’s ridership of 24m passengers/year.

Saint-Étienne’s ‘slimline’ Urbos NEWS IN PICTURES Kawasaki The rst of 16 Urbos low-oor, place in Saint-Étienne, and ‘Phase 2’ LRV 1079 double-ended, ve-section trams passenger service will not start at Ho Tin ordered from CAF in July 2014 until December, from which in the Tuen was delivered to the workshops time existing Alstom trams Mun district, of Transpôle in Saint-Étienne 901-15 (dating from 1991-92) October on 30 June. It will be exhibited will be gradually withdrawn. 2012. at the international fair in They will not be scrapped Neil Pulling the city from 23 September to immediately, and three extra 3 October. The 33m metre- storage tracks have been laid at gauge Urbos cars 941-956, built the depot to increase capacity. by CAF at its former railway The city’s tramway carries workshops site at Bagneres-de- 23m passengers/year and there Bigorre, feature an external has been a constant growth design by Avant Premiere, and in patronage. In addition to CRRC to replace Tuen Mon – Yuen Long eet are air-conditioned with CCTV its operational eet, STAS has MTR Corporation has placed a HKD745m (EUR86m) order with CRRC Nanjing and Wi-Fi on board. historic two-axle tram J74 Puzhen for the supply of 40 new LRVs to replace the Kawasaki Phase 2 LRVs Because of restricted (awaiting controller repairs), used on the 36.2km (22.5-mile) Tuen Mon – Yuen Long network. clearances on the north–south PCC 506 and articulated PCCs The rst batch of new vehicles is due to enter service in 2019, enabling the tramway, the new trams are 001 and 951; 952/4 were recently withdrawal of the 1992 Phase 2 LRVs and to expand capacity on the system. In just 2.15m wide; otherwise sent to a museum in Brittany, addition to increased seating capacity, the new LRVs will feature LED interior lighting and improved accessibility and passenger comfort. The order is the they are based on the Urbos while 955 (displayed last year rst stage of an MTR plan to expand its LRV eet to 150 vehicles by 2023. design already in operation in Paris as a freight tram) has The rst phase of the Tuen Mon – Yuen Long network opened in September in Besançon, but with six gone to the Chemin de Fer de 1988. It now serves 68 stations, carrying around 483 000 passengers/day. doors. Homologation is taking l’Allier in Montmarault.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 325 News

Luxembourg lays tracks The rst rails for the new tramway in Luxembourg STIB Metro modernisation were installed on 20 July near Sportzentrum Coque at Kirchberg. It is hoped the system’s rst contracts awarded 6.4km (four-mile) phase will open in late 2017. Two extensions will see the system grow to 16.2km Major contracts for rolling stock and CBTC operation for Brussels Metro (ten miles) by 202021 and 32 45m Urbos trams have been ordered from CAF, each with a capacity for n 2 August Brussels Options exist within the a framework contract award to 450 passengers. transport operator STIB framework contract for a further the French subsidiary of Ansaldo announced contracts 47 trainsets. CAF said the latest STS for the design, supply, Douglas horse tramway for metro rolling stock order means it has won contracts installation, commissioning and secured until 2018 Oand communications-based train worth in excess of EUR2bn maintenance of such equipment The Douglas horse tramway has won a reprieve aer the Isle control systems worth an initial during 2016. for lines 1, 2, 5 and 6. The initial of Man’s parliament, Tynwald, EUR441m. The new rolling stock is part EUR88m share covers east – supported a package of measures CAF has been given a 12-year of a modernisation project west lines 1 and 5 which share that will see trams run from framework for the supply of that will start with lines 1 a central section and includes Strathallan to the War Memorial metro trainsets, with a rm order and 5 and include migration integration of the CBTC and ATS during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, for 43 sets to begin deliveries in of the network to CBTC with the passenger information allowing a decision to be made 2019 in a deal worth EUR353m. operation. STIB has also made and public address systems. on the future of the horse trams based on analysis of three years of operational data. The current year’s operation of the full tramway by the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) has shown Lagos Metro welcomes CRRC cars an increase in both passenger numbers and revenues, with The rst of 15 four-car trains built signi cant savings in other areas. by CRRC Dalian for the Lagos The proposals include transfer Metro Blue line was unveiled on of ownership of the Strathallan 20 July. Project promoter Lagos tram depot from Douglas Borough Council to the DoI allowing it to Metropolitan Area Transport be re tted for use as a temporary Authority had sourced second- depot and stables. The DoI also hand H5 subway stock from intended to redevelop the Douglas Toronto, but thanks to a loan Promenade highway from the Sea from China’s Exim Bank it has Terminal to the War Memorial been possible to order a new eet. during the 201718 period, without The stainless steel-bodied tram tracks. However Tynwald, 750V dc third-rail sets are based while accepting the temporary arrangements, has le the door upon those used on line 2 of open for the restoration of tracks on the metro in Tianjin, China, the full length of the Promenade. with each train formed of two As part of the package to take powered cars and two trailers, The rst Chinese-built train for the Lagos, Nigeria, metro in the delivery shed at forward the horse tram service, capable of a maximum speed of CRRC Dalian. CRRC a number of non-essential trams 100km/h (62mph). There is an are to be auctioned on 27 August option for 14 more trains. stations between Okokomaiko Lagos-Badagry Expressway, through Murray’s Auctioneers on The 27.5km (17-mile) Blue line in the west and Marina at the which is being transformed into the Island (see page 361 for details). has been under construction southern end of the metropolis. a ten-lane highway, commercial for around ten years, with 13 Running in the median of the service could start in December.

Cross-river tramline opens in Bratislava New city-owned Test running in the Slovak as the new terminus at future. Work on the extension operator for Gera capital on the 2.4km (1.5- Jungmannova is a stub (further was started in December 2013, mile) cross-river tramline to extension is planned). Track and completed for the rst The city council in Gera, Petrzalka on the south side of on the new line is dual-gauge trial runs in December 2015. Germany, has come up with the River Danube had to be (metre and standard) to Petrzalka was claimed to be a deal to rescue its transport suspended on 21 June, when provide the possibility of a the largest Communist-era services, effectively in limbo it became clear that tracks dedicated cross-river line in the housing development in for two years as the operator is a were shifting, but repairs were central Europe, and at one subsidiary of the insolvent parent quickly carried out under stage there were plans for a organisation Stadtwerke Gera. guarantee by the contractor. cross-river metro to serve it. Bus and tram services are The rst day of passenger The metre-gauge tram currently still served by the service on the new line was network in Bratislava from insolvent municipal transport 8 July. There was a ceremony 9 July is: 1, Hlavna Stanica – operation, however following a at 17.00 and regular service Petrzalka; 2, Hlavna Stanica city vote on 16 July, all transport started at 20.00, taking trams – ZST Nove Mesto; 3, Raca from 1 October will pass to the across the river on the rebuilt – Petrzalka; 4, Zlate Piesky – 100% city-owned GVB Verkehrs- Old Bridge for the rst time in Dubravka; 5, Raca – Dubravka; und Betriebsgesellschaft Gera. A 55 years. 6, Most SNP – Karlova Ves; 7, 20-year agreement has been made Bratislava’s routes 1 and 3 Namesti SNP – ZST Vinohrady; possible through a EUR29.5m are operated by double-ended Škoda 30T 7516 runs o the rebuilt 8, Most SNP – Ruzinov; 9, loan to acquire the network’s Škoda 30T low-oor trams Old Bridge in Bratislava. M. Arthur Karlova Ves – Ruzinov. assets from administrators.

326 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Joint venture for New Tube for London Miami Beach fast-tracks Bombardier and Hitachi Rail Europe have formed a joint venture to bid for the New Tube for London rolling stock contract, it modern tramway scheme was announced on 4 August. Both companies prequali ed, along Negotiations start with preferred consortium for 8km catenary-free loop with Alstom, CAF and Siemens. The basic requirement is for 250 trainsets, which on a like-for- ollowing last month’s like replacement basis equates news from the Connect to around 1700 cars, however Miami Beach consortium, bidders see the future potential the Miami Beach City for up to 3000 cars. Assembly FCommission has approved work may be shared between negotiation of an interim Bombardier’s Litchurch Lane plant agreement with Greater Miami in Derby and Hitachi’s new facility Tramlink Partners, preferred in Newton Ayclie, both in the UK. bidder for the proposed 8km Blackpool’s TWA order ( ve-mile) light rail line. The An application for a Transport and consortium, which includes Works Act Order to extend the tramway from North Pier to North Alstom, is negotiating a PPP Station was made by Blackpool Design-Build-Operate-Maintain An artist’s impression Council (UK) on 13 July. A decision contract for a double-track of the Alstom LRV for the is expected from the Secretary of catenary-free loop. The cost is Miami Beach project. MBC State within around 12 months. likely to be USD387m. If all goes well it is expected that The Commission voted to funding. Alstom has said its APS Washington Avenue, serving construction of the extension will fast-track the project after surface contact power supply the Art Deco District and the begin at the start of 2018; services the consortium agreed to system is open source and can be Convention Center, and the could commence in April 2019. ensure compatibility with any used by rolling stock from other second on Alton Rd and 17th St. A further two Bombardier Flexity 2 trams have been ordered subsequent line linking Miami manufacturers. If construction starts in 2017, as with a view to these being and the Beach, and to pursue The project will be a two-stage it anticipated, it is hoped to open delivered next autumn. eligibility for federal grant loop, the rst on 5th St/ the rst phase by 2020.

Adelaide’s rst steps to a true city tram network

The South Australian State CityLINK loop around the Road; UnleyLINK – following Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Government has announced Central Business District with Unley Road and Belair Road to Haese commented: “Expanding AUD50m (EUR34m) to extend the a connection to the city’s main Mitcham; CityLINK – following a the city tram network takes us city’s tramway by 1km (0.6 miles) railway station. Work is to start at continuous loop around the city another step closer to becoming along North Terrace to the East the end of 2016. with transfers at other tramlines a lower carbon city. This project End, with Adelaide City Council Wider plans for the AdeLINK and Adelaide railway station; and will connect some of North adding AUD5m (EUR3.4m) to network include future phases PortLINK – using the existing Terrace’s most prominent fast-track the project with public through Kent Town to the city’s Outer Harbor line corridor. institutions including the realm improvements. eastern suburbs and heading An AUD4m (EUR2.75m) State Library, South Australian Three new stops will serve the north to Magill; a western business case is already underway Museum, Art Gallery, Anzac city’s universities and the future route to Henley Square with a to identify precise routes and Centenary Memorial Walk, development at the Old Royal branch line to Adelaide Airport; stops, plus environmental and University of Adelaide, Adelaide Hospital site. It is also ProspectLINK – following land value bene ts, cost estimates University of South Australia and the rst phase of the planned O’Connell Street to Prospect and anticipated timescales. the Adelaide Botanic Garden.”

Stadler Minsk for St Petersburg NEWS IN PICTURES Transportnaya Koncessionnaya the Krasnogvardeyskiy district China’s rst Kompanya (TKK), the of St Petersburg, has chosen domestic consortium awarded the 30-year Stadler Minsk to supply 23 three- build-and-operate concession section 85300M Metelica low- supercapacitor for a fast tram network serving oor LRVs for the project. Five tram years of maintenance is included CRRC Zhuzhou in the deal. The rst six 33.5m revealed China’s cars, each accommodating 260 rst independently- passengers, will be delivered designed from summer 2017. supercapacitor tram TKK will invest at its factory in Hunan Province on 1 August. approximately RUB33.7bn Xinhua Using supercapacitor (EUR457.2m) over the term energy storage, the 100% low-oor tram can be fully charged via pantograph of the concession, upgrading during 30-second stops and run for 35km (1.83 miles), according to the 14km (8.7 miles) of tramway Having already run trials in Moscow manufacturer. The four-section double-ended design can carry up to 380 and Samara, Stadler’s Metelica prototype used by lines 7, 8, 10, 30 and passengers and travel at 70km/h (43mph). Constructed from 90% local entered service in Krasnodar on 15 July 64 to fast tram standards. The components, it is claimed that the new trams can reuse up to 85% of the as 202. Similar vehicles will soon be city of St Petersburg will also energy regenerated from braking. running in St Petersburg. Nitshenko contribute towards the project.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 327 Comment M TICKETING: THE QUIET TRANSPORT REVOLUTION Ashley Murdoch considers how mobile ticketing oers so much more to both operators and travellers than just a payment and proof of travel mechanism.

here is no denying that in today’s digital revolution, free goods and can catch a quieter tram or train home – all through the concept of a tangible, paper ticket is fast-becoming the operator they are travelling with – for the cost of simply waiting a dusty notion of yesteryear. The millennial age is now a little longer on the platform. T far more reliant on mobile technology, and transport Aside from the plethora of benets in terms of smoother journeys operators must adapt to this and harness the vast amounts of and tailored incentives, operators can provide their customers data produced from these available means to stay a oat. with the security of all their tickets and tender kept on one mobile Today’s traveller is well aware of the multitude of benets platform, eliminating the need to pull out wallets, cash and from using mobile apps to purchase tickets. With millions of cards when travelling from a quiet or darkened station or stop. people choosing this method over the last ve years, the evidence At a time when security is considered a priority when travelling, is crystal clear that people prefer to use this quicker, easier and operators can provide additional peace of mind, knowing that their innitely more convenient way of purchasing a ticket. customers’ ‘wallet’ can exist on a slim device in their pocket. Consumers are growing increasingly aware of the multitude Not only do these interactions create a positive and personalised of perks reaped through using mobile devices for their travel, relationship between brand and consumer, but by utilising the however the benets are not solely limited to the customer alone; model from m-ticketing apps, transport operators increase their businesses who embrace these new technologies are also seeing worth in the eyes of the customers and have the capability to huge improvements across the whole business model. change travel behaviour patterns in a mutually favourable way. With the copious amounts of technology and choice at the This relationship between an individual and a transport business ngertips of today’s instantaneous traveller, transport operators extends well beyond the concept of a pleasant journey. If the must ensure that they stay relevant, personalised and, above operator is positioned as a facilitator of a quick, customised route all else, well clear of the ‘one size ts all’ and provider of tailored support, the use approach when getting in touch with of public transport is inevitably promoted. their customers. Whilst this used to “This relationship More people opt for a fast, simple route seem like a daunting and ‘pie in the sky’ via bus, tram or train instead of sitting in approach, with the information generated extends beyond the trafc, which not only eases congestion in through mobile ticketing, this strategy is busy cities, but also has a benecial now far simpler to deploy. concept of just a pleasant knock-on effect for the environment. Previously relying on vague, blanket journey. If the operator is Embracing mobile technology and the email campaigns or even through process of m-ticketing is a cornerstone face-to-face kiosks, operators now have positioned as a facilitator for transport operators taking the steps a direct channel that not only allows to advance their business technology, them to instantly communicate with of a quick, customised providing reliable and rened tools that their customers in a tailored fashion, promote speed and efciency. but also enables them to glean valuable route and provider of Society nowadays is growing in intelligence into their own customer digitisation and the concept of a totally base. These essential data patterns allow tailored support, the use cashless world is nearly a reality, with businesses to plan future marketing mobile wallets and contactless payments campaigns in a way like never before, of public transport is quickly evolving into social norms. giving invaluable insight that can be used Through smart customer interaction and in a constructive way to monitor travel inevitably promoted. ” making intelligent use of the data from habits, adjust offers or rewards and allow their consumers, operators can generate operators to align themselves accordingly to their patrons. increased prots, greater efciency and customer loyalty through Not only this but, in the eyes of the consumer, the operator providing patrons with real-time congestion updates, streamlined shifts position from a mere ticket provider to a functional hub of payment methods and ultimately superior customer services. travel information. At Corethree, we have seen around 105% in growth of m-tickets Once a positive relationship is established through issued in the last year alone and evidently, the ease and speed personalised connectivity, businesses can then begin to sustain of mobile payment is rapidly becoming the preferred method this through incentives and giveaways, and start to be able of payment among shoppers. In light of this major increase, it is to harness the way people travel to a mutual advantage. now more than ever that transport operators must embrace new For instance, the data from a single consumer who travels technologies and the invaluable data generated from m-ticketing, or through a particular station every day to work gives the business else remain at risk of other travel businesses leapfrogging ahead. the ability to supportively capitalise on this habit by perhaps Lastly, trams and metro systems ultimately equal movement offering a free coffee, a discounted snack, or even a voucher code and offer something that other modes can’t. This is not as a direct for a station retailer in exchange for catching a less congested alternative to the bus, but with a very different, but nonetheless service ten minutes later than they usually would. important USP. It’s about harnessing success and learning from If a business multiplies this process by the hundreds, or even other industries where light rail can punch above its weight. thousands, of commuters passing through the same route every Ashley Murdoch is the CEO of Corethree, a company that has been day, suddenly a service becoming crammed due to sudden strikes, evolving the m-ticket and native mobile solution marketing for over ve unexpected delays and obstacles becomes far easier to manage years. Over one million people use its applications across bus, train, tram and spread the crowds out. In the consumer’s eyes, they receive and cycle hire, with over 17 million m-tickets issued.

328 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org There are 4,000 employees from 66 nations We look forward to seeing you! DB-stand in the CityCube Berlin at your service. InnoTrans Berlin, 20. – 23. September 2016 DB Engineering & Consulting

www.db-engineering-consulting.com UKTram is the trade body for Light Rail & Guided Transport Systems in the British Isles. We represent and work with modern and heritage tramways, light railways, metros, ULR and PRT systems, including: • System operators • Maintainers of infrastructure and rolling stock • Passenger Transport Executives • Local Transport Authorities, City, Town & County Councils • Concessionaires • Manufacturers and trade suppliers • Industry advisors and experts

We take the lead role for the industry in all matters, including: • Promoting trams, light rail and other guided transport systems • Technical standards • Government lobbying and liaison • Group and industry best practice • Centre of Procurement Excellence • Keeper of RSP2 – including all associated guidance and standards • Knowledge and experience transfer • European and international liaison • Innovation and development

Events and Activities: UKTram provides support for all members and a network with quarterly meetings for all its groups, along with best practice days and Light Rail Summits. UKTram is represented within RSSB, VDV, CEN/CENELEC and UITP.

Updates and developments, as well as working groups for our activities, will be circulated to relevant member groups and can be found on our website.

• UKTram focuses on areas and topics, chosen by its members for the benefit of the whole industry.

• We want all our members to value their membership as much as we value theirs.

• Our philosophy is: The more we work together, the more we achieve.

