THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE HEADLINES l Chicago welcomes firstnew L-train cars

l Manchester agrees second city route

l Siemens Avenio to debut in Den Haag

engaging communities: maximising lrt’s reach Tranvía de Murcia: 16-page review

OHLE examined: LRT contracts: Why synthetic How revised ropes should procurement 75 replace traditional strategies can

metallic cables cut costs JANUARY 2012 No. 889 1937–2012 w w w . l r ta . o r g l w w w . t r a m n e w s . n e t £3.65 Global expertise for light rail

Pöyry is a global consulting and engineering company dedicated to balanced sustainability and responsible business. Pöyry has around 7000 experts and a local office network in about 50 countries. We provide comprehensive design, engineering and supervision services for urban transport systems. Project experience from around the world enables us to deliver best practice solutions. Local presence and understanding help us to tailor our services to project specifics. Experience from all projects phases ensures practicality and quality from day one.

Countries and places of our light rail and metro work include

Brazil: Sao Paulo Poland: Krakow, Warsaw Denmark: Copenhagen Portugal: Porto Finland: Helsinki Romania: Arad, Bucharest Germany: Cologne, Frankfurt (M), Russia: Krasnodar, Perm, St. Petersburg Halberstadt, Mainz Switzerland: Basle, Lugano, Zurich Greece: Athens Thailand: Bangkok Kazakhstan: Astana Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv Netherlands: Amsterdam, The Hague Venezuela: Maracaibo, Valencia Norway: Bergen, Oslo Vietnam: Hanoi

Contact us at [email protected]

www.poyry.com Contents The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association 4 News 4 JANUARY 2012 Vol. 75 No. 889 Den Haag to debut Siemens Avenio; Hasselt – Maastricht www.tramnews.net line receives final approval; three shortlisted for Ottawa EDITORIAL LRT; First Bombardier L-Train enters service in Chicago; Editor: Simon Johnston Alstom/Transmash sign up for St Petersburg express Tel: +44 (0)1832 281131 E-mail: [email protected] tramway; Manchester agrees second city centre route. Eaglethorpe Barns, Warmington, Peterborough PE8 6TJ, UK. UK procurement strategies under review Associate Editor: Tony Streeter 10 E-mail: [email protected] Terry Walker from the LRTA External Relations Worldwide Editor: Michael Taplin Group examines how cost savings can be achieved and Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. efficiency improved through revised contracts. 15 E-mail: [email protected] 15 Engaging communities worldwide News Editor: John Symons Promoting light rail usage and its green credentials are 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. important to drive ridership in our major cities – TAUT E-mail: [email protected] looks a range of initatives from to Chicago. Contributor: Neil Pulling Systems Factfile: Potsdam Design: Debbie Nolan 19 In a city central to European history, Potsdam’s long- Production: Carla Corrado Tel: +44 (0)1832 281134 E-mail: [email protected] established tramway has undergone many changes in recent years – Neil Pulling reports. 19 Worldwide Contributors: Aare Olander, Nikolai Semyonov, Sergei Tarkhov (CIS), Mike Russell, Norman Bartlett, 24 OHLE: Benefits of synthetic cables Thomas Wagner, Pedro Costa, Richard Felski, Jordi Ibanez (Europe), Mark Chesney from MALICO explains why insulated Yoshiri Nogi (Japan), Anthony Bailey, Ian Hammond, Paul Nicholson polyester ropes should be the first choice for tramway (Australia), Vic Simons, Charles Lietwiler, Steve Morgan, Tom Swinney, Julian Wolinsky (North America). and overhead lines. LRTA Website and Diary: Brian Lomas 27 Worldwide Review E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Fortaleza’s EUR247m metro plan to prepare for the Commercial Manager: Vicky Binley 2014 World Cup; Aarhus line approved; Paris introduces Tel: +44 (0)1832 281132 E-mail: [email protected] automatic metro operation; Saarbrücken opens latest 36 Advertising Manager: Andy Adams extension; Dutch transport goes entirely smartcard. Tel: +44 (0)1832 281135 E-mail: [email protected] 34 Letters Eaglethorpe Barns, Warmington, Peterborough PE8 6TJ, UK. Does the cost-contained Besançon tramway project Publisher: Howard Johnston really show the way for future light rail development? Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each month preceding the cover date. 36 Classic : München LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Mike Russell reports from the spectacular celebrations Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up members of the of 150 years of public transport in Bavaria’s capital. Light Rail Transit Association. You are welcome to join the LRTA. subscriptions: LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Why light rail’s case is only getting stronger BACK ISSUES: Tel: +44 (0)1406 373070 simon johnston, editor PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION: Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. As we enter a new year, I stand by the that are driving home the message of LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE: c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY. Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 comments I made in the December issue sustainable transport, some from Berlin in England and Wales. (thanks to all of you sent who responses, and one inspired idea from the US. Chairman: Andrew Braddock. Deputy Chairman: Vic Simons we’ll publish a few of them next month) Environmental issues are also central to LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE: c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn – the ever-changing global economic this month’s special supplement on Tranvía Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 situation now just means we’re all going de Murcia. Developed by a forward- in England and Wales. to have work that little bit harder to thinking Mayor and local authority, the © LRTA Publishing 2011. make sure we’re delivering light rail as expanded tramway in this south-eastern Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that effectively as possible. Spanish city has already won a global its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it, and such opinions Money is still there for wise investment award for its marketing initiatives. are not those of LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. in transport schemes, and sound From the success of a short trial line to a No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording business cases should still get through the more extensive system in just 22 months, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior approvals process, as concerns broaden let’s hope that Murcia’s exciting plans permission in writing from the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the – populations are rocketing upwards and for a more comprehensive city network contents of the magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. climate change is ever harder to ignore. are realised in the wake of the nation’s

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE HEADLINES And by my count, there are at least worsening economic situation. ● Chicago welcomes fi rst new L-train cars

● Manchester agrees second city route another ten new tram and metro systems In the UK, we await the results of the ● Siemens Avenio to debut in Den Haag to open in 2012, as well as many more Department for Transport’s ‘tram summit’ extensions and fleet renewals. that is bringing together the public and At Genslerstraße stop But as well as looking at new schemes, private sector to seriously address the an Ahrensfelde-bound better integration of existing ones and barriers to further light rail development. Flexity Berlin crosses developments in rolling stock, we all need The UK now has a Transport Minister who ENGAGING COMMUNITIES: MAXIMISING LRT’S REACH a Tatra set heading to recognise the importance of looking firmly believes in the mode, and these Tranvía de Murcia: 16-page review should be exciting times, so let’s hope that OHLE examined: LRT contracts: towards the city centre; after the passengers we have and trying to Why synthetic How revised ropes should procurement 75 replace traditional strategies can metallic cables cut tram costs JANUARY 11 February 2011. encourage more people out of their cars. this is the major step-change in policy 2012 No. 889 1937–2012 WWW. LRTA. ORG ● WWW. TRAMNEWS. NET £3.65 Tony Streeter This issue we’ve looked at a few initiatives we’ve all been waiting for. TAUT_Jan12_Cover.indd 1 28/11/11 20:34:14

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org JANUARY 2012 3 News

Kochi considers ‘maglev metro’ Siemens’ Den Haag Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in charge of building the el- order survives appeal evated rail system in Kochi, is Siemens will supply 40 Avenio 100% low-floor , Siemens has invested heavily in creating considering using maglev tech- trams to Den Haag operator HTM after an appeal lighter weight and more energy-efficient, low noise nology, said Delhi Metro Rail by the unsuccessful bidder CAF was rejected by the components. Although the launch customer was Corporation (DMRC) chairman courts. The 35m double-ended four-section trams planned to be Tel Aviv – with 73m eight-section sets E Sreedharan. with a 2.65m wide steel body will be delivered in – delays in the Israeli capital will see Den Haag as Sreedharan, dubbed ‘Metro 2014-15 in a contract worth more than EUR100m. the debut system for Siemen’s next-generation tram. Man’ in India, told local media The order represents Siemen’s return to marketplace They will be manufactured in Wien, and mounted on 16 November that discussions success after the troubles with its Combino design. on four bogies (three motored), for lower axle loads. with Korean manufacturers have Through extensive research and development Each will accommodate up to 238 passengers, with already been held regarding carried out while modifications were made to the 64 seated. There is an option for a further 40 cars. magnetic levitation technology. Maglev vehicles use electro- magnets to create lift and thrust as they ‘float’ above the tracks, per- mitting much faster speeds than traditional rail services. The deci- sion to investigate the technology comes as Kochi faces acute land constraints. Sreedharan has also proposed maglev for feeder services to the main Metro lines in the national capital of New Delhi.

Transport theme for Olympic flame The flame for the 2012 London Olympics will travel around the UK from 19 May using a variety of transport – including trams at the Black Country Museum. The flame will finish its journey in London for the opening ceremony on 27 July. The torch will visit the Isle of Man for the annual TT race festival on 2 June. As well as being carried in a motorcycle The first SiemensAvenio low-floor trams will be delivered to HTM in Den Haag.Siemens sidecar, it will travel on the Manx Electric Railway.

Parry considers larger Hasselt–Maastricht line final approval railcar design Under the framework of previous Interreg ling and safety system to allow running at high UK-based Parry People projects (an EU-funded programme that facilitates speeds. Movers is proposing a railcar cross-border partnerships for common projects) and Following this, EUR23m has been assigned for twice the size of its Class the Belgian Spartacus plan, the Flemish Govern- construction of a new depot and EUR48m for the 139, following a doubling ment has given final agreement for the construction purchase of trams. Work will begin in 2014 and ten- of passenger numbers on of the 38km (20.5-mile) international light rail line ders are to be invited for 12 cars in the near future. the Stourbridge Town branch from Hasselt to Maastricht along a former heavy The main objective of the line is to boost con- where the vehicles are in use. rail alignment – 6km (3.7 miles) Dutch side, 32km nectivity between the universities in Maastricht and Further expansion in (20 miles) Belgian side. Hasselt, two important educational facilities that demand is expected The bulk of the estimated EUR238m project cost work together with exchange and apprenticeship once a new bus station (EUR122m) is required for infrastructure construc- opportunities. Once complete in 2017, the line will at Stourbridge Town is tion – including bridge modifications on the rail halve the travel time from 71 to 36 minutes, with completed and Parry is also alignment, electrification and an upgraded signal- estimated ridership figures of 6.8 million annually. working on a project to extend passenger services onto the Stourbridge Junction to Brierley Hill freight line. Three shortlisted for Ottawa LRT project The thinking is that five of Three consortia have been shortlisted by the City Infrastructure Canada, Colas Rail and Parsons. the larger cars could provide of Ottawa and Infrastructure Ontario for the city’s The winning bid will be announced in late 2012, services on the two routes. CAD2.1bn (USD2bn) light rail line contract: with construction of the 13-stop, 12.5km (7.7-mile) The new vehicles, it is l Ottawa Transit Partners: VINCI, Acciona, line – with a 3.2km subway under the city – ex- intended, would have a Aecon Construction and Bombardier pected to begin in 2013 to be ready for Canada’s top speed around 80km/h l Rideau Transit Group: ACS Infrastructure 150th anniversary celebrations in 2017. (50mph) and crashworthiness Canada, SNC Lavalin, Dragados Camada, EllisDon A spokesman for Siemens, not part of any of the appropriate to mixed-use and Veolia Transportation consortia this time around, said it hoped to tender branch lines. l Rideau Transit Partners: Bouygues Traveaux for the cars if either of the non-Bombardier consor- Publics, Brookfield Financial, Fiera Axium tia was selected.

4 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org New Edinburgh ‘utility’ setback EDINBURGH’S tramway project (UK) has suffered a fur- ther setback, with the discovery of more ‘conflicts’ with existing utilities along the route. Surveys of the 2.1km (1.3-mile) section between Haymarket and York Place have found more than 1100 such conflicts – double the amount previously known. Among locations affected are po- sitions needed for supports. It is expected that a redesign of the tramline will be required – as well as the reloca- tion of utility services such as cables at around 150 locations. Some councillors have voiced concern about overspend be- yond the new GBP776m budget agreed by City of Edinburgh Council for the tramway, which is now initially to be built be- A new six-car Bombardier 5000-Series train will enter service in Chicago every two weeks between now and 2014 as part tween Edinburgh Airport and St of a 706-car order placed in 2006. Bombardier Andrew Square. However, the budget does include GBP34m for contingencies. Following the decision in Chicago welcomes first September (TAUT 886) to run to St Andrew Square, the first phase of Edinburgh’s tramway is to of the new L-trains be eight miles (13km) long. Test The first of the new six-car Bombardier trains en- in federal funding and USD44.1m from the city. The running of the city’s CAF-built tered service on Chicago’s Pink line on 8 Novem- money will be used to rebuild and upgrade a signifi- trams has now started on a short ber. The 5000-series is more energy-efficient with cant portion of the Purple line by replacing deterio- length of line. an AC propulsion system, offers a more spacious rated track, upgrading ageing stations and installing interior, active suspension and increased passenger new traction power gear to improve performance. security with more onboard CCTV cameras. Red line improvements include track replace- Gold Coast LRT The stainless steel train is the first addition to ment between 18th Street and 95th Street, station Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) ageing fleet upgrades between Cermak and 95th Street, rebuild- tips the balance since 1992, and a new six-car set is due to enter ing the Wilson and Clark/Division stations, renew- for 2018 Games service every two weeks until completion of the ing the subway ventilation system through central 706-car order in 2014. Chicago and substation upgrades. The announcement in Novem- Meanwhile, the major piece of the USD1bn fund- Currently, almost 35% of the Dan Ryan segment is ber that the 2018 Commonwealth ing package for an overhaul of Chicago’s Red and limited to speeds of less than 56 km/h (35mph) and Games are to be held on Austral- Purple ‘El’ lines was unveiled on 3 November. almost 20% has a top speed of 24km/h (15mph). ia’s Gold Coast have prompted The state of Illinois’ Jobs Now! programme will “Chicago is a city on the move, and we must be able the Queensland government to supply a USD646m grant to CTA that will be com- to move our residents with the speed and comfort of fast-track plans for a rapid bus bined with previous state contributions, USD255.5m modern transportation,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. network to tie-in with the new light rail system. The Gold Coast’s bid featured the light rail system signifi- Karlsruhe signs contract for new trams cantly, and it is understood that the plans for sustainable public The EUR75m contract between Verkehrsbetriebe transport helped convince the Karlsruhe and Vossloh Kiepe GmbH for 25 new Commonwealth Games Federa- three-section CityLink low-floor tram-trains, for tion to choose the city. delivery in 2013-14, was signed on 25 October. Plans include moving services The new trams will be single- rather than double- to the city’s west to provide better ended and equipped only for 750V dc current col- connectivity with the under-con- lection, which rules out their use on AVG tram-train struction light rail system, which services, although they will be built with standards will run along the coastal strip. for both BOStrab (tramway) and EBO (railway) Rapid bus lanes are planned regulations for use on lines S1/S11 and S2. for Nerang–Broadbeach Rd to The three-section eight-axle cars will be 37.2m service Metricon Stadium and long and 2.65m wide with four conventional bogies The Vossloh Karlsruhe trams will run on city streets and be Nerang Railway Station, in lieu and a steel body; unladen weight is estimated at legally equipped for operation on rail tracks. VBK of another light rail link, al- 57.5t. They will be equipped for multiple unit oper- though the AUD1.67bn project ation and run up to 80km/h (50mph). There will be trams will be built in Valencia, Spain, with electri- is now expected to receive the seats for 104 passengers and space for 120 standing, cal equipment from Düsseldorf. There are options further funding it seeks to extend with air secondary suspension. It is understood the for two more batches of 25. south to Burleigh and beyond.

www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org january 2012 5 News Alstom/Transmash to build St Petersburg’s express tramway Alstom Transport and its Russian partner Transmashhold- ing have signed a memorandum of understanding with the city of St Petersburg covering a pro- gramme of co-operation for the development of a modern low- floor express tramway network. It includes the proposed light rail lines planned to feed the metro system. The companies will also advise the city on modernising its 1524mm-gauge tramway. Alstom/TMH will provide consulting services and technical expertise covering power supply, infrastructure, signalling and de- sign/engineering production at the PMTZ tramway workshops. St Petersburg, once had the world’s largest tramway, but it has suf- fered neglect and closures result- ing from under funding in the city budget, where metro construction has always taken priority. PMTZ is the former tramway workshops that now functions as a standalone company under mu- nicipal ownership and has devel- oped low-floor trams that operate in St Petersburg and other Rus- sian cities. Sankt Peterburg (St Petersburg) built low-floor tram 4907 on trial in the Russian capital, Moskva (Moscow). V. R. Bounty Luas connector to go ahead in 2015 Cincinnati IRELAND’s transport minister Leo Varadkar has construction projects largely suspended. Varadkar votes for city confirmed that Dublin’s proposed Metro North and argues that the priority should be to get maximum Dart Underground schemes have been deferred – but value from existing infrastructure. circulator that construction of the cross-city connector between The minister commented: “It is regrettable that the Luas Red and Green lines is to start in 2015. we cannot proceed with Metro North at this stage. In an 8 November ballot, The ‘Luas BXD’ project should be completed But with funding constrained and private finance Cincinnati voters (USA) reject- by 2018. Line BX will take the tramway from St still reluctant to commit funds for very large infra- ed a measure that would have Stephen’s Green to O’Connell Street, with line D structure projects, there is no option but to postpone prevented the city council from running from O’Connell Street to Broombridge. the project.” moving ahead with its planned In line with “constrained” government fund- Metro North and the Dart Underground will be city centre tramway circulator, ing, the new transport policy will concentrate on reviewed again in 2015 in advance of a new capital by 35 655 votes to 33 530, a 3% maintaining existing roads and railways, plus re- programme, although elements of the Dart Under- margin. However, the city coun- placement of rolling stock and buses – with road ground project may proceed if funds allow. cil elections also saw the leader of the rejection petition elected to the council for the first time, although three other anti-tram- Operations from Europe’s latest horse tramway way councillors lost their seats. The USD95m project will see The number of horse tramways in Europe is slowly a 4.8km (three-mile) line built to increasing. After the opening of the line in Dolben, link Fountain Square and Findlay Germany, four years ago, 2011 saw a horse tramway Market. Five modern trams will inaugurated in the Polish town of Mrozy (population be needed. Construction should 8700), about 50km (30 miles) east of Warsaw. start in 2012 and the city believes The line has its basis in a sanatorium tramway that the tramway will be a catalyst for carried passengers from 1908-1967. The 2km (1.2- economic development. mile) 900mm-gauge line was dismantled and one of City funding for the project the horse trams is on display in a museum at Sochac- by means of sales tax was ap- zew. In 2008 the idea was mooted to resurrect the proved in a previous ballot. With line for tourist purposes, and after fundraising ef- the election over the city has forts work started in August 2011. The new 900mm renewed its bid for a USD56m gauge line is 1.7km (1.05 miles), and one replica car federal grant towards the tram- was created based on the museum piece. way project. If successful, this The first days of operation were 28-30 October, The Mrozy horse tramway runs through forest to the would enable it to re-instate the after which the new line closed for the winter. Rudka sanatorium, a distance of 1.7km. N. Kuschinski full route originally proposed.

