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THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015 No. 932 ATLANTA CONTINUES THE STREETCAR REVOLUTION

UK debates safety, technology and integration Suburban Washington to get Hope for Andalucía’s ‘closed’ lines? UKTram backs seven innovations ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 World Congress Freiburg 08 UITP faces the issues Trams in ’s of urban growth ‘green’ capital 9 771460 832043 We’re proud to be at the heart of the UK rail system

Since 1996, we’veSince 1996,been supportingwe’ve been rail helping in the UK in to the deliver UK flow improved more performanceefficiently. and customerThe rail franchisesservice. Through we operate our joint deliver venture one inrail three franchises rail journeys we operate and give one over in three 14,000 rail employees journeys a living. Weand also employ keep overour fingers14,000 people. on the Atpulse of passenger we’re committed needs, toto puttingcontinuously heart, improve soul the speed andand significant comfort of investmenttheir journeys. into At the Keolis UK’s we’rerail network, committed helping to putting us all heart,move forward soul and together. significant investment into the UK’s rail network, helping us all move forward together.

keolis.co.ukkeolis.co.uk 316 CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association AUGUST 2015 Vol. 78 No. 932 www.tramnews.net EDITORIAL EDITOR Simon Johnston Tel: +44 (0)1733 367601 E-mail: [email protected] 13 Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, UK ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tony Streeter E-mail: [email protected] WORLDWIDE EDITOR Michael Taplin 327 Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] NEWS EDITOR John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Neil Pulling WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTORS Tony Bailey, James Chuang, Paul Nicholson, 306 Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, Alain Senut, Thomas Wagner. NEWS 300 WHEEL/RAIL INTERFACE 323 PRODUCTION Muni unveils LRV mock-up... and orders Concluding his two-part series, Bob Hall Lanna Blyth 40 more; UKTram innovation scheme further dispels the ‘keep theory’ and Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] progresses; Vélez-Málaga tramway to return? considers experience from around the world. DESIGN Debbie Nolan UK LIGHT RAIL CONFERENCE 306 SYSTEMS FACTFILE: FREIBURG 327 ADVERTISING Debate and innovation at Nottingham’s Extensions and new trams: Freiburg is an COMMERCIAL MANAGER Geoff Butler biggest-ever UK Light Rail Conference. exciting LRT city – as Neil Pulling explains. Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] PUBLISHER UITP WORLD CONGRESS 312 WORLDWIDE REVIEW 332 Howard Johnston UITP visited Milan in June, and reported Algiers extension opens, Bombardier to Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the on promising progress in increasing public deliver Shanghai peoplemover, Bordeaux’s LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each transport’s market share. tramline B extended. month preceding the cover date. LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY 316 MAILBOX 338 Brian Lomas The birth of a new LRT system hasn’t been Discussions on the wheel/rail interface; E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] easy for Georgia’s state capital – by Vic Simons and why are modern trams so heavy? LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up members of the Light Rail Transit Association.

UTRECHT UITHOFLIJN 319 CLASSIC TRAMS: SNAEFELL 340 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES Project Manager Martijn Donders explains The ’s mountain line marks its LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), the challenges of delivering a new line. 120th anniversary. 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 BACK ISSUES Tel: +44 (0)1406 373070 Using the ‘hard sell’ approach to LRT’s benefits PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Cities like . It frees up road space and space for development Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. and can help cleanse the air of pollutants. Light rail in particular adds a LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE sense of permanence that encourages investment and regeneration – a sign c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. of a confidence that is appealing to developers, businesses and residents. Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 The results of the latest UK Passenger Survey also paint a positive in England and Wales. picture, with overall satisfaction levels of 90% across the UK’s networks. LRTA CHAIRMAN This compares favourably to figures of 88% for and 81% for rail. Andrew Braddock E-mail: [email protected] in particular must be congratulated for its score of 95% (equal with Nottingham Express LRTA DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Transit) – impressive for an operator that has had to fight hard to promote a service that Paul Rowen found itself under very public pressure when it opened just over 12 months ago. LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE: So if authorities and passengers like light rail, why are there still barriers to its c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, wider adoption? The obvious one is cost. At millions of [insert currency here] per km, UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 the upfront capital investment for a new line can be hefty. However, the industry is in England and Wales. responding with ways of bringing this down through innovative methodologies for © LRTA Publishing 2015. track, electrification and even vehicles – read more on this in our reports from the UITP Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution Congress in Milan and UK Light Rail Conference in Nottingham in this issue. is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the The other big challenge is in managing delays and disruption – this one is as much opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of about public relations as any area of engineering. I’ve been asked how delays can be LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. avoided many times recently and my answer is always the same: Planning and strong No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including relationships. We must remember that inserting a new fixed-track system into any photocopying, recording or by any information storage and built-up urban area is one of the most complicated endeavours known to man. With retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from so many disciplines, stakeholders and interfaces, detailed planning can help avoid the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the disruption, but cannot ever remove the possibility of it happening entirely. How magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. promoters and constructors communicate and keep people enthusiastic is key – some do COVER: Atlanta Streetcar 1001 leaving Peachtree it very well, some don’t. There are lessons for us to learn here. Simon Johnston, Editor Center Station on 19 May. Vic Simons