UKTram activities and workstreams include: Reviewing RSP2, Working Group 3A Guidance on Non-Motorised Crossings, Tram-Train Learning Report, Government Lobbying, Top Ten Future Systems, HS2 Connectivity Plan, National Tram Accident & Incident Reporting Database (T.A.I.R.), New Tramcar Safety Verification Document, Non-Metro EN Signalling Standard Study Group, DC Protection Testing Best Practice, Ultra Light Rail Demonstrator Development, Light Rail Test Fleet, Door Trap Incident Analysis, Best Practice and Development days, Tram Horn Audibility Guidance, Trailing Bogie Derailment Detection, Tramway & Cycle Interfaces, Low Impact Light Rail Competition. www.uktram.co.uk News Focus

This year’s UK Light Rail Conference visited Birmingham INNOVATION, in late July, for two days of open debate and exhibition on the key issues facing the industry. IMAGE AND All pictures by Neil Pulling unless credited otherwise. INVESTMENT

Delegates at this year’s UK Light Rail Conference were treated to a ride onboard one of Midland Metro’s new CAF Urbos trams to Wednesbury depot, and saw a range of the innovations developed under the UKTram Low Impact Light Rail competition applied to one of the system’s previous-generation Ansaldo T69 vehicles.

he 11th running of the UK Light No fatalities since 1959 Helping drivers with cameras Rail Conference took place in David Keay, Deputy Chief Inspector of the Bombardier Transportation’s International Birmingham on 27-28 July. UK’s Of ce of Rail and Road, explained that LRV Sales Director, Manfred Albert, gave It once again brought together the country had had no fatalities on a tram an update on his rm’s Obstacle Detection around 250 speakers and since 1959. He went on to explain that there Assistance System (ODAS), contending Tdelegates from around the world for two has been a recent trend of increases in road that a collision with third parties is the packed days of discussion on some of the traf c collisions and of road vehicle incursions most common tramway accident scenario. most crucial topics currently facing the light onto tramways. However, if these gures were ODAS, his presentation said, is “making a and urban rail industry. normalised for the growth in the country’s breakthrough for collision prevention”. A range of 45 presentations and debates light rail, the statistics in fact showed a decline. ODAS was developed in conjunction with saw themes under discussion including the Nevertheless he suggested the industry the Austrian Institute of Technology and is role of local and sub-regional devolution, consider possible measures that could be taken a camera-based warning system, with three regulation, passenger studies, technological to reduce risk, such as the swinging barriers forward-looking cameras and a processing innovation, and the importance of employed in Den Haag (the Netherlands) that system to detect obstacles and calculate pan-industry collaboration in the demarcate the tramway for road users, yet can whether braking performance is suf cient development of new schemes. easily be pushed aside by trams. to avoid a collision. It includes different With representation from systems and the Mr Keay also reassured delegates on levels – from an audible/visual warning, up supply chain in both the UK and overseas, the impacts of ‘Brexit’ from the European to automatically applying a vehicle’s brakes. topics also included the importance of light Union, explaining that “the vast majority of Being camera-based, it is independent of rail’s image and design factors in attracting legislation applicable to tramways is home other technologies such as GPS. ridership; securing funding post ‘Brexit’; grown” and that there would therefore be no Test installation has now taken place how technology is changing the way we change “to pivotal legislation”. in Berlin and Marseille, plus Cologne in think about urban transport; and updates on He also reminded the audience that the second quarter of 2016. However, it is projects from around the world. both CEN (the European Committee in Frankfurt where the largest rollout is As media partner again for the 2016 event, for Standardisation) and CENELEC (the currently being experienced. The city’s Tramways & Urban Transit rounds up some of European Committee for Electrotechnical Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt am Main the key discussion points. Standardisation) are independent of the EU. (VGF) transport operator was a research and

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development partner for the system; go- ahead for operational use was granted in 2015 and installation in 74 Flexity vehicles is expected by the end of this year. In a separate panel session, Bosch Engineering’s Rail Transport Product Manager Toni Scheschko explained how his company is developing driving awareness aids from its automotive system, utilising the economies of scale this is able to offer.

Joining NET and HS2 Almost a year on from the opening of Nottingham Express Transit’s Phase Two extensions – Nottingham was the venue for the 2014 and 2015 Conferences – the city and its regional partners are now considering where the tramway goes next. Nottingham City Council NET Team Leader Steve Tough explained the thinking behind a number of options. Key to the deliberations is making best use of the A packed exhibition accompanied the event, with High Speed 2 line when it arrives in the displays from a broad section of industry suppliers. East Midlands as part of that scheme’s own “Tram systems second phase, projected to be in the 2030s. systems, both now and in the future.” With the station expected to be at Toton, and have to be socially, The potential for a light rail approach to a con rmation of this expected before the economically and under-utilised branch lines on the UK heavy year’s end, this would require only a 1.6km rail network was highlighted by a talk on the (one-mile) connection from the current environmentally ‘Stourbridge Shuttle’ by Philip Evans, MD Toton Lane park-and-ride terminus of the and CEO of Pre Metro Operations. The 1.3km new Chilwell line to allow a link to be made. important.” (0.8-mile) line connects both the railway HS2 creates bene ts for further suggested Dr Stuart Thomson and bus stations using a eet of two Class 139 expansion that could include a westward Parry People Movers. It has a single depot, route to Derby, and one connecting East which doubles as the maintenance workshop. Midlands Airport to the south in the The vehicles use a Ford LPG-fuelled neighbouring county of Leicestershire. Also the UK’s multi-billion pound project is far engine with ‘regen’ ywheel hybrid ability. possible are a number of other extensions from being all about the country’s capital. Running down the 1-in-67 gradient of the such as to county locations such as Kimberley Some 24 600 construction and more than branch charges the ywheel and the energy and Gedling, and even the development of 3000 operations and maintenance jobs are is released for the return journey. Replacing a tram-train network that could connect expected to be generated by HS2, and it is the heavy rail Class 153 DMU has reduced the locations on the Network Rail system as well. expected that 60% of contract opportunities line’s carbon footprint by 66% – and costs are Tram-train development was dependent will go to small and medium-sized enterprises. half that of a conventional rail operation. on the outcome of the UK’s long-overdue A related bene t is the establishment of a Operations began in 2009 as part of the technology trial, he explained. National College of High Speed Rail, to be West Midlands Rail Franchise. Services run Mr Tough concluded that next steps include sited in Birmingham and Doncaster. 18 hours Monday to Saturday and ten hours discussions with HS2 as well as funding bids on Sundays with a 15-minute frequency to allow development of potential options. An even lighter revolution? raised to every ten minutes in the peaks. With 30 000-plus jobs expected to be A lightweight, cost-effective rail vehicle has In 2015-16 the operation recorded 99.71% supported by HS2 in Manchester, and long been sought to help drive costs down reliability. Passenger numbers are up 30% thousands more in Leeds, Birmingham and – and a new innovative version is promised since operations began. Shef eld, a message from HS2 Ltd Phase 2 from the Revolution VLR consortium. Funded Consultant Roger Berrisford explained Development Director Paul Grif ths is that with GBP1.6m (EUR1.9m) from the Rail Safety in some detail the problems of the Isle of and Standards Board, the consortium consists of Transport Design International, Unipart Rail, Prose, the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), and the Catapult High Value Manufacturing scheme. By transferring automotive technology, it is hoped to bring both costs and weight down to under half that of a conventional light rail vehicle. WMG’s Dr Nick Mallinson explained the concept behind the Very Light Rail vehicle, which includes self-powered bogies and weight reduced to one tonne per linear metre for the 18m railcar. Other innovations include zero emissions at key points, with the vehicle running on battery power in stations; the plan is to start construction of a prototype in October, with the vehicle complete by the end of 2017. It is thought the VLR could be ideal for routes such as rural branches like the UK’s Cirencester – Kemble Geo Inskip, Chair of industry body UKTram line, which is proposed for reopening. Responding to concerns of regulatory e ects from and former Chief Executive of the West Midlands In his presentation, Dr Mallinson described the UK decision to leave the EU referendum, David Passenger Transport Executive, marshalled two days the VLR concept as “key to the provision Keay, said: “the vast majority of legislation applicable of debate in the event's planning and strategy hall. of sustainable short range public transport to tramways is home-grown.”

332 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Wight’s Island Line, which currently uses second-hand 1938 Stock from the London Underground – the oldest trains in regular public service in the country. He argued that the best future for the line would be light rail – and with major population centres on the island not served by the current route, that there is also a case for expansion.

A concept for a Swi future The role of the Contributors to TAUT were well represented incorporation of among the speakers, and these included environmental Dr Nicholas Falk and Reg Harman who mitigation and explained their Swift Rail concept that city improvement combines short routes with high-frequency mechanisms such services. Initially developed as a proposal for as green track Oxford using existing rail lines, the argument solutions were is that the idea would be appropriate for presented by around 30 towns and small/medium-sized leading industry supplier STRAIL. cities in the UK. Examples include Rick Wilson Cambridge, Gloucester, Colchester and the Derby/Nottingham/Leicester triangle. Essentially, it was explained, the concept Jerusalem: Ten new lines? some ideas were inuenced by current combines nine features: City station linked Increasingly, the UK Light Rail Conference European thinking. In the public sector, to suburbs in catchment region; city station has welcomed international expertise and there was no organisation or staff to begin as a hub for co-ordinated local transport; Simcha Ohrenstein, Chief Technical Of cer with and the city’s topography provided all stations located and designed as area of Jerusalem LRT, paid a repeat visit to the its own challenges, with gradients of up to focal points – fundamental; high standard event, updating the audience on the 9%. Archaeological nds brought their own signalling but simpli ed on pure Swift Rail tramway in the historic city. From a dif cult delays. Terrorism is a constant threat, too; sections; high frequency; integration with period of construction, the tramway is now LRT is an open system by nature so it is bus and local rail; multiple units featuring considered one of Israel’s success stories and a dif cult to protect. high acceleration/deceleration; high density key asset to the city. Now though, the tramway can with high quality interiors tted for local This is Israel’s rst LRT system, so there demonstrate 140 000 daily trips, a 15% needs; planned, funded and franchised; were no existing laws or regulations and no switch from car traf c, quicker journeys into locally managed. local experience to draw upon, although the city centre, and a remarkable drop of 85%

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in city centre pollution. The 13.8km (8.6-mile) Red line has a safety record showing ve years without any fatalities and in 2015 70% of passengers registered a high level of satisfaction; ridership last year was an impressive 36 million. The city’s planning extends to a ten-line network, two of which are already at an advanced design stage with approval given this year for the future Blue and Green lines.

North American perspectives A number of perspectives came from North America, reecting the resurgence of light rail across the continent. Siemens Mobility North America Project Manager Will Marshall explained the history that included thousands of streetcars being ABOVE: Toronto Transit Commission CEO Andy scrapped in the 1960s (before closure in Byford visited the Conference from Canada and that decade there were 900 operators, and shared his vision of the city’s future, stressing the 18 000km/11 000 miles of track). importance of cultural change in getting employees America’s West Coast population has of the agency to buy into the city’s transport system. trebled since 1950 and resultant planning RIGHT: Will Marshall from Siemens Mobility has led to signi cant urban spread. There is North America explained how the continent was a renewed desire for urban proximity and re-embracing streetcar and light rail as a solution to maintain a quality of life there is also a to increased population density and ease of urban desire for a comprehensive transit system. movement. Originally a mix of traditional streetcar and interurban rail, now it has become a hybrid of Siemens’ factory is the largest such both in the form of LRT. facility in North America. Some 1300 of In the 1980s a few start-up systems in the the company’s S70 vehicles have now been west were followed by more in central areas. sold to 17 cities; Calgary has placed nine Key attractions of LRT to the public are that consecutive orders. it is clean, green, fast, ef cient and civilised Toronto Transit Commission CEO Andy – and it is also perceived as an important Byford explained how customer satisfaction economic driver. Today the US has 38 cities has reached 80% after a ve-year plan to with tram/LRT systems. The rst and second rebuild public perception and stakeholder waves of the new networks were typical of con dence. Previously, the third-largest their European counterparts at the time, the transit system in North America (after New more recent third wave are generally 70% York City and Mexico City) had a poor low-oor. reputation and Mr Byford continued that it had been his ambition since arriving in the Toronto to nd a ‘squalid’ transport network to reinvigorate the corporate culture and instil pride in TTC staff. “It’s how you get the Toronto’s public transportation comprises messages through Following a fascinating presentation on Dublin’s buses in the outer area, subway in the centre ambitious light rail expansion programmes, Paolo and streetcars in between, with 12 lines and to government and Carbone of Transport Infrastructure Ireland toured 250 high-oor vehicles. Toronto’s extreme investors that there the exhibition, making many useful new contacts. hot-cold climate also makes for dif cult operating conditions. A new streetcar eet of is something worth 204 Bombardier Flexity low-oor trams has been ordered although so far only 21 have investing in.” gone into service due to well-publicised issues Peter Richardson with quality and delivery. Sustainability and environmental challenges were the topic of TriMet Director of Project Development Dave Unsworth, who joined the conference via a satellite link from the US. Portland, which has a population of 600 000, saw the opening of the 11.7km (7.3- mile) Orange line in September 2015 and it is already known as the ‘green’ Orange line. Wildlife and environmental considerations have been incorporated throughout the project, with grass track that lters water, and diversion of the route for wildlife. Renewable energy and extensive use of LEDs add to durable materials for longevity. The riverside was regenerated during construction with a sizeable new bridge (the Tilikum Crossing) accommodating a cycleway and a walkway, and remodelling has taken place for wildlife. The key local authority, construction and design partners of the newly-formed Midland Metro Alliance There are 16 new solar arrays on the route. discussed the approach and objectives of the organisation in delivering an expanded tramway for the West What’s more, Portland’s well-documented Midlands – that should treble the network’s size over the next decade. storm waters are dealt with and cleaned

334 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial TRANSFORMING THE WEST MIDLANDS Peter Adams, Development Director of the newly-formed Midland Metro Alliance, explains the plans to treble the size of the West Midlands tram network over the next decade.

he Midland Metro Alliance has been developed to implement a GBP1.2bn (approx. EUR1.4bn) ten-year programme of tram enhancement works that Twill deliver a lasting legacy of social and economic regeneration for the UK’s West Midlands conurbation. The original Midland Metro system began operations in 1999, with 20.1km (12.5 miles) running mainly along the former railway line between Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton, with a short section of on-street running along Bilston Road to the terminus at St. Georges. The 1.3km (0.8-mile) ABOVE: May 2016 brought trams back to central Birmingham for this rst time in 60 years, but this is the Birmingham City Centre extension has beginning of a network of routes to give greater access across the city. recently opened, bringing Metro services BELOW LEFT AND RIGHT: New routes to Centenary Square and Digbeth will open in the coming years, with right into the centre of the city along busy partial catenary-free operation on some sections – a UK rst. retail and commercial streets. Both the proposed 2.2km (1.4-mile) extension to Hagley Road from Grand Central station and the 800m extension to Wolverhampton bus and train station have now obtained Transport and Works Act (TWA) Order approval and secured funding. The construction of both schemes is therefore planned to commence in 2017 with them entering service in 2019. Both extensions are technically challenging, with signi cant sections of both routes seeing the introduction of catenary- free operation for the rst time in the UK. Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension is an 11.5km (7.1-mile) route that will largely “Together we will transform the West Midlands by run along a disused rail corridor, deviating onto the highway to access Dudley town delivering an integrated transport system for the future.” centre, Merry Hill and the terminal at Brierley Hill. TWA powers are in place for original system is due to triple in size by 2026 ten-year duration, provides the Alliance with this scheme. so the Alliance will not be designing the a unique opportunity to develop ef cient A TWA Order is due to be submitted for the schemes as individual projects but taking a system-wide solutions, build long-term Birmingham East Extension later this year; holistic approach to system-wide design. relationships with our supply chain and supply this scheme will provide a 1.7km (1.05-mile) A new depot and increased stabling space ongoing training and job security to the continuation off the Bull Street/Corporation will be required to accommodate a proposed workforce – all of which will ensure we leave a Street junction in central Birmingham via new eet of trams to run the services, as the lasting legacy in the West Midlands. the new HS2 station at Curzon Street prior to existing contract only has an option for a terminating on the High Street in Deritend. further four. The Control Room, which is In the early stages of development, but adequate to operate a single line system, FIND OUT MORE still within the remit of the Alliance, is the will also unlikely be suf cient to manage delivery of the 16km (9.9-mile) Eastside multiple routes. Capacity, resilience and Extension that will provide a further reliability of power, systems and subsystems extension to this route from Deritend to will be reviewed to ensure that when systems Birmingham Airport/NEC/International need to be renewed or upgraded or due to the Station and ultimately terminating at the requirements of an individual project then HS2 interchange station in north Solihull. longer-term plans are taken into account. With all these schemes either reaching The scale of the proposed development www.metroalliance.co.uk delivery or in the planning stages, the programme, and the commitment to a

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“We need something better than a bus. That could be a better bus, but more oen it needs to be something better than a better bus.” Scott McIntosh

Two halls of Birmingham’s Conference Aston saw lively discussion on a range of topics over two days in late July. before being allowed into the river, and eight but is subsidised by a tax at source. The of the system’s buildings have a ‘green’ roof UK promotes open competition, therefore that assists in the cleaning process. keeping pricing keen, and encouraging restructuring and ef ciency. Edinburgh, and changing markets Nottingham’s city centre emissions area Delegates also heard the latest developments has dramatically reduced pollution as well as from the UK’s newest tramway, in Edinburgh. driving timetable ef ciency, with shared time The original business plan had pro table displays at tram/bus hubs. Connections to operation after ve years – but the line is on neighbouring Derby are important and will track to be in pro t by the end of its third form a signi cant part of near-future NET year. And despite the public outcry over the plans, while the multimodal Robin Hood project’s delivery, customer satisfaction is Card is crucial to the knitting together of the now at 97% – showing year-on-year growth. whole tram/bus network; the alternative is A 16th stop is to open by the end of 2016, a Keolis UK CEO Alistair Gordon hosted the event’s the Mango Card, a collaboration between ‘red eye’ airport service has been trialled and evening networking dinner, celebrating the success of NET and Trent Barton. The tramway is also is now running, and ve-minute headways the UK’s systems and the maturity of the industry. part of the national Plus Bus ticketing option. are to be introduced at peak times. Cycles and Rob Groves of property developer Argent mobility scooters are now allowed on trams. maximisation of assets and the ability, where explained the importance of light rail in Edinburgh came up in a different way in a possible, to afford seamless connections to sustainable regeneration with an overview presentation by UKTram Managing Director minimise interconnection time. Ticketing of Argent’s role in the redevelopment of Colin Robey that gave some perspective needs to be multimodal and timetable central Birmingham. Moving from a car- on the second-hand vehicle market. Over synchronisation is essential, she added. focused development model – “the highway the years there has been a tradition of The 1985 Transport Act in the UK brought engineers in the 1960s really ripped the heart rolling stock cascading from west to east as about upheaval in the country’s bus market out of Birmingham” – the new shared public replacement by newer vehicles takes place, and while the country’s local transport is still realm that will be delivered over the coming he explained. This trade has become more around 80% bus, some of the major operators years will “break down the concrete barriers”. complicated as new countries joining the have interests in light rail too. In contrast, He explained: “I couldn’t believe when we EU have had their cashow improved with under the French model all modes of a given met with the city in 2010 that they wanted nance becoming available to buy new rather city are tendered together as one, on ve-year 2000 car parking spaces within a two-minute than secondhand. The emergence of new, contracts. Orléans is a good example of this; walk of New Street station for our new smaller, manufacturers has added to this transport is subsidised by a local business development – not a maximum, minimum.” complexity with smaller orders for, say, ve or tax and fares are set by the local transport The original alternative to the Midland ten vehicles now becoming more affordable authority. The timetable is designed at the Metro extending in the city centre was for a and more easily achievable. tender stage and the revenue risk is borne central area only rubber-tyred tram, funded There are well-documented cases of surplus by the companies who bid – renegotiation by a PPP as a deliverable alternative. “We fully trams remaining unsold, he reported – such can take place at an annual review. Strong backed Centro’s plans for the Metro system… as the Alstom Citadis in Jaén (Spain), Midland environmental targets are built in and fare we didn’t want 2000 car parking spaces, we Metro’s surplus Ansaldo T69 vehicles and the evasion is speci cally targeted. France’s wanted a higher-quality transport offering.” excess vehicles acquired by Edinburgh due approach appears to offer a ‘better deal’ “Two-thirds of our presentations to to the completed line being shorter than rst potential clients are about selling the city in planned (and therefore needing only 18 of question – and this is all about connectivity.” the 27 CAF trams at any one time). Collaborative working was covered by a In a new segment for 2016, delegates detailed look at the Transport for London/ had the opportunity to explore a range of Keolis Amey Docklands relationship for the innovations funded under UKTram’s Low Docklands Light Railway, emphasising the Impact Light Rail competition. These included importance of “ganging up on the problem, modular, lightweight pre-cast slab track not on each other,” while a panel session designs, cost-effective methods for the in situ considered the new Midland Metro Alliance, weld restoration of worn embedded grooved established to deliver expansion of the West rail and lightweight vehicle components. Midlands light rail network over the next decade. Although drawing its staff from Synchronisation equals e ciency different organisations – Auctus Management Nottingham Trams’ Head of Engineering In one of the most well-attended discussions of the Group, Barhale, Colas Rail, Colas, Egis, Pell event, a panel of experts discussed the importance of Lindsay Murphy argued that synchronisation Frischmann, Thomas Vale Construction, visibility for light rail’s future. Chairman of Tramlink equals ef ciency in her presentation on Nottingham and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Tony Gee and the West Midlands Combined how cities can best restructure transport Peter Richardson (second le ) posed a positive view Authority are all part of the alliance – its networks around new high-capacity services that included “a jigsaw of local decision-making that members are co-located, and the public face such as tramways. Examples given included may be quite dierent” to what has come before. of the Alliance is a uni ed one.