6 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org The new Wuppertal monorail cars Birmingham will differ from this earlier artist’s reorganises routes impression with the removal of Plans have been announced the truck sheathing. Vossloh for the reorganisation of transport routes in and around Birmingham city centre (UK) to prepare for the Midland Metro extension from Snow Hill to New Street station. The area’s GBP800m transport vision includes GBP127m for the extension and new trams, a GBP600m redevelopment of New Street station and GBP11m for a bus link from Five Ways to Walsall with the capability to be converted to light rail in the future. Key to the proposals is a GBP14m reorganisation of bus services, with stops relocated from Corporation wuppertal picks Vossloh Street to allow the construction of the Metro plus six new passenger Kiepe for monorail cars interchanges around the GERMANY’S Wuppertaler Stadtwerke has signed air-conditioning will prevent condensation on the perimeter of the city centre. a contract with Vossloh Kiepe for the delivery of windows. The idea of sheathing the trucks has had 31 suspended monorail cars in 2014/15, the third to be dropped for weight reasons; the trucks will be Los Teques line 2 deal generation of rolling stock for its historic line. The equipped with three-phase motors running off 750V signed in Venezuela deal is worth EUR122m and the cars will be built in dc and regenerative braking. An Alstom-led consortium Valencia, Spain, using aluminium extruded profiles, The order is the last strand in the complete mod- has been awarded the with electrical equipment from Düsseldorf. ernisation of the 112-year-old 13.3km (8.3-mile) line, EUR530m contract to build The light and airy interior of the new car will have which will be completed in December 2015. The ex- a second 12km (7.5-mile) 48 padded wooden seats and LED lighting; partial isting rolling stock was built by MAN in 1972-4. line for the Los Teque metro in Venezuela. Alstom’s partners in the consortium are Colas Rail and Thales Algiers metro opens New York Subway and the contract includes the supply of six-car Metropolis President of the Algerian Republic, Abdelaziz heads for New Jersey trains and electrification in a Bouteflika, inaugurated Algeria’s first metro line on share of the contract worth 31 October, after a construction period that dates back New York subway line 7 is currently being ex- EUR325m (60%). to 1980. Revenue service started on 1 November. tended from Times Avenue to 11th Avenue and 34th Line 1 currently carries over The current Siemens-led scheme was launched in Street on the west side of Manhattan (completion due 42 000 passengers/day, January 2006 and was estimated to cost EUR380m, in 2014). Now Mayor Bloomberg is pushing to ex- line 2 is due to open in though the final cost is believed to be EUR900m. tend the tunnel under the Hudson River to take the 2015 and a third 18.5km Siemens supplied the ATC system Trainguard line to a terminus at Secaucus Junction in New Jersey (11.5-mile) line is planned to MT CBTC, traction power supply, telecommunica- (an important interchange on the suburban railways). complete the network. tions, trackwork and ticketing system, as well as the The city has carried out a USD250 000 feasibil- The metro is an extension operations control centre. Rolling stock came from ity study and this has encouraged Bloomberg and of the Caracas metro, serving CAF (14 six-car trains) and infrastructure was built Governor Christie of New Jersey to undertake a the large suburban community by Vinci Construction. The operator is RATP El full business plan and environmental impact study. of Los Teques, the first line Djazair, a subsidiary of the Paris transport operator. Christie’s recent agreement with the FTA over the opening in late 2006. The 9.5km (5.9-mile) line links Tafourah/Grande implications of his cancellation of USD14bn plans Poste and Hai El Badr, with interchange with the for a third cross-Hudson suburban rail tunnel has Canberra pushes for tramway Hussein Dey/Les Fusillés from 7 November. cleared the air, and the USD10bn cost of extending light rail funding A further 4km (2.5-miles), beyond the southern ter- line 7 could be split between New York, New Jersey The Australian Capital minus, is under construction for completion in 2012. and the FTA. Terrritory Government announced on 11 November that its priority funding bid with Uraltransmash reveals its first 100% low-floor tram Infrastructure Australia was for Russian manufacturer Uraltransmash displayed construction of a 13km (eight- its first 100% low-floor tram, type 71-409, at an in- mile) light rail line dustrial exhibition in its home city of Yekaterinburg linking Gungahlin and in October. The three-section car on four axles has a Civic (the city centre) via centre section supported by the articulation joints. Northbourne Avenue. Meanwhile, the Tver Carriage Works (TVZ), af- It is investigating a PPP that filiated with Transmashholding, has produced its would permit work to start as first metro car. The type 81-760 is one of 30 that early as 2013; the government will be included in new metro trains for Moscow has already committed AUD2.5m (EUR1.8m) to the Right: Uraltransmash revealed its first 100% low-floor design process. tram in October. Uraltransmash

www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org january 2012 7 News manchester agrees route for Second metrolink city route THE route of the second cross- city centre link for the UK’s Manchester Metrolink has been agreed. It will run from an ex- tensively remodelled St Peter’s Square, along Princess Street, Cross Street and Corporation Street, to Victoria Station. The originally proposed route via Deansgate was promoted by certain business parties and campaigning groups during the consultation period, but was not supported by Manchester City Council or Transport for Greater Manchester. Right: Construction underway at the future terminus of the East Manchester line at Ashton-under-Lyne, as seen looking west on Sunday 6 November 2011. Mike Haddon

Royals ride in Blackpool’s tramway closes for Melbourne winter ahead of 2012 transformation HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip were BLACKPOOL’S traditional tram- treated to a ride on a tram dur- way (UK) closed after the end of ing their visit to Melbourne services on 6 November to allow Australia, on 26 October. conversion of the Starr Gate to The Royal Tram Z3 158, driv- Fleetwood line to light rail operation en by Yarra Trams driver Joy- in time for Easter. Services had most leen Smith, took the royal cou- recently been limited to the Pleasure ple from Federation Square to Beach to Little Bispham section. Government House. Ms Smith’s By the close of the season tram mother had helped with the 001 of the new fleet of 16 Bombar- Queen’s Coronation in 1953. dier Flexity 2 vehicles was still the The 31-year-old tram was only new tram delivered and was painted in a special red, white being used for testing between Starr and blue colourscheme at Pres- Gate and Pleasure Beach. ton Workshops in October, and Blackpool Transport Services is will carry this livery for a year as retaining 26 ‘heritage’ trams, in- it operates across Melbourne. cluding the double-deck Balloons The Queen’s last tram ride converted to supplement future was in Christchurch, New Zea- summer services. These will be land, in 1995. operated from Rigby Road sheds with maintenance carried out at the new Starr Gate depot alongside the Flexity 2 trams; 13 others have been UK investment given a further year by BTS to find new homes while remaining at Rig- programme by Road for GBP100 per week paid THE UK Government has an- by the Lancastrian Transport Trust. nouced a GBP30bn infrastruc- Temporarily joining the fleet in ture investment plan aimed at November was ex-Cardiff Water boosting the economy. Car 131 from the National Tram- Alongside road schemes and way Museum, used to clean and plans to electrify the heavy rail scrub the new track on the Starr Trans-Pennine route in the north Gate section. of England, the Government has Right: Blackpool Balloon 713 listed accelerating development photographed in Hopton Road just prior of the Tyne & Wear Metro and to entering Rigby Road depot at the the extension of London Un- derground’s Northern line from end of its day’s service on 1 November Kennington to Battersea as pri- 2011, during the last week of the 2011 orities for investment. operation. Mike Haddon

8 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org p206_TAUTJune11_PESA_Advert.indd2 2 4/5/11 18:24:50 Procurement strategies Improving competition and cutting costs Terry Walker of the LRTA’s External Relations Group argues how significant cost savings can be achieved and efficiency improved for light rail development through the use of revised procurement strategies.

roviding viable, reliable transport infrastructure is Above: LRT schemes used to build another medium-scale system rather than an essential element of any modern nation and is a can be delivered spent on actions that do not enhance our transport systems fundamental requirement if countries are to grow and more cost-effectively or actually reduce costs. Pmeet current and future financial challenges. The efficient and quickly The December 2010 paper A Response to the Minister’s movement of people to and from their places of work through revised Question produced by UKTram suggested a number of and their leisure activities is critical to the provision of a methodologies areas that can lead to increased costs for tram and light rail mobile, flexible and happy workforce. and contracting systems. Amongst the cost drivers identified is the current Currently, it appears that tram and light rail-based processes, Terry procurement strategy; I would contend that significant cost transport systems in the UK are failing to reach their full Walker argues. reductions can be achieved if a single large-scale strategy is potential in delivering against these objectives. In the last Manchester used instead of small-scale individual projects. few years several schemes have been promoted, but all of the new-build projects in England have failed to come to Metrolink is Current procurement strategy fruition. This is because of a combination of factors, but benefiting from The current methodology is based on the assumption that it is felt to be mainly due to costs and the failure to meet a de facto tram competition stimulates good industrial practice and is key estimated initial project budgets. procurement strategy to obtaining low costs. The procurement of tram systems In reality, the current competitive procurement strategy that is helping to recognises this and is based on the governing rules that all exacerbates this problem and does not lead to cost-effective enable Metrolink contracts must be: solutions. In fact, this approach has led to significant expand. Work on . Procured as a result of a competitive process. unnecessary costs incurred during the initial stages of the the line to Oldham . Prepared and submitted by the relevant local authority. procurement cycle. It is has been mooted by senior industry is well advanced, as It is assumed that these two basic rules provide the basis figures that as much as 10-15% of tram project costs this image from the for cost-effective solutions and local control/responsibility/ could be saved by altering the acquisition cycle to take Featherstall Road accountability. But are these assumptions correct? advantages of scale. So, if the number of systems proposed bridge shows. over the last decade had been implemented total savings of Mike Haddon An alternative competitive strategy GBP400-500m could have been made. As indicated previously, it is felt that competitive This significant sum – much of which has been spent on procurement provides for a cost-effective process, wasted procurement activities to date – could have been provided the scale of the competition is such that the

10 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org costs of procurement are worthwhile and viable to all Above: Are UK A single term contract based on a standard solution will parties. However, the implementation of small tram system procurement significantly reduce the expensive activities of these bodies packages can lead to recurring costs and the loss of benefits processes once the first system of a term contract has been supplied. associated with the economies of scale. preventing light In the current supply strategy, many of the above bodies Purchasing success can result if consolidation of projects rail development repeat work, so no evidential benefit is achieved in risk is undertaken to give significant repeat orders for the same on the scale seen reduction or from possible savings. Typically, specifications or similar equipment. Such an action will lead to start-up across the Channel will be rewritten, contracts modified and many forecasting and procurement costs amortised over a larger number of in ? Reims activities repeated for each project. units and prevent the repeat procurement activities being 107 is seen here on As an illustration, significant costs can be incurred in undertaken when smaller packages are purchased. the city’s recently- defining the system and procurement documentation. A better strategy could be to consolidate projects, thus These activities often require the employment of expensive maximising on the return of experience and the benefits of opened tramway. resources to produce data for use in the bidding process. In volume production and supply. In other words, to base the Neil Pulling general, given a promoter’s lack of experience (as systems UK procurement strategy on the issue of a term contract for are procured so infrequently), the agreement of a specification eight to ten systems with 80-plus vehicles. This would allow tends to be an iterative process throughout project significant benefits to be accrued. development, with each iteration incurring further costs. A cynic could suggest these costs only benefit those undertaking Reduced sponsor bidding cost the work, to whom it represents a significant revenue stream. In any project, the following parties incur costs in So, a single large-scale procurement using standardised developing a tram system for approval and purchase: vehicle and infrastructure solutions will provide significant . Local government bodies (promoters) cost reduction by elimination of repetitive actions. . Approval bodies As an example, individual project specifications could . The Department for Transport be limited to those elements unique to the system being . Industry (the supply chain) proposed. Project actions that reflect only the individual . Legal support teams aspects of such a system would reduce the sponsor’s . Consultant groups workload, and increase overall productivity, consequently . Potential operators achieving cost savings.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 11 Procurement strategies

Furthermore, applying standardised solutions for Above: Blackpool’s agreeing standards is a difficult and time-consuming process common items will reduce the time and effort required for new Starr Gate and never quite comes to fruition. Having a de facto standard project approval, in turn further reducing costs for both the depot has been built set by a single contract can provide a workable solution that sponsor and supply base. as part of the will drive out costs. EU-supported Supply base bidding costs TramStore21 Risk management and mitigation The costs associated with responding to a Request for project to develop Much effort is expended during contract negotiations to Qualifications (RFQ) are extensive and expensive in today’s cost-effective and allocate risk so the sponsor is protected. This increases procurement environment. This is due to the tendency to sustainable depots costs and results in risk being flowed down to elements of have multiple stages and activities with multiple bodies the supply chain that do not fully understand, or have the during the bidding, evaluation and approval stages. for the future using financial muscle to manage, the risk if and when it occurs. The resources required to develop bids, and the best practice from The major failing of the current procurement strategy, associated costs, are approaching such magnitude that many some of Europe’s when used in conjunction with single supply contracts organisations now have to seriously consider whether it is top operators. Could for single systems, is that it fails to achieve the major risk worth bidding for low-value contracts. Experience shows that this be the model for reductions that can be made by repeating the same design the costs of bidding for a small project are similar to those for all UK tram depots? and supply solutions. a large-scale one – yet the potential rewards are fewer. Any Tony Stevenson By using a stable and deeply involved supply base for savings made for smaller contracts are therefore negated as multiple projects, lessons can be learnt and the reduction in companies recover their bid costs through overheads. perceived risks will lead to cost savings as involved parties This fact could see major companies leaving the low- will not have to set aside inflated contingencies based on volume market. Such an action would be detrimental to the ‘what if’ scenarios. This factor alone is worth pursuing as provision of a viable supply base as professional long-term contingencies in the sponsor and supply chain’s calculations relationships are essential to the provision of transport can add sizeable project costs. systems that have lifecycles measured in decades. So, large-scale term contracts will stimulate major Management suppliers to expend maximum effort to provide the most Risk must be allocated to the group or party with the competitive solution – in turn leading to significant savings best potential to manage, resource and mitigate it. Risk for the sponsor. management must ensure that the parties involved focus on the main aims of the project and have clear and sensible Reducing costs of the approval process, responsibilities they can take ownership of. Effort and improving estimates and out-turn costs resources must not be wasted by parties wishing to shift While there will always be areas unique to a specific project, responsibility to other parties in the project. A long-term it is sensible to develop common solutions for items such as: supply contract will enable: . OHLE fixtures and fittings . Sensible allocation of long-term risks to the party that . Power supplies has the skills, resources and capabilities to successfully . Control systems and control rooms manage them. . Depot design and supply . Removal of risks associated with generating bespoke . Training and maintenance procedures supply contracts and specifications. . Trams and associated spares . Increased focus on the unique areas associated with a . Obsolescence rectification project, rather than consuming effort on repeat items . Finance packages of supply. Common solutions enable more accurate cost predictions . Relationships to be developed and matured so as through the use of evidential data, reduce risk and increase to prevent short-term opportunism being used to confidence during the public inquires. divert risk to others to the detriment of the long-term It could be argued that defining a set of standards could relationship and the project. achieve much of what could be obtained by having a single . A realistic management matrix to be developed and large-scale term contract. However, as has been seen, refined so as to drive out risk altogether.