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 299 News Muni unveils Siemens S200SF mock-up, and orders 40 more cars Passenger reaction to be tested with life-size mock-up; new order takes total fleet to 215 new LRVs

full-size mock-up of the Muni signed a USD648m deal TOP LEFT: front of its forthcoming for 175 60-seat LRVs with Siemens The mock-up Siemens S200SF high- last year, and the first prototype of the Siemens floor LRV was unveiled will be delivered at the end of S200SF Aby the Municipal 2016 from the latter’s Sacramento LRV for San Francisco’s Transportation Agency (Muni) plant. Muni has a remaining Muni has been on 16 June. At the same time it option for another 45 cars. The put on display. was confirmed that an option for mock-up will be used to gauge Siemens/Muni 40 more of the air-conditioned reaction to seating configurations cars had been exercised, taking and colourschemes. the total on order to 215. Meanwhile, Muni was to open regular weekend service on its E-Embarcadero tramline S200SF SPECIFICATION on 25 July, linking Fisherman’s Wharf and the terminal Length: 22.86m every 15 minutes. This reversing Width: 2.65m movement at the Caltrain station th Height: 3.5m (King St/4 St) requires the use BELOW Unladen weight : 35 730kg of five of the seven (1006-11/15) LEFT: Muni restored double-ended PCCs. double-ended wheelbase: 1.9m Double-ended museum trams PCC 1011 is one

Minimum curve radius: 13m may also be operated. of the cars that Floor height: 864mm The line was trialled during will be used on Motors: 4 x 130kW (4 x 174hp) the 2013 America’s Cup yacht the new E-Embarcadero races, and will now operate Maximum speed: 80.5 km/h line from July. (50 mph) on Saturdays and Sundays It carries the Maximum gradient: 9% 10.00-19.00. Although the line livery of the shares tracks with the N and T Seats: 60 former Market lines, because these are operated Street Railway

Standing: 140 (@ 6/m2) with high-floor LRVs, new (that never Wheelchair/bicycle spaces: 4 low-level platforms with ramps operated PCCs). were built for the E line cars. P. Ehrlich Luxembourg tram design unveiled, UKTram backs seven project timescale revealed Politicians and representatives The first rails are to be laid innovation schemes from Luxembourg’s new tram next year, with the initial section UKTram is pushing forward tools to maximise the efficiency project presented the design of to open in 2017. The route is to with GBP3m (EUR4m) plans to of how light rail vehicles utilise the new trams on 1 July. run from Findel in the north- demonstrate seven innovative their power requirements. Luxtram selected Spanish east, to Cloche d’Or, with a depot solutions intended to help reduce Ultralite Track – EM Track manufacturer CAF to build its located on the Kirchberg, and the construction and lifetime Alliance led by BWB new trams in May, with a design able to take 32 vehicles. cost of light rail projects. The Consulting: Modular track by Eric Rhinn of renowned Lyon- By 2021 the EUR565m project scheme, using funding from slab designed to be compatible based transport agency Avant is expected to reach a length of the Innovate UK Technology with bus . Première and leading Belgium- 16km (ten miles), with 3.6km Strategy Board, addresses two Optimum Rail Wear Limits based interior and lighting (2.2 miles) catenary-free. The main themes, track and energy – University of Huddersfield, designers Michel Léonardi and first section is to run between infrastructure. Institute of Rail Research: Isabelle Corten. Pont Rouge and Luxexpo. Projects moving forward to the Development of a rail asset demonstration phase are: management tool. Precast Advanced Track Weld Restore – ARR Rail (Light Rail and Metro) – Solutions: Development of a PCAT: Modular pre-cast track cost-effective method for in situ slab design. restoration of worn grooved rail Composite including high strength steels. Equipment – Atkins: Overhead The UK’s Department for line equipment utilising Transport has provided further composite materials. funding to allow additional The Integrated Modular projects to be progressed. Light Rail Rapid Construction Separately, the country’s System – TRL: Lightweight ‘Future Railway’ collaboration modular track form design. is involved with supporting the More Energy Efficient Trams development of a lightweight An artist’s impression of the new CAF low-trams for the Luxtram project. Luxtram – Alta Innovations: A set of rail vehicle.