336 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Thinking like a passenger

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Keolis is a leading public transport operator. Established in 15 countries, Keolis possesses an unparalleled range of expertise to support the goals of local transport authorities and deliver world class services to the communities they serve. As a multi-modal operator, Keolis offers a new passenger experience through seamless end-to-end journeys. News Focus

Animated discussion Lively panel debates once again featured and a major discussion, ‘Selling light rail’, brought together a number of high-pro le speakers to give their views on how to get the message about light rail across – and to whom. UKTram Promotions Group Chair (and LRTA Chairman) Andrew Braddock argued that the industry group’s task is to convince powerful bodies that light rail, ultra light rail and personal rapid transit are viable alternatives to the car – and that in this respect the UK needed to be more like Continental countries. He cited France as an excellent example of a country that had been able to “take space back from the car” (releasing valuable room for attractive new The exhibition saw a number of innovative new development) and reduce pollution: “Why in vehicle products, including a scale-model of the ‘Very “The only Angers, but not in Aberdeen? Dijon, but not Light Rail’ Revolution vehicle. Rick Wilson Derby? Rouen, but not Reading? Tiny little constraint on light Le Havre, but not Liverpool.” A further panel debate considered the He added that we also need to be more argument that ‘one size doesn’t t all’ when it rail in the UK now is creative about what we mean by ‘light rail’ comes to transport projects. Consultant Scott the lack of ambition and highlighted the place of operations like McIntosh argued that LRT is going in the the Stourbridge Shuttle as a superb example wrong direction for ‘second level’ towns and on the part of local of what can be done. He stated that regions cities, calling for simpli cation and greater authorities.” such as South Wales, the East Midlands and imagination – “It’s important to rememeber Bath – Bristol were all ideal for regional light what we’re trying to achieve.” Colin Robey rail or light metro networks and further Although a niche market, Mr McIntosh underscored the importance of tram-train – said the rubber-tyred Translohr (now NTL) particularly pointing out its ability to free up system was an option for tighter bends and must be careful not to over-specify future capacity at rail hubs. steep gradients, and added that buses also lines and networks (for more on Besançon’s Bircham Dyson Bell’s Head of Public have a valuable place in intermodal networks. tramway, see our Systems Fact le on page Affairs Stuart Thomson argued that “tram When asked if sub-surface alignments were a 352). Referencing the Dubai tramway that systems have to be socially, economically and reasonable option, Mr McIntosh argued not. opened in 2014, he contended that while environmentally important” – and with little “Undergrounding for light rail schemes costs this is a magni cent example of what can be government cash around, warned against between ten and 40 times as much per route done when money is no object, automatic ignoring the cost. “Government expects kilometre as a surface tramway does and the and 100% catenary-free operation is not creativity around scheme funding through stops are likely to cost at least GBP200m each, something that many cities could afford, or partnerships with the private sector and local which means they will be at least 1.5km apart is strictly necessary for street-running light and business contributions. But don’t expect and fewer people will use them. rail. Importantly, he contended, “however, any consistency or policy in the area of light “Good public transport is about putting we need to make sure that low-cost does not rail in the light of Brexit.” people where they should be, in the street, mean low quality.” He considered that Edinburgh’s protracted looking out of the windows where they can see One of the elements drawing the tramway project had tainted the public view the shopfronts – not in a hole in the ground.” conference to a close was a panel discussion of light rail schemes (the nal turnout cost He later added: “We need something better on where LRT goes next in the UK. Panellists of over GBP50m/km far exceeds most surface than a bus. That could be a better bus, but discussed likely funding changes post tramway developments); Brexit could cause more often it needs to be something better the UK’s decision on Brexit, but also the change through alterations in access to the than a better bus.” opportunity to save signi cant sums through European Investment Bank and revised SYSTRA’s Hervé Mazzoni used the example streamlining processes such as the country’s economic forecasting; and that projected of Besançon as evidence that systems can be Transport and Works Act Orders and population growth and climate change built within a reasonable budget and that we procurement strategies. were also important drivers for new urban The need for a strong pipeline of projects passenger transport solutions. is key to retaining expertise, the panel Tramlink Nottingham Chairman and agreed, but also discussed was the impact Chair of the D2N2 (Derby, Derbyshire, of changing technology and lifestyles on Nottingham, Nottinghamshire) Local mass public transport – with Mainspring Enterprise Partnership Peter Richardson Managing Director Matt Johnston arguing contended that we will see “a jigsaw of local that rather than being seen purely as decision-making [in the future] that may be challenges, such developments also brought quite different” and that “it is how you get opportunities to re-evaluate light rail’s role as the messages through to government and also more than just a transport mode. other investors that there is something worth Manchester Metrolink Director Peter investing in.” He said too that he believed the Cushing rounded off the nal panel with a UK Government was committed to the Local key message that could be applied across the Enterprise Partnerships now in place. industry: “Innovation doesn’t necessarily Meanwhile PriestmanGoode Director Paul mean the latest new technology; it’s about Priestman argued: “Design is absolutely key. taking something that may already exist and Light rail faces ever increasing competition.” making it better.” Separately, Mr Priestman gave a In summarising the event, UKTram’s Geoff presentation on his work, including the Inksip and Colin Robey summed up the design of the ‘New Tube for London’ – as well current mood of the industry well: “We’re as an ‘edge of space’ balloon, demonstrating beyond the doom and gloom of a few years that good transport has to be something that David Hand, Divisional Director and LRT Practice ago. The only constraint on light rail in the can immediately be identi ed with and grab Leader for Mott MacDonald, led the nal panel debate UK now is the lack of ambition on the part of the imagination of intending passengers. of the event, looking at light rail’s future in the UK. local authorities.”

338 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AWARD SPONSORS

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www.lightrailawards.com San José THE LOWDOWN ON SAN JOSÉ Around the millennium the Santa Clara VTA became North America’s rst and only undertaking to replace its entire second-generation high-oor light rail eet with low-oor equivalents. Vic Simons explores the reasons why and looks to the future.

an José is located in central California. It assumed its current name in These new lines did not have the high- California at the foot of the 1986 and is usually known as the VTA. As well platform lifts used on the earlier stations; peninsular that has San Francisco as as being in charge of all public transport in by the time of opening the VTA had started its tip some 65km (40 miles) to the Santa Clara County, it is also responsible for replacing its high-oor rolling stock (which north. It is the main administrative road congestion mitigation and as such has was less than 15 years old) with low-oor cars. Scentre for Silicon Valley, with its light rail responsibility for road and cycleway projects. Nuria Fernandez, the General Manager/CEO of system directly serving many of the major Light rail returned to San José in 1987 with the VTA, told TAUT that the eet replacement employers such as Lockheed Martin and the opening of the rst stage of the initial had taken place due to the need for compliance Cisco Systems. The city itself has a population 33.3km (20.8-mile) segment. Two extensions with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. of around 950 000 with the surrounding followed, completing the starter line from Although operational before the Act came Santa Clara County approaching 1.8 million. Old Ironsides in the north-west through into force, the VTA was not given the 30-year However, despite having a bigger population the downtown area and south-eastwards to compliance timeline applied to cities such as than San Francisco it is not as well-known Santa Teresa with a short single-track branch New York or Chicago that had ‘grandfather’ outside California; this belies its importance to Almaden – which diverged westwards at rights; the VTA was considered a new operator, and the impact of Silicon Valley on the state, Ohlone/Chynoweth in 1991. and so had less time to comply. and national, economy. Two extensions were added in 1999. The The alternative to eet replacement had San José streetcars rst appeared in 1890, rst was a short eastward route to a three- been the installation of platform ramps, but but despite heavy usage in the early part of track station at Baypointe located opposite Fernandez explained that the independent the 20th Century they had gone by 1938, one of the large Cisco Systems campuses, with Committee for Transit Accessibility, an having given way to bus and car competition. the second providing a western extension to advisory committee to VTA’s Board of the Caltrain station in Mountain View. This Directors, advised that low-oor replacement Modern light rail extension runs close to many of the major would provide more bene ts for the disabled, The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Silicon Valley employers and to within a wheelchair users, and those with prams. Authority was established in 1972 in the couple of miles of the Googleplex, the famous Further extensions opened in 2001, from Santa Clara County District by the State of home of internet giant Google. Baypointe to I-880/Milpitas and further

A Winchester-bound two-car train in the River Oaks station in the median of First Street; there are staggered platforms at River Oaks as well as the only park-and-ride on the central section shared by all three lines.

340 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Kinkisharyo car 963 at Blue line terminus Alum Rock – opened in 2004 – with bus interchange in the background.

Car 966 bound for the shared Blue and Yellow line Santa Teresa terminus, crossing the junction with the single-track Alamaden branch. south-east from there to Alum Rock in 2004. track was completed in the Tasman area for The nal extensions in 2005 saw the line LRV storage. Both of these improvements branch from the convention centre via the will enhance the new service from Alum Diridon railway station to Winchester station Rock to Mountain View, which is planned Kinkisharyo 954 at the Green line Mountain View in the south-western suburb of Campbell. for operation when the BART Berryessa terminus – VTA’s western-most extremity. Note the extension opens in 2017. Caltrain tracks in the background, the Caltrain station Two-line operation A further two extensions are planned. is just behind the LRV to the right. Today the system operates as two separate Firstly, the VTA would like to extend light rail lines. The Green line runs from Mountain south-east from Alum Rock to Eastridge. The View to Winchester and is numbered 901. It agency is also looking to extend the Green line is 34.8km (21.8 miles) long, with 38 stations. further south-west from Winchester. There Running from Alum Rock to Santa Teresa, the are no costs or timescales for these projects. 40km (25 miles) Blue line has 36 stations and is numbered 900. Route 902, the Orange line, Rolling stock and ticketing is a 2km/1.2-mile single-line branch from In 1987 the VTA purchased 50 high-oor Ohlone/Chynoweth to Almaden, with one articulated light rail vehicles from UTDC intermediate stop serving a major shopping Corporation (now Bombardier) of Canada. and residential complex. However, in the late 1990s VTA started a The Blue and Green lines share track on programme to replace its high-oor eet with First Street from just north of Tasman Station, 100 low-oor vehicles built by Kinkisharyo with ten intermediate stations including an at the latter’s Massachusetts plant. Fleet Car 974 departing Ohlone for Alum Rock on a Blue airport stop, to downtown San José where the replacement was complete by 2001, when the line service; Ohlone/Chynoweth is the interchange alignment splits into the parallel downtown UTDC cars were sold to Sacramento and Salt with the Orange line branch at Alamaden. one-way system. The routes meet again at Lake City for further service. the Convention Centre before splitting, with Each double-ended, double-articulated budget funded mainly from sales taxes. the Green line continuing west via the main 70% low-oor vehicle is 27.4m long and Cornerstone of the fare system is the railway station at San José Diridon, before 2.65m wide. Costing USD2.96m per vehicle, Clipper card. This is a rechargeable smartcard continuing southwest to Winchester. The each car seats 66 with up to 105 standing, available for use across 21 transit agencies Blue line turns south to Santa Teresa with with provision for four wheelchairs. Power throughout the region and the East Bay, most of the alignment in the centre of the is supplied through overhead catenary as well as in Santa Clara County and as far freeway; it briey leaves the freeway to call at at 750V dc and cars generally operate in south as Gilroy, the southernmost terminus the Ohlone interchange, where there are also pairs, although three-car trains can be of the Caltrain rail service. Within the VTA bus connections. Eight of the intermediate accommodated at most platforms. The area only single-ride journeys can be paid stations are located on the expressway median. Ohlone/Chynoweth – Alamaden branch for in cash; all other fares – including day, Service levels are generally every 15 is operated by a single vehicle. Maximum weekly, monthly and annual passes – are only minutes on each route, reduced to half-hourly operating speed is 88km/h (55mph) on available using the Clipper card. in the late evenings, thus providing eight the freeway medians but considerably less Single fares as at June 2016 are USD2, trains an hour on the joint-running section elsewhere; the downtown San José one-way doubled to USD4 for express buses. Day in Downtown and along First Street. Monday- system has a 16km/h (10mph) limit. passes are good value at USD6 or USD12 on Friday peak services are supplemented by Ms Fernandez explained that at just over express buses and there is also an eight-hour additional trains running ‘express’ between 10%, farebox recovery was one of the lowest pass at USD4. Senior citizens generally pay Baypointe and Downtown, and again in the US; Silicon Valley has some of the half-fares but need a Clipper card where between the Convention Centre and Ohlone. highest property prices in the country, with appropriate. There are ticket machines on The VTA is in the process of planning a new employers paying some of the highest wages, all light rail stations where single tickets can service from Alum Rock to Mountain View. which the VTA had to match. Many Silicon be purchased or Clipper cards loaded. The Infrastructure work was completed in early Valley employers also operated staff coaches machines accept cash and credit cards. 2016 on a second track in Mountain View, to convey people to their of ces, on the basis to allow trains to simultaneously pass in that staff are expected to start work as soon as BART expansion… opposite directions leaving and approaching they board the coach; something she found The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system the Mountain View Transit Center. A pocket frustrating. She has a USD400m operating is being extended from its existing Fremont

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 341 San José

Cisco Great Mall/ Way Main Borregas Lick Baypointe Lockheed Crossman Martin Mill Montague Old I880/ Bayshore Vienna Ironsides Tasman Milpitas Champion Cropley Mountain Reamwood Great River Oaks View Moett Fair Oaks America Park Hostetter Middle eld Orchard Whisman 901 Berryessa Bonaventura Component

Karina

Metro/Airport

Norman Y. Mineta Gish San José International Airport Civic Center

Japantown/ Ayer

St James Santa Clara Paseo de San Antonio

San José Convention Center Diridon Children's Discovery Museum Virginia Race St. Tamien Fruitdale

Bascom

Hamilton Curtner

Downtown Campbell 900: Alum Rock — Santa Teresa Winchester Capitol 901 901: Mountain View — Winchester Branham 902: Ohlone/Chynoweth — Almaden Ohlone/ Chynoweth Caltrain/ACE heavy rail Oakridge 902 BART Silicon Valley Extension Phase One Almaden BART Silicon Valley Extension Phase Two 902

342 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LEFT: Single-car unit 987 bound for Alamaden. Note the VTA LIGHT RAIL all-over advertising; when inside such cars the passenger view was quite badly obscured.

BELOW: Given the region’s strong multi-cultural demographic, VTA cars feature signage in many languages.