12 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org Mitigation Learning from experience is key to a project’s success. The current procurement strategy does not encourage, stimulate or reward the benefits that can be achieved for maximising on the feedback from projects. A large-scale contract covering several projects can achieve: . Reduced risk by using proven, successful, solutions. . Reduction in project start-up costs. . Retention of the design and supply teams for an extended period, enabling the maximum use to be made on the experience gained in project supply. Reducing the cost of ownership The business model for a project is significantly impacted by the envisaged through-life costs associated with operating and maintaining the proposed system. It has been stated, again by industry insiders, that the current approach does not encourage the driving out of through-life costs or enhancing the performance of systems. The present purchasing model does not enable operators and maintainers to take advantage of economies of scale on common items or reap the benefits of large-scale operations. A single order covering several systems will reduce major suppliers will wish to be involved. It will also Top left: It could through-life costs by enabling operators to: prevent major suppliers drifting away from the market, be argued that . Develop common driver and maintainer procedures. which could happen if only small projects are let. insufficient clarity . Shared maintainer and spares pools and facilities to . The winning companies may fail at some time in in risk management cover major overhauls. the future. Long-term commitments will encourage and mitigation has . Acquire common operating processes and procedures. companies to stay in the market. In addition, led to many of the . Design and share safety cases for common actions. arrangements already exist in other term contracts to issues related to . Share rolling stock to enable spare vehicles to be deal with early termination; these can be transferred. the much-delayed hired for short periods to cover accident repair, major . Term contracts do not work. Other countries tram project for overhauls periods or catering for special events. use such contracts, as illustrated in the French Edinburgh. . Develop common approaches to obsolescence. market where a single contract was placed for the Murdoch Currie Such actions drive out costs and improve the return on development and supply of a family of tram-trains for investment by reducing capital expenditure. the Pays de la Loire and Rhône-Alpes regions, with a Top: Drawing on total volume of 200 units. Finance costs .  experience from A single term contract will not allow individual other systems and In any scheme, the provision of finance contributes significant sponsors to influence the solution for their project. costs. Finance houses look at the returns, the risk and the In reality, they will enable individual sponsors to the implementation total value of the contract amongst other considerations. focus on the unique aspects of their scheme without of common A single large-scale, long-term project should lead to a concerns over whether the base technical solution will standards and reduction in finance costs as the risks are reduced through a work. In addition, they will still be able to display their practices – as is common supply base; the potential rewards should also be branding, provided the key elements of the contract done in France – enhanced due to the total value of a larger contract. allow a degree of flexibility in key areas such as tram reduces risk and The above factors will increase the attractiveness in the nose cones etc. project costs. finance market for tram and light rail projects, and could . Central government support for large-scale term Neil Pulling result in increased competitive forces for long-term, high contracts may be low. The economic factors of value term contracts as they are let. providing viable transport systems will inevitably Above: Manchester increase with the need for growth and the increasing Metrolink’s options Debunking a few myths costs associated with relying on fossil fuels – this will for Bombardier The cost-cutting benefits of using single term contracts lead to further consideration of mass transit systems. M5000 trams for could lead to important procurement savings for tram and As previously stated, having a term contract could lead to future extensions light rail systems. Realising this potential could enhance savings of 10-15% of the costs associated with individual shows how the ability of light rail schemes to contribute to integrated projects. This potential saving could help to enhance the increased buying transport solutions for more of our cities. The question is business case of light rail systems and justify the use of a power can bring whether such a term contract is possible. term contract. down the costs The first reaction may be that it won’t be viable because: Manchester Metrolink’s purchase of new trams also .  per vehicle. It will reduce the competitive base. In fact, such an proves the benefits achieved by using ade facto large-scale John Symons action will lead to increased competitive effort as all procurement. TAUT

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 13 75 Tramway Tramway

1937–2012 Review Review No.228 December 2011 £4.25 UNWANTED LEGACIES: SALFORD Ted Gray, the acknowledged Salford expert, describes how a departing manager left his successor with some impractical California cars and how they were eventually replaced with more workmanlike vehicles. Includes official photographs.

BRITISH TRAMS IN BRAZIL The large tramway in Santos was British-owned and bought most of its trams from the UK, including from Hurst Nelson of Motherwell. This outline history would Unwanted legacies - trams without a job benefit from additional material by knowledgeable readers. The best service in Brazil BOOTLE TRAMWAYS Bootle’s eighty golden years There weren’t any! But Bootle Corporation did own tram tracks, leased to Trams in Leicester city centre The latest books reviewed Liverpool Corporation. These routes closed early so an eye-witness account is ISSN 0041-1019 extremely rare – and did you know about the compressed air tram that ran there?

+TR228_337_Cover.indd 1 (For Tramway Review subscription offers see below) 2/11/11 15:01:12 SUBSCRIBE NOW! Benefits: Costs you less Delivered to your door – before it hits the shops Annual system tour LRTA Membership benefits, including book and DVD offers

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE HEADLINES Personal membership with TAUT subscription: ● Chicago welcomes THE INTERNATIONALHEADLINES LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE HEADLINES fi rst new L-train cars l operator faces fine l London’s DLR

over shanghai crash opens newest line UK £45.00 International £58.00 ● Manchester agrees l second city route l bombardier’s new Portland celebrates 25 years of trams north a ● Siemens Avenio to merican lrV l debut in Den Haag l manchester to New lines open in Berlin and Brussels Tramway Review subscription: retire original fleet UK £18.00 International £21.00 Personal membership with TAUT and Tramway Review: UK £59.00 International £74.00 Student membership available online only. For online payments visit: www.lrta.info/personal alicante transformed ENGAGING COMMUNITIESmodern: lrt at‘COSTS its best MUST: FALL FOR LIGHT RAIL TO SUCCEED’ Commercial membership:

MAXIMISING LRT’SLight REACH Rail Awards: 16-page special report

£3.65

Dublin halts Metro planning to develop bus routes l UK £50.00 International £63.00

£3.65 Tranvía de Murcia: 16-page review Review of 2011: l

Interchanges: 887 No.

LRT contracts: Valenciennes:Tyne & Wear: l OHLE examined: New systems,

No. 888

l Boosting rider Why synthetic How revised new technology Exploring tramHow DB’s numbers through ropes should procurement – global growth expansion in ‘deep clean’ is Invoices available for Commercial membership only. 75 replace traditional strategies can the home of EUdriving customer intelligent design cut tram costs and a warning metallic cables JANUARY satisfaction and technology 2012 rail planning 2011 NOVEMBER

No. 889 DECEMBER 2011 www ● TRAMNEWS. NET £3.65. lrta. org l 1937–2012 WWW. LRTA. ORG WWW. www. tramnews l www. tramnews. net . net www. lrta. org For online payments visit: www.lrta.info/commercial

P457_TAUT_Dec11_Cover.indd 1

28/11/11 20:34:14 3/10/11 19:03:00 TAUT_Jan12_Cover.indd 1 P417_TAUT_Oct11_Cover.indd 1 31/10/11 16:36:52 I would like to join the LRTA and secure my subscription to Tramways & Urban Transit is the world’s leading Tramways & Urban Transit. monthly dedicated to light and urban rail developments Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ���������������������������������������������������������� and provides comprehensive news both from the UK and overseas, incisive technology features and key interviews Forename ���������������������������������������������������������������������� with leading industry figures worldwide. Surname ������������������������������������������������������������������������ Address ������������������������������������������������������������������������� Entering its 75th year, the values and principles of ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Tramways & Urban Transit haven’t changed since its inception in 1938 – it still offers topical news and drives ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� forward reasoned debate on light rail issues...... Postcode ��������������������������������������������������� I enclose a cheque to the value of £ ...... Editorial: +44 (0)1832 281131 or [email protected] made payable to ‘LRTA Subscriptions’ Please complete this form and send it with your payment to: Advertising: +44 (0)1832 281133, [email protected] LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), 38 Wolseley Road, www.tramnews.net Sale M33 7AU, UK Passenger engagement Berlin’s lessons in passenger engagement Whether it’s art on the U-Bahn, activities for schools or a tram turned into a botanical garden, Berlin’s transport operator actively engages communities. Tony Streeter reports.

Above: Tatra municipal undertaking interacts with the communities it T6A2 5169 – the serves – in a much wider way than simply running trams, a ‘Metrotopie’ tram – metro and buses. has been converted Other than the S-Bahn trains, which are run by a into a mobile garden subsidiary of state railway Deutsche Bahn, pretty much all and has been a great the German capital’s local public transport comes under hit with Berliners. BVG. Serving a city population of around 3.45 million and R Missen reaching out into the neighbouring state of Brandenburg, BVG serves some three million passengers every day. Left: Tony Streeter The company’s reach spreads through its tramlines that run out to places like Rahnsdorf/Waldschänke and t’s early evening at Alexanderplatz U-Bahn station. Ahrensfelde in the east, its U-Bahn system that weaves a On a platform some 150 people are donning hard hats. spider’s web under the city, and its buses that for now still Yet they’re not engineers or track workers – they’re serve the soon to be closed airport at Tegel in the west. Ipassengers, about to take a ‘Cabriolet’ trip through the At the heart of BVG’s outreach to customers is its tunnels of the city’s metro system in open wagons. This, it’s BVG Club – something all season ticket subscribers believed, is an experience unique to Berlin. automatically qualify for. The club has some 300 000 Directly outside the station, tourists and locals board members, or around 10% of the numbers using BVG’s a tram. Yet the Tatra T6A2 isn’t going anywhere – and services every day. That’s up from under 200 000 vegetation bursts through an empty hole that would subscribers in 2006. normally be a glazed window. The vehicle is known as The advantages offered to BVG’s members by partners ‘Metrotopie’ and is effectively a greenhouse on rails. aren’t just financial (though some are) – one example is the Both the bright yellow Tatra, and the engineers’ train that chance to visit an exhibition of Salvador Dali art outside the ‘Cabrio’ passengers ride in, are the responsibility of normal opening times. Others include special BVG events. Berlin transport operator Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). BVG press officer Heike Müller toldTramways & Urban They are just some of the ways that Germany’s biggest Transit: “We have tie-ups with partners such as theatres

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 15 Passenger engagement on which members can get reduced price tickets. We also Germany’s biggest ‘municipal’ arrange special behind the scenes visits.” Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe is Germany’s biggest municipal ‘Cabrio’ Underground tours undertaking, with a direct history going back to 1929 Arguably one of the most unusual city tours in the world when the bus, tramway, and U-Bahn and elevated railway runs on selected dates from the U-Bahn section of the companies merged. major metro, S-Bahn, heavy rail and tram interchange at Berlin boasts the largest tram network in Germany – with Alexanderplatz. around 188km (117 miles) of tracks, 28 daytime and five Passengers sit in engineers’ wagons temporarily night routes, and 789 stops. Ridership is some 560 000 converted with seats. As well as helmets, they receive passengers per day. The current programme of vehicle headsets through which a guide gives information on the replacement sees Berlin trams taking the tour. During the two-hour trip, the train covers some 35km place of older Tatra vehicles, many of which have already (22 miles) and track from fiveU-Bahn lines. It runs under been sold to other cities. the River Spree four times. The U-Bahn covers around 150km (93 miles) with 173 Repeatedly crossing the old East-West border – which stations. The nine lines carry over a million people daily. More than 89m km (55m miles) are travelled by Berlin’s is marked by white paint on the tunnel walls – the trip also buses annually, over 150 daytime and 54 night routes. takes in former ‘ghost stations’ closed during the years of According to BVG’s 2010 annual report, the concern the city’s Cold War division. employs 12 649 people. A big hit with locals and visitors, the ‘tunnel tour’ is . More information (some available in English, some only in regularly booked to its 150-seat capacity, providing a German) at www.bvg.de popular piece of marketing for Berlin’s public transport. The idea, said Heike Müller, came from within the Underground’s engineering department itself, after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 and the whole system once again became freely accessible. “The Mitte [central] area has the oldest and in many ways the most interesting sections of the U-Bahn,” she told TAUT. “You really can follow the city’s development – from the styles of the 1920s through to those of the 1960s.” Other more ‘recreational’ offers from BVG include the ‘Berlinerfahrbar’ – a Tatra set converted to a private- hire rolling bar (which uses the slogan Drink’n’Drive!), operational historic trams, and vintage tour buses. Public art, social responsibility Not all of the community engagement ideas come directly from BVG: The ‘Metrotopie’ tram was “the idea of two artists as part of the city’s Asia-Pacific Week,” Müller said. “However, we do frequently have such co-operations – and we run a programme known as ‘art on stations’ with the Arts Academy, which sees art regularly displayed on the system. We also receive frequent requests from performance artists.” In addition, BVG is careful with the architecture itself: “We’re pleased to work very closely with the historic buildings authorities to ensure not only that features are Above right: Berlin’s open-top ‘tunnel tour’, on 15 September 2011. This is Rosenthaler Platz. Tony Streeter Inset photo: BVG/ Donath Above left: Training for the visually impaired includes familiarisation for being on the track. BVG/Donath Left: BVG’s modern face… a Flexity Berlin approaches the interchange with the S-Bahn at Greifswalder Straße on 17 September 2011. Flexity 1017 is on an M4 service to Hackescher Markt. Tony Streeter

16 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org The ‘tunnel tour’ Berlin’s U-Bahn ‘tunnel tour’ runs on selected dates from Alexanderplatz. Customers ride in temporarily converted SR82 13-tonne engineering wagons, built in 1982. The three-wagon “These activities represent train can carry 150 engagement on behalf of the city passengers. The route is – and that’s what we’re there for.” Alexanderplatz BVG PRESS OFFICER HEIKE MÜLLER to Heinrich- Heine-Straße on U5, reverse onto U8 as far as Osloer Straße, reverse again and use the connecting tunnel to U9, then run to Seestraße (on U6). After a break, the train reverses again, running over U6 to Mehringdamm, then onto the U7 as far as Hermannplatz. A reverse follows before the train uses the connecting runnel to retained, but also that in some cases they are reinstated.” Clearly, such activities really can help maintain public U8, then at Further outreach is achieved through BVG’s specially transport’s place at the heart of its communities – and to Jannowitzbrücke adapted ‘school bus’, which makes educational visits in bring people closer to their public transport company. the connecting term times. During the summer, ‘holiday fun’ activities Perhaps nothing demonstrates that better than the popularity tunnel to U5. include getting close to BVG’s kit through depot visits. You of the annual open day – or ‘day of the open door’. Finally the may even get a chance to drive a bus… On 21 August 2011 30 000 people streamed through the train returns to Other community work includes free training in the gates of BVG’s largest tram depot, at Marzahn in the east of Alexanderplatz. use of the networks for disabled users such as those in the city. Vintage vehicles, a chance to see inside the workshops Adults pay wheelchairs, or the blind or partially sighted. – and even to drive a tram – were all part of the attraction. EUR40, children under 14 pay Müller added: “BVG belongs to the city. We use our own The Berliners’ affection for their trams, buses and EUR25 (under resources or funding through taxes for these initiatives. Our Underground is obviously strong – and it seems unlikely -18s must be funding can only be used for Berlin’s public transport and that the German capital’s millions of international tourists accompanied). things that are directly related to that. will gain much other than a positive impression either. Dates for “These things represent engagement on behalf of the city That can only be good not only for BVG, but also the city the first half of – and that’s what we’re there for.” it serves. TAUT 2012 are to be published in February. Find more details of the tour at www.bvg. de/index.php/ de/3833/ name/ Tour+im+U-Bahn- Cabrio.html

Left: Drink‘n’Drive! – the slogan of BVG’s rolling bar, a Tatra conversion. BVG/Donath

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 17 Passenger engagement M eanwhile, in the United States... Mobile Garden project turns urban rail greener

REPORT BY JULIA WEHR. PICTURES COURTESY OF WWW.NOISiVELVET.ORG

n the United States, the Chicago-based non-profit Right: September organisation noisivelvet has a similar project in the 2011’s Art on works. Noisivelvet’s mission is to advocate for the Track exhibition Iarts and artists making public work. It currently has four allowed noisivelvet initiatives – including a project entitled Mobile Garden. to transform a CTA The project is an art installation in which a native plant L-train car into a garden would be featured for a month in an open-air, flat car of a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train. Its main mobile garden, objective would be the promotion of urban stewardship, promoting the agriculture and horticulture. It would also bring attention green credentials and possible solutions to the issue of brownfields and of urban rail food deserts. Basically, it would try to make Chicago transit and urban a more attractive and vibrant city in a way that is both sustainability. environmentally and economically responsible.