300 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Olzstyn welcomes first tram in 50 years Ceremony on 19 June unveils the first Pesa Tramino for the new tramway due to open later in 2015

he first SolarisTramino smoothly. Initial contractor FCC for the Polish city of Construcción was brought on Olsztyn (population board for infrastructure works in 175 000) was unveiled 2011, but parted company with Tat a ceremony on 19 June at the the project in 2013; following depot on ul Kołobrzeska. Solaris this the project was divided signed a EUR30m contract for a into five separate sections, with fleet of 15 100% low-floor trams separate contracts for each, with with the city in September 2012, consortia featuring a mixture following the expiration of an of international and local original agreement with the contractors. preferred bidder consortium of The tramway is scheduled to Newag and Modertrans. open before the end of the year. Tramino testing began on 28 > The Solaris Tramino for May at Poznan’s Franowo depot; in Germany has deliveries to Olzstyn are set to be won a Red Dot Award. The completed by the end of the year. The first Tramino for the Polish city was unveiled on 19 June – all 15 from the award is given for excellent The 29.3m three-section EUR30m order are due in the city by the end of the year. Solaris industrial design. Braunschweig bi-directional trams are 2.5m has ordered 18 metre-gauge wide with capacity for 216 side, CCTV and air-conditioning. The plan to deliver a 10.5km uni-drectional Tramino vehicles. passengers, including 43 seated, They are powered by four 120kW (6.5 miles) tramline – the first The four-section trams are 2.3m and two wheelchair spaces. asynchronous traction motors, new tramway in for over wide and 35.7m long, with They also feature six pairs of giving a maximum speed of 50 years and the largest post-war capacity for 211 passengers, 1300mm-wide double doors per 75km/h (46mph). project in the city – has not run 87 of them seated. TramForward applauds passenger increases

Statistics showing light rail has been ascribed to disruptive to run more diesel along by 1.2% to GBP1.28 (EUR1.81) usage in England (UK) on engineering works on the route of the tramway to per journey. the rise have been applauded Supertram and Midland Metro, cater for demand from visiting The by the Light Rail Transit and to changes in concessionary pensioners and disabled recorded 38.1m passenger Association’s campaigning pass rules in Blackpool. people, for whom the new journeys – a 6.7% rise in arm, TramForward. LRTA Chairman Andrew trams are significantly more passenger numbers, while The number of journeys Braddock said: “The system accessible than buses. Greater Manchester’s Metrolink in the financial year to the improvements that are being “It is time,” Braddock carried 31.2m passengers in end of March was the highest undertaken will ensure a concluded, “for the government 2014-15 – a 6.8% rise from since comparable records transport network that people to require the availability on the previous year’s 29.2m began in 1983. Across the eight can rely on and will have the trams as well as buses of the passengers but reflecting the systems, passenger journeys added benefit of creating jobs, welcome free opportunity opening of additional routes. rose to 239.8m, up 5.6% on economic growth and equality the pass provides on a national Nottingham’s Express the previous year. London of opportunity. basis – not least because the Transit carried 8.1m million accounted for 59% of the “However, it is a great resultant contribution to people in 2014-15, an increase total, with its Docklands Light disappointment,” he added, cleaner air would directly of 2.9%, although the figure Railway and London “that the decline in usage of benefit vulnerable older people is still two million short of systems. DLR journeys alone the trams in Blackpool is the in the areas concerned.” the peak passenger numbers were up 8.5% to 110.2m. direct result of concessionary Overall light rail and tram travelling between the city, There was, however, passes held by visitors from revenue in 2014-15 was up Hucknall and Phoenix Park in regional variation, with South outside Lancashire no longer 4.4% in real terms compared 2007-8. Mileage also increased Yorkshire’s Supertram, Midland being accepted on the service. with 2013-14, to GBP307.6m by 14.9% through increased Metro and the Blackpool It makes absolutely no sense for (EUR433.8m). Revenue per headways during the main Tramway registering falls. This to have journey decreased in real terms daytime hours.