Penitencia

McKee terminus in the East Bay of the San Francisco Whilst the ‘Baby Bullet’ San José – San area into Santa Clara County, with three Francisco running time is about an hour, planned stages. The 8.6km (5.4-mile) stage to other services take up to 90 minutes and are Warm Springs, in Alameda County within only competitive with the freeways in the Alum Rock the city of Fremont, is planned to open by the rush hours when the parallel eight-lane US 900 end of 2016 at a cost of USD890m. 101 freeway becomes gridlocked; during such BART will then connect to Santa Clara peak periods trips by road can take up to two County in two phases. Phase One will bring hours to cover 65km (40 miles). BART 16km (ten miles) further south to the The Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) is City of Milpitas north east of San José then a commuter rail service between Stockton to San José’s Berryessa neighbourhood. This and San José. The diesel-hauled offering with two-station extension is planned to open by double-deck coaches operates four services the end of 2017. Milpitas – the rst station into San José in the morning, with four in the on this section – will have direct light rail reverse direction in the evening. This service connections. It will have VTA bus connections is intended for Silicon Valley commuters and to downtown San José. There are to be a is of no real use to anyone else. mix of underground, at-grade and elevated Amtrak operates one long-distance alignments; existing freight tracks are being service through San José; the ‘Coast moved to accommodate the extension. Phase Starlight’ runs once a day in each direction One is planned to cost USD2.3bn. between Los Angeles and Portland and BART Phase Two will continue a further Seattle. It does not go into San Francisco 8km ( ve miles) underneath San José, but runs through Oakland on the East Bay. before it emerges at-grade at the Santa Clara Amtrak also operates the ‘Capital Corridor’ Caltrain station north-west of San José. New service between Auburn (north east of intermediate stations are planned in East Sacramento) and San José, on behalf of the San José and downtown at Diridon Station, Capital Corridor Joint Powers Authority. and are expected to cost USD4.7bn; this This governing body consists of a Board of extension could open in 2025. Directors from various local authorities along Once open, the timetable patterns are the route. It uses diesel-hauled double-deck expected to be the same as those on the coaches for the service. There are seven existing Fremont service with trains running services in each direction between San José to Richmond in the East Bay and through San and Sacramento spread throughout the day. Francisco to Daly City. Conclusion Blossom …and other services Despite what the VTA regards as competition Hill Caltrain started life as a commuter line from Silicon Valley commuter coaches 902 linking San José with San Francisco. Operated it continues to provide an excellent and Cottle using standard commuter rail rolling stock well-used light rail system. Despite the high Snell with diesel traction, it now provides all-day capital cost of eet replacement, this has been service running at least once an hour and more than justi ed by the enhanced service stopping at all stations. Express services quality provided. Santa Teresa known as ‘Baby Bullets’ provide additional 900 trips in peak hours Monday-Friday. An Many thanks to Nuria Fernandez and Stacey extension south to Gilroy only operates at Hendler Ross for their time and assistance in the peak times. preparation of this feature.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 343 Herts Orbital Transit TRANSIT THROUGH THE METROPOLITAN BELT Orbital travel is poorly served in the UK county of Hertfordshire that borders the capital, argues Reg Harman. His solution? A new ‘Herts Orbital Transit’ tramway.

ertfordshire today faces traf c. Today most Network Rail lines are Hertford, was studied in the 1990s by the pressures from expanding radial, carrying long distance and commuter County Council as the Central Herts Transit development, traf c congestion services – the orbital lines were mostly closed (CHT), but no practical project emerged. In and urban degradation. Only 60 during the 1950s and now there only remains 2014 a proposition to run the St Albans Abbey years ago the county was seen a branch line at each side of the county: branch as a light rail line was abandoned Has primarily rural, a scatter of market towns Watford Junction – St Albans Abbey; and (read more on this project in TAUT 918). in pleasant countryside. However, from the Broxbourne – Hertford East. An east-west transit system could be mid-20th Century demand for housing to However, in recent decades orbital created by developing the CVT/CHT serve London’s booming population soared, (east-west) movement has built strongly, proposals. This would make use of the supported by electri cation and upgrading of reecting changing patterns of behaviour and existing Hertford East and St Albans Abbey the county’s radial railways. settlement, car-based travel, and the inuence branch lines, and trackbeds of the closed Growth in incomes and car ownership, of the M25 London orbital motorway, which east-west lines, complemented by new town allied to increased consumption and was completed in 1987. High levels of motor centre sections. growing diversity of travel patterns, vehicle traf c has worsened the environment A suggested route for ‘Herts Orbital Transit’ caused a rapid spreading of housing and in urban and rural areas alike, and eroded is in Fgure 1. The sections could be developed commercial areas, bringing high levels of access to services and facilities, especially for as follows (with approximate lengths): car use and congestion. Retail and business disadvantaged groups. Broxbourne – Hertford (12km/7.5 miles). developments on or beyond the edge of towns This would use the Hertford East branch posed increasing questions over the viability The proposal for most of the way, but make an eastern of town centres. Central Hertfordshire is now a densely- loop round the lake north of Broxbourne Today the county faces further pressures settled urban belt of nearly 300 000 station, close to the edge of Hoddesdon from the urgent need for even more housing. people. Its future economic, social and town centre, and run north through the Railway investment focuses on improving environmental sustainability cannot be Essex Road industrial area to rejoin the radial lines for commuting to London, while secured by the current road-based transport branch at Rye House. At Hertford it would bus services grow ever thinner and more liable system alone; there is a need for a transit cross the edge of Hartham Park north of to delays from traf c, removing opportunities system to provide high quality core local the town centre and connect with the old for local travel other than by car. public transport, linking the main towns and formation between East and North stations. Historically, Hertfordshire’s railways offering a range of connections and journey Hertford – Welwyn Garden City developed primarily as radial lines, along the opportunities. This would also enable the (12km/7.5 miles). This would use the old original trunk routes. East-west orbital lines reduction of road traf c. formation to Hertford North and then run were built during the later years of the 19th A proposal made in the 1980s as Colne along the former Welwyn line to a point on Century, aimed primarily at capturing local Valley Transit (CVT), linking Watford and the east side of Welwyn Garden City. It

ORBITAL TRANSIT EXISTING LINES N Connections with existing lines London Underground/Overground East Coast Main Line 0 2.5km Existing rail (Network Rail) branch West Coast Main Line Anglia West Former railway formation Midland Main Line Figure 1: Herts Orbital On-road/Urban o -road Transit route. URBED

344 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org TRANSIT THROUGH THE METROPOLITAN BELT

Grenoble tramline A: Echirolles to the south of city. High-density suburban services and municipal owers. R. Harman

would then follow an on-road/urban off-road route through the eastern side to reach the bridge over the railway into the town centre. Welwyn Garden City – Hat eld (6km/ four miles). This would follow an on-road/ urban off-road route due south, across the railway and through the south-east part of the town. It would run alongside the A1000 to Hat eld station and the town centre. Hat eld – St Albans (8km/ ve miles). This would follow an on-road/urban off- road route to the University and business area on the site of the former air eld and then run on the old railway formation to St Margaret’s station – the rear of eight-coach train Lyon – Vaulz-en-Velin La Soie tramline T3 on former the Fleetville area of St Albans. From there and regular level crossing delays. R. Harman railway line; note simplied level crossing. R. Harman it would follow an on-road route to St Albans city centre. St Albans – Watford (12km/7.5 miles). This would follow an on-road route to the vicinity of Abbey station and then use the Abbey branch to reach Watford Junction. The Herts Orbital Transit (HOT) system would thus be about 50km (30 miles) overall. It would be best developed as a tramway throughout to minimise complications in design, regulation and procurement, and to enable it to run through urban areas, especially the town centres themselves. It would use trams up to 40m-plus long with capacity for over 300 passengers; these are equally capable of easy passage through crowded centres and St Peter’s Street in St Albans – buses, mixed trac Central Grenoble features clean, pedestrian-friendly higher speeds on interurban sections. and pedestrians on crossings. R. Harman urban spaces with little trac. R. Harman The scheme would require 35-40 trams and would support a substantial depot, which might Watford Junction and, with an additional under-construction Croxley link. It could be located between Hat eld and St Albans. change, at Stevenage. Looking ahead, also offer connections to a potential transit Broxbourne is a target for the proposed link around the west side of outer London, Connections and tra c Crossrail 2, on which further study work has allowing the HOT to become part of an A key feature would be links to main rail now been authorised by the UK Government. outer orbital circuit. This would match stations at all the lines crossed (Figure 2). Watford Junction provides links to the those developing around Paris and other This would provide connections to south- London Overground and to the London European capitals, and meet aspiration for east regional services, inter-city services at Underground Metropolitan line via the an ‘M25 transit system’.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 345 Herts Orbital Transit

Hertfordshire still has reasonable bus coverage, especially around towns, though Figure 2: Herts Orbital Transit connections. URBED constrained by the requirement for on-road competition and the general lack of real support in terms of highway priorities. Transit stops should be shared by bus services or sited adjacent, while trams and buses should share priority measures on highways. Serving a major urban corridor and offering longer distance connections, the HOT would bene t from a substantial market, ensuring a signi cant revenue level and a strong raison d’etre throughout its route.1 It would provide generally higher-quality local links for the main towns than those provided by current east-west bus routes, and cater for many journeys that are inconvenient or impossible using existing public transport. It would open up more accessible job opportunities across the corridor and a wider market of accessible potential employees to businesses. Emerging district council plans do not identify signi cant large-scale development sites, and some areas have been developed since the 1980s; but improvement in non-car access might open up more opportunity areas. The line would also bring bene ts and gain traf c in two other respects: it would support denser development and a higher quality of Strengthen town centre retail, public and outside major cities, but should be set in lifestyle in existing built-up areas; and would community activity levels context. Some could be obtained through encourage transit-oriented behaviour patterns Reduce road traf c and associated emissions charges on development, or perhaps through among residents in these areas as properties in Connect with local bus services bonds on land sales, as suggested for the them change ownership and use.2 The major problem with existing town Oxford Metro and Swift Rail proposals.5 centres is that they have very heavy traf c as Public funds might also be used. Substantial Design and operations they need to draw in customers and workers budgets are established for proposed highway Tramway operation throughout would to survive. Town centres must accommodate improvements to cope with road traf c simplify the approach to regulations. Level service and supply vehicles, and bus services in Hertfordshire; spending similar on the crossings on the Hertford East branch could too, thus adding to the scale of vehicle proposed HOT would address traf c pressures be changed from barrier to light control. penetration. This causes congestion, makes but also meet a far wider range of objectives. The HOT could also prove bene cial to for an unpleasant atmosphere and poses railway operations, removing the need to concerns over health: recent reports from Conclusions deploy main line units on the branches and the World Health Organisation, for example, Herts Orbital Transit would offer an increasing capacity on the Lea Valley Stansted have highlighted the impact of traf c opportunity for towns across central Airport/Cambridge line by removing Rye pollution, especially diesel engines.4 Hertfordshire to become attractive centres House Junction near Broxbourne.3 For urban sections, especially through and provide more effective access. It would Tramway-style stops would take up less town centres, current collection would be require strong understanding and leadership space on the existing branches, creating through a catenary-free system. to provide the incentives for development opportunities for interchange and other and decisions, especially as it could pose facilities. At Hertford East there could be Development and funding serious issues over routeing. But the examples room for signi cant development, in an Moving from a strategic proposal to adoption of tramway systems at the heart of urban area close to the town centre that is already and construction involves a series of development in France, the Low Countries, seeing construction of new apartments. sometimes reiterative processes. In the UK central Europe and Scandinavia show how The St Albans Abbey branch would need to this can prove a drawn-out and sometimes effective they can be as a core part of attractive be doubled throughout, as would the Ware stop-start process. Matters would be urban areas and economic sustainability. station section on the Hertford East line; complicated in the case of the HOT because space appears to be suitable for this purpose. there is no Combined Authority or even a A full level of service would be assumed as dominant small city. Hertfordshire County REFERENCES every ten minutes throughout the working Council forms the transport authority but day. At an initial assumption of 30km/h its powers are limited to transport planning, 1. ConnectedCities - A global sustainable development (19mph) average speed, end-to-end journey management of non-trunk highways and strategy, www.ConnectedCities.co.uk, 2016 times would be about 90 minutes. There input to local public transport. Land use 2. This phenomenon, o en not reected in could be short workings between key planning is a matter for the county’s ten conventional forecasting models, has been towns as well. district councils, and the proposed scheme termed ‘asynchronous churn’ by researchers at crosses ve of them. All these bodies would the University of the West of England who have demonstrated it through various studies. See Penetrating town centres need to agree the principle and engage e.g. Ben Clark, Kiron Chatterjee & Steve Melia, How to route the line in urban areas has positively in development if the project is to Changes to commute mode: The role of life events, been an issue for CVT/CHT in the past. In move forward. In addition, conversion of the spatial context and environmental attitude, St Albans, options for the CVT proposal two railway lines involves Network Rail. The Transportation Research Part A (Elsevier), 2016 continued west from Abbey station on the Department for Transport would take what 3. Network Rail, Anglia Route: Summary Business former railway alignment south of City might be termed a superintending role. Plan, 2016 station, missing the town centre completely. At this stage it is dif cult to identify a 4. World Health Organisation, Air pollution levels However, only by passing through the town probable cost. Experience of tramways in rising in many of the world’s poorest cities, May 2016 centres would the system achieve its full Britain and France in recent years suggests 5. Nicholas Falk & Reg Harman, Developing historic cities: the case for an Oxford Metro, TAUT, potential. Doing so would allow it to: up to GBP20m/km (EUR23.5/km), or a May 2015; Nicholas Falk & Reg Harman, Swi Maintain both accessibility and visibility ballpark total of about GBP1bn (EUR1.17bn). Rail and growing cities, TAUT, January 2016 Achieve substantial all-day traf c This is high in relation to local transport

346 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org NET Phase Two

A higher percentage of on-street running for NET Phase Two has seen improved integration with business parks such as NG2. Neil Pulling

WIDER IMPACTS OF NET PHASE TWO Will Rossiter of Nottingham Trent University analyses some of the economic and employment bene ts of the recently-opened Phase Two expansion of the city’s tram network.

his article provides an overview Its function was to connect a number of was able to take advantage a number of of recent research undertaken communities to the north of the city to current/former railway routes through the by a team from Nottingham the centre, stimulating regeneration and conurbation; by contrast, Phase Two saw a Business School1 into the reducing traf c congestion. greater proportion of the route sharing road economic impact of constructing Opening in March 2004, the initial lines space with other traf c. It also required the Tthe recent extension to the Nottingham between Nottingham Station, Hucknall and construction of ve major structures to effect Express Transit tram network.2 Phoenix Park quickly established themselves, crossings of the Midland Main Lline railway, NET Phase Two extended Nottingham’s attracting a ridership of 8.3m per year by the River Trent and major highway arteries existing tram network by 17.5km (10.9 miles) 2014-15 4. NET Phase Two shared a number of within the City. The line’s topography, and 28 new stops, more than doubling the similar objectives, but added more relating to coupled with the need to effect multi-modal size of the network. The original estimate network integration and economic growth – interchange at Nottingham Station, resulted for the value of the 22.5-year Public Finance factors reected in the route choices, linking in a more complex engineering scheme. Initiative contract to design, build, operate strategic employment sites to the city centre Line One is 14km (8.7 miles) long, 70% and maintain the extended NET system was and residential areas served by the lines. The of which is segregated. Phase Two is longer GBP570m (approx. EUR780m)3, making timing of the procurement and construction at 17.5km (10.9 miles), 65% of which is it one of the largest construction projects distinguishes it from the earlier phase of segregated. These gures do not suggest undertaken within Nottingham in recent development in that it took place in the much difference in complexity, but there years. In considering the nature and impact immediate aftermath of the Great Recession. has been less opportunity on Phase Two of NET Phase Two, it is important to note Indeed, it is this that led Nottingham City to re-use or share rail corridors5 and the differences between this route and that Council to prioritise the delivery of local considerably more on-street running along utilised for NET Line One. social and economic bene t through the narrow and residential roads. Overall, it is Although clearly planned as the rst manner in which the scheme was delivered. more integrated with larger sections of the phase of a local light rail network, we can existing urban fabric than Line One; this has characterise the strategic objective of the Di ering challenges led to signi cantly greater impacts on local construction of Nottingham’s rst tramline In engineering terms, the two phases of communities during construction and has as being primarily regeneration related. development are quite different. Line One increased associated mitigation requirements.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 347 NET Phase Two

The need to integrate with highways and might be satis ed in future infrastructure Employment and training other public infrastructure (including utilities) projects. A particularly noteworthy aspect of this has presented particular challenges. One project was the way in which Nottingham indication of the greater complexity faced Economic stimulus City Council and the members of the in terms of integrating the new lines into The focus of our economic impact assessment Tramlink consortium actively sought to the existing urban landscape is that Phase is on the relatively short run impacts arising deliver local training and employment Two required approximately 80 properties from increased employment and bene ts through the scheme. to be demolished and 500 plots of land to expenditure in the local and regional The City Council’s investment in its own be compulsorily purchased. No properties economies resulting from the design and employment services, the Employer Hub, were demolished in order to facilitate the construction of Phase Two and the initial to facilitate the matching of local people to construction of Line One; this was largely a operation of the new routes. training and employment opportunities function of the re-use of existing rail corridors. At its peak, around 1600 people were linked to the project was important and directly employed on the construction something from which other local authorities Procurement of NET Phase Two (see right) and in line affected by major infrastructure projects may The legal framework permits contracting with normal practice the duration of an be able to learn. A key feature of this scheme authorities to make the realisation of socially individual’s employment varied considerably. was the collaborative approach between bene cial objectives, such as the alleviation The pro le of employment was typical of that Nottingham City Council’s Employer Hub, Job of unemployment through the up-skilling of seen on many major construction projects Centre Plus, local Further Education providers local workforces, an aspect of a contract award. and peaked in July 2014 before falling away as and the Tramlink consortium members in In light of this, the inclusion of contractual this phase neared completion. delivering pre-employment training, local targets relating to local procurement of Our assessment of economic impact can be recruitment programmes, apprenticeships, services and supplies, employment, education summarised as: work experience and workforce training. and training of local people for the building Around 2900 years of employment in the This approach resulted in 80 candidates of NET Phase Two is not novel. However, the local economy and a further 1600 years in completing courses and attaining a approach adopted for this project is unusual. the regional economy have been created, NVQ Level 1 and a Construction Skills An example of this was the speci c generating around GBP108m (EUR128m) Certi cation Scheme Card; approximately 50 targeting of young unemployed people as and GBP61m (EUR72m) of gross value of these achieved employment in the project. bene ciaries of the training and employment added respectively; The ‘work like’ training experience offered by opportunities afforded through this project. Supply chain expenditures have New College – which constructed a section of In this case, the tramway operator became generated around GBP140m (EUR165m) in tram track to facilitate training on its Basford a partner in a wider network of agencies the local economy and a further GBP77m Construction Academy site – was highlighted including the local authority, Job Centre Plus (EUR91m) in the regional economy. as a real strength that helped to improve the and local colleges working to deliver speci c Around 230 jobs are estimated to have ‘work readiness’ of potential recruits. local bene ts. In this way, NET Phase Two been created as a result of operation of the Over 200 jobs were directly lled by represents an excellent example of localism new services, through additional drivers, candidates supplied by the Employer Hub, in procurement. Indeed, this particular control staff and so on, which will generate despite the Hub concept being in its infancy procurement exercise provides a useful around GBP78m (EUR92m) of gross value at the start of the construction phase. The demonstration of how the requirements of added in the local economy during the NET project was fundamental in establishing the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 next decade. its role as a local employment service, prioritising support for the unemployed in Nottingham. Around 700 local young people also bene ted from work experience opportunities provided through this project.