The CTA – responsible for operating the second largest public transportation system in the US – granted permission to move forward with the project; a cost estimate for the construction and management of it is currently established. To move further forward, a corporate partner is required to cover the project’s cost and indemnification. The US Department of Agriculture, together with the National Resources Conservation Service and Harvest Moon Farms have already committed to donating the plants needed for the endeavour. Community stewards, museum curators, designers, artists and teachers have also contacted the organisation and asked how they could become Before: The spartan involved with the project. Noisivelvet has taken advantage interior of an L-train of every opportunity given to share its plans. car that transports After: Locally donated sods of grass and potted plants transformed The most recent of these opportunities was its thousands each day. the car in just a few hours – and at a cost of just USD250. participation on the annual Art on Track in Chicago. “Our Mobile Garden broke the traditional silent gaze that you see in both galleries and trains into something energetic and alive. Strangers talked openly with each other and people took pictures of themselves with big smiles as if they were at a regular Chicago landmark. They were genuinely curious about the installation too.” Joseph Baldwin, Noisivelvet Founded by Tristan J. M. Hummel, Art on Track is a one-day mobile art gallery that displays artwork from local artists inside the rail cars of a CTA train. The event took place in September 2011 and noisivelvet was one of the groups of artists given a rail car to decorate. In just a few hours volunteers transformed the provided space into an interior version of the Mobile Garden – the car’s floor and seats were covered in grass and the ceiling was covered by large nets filled with ivy and other donated plants. The Mobile Garden at Art on Track was a great success and generated worldwide media coverage by promoting the aims of sustainability and proving that turning public transit greener can both be done in a cost-effective manner and Getting the message across in a fun have a great impact on ridership. TAUT way, commuters sat on soft grassed seats and enjoyed their ride on the MORE information Mobile Garden. . www.themobilegarden.org and www.noisivelvet.org

18 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org systems factfile No. 52 Potsdam, Germany

potsdam In a small city with a dramatic history and attractions to match, Potsdam’s long-established tramway owes much to the changes germany of recent years.

words and pictures by Neil Pulling

mmediately south-west of Berlin, Potsdam looks an union and Potsdam is a Berlin S-Bahn terminus. Potsdam’s Above: In use for insubstantial entity when the two are considered on a tramway is however physically separate, developed driver training, map. History tells a different story however: fortune specifically to serve this city’s layout from horse-drawn Iand grandeur rising with Prussian power; favoured home beginnings in 1880 and electrification from 1907. 422 draws away of Frederick the Great; a cradle of the film industry and Even with about 90% of resources destroyed by from Potsdam Hbf witness to bracketing events for the Third Reich, the 1933 bombing that peaked late in World War Two, by 1946 the on 4 October 2011. ‘Day of Potsdam’ and the post-World War Two conference. network had been reinstated, largely with today’s basic In the former East Germany (GDR), it also has an configuration. There have been closures, but Potsdam does emblematic Cold War location. Punctuated by large areas of not fit the familiar pattern of a network cut back due to greenery, the city extends around south-western inlets of the road competition. In 1990, year of German reunification, picturesque Wannsee lake and Havel river. Potsdam kreis Potsdam became capital of the newly-founded Brandenburg city district population in December 2010 was 156 906; state. The city has since changed significantly, with some its concentration in the southern districts is very apparent stark Communist-era buildings demolished or restyled, when using public transport. new businesses drawn in and with its multiple attractions Despite sharing a common boundary and with substantial accessible to many more visitors. commuting between the two, Potsdam looks and feels Another 1990 change was adopting a name for public very different from its giant neighbour. Both cities are in transport which, when abbreviated, alludes to customer the Verkehrsverbund Berlin Brandenburg (VBB) tariff importance, Verkehrsbetrieb in Potsdam (ViP), part of ➤

www.tramnews.net www.Irta.org january 2012 19 Systems Factfile

Far left: Combino 405 at the network’s western limit Bhf Pirschheide on 21 May 2011.

Left: Variobahn fitted with ViP’s new-style ticket machine and dual information screens.

Right: Delivered in 1987 for Berlin’s tramway, rebuilt CKD KT4D 151/252 near Am Schragen on the modern north-western extension. Viereckremise

Volkspark Campus Fachhochschule

Hannes-Meyer Str. Am Schragen Kirschallee Puschkinallee Glienicker Brücke Johan-Bouman-Platz Ludwig-Richter-Str. Mangerstr. Reiterweg/Alleestr. Schiffbauergasse/ Berliner Str. Rathaus Humboldtring/Nuthestr. Nauener Tor Schiffbauergasse /Uferweg Brandenburger Str. Holzmarkstr. Alt Nowawes Rathaus Luisenplatz-Süd/ Babelsberg Park Sanssouci Burgstr./Klinikum Feuerbachstr. S Babelsberg Schloß Charlottenhof Dortustr. Platz der. Einheit/ Platz der. Einheit/Am Kanal Auf dem Kiewitt West Alter Markt 91

Bhf Charlottenhof Potsdam Hbf 92 93 Kastanienallee/Zeppelinstr. Schillerplatz/Schafgraben Lange Brücke 94 96

Im Bogen/Zepplinstr. 98 Luftschiffhafen 99 Friedhöfe Sporthalle

Bhf Pirschheide Magnus- Kunersdorfer Str. Zeller-Platz Bisamkiez Waldstr./Horstweg Eduard-Claudis-Str./ Heinrich-Mann-Allee

Zum Kahleberg

Friedrich-Wolf-Str.

One of two termini Am Moosfenn at a suburban railway station, Bhf Rehbrücke Bhf Rehbrücke joined the tramway in 1934.

20 january 2012 www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org Above: On the long south-eastern stretch of sleepered track used by four lines, 411 approaches Johannes-Kepler-Platz. civic utilities body Stadtwerke Potsdam. In a contested redevelopment, the historic station site south-east of the city centre became Potsdam Hbf (previously Potsdam Stadt) in 1999. Shortly afterwards improved tram access opened as part of the new interchange. Like many former Eastern Bloc cities, Potsdam had entered the new political era with a fleet of -built CKD Tatra trams. This continuing association began with KT4D prototypes 8001 (now in Potsdam’s museum fleet as 001) and 8002 being assessed in service from 1975. The newer much- modified successors acquired from Berlin should remain in regular use for a few more years. Joining ViP’s Siemens , a cause célèbre in modern light rail history first played out in Potsdam (see ‘The Fleet’), current orders for 14 Stadler Variobahn are due for completion by 2014, by which time Potsdam should have an entirely low-floor fleet. The seven routes use three branching arms that converge at Platz der Einheit. Most of the network operates in S Babelsberg/ Wattsr. dedicated space with much on sleepered track. Looking Berlin incongruous in the setting, some is installed up to Platz der Fontanestr. Einheit/West, the principal city centre interchange. Street Anhaltstr. Plantagenstr. S Griebnitzsee Bhf/Süd running is however the norm in most central and suburban shopping areas. It is a uni-directional system with turning TRAM LINES loops, some at intermediate points, with separate arrival and departure platforms at termini. A surviving exception 91 is Glienicker Brücke’s small triangle with an arrival stub. 92 From here trams reverse to position the driving end for return through the city centre. 93 In spite of Potsdam being studded with palatial 94 splendours, tram tracks are mainly edged by buildings with a human scale or shielded by trees. Featuring a short 96 network facts 98 . Opened: 1880, electrification from 1907 99 . Routes: 7 . Track distance: Approx. 29km (18 miles) S-BAHN . Stops: 62 Abzweig . Depots: 1 Betriebshof Johannes- . Approximate weekday hours: 04.30-21.00 Bisamkiez Turmstr. Kepler-Platz Max-Born-Str. ViP . Standard line frequency: 20 minutes . Gauge: 1435mm . Power: 600V dc Gaußstr. . Tram fleet: Approx. 55 . Transport authority: Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) Hans-Albers-Str. . Operator: ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam GmbH (Stadtwerke Potsdam) . INFORMATION: Robert Baberske-Str. . Regional transport authority: www.vbbonline.de Priesterweg Am Hirtengraben . Network: www.swp-potsdam.de/swp/de/verkehr . Civic information: www.potsdam.de Marie-Juchacz-Str. . Tourist information: www.potsdam-tourism.com

www.tramnews.net www.Irta.org january 2012 21 Systems Factfile

the fleet Modified high-floor CKD KT4D trams acquired from Berlin in 1989-90 remain the most numerous type. Their working life became extended by problems and ensuing disputes afflicting their intended replacement, the 100% low-floor Siemens Combino. Only 17 (including the shorter 1996-built prototype, later joining the operational fleet) of the 48 ordered were eventually delivered. With Potsdam the launch customer, the first of the five-section 30.5m, 2.3m-wide production models was delivered in 1998. Structural defects saw them all withdrawn during 2004; they were rebuilt and restored to service by 2007-8. With some irony given the circumstances, many carry names of other cities using Combinos. Transition to low-floor vehicles restarted with an initial order for ten Stadler Variobahns in January 2009. The first, 421, namedO pole after Potsdam’s oldest partner-city, was delivered in May 2011 and with Above: The first ViP Variobahn into revenue service, 421 much less green than ViP’s current enters Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter from the landmark livery. From September it ran heavily Nauener Tor. publicised normal services. Introducing air-conditioning and a multi-screen Below: Potsdam’s typically leafy surroundings, here at passenger information system, the the Glienicker Brücke arrival platform; trams reverse to a 30m Variobahns have a capacity for departure platform on the Berlin road. 175. Some of the 57 seats are in 2+2 layout which gives cosy proximity with fellow travellers, a point now raised in Right: Luisenplatz, the closest stop for Sanssouci palace and otherwise positive feedback. gardens; 415’s Mödling name commemorates the Austrian city’s pioneering electric tramway.

section of signalled interlaced tram track, the Nauener Tor city gateway owes its visual impact mainly to the nearby modestly proportioned Dutch Quarter. An important extension to underpin zoned population growth in the south-east began in GDR days. This high-speed line with few traffic conflicts, now carrying four routes, opened to the present Marie Juchacz Strasse terminus in May 1998. The system’s sparse northern presence grew in December 1999 beyond long-standing Kapellenberg terminus to Kirschallee. This was joined in 2001 by the Viereckremise branch (the latest extension) serving Potsdam’s hosting of the BUGA national flower show in that year. Requiring temporary closures, parts of the network have been upgraded and track re-positioned over the last decade. Potsdam has frequently changed line routings and designations, most recently dropping limited stop X98. Plans for extension including more in the north-west have been considered, but no substantial development is in hand. Depot, works and control functions were centralised in 2001 on a newly-developed site, Wetzlarer Street in the Babelsberg district. In spite of suitably named Abzweig Betriebshof ViP stop, but for the access track, the depot is not apparent from service trams. TAUT potsdam: essential FACTS

How do I get there? Schönefeld and Potsdam Hbf have stops) and EUR1.80 (60 minutes); the tram stop to reach Glienicker By rail: Several route and a direct hourly DB service on line equivalent coverage for one day is Brücke, the bridge on the former connection options offer journeys RB22. Both airports and Potsdam EUR3.90. Travel information points East/West frontier (geographical of around 12 hours from London. are covered by the Berlin ABC day at Potsdam Hbf and near the Platz and political terminology were Berlin Hbf to Potsdam Hbf by ticket for EUR6.80, with Potsdam der Einheit/West stop. reversed here) famed for Cold Regional Express or S-Bahn S7 including ViP trams in zone C. War spy exchanges. Nearby takes 26 and 38 minutes Local travel: Potsdam ViP has its What is there to see? is the 1945 summit conference By air: Berlin Tegel (closing in own zones ABC (see above for UNESCO World Heritage-listed venue, Schloss Cecilienhof. 2012) or Schönefeld airports with Berlin coverage and overlap). The Sanssouci palace and gardens: Filmpark Babelsberg and Potsdam onward travel, mostly needing tramway is wholly in Potsdam zones immediately west of the centre near Film Museum celebrate the area’s transfers, via the Berlin network. A and B: single tickets EUR1.30 (six Luisenplatz stop. Walk beyond contribution to the medium.

22 january 2012 www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org SUPPLIERS

Reach the worldwide tramway, light rail, metro & interurban market through these pages SERVICES Please call us on +44 (0) 1832 281135 or e-mail& [email protected] for opportunities Solicitors - Parliamentary agents

Maintenance

TRAM MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT Specialist legal l Tram lifting systems l Wheel Lathes solutions for l Sand box filling l Condition monitoring Infrastructure, l Tram washing l Bogie removal etc. Tramways Supply & service from DRail & Urban Transit Telephone: 01427 619512 Fax: 01427 619501 schemes e-mail: [email protected]

Acoustic engineering

Contact: Robbie Owen, Partner and Head of Major Projects T 020 7227 7000 [email protected] Bircham Dyson Bell LLP | 50 Broadway | London SW1H 0BL | www.bdb-law.co.uk

Tramways and Urban Transit March 10.indd 1 17/03/2010 11:04:15

Tramways & Urban Transit offers an inexpensive way to promote your organisation to the light and urban rail industries worldwide and reach a dedicated audience of professionals. If you sell to this important market, the Suppliers & Services Directory could be working for you.

Please call + 44 (0)1832 281135 for more information on how your organisation or event can be featured on these pages

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 23 Advertorial

Effective use of insulating synthetic cable for overhead lines

24 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org Mark Chesney from MALICO explains why insulated polyester cable should be the first choice for tramway or trolleybus overhead line installations.

ritish company Linear Composites produces Above:Services for Grenoble: Trolleybus and tramway two major product ranges of ropes based upon ’s tramline T3 the use of synthetic fibres in its production and the high-speed The operator of the Grenoble mass transit system began Bfacility near Haworth in the Yorkshire Dales. Both are, Rhônexpress link refurbishment of its trolleybus lines with polyester rope in 1975. Trolleybus operation ceased in 1997, but many perhaps unfortunately, called ‘parafil’: the type A parafil to St Exupéry ropes contain white polyester fibres (more accurately, sections of the system’s overhead lines are still in place and Airport both use no breakage has been reported until now, even with some terephthalate polyethylene); the type F and type G parafil polyester parafil ropes are made up from yellow polyaramide fibres better assemblies reaching an age of 36 years! ropes with minimal The same applies to Grenoble’s first tramway line, built in known through their trademark name Kevlar. additional overhead 1986; this line requires little or no monitoring or maintenance The brilliant 37-year record of the use of polyester parafil equipment, after a quarter of a century. The basin that the city of in the construction of tramway and trolleybus overhead Grenoble nestles in is surrounded by mountains which reach lines is the main topic of this article; the same cannot be creating a cleaner appearance at Part almost 2750m (9000ft); this favours the build-up of automotive said from the various attempts to use Kevlar ropes for the traffic pollutants and the heating of buildings in winter, electrification of tramway and trolleybus lines. Their use Dieu station. without forgetting the chlorine compounds expelled into the are even sometimes a cause of mechanical breaks and Eric Stuart atmosphere by two big chemical factories and the radiations ensuing litigation, as was shown by the infamous case of from nearby nuclear reactors and various laboratories. the Rouen tramway in Normandy at the end of the 1990s. Left: The striking The people of Grenoble suffer more from asthma and Kevlar ropes for OHLE installations are sometimes thing about nasopharingitis in winter than elsewhere in France, but the the appropriate choice however – as the success story of Grenoble OHLE is polyester ropes are still in a perfect state of repair after years Strasbourg’s first tramway line proves – but in my opinion that it isn’t very of exposure to this highly-contaminated environment. the material must absolutely be avoided in a marine or in a striking. Even in city environment, where chemical factories eject chlorine good light, in this compounds into the atmosphere. This leads to the conclusion shot of TFS-2 2008 that, by the very nature of all British tramways being close at Hôtel de Ville, to the coast or urban environments, that no future upgrade or you can hardly see new system should use Kevlar elements. the polyester parafil In my opinion the breaks occurring over the last ten ropes. Neil Pulling years on the Eccles extension of the Manchester Metrolink system are a stern reminder of the hazards of using Kevlar in British overhead lines. The polymeric chain of the Kevlar fibre is actually rather similar to that of the polyaniline, the only electrically-conductive polymer. In this regard, Kevlar does not appear as the right candidate to electrically insulate the overhead contact wires from the poles and the walls which are supporting them. Above: A Grenoble Some operators have faced so many issues with using cross-span built Kevlar in overhead line installations that they now forbid with 11mm parafil the use of any synthetic cable in the electrification of their polyester rope and networks. I understand that this is the case of RATP, the MALICO-designed Parisian network operator, and also Transport for Greater delta suspensions. Manchester. I believe this to be an excessive and unjustified MALICO position, and will hopefully explore the reasons in this article.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 25 Advertorial