Pesa launches Krakowiak tram NEWS IN PICTURES Metrolink’s 100th M5000 tram

Following a contract award in The new air-conditioned Bombardier held July 2014, Pesa delivered the first tram includes digital passenger a special event at of 36 Krakowiak low-floor trams information, onboard ticket it’s Wien facility to Podgórze depot in the Polish machines and USB sockets for on 8 June to mark city of Kraków on 28 June. passengers to charge electronic completion of the The 42.8m four-section tram devices. It also features ramps for 100th M5000 tram is an evolution of the Twist wheelchair users and dedicated for Manchester. platform, with a capacity for bicycle and luggage spaces. A further 20 are on order to cater 300 passengers and is claimed to The firstKrakowiak is to for extensions be the longest tram in Poland. undergo testing on the city’s to the system. Of the PLN291.2 (EUR69.4m) network before entering service Thomas Jantzen/ contract cost, EU funds are to on routes 4 and 50, the busiest Bombardier cover PLN171.8m (EUR50m). in the city.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 301 News Purple line ‘go’, Red line postponed Governor approves Washington suburb LRT plans, but still concerned over Balitmore subway costs

aryland’s USD1.97bn over the next five Republican years. He shifted his position on Governor, Larry the long-planned Purple line, Hogan, announced an orbital line linking outer Mon 25 June that he is willing to Washington suburbs, after see the east-west 25.6km pressure from DC area politicians (16-mile), USD2.2bn, Bethesda – and business leaders who said it New Carrollton Purple line built, was crucial to improving transit provided Montgomery and encouraging economic and Prince George’s counties development. take on more of the cost, and The planned line provides the private sector contributes interchange with Washington to the financing. radial lines at four stations. The state will grant USD168m The Purple line runs along the ABOVE: Artist’s impression of a BELOW: The Purple light rail line will towards the project, compared former railway right-of-way of Purple line LRV arriving at the future link suburbs and metro lines north of with USD750m planned by the Georgetown branch, now a Riverdale Park station. MTA Washington DC. MTA the previous administration. walking and biking trail, but in USD900m is expected to come 2013 Maryland had to sign an from federal sources. The line is agreement with the Columbia not expected to open until the Country Club to protect the mid-2020s. Chevy Chase golf course, In the same announcement which had caused controversy Hogan said the Red line light rail for more than 20 years. project in Baltimore, estimated to The 22.4km (14-mile) cost USD2.9bn, would not move Baltimore Red line featured a forward unless its costs could be USD1bn subway under the city reduced significantly. centre and has been judged Hogan, who was elected not cost effective, even though last November, ran a campaign USD288m has been spent on based on cancelling the light planning work. The city has no rail projects and spending ready-to-go Plan B, and will now more on roads and bridges. have to look to see if costs can He has increased spending be reduced by eliminating all or in the highway budget by most of the subway.