Improved interchange with local bus services is a prominent feature of Phase Two, exempli ed by the new Holy Trinity stop on the Clion line. Neil Pulling

348 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Employment opportunities associated with NET Phase Two 1800

1600 Works Services 1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0 Jul 14 Jul 13 Jul 12 Jul Oct 14 Oct 13 Oct 12 Jan 14 Jan 13 Jan 15 Feb 14 Feb 13 Feb 15 Sep 14 Sep 13 Sep 12 Jun 14 Jun 13 Apr 14 Apr 13 Dec 14 Dec 13 Dec 12 Mar 14 Mar 13 Aug 14 Aug 13 Nov 14 Nov 13 Aug 12 Nov 12 May 14 May 13

Source: Tramlink Employment and Sustainability Reports July 2012 February 2015

The importance of such measures is a key Stimulating growth through addressing employment for construction workers during lesson for project sponsors in other cities transport network constraints: NET Phase a period when the sector was under some and regions seeking to maximise the local Two has addressed local transport network stress in the aftermath of recession. bene t of major infrastructure projects. constraints and, particularly in concert with The project has illustrated the way in Other authorities are now reported to be other recent and ongoing improvements which major infrastructure projects can considering similar delivery models following (A453, Ring Road and Station), is likely to play an important role in providing a the Nottingham Employer Hub model. facilitate local economic growth. local economic stimulus in recessionary Land and property value increases: The environments. The employment, skills and Potential future benets research team has found some evidence of supply chain impacts associated with this The research combined insights from literature property price increases in residential areas project were invaluable for Nottingham on the impacts associated with light rail with served by the new lines. It remains too early because they came at a time of particular qualitative evidence gathered from a sample of to assess the likely nature and scale of these economic stress. The procurement approach stakeholders and project participants in order effects however. adopted for the concession was a signi cant to comment on the likelihood of Nottingham Evidence from stakeholders suggests these factor in achieving this outcome. realising similar bene ts as a result of the kinds of bene t are likely to be realised by Equally important was the investment extension of its tramway. NET Phase Two in Nottingham to a greater or made by Nottingham City Council in the It is possible to identify a range of common lesser extent over the long term, although it Employer Hub – which played a central impact types associated with the development role in achieving positive employment and of LRT schemes. It is likely that NET Phase “Around 230 local jobs training outcomes for local people. Indeed, Two will generate similar future impacts: local authorities seeking to maximise the Extension of labour catchment areas: The are estimated to have bene t from major infrastructure projects combination of strategic employment sites should seriously consider the approach and communities served by NET Phase Two – been created as a result adopted by NET Phase Two. coupled with the integration of the new lines From a transport and spatial planning with heavy rail and park-and-ride facilities at of operation of the perspective, it is clear that NET Phase Two Toton and Clifton – suggests that these types of has demonstrated a good level of strategic impacts are likely. Some employers interviewed new lines.” integration with other transport infrastructure felt that this was happening already. and wider development in and around the Stimulating inward investment/city remains too early to take a de nitive view on city. This is likely to promote future economic image: Several interviewees suggested that the likely scale of these effects. and social bene ts within the localities the tram has delivered further bene ts The fact that with the completion of Phase served by the extended network. in enhancing the image of the city – and Two, Nottingham’s tram system has become will likely continue to do so. Attributing a network serving the wider conurbation and particular instances of inward investment facilitating cross-city movements of people is to a particular infrastructure project is likely to be a signi cant factor in determining NOTES dif cult due to the wide range of factors that the scale of these future bene ts. 1. Will Rossiter, Craig Bickerton, Rick Canavan, inuence commercial investment decisions; Chris Lawton and Peter Murphy. nevertheless respondents con rmed that Conclusions 2. The full report is available at transport infrastructure is clearly a factor The construction and initial operation of http://irep.ntu.ac.uk/28095/ considered by prospective inward investors. NET Phase Two took place during a period 3. This gure was reduced by 15% by the then Unlocking previously hard to access when the UK economy was recovering from Coalition Government in 2011 at the nal sites for development: Some interviewees the nancial crisis of 2008-09. The advent of approval stage of the project. suggested that NET Phase Two has already recession led the scheme’s promoters to place 4. NET annual report 2015. 5. NET Phase Two did make some use of former inuenced developers’ perceptions of the more emphasis on delivering local economic Great Central Railway alignments – particularly potential offered by particular sites served by bene ts. It is also likely that the project in the vicinity of Nottingham Station. or in close proximity to the new tramlines. helped to provide a degree of continuity of

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 349 Advertorial COSTEFFECTIVE SUSTAINABILITY

A tight rein on costs from design ABOVE: Besançon's LRT system shows that trams can be a viable option for smaller towns, with smaller budgets. through delivery has made BELOW: Focusing on proven technology made the system simple yet functional. Both: SYSTRA Besançon’s new tramway both a ordable and sustainable.

hen trams started running again in the French town of Besançon in the summer of 2014 after a 62-year break, the new system made headlinesW around the world thanks to its low- cost approach to design and construction. At EUR16.5m/km it is signi cantly less than the average cost of between EUR25m-EUR30m/km usually required for a light rail scheme in France. “Besançon shows us that trams can be a viable option for smaller towns, with smaller budgets,” says SYSTRA’s Olivier Colombat, France Urban Transit Director. Working with the municipal government of Grand Besançon, SYSTRA’s role began during the feasibility to focus on proven technology to make the depot, designing a very simple maintenance phase, interrogating every aspect of the system’s transportation system simple and functional. centre and including limited redundancy design to see where savings could be made. A noticeable difference compared to other for the substations, albeit with room left to As Technical Advisor to the Client, SYSTRA French schemes is also that landscaping add more for system expansion. went on to oversee procurement and delivery outside of the track alignment was limited to of the 14.5km (nine-mile) line, which serves the city’s historic centre. The municipality also The results 32 stops from Marnières in the east to Hauts- chose to procure the eet of 19 trams from CAF With more than 40 000 passengers currently du-Chazal in the southwest with a branch to after a tender involving seven bidders rather using the network, the municipality can look the Besançon-Viotte main line station. than the usual two or three. Choosing standard forward to meeting its goals of lower carbon Urbos 3 vehicles in a shorter 24m length, with emissions with built-in future-proo ng to The savings a capacity for 132 passengers, also helped allow the transport of more passengers in Savings came from many quarters, informed control the price; longer platforms means the future. by SYSTRA’s experience and intelligence from there is room for expansion at a later date. With such simple innnovation, Besançon LRT projects around the world. The general Other savings were made by locating the has become a blueprint for other towns approach to optimise project costs was basically control centre inside the city's existing bus seeking lower-budget LRT systems.

350 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SYSTRA are world leaders in light rail having contributed to 75% of lines in France and over 30 schemes world-wide. We have developed innovative techniques and cost-effective solutions and are at the forefront of modern LRT development. SYSTRA offer the complete range of light rail services from feasibility through to operations and maintenance, including thorough financial and economic assessment and demand forecasting. In addition to trams, SYSTRA have extensive experience in tram-train technology and implementation and can offer the full range of tramway design and specification from civils, rolling stock, track, signalling and control, power supply and depots. Our references include….

Dubai Croydon

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Lyon www.systra.co.uk Besançon

With short trams from a Spanish manufacturer SYSTEMS on a low-cost system in a small city, Besançon Besançon doesn't quite match FACTFILE the usual model FRANCE for modern French No. Besançon, tramways. Neil Pulling 107 France explores.

esançon is one of the previously separate urban A Doubs crossing as the Ginko network’s structural the smaller French and suburban bus networks. The since Roman times, axis, the system does not however feel communities to have plant’s property of improved blood the tram project penny-pinching and above all appears created a second-generation circulation is also analogous to traf c brought a widened as a service comparable to tram tramway. More centrally moving more freely around the city. version of Pont operations elsewhere in the country. Battant, replacing a Bfocused than its successor, the original The tramway project cost was put The rst tram test beyond the depot 1953 predecessor. multi-line system lasted from 1896 at (2008 prices, +/- 5%) EUR228m, was in August 2013, extending to until December 1952. of which EUR35.3m was allocated city centre tracks by January 2014. Besançon is about 400km (250 to rolling stock. The declaration of Following shadow running without miles) south-east of Paris and 60km public utility came in June 2011, with passengers in July-August 2014 and (38 miles) from the Swiss border. supplier contracts agreed shortly two days of celebratory inauguration, The capital of Doubs department afterwards and main construction the tramway launched revenue and previously of the now-defunct completed by late 2013. services over the complete system on Franche-Comté region, since January Grand Besançon emphasised a 1 September 2014. 2016 it has been in Bourgogne- cost-conscious approach to what was Despite any differences, Besançon’s Franche-Comté whose capital Dijon is claimed as France’s least expensive system does have the key feature of about 100km (60 miles) to the west. modern tramway at around most modern French tramways – a The Communauté d'Agglomération EUR16.5m/km (EUR10.3m/mile). The routeing to link the major traf c du Grand Besançon administrative economy measures included inviting a generators. Here they include the body was created in 2001. Its public wide range of tenders for ‘off the shelf’ regional hospital, university sites, transport network was launched the trams (leading to the rst French city centre, principal railway station, following year and now serves 184 200 order from the Spanish manufacturer retailing and outlying residential residents (Besançon commune CAF), widespread use of standard concentrations with a perceived need 120 800). It explains the network’s components, not renewing facades of for better connections. Like most of its Ginko name and emblem: the two- buildings en route and little expense All pictures by peers, network operation is by a local lobed Ginkgo bilola leaf symbolised going on artistic ourishes. Planned Neil Pulling subsidiary of an international concern.

352 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org www.systra.co.uk

THE FLEET Except for 801 – completed in Zaragoza and delivered in June 2013 — Bescançon’s Urbos 3 trams 802 819, all received by July 2014, were assembled in CAF’s Bagnères de Bigorre factory in south-west France, the former premises of Soulé/CFD. The 2.4m-wide, 23m bi-directional trams have three sections, but can be extended to ve if capacity demands without system modication. Outer sections each have a single-leaf door per side and the suspended centre section features a pair of double-leaf doors and a large open area with a mix of xed and tilting inward-facing seats. Low-oor and air-conditioned throughout, Ginko identies a passenger capacity of 132 with 38 seats: extending by two sections would add about 100 places. Passengers have audio and visual service information, with the main signage including an English translation. Video surveillance and passenger counters are tted. Decided by public vote in May 2011, all trams have a turquoise blue with black window surround livery, also used on newer ABOVE: République at the eastern end of the line's partial central circuit; the eponymous buses. Styling was by Lyon-based Avant Première, designers for nearby bridge has hosted the original and the new tramway. several French systems and the new Luxembourg tramway. BELOW: The junction of lines 1 (foreground) and 2 (towards the church) near Parc Micaud stop. “Grand Besançon emphasised a cost-conscious approach to what was claimed as France’s least expensive modern tramway.”

LEFT: Pending future development around the eastern terminus, Chalezeule, road stubs seem to provide uno cial park-and-ride space.

RIGHT: Trams 819 and 815 pause at Chamars, one of the main bus transfer points.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 353 Besançon

ABOVE: Exemplifying the system’s setting, 811 starts the climb from Schweitzer stop that also includes the single-track section up to Lilas.

LEFT: Bordering the Doubs on a cantilever base, Quai Veïl Picard was a major reconstruction in the modern tramway project.

“The system has many Near Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, with one The only tram assembled in Spain, 801 appreciable inclines as well as of Besançon's many historic fortications in ‘Victor Hugo’ leaves UFR Médecine Pharma, changes of direction within the background. one of the few stops with an island platform. the overall orientation.”

ABOVE: Gare Viotte tram terminus: line 2 connects the main railway station with central Besançon, a role also lled by the original tramway.

LEFT: Tram 815 climbs towards Allende stop: west of here the line’s route weaves to serve a mix of housing and educational/medical establishments.

RIGHT: The Ginko network has a strong park-and-ride presence: the depot is also close to Hauts du Chazal terminus.

354 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org www.systra.co.uk

NETWORK FACTS

Opened: 2014 Lines: 2 Stops: 31 Distance: 14.5km (9.1 miles) Depots: 1 Taking over from Keolis Besançon with This rises to ve minutes in three Pont de Canot Approx. weekday hours: 05.30 00.30 has segregated a seven-year contract from 1 January two-hour peaks, being the morning Line frequency: 5 6 minutes over areas for trams 2011, Ginko is run by a Transdev and evening commuter times and core route subsidiary, Besançon Mobilités. The 12.00-14.00. Becoming operational 22 and other tra c. Gauge: 1435mm expectation of the new operator was months after the start of works, the The building is a university residence to raise network passenger numbers 45 000m2 depot with space for 24 Power: 750V dc overhead supply with a tram stop Fleet: 19 by 50% by 2017. Ginko designates trams in 23m-long formations occupies immediately six main ‘lignes essentielles’ with high a site cut into the hillside near Hauts outside. Local authority: Communauté frequencies and greater capacity than de Chazal terminus and parking site. d'Agglomération du Grand Besançon the network's 49 ‘lignes complémentaires.’ It was light rail’s ef cient use City network: Ginko With network restructuring, the lower of limited space, the ability to Operator: Besançon Mobilités the line number, the higher the service move many people per vehicle and (Transdev) level. Four of the principal services are environmental credentials that made bus operations. it the mode chosen in December 2008 INFORMATION The tramway comprises two lines over bus-based systems. The four key City network: www.ginko.voyage which share track for over half of the interchange points (pôle d'échanges) Civic information: www.besancon.fr system, including the city centre. This are all on the tramway. Much of the small tightly-packed core, the sinuous system has dedicated space, most Tourist information: www.besancon-tourisme.com Doubs river valley and substantial created by partially redeployed road hills form a challenging setting for space and in some cases by banning transport. All three tram termini are other traf c. Four of Ginko’s ve the land-side is largely blocked by higher than central Besançon, and the park-and-ride sites have nearby the cliffs upon which the historic system has many appreciable inclines tramway stops, all offering inclusive Citadel is sited. Mainly with very as well as changes of direction within pricing for network travel. Limited narrow streets, this part of the city the overall orientation. space led to the use of single-track was served by the old tramway but did The tramway spans Besançon’s main between Croix de Palente and Lilas. not get coverage under the modern urban spread on a mainly south-west Also at the system’s eastern end, the project. The line does however serve (Hauts du Chazal) to north-east axis Chalezeule terminus is at present a wide arc of the central area’s edge (Chalezeule). This is the route of line (summer 2016) somewhat remote from by shadowing the Doubs. This is 1 at 13.4km (8.3 miles), timetabled for the retail park which appears to be the variously on re-engineered river 44 minutes between termini. Trams reason for its location. Although linked quays or between buildings, as with on line 2 (9.6km/six miles; 28 minutes) by footpath, the nearest structure, a its passage through the main square, normally alternate with those on line Carrefour hypermarket, would be an Place de la révolution. The line’s 1 between Hauts du Chazal and Parc appreciable walk for laden shoppers. curve means that the stops between Micaud. Now serving 45 000 passengers The ancient core of Besançon is République and Chamars inclusive do per day, the combined Monday-Friday de ned by a near-encircling meander serve the centre in varying degrees. service over this core gives a tram every of the Doubs. An ideal site for military This section also has three of the six minutes between 06.00 and 18.30. defence but not for urban transit, tramway’s four crossings of the Doubs.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 355 Besançon www.systra.co.uk

Marnières Orchamps

Lilas Fort Benoît 1 Chalezeule

Croix de Palente Schweitzer

Les Vaîtes

Tristan Bernard Brûlefoin Flore 2 Fontaine-Argent Gare Viotte Parc Micaud Révolution République Battant

Canot

Chamars Polygone

Pôle Santé CHRU Minjoz Brûlard UFR Médecine Rosemont 1 2 Époisses Malcombe Hauts-du- Île-de- Chazal France Micropolis DEPOT Allende

Parc Micaud is the nearest stop to the RIGHT: Shortly aer crossing the Doubs, junction from which a short branch 819 eases into Rue des Boucheries on the with one intermediate stop (Flore) most central city coverage. rises towards the principal city station, BELOW: The interior of a Besançon Urbos 3. Besançon-Viotte. To accommodate the tram terminus, the station forecourt and the slope leading to it was remodelled, including the relocation of a war memorial. The other signi cant station, Besançon Franche- Comté TGV, is in open countryside on the Rhine-Rhône high-speed line and also functions as a regional railhead. Some TGV services run throughout between Paris and Besançon-Viotte, although more services connect with a shuttle over the 12km (7.5-mile) line between the two main stations. Pathways and traf c controls brought by the tramway project have improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, irrespective of whether they are using trams for part of their journey. Transporting cycles on trams is allowed outside designated peak hours. Mostly featuring side platforms, stops are marked by tall posts bearing the name. Platforms have ticket/recharging machines, service information screens and maps of the ESSENTIAL FACTS immediate area with connecting bus routes. The network’s control centre is Local travel: ‘La boutique Ginko’ oce Centre Saint What is there to see? The city’s main tourist oce is at the redeveloped Planoise bus depot. Pierre is very close to République stop. You can buy near Parc Micaud tramstop, river trips start nearby. Ginko implements its predetermined tickets from here, on buses or at tramstop machines The Citadel dominates the city and is the main element that are valid for both Ginko buses and trams. Single in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of fortications by ‘Plan B Tram’ bus replacement if the tickets (EUR1.40) are valid from the time of purchase; military engineer Vauban. It is an energetic 30-minute tramway is out of use. similarly ‘Le ticket journée’ at EUR4.30 for one day’s walk from the city centre or seasonal Ginko bus 27. Today’s system remains as it opened unlimited network travel; EUR6.50 to include Grand The birthplaces of Victor Hugo and the Lumière in 2014 and there are no speci c Besançon SNCF TER trains. brothers are close together near the cathedral. expansion plans.