Lyon: Subway, trolleybus and tramway The development of the use of it the largest network in Western Europe; polyester parafil rope was a little less it covered 40km (25 miles) when some straightforward in Lyon than Grenoble. city clerks considered its closure 20 It began cautiously in 1993 with a small years ago. section of overhead line on a short cog When the administration of the Lyon subway line, which was formerly metropolitan area decided to build a a . tramway in 1999, they chose polyester Ten years later, sections of the city parafil rope for almost all the assemblies hall asked the technicians to find a way designed to support the overhead line. of improving the visual impact of the Even the recently opened RhônExpress trolleybus lines and threatened closure high-speed tramway connecting the main if they proved unable to find a solution. railway station to Saint Exupéry airport The answer was the introduction of more features mastarms with polyester rope and more polyester parafil rope elements ties, which simple overhead lines to replace cumbersome assemblies of allowing 73km/h (45mph) and steel cable and foundry parts. catenaries allowing 110km/h (70mph) Thanks in part to this aesthetic hang from. The network is now 56km improvement, the Lyon trolleybus network (35 miles) long, with two more lines A cross-span made of polyester parafil rope with MALICO terminals is now 64km (40 miles) long – making under construction. with delta suspensions on the Lyon tramway network. MALICO

The benefits of polyester parafil vs mass transit authority in the French capital is an obvious insulated metallic cable contributory factor to this massive financial discrepancy. Better aesthetics The use of synthetic rope achieves savings in two respects: 1 The decision to rebuild tramway networks in France in By reducing the number of components necessary to build a the 1980s – closed in the years following World War Two – section of supporting cable; in the case of a spanwire, which met with fierce resistance from some sections of the two contact wires hang from, it is possible to build it using population, who did not wish to see their streets and squares polyester rope with only eight fittings. This number jumps ‘cluttered’ with overhead wires, poles and associated to a minimum of 14 in the case of a metallic cable. The equipment. This posed serious difficulties for those price of a terminal for polyester rope is also less. Secondly, responsible for the cities wishing to reintroduce tramways. lowering of the number of components leads to a reduction This is the reason why in 1982 SEMALY, a Lyon-based in the manpower necessary to build an overhead line. engineering company, approached MALICO – based in the These savings associated with the use of polyester rope Alpine city of Grenoble – to design an overhead line that in tramway OHLE contributed to the faster and more offered the lowest possible visual impact. MALICO achieved cost-effective introduction in recent years of tramway lines this through replacing the traditional mix of metallic cable in some of the poorest French cities – Mulhouse, Saint and large protruding insulators with streamlined spanwires, Etienne and Marseille are typical examples – and also pull-off, mastarm ties and delta suspensions featuring recently in the booming towns of the Maghreb such as polyester parafil rope and aluminium alloy components. Algiers, Constantine, Rabat and Casablanca. The first application of these concepts on a large scale came in 1987 with the opening of a 12.9km (eight-mile) Conclusions tramway line in Grenoble. Thanks to the better aesthetics of Today at least 50 European tramway and/or trolleybus this new form of overhead line, a great deal of the opposition and/or subway networks operate lines principally built to new tramway schemes retreated – and this was the with polyester rope. These mass transit systems are largely beginning of the incredible success story of the many new located in the Mediterranean countries (Portugal, Spain, French tramways that have developed over the last 24 years. France and Italy) or around the North Sea and the Baltic This achievement would have been more difficult without Sea (Brussels, Sheffield, Oslo and Riga). polyester parafil rope, developed for marine applications In spite of being a British invention and a British product, in the 1960s by the world-renowned British chemical polyester parafil rope is now only rarely considered for conglomerate Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). the building of overhead tramway lines in the British Isles. When it offers so many advantages, this seems to be a real Safer for workers shame. TAUT 2Polyester parafil rope is safer for linemen. When working with metallic cable it is easy to graze oneself. Sheffield Supertram Likewise there are obvious hazards to be faced when It was the late cutting the twisted cable wires, which can fly off violently. Alan Seddon of In contrast, working with synthetic cable is child’s play; Balfour Beatty in the the rope can be cut with a kitchen knife and its fibres are as early 1990s who smooth as the artificial fibres of many pieces of modern cloth. convinced the other But it is its electrically insulating nature which contribute technicians in his the most to worker safety, particularly when undertaking company to trial first maintenance operations with live wires. A recent accident the polyester rope on the Brussels tramway – which fortunately only resulted on the Manchester in severe burns to the worker’s hands when it could have Metrolink city been much worse – saw a metallic pull-off come into centre section and contact with a live wire, when this employee was working afterwards to apply on a switched-off wire. it to the Sheffield Supertram system. Cost savings Recent visits 3Using polyester rope instead of metallic cable with to both networks insulators can reduce the price of construction of an confirmed that the overhead line; up to 20-30% in real world examples. A synthetic ropes with recent report in France showed this cost disparity well, polyester fibres are still behaving well Less equipment ‘in the air’ allows for cleaner installations, claiming that a kilometre of tramway in Paris costs the after almost 20 years especially on curves as this image of Sheffield Supertram 108 at double that of a kilometre in another French city. The of heavy-duty use. Gleadless Townend shows. Neil Pulling previously mentioned prohibition of polyester cable by the

26 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org Worldwide review ARGENTINA

MENDOZA. Clarifying our November news, the light rail line has not yet opened, the 12 August event involving only a few demonstration rides for the public on the 3.8km (2.3-mile) completed section. No regular service has been introduced over any part of the line, and the northern-most portion is still to receive track. No service is expected before February at the earliest, and further delays appear likely. At the beginning of November the last six ex-San Diego LRVs had yet to arrive, and construction of a maintenance facility for the 11-car fleet had yet to begin, or indeed, a final site chosen. S. J. Morgan

AUSTRALIA

BENDIGO. Metal thieves broke in to the Gas Works tram yard on 24 November, stealing 24 brass items, including original tram controller handles, bells and handrails. P. Nicholson BRISBANE. The AUD475m (EUR354m) project for the 9.5km (5.9-mile) suburban rail line from Richlands to Springfield saw a start of A mock-up of the new Bombardier tram that will start delivery to Toronto later in 2012. C. Morris work ceremony on 23 October. Completion is scheduled for 2013. J. Chuang was taken out of service and route 6 extended to light rail North branch from Churchill station to MELBOURNE. Yarra Trams ‘Beware the Zwaantjes. A new reversing triangle for route 6 NAIT and the new Oilers hockey arena has been Rhino’ pedestrian safety campaign, including at Olympiade was to be brought into use from awarded to SNC Lavalin. Service is expected the all-over livery on Combino 5004 featuring 19 December. OR, T-2000 to start at the end of 2013. J. Wolinsky skateboarding rhinos, was awarded the Gold BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. Restaurant tram HAMILTON. A Hamilton city council Award at the International Davey Awards for 7765 has been refitted to carry 34 diners, and committee has voted to spend an additional its integrated marketing campaign. J. Chuang will depart Place Poelart at 20.00 on Tuesday- CAD950 000 (USD927 000) to complete Thursday and 19.30/21.30 on Friday and planning on a 13km (8.07-miles) light rail line AUSTRIA Saturday. Sunday lunch is at 12.00. All trips cost linking McMaster University to the Eastgate EUR75 per person. The launch date is expected Square shopping mall. The decision was made GRAZ. GVB and Stadler Pankow have agreed to be 15 January. The website for the restaurant in part because of strong indications that the a five-point plan to tackle noise and vibration tram is www.brusselicious.be. T-2000 entire CAD875M (USD852m) to CAD1bn issues that have affected the Variobahn low- CHARLEROI. The inauguration date for the (USD946m) cost would be paid by the provincial floor trams since their introduction. These expanded light rail system has been put back to government. J. Wolinsky include changes to primary and secondary next spring due to over-running infrastructure MONTREAL. Agence métropolitaine de suspension, and fitment of new wheels. work and the need for training time. T-2000 transport (AMT) is working on a plan to include The package was retrofitted to one car in either light rail or a higher capacity automated October and if testing is successful the remaining BRAZIL system such as Vancouver’s SkyTrain on a trams that have been delivered will be retro-fitted proposed new Champlain Bridge. It would be in the first quarter of 2012. Future deliveries FORTALEZA. Metrofor is investing BRR592m part of a 13km (eight-mile) rapid transit line will be to the new standard. BS (EUR247m) in readiness for the 2014 football that, if built, would connect central Montreal SALZBURG. Ostrava-based Ekova Electric World Cup, including completion of the 36.7km with Longueuil. The province wants to have is to provide low-floor centre sections for 18 (22.8-mile) metro system in the first quarter the bridge open in around ten years, however modern motorcars. The same firm has been of 2012. AnsaldoBreda has delivered the first no funding is so far available for the transit modernising trams for Göteborg. BS two of 20 three-car trains. A. Bailey component. J. Wolinsky STERN & HAFFERL. An agreement has RIO DE JANEIRO. Work on the BRR1.2bn TORONTO. A mock-up of the 182 new been reached with IVB Innsbruck to hire three (EUR500m) metro line 3 will start in 2012, for Bombardier articulated low-floor trams was Bombardier Flexity low-floor trams until 2015 completion in 2014. Line 3 is an upgrade of the put on display at Hillcrest workshops on 12-15 for use on the Gmunden – Vorchdorf and 23km (14.2-mile) suburban railway between November. The 30.2m six-axle car will carry Vöcklamarkt – Attersee light railways. It is Niterói and Itaborai, with a tunnel to link with 70 seated passengers and 181 standing and hoped a financial package for new rolling stock metro line 1 at Carioca, bringing the new length weigh 48 200kg unladen. Both trolley pole and will be completed in 2012. EB to 37km (22.9miles). Energy company Petrobas pantograph will be fitted. The first car is due to WIEN (Vienna). The completion of line is contributing BRR400m (EUR166m). be delivered in 2013. 26 has slipped from 2013 to 2014, while The State Governor has signed a contract The preferred bidder for construction of the more withdrawn trams are finding homes with Carris of Lisboa to modernise and maintain 3km (1.8–mile) GOTrain connection to Pearson in Poland. Trailers 1194 and1216/71/9 have the Santa Teresa tramway, closed since the fatal Airport is a consortium formed by Aecon and been sold to Kraków while E1 articulated accident last August. Options include replacing Dufferin Construction. trams 4500/17/25/7/9 and 4810/8 have gone to and overheads and upgrading the power station Ontario’s new transport minister has told Katowice; 4770 and 1347 have been scrapped, and rebuilding the trams with magnetic track Mayor Rob Ford not to expect a provincial as have three first series U-Bahn sets. BS brakes. The tramway is unlikely to operate until contribution towards the city’s privately late 2012. RGI, M. Ulmann financed Sheppard metro line. J. F. Bromley, RGI BELGIUM CANADA CZECH REPUBLIC ANTWERPEN. Bombardier is starting delivery of the last Hermelijn low-floor trams, 7272-84. EDMONTON. The CAD300m (USD292m) PLZEN. Tenders have been invited for the From 5 December the Olympiade turning circle construction contract for the 3.3km (2.05-mile) supply of 18 new trams, 13 single-ended and

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org JANUARY 2012 27 Worldwide Review five double-ended. Two more Vario LFR.S trams, nominally rebuilt from Tatras 206/7, are 342/3. DS PRAHA (Prague). Routes 3, 17 and 21 were re-extended from Branik to Sidliste Modrany from 18 October after complete reconstruction of this section. T3 trams 8034/9/40/6/70/3 have been sold to Kharkov in Ukraine. BS

DENMARK

AARHUS. On 31 October the Minister of Transport announced approval of the plan for a DKK1200M (EUR161m) 12km (7.4-mile) light rail line between the city centre and the northern suburb of Lystrup. M. Thorne

FINLAND

HELSINKI. The last of the 42 Valmet-built 1983-7 articulated trams, 71-112, to run as a six-axle car has been taken out of service to receive a low-floor centre section, bringing the projecto completion. BS

FRANCE

DIJON. A delegation visited the Alstom test track at La Rochelle on 25 October to see the The fourth special tram built by Bombardier for Linz, 504, is seen crossing Hauptplatz on its way from the first of 32 Citadis trams being built for the new workshops to the Pöstlingbergbahn. J.F. Bromley system. Delivery is expected in February. BS GRENOBLE. Work has started on tramline E, REIMS. Since 29 August tramline B workings The first section equipped with new electronic 11.5km (7.1 miles) from Grenoble (Louise to and from the TGV station have reversed in the signalling to replace the mechanical train stop Michel) to Lanfrey, for completion in late 2014; city at Neufchâtel rather than Gare Centrale. BS system in use since 1926 was introduced on the 14 of the original Alstom TFS trams will be VALENCIENNES. Construction of stage three Nordbahn section of line S1 from 24 October. refurbished to work the line. BS of the tramway project began on 16 September. It is hoped to complete the conversion by the LENS – BETHUNE. The project to build two Line 2 will extend 15.5km (9.6miles) from end of 2021. new tramlines has foundered due to political Anzin to Vieux-Condé, mostly as single track BOCHUM-GELSENKIRCHEN. Delivery wrangling, despite financial allocations already with passing loops, from 2013. The estimated of Stadler Variobahn low-floor trams 501-30 being made. BS cost is EUR105m. RGI has been completed; 15 more are on order LYON. The official launch for the 2.3km (1.4- for delivery in 2013-14. BS mile) extension of tramline T4 from Jet d’Eau GERMANY BRANDENBURG. VBB is developing a to Part-Dieu was held on 24 October. A. Senut proposal to purchase ten new trams to replace NICE. The first of the 28 Citadis trams to be AUGSBURG. The reconstruction of KTNF6 cars. BS lengthened to 43m (1028) left for the Alstom Königsplatz starts on 20 February and until BRAUNSCHWEIG. After two years of factory on 18 October. The 14 other cars to be December 2013 tramlines will be diverted as bridge work, route 3 re-commenced operation rebuilt will be dealt with in the undertaking’s follows: 2, P+R Augsburg West – Moritzplatz – to Gliesmarode from 11 November. Trailers depot. BS Haunstetten Nord; 13, Lechhausen – Moritzplatz 7754/7 have been scrapped. DS PARIS. Partial automatic train operation was – Haunstetten West; 16, Augsburg Nord CHEMNITZ. The Alt Chemnitz depot in introduced on the 17km (10.5-mile) metro – Königsplatz – Moritzplatz – P+R Friedberg Krenkelstrasse re-opened on 21 October as line 1 from 3 November using the Siemens West. Route 13 replaces routes 1 and 3, and a stabling yard, now reduced significantly in Trainguard MT CBTC system, which permits route 16 replaces routes 4 and 6. Replacement size from 31 500 to 12 800m2; 12 Variobahn headways as short as 85 seconds. Work to refit buses run to Stadtbergen and Göggingen. low-floor cars and seven Tatra sets are based all 49 trains and install 954 platform screen Combino and Cityflex trams will provide a there. V. Dornheim doors will be completed in 2013. 7.5-minute headway on the three routes. A DÜSSELDORF. In early November there From 10 October the line T1 terminus at new turning circle has been built outside the were still two workings with classic Düwag Garde de St-Denis was extended beyond the depot to permit short workings. BS trams, on routes 704 and 707. railway bridge to Rue du Port, where three trams BERLIN. The new timetable from 11 ESSEN. Work on new tracks for tramline 109 can be accommodated. This is the first part of December saw the following S-Bahn network between ThyssenKrupp and Alfred-Krupp- the extension to Asnieres-Gennevilliers Les in operation: S1, Oranienburg – Wannsee; S2, Schule will start in 2012, for completion in 2013. Courtilles, due to open in March. The extension Bernau – Blankenfelde; S3, Ostkreuz – Erkner; The proposed extension of route 105 from of line T2 from La Défense to Pont de Bezons S5, Spandau – Strausberg; S7, Ahrensfelde Frintrop to Oberhausen Neue Mitte has found should open in June. – Potsdam Hbf; S8, Birkenwerder – Grünau; a place in the Land infrastructure plan, but The delivery of new Citadis trams 442-60 S9, Pankow – Flughafen Schönefeld; S25, will require a financial contribution from has required some of the existing cars to be Gesundbrunnen – Teltow Stadt; S41/42, Ring Oberhausen that is unaffordable at present. BS moved to the as yet unused depot Colombes on Inner Circle/Outer Circle; S45, Südkreuz FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN. VGF has ordered the extension to Porte de La Chapelle, due to – Flughafen Schönefeld; S46, Westend – ten more Bombardier Flexity type S low-floor open in October 2012. Königs Wusterhausen; S47, Hermannstrasse trams. Six are the outstanding option from The STIF council has approved a feasibility – Spindlersfeld; S75, Westkreuz – Wartenberg; the previous delivery of 65, and four are an study for a tramway link between Porte de S85, Waidmannslust – Grünau. The S3 terminus additional order. Correcting last month’s note, Choisy and Orly, to replace bus route 183. at Ostkreuz is a temporary turn back while station the new tramline 18 operates Gravensteiner A EUR378m leasing package with a reconstruction work continues, together with Platz – Lokalbahnhof. The opening ceremony consortium of banks has been agreed to fund the infrastructure renewal between Ostkreuz and was on 11 December. DS acquisition of 107 new vehicles, including 64 Ostbhf; through service to Ostbhf should resume FRANKFURT – ODER. A delegation has trams, and 43 Translohr guided in 2015. Services S9 and S45 will be extended visited Basel to study the cross-border tramway buses. A. Senut to Flughafen Berlin-Brandenburg from 3 June. project to Weil-am-Rhein in Germany, as part

28 JANUARY 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org ISLE OF MAN

DOUGLAS. Passenger numbers on Douglas’ horse tram service increased during 2011 for the third successive year. Some 56 536 passengers were carried from 9 May to 18 September; the season was a week longer than in 2010 to cater for Commonwealth Youth Games visitors. The figures represented an increase of 5.4% over 2010, figures for which were 10% higher than in 2009. The Santa service, which had to be cancelled due to severe weather in 2010, was due to operate on 17/19/20 December.