Breakthrough in metro networking On 29 June Huawei and Alstom supporting mission-critical voice announced the completion communications, CBTC and of a live pilot of 4G LTE multi- broadband data applications service broadband networking such as passenger information technology for metros. systems and CCTV streaming. The pilot was carried out The technology improves at Alstom’s Valenciennes site operational services, reinforces after the companies signed a security control and enables memorandum of understanding remote diagnostic of onboard in April 2014. Huawei provided equipment while also reducing the eLTE network and Alstom operational costs. Alstom expects a trainset and LTE-compliant to use this technology to support onboard signalling equipment. its Urbalis Fluence package, The static and dynamic tests currently deployed in around 25% covered a single wireless system of CBTC solutions worldwide. Trams will be running in Tampere from 2019, but the rolling stock builder has still to be chosen. TTI Tampere tram contract NEWS IN PICTURES First UK tram-train The Finnish city of Tampere has to start passenger service on nears completion awarded the Tralli consortium part of the line is 2019, with The first of seven Vossloh (Pöyry, VR Track and YIT) the completion in 2023. Citylink tram-trains being contract to design and build The consortium will built in Valencia for the the planned 23.5km (14.6-mile) implement the new line under Sheffield–Rotherham tram- tramway at a cost of EUR250m. an alliance model, with client, train pilot scheme is nearing completion with delivery expected in November. The remaining six will be Work has started immediately engineers and contractors due for delivery at two-month intervals thereafter. on the engineering design for working jointly. Twenty-six After commissioning the vehicles will be used to enhance capacity on the the line linking Lentävänniemi low-floor trams will be ordered existing tramway as the tram-train line to Rotherham Parkgate will not be and Hervanta via the city under a separate contract. completed until early 2017. Four will be allocated to the new service (three centre, with a branch to the The project has a cost benefit for service and one to cover maintenance periods). Network Rail University Hospital. The target ratio of 1:48.

302 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Kyiv signs with Pesa Edinburgh figures on the On 17 June Pesa President Tomasz Zaboklicki and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko signed a memorandum of understanding up as GM leaves for Abellio that should see 50 Twist trams supplied to the city in 2016, possibly Both ridership and revenues ahead of forecast for controversial tram project assembled in a new local facility. The city is looking to buy 50 low- round 4.92m passenger Councillors are to discuss The council has confirmed floor trams to replace the oldest cars in its fleet, although a financing journeys were made the progress of a business case it would ask the Scottish model is still to be decided. on Edinburgh Trams, for extension of the tramway to government to help fund Mr Kiltschko said: “Our capital UK, during its first year Newhaven, Ocean Terminal, the the project, if approved by must develop if it is to become a Aof operation – some 370 000 foot of Leith Walk or MacDonald councillors. Other funding fully European city. As part of this, ahead of the pre-launch target. Road. Further work is being sources include EU finance, we need modern trams to provide The tramway has also surpassed carried out, including a formal private investment, or using funds ecological, comfortable and revenue targets set out in its market consultation, testing and from a City Deal bid. The Scottish futuristic public transport.” business model by around 3%. auditing of the financial model National Party-controlled Sunshine Coast allocates Concessionary card holders and an investigation of funding government has indicated money for LRT study account for 10.9% of passengers, options, ahead of a final decision it would be happy to meet A route between Maroochydore within the City of Edinburgh in autumn. councillors to discuss funding, and Caloundra will be investigated Council’s budget for free travel. Extension cost estimates but had no plans to contribute. for Australia’s proposed Sunshine The line has received a 95% are GBP144.7m (EUR204m) Tom Norris, Director and Coast LRT scheme, following a overall customer satisfaction to Newhaven, GBP126.6m General Manager of Edinburgh consultation process. The idea rating following a UK-wide (EUR179m) to Ocean Terminal Trams has stepped down to is to form a ‘spine’ supported by bus services, in an area forecast survey by Passenger Focus and and GBP78.7m (EUR111m) to take on a senior operations role to grow faster than anywhere currently operates with 99% Leith Walk. The MacDonald at ScotRail operator Abellio. else in Queensland. Some 87% service reliability. In 2014 the Road option has been indicated Mr Norris led the Edinburgh of respondents supported the service contributed 3m new to be unviable. If the line was Trams team through the period council’s light rail investigation. passengers to the Transport for fully extended to Newhaven, it is immediately before operations Some AUD750 000 has been Edinburgh group with Lothian believed ridership would almost commenced and the first full allocated in Sunshine Coast Buses also carrying an extra double predictions for 2027, with year of operations. Recruitment Council’s budget this year to 3m more than in 2013. up to 18.7m journeys per year. for the post has begun. investigate the proposals further. Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said: “Light rail is a transport option that has the potential to support the lifestyle Hiroshima marks bombing anniversary of our residents now and into the future – one that benefits Bogie tram 653, built by the community, protects our Kinami in 1942 and one of environment and helps to ensure a the system’s 10% of trams vibrant economy”. to survive the 1945 atomic CRRC: ‘No plans to acquire bomb attack, was restored to Bombardier assets’ operational condition and its The merger of CSR and CNR wartime blue and grey livery to create the combined rolling in order to carry residents to a stock builder CRRC, valued at ceremony at the Atomic Bomb USD130bn, was achieved on 7 Dome on 13 June. June. Former CNR Chairman Cui Dianguo is the new Chairman, Amongst those invited was while former CSR Chairman Zheng 85-year old Sachiko Masuno, Changhong and President Liu a female survivor who worked Hualong became vice-chairmen. on the trams during the CNR President Xi Guohua was closing months of World War named President of CRRC. Two. Monitors inside the tram Referring to rumours that the show documentary footage new conglomerate was eyeing a bid for Bombardier’s rail assets, of 6 August, the day the bomb Hiroshima 653 repainted in its original wartime livery to mark 70 years since the was dropped, and the next few CRRC told the Shanghai stock atomic bomb attack on the city. K. Hadashino exchange on 29 June claiming it months of tramway operation had no such ambitions: “At present, in the shattered city. August on a round trip from only with 25 places on each neither (CRRC) nor its subsidiaries The restored tram (out of Hiroshima station at 10.30 departure; call +81 82 222 1155 have any plans to acquire rail service since 2006) will operate and 14.00, passing the Dome. for bookings (weekdays only). assets from Bombardier.” at weekends in July and The trips are by reservation The is JPY500 (EUR3.70).