356 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Worldwide Review

ARGENTINA BUENOS AIRES. Metro line H re-opened on 4 July after a one-week closure to facilitate the introduction of 36 new Alstom metro cars and Siemens CBTC signalling. Santa Fe station on line H was opened on 12 July. RGI

AUSTRIA GRAZ. Withdrawn articulated trams 263/5/8/71/9 and 582/3/4 have been sent to Braila in Romania. BS INNSBRUCK. Work has started on the new depot in Duilestrasse in Wilten, which will accommodate 29 articulated trams. It will open in October 2017. BS WIEN (Vienna). Withdrawn in June were E1 4518/51, 4756/73 and c3 1200. BS

BANGLADESH DHAKA. Construction work on the 20km (12.5-mile) north–south metro line finally started on 26 June (the foundation stone was laid in October 2013), facilitated by a Japanese soft loan. A eet of 24 six-car trains designed for 1500V dc overhead current collection will be Work is progressing on the Glasgow Subway Ramps And Turnouts Renewals Project. Jonathan McGurk procured in time for trial operation to start in 2019. RGI BULGARIA opened on 28 June. There are low- oor trailers 1301-4 have been SOFIA. Metro line M2 19 underground stops and one withdrawn. BS BELGIUM was extended south by 1.3km elevated station. urbanrail.net MOST–LITVINOV. The EVO ANTWERPEN. De Lijn is (0.8 miles) from James Bourchier CHENGDU. Shanghai Alstom has 1 prototype bogie tram from planning to equip 13 Hermelijn to Vitosha on 20 July. The been awarded a contract to supply Pragoimex has arrived from Praha trams for multiple-unit EUR26.4m project was mostly the traction systems for 48 six-car for trials. It appears that DPML has operation; 7284 is being used funded by an EU grant. urbanrail.net metro trains due to be used on purchased the tram. A. Prescott to test equipment tting. line 3 from 2018. OSTRAVA. Tenders are being Albatros 7338 was delivered CANADA NANNING. Metro operation in invited for 40 new air-conditioned on 4-5 July, completing the 2012 CALGARY. The first of the 63 this regional capital (population trams. The order is likely to be order. Later this year 7339-48 from Siemens S200 LRVs on order 4m) started on 28 June, when the worth EUR51m. A. Prescott the 2015 order will start to arrive, to entered passenger service on 11.2km (seven-mile) portion of be followed next year by 7349-62. 5 July, just in time for the annual the east–west line 1 linking Nanhu DENMARK De Lijn is hoping to sell the Stampede trafc. IRJ and Nanning East railway station KØBENHAVN. The Danish bodies of eight PCCs (plus 14 from MONTREAL. Pre-qualification was opened. urbanrail.net Parliament has approved the Gent) to South Korean interests, has been requested by CDPQ Infra SHENZHEN. On 28 June the new 28km (17.5-mile) Ring 3 light rail which plan to use them as chalets for its proposed 67km (41.9-mile) metro line 11 opened — 51.9km line. Passenger service is expected in a tourist park. T 2000 automated metro system to link (32.4 miles) from Futian to Bitou; to start in 2023 or 2024. OR GENT. Delivery of Bombardier the city and the airport. E. B. Havens the airport is an intermediate Albatros 43m trams 6361-76 will TORONTO. On 14 July the city station. Each train has two cars ECUADOR start in December. PCC 6225 has council voted down plans to revive designated Business Class for QUITO. A new order for 18 six-car been repainted in the blue livery the extension of the Eglinton light airport passengers with luggage metro trains has been placed with of the former MVIG. T 2000 rail to Scarborough, and proceed space and padded seats (and a CAF for the 1500V dc overhead HAN-SUR-LESSE. Autorail ART89, with planning for a one-stop subway premium fare). A eet of 33 CRRC 22.5km (14.1-mile) Quitumbe – which has been on site since 1995 extension. At present both costs and Zhuzhou Electric eight-car trains El Labrador metro line. IRJ from the ASVi museum group, a timeline for this are unknown. are in service. urbanrail.net was sent for overhaul on 12 July. TTC received Bombardier low- URUMQI. The city has decided FINLAND When completed it will join floor tram 4423 at the end of to award a 35-year PPP concession HELSINKI. From 20 June tramline the five autorails already in use July. Metrolinx is threatening to a consortium headed by Beijing 4T was replaced by a new line (ART 90, AR 145/59/68 and 266). Bombardier with legal action over Infrastructure Investment Co for 5 linking the Skatuddens ferry T 2000 late delivery of its standard-gauge phase 1 of the planned 19.4km terminal and the main railway OOSTENDE. Hermelijn trams LRVs. Bombardier has said it is (12.1-mile) metro line. RGI station, operating 09.00-11.00, transferred to the coast this 21 months behind schedule, but 16.00-17.00 and 20.00-21.00 to summer were 6332/4-7/9/40 and hoped to deliver a prototype this CZECH REPUBLIC coincide with ferry arrivals and 7225/36/46/66/7/9. summer. ‘ Toronto Star BRNO. The first of a new batch departures. The opening of the Gent PCC 6226 was approved of 20 Škoda 13T Elektra 100% 14km (8.75-mile) West Metro for use on the coastal tramway in CHINA low-floor trams, 1930, joined extension to Espoo, originally June and joined the collection CHANGSHA. The 23.6km the eet on 14 July. By December scheduled for August, has been at De Panne depot for summer (14.8-mile) north–south metro 49 cars of this type will be in service. delayed for about six months, service, and the Tramfestival on line 1 linking Kaifu District Dating from1983, Tatra K2 1123 has as completion and testing will not 11 September. T 2000 Government and Shangshuangtang joined the museum eet. The four be achieved until October. IRJ

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 357 Worldwide Review

FRANCE must be operated with buses for LAON. On 7 July the city council about two years. BS voted to close the POMA 2000 DÜSSELDORF. Rheinbahn has cable tramway linking the railway awarded a contract to refurbish 48 station and the upper town on NF6 trams dating from 1996-97 to 27 August, replacing it with a bus IFTEC in Leipzig. DS service. Installed in 1989, the FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN. line is now in need of substantial Delivery of U5-25 cars has been renovation, which has been completed with the delivery of judged unaffordable. France TV 695/6; U5-50 cars are delivered up LYON. Delivery of the 12 new 43m to 900. BS Alstom Citadis trams started with GÖRLITZ. The city council has the arrival of 887 on 7 July. T 2000 decided to take back operation of PARIS. The first of 15 Alstom public transport from 1 January Citadis Dualis tram-trains for 2019, replacing the Veolia/Transdev the 28km (17.5-mile) line T11 partnership with a new publicly- from Sartrouville to Noise-le-Sec owned company that will operate was delivered on 12 July. Service the system through to 2028. between Epinay-sur-Seine and Tramlines 2 and 3 will remain, Le Bourget should start in July and it is hoped to order three low- The latest extension in the French city of Strasbourg sees an Alstom Citadis on 2017. RGI floor trams for delivery by 2022, the single-track grassed extension to Gra enstaden. J.S. Wilson STRASBOURG. The with ve more following by 2028. new extension of line A in This means the Tatra KT4D trams withdrawn from 19.00 until 23.00. IRELAND Graffenstaden features single track will be kept in service for another Passenger trafc was up 2% in 2015. DUBLIN. Red line Luas services on grassed reservation for most of 12 years. BS MVG has now realised it needs resumed to The Point and Connolly the distance between Parc Malraux HEIDELBERG. The ground- more depot space to add capacity station on 3 July following and Cours d’Illiade. J.S. Wilson breaking ceremony for the EUR28m to the network and is proposing completion of track connections 2.2km (1.4-mile) Bahnstadt new facilities for U-Bahn, tram and for the new Cross City line earlier GERMANY tramline was on 15 July. bus. The new tram depot would be than expected. The Cross City BERLIN. Tramline M10 is to be Museum bogie tram 44, which in Ständlerstrasse in Ramersdorf, service will connect the Red and extended by 2.2km (1.4 miles) from was stranded in Gera when the with construction starting in 2019. Green lines and is expected to be Hbf to U-Bhf Turmstrasse by 2020. undertaking and its workshop the U-Bahn would get a new depot complete by the end of 2017. TM33 centre-entrance two-axle declared insolvency, has now been at Neuperlach Süd by 2023. BS South Dublin County has tram 3344 (which last ran on the moved to Stahlbau in Ostritz for NAUMBURG. Newly-restored claimed that the provision of up former shuttle service along disused completion of work. Morgenweb, BS two-axle Reko motor tram 51 to 17 000 new homes in Dublin is elevated U-Bahn tracks) is being KARLSRUHE. The last day of re-entered service after a at risk if the DART Underground refurbished for display outside the operation of first-generation ceremony on 17 June. It is used project is not given the go-ahead. BVG headquarters. eight-axle trams 124 and 213/5 with matching trailer 19. BS The council has requested that the BVG has exercised its option with was 30 June, when school services PLAUEN. Tatra KT4D 220, proposals, which have been shelved Stadler for a further 27 type IK four- 16-18 ceased for the summer; withdrawn last December, has been until post-2020, be reinstated. car metro trains (two prototypes are 500-series six-axle trams will take installed outside a McDonald’s The DART Underground line was already in service plus 11 on order). over after the holidays. DS restaurant in Chrieschwitzer Hang; designed to run from Clontarf to All 38 trains now on order should KASSEL. The rst dynamic test of the exterior has been painted by a Inchicore, travelling under the be in service by summer 2019. low-floor trailer 501 (ex-Rostock grafti artist. BS city to link Spencer Dock, Pearse EUR4.9m is to be spent to bring 857) took place on 23 June, behind WÜRZBURG. Tenders have been station, St Stephen’s Green, free WiFi to all U-Bahn stations. RGI articulated tram 601. KVG will invited for construction of the 1.3km Christchurch and Heuston station. BIELEFELD. The 8km (ve-mile) bring ten of the trailers into use, (0.8-mile) tram extension from extension from Senne to Sennestadt with an eleventh in reserve. The Grombühl to Universitätsklinikum. ISRAEL will be built to Stadtbahn standards modified trailers are being fitted The EUR27m project will take JERUSALEM. The alignment rather than as a separate low- oor with Shaku couplings removed four years to complete. BS for the city’s second tramline, tramline. It is hoped to start work from the front of cars 601-10, and ZWICKAU. Tatra KT4D 934 has the 19.6km (12.3-mile) Green in 2019-20. BS the sets will be used on line 1 from been withdrawn as a source of line, has been approved, and an BRANDENBURG. The fourth December. The second trailer, 502, spare parts, with the remainder international tender to build and refurbished KtNF6D, 184, was is ex-Rostock 854. C.T. Wagner scrapped. BS equip it will be advertised later returned to service in late June; LEIPZIG. The rebuilt Dölitz depot this year. The line will run from 170 is now being worked on. BS was inaugurated on 15 June and HUNGARY the south-west suburb of Gilo and BRAUNSCHWEIG. The last since 23 July has housed trams BUDAPEST. The rst of ten low- share tracks with the existing Red Solaris Tramino to enter service was used on routes 9, 10, 11 and 16. floor trams to be assembled at line through the city centre before 1468 on 9 June; 12 high- oor trams The portico and one bay of the old Dunakeszi MÁV workshops using running on to Mount Scopus. remain in the eet, six 7700-series building has been retained. BS CAF parts was 2226; ten Ganz trams Passenger service is predicted for Duewag sets and six 8100-series MAGDEBURG. Fares were withdrawn are 1416/24/46/65- 2024-25. IRJ LHB tramsets. BS increased from 1 August, with a 7/71/4/8/9. Surviving trams of this BREMEN. Planning permission single ticket costing EUR2.10 and type are used on lines 2, 47 and 49. ITALY for the southerly extensions of a day ticket EUR4.80. BS Tenders have been invited for FIRENZE. The new Sirio trams lines 1 and 8 was granted on MAINZ. The opening date for the the rebuilding of metro line 3, being delivered by Hitachi Rail Italy 1 June. BS new Mainzelbahn tramway will which will involve extensive bus for lines 2 and 3 are 2018-46. BS DRESDEN. Historic Grosse Hecht be 11 December. Delivery of replacement as the work is carried MILANO. Tramline 12 (Roserio bogie tram 1716 and steel two-axle Variobahn low-floor cars was out in sections. BS, IRJ – Viale Molise) was re-opened trailer 1314 were re-introduced to completed with the arrival of on 21 May after 11 months of special service on 12 June after 236. Ex-Bielefeld Stadtbahn-M cars INDIA refurbishment work, including extensive overhaul. BS 278/9 have been scrapped, 277 may MUMBAI. Construction contracts 1km (0.6 miles) of grassed DUISBURG. A shortage of be modied as a works tram. BS for the 33.5km (20.9-mile) reservation in Via Mac Mahon. TR tramway rolling stock during the MÜNCHEN (Munich). metro line 5 were signed with TRIESTE. Opicina tramway car refurbishment of the existing eet Following the shooting incident ve consortia on 7 July. The work 401, out of use for seven years, means that the section of line 901 at Olympiazentrum on 22 July, was divided into seven lots, and is back in service after refurbishment between Laar and Obermarxloh all public transport service was should be completed in 2020. IRJ by Ofcina Navale Quaiat. TR

358 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org JAPAN PERU HIROSHIMA. Bogie tram 768, LIMA. Alstom will supply 120 dating from 1950, has been rebuilt Metropolis metro cars to form 20 as a party tram with the name Train new metro trains and 19 more Rouge. It was running public trips to lengthen existing trains from in August, from the railway station ve cars to six under a EUR200m at 18.30 on Monday-Friday and contract signed on 26 July. The 12.00 and 18.00 at weekends. BS cars will be built in Spain, and the capacity of line 1 will be boosted MALAYSIA to 48 000 passengers/hour. All 139 KUALA LUMPUR. Two metro cars will be delivered by 2019. extensions to Putra Heights were opened on 30 June. The 17.4km POLAND (10.9-mile) line 5 Kelana Jaya line GDANSK. ZKM has placed a and the 5.4km (3.4-mile) line 4 PLN7.98m (EUR1.86m) contract Ampang line extensions share a with Modertrans to modify one common new terminus. Revenue Konstal 114Na and four Alstom service began on 17 July. RGI Konstal NGd99 trams with ac drivetrains and mid-life NETHERLANDS refurbishment. RGI KTM 5 tram 3090, damaged by re, has been rebodied by NPO Avtomatika in AMSTERDAM. Stadsregio KRAKÓW. The last of the 40 Yekaterinburg and returned to the Russian city of Magnitogorsk. Maxtor Amsterdam has agreed that there EU8N three-section trams has should be a formal planning been completed in the MPK three-section, 100% low-floor SRI LANKA objective of extending line 51 from workshops. These are ex-Wien E6 articulated car. Volgograd is looking COLOMBO. The government Amstelveen to Uithoorn. cars with a new low-floor centre for 25 new trams. RGI approved plans for a 75km Type 2G tram 586, restored to section from Autosan. RGI (47-mile) light rail project on original six-axle formation and ŁØDZ. From 1 July the interurban SINGAPORE 1 July. Funding for the project grey and white livery, has joined tramline was cut back at MASS RAPID TRANSIT. The (which may be elevated automated the museum eet. Ozorkow to the reversing triangle ground-breaking ceremony for the light metro) is being provided The opening date for the north– Wyszynskiego, as the river bridge is 13km (8.1-mile) East Coast section by Japan. south metro has been put back to no longer safe to use. No schedule of the Thomson – East Coast metro 22 July 2018, 16 years after work for repairs has been announced. BS line, and the 2.2km (1.4-mile) SWEDEN started. Originally due to open in WARSZAWA. Approval has been Downtown Line 3 extension was STOCKHOLM. Storstockholms March 2011, the latest delay puts given for the 1.5km (0.94-mile) held on 21 July. RGI Lokaltrafik has awarded Spanish back the opening by a further nine tramway extension along Ulica company COMSA a EUR26m months due to technical issues. OR Swiatowida to Nowodwory to be SPAIN contract to double-track 5.2km DEN HAAG. The first Siemens opened in early 2017. BS BARCELONA. On 13 July the (3.3 miles) of the Roslagsbanan Avenio to be vinyl wrapped is 5025, Catalan Government announced from Tibble to Visinge. RGI which like GTL cars 3116/33/5 ROMANIA that it had just put out to tender carries all-over fitness messages BUCURESTI. The city council has a project that originally appeared SWITZERLAND linked to the Olympic Games. allocated EUR7.3m to modernise in the 2011-2020 Catalan BASEL. The delivery of BLT The Tourist Tram service started ten trams with low-floor centre Infrastructure Plan but was then Stadler Tango 188/9 completed the on 9 July, using PCC cars 1180 sections, and order a 16th 65% shelved because of the financial batch of new low- oor trams. BS and 1193;1210 is also expected low- oor tram from URAC. RGI crisis: extending the metre-gauge CHUR–ST MORITZ (RhB). to be used. The service operates FGC Llobregat-Anoia network Stadler Altenrhein has been at weekends until 25 September RUSSIA from its present terminus at Plaça awarded a CHF285m (EUR262.9m) leaving Kerkplein 09.39-16.39 at KRASNODAR. In July the Stadler Espanya to connect with the contract for 27 four-car 30-minute intervals. digitaletram.nl Minsk 85300M Metelica prototype standard-gauge FGC Barcelona- air-conditioned EMUs for delivery GENERAL. The regional public low- oor tram, that has already run Vallés one in Gràcia. Although it from 2019, with an option for transport authority for the Den in Moskva and Samara, arrived in is not clear where the EUR321m 20 more. RGI Haag–Rotterdam agglomeration Krasnodar and entered service on needed to do this will be found, KLEINE SCHEIDEGG– (MRDH) has conrmed that HTM 15 July as 202, in a new yellow the reason it is back on the JUNGFRAU (JB). The first and RET will be awarded ten-year livery. transphoto.ru government’s agenda is that its commercial service using one of contracts to continue operating MAGNITOGORSK. KTM-5 tram construction is expected to yield the new Stadler sets, Beh4/8 221-4, their R-NET networks from 3090, which was damaged by re high returns, both economically was on 27 May. Seat reservations December 2016. IRJ in 2014, has been rebodied by and socially. are available on all trains from ROTTERDAM. Tourist tramline NPO Avtomatika of Yekaterinburg Apart from connecting the two 19 May, costing CHF10 (EUR9.2) 10 started on 17 June and will run at a cost of RUB6m (EUR81 000), FGC lines, it would also benet an for a round trip. EA until the end of October, using with cab air-conditioning and new area poorly served by rapid urban ZÜRICH. Kanton Zürich three centre-entrance bogie trams electronic controls. It was presented transport, which, studies predict, has chosen BDWM as the to provide a half-hourly service. to the press on 1 July. transphoto.ru would result in a ridership of 68 000 Limmattalbahn light rail line Departures are from Willemsplein NABEREZHNYE CHELNY. The a day (or 19m a year) and eliminate concession holder. The extension 11.00-16.30. Stichting Romeo rst Ust-Katav 71-623 trams were 9000 private car journeys daily. of line 2 to Schlieren will be delivered in July as eet numbers The project, for which at present operated by VBZ. EA NEW ZEALAND 0156-8. transphoto.ru there is no timetable, would involve AUCKLAND. The withdrawal OMSK. Stadler Minsk has delivered excavating two parallel 4.1km TAIWAN of the Ganz-Mavag EMUs from a 62-103 bogie tram (with low (2.56-mile) 6.7m bore tunnels, KAOHSIUNG. From 4 July the suburban rail service was completed oor at the centre doors) as car 12 rebuilding the Plaça Espanya FGC/ operating hours of the city’s on 27 May. TA in the Omsk eet. The order is for Metro interchange and building new catenary-free tramline were ve cars, but it is understood that three new ones: Hospital General extended to 07.00-21.00, with NORWAY an assembly agreement has been (connecting with line 5 of the a ten-minute peak service BERGEN. Delivery of seven-section reached with BKM in Omsk. metro), Francesc Macià (with (15-minute off peak). Travel trams 221-8 has been completed by transphoto.ru Trambaix) and nally Gràcia (with is still free, but a fare plan is Stadler. Now the original 20 cars are VOLGOGRAD. PK Transportnye the FGC Vallés line). All this would being developed for to be lengthened, 201/4 in Berlin Systemy demonstrated its 71-931 be expected to take almost four implementation after the summer and the remainder in Bergen. BS Vityaz tram in July. This is a 27.5m years to complete. R. Felski holidays. Taipei Times