ISRAEL

JERUSALEM. The introduction of fares on the new tramline was to take place on 1 December, with the basic fare of NIS6.40 (EUR1.2), including transfer to Egged bus within 90 minutes; 21 tram sets will soon be providing a five-minute headway at peaks. However a labour dispute led to the resignation of about 30 drivers, and evening service (after 18.00) has been suspended until further notice. E. B. Havens

JAPAN The Saarbrücken light rail line opened its latest extension on 30 October, using decorated Bombardier OKAYAMA. The second Niigata Transys trams 1019+1020. R. Birger low-floor tram, 1011, entered service on 15 October. BS of deliberations for a new tramway link across – Südfriedhof). Route 8 operates between TOKYO. The tram decorated for the centenary the Oder river to Slubice in Poland. vissim.de Erlenstegen and Tristanstrasse, and route was withdrawn car 7510. BS HALBERSTADT. Ex-Freiburg GT4 164 7 is withdrawn. Route 9 became Doku- has been overhauled to act as a reserve to the Zentrum – Hbf, leaving the tracks in KAZAKHSTAN Leoliner fleet. BS Pirckheimerstrasse unserved, but the city HALLE. Consultation has started on proposals has ordered a study into how they may be ALMATY. The first section of metro was for a new network of ten tramlines that would reinstated. U-Bahn line U3 was extended to due to open on 16 December, 23 years after retain all current sections of route and offer Friedrich-Ebert-Platz from 10 December. DS construction began; rolling stock is from better co-ordination with the bus system, but POTSDAM. Three new Variobahn trams Hyundai Rotem. The number of operational require more transfers for some passengers. BS were in service together for the first time on 29 cars on the tramway has fallen below 25 (ex- HAMBURG. The opening of U-Bahn line October; 425 was delivered in early November. and Leipzig T4D) and closure in 2012 U4 to HafenCity has been fixed for late The newly-restored museum tram 9 (Lindner, is likely. urbanrail.net, BS September 2012. BS 1907) has made its first trial runs. BS PAVLODAR. Two Swing trams have been JENA. The new Solaris low-floor trams will SAARBRÜCKEN. Sunday 30 October saw ordered from PESA and it is reported a financial have electrical equipment supplied by Vossloh the opening of the 2.8km (1.7-mile) tramway package is being put together for another 83 Kiepe. The first car is due to arrive in the second extension from Etzenhofen to Heusweiler to replace all the KTM-5 vehicles. The 96km quarter of 2013. A. Bailey Markt with inaugural set 1010+1019, which (60-mile) system is served by 11 routes. BS KARLSRUHE. Work on the city centre tram gave free rides for the rest of the day. This subway is about 12 months behind schedule; brings the system to 33.1 km (20.5 miles). MACEDONIA completion will now be in 2017. The delivery A further 10km (6.2 miles) will be opened of the next batch of dual-voltage trams will start in 2014. R. Birgen SKOPJE. A study has confirmed financial and in March. BS SCHÖNEICHE. Ex-Cottbus KTNF6 138 engineering details for the first tramline, and the KÖLN (Cologne). The last of the new has entered service as Schöneiche 28. The last work will now be put out to tender. E. B. Havens delivery of Bombardier Stadtbahn cars, 5215, KT4D (21) was withdrawn on 1 November. BS entered passenger service on 9 November. STUTTGART. Work on Stadtbahn line U12 MEXICO Despite this several 2000-series cars from the at Hallschlag started on 6 October with the late 1970s remain in service. DS construction of 2km (1.2-miles) of new line. MEXICO CITY. A total of 38 passengers KREFELD. The withdrawn classic Düwag WUPPERTAL. During half term week from were injured on 30 August when an LRV trams have been scrapped since a buyer could 22 October the Schwebebahn station Völklinger on the Xochimilco light rail line waiting at not be found. BS Strasse was dismantled. Service resumed the Huichapán station was struck by another LEIPZIG. The Mayor of Kyiv (Ukraine) on 7 November and a new station should be Human error was found to be the cause. visited Leipzig on 10 October (the cities are completed here in May 2012. BS Damage to the two LRVs, 027 and 031, twinned) and expressed interest in acquiring was sufficiently serious that their damaged LVB’s withdrawn Tatra trams. About 30 motor INDIA halves are expected to be scrapped and the cars and 20 trailers are available. BS undamaged sections connected to form one MAINZ. The first Stadler Variobahn low-floor KOLKATA (Calcutta). The last stretch of good car. Patronage on the 13km (8.1-mile) line tram, 217, was delivered on 9 September, and cobbled tram street in the city, 2.9km (1.8 miles) is currently about 105 000/day. made its first trials in early November. BS in Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Rd and Royd St, has In September, STE began preparing 1899 MANNHEIM – HEIDELBERG. Eleven more been relaid in mass concrete, improving journey Brill tram 0 (zero) for operation on some Bombardier low-floor cars have been ordered times on routes 22 and 25. E. B. Havens kind of seasonal service on the Tepepan for delivery in 2014, completing the replacement – Xochimilco section of the light rail line. of the former OEG Düwag fleet. DS IRAN The two-axle car had not run since at least NÜRNBERG. The new tracks between Hbf 1991 and had been on static display at STE’s and Aufsessplatz were brought into use on TEHRAN. Ostad Moein station on metro line 4 headquarters at Tetepilco trolleybus depot 11 December for route 5 (Tiergarten – Hbf opened on 5 November. urbanrail.net since January 1992.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org JANUARY 2012 29 Worldwide Review

It has now been fitted with a pantograph and its electrical equipment modified to run at 750v, to which the light rail line’s voltage was raised circa 1996. It made test runs on the line in September. Further details of the plans for the historic car’s use are not yet known. S. J. Morgan

NETHERLANDS

DEN HAAG. The first test run with a RandstadRail car along the tracks of tramline 2 took place in the early hours of 15 November. Eight-axle trams 3003/7/51 have been scrapped after being stripped for spare parts. K. Pronk GENERAL. The national Strippenkaart ticketing system was withdrawn from all local transport services on 3 November, and all passengers must now use smartcards (OV chipkaart). A. Bailey ROTTERDAM. A feasibility study for the extension of route 25 from Schiebroek to Hillegersberg is to be commissioned. OR UTRECHT. A EUR2.6m contract has been awarded to VDL (formerly Hainje) to overhaul 26 LRVs, with new interiors and repainted exteriors in yellow and silver. This will give them a further ten years life. OR Switzerland’s Uetlibergbahn car 532, built by SWS in 1978 and maintained in immaculate condition, heads NEW ZEALAND a train at the summit station on 1 November. Richard Buckley CHRISTCHURCH. On 21 October trams are numbered in a series starting at 920 was cut back from its city centre station to councillors voted to provide NZD4m with the first nine working from Bedzin and the Asunción, to permit the former trackbed to be (EUR2m) for a light rail feasibility study and next five from Gliwice. BS rebuilt as part of the new city tramway. This is put NZD406m (EUR228m) in the city plan due to open in late 2012, with four Tramlink for the first stage of a link best able to support PORTUGAL cars from Vossloh Espana; the first prototype economic and business recovery. A. Bailey of this design was unveiled in October and it LISBOA. It is reported that as part of its deficit is currently undergoing testing at the firm’s NEPAL reduction plan, Carris is to close tramline 18 Albuixech plant near Valencia. BS to Ajuda, possibly as early as December. D. Gourlay MÁLAGA. The opening of the light metro has KATHMANDU. Consultants are being been postponed to February 2013 on financial appointed to carry out feasibility studies for a ROMANIA grounds. At that stage it is hoped that both 75km (46.6-mile) metro network. RGI lines can be opened, completing the EUR760m CRAIOVA. Ex-Berlin KT4D 103/7/8 have project. P. Owen NORWAY been scrapped and 104 renumbered 108, coupled with 110. The 11 ex-Dresden T4D have SWEDEN BERGEN. Stadler Variobahn trams 213-4 were been numbered 214-24. BS delivered in October; 215-7 have been diverted NORRKÖPING. Tramline 2 was extended to Croydon. Patronage has reached 35 000 RUSSIA by 2.5km (1.5 miles) to Navestad Kvarnberget passengers/day (pre-opening forecast 23 000), on 21 October. By that time new Bombardier so a five-minute peak frequency was introduced NIZHNY NOVGOROD. Uraltransmash Flexity cars 36-39 were available for service, from 3 October. The city has decided to go has delivered new 71-403 cars 2704-12, with 40-45 to follow. MfSS ahead with stage 3 of the project, extending the incorporating parts from withdrawn Tatras. BS line from Lagunen to the airport. BS YEKATERINBURG. Five Tatra T3M have SWITZERLAND OSLO. The 1994 T-Bane cars of series 2000 been acquired from Minsk and numbered 373-5 have been scrapped, parts from 2006+2007 are and 778-9. BS BASEL. The CHF255m (EUR205m) contract to be retained for museum purposes. for 60 new trams from Bombardier was signed Avlös depot is to be reopened to house SLOVAKIA on 11 November and includes 43 43.2m cars the next delivery of Siemens cars, requiring with a capacity of 254 passengers and 17 31m museum cars stored there to be relocated to BRATISLAVA. The short tramway branch cars carrying 183 passengers. There is an option Majorstuen, Vinterbro or a former paper factory to the railway station, used by routes 2, 3, 8 for a further 51 trams. The new cars will see in Hönefoss, 50km (31 miles) from Oslo. and 13, was closed on safety grounds from 1 the end of the Swiss Standard cars and the Since 2 October tramline 11 was extended November due to the very poor state of the remaining classic Düwag cars. A. Moglestue to Kjelsås, while line 12 was cut back to Disen infrastructure. This will be rebuilt when funding BERN. The new depot at Bolligenstrasse (Kjelsås at peaks). RGI, BS permits, hopefully in 2012. DS became operational on 31 October, with 30 trams stabled there each night to meet a peak POLAND SOUTH KOREA run-out of 27 cars. All the RBS trams had been fitted with new wheels in time to re-instate GDANSK. PESA has completed delivery of SEOUL. The first phase of the Shin Bundang through operation on route 6 from Worb to 35 120NaG low-floor trams, and work has (DX) metro line was inaugurated on 28 Fischermätteli from 11 December. ‘Tram’ resumed on modernising the ex-Dortmund October, 18.5 km (11.4 miles) from Gangam BERN – SOLOTHURN (RBS). Be4/8 44 Stadtbahn-N cars. Modernised 105Na set (interchange with line 2) to Jeongia station in has been withdrawn for scrapping after 1405+1406 has been adapted for driver training Bundang. E. B. Havens running just 3.4km (2.1 miles) in 37 years. BS and renumbered 5405+5406. GENEVE. With the opening of the 6.5km (four- The extension from Chelm Witosa to Nowa SPAIN mile) extension to Bernex on 11 December, the Lódzka is expected to open in May. BS previous seven tram routes were replaced by KATOWICE. The ex-Wien E1 articulated LEON. From 19 September the light railway three, each with up to 17 trams/hour at peak

30 JANUARY 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org ticket machines at Palmersville in November. The machines are the forerunners of a total of 225 to be installed at all 60 Metro stations.

USA

BALTIMORE, MD. The MTA has contracted with Bombardier for the supply of 54 commuter rail cars for the MARC line for USD153m. E. B. Havens DALLAS, TX. In October the Denton County Transportation Authority began line testing the first of 11 three-section StadlerGTW 2/6 DMUs manufactured in Switzerland. The new vehicles will be operated periodically over the next ten months when the 33.8 km (21-mile) A-train is not in service until all have been accepted. DCTA will continue to carry passengers in leased Budd Rail Diesel Cars between central Denton and a connection with DART’s Green Line at the Trinity Mills station in Carrollton until the entire Stadler fleet is ready. J. Wolinsky DETROIT, MI. A cutback in city and state funding for the city centre peoplemover may force the 4.7km (2.9-mile) elevated loop to close at the end of the year. The Detroit Transportation Corporation’s (DTC) annual The opening of Tram ZürichWest in December was advertised by placing vinyls on the nose of several budget for the peoplemover is USD15m, most of which comes from public sources. Cobra trams. J. Straathof Last July the city, which is facing a USD155m periods: 12, Palettes – Place de Neuve – Bel-Air be given high priority for funding. CBT Chief deficit, slashed its subsidy by almost 25% to – Moillesulaz; 14, P+R Bernex – Stand – Bel- Executive Stephen Joseph has written to the USD3.4m. That caused the state of Michigan Air – Cornavin–Meyrin/CERN; 15, Palettes Department for Transport saying that evidence to slice its matching grant from USD3.6m – Plainpalais – Stand – Cornavin–Nations. shows emphasis should be given to public to USD1m. The DTC then reduced staff and Adding to our November report, this requires transport projects in and around cities. raised fares from USD0.50 to USD0.75, but the 5% of passengers to change more often, MANCHESTER. Ratification of the proposed increase did not take effect until 1 November. mostly at RP de Plainpalais or Bel-Air, where closure of Manchester Metrolink’s Mosley However, based on the peoplemover’s low tram stops have been reorganised to minimise Street tram stop in the city centre has been ridership, approximately 2.3 million annually, walking distances. received from the Department for Transport. the extra revenue will not be enough to offset The 150th anniversary of tramway operation The stop, which serves westbound services to the sharply reduced subsidies. J. Wolinsky will be celebrated in June 2012. Horse trams Altrincham, Eccles and Chorlton, is seen as a HOUSTON, TX. Monday 28 November saw started running between Place de Neuve and potential bottleneck once additional services the signing ceremony for USD900m in federal Carouge on 19 June 1862, and this section are introduced. funding for the North and Southeast light rail of tramway is still in use today, the oldest Despite the decision to start withdrawal of lines. E. B. Havens in Europe for continuous operation. Various the original T68 tram fleet, those being retained INDIANAPOLIS, IN. The Downtown events will be announced in due course. will receive the silver and yellow livery of Indianapolis Streetcar Corporation is proposing The courts have cleared proposed work on the newer Bombardier trams. Tram 1003 has a 3.2km (1.9-mile) modern tramway circulator the Cornavin – Eaux Vives rail project and been out-shopped in this livery plus, initially, that would serve the Circle Centre mall, the work started on 15 November, for completion advertisements for the Manchester Christmas convention centre, the Indiana State Museum, in 2017. P. Hofmann, BS Markets. the zoo and other key traffic generators in the ZÜRICH. Mirage trams 1626/56/9/64/8/73/ The number of passengers complaining city’s core. 6/7/9/81/5/8 were sent to Vinnitsa in late about disruption dropped to its lowest level The group, whose members include business November; 1674+1675 remain for preservation. in over three years, despite a well-publicised and community leaders, hired a consultant to series of service failures. Some 450 complaints undertake a preliminary study that found the TURKEY were received over the 12-month period to mid- capital cost would be between USD20-25m, September, with a reduction since the service was some of which could come from the private ISTANBUL. A consortium of OHL and taken over by RATP Dev on 2 August. However, sector. Mayor Greg Ballard said he would Invensys Rail has been awarded a EUR932m in early November morning frost caused probably oppose any use of public subsidy for contract to rebuild and resignal 63km (39.1 several failures leading to Transport for Greater operating expenses. mile) of the commuter rail lines that will feed Manchester issuing a warning to the company to Streetcar Corporation President Steve DeVoe the 14km (8.6-mile) Marmaray cross-Bosphorus improve its winter weather procedures. admitted the chances of receiving federal funding tunnel, now being fitted out. Completion is PRESTON. Plans to electrify part of a former are not very good. He said the city government projected for October 2013. heavy rail line as a testbed for a proposed new would have to show support for the project A EUR564m contract for construction of tram network have been shelved in favour of before it could move forward. J. Wolinsky a metro on the Asian side has been awarded pursuing the full scheme from a park-and- LITTLE ROCK, AR. Two extensions of the to Dogus Insaat ve Ticaret. The 16.9km ride site at Fulwood (on the M6 motorway) River Rail heritage tramway are planned that (10.5-mile) line from the Üsküdar ferry terminal into Preston city centre. Scheme promoter would run north and south from the existing to Sancatepe is being supported by a EUR479m TramPower had hoped to have a test line line deeper into residential areas of Little Rock loan from the European Investment Bank, and working for the forthcoming Preston Guild and North Little Rock along the Main Street/ should be ready to open in 2015. RGI celebrations, but failed to win a GBP9m John F. Kennedy Boulevard corridor. grant in the latest round of Regional Growth The capital cost, including the purchase of UNITED KINGDOM Fund awards. an additional Gomaco Birney replica tram, TYNE & WEAR. Nexus, the Passenger range from USD33.2m-USD69.2m depending LEEDS. The Leeds New Generation Transport Transport Executive responsible for the on which of two recommended alignments is trolleybus scheme heads a list of projects the GBP385m modernisation of the Tyne & Wear selected. However, no funding is currently Campaign for Better Transport claims should Metro, unveiled the first of a new generation of available for construction.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org JANUARY 2012 31 Worldwide Review