Brookville to build Detroit trams, with off-wire capacity The planned order for Inekon trams, with battery power Delivery of the trams is trams predicted last month providing off-wire capability. scheduled to start in the did not happen, as on 8 June Detroit cited Brookville’s third quarter of 2016. M-1 Rail, the private company success in building similar It is understood that M-1 building the 5.3km (3.3-mile) vehicles, although its only new Rail was concerned at the Woodward Avenue tramway in products have been the two delays that Seattle has Detroit, announced a USD32m Liberty cars delivered to Dallas experienced in obtaining contract with Brookville in April-May. About 60% of the delivery of its Inekon trams Equipment Corp. for six 20.3m Detroit line, including the depot, and decided at a late stage to Brookville Liberty low-floor cars are double-ended 70% low-floor will be wire free. choose the Brookville product. already in service in Dallas. V. Simons

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 303 News Politicians seek new funding for Andalucía’s ‘closed’ tramways Vélez-Málaga and Jaén mayors look to funding solutions to provide tram services

he new socialist mayor of unused and unmaintained for the Spanish city of Vélez- three years, requiring substantial Málaga said in June that efforts to repair damage caused he hopes to announce to the track and overhead wires Tthe resumption of tram service by lack of use and poor weather on the line to Torre del Mar conditions, his office confirmed. this summer. The decision was The tram fleet in use until announced in the first days three years ago is now complete that followed Antonio Moreno with the return of the CAF-built Ferrer assuming office, after cars leased to Sydney in 2013 the former Partido Popular (PP) after just 17 months in Australia. administration had declared that The Vélez-Málaga line was the service was “economically the first modern tramway in unsustainable without the Andalucía, but closed in June participation of the Junta de 2012 after just six years due to Andalucía regional government.” dwindling passenger demand In a statement, Mr Ferrer said: and the city authority’s inability Following 17 months in Australia, the 31m CAF Urbos trams leased “We believe the tram to be an to fund operations in the wake of to Sydney returned to Vélez-Málaga in late 2014. Tim Boxsell ecological transport service, the economic crisis. in accordance with the kind Meanwhile, Jaén Mayor Jose of town we want to build,” but Enrique Fernandez has called never saw passenger service due the EUR120m line could not was reluctant to give a date for a stakeholder meeting to unaffordable operating costs. generate sufficient revenue for re-opening of the 4.6km in September to discuss the Although maintained ready to support operations and (2.9-mile) line that closed in possibility of opening the city’s for use throughout 2012, in 2013 announced that it was seeking 2012. The infrastructure is in 4.7km (three-mile) tramway built the city released the results of an interest in the sale of the system’s poor condition after remaining between 2009 and 2011 that independent audit that confirmed five AlstomCitadis trams. Southwest LRT cutbacks recommended