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 359 Worldwide Review

fast ferry service along USA Southampton Water. ANAHEIM, CA. The Orange The report also supports County Transportation Authority conversion of the railway on the has voted to cease all planning Isle of Wight to light rail operation. work for the Station – Convention SOUTH YORKSHIRE. Stagecoach Center tramway. E.B. Havens Supertram has now received four ATLANTA, GA. The Georgia of the order for tram-trains from Department of Transportation has Vossloh in Valencia, Spain. These accepted the audit of the system are being commissioned and tested and withdrawn the threat to shut within the confines of Nunnery it down. The 8 November depot, although initial tram referendum will include a proposal 399 201 has been tested on the system for a half-cent sales tax increase outside normal service hours. lasting 40 years to provide about It is expected that the vehicles USD2.5bn for transit expansion, will supplement the existing eet including light rail. E.B. Havens until the delayed opening of the CHARLOTTE, NC. Construction Parkgate line is achieved. bids for extending the Gold line TYNE & WEAR. More than Streetcar at both ends came in 30% GBP1bn (EUR1.19bn) of over budget. CATS has rejected the Gaziantep’s eet has been boosted by the arrival of 28 Alstom-built TFS2 70% investment in the Metro over the bids and will re-tender. E.B. Havens low-oor trams from Rouen. M. J. Russell next 20 years is among proposals DALLAS, TX. DART service in outlined in the North East the city centre was suspended TURKEY in the strategy, developed by Combined Authority’s strategy. during 7 July following the ANTALYA. The opening of Transport for Greater Manchester, A business case is being developed shooting incidents in the city. the 15.4km (9.6-mile) tramway include tram-train and bus; an that includes provision of a new The first powered test on the extension to Expo 2016, plus the integrated smart ticketing system; fleet of 84 train sets to replace 4.1km (2.6-mile) Blue line extension 2.4km (1.5-mile) branch to the and redevelopment of Piccadilly the existing eet of 90 (of which from Ledbetter to UNT-Dallas airport, did not open as planned station to integrate High Speed 2, four have not been refurbished), was on 21 July. Passenger service on 22 April but was postponed Northern Powerhouse Rail, local from the early 2020s. The new starts on 24 October. to 14 July. Service to the airport rail and Metrolink. fleet would be dual-equipped to First Group has won its first is every 20 minutes, but due to a During the City of Science operate under 1500V dc and 25kV rail contract in North America, shortage of rolling stock, there is Festival (22-29 July) a number of ac wires, allowing the Sunderland to operate the 34km (21.3-mile) only a tram every 80 minutes to trams were branded as ‘Astrotrams’ line to be upgraded to national Trinity Mills – Denton diesel Expo 2016. RGI with decals of the night sky and rail electrification standards. commuter rail service (A-train) EKISEHIR. Bids have been invited astronomy facts on their ceilings, Fleet renewal is estimated to cost from 1 October. DART, E.B. Havens for the supply of 14 metre-gauge and the opportunity for passengers GBP550m (EUR654m) including DENVER, CO. Electric commuter 100% low- oor trams for delivery to download an app. depot, power supply upgrades rail service on the 9.7km (6.1-mile) in 2017-18. IRJ ISLE OF WIGHT. Isle of and adaptations for regenerative line B between Union Station and Wight Council has launched an braking. The strategy also considers Westminster (alongside Union UKRAINE infrastructure transport ‘task force’, new passenger services. Pacific tracks) started on 25 July. DNIPRO (Dnipropetrovsk). which held its rst meeting in July. Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Intermediate stations at 41st/ A EUR224m contract has been Tenders to run the South West Executive Nexus hopes to have Fox and Pecos Junction are not signed with Limak for the Trains franchise, which includes agreement with the Combined yet open. Test running on the construction of a 4km (2.5-mile) the Ryde – Shanklin railway, Authority and the UK Government 16.9km (10.6-mile) light rail line tunnel extension from Vokzalna must be submitted to the UK in place by mid-2017 for ongoing R extension from Nine Mike to to Muzeina, part-nanced by the Department for Transport by capital and revenue support for Peoria started on 19 July. E.B. Havens European Bank for Reconstruction 7 September; the new franchise is the Metro. Nexus takes over direct DURHAM – CHAPEL HILL, NC. and Development. RGI to start in June 2017. The invitation operation from DB Regio next The state legislature has capped to tender requires the franchisee April and by 2019 is looking to investment in the proposed light UNITED KINGDOM to work with the Isle of Wight have an agreement in principle in rail line at 10%, meaning the match EDINBURGH. Peak-time Council to secure a long-term place with a rolling stock provider funding to achieve federal grant headways are to be increased solution for Island Line, with for the new eet and with Nexus is unfeasible. E.B. Havens to avoid current overcrowding. a view to it becoming a retaining control of operations. FORT WORTH, TX. The FTA A ve-minute service (rather than self-sustaining business. Alternatively a new operator could has approved the planned 43.2km every eight to ten minutes) will run SOLENT. Tram-train is among be appointed that would have (27-mile) TEXRail commuter line 07.30-09.30 and 16.30-18.30 proposals in the Solent Strategic responsibility for acquiring and that will link the city centre and requiring three extra trams at Transport Investment Plan. The maintaining the new eet. DFW International Airport from these times. plan was published in May. The GBP6m (EUR7m) Newcastle 2018. The budget is USD499m. Following a trial, the use of Several issues identified by Central Station renovation was E.B. Havens class 2 mobility scooters on trams an earlier Light Rail Transit due to be completed in August KANSAS CITY, MO. Campaigner is being allowed permanently from Association proposal are but the project has been subject to Clay Chastain has succeeded in 1 August, subject to passengers highlighted, such as poor access complications with the condition getting enough signatures to have being in possession of a permit. to Southampton Airport from of walls; work will continue until an LRT ballot measure put on the GLASGOW. Strathclyde the east, no rail connection November. Evening closures of November referendum. This will Partnership for Transport was to Southampton’s cruise and the Metro station from 20.00 on seek a 25-year sales tax increase to hoping to restore Subway services in Isle of Wight terminals, and a Sundays to Thursdays will continue, construct light rail and electric bus mid-August, after contractor Colas lengthy journey time between as will some weekend closures systems. E. B. Havens Rail identied a number of issues Southampton and Portsmouth. WEST YORKSHIRE. West LOS ANGELES, CA. With that arose during renewal works. Under the banner of a Solent Yorkshire Combined Authority, ridership above expectations, GREATER MANCHESTER. Transit Network, three modes together with district authorities service on the Foothills extension Consultation on the Greater would be integrated: the developing and bus operators First West of the Gold light rail line was Manchester Transport Strategy Bus Rapid Transit routes in the Yorkshire, Arriva and Transdev, improved from 27 June, with a 2040 opened on 4 July with a south-east (Gosport and the A3 is working to produce a 20-year seven-minute peak headway and view to a final document being road corridor), a rail-based network West Yorkshire Bus and Transport all trains running from Azusa to produced later this year. Proposals around Southampton, and a strategy. East Los Angeles. E. B. Havens

360 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org MILWAUKEE, WI. The USD20m 96 25kV ac EMU cars (with an early July and has returned to Crich. YAKIMA, WA (US). Heritage tram local financing plan for the option for 20). A model tramway and railway service resumed on 29 May with planned tramline extension from > Read more about San Jose on exhibition will be held on 20-21 hourly departures 10.00-15.00 at Intermodal Station to Bucks was page 340. IRJ August at the National Tramway weekends. E. B. Havens approved on 6 July. E. B. Havens WASHINGTON, DC. The H St/ Museum, featuring 15 layouts. MINNEAPOLIS, MN. The FTA Benning Rd tram service, which Normal museum charges apply. CONTRIBUTORS has approved a grant of USD 1.84bn is still fare free, carried 63 372 SEATON (UK). The tramway has Worldwide items should be for the Minneapolis – Eden Prairie passengers in May, a daily average teamed up with the Mendip Mule sent to Michael Taplin at Flat 1, light rail line. However funding around 2500 (the line does not open-top bus offering tours along 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, is still USD135m (EUR120.8m) operate on Sundays). E. B. Havens the ‘Jurassic Coast’ with combined Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. short of target. E. B. Havens fares for tramway and bus journeys Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or PHILADELPHIA, PA (SEPTA). MUSEUM NEWS (29 May-8 September). Combined e-mail: [email protected] Fifth Street subway station has been BALLARAT (AU). Ex-Melbourne tickets booked in advance online UK and Ireland items are renamed Fifth St Independence 939 was launched as a private attracta 10% discount. welcomed by the Home News Hall to make it easier for tourists hire tram with catering SKJOLDENAESHOLM (DK). Editor, John Symons, 17 seeking the city’s landmarks. facilities on 5 April. It is named Restored Hamburg trailer 4384 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, On 2 July SEPTA identified a Sir Henry Cuthbert, after the returned to service on 30 July and Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. structural defect in the bogies of first Chairman of the Ballarat now forms an authentic set with E-mail [email protected] the Hyundai Rotem Silverliner V Tramway Company. P. Nicholson motor car 3657. DS Acknowledgements this month cars used on the commuter rail CRICH (UK). Blackpool Balcony WEBB CITY, MO (US). The are due to Richard Buckley, network, requiring all 120 to be 40 has returned to service after historic tramway operation in Mike Haddon, Martin Petch removed from service. Peak-hour restoration work. Its relaunch was King Jack Park has reopened after and Eric Pounder, plus service after the 4 July holiday at a ceremony in July attended four years of closure. Bogie tram BS Blickpunkt Strassenbahn, had to be reduced as the agency by Blackpool Heritage Trust 60 (powered by a petrol engine) digitaletram.nl, DS Dreshsheibe, sought to lease rolling stock from and Tramway Museum Society carries visitors on the rst Saturday EA Eisenbahn Amateur, Edinburgh elsewhere The problem was caused members. of every month. E. B. Havens Evening News, France TV, by cracks in the steel equaliser The metal body framework WEHMINGEN (DE). On 17 June IRJ International Rail Journal, beams. E. B. Havens of London County Council 1 former Hamburg V6 motor tram Irish Independent, Manchester SAN FRANCISCO – SAN JOSE, has returned from Garmendale 3600 arrived at the museum from Evening News, Morgenweb, OR CA. Contracts worth USD1.25bn Engineering’s workshop in Amsterdam, where it has been Op De Rails, RGI Railway Gazette have been approved for the Ilkeston. The restoration will now since 1978. It will be restored International, Taipei Times, TA electrification of the Caltrain be taken over by the in-house team. using parts from similar car 3571. Transit Australia, Toronto Star, commuter rail line. Balfour Beatty LCC 106 was loaned to the Another arrival is Schwerin Gotha- Tram 2000, TR Today’s Railways, will design and build the system’s East Anglia Transport Museum at built two-axle tram 21 (originally transphoto.ru, urbanrail.net and electrication and Stadler supply Carlton Colville for an event in Berlin 3903). BS Yorkshire Post. PMP Transport Films Check out our website for recent releases and new locations. Check out our website for recent releases and new locations. Still serving electric traction enthusiasts worldwide – Still serving electric traction enthusiasts worldwide – and yes we are happy to supply those with no internet access. and yes we are happy to supply those with no internet access.

3325. Nottingham. UK. Tram. June 2016. Our long awaited 3169. Germany. Trams. 1989-1990. Features Essen, look at the new route to P+R at Clifton with coverage of Duddeldorf, Krefeld, Bonn, Wuppertal, Bochum, Essen plus the whole route lineside plus some original route. some railways and preserved Berlin double-deckers. 8-10 Allan Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3DQ 3326. Nottingham. UK. Bus, Tram. June 2016. A look at 3170. Germany. Trams. 1991-1993. Featuring trips to On the instructions of Douglas Borough Council, Nottingham’s buses and trams in the city centre on a hot Nurnburg, Augsburg and Munich in 1991 by Dave Cole and sale by public auction of six Victorian and sunny day, catching up on the latest changes. then by Ken Harris to Dusseldorf 1991-1993. Edwardian horse-drawn trams, including a Winter Saloon, three Bulkheads and two Toastracks, 3340. Isle of Man. UK. Islands. Bus, Tram, Truck, Train. 3171. Germany. Trams. 1994 - 1996. Two sessions in A quick day visit to Douglas mainly for buses and then a Karlsruhe from the camera of our friend Ken Harris in all made by G.F Milnes & Co. journey by bus from Douglas to Port Erin. spring and in summer, traditional Duewags galore. Sale starts Saturday 27 August 2016 at 11am, viewing on sale day 9 – 11am 3346. She eld. UK. Trams. July 2016. Another of our 3172. Germany. Trams, Buses. 1996-1997. Filmed by reviews of British tram systems with lengthy lineside shots Dave Cole and Ken Harris in Dusseldorf, Koln, Augsburg, over varying sections and a short rear cab ride. Mannheim, Heidelburg and Freiburg, plus Siegen bus.

3167. Germany. Trams. 1990-91. Dave Cole visits Stuttgart, 3173. Germany. Trams. 1997-1998. Filmed by Dave Spen- Karlsruhe, Esslingen (trolleys) Mannheim, Hannover, cer visiting Brandenburg, Magdebury and Dessau, Darmstadt, IAA 1989 and Wuppertal Schwebebahn. all in Feb. 1997, then on to Köln (Cologne) in 1998.

3168. Germany. Trams. 1989. By Margaret Bromley. 3174. Germany. Trams. 1998. Leipzig, Dresden and Remarkable early video footage from Stuttgart, Rhatische Chemnitz lmed by Dave Spencer in ne sunny weather Bahn, Freiburg, Koln, Dortmund and Bochum. during August 1998, part of a tour of Europe that year.

Numerous overseas and UK tram or trolleybus systems being covered in 2016, see them rst on our web site and follow our blog.

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www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 361 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.

UK tram-train: No excuses, but it’s not that simple

In response to Michael Bell (Mailbox, TAUT 944), those readers risk assessment and identifying cost-effective risk mitigation who know me will know why the saga of the Shef eld trial that demonstrates why caution should be the watch word and of tram-train is of great personal sadness tinged with huge not simply saying ‘no’ as an easy way out. And ideally (despite frustration. Defeat from the jaws of victory and all that. Brexit) looking to Europe for models in order to reduce costs However, I have to disagree with Mr Bell as there is a need for a by using proven solutions from across the Channel with trial of the technology in the UK, despite the obvious parallels consequent market volume advantages. here and abroad and I shall endeavour to demonstrate why. As the Editor noted in a previous editorial comment, The [Tyne & Wear] Metro has a number of features which perfection can be the enemy of effective delivery. This trial would be totally unacceptable for the Shef eld system. Some should create a UK set of parameters that can be applied across were compromises agreed to enable the implementation of the country, minimising the requirement for further endless joint-running to go ahead whilst maintaining an appropriate re-design to achieve perfection, unique to that particular light level of safety in degraded working. In Shef eld, stopping rail network and its heavy rail interface. the trams because of a heavy rail issue would simply not be In summary, the trial is needed and should provide much acceptable, and nor should it be. valuable additional data that will Much has been written elsewhere in “This trial should be about enable future implementations to be TAUT about the wheel-rail interface. more accurately costed to develop Suf ce to say the Dutch found some getting rules agreed such the business case and more speedily years back that what looked as if it delivered with greater certainty, should work in a tram-train situation that they can be applied and thus ef ciency – for which read led to a derailment. Remember, this cheaper! It just shouldn’t have taken so is intended to be a national pilot, so anywhere, providing the long. Others can try and justify that… what works here must work in Jerry Swi , Great Barugh, North Yorkshire Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, risk assessment and South London etc. While I agree with many of the Now note there is currently no identifying cost-e ective comments of Michael Bell in Mailbox standard rail pro le on light rail 944, it was staggering to see, just a few systems in the UK (Scott McIntosh risk mitigation that pages before (page 312 of the August will correct me if I am wrong and issue), the overhead line gantries for the history has moved on!) and that much demonstrates why caution Shef eld – Rotherham tram-train trial. of the Shef eld system is being re- It is often quoted within TAUT that railed because the current track is so should be the watch word.” UK schemes are over-engineered – and worn, and not, I suspect, to the pro le if ever there is an example of over- speci ed for the system as built. Again, others can correct me speci cation and of heavy rail engineering being applied to but I think there is only one system with a rail pro le close to UK ‘light rail’ schemes then surely this is it. that used by Network Rail. So developing and then proving a I had to make a double-take on the image at rst and re-read practical answer to the wheel-rail interface that will work for the caption for some kind of error as even high-speed rail both heavy and light rail networks is vital. doesn’t use such structures for carrying overhead power lines, But above all, in my view, this has always been about hearts so what possible case can there be for tram-train vehicles. and minds. There are many in the heavy rail side who will I have never seen anything like it! suck through their teeth and exclaim, “Ah, but...”, using The pictured structures look like they will last a thousand safety as an argument for inaction and supporting total risk years; what are the project managers thinking that they are aversion. This trial should be addressing that, getting the rules going to be powering? agreed such that they can be applied anywhere, providing the N. Wemmington, by e-mail

More narrow-gauge or standard-gauge free passenger ows throughout the vehicle. the centre module and a swivelling bogie Joseph Sheerens in TAUT 944 has correctly For this, they need an ideal aisle width of on the outer end of each of the end modules. drawn attention to false assumptions about about 700mm (about 200mm more than a The result is quite a narrow aisle (about the relationship between narrow-gauge and bus aisle) to allow people to pass and even to 500mm). overall tram width. However there is one issue manoeuvre awkward items like baby buggies. In the case of the Škoda tram for Bratislava that he has overlooked, an issue that has only With the now-typical xed bogie tram, a wide aisle was desired, so they’ve effectively arisen since the advent of low- oor trams. this is not such an issue with a narrow-gauge taken the three-module platform and split the This is internal aisle width. specication, but with swivelling bogies, the centre module into three short modules with In a low- oor tram, the aisle is in effect a wheels have to swing into the cabin space a xed bogie under the outer two of them, trench between the wheels and the distance and this directly affects the aisle. Two mimicking a swivel. On the end modules between the wheels becomes a more critical alternative outcomes can be seen in two there are swivelling bogies at the extremities factor, particularly if the bogies have to examples of narrow-gauge Škoda low- oor and it was decided to put the end seats over swivel, which they need to do – especially trams. In the case of the Helsinki trams (which the bogies on small sections of high- oor as it on systems with curve radii below 25m. were designed before Škoda acquired the is right at the ends of the tram and there is not One of the advantages of trams over buses company) a standard three-module format such a critical need for low- oor for passenger is their standee capacity and the ability for has been used with two swivelling bogies on ow and accessibility at these points.