An attempt to counter the drop in ridership on the River Rail tram is underway, with transit and community leaders seeking ideas on how to promote the 5.5km (3.4-mile) system. A committee has been formed to develop a campaign informing the public about the value of the tramway, which covers central Little Rock and North Little Rock, and promoting its use. The replica Birney cars, built by Gomaco, carried approximately 200 000 passengers in the first full year of operation seven years ago but by 2010 the figure had dropped to 107 000. J. Wolinsky NEW HAVEN, CT. The Board of Aldermen has voted 16-6 to reject a federal grant of USD760 000 for an alternatives analysis of a city centre tramway. The majority apparently felt that spending money on rail transit, including the required USD200 000 local match for the study, was an idea New Haven could not afford, especially an a poor economy. The FTA announced the grant only a few days before the lawmakers acted and 13 months after the proposal was unveiled by consultant URS Corp. at a public meeting. The 4.8km (2.9-mile), USD30m line would have linked the central area with Union Station, Science Hill The end of an era. During its last week in service Jubilee car 761 passes Blackpool’s Norkeed Road stop on and the medical district. J. Wolinsky 1 November 2011 en route to Pleasure Beach. With the winter closedown of the entire system both tram and NEW ORLEANS, LA. Financial concerns stop are now redundant, as neither will feature in the new era operation from Easter 2012. Mike Haddon have caused NORTA to scale back its future tramway projects. The French Quarter loop complex, College Hill, Kennedy Plaza and the Transit has received USD55m from Bexar will cover only Rampart and St Claude streets newly designated ‘Knowledge District’. County for several proposed transit projects to Elysian Fields, with no connection to the However, the railroad station, which serves costing USD180m, including the latest version Riverside tramline. approximately 70 MBTA commuter rail and of a city centre tramline. Money for the five- The extension of the Union Terminal line Amtrak intercity trains daily, was excluded year programme will come from the Advanced (now under construction) along Howard Avenue from the project after much deliberation. Transportation District, which allocates to Lee Circle will not go ahead unless federal Planners said it was not practical to include both tax revenue to VIA, the county, the city of funding is achieved. E. B. Havens the station and College Hill in the same line. San Antonio and the Texas Department of PHOENIX, AZ. After three years of light rail The capital cost, including the purchase of four Transportation. service, September saw record ridership with or five cars, has been estimated at USD126m Both the city and VIA must also contribute 1.24m passengers carried, 4% up on the same but is expected to generate substantial property to the scheme, USD55m from the former month in 2010. Friday 9 September was the development and thousands of jobs. and USD70m from the latter, some of which peak day, with 60 437 riders recorded. P. Craig The financing scheme calls for Washington will be raised by selling bonds. Work on the PORTLAND, OR. On 3 November Portland to cover 50% of the cost with the remainder tramway could start in January if all of the Streetcar service began using new in-street coming from borrowing, a benefit assessment funding falls into place. It would start at a new double-track on a realigned 975m section of district and local taxpayer sources. The next step West Side transit centre, formerly the city’s Moody Ave between RiverPlace and Gibbs would be preliminary engineering and design railway station, and run along Houston, Santa St. The former tramway alignment, used for followed by construction starting in 2014 if the Rosa, Nueva and Montana streets to the Robert the last time on 9 October, was built in 2005 money is forthcoming. J. Wolinsky Thompson Transit Center at the Alamodome. and opened in 2006 as simple ballasted track in SACRAMENTO, CA. The 1.8km (1.1-mile) The two hubs would serve as transfer points, former railway right-of-way adjacent to Moody light rail extension from the city centre to reducing bus traffic through the city’s core. Ave, the only track of that type on the line. Richards Boulevard will cost USD2m-USD3m J. Wolinsky It was always planned to be temporary, and more than budgeted, primarily because of SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). The latest therefore to reduce costs included a 900m problems with utility relocation and delays restored PCC is 1072 in Mexico City livery. The section of bi-directional single track. With the caused by several heavy rainstorms last March. Geneva tram depot has been officially renamed shift to double track here, two-way single-track The project, the first segment of the Green Cameron Beach Yard, in honour of the MTA running on the system is now limited to the line that will eventually reach Atoms and board member who died in March. E. B. Havens 150m section along Montgomery St and 4th Sacramento International Airport, was originally SEATTLE, WA. On 14 November Belluvue Ave, near PSU. The stop at Moody and Gibbs is priced at USD44.4m and was scheduled to open City Council approved an agreement with Sound now served southbound only. last January. Meanwhile, RT hopes to begin Transit, allowing completion of the design The street realignment included building its 6.9km (4.2-mile) South Sacramento for the USD2.7bn, 23km (14.2-mile) light rail raising the elevation by 4.3m for a Corridor Phase 2 next summer from line from Seattle to Redmond. C. Lietwiler number of reasons, including reduction Meadowview Road to Cosumnes River College. TAMPA, FL. The Tampa Port Authority has of the gradient for the new transit-only Originally set to open in 2010, the Blue line changed its previous decision to withdraw Willamette River bridge under construction extension has been slowed by soaring costs, its USD150 000/year subsidy to the heritage in the same area for the new MAX Orange physical barriers and environmental issues plus tramway and will now give USD100 000 for line to Milwaukie, which will cross Moody negotiations with Union Pacific for use of ongoing two years. E. B. Havens Avenue at grade. The Orange line is targeted to right-of-way. The price tag is now USD270m open in September 2015. S. J. Morgan and RT has applied for federal funding to Museum News PROVIDENCE, RI. A 3.2km (1.9-mile) cover 50%. Revenue anticipation bonds would tramway through the centre of Providence has cover part of the local share if the California CRICH (UK). With the appeal for funding for been selected by the city and the Rhode Island legislature passes legislation allowing them to a new depot to house the proposed additional Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). The starter be sold without voter approval. J. Wolinsky trams offered by Blackpool Transport not line would link many of the community’s SAN ANTONIO, TX. Local public having produced the required amount, the main traffic generators including the hospital transportation operator VIA Metropolitan National Tramway Museum has scaled down

32 JANUARY 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org Subsequently linked to it would be a GBP2.6m development of the Orient Building on Church Street and an GBP8m development involving a hotel, restaurant and an exhibition of British Aerospace history. Wyre Council has plans to erect a GBP1.5m waste plant on land adjoining the Copse Road depot and this would use part of the access and land the Trust hoped to acquire for car parking, as well as involving the erection of a large structure close to the depot boundary. The council has indicated that it needs to be convinced the Trust’s proposals are economically viable and will contribute to increased tourism before it will reconsider its own plans for the adjoining site. SOUTHAMPTON (UK). tram 715 has joined Southampton 11 and 38 in their new home in the docks area (TAUT 887), being transferred on 2 November.

CONTRIBUTORS

Worldwide items should be sent to Michael Taplin at Flat 1, 10 Hope Rd, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK – Fax +44 (0)1983 862810 or e-mail [email protected]. UK and Ireland news items are welcomed by the News Editor, John Symons, 17 Whitmore Lisbon tram 715 has joined Southampton 11 and 38 in their new home, being transferred on Wednesday Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, 2 November. Martin Petch ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail [email protected] Contributors this month include Colin its plans to include just a lean-to structure at EAST HAVEN, CT, (US). Atlanta tram 948 Brown, David Harman, Mike Haddon, Martin the rear of the exhibition hall that will not (Cincinnati, 1926) returned to service after full Petch and Martin Thorne. Acknowledgements accommodate all the trams offered. These restoration in time for the 2011 season. This was are also due to BS Blackpunkt Strassenbahn comprised Boat 607, Brush Railcoach 630, brought to an abrupt close on 28 August when Birmingham Mail, Centro, Der Western, Centenary car 648, Twin Set 672+682, Balloon Hurricane Irene struck and flooded the site. The digitaletram.nl, DLR, DS Drehscheibe Online, 712 and Jubilee car 762, of which 762 was museum has launched an appeal for USD2m to EA Eisenbahn Amateur, Edinburgh Evening transported to Crich in November and 712 raise depots further above sea level. BERA News, Fylde Tramway Society, GMPTE, Irish has been at the museum on static display since FLEETWOOD (UK). Plans for a GBP11m Times, IRJ Inernational Railway Journal, earlier in 2011. transport heritage project for Fleetwood appear LTT, Manchester Evening News, Metro, MfSS Of the other trams only 607, which is being to have hit problems over location. The Friends Modernstadstrafik, MTMS, Merseyside TPS, renovated in the Blackpool workshops, and of Fleetwood Trams has acquired seven of the Nexus, Nottingham Evening Post, OR Op de 630, are confirmed as moving to Crich, with surplus Blackpool fleet and a Fleetwood Heritage Rail, Planning, Parry Associates, RGI Railway the Twin Set and Centenary car no longer being Leisure Trust is being formed to develop a Gazette International, Seaton Tramway, T-2000 acquired. museum in the former Copse Road depot. Tram 2000, TfL, TMS, urbanrail.net. In your next issue of

BERGEN’s bybanen special focus Tramways & Urban Transit htakes an in-depth look at Norway’s newest modern light rail system, examining its development and exciting plans for the future. POLAND prepares for Euro 2012 In the first in a series of articles from Poland and the Ukraine, Mike Russell investigates the comprehensive public transport upgrades being undertaken in advance of the forthcoming European football championships.

SYSTEMS FACTFILE: brNO Neil Pulling reports from the large and intensely busy Brno tramway in the Czech Republic that operates many CKD tyes as well as modern Skoda vehicles.

blending light rail into the urban environment Integrating modern light rail into urban centres has many wider effects; TAUT looks at environmental noise and vibration issues and how they are addressed. worldwide news and review All the biggest stories for the light and urban rail sectors around the world.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org January 2012 33 Letters Letters may be faxed to +44 (0)1832 281145, or sent by e-mail to [email protected]. They should be clearly typed and preferably not Get your views into print handwritten. We reserve the right to shorten them for publication.

Green Light for Light Rail: Does Besançon show the way? It’s good to see the emergence of the UK with Besançon city centre and key route, even though these have usually Department for Transport report and employment areas and public nodes. contributed significantly to the success I agree with most of your review of it To some measure this is already being enjoyed by French tramways. (TAUT 876). While it highlights issues done by the high quality bus network It has also bought short trams (23m, relating to cost, these are of concern to which has built up over many years. against the usual 33m minimum), industry as well as to government, and The tramway will run east–west along risking overcrowding if traffic levels do sorting them out offers potential scope an alignment that is already served by grow. In addition the finally selected for moving forward. a core route (1) operating every ten route runs along the river round the However, the report does have minutes and complemented by other edge of the city centre rather than a serious weakness in its failure to frequent routes. through the heart, because CAGB understand what is happening across This approach matches that followed decided it would not pay the extra the Channel. In particular its reliance for almost every other French city. As cost of a ground pick-up system in the on a very partial assessment of what for most of them, the system design and historic area. All of these decisions lies behind the decisions in Besançon in the route have been subject to detailed may come back to haunt CAGB, the France threatens to undermine any real adjustment in the light of public, city and the other municipalities – or, understanding of potential costs political and technical issues. This has more likely, require further spending to and values. created a thorough definition for the retrofit aspects. The tramway now decided on by project finally adopted for investment. Yet Besançon is still a fine example of the Communauté d’agglomération In consequence CAGB has been able to city tramway planning, for reasons that du Grand Besançon (CAGB) follows agree a soundly based budget. are common across France. Around 30 options developed in the PDU (urban Such budgeting is a normal feature of years ago France had less light rail than transport plan) for the area, which French city tramway development (as Great Britain: now it has five times as incorporates 59 municipalities with in Angers and Reims, as you point out). much, with the number and length of the city of Besançon at its heart. The Budgets are normally kept to, because systems continuing to grow. They offer aims for the PDU were grounded in a thoroughly defined project can be valuable lessons, bringing together three development of the conurbation as constructed rapidly. decades of joined up experience of city an effective and high quality place to The only difference is that CAGB governance of transport, city planning, live and work; i.e. transport as part has aimed for a seriously reduced cost and project appraisal. of city planning. The tramway project compared to the French norm, in two With peak oil and climate change has been evolved against key aims to main respects. It has dropped most of looming, we cannot ignore these, but we improve quality of life for all, provide the urban enhancement, pedestrian need to do more than merely look at the better access for everyone, especially and traffic upgrading and other finances in isolation. in the poorer areas, and improve links environmental programmes along the Reg Harman, Hertford (UK)

A lot is being made of the Besançon along the route, but isn’t that what retrofitting anything or re-routing project to build 14.5km of tramway makes many French systems so further to the city within the first few for EUR225m, but I have to ask if attractive to passengers in the first years then surely the system has to be the costs are low due to compromises instance? seen as a failure in not achieving the in the design and construction or if So, Besançon may find itself in a objectives first time around. I have to they are mainly through off-the-shelf tricky situation with the public not echo Mr Johnston’s editorial in TAUT components as some observers suggest. wanting to use the system as it is seen 887 that French systems such as those in The total upfront project cost seems as being lower quality (and therefore Angers or Reims are hardly extravagant low, but will the whole-life costs be not generating sufficiently sustainable in terms of cost, but they deliver significantly lower – and is the tramway ridership numbers), or at the other everything you want/expect of a modern specified correctly in terms of routing, extreme risking overcrowding with tramway. Both will undoubtedly be a vehicles and infrastructure? passengers then flocking away or roaring success with extensions surely For example, with much shorter 23m generating negative public feeling for on the cards in the near future. CAF vehicles being delivered, one issue not being specified correctly. For me there are lots of unanswered going forward is capacity. If the system Not taking the route through the city questions in Besançon, and some is a success – which one hopes it will be centre (to presumably save cost again) real worries that the initial costs are – further vehicles, or additional sections may also affect ridership, although, attracting the attention, but it may turn may be needed (as were the additional again, one hopes that sufficient out to be a tramway that doesn’t achieve 10m sections for the Citadis cars in integration of other transport services what a tramway should and ultimately Dublin), increasing cost significantly. will help feed the new tramway when it turn out to be France’s light rail white Other cost savings are being made in opens in 2015. elephant. Let’s hope not. landscaping and urban enhancement If anything else has to be spent T. Robertson, Hong Kong

34 january 2012 www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org Obituary F.N.T. Lloyd-Jones (1922-2011)

Born in Bolton in 1922, ‘Freddie’ Lloyd-Jones spent the greater part of his life in his beloved Lancashire, latterly in the delightful village of Newburgh. After attending Lucton School in Herefordshire, he was apprenticed as an engineer to British Thomson-Houston at Rugby. While there he formed lifelong friendships with David Cheney and Ken Farrell and, together, they visited many of the surviving post-war tramways. Bombardier’s Flexity A first-class photographer with a keen Freedom for the North eye for composition, Freddie followed American market is one the technique of ‘walking routes’ so he of a raft of new light could capture the cars in a rich variety of vehicles released in 2011. locations – ‘expensive but worth it’, he Bombardier used to say. His particular passion was Birmingham Another month, another tram! piece on Alicante and the Costa Blanca coast and he recorded the demise of the Bombardier’s latest release, the Flexity in TAUT 888 (marvellous images by the system in great detail. His photographic Freedom, is indeed a handsome vehicle, and way!) shows real joined-up thinking and the records of Dublin and Leicester are must surely round off 2011 as a record year correct application of the correct technology also outstanding and, in recent years, for new designs and platforms being released! to suit a need. his images have graced a number of We’ve seen new vehicles from Alstom, Although controversy remains over the publications. Bombardier, Kinkisharyo as well as from delays to the opening of L2, real initiative has While at British Thomson-Houston some of the newer players to the mass replaced unsuitable heavy rail services with a he was also able to make copies of the market such as PESA, Solaris, Vossloh and tram in the first instance, then the utilisation company’s considerable photographic Heiterblick. It is also encouraging to see of tram-trains proves how forward thinking archive. He also knew the whereabouts smaller, more specialised companies such as the Spanish are keeping DMU services where of many tramcar bodies and in the late Brookville Equipment Corporation throwing appropriate, the network now serves all the 1950s and early 1960s, he was working their hat into the ring (TAUT 888). major objectives with clean, modern electrified in Liverpool, we would go to look at cars Although many are based on adaptations rail services. from among other places – Birkenhead, of existing platforms, the recognition from I realise that the particular circumstances Blackburn, Chester, Manchester, manufacturers that there is at least a market in Alicante lent themselves well to this kind Southport, St Helens, Wallasey and that can sustain such vehicle development and scale of development, but lessons can Wigan. He retired as manager of surely must be an encouraging sign that we still be learnt by many other nations from a the Liverpool office of the marine are finally getting somewhere. visit to such a system on the development of engineering firm, Laurence Scott That two of the new designs are well thought-out rail services. (FKI Industries) in 1977. specifically for the North American Despite the dire consequences arising from Freddie was an exceptionally warm, market also shows that under the Obama Spain’s spiralling economic situation (one open and generous spirited man who Administration the strangehold of the only has to look at Velez-Malaga for evidence literally bubbled with excitement when gas-guzzling private automobile is over. of the austerity measures local authorities recalling some of his favourite tramway T. Larrson, New York are resorting to), it is hoped that the planned expeditions. We extend our deepest further systems in the country outlined ealier sympathy to his wife, daughter and Costa Blanca: Wish you were here in the year in TAUT can forge ahead. Sadly, grand-daughter who survive him. The integration of the various forms of rail we in the UK lag far behind. Martin Jenkins vehicle shown from Neil Pulling’s excellent W. Paulet, by e-mail