The Southwest Metro The cost-saving measures around 26km (16 miles); LRT extension between mean the cost of delivering construction could start in 2017, Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, the revised project is now with services running in 2020. US, will now only run as far estimated at USD1.74bn, some The Green line linking the as Southwest Station under USD250m less than previously Twin Cities of Minneapolis recommendations from the forecast. Local authorities and St Paul celebrated its advisory committee published have also agreed to seek ways first anniversary on 15 June. on 1 July. of increasing funding through The USD957m light rail The recommendations greater local contributions and corridor features 23 stops and would mean the planned federal match funding – the has carried more than St Paul Mayor Chris Coleman at the Mitchell Road station would previously approved estimate 11 million passengers in its celebrations for the first anniversary of not be built, and construction was USD1.65bn. first year, at times exceeding the Central Corridor service on 15 June. of Town Line station in Eden The extension of the Green 40 000 riders per day, the goal Metro Transit Prarie would be deferred. line is expected to run for projected for 2030.

Rekjavik plans for light rail by 2040 NEWS IN PICTURES A regional planning agreement system which will help passengers for the Icelandic capital of travel quickly and safely around NET Phase 2 nears Reykjavík and its surrounding the metropolitan area.” opening date communities, signed by all seven “If we continue to travel the From 27 June Nottingham municipalities on 29 June in way we do today, where 76% of Express Transit headways agreement with the Icelandic trips are made by car, we will be were increased on Road Administration, includes a in trouble,” said Hrafnkell. Saturdays 10.00-19.00 plan for a new light rail system to “It’s expected that in 2040, to a tram every seven minutes on each leg. These be constructed by 2040. 70 000 more people will live in headways will be extended The park-and-ride terminus of one of the new Regional planning manager the capital region. It’s necessary through to the new Clifton NET lines on 25 June, with only minor snagging Hrafnkell Á. Proppé told local that we anticipate the predicted and Chilwell lines once works remaining as system testing is underway. media: “We plan to build a population increase while they open. From here it is only a short distance to the fast light rail system which making sure car traffic doesn’t TAUT was invited on a proposed High Speed 2 station at Toton. TAUT operates within its own space increase at the same rate.” test run on travel the length independently from other traffic. Feasibility studies and initial of the line to Toton in late June, to the new park-and-ride side, and was told The city line will be a powerful planning are to be completed that services on the Phase 2 extensions would open in ‘the summer’. and environmentally-friendly in 2016.

304 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org London, 7 October 2015

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The 10th Annual UK Light Rail Nottingham’s new tramlines with a tour Cost-effective innovation to Beeston town centre. Much has been made worldwide – not least Conference in Nottingham Having started in 2005 as a single-day by the UK Government – in recent years of featured debate on industry event, the UK Light Rail Conference is now the need to drive down scheme costs, and held over two days – and even then delegates a report on progress with the UKTram-led innovation and key challenges have the choice of streamed sessions that run Low Impact Light Rail scheme to encourage and included a ‘sneak preview’ simultaneously. Two main themes formed cost-saving innovation was keenly awaited. of the extension to Beeston. the background for this year’s event: That project has been created in conjunction ‘Strategy, planning and finance’ and with the Department for Transport and the TAUT reports. ‘Technical and operational’. Technology Strategy Board (now Innovate In a video address, new UK Transport UK), using GBP3m (EUR4.2m) of funding. Minister responsible for light rail, Andrew Centro’s Metro and Sprint Programme nnovation and progress were clear Jones, described the conference as a “unique Director Paul Griffiths is leading for UKTram themes at the 10th Annual UK Light event that brings together the entire on the project; he explained at the Conference Rail Conference, held in Nottingham spectrum of the light rail and urban rail that after an initial assessment phase it on June 17-18. industry to drive forward open debate on the was now intended to push forward with An increasingly international major issues facing the industry.” further development and trials of schemes audienceI of delegates and exhibitors He claimed the view of light rail from the including a range of proposed modular from both every major system within the new Conservative administration elected in tracklaying systems.Other potentially cost- country, and around the world, participated May is “very, very simple. In three words, we saving innovations being studied include in a wide variety of topics and debates, support it: it’s a no-brainer.” a new approach to the simplified design of from an analysis of off-wire systems to Mr Jones referred in particular to light overhead line, a method for speeding up rail the perspectives for ‘big data’, lightweight rail’s popularity and potential for repair, a simulation to help improve energy vehicles, and new track designs. They were regeneration – however the Harrogate and efficiency, and a process for optimising track also given an honest overview of the current Knaresborough Member of Parliament also renewals. See News for more details and the standing of the UK’s delayed tram-train said there was a need to “accept that light full list of projects being taken through to the pilot programme from scheme promoters rail would not work in every city and every demonstration phase of the competition. Network Rail, as well as being able to take town across the UK. It’s not the most effective Catenary-free operation has become a an exclusive pre-opening ride on one of solution everywhere.” major topic in recent years, and SYSTRA’s