362 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org So one can see that there are compromises monorails in Japan. As for monorail madness, lines, namely Red and Purple have third-rail to be made to accomodate low- oor trams in Japan, perhaps. current collection. I now realise what the on narrow-gauge. Gordon Bannister, by e-mail earthworks and formation that I saw near Tony Prescott, Bomaderry, Australia Little Tokyo on the Gold line are for. Most of the Gold line from Union Station Further views on Brexit to Azusa is built on former rail formations, The prospect of the UK leaving the European whereas the section from Union Station to Union is likely to be challenging for the UK Atlantic is mainly on the route of a former light rail and tram industry. LA Railway (Yellow cars) line. Apart from The decline in value of Sterling will have an underground section part way along the worsened the business case for new systems line, it is all median running with very low due to the fact that the tramway construction protective kerbs. The design of the stations is industry is mostly EU-based. In addition, also noteworthy, and at almost all the grade there will be major pressures on public crossings there is priority over road trafc nances generally. However, Sterling’s decline with lights and barriers. The USA has no fear will also increase road vehicle fuel costs (oil of controlled grade crossings which abound is priced in USD), providing some degree of throughout the whole country. Transfer at incentive to enhance public transit. 7th St/Metro between light and heavy rail is The UK needs to quickly develop its very quick via short staircases. own light rail and tram manufacturing Approaching a tunnel near Tama on the The Expo line also branches off the Blue capability. Perhaps Bombardier could revive straddle-type Tama-toshi monorail, west of Tokyo, line a short distance past Pico station and this tram building at Derby. I travelled on the September 2013. G. Bannister section is also street-running. At the major Derby-built trams in Strasbourg recently and street junctions there is full priority over road wondered just why this apparently successful trafc with lights and lifting barriers and the design was not progressed further. LRV drivers certainly do not slow down, and Perhaps readers might like to consider just make full use of their horns. how the UK Government could encourage a Within Long Beach the line is all median domestic tramway construction industry. running, but with NO priority at any trafc The need is great and urgent. lights – resulting in long waits. The Blue line Alan Robinson, Malvern (UK) probably covers the most densely-populated parts of LA and loadings are very high with Monorail tunnels and branches three two-car formations in the peaks. As a follow-up to Olaf Olsen’s letter ‘Monorail Ride quality on all lines is excellent, speeds Madness’ in TAUT 944, I can conrm that are high (some stations are a considerable Japan has monorail systems, both suspended distance apart) and customer information is and straddle, that go through tunnels and good – and at times amusing. have branch lines. Off-peak times are 9am to 3pm and 7pm I agree that not many run at or near ground The Shonan suspended monorail from Ofuna to onwards; remember the USA does not widely level, but many run above roads and I have Enoshima near Yokohama in May 2011. This is a use the 24-hour clock. On both days of my been on a straddle monorail line underneath single-track monorail with passing loops in various visit the ticket machine at Hawthorne/Lennox an expressway above another road, this on stations. Most of the route is above a road, but it also on the Green line was giving trouble, causing the Kokura Monorail on Kyushu, with on and climbs up quite a steep hill before going through two unacceptable delay. It seems the machines off ramps linking the two roads.The pictures tunnels near Enoshima. G. Bannister prefer Dollar coins to bills (notes), which do on Google Earth show the monorail line become tatty. Change is always given in coins. sandwiched between the two roads quite well. Further impressons on LA Finally, a comment on the proposed LA Both the Chiba-toshi Monorail (suspended) I was most interested to read Vic Simons’ Streetcar as described in Gordon Head’s article and Osaka Monorail (straddle) have branch informative article on Los Angeles in TAUT 944. in the same issue. It is hoped that trafc light lines requiring ying junctions. The Chiba It is over 40 years since I rst visited LA, priority is going to be incorporated. one is located above Chiba JR station and and even then all the Pacic Electric lines had The Longworth tour ew back to England consists of four massive beams on two levels. closed, so I have always been keen to revisit from Atlanta giving us a chance to ride the The junction on the Osaka monorail (which the city to ride the new lines. I decided to visit Atlanta streetcar, which seems to be identical is or was the longest monorail in the world) is prior to joining up with Ian Longworth’s tour in conception. Half the journey time was at Bampaku-kinen-koen station. The exible of South Eastern US systems. I hope readers spent waiting at trafc lights, making the beams on the straddle monorail lines, which will be interested in some of my observations. service very unattractive. This seemed to be are the points/switches, are supported by steel I was not aware that a connection from re ected in very low ridership, even with a wheels on short bits of steel rail. Little Tokyo/Arts District to 7th St/Metro USD1 fare for hop-on and hop-off riding for Nearly all these systems also have junctions was being built, which will obviously have up to three hours. Also the ticket machines to permit access to depots. The systems overhead current collection to enable through were unbelievably complicated and slow. mentioned are by no means all of the running, whereas the other underground Peter Jackson, by e-mail

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

AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 Wednesday 14. Brighton 19.40. Martin Tuesday 20. Leeds 19.00. Malcolm Brown: Martin’s memories! (TLRS) Hindes: Trams on Cine. Monday 15. Wickham 19.30. Thursday 1. Liverpool 13.30. Jim Monday 19. Liverpool 19.30. Carl Wednesday 21. Bristol 19.30. Peter Williams: Frogs, ears and Clough: Tramway selection. Phillips, Deputy Managing Director, George Gardiner: Baltic travels. pull-o s, development of overhead Tuesday 6. Southampton 19.30. Dublin Light Rail: Luas development, Saturday 24. Beeston 14.00. David lines for trams and trolleybuses. Paul Coles: Modelling. (LRTA/SEG) operations and problems. (TLRS) Hanger: 21st Century trams. (TLRS) (TLRS) Friday 9. Glasgow 19.30. Alex Monday 19. Wickham 19.30. John Saturday 24. Garstang 14.00. Bryan Saturday 27. Beeston 14.00. Bring Strachan: Glasgow General Omnibus Prentice: French tram postcards. (TLRS) Lindop: Blackpool Transport. (TLRS) A Thing: Your current tram interests. and Motor Services Ltd – 90 Years Tuesday 20. London 19.00. Alan Thursday 29. Manchester 19.00. (TLRS) on 19262016. (STTS) Pearce: Pacic North West 2016. Steve Hyde: An engineer’s tale.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 363 Classic Trams CEMETERY SPECIALS Mike Russell recounts an annual special operation to cater for exceptional numbers of cemetery visitors in Kraków, Poland, with up to seven extra routes superimposed on the regular network. 1

ime was when many big city To cater for the loading, tramway operation the trams move off to their allotted loading tramways turned out large is greatly reinforced and the practice is to barrier as soon as possible. The whole process numbers of extra tramcars to operate three ten-minute and two 20-minute is conducted with something approaching cater for passenger needs in services with three-car high- oor tram trains military precision and efciency and for any special circumstances. The grand or three-section low- oor articulated cars, student wishing to see rst-hand how a great Ttramway layouts at places such as Milano’s operating on special All Saints’ routes to tramway copes with exceptional loading, Axum stadium or the former extensive special timetables. These are in addition to there is probably now no better example. layout at Heysel in Bruxelles provided for the the normal service to the cemetery (line 2). International Exhibitions of yesteryear are Rakowicka effectively becomes one huge Nowa Huta two examples, but there were others. street-running tram station. In 2013, when Although Cmentarz Rakowicki is the main Today, the provision of extra tramcars on the writer witnessed the operation, the focus of operations, special route 85 links this scale is exceptional: most operators now superimposed special routes were lines 81 to it with Nowa Huta, the communist-era rely on the capacity provided by the scheduled Czerwone Maki, 82 to Bronowice Małe, 83 to industrial suburb to the east of Kraków service, perhaps supplemented by one or two Nowy Bieanów, 84 to Kurdwanów and 85 proper, which has its own depot and network extras, to move crowds. Yet there is one place to Wzgórza Kraesławickie, the latter actually of purely local routes in addition to the where traditional means of crowd-shifting can being in Nowa Huta; lines 83 and 85 were various through links to the city. Here were still be seen and a recent reference by Geoffrey those worked with older three-car trains of two further All Saints’ holiday special routes, Skelsey in our sister journal Tramway Review high- oor Konstal 105N bogie cars. both terminating at Wzgórza Krzesławickie provided the impetus to pen this article. Given the constricted nature of the area, and thereby serving Cmentarz Grbałowski: The city in question is Kraków, in southern the operation is a massive logistical feat and 86 from Mistrzejowice and 87 from Os. Poland. Many readers will be aware that in after many years of experience, the Kraków Piastów. The Nowa Huta operation, however, the countries of central Europe particularly, staff and local police clearly have this off blends in more closely with existing regular it is still the custom for families to make a to a ne art. Temporary loading barriers routes, and the rolling stock allocation was pilgrimage to local cemeteries each All Saints’ more varied, with three-car trains of Konstal- Day (1 November) to pay their respects. “The whole process is built 105N cars on route 87 but anything Until recently, Wien (Vienna) operated from a set of former Wien E/e-class motor and special All Saints’ Day routes to cater for the conducted with something trailer cars to the prototype 405N Protram/ crowds but this practice has now ceased; Graz Konstal ve-section articulated car 4001. did likewise until a few years ago. The tandem approaching military It seems the general thrust of the operation operation of N-class cars in Bytom, on line is similar each year, but from 2013 two of the 38 of Poland’s Upper Silesian network, has precision and e ciency... routes were rst operated with low- oor cars as previously been mentioned in this series, opposed to the high- oor Tatra sets still used though continued operation in this form is there is probably no on the other services. As time progresses, the uncertain. However, the ancient capital of use of low- oor cars will inevitably increase Poland still keeps the tradition alive. better example for anyone until the high- oor cars are totally displaced. wishing to see rst-hand The actual days of operation are not Short branch conned to All Saints’ Day itself but vary Many of Kraków’s tram routes are quite how a great tramway copes each year depending on how the calendar long, but an exception is the short branch to falls. The greatest operation is on 1 November Cmentarz Rakowicki a little way to the east with exceptional loading.” itself, but there is normally an equally intense of the main railway station. Normally this – or almost so – service on one or more is a quiet backwater of a route, with just one are created bordering the cemetery wall, days surrounding that date and some extra 20-minute service – line 2 from Salwator and each with its own clearly designated service operation continues for two or three days the city centre Ring, providing a service for number marked out by huge – and hence very into November. The timetables tend not to be cemetery visitors and residents of the area. It visible – high-level route number boards, with advertised until a few days beforehand and is also a route on which historic rolling stock the stops carefully arranged so that, provided anyone intending to visit would be advised has sometimes been found in the summer the tram trains arrive in the right order, they to consult the operator’s website (www.mpk. months as part of the scheduled service. Each move to the loading points from front to krakow.pl) shortly before the All Saints’ holiday. November, the line really comes into its own back. This is important to avoid congestion This is one of the last examples anywhere and its character is transformed to cope with and confusion as the track layout does not of intensive service reinforcement to cater for the in ux of cemetery visitors. A second, permit overtaking movements on Rakowicka. exceptional trafc and is unusual in being smaller, cemetery – Cmentarz Wojskowy – The special services provide direct links to spread over several days instead of just the lies further north along Rakowicka a short all parts of the city and the normal city tariff customary three or four hours in the case of distance beyond the tram terminus. applies. The area of Rakowicka around the major sporting xtures. The fact that Kraków Rakowicka is not the widest thoroughfare cemetery is barricaded with temporary crowd possesses one of eastern Europe’s nest in Kraków and a policy has been developed barriers in the middle of the road between city tramways, with a large route network of encouraging as many All Saints’ cemetery the tram tracks to prevent risks to pedestrians served by a bewildering variety of rolling visitors as possible to travel by tram. During given the intensity of tramway operation. stock (including some second-hand models this period, private transport is excluded The whole operation is supervised and from Austria and Germany, some of which from the section of the street bordering the regulated by what seems like a battalion of have been rebuilt and transformed beyond cemetery, other than for those few requiring inspectors, who ensure that after unloading immediate recognition), is yet another reason premises access or used for disabled persons. at or near the normal cemetery turning circle to visit the city on this special occasion.

364 / SEPTEMBER 2016 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Early visitors in Rakowicka as a three-car train of Konstal 105N bogie cars approaches the terminus on route 83. Three members of the tramways’ sta exchange notes.

2. General trac is excluded from the area of Rakowicka adjacent to the cemetery and the temporary “no motor vehicles” sign can be seen protruding into the northbound carriageway. A train of 105N cars is seen loading on route 83, whilst car 3031, one of a number extensively reconstructed from ex-Wien E6 motor and c6 trailer cars, can be seen in rear operating on regular route 2 to Salwator.

3. Konstal 105N cars and a Bombardier low-oor NGT 8 tram load at their respective temporary barriers in Rakowicka.

4. Konstal 105N cars emerging from the terminal turning circle on Rakowicka. Crowd barriers erected between the tram tracks enforce pedestrian 2 movements only at designated points, whilst through general trac is excluded by the extensive barriers immediately beyond the tram turning circle.

5. One of several orists’ premises adjacent to the cemetery as a train of 105N bogie cars sets down in Rakowicka aer completing a route 83 journey.

6. Krakow tramways’ sta and ocers of the city’s police force supervise the special 3 4 operations in the vicinity of Rakowicki cemetery. A train of Konstal 105N cars on long route 85 to Nowa Huta.

7. The All Saints’ operations in Nowa Huta saw a greater variety of rolling stock than in Kraków; articulated motor car 125 ex-Wien class E1 car 4639, plus trailer, arriving at Mistrzejowice with special route number 86 exhibited by an LED display in the circular roof-mounted route number aperture used in Wien and retained in Kraków. 5 6 8. The prototype 405N Kr. Protram/Konstal ve-section low-oor articulated car was another of the performers on special route 86 and is seen here at Mistrzejowice terminus, in company with 3026, an example of the batch of cars rebuilt from former Wien E6 motor and c6 trailer cars.

All photography by Mike Russell on 2 November 2013.

SPECIAL NOTE: Since this report was compiled and images taken, 7 8 the entire tramcar eet in Kraków has been renumbered.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 / 365 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%.

Atlas of Urban Electric Transport in the BEB Birseckbahn 1902 1974 Russian Federation und BLT 1974 bis heute

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Please bear in mind that we oen advertise books before stock is received from publishers so delivery can take some weeks. IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE OF A. Grahl KANSAS CITY GERMAN CAPITAL’S SYSTEMS FACTFILE: LRT REVIVAL LIGHT RAIL FUTURE DEBRECEN Streetcars returned to the downtown Berlin has Germany’s biggest (and oldest) Hungary’s second city has seen recent area of Kansas City in May for the rst tramway network and an U Bahn system investment in both its tramway eet time in decades. Hans Retallick gives with a fascinating history. Tramways and the infrastructure. Neil Pulling more detail on the new light rail line in & Urban Transit covers the rail-based reports on the light rail operations run the Missouri city and how it is key to networks of the city’s operator BVG in a by DKV in this elegant city situated on downtown revitalisation. comprehensive two-part special report. the Great Hungarian Plain. PLUS... OCTOBER + Mike Russell celebrates a great survivor; the Douglas Horse Tramway ISSUE + The latest news, rolling stock orders and movements, system developments, transport policy and leading industry comment on sale from around the world 16th September

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

Miami Beach fast-tracks Joint venture for New Tube for London Bombardier and Hitachi Rail Europe have formed a joint modern tramway scheme venture to bid for the New Tube for London rolling stock contract, it www.lrta.org Preferred bidder chosen for 8km catenary-free loop line was announced on 4 August. Both www.tautonline.com companies prequali ed, along with Alstom, CAF and Siemens. ollowing last month’s The basic requirement is for news from the 250 trainsets, which on a like-for- 2016 N O. 945 Connect Miami Beach like replacement basis equates SEPTEMBER to around 1700 cars, however consortium, the Miami bidders see the future potential BeachF City Commission has for up to 3000 cars. Assembly SUBSCRIBE NOW! approved negotiation of an work may be shared between interim agreement with the Bombardier’s Litchurch Lane plant Greater Miami Transit Partners in Derby and Hitachi’s new facility UK DEBATES: HOW DO WE consortium, preferred bidder in Newton Ayclie, both in the UK. for the proposed 8km ( ve-mile) Blackpool’s TWA order light rail line. The consortium, An application for a Transport and which includes Alstom, is Works Act Order to extend the BUILD MORE LIGHT RAIL? negotiating a PPP Design-Build- tramway from North Pier to North Operate-Maintain contract for a An artist’s impression Station was made by Blackpool double-track catenary-free loop. of the Alstom LRV for the Council (UK) on 13 July. A decision The cost is likely to be USD387m. Miami Beach project. MBC is expected from the Secretary of State within around 12 months. The Commission voted to funding. Alstom has said its APS If all goes well, it is expected that fast-track the project after Washington Avenue, serving surface contact power supply construction of the extension the consortium agreed to the Art Deco District and the system is open source and can be will start at the beginning of 2018; ensure compatibility with any Convention Center, and the used by rolling stock from other services could commence in April subsequent line linking Miami second on Alton Rd and 17th St. 2019. A further two Bombardier manufacturers. and the Beach, and to pursue If construction starts in 2017, as Flexity 2 trams have been ordered The project will be a two- eligibility for federal grant it anticipated, it is hoped to open with a view to these being stage loop, the rst on 5th St/ the rst phase by 2020. delivered next autumn. Adelaide’s rst steps to a true city tram network

The South Australian State CityLINK loop around the Government has announced Road; UnleyLINK – following Central Business District with Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin AUD50m (EUR34m) to extend the Unley Road and Belair Road to a connection to the city’s main Haese commented: “Expanding city’s tramway by 1km (0.6 miles) Mitcham; CityLINK – following a railway station. Work is start at the city tram network takes us continuous loop around the city along North Terrace to the East another step closer to becoming Now in its 79th year, is the world’s leading the end of 2016. Tramways & Urban Transit End, with Adelaide City Council with transfers at other tramlines Wider plans for the AdeLINK a lower carbon city. This project adding AUD5m (EUR3.4m) to and Adelaide railway station; and network include future phases will connect some of North fast-track the project with public PortLINK – using the existing through Kent Town to the city’s Terrace’s most prominent realm improvements. Outer Harbor line corridor. eastern suburbs and heading institutions including the Three new stops will serve the An AUD4m (EUR2.75m) north to Magill; a western State Library, South Australian city’s universities and the future business case is already underway route to Henley Square with a Museum, Art Gallery, Anzac development at the Old Royal to identify precise routes and branch line to Adelaide Airport; Centenary Memorial Walk, Adelaide Hospital site. It is also stops, plus environmental and ProspectLINK – following University of Adelaide, the rst phase of the planned land value bene ts, cost estimates O’Connell Street to Prospect University of South Australia and and anticipated timescales. the Adelaide Botanic Garden.” Stadler Minsk for St Petersburg Transportnaya Koncessionnaya NEWS IN PICTURES the Krasnogvardeyskiy district Kompanya (TKK), the of St Petersburg, has chosen China’s rst consortium awarded the 30-year monthly publication dedicated solely to light and urban rail developments. Stadler Minsk to supply 23 three- domestic build-and-operate concession section 85300M Metelica for a fast tram network serving low- supercapacitor oor LRVs for the project. Five tram years of maintenance is included in the deal. The rst six 33.5m CRRC Zhuzhou revealed China’s NET Phase Two economic impacts quanti ed cars, each accommodating 260 rst independently- passengers, will be delivered designed

Montpellier opens city tramway ring from summer 2017. supercapacitor tram Xinhua TKK will invest at its factory in Hunan Xinhua CRRC’s home-grown o-wire tram approximately RUB33.7bn Province on 1 August. (EUR457.2m) over the term Using supercapacitor Streetcar ‘czar’ of the concession, upgrading energy storage, the 100% low-oor tram can be fully charged via pantograph New York appoints Having already run trials in Moscow 14km (8.7 miles) of tramway during 30-second stops and run for 35km (1.83 miles), according to the manufacturer. The four-section double-ended design can carry up to 380 ISSN 1460-8324 and Samara, Stadler’sMetelica used by lines 7, 8, 10, 30 and £4.25 prototype passengers and travel at 70km/h (43mph). Constructed from 90% local 0 9 entered service in Krasnodar on 15 July 64 to fast tram standards. The components, it is claimed that the new trams can reuse up to 85% of the as 202. Similar vehicles will soon be city of St Petersburg will also Besancon5 running in St Petersburg. energy regenerated from braking. San Jose Nitshenko contribute towards the project. America’s low- oor A simple, quality 9 771460 832043 light rail convert system on a budget www.tautonline.com. www.lrta.org SEPTEMBER 2016 // 327327 We deliver comprehensive worldwide news and analysis, incisive technology features and key interviews with leading industry gures each and every month.

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