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

December Russell: Russia – An overview. (LRTA/SEG) . Friday 9. Leeds 19.00. Ian Dougill: . Monday 9. Thames Valley 19.30. Ed Tramways in Siberia. . Monday 19. London 19.00. Mike Humphreys: The Kingsway subway. . Monday 16. Liverpool 19.30. Bob Hill: Russell: The Russian tramway scene today. . Wednesday 11. Brighton (Southwick) Making an exhibition of one’s self (TLRS). . Monday 19. Sheffield 19.00. 19.40. AGM followed by films from the Terry . Monday 16. Sheffield 19.30. Stuart Roger Benton: Films from the TMS archives. Russell Collection. (TLRS) Cooke: Films around Europe. . TBC. Wickham 19.30. Christmas bash and . Friday 13. Glasgow 19.30. Gavin . Monday 16. Wickham 19.30. Terry photo competition (TLRS) Booth: Capital trams and buses. Chase: Portsmouth pot pourri. . Friday 13. Leeds 19.00. Tony Wilson: . Tuesday 17. London 19.00. Alan January 2012 Tramways of Poland (Part 1). Pearce: The Hague in 2011. . Saturday 14. Birmingham TBA. . Wednesday 18. Bristol 19.30. John . Tuesday 3. Southampton 19.30. Mike (Joint LRTA/TLRS/ERS) Ditcham: Berlin, transport and internal politics.

www.tramnews.net l www.Irta.org january 2012 35 Classic Trams: München Triple transport anniversary

Paraphrasing a hackneyed expression, you wait ages for an anniversary then three come along at once! This was the case in October 2011, when Bavaria’s capital hosted 150 Jahre Mobilität für München (150 years of mobility for ). Mike Russell reports. he actual 150th anniversary in München (Munich) was not of rail-based transport at all, but of bus 1 operation, for it was on 16 June 1861 that an Tentrepreneur introduced horse-drawn omnibus services to the city. Some 15 years later, on 21 October 1876, the first horse- drawn tramway line was introduced and over the following decades a large network was built up, served by a huge fleet of open and closed cars. Conversion to electric traction began in June 1895 and was completed by November 1900. Bavaria’s capital boasted one of the largest and most progressive tramways in Germany but suffered terrible destruction in bombing raids in 1943 and 1944, during which almost 300 tramcars were lost. Post-war reconstruction involved the introduction of a large fleet of three-axle motor cars and trailers but public transport, and particularly the tramways, repeatedly became a political football. After the first U-Bahn line opened on 19 October 1971, the tramway was seen as being in retreat, its traffic progressively usurped by U-Bahn construction. One of the positive developments of recent years has been the city’s rediscovery of the benefits of its tramway, such that a new U-Bahn feeder line (23, Münchner Freiheit to transport company, MVG (Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft) 1 The anniversary Schwabing Nord) was opened in December 2009. Further and the Deputy Mayor. The parade rolling stock had arrived parade was led by new construction is underway, including a new 4.3km almost an hour earlier and assembled in Promenadeplatz reconstructed cross- (2.7-mile) extension beyond Effnerplatz to St. Emmeram, and Maffeistrasse for the benefit of onlookers. A 36-page bench horse car which should have opened by the time this article appears in programme, freely distributed, provided information on the 273, still drawn by print. After a period of uncertainty, the future for München’s day’s events and a potted history of the city’s transport. two horses but now tramway seems bright and so celebrations to mark 40 years Leading the parade was horse-drawn cross-bench fitted with rubber of U-Bahn operation could quite justifiably be combined Sommerwagen 273, reconstructed from an MAN-built car tyres. It is seen on with those marking 135 years of tramway operation. of 1891 and now mounted on rubber tyres. Inevitably this Maximilianstrasse. restricted the pace of the parade and the horse car only Crowds throng the parade route travelled as far as Maxmonument. There have been tramway anniversary parades in München A fine collection of electric tramcars followed, led by the 2 Maximum-traction before, notably in June 1976 and October 2001, the latter remarkable survivor, car 256 of 1901. This was one of a bogie car 256 is the marking the 125th anniversary and widely expected to be huge batch of 250 bogie cars with bodies built by the local pride of the heritage the last, as the then impending change to 750v power supply firm of Rathgeber with maximum-traction bogies supplied electric fleet and is rendered it improbable that the historic cars would be able by Bergische Stahlindustrie of Remscheid. At the time of seen on display in to appear again. Again, the intervening period has seen a their delivery, München was a rare beast in the German Maffeistrasse, with remarkable transformation – the progressive rewiring of tramway jungle, as the great majority of systems ordered other historic cars museum cars to accommodate the new power supply, and only smaller two-axle cars. behind, prior to the opening of the München transport museum adjacent to The München cars were extremely modern for their taking part in the the MVG main workshop premises at Ständlerstrasse. time, with air brakes and glazed platforms from the outset. parade. The tramway parade of 22 October 2011 was widely trailed Furthermore, some cars of this class (A2.2) enjoyed in the local press and on public transport vehicles and saw a remarkably long life, the last being withdrawn in 3 Police motorcycle large crowds throng the route from Theatinerstrasse along 1960. Several survived as works cars, and 256 was later outriders provide Maximilianstrasse to the Maxmonument, Maximilianeum reconstructed using parts from works car A73 (formerly car protection for and on to Max-Weber-Strasse, surpassing even the numbers 324 – originally 74 – of the similar A1.1 batch built in 1911 bogie car who attended the 2001 event. 1898-9) in time for the 1976 tramway centenary. Its 490 and two-axle The parade began with speeches from the head of the city reconstruction takes the form to which it was rebuilt in the trailer 1401 as they 2 3 proceed through the city centre junction at Karlsplatz to take their place in the parade line-up.

36 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org mid-1920s and carries the shade of München’s blue livery 4 Traffic in 4 used at that time, but which has varied somewhat over the Maximilianstrasse following years. is brought to a Following this came car 490, another maximum-traction halt as the ‘Korso’ bogie car, this time of type D6.3, originally built by processes towards Rathgeber on Böker bogies in 1911 but one of several Max-Weber-Platz. reconstructed in the tramway workshops in 1955 with a Two-axle trailer steel body. This car represented the city at the UITP 125th 1401 was coupled anniversary in Bruxelles in September 2010, but back to re-bodied on home metals it hauled two-axle trailer 1401, a class f2.54 car built by Rathgeber in 1930. Next came the city’s maximum-traction only survivor of the small batch of Heidelberg-built KSW bogie car 490; an (Kriegsstrassenbahnwagen) cars supplied by Fuchs in earlier maximum- 1944-5 to several German tramways as utility replacements traction bogie car for wartime losses. Many of these simple but robust cars (256) can be seen beyond. continued in service well into the 1970s and in München an 5 example of both motor and trailer cars was set aside for the museum fleet. Car 721, of class J1.30, has appeared before 5 Tram fans line and is restored to its later condition but although it was hoped Maximilianstrasse it would haul the preserved wartime trailer 1509 of type i1.56, to witness the built by Uerdingen in the same year, this did not happen. anniversary parade; Illustrating the standard tramsets of recent years were here, wartime a three-axle pair comprising M4.65 motor car 2412 and Fuchs-built two-axle matching trailer 3407, both built by Rathgeber in 1957 and KSW car 721 heads now regularly employed on the city tourist service, followed a more modern set by class P3.16 motor car 2005 and matching p3.17 trailer of M-class three 3037. Both date from 1967 and were part of the city’s last axle cars. order placed with local manufacturer Rathgeber, with which it had been long associated. Completing the parade were 6 P-class articulated low-floor articulated cars of types R and S which now dominate the city tramway scene – R2.2 2125 (Adtranz, motor/trailer set 1995), now repainted in the predominantly blue livery 2005+3005 has 6 adopted for the subsequent eight-axle R3.3 cars, of which the already joined prototype (2201 of 1999) also featured in the parade. the historic fleet even though a Open days and shuttles handful of cars of The ‘Korso’ dispersed at Max-Weber-Platz but this was this type remain in hardly the end of events. Cars 256 and 721 returned to the service. It is seen MVG Museum at Ständlerstrasse, where a special day of in Promenadeplatz opening saw the latter operating trips around the perimeter prior to participating track. The München museum contains a variety of exhibits in the anniversary illustrating 150 years of the city’s transport development, but parade. it is only open to the public on selected dates. At Depot 2 (Einsteinstrasse), the remaining operational 7 A contrast tram depot, currently under partial reconstruction, a classic in styles, with open day was offered. German depot open days generally prototype S-class follow a pattern and are very popular. In this case, visitors four-section 7 could see a variety of tramway engineering functions, articulated car examine the workshop facilities, gorge themselves on the passing by the usual festival fare, devour huge quantities of current MVG literature and even inspect examples of the new Stadler reconstructed 1891 trams which have not yet entered service. cross-bench horse To cater for the vast numbers of visitors, a regular shuttle car at rest on of historic tramcars and buses operated between the depot Maximiliansbrücke. and Max-Weber-Platz, westbound direct via Einsteinstrasse, returning via Ostbahnhof and Orleansstrasse, thereby 8 Tramway depot featuring track normally used only for depot access purposes. engineering Cars used included 490+1401, M-class 2412+3407, P-class facilities always 2005+3005 and 2021+3037 and, occasionally, R-class 2125; excite a great so great were the volumes of visitors that supplementary deal of public buses had to be provided. Historic motorbuses also provided fascination. Here, a link to the MVG Museum. visitors are invited 8 To mark the U-Bahn’s 40th anniversary, a rare opportunity to look over 2316 was offered for members of the public to visit the depot and and 2312, two of repair shops in the north of the city. the new low-floor Recognition of the importance of the tramcar can continue Stadler Variobahn to play in catering for the transport needs of a big city such cars that have yet to as München has been one of the great German provincial enter city service. policy changes of recent years; the fact that the parade and Photographs by associated events were so well supported is testament to the Mike Russell esteem in which this tramway is still held. Let us hope it will now survive and prosper so that the historic fleet, some of which must have witnessed momentous events in the history of 20th Century Europe, and of which further examples remain in unrestored states, may continue to remain operable for many years to come. TAUT

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org January 2012 37 LES TRAMWAYS FRANCAIS EN 2012

Subtitled “Long live the tram!”, classified this latest edition of the popular To place an advertisement contact Andy Adams French-language tramway reference Telephone: +44 (0)1832 281135 work has just appeared and is Email: [email protected] offered for sale. Modern tramways are now operating in almost all of France’s major cities, not to mention the Ile- Next issue de-France (Paris region). Another two Copy deadline: 16 December 2011 have opened in 2011, with many more on the way over the coming years. These are all fully covered On sale: 20 January 2012 in Les Tramways Francais en 2012, together with details of the nation’s future tramway plans. Featuring full and detailed descriptions of current CALENDARS systems, town-by-town, with reviews of the latest technology, this title is a must for all afficionados of 2012 CALENDARS French tramways. A4-sized, with clear maps, route descriptions and up to date images. Approx. 90 pages. BELGIAN TRAM Price £12.50. Postage/packing extra: UK orders, add CALENDAR 2012 10%; Overseas/ROI, add 20%. (from Tram 2000) The favourite high-quality calendar from Belgium. As usual it contains 17 stunning photos of Belgian trams (11 historic). Full details of photos and locations in Flemish/French. Calendar extends to January 2013. The Classified pages ofTramways Price £12.80. Postage/packing extra: UK orders, add 10%; Overseas/ROI, add 20%. & Urban Transit are the ideal place to advertise books, DVDs, TRAMS events and tours and tramway and AROUND THE WORLD 2012 light rail miscellany to transport Attractive calendar from enthusiasts across the globe. Sweden. Full colour cover picture and for each For more information on how you month, plus two-page special feature. can make these pages work for you, Swedish/English text. please contact us on +44 (0)1832 Price £12.80. Postage/packing extra: UK orders, add 10%; 281135 or email [email protected] Overseas/ROI, add 20%.

Order any of these titles securely on-line from www.lrta.org or by post: LRTA PUBLICATIONS Eaglethorpe Barns, Warmington, Peterborough, PE8 6TJ The full range of tram/light rail books and DVDs can be found on our website. Trade terms available on request.

38 january 2012 www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org PCCs of Western Europe 1950-2010 The tram that Belgium made

By Geoffrey Skelsey and classified Yves-Laurent Hansart To place an advertisement contact Andy Adams Telephone: +44 (0)1832 281135 In a follow-up to their Email: [email protected] previous work for the LRTA on the Brussels and Belgian Coastal tramways, URBAN RAIL DOWN UNDER the authors vividly describe the development By Robert Schwandl of the PCC car in post-war Western Europe The latest title from Robert right through to the demise Schwandl, who personally of this iconic type in researched the content in recent years. Australia and New Zealand. It features 84 pages and Urban Rail Down Under over 150 black & white covers trams and metropolitan and colour photographs. railways, plus heritage trams Softback A4. Price: £14.50. Postage/packing extra: UK and museums; 144 pages with orders, add 10%; Overseas/ROI, add 20%. 300 colour photos and network maps. English/German text. Price £17.00. Postage/packing extra: UK orders, add 10%; LEEDS TRAMS 1871–1959 Overseas/ROI add 20%. By Richard Buckley Most readers will INNSBRUCK’S ALPINE TRAMWAYS recognise the name of this new title’s author, Richard By Ray Deacon being the Editor of our sister publication This new book from Innsbruck Tramway Review. enthusiast Ray Deacon features His comprehensive all aspects of this fascinating new work covers horse, system, where city trams link steam and electric directly with surrounding operation from the early upland villages in particular beginnings to the end of Fulpmes and Igls. tramways in Leeds. With details of cars present and A brief introduction is past, descriptions of routes, followed by a survey of depot information and much developments running into the 1950s. Each group more, it features 160 A4 pages, of routes includes a specially-commissioned map. around 300 photos and seven Most car types are illustrated. It features 112 pages, A4, maps, gloss cover. Price £17.50. Postage/packing extra: flexible gloss cover. UK orders, add 10%; Overseas/ROI add 20%. UK price £17.60, Overseas £19.20, Airmail £22.40.

Order any of these titles securely on-line from www.lrta.org or by post: LRTA PUBLICATIONS Eaglethorpe Barns, Warmington, Peterborough, PE8 6TJ The full range of tram/light rail books and DVDs can be found on our website. Trade terms available on request.

www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 39 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

With over 25 years experience as a trusted partner to the UK transportation industry, B&M offers a number of specialised cleaning and maintenance services for many major UK rail and tramway operators, including:

● Pressure washing INDUSTRIAL CLEANING ● High-level deep cleaning AND MAINTENANCE ● Commercial painting services 6 TOWN LANE, DENTON, ● Commercial window cleaning with reach wash MANCHESTER M34 6LE ● Train and tram interior cleaning OFFICE: 0161 320 4291 ● Carpets and vinyls MOBILE: 07970 700749 ● Supply and installation of non-slip EMAIL: [email protected] GRP fl ooring ● Chewing gum and graffi ti removal ● Offi ce renovations ● Suspended ceilings ● Air conditioning systems ● All types of building work undertaken

Cleaning services for Manchester Metrolink Cleaning of interior windows of exhaust residue at Newton Cleaning interior roof Non-slip fl ooring installation Heath for Northern Rail at Ardwick depot for Siemens of exhaust residue and fl oor cleaning at Crofton depot for Bombardier

Carpet cleaning for Northern Rail – Before... and after

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

40_TAUTJan12_BandM_OBC.inddBandMad.indd 1 1 28/11/1128/11/11 23:32:5323:29:39