306 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: Hervé Mazzoni of consultant SYSTRA gave a fascinating overview of current catenary-free tramway sysems. RIGHT: Delegates were given the opportunity to ride Nottingham's soon to open line to Beeston town centre in a special tour organised by Tramlink Nottingham and Nottingham Trams.

Tramway Product Line Manager Hervé anticipating the effects of network conditions the expected GBP4.2m (EUR5.9m) cost of Mazzoni gave an overview of the positives on journeys, customers can be informed, creating a demonstrator vehicle that could and negatives to ground-based off-wire better journey planning tools provided, be running as soon as next year. power technologies offered by Alstom and travel on multiple modes can be made The design for the demonstrator (APS), Ansaldo (Tramwave) and Bombardier simpler. There are also potential efficiencies incorporates a modular body and self- (Primove), as well as onboard energy storage to be made through sharing of costs. propelled , the aim being to create an solutions from Siemens, CAF and Bombardier. Commenting on rapid urbanisation and 18m-long vehicle weighing less than Although wire-free systems are a the parallel of the rapid development of 18 tonnes and costing GBP500 000 prominent part of some recently constructed rail networks in the Gulf states, Mr Howell (EUR700 000). Such a railcar can also be networks – and with many more schemes said: “Building more and more lines is just developed as a candidate for replacement under development looking at adoption of not an option in Europe. We don’t have the of heavy rail trains such as the unloved the technology for either part or all of their space, we don’t have the funds to do it… we and increasingly aged ‘Pacer’ rolling stock systems – Mr Mazzoni cautioned that going have to find a way of managing our systems running on many UK lines. catenary-free brings disadvantages as well more efficiently. That [passenger] demand There was also an update on an area of as advantages. Ground level equipment can on our systems has to be predicted, has to technology that has long been accepted cost up to EUR1.8m/km, he said, while if be managed, you have to incentivise people elsewhere, but which appears to be having the pantograph is retained, the fitting of away from peak travel times and offer them a difficult gestation in the UK: tram-train. additional onboard equipment for current choices they can trust. We have to integrate A progress report with the late-running collection could add EUR300 000 per vehicle. our knowledge and communicate that Sheffield – Rotherham pilot scheme was Other potential downsides are reduced knowledge to those people who need it. given by Network Rail’s Head of Tram-Train vehicle acceleration, higher electricity supply “Data is already being gathered, but it is in Projects Simon Coulthard, and was followed bills, extra ongoing costs for the maintenance many cases unused and passengers will soon by a discussion of UK-specific difficulties of ground-based equipment, and the need for receive personalised, predictive, actionable that have caused the project to be delayed. more complex trackwork. intelligence that helps them avoid congestion Construction of the first vehicle by Vossloh is Mr Mazzoni also said that while Alstom before it’s even begun to happen.” expected to allow its delivery later this year, has recently provided for compatibility Asked about potential competition from and tram-trains are to run over the existing with other vehicles for its APS system and global organisations like Google moving into Supertram network in 2016. However, it is Ansaldo has pledged the same for Tramwave, the transport industry, he concluded: “We now expected to be the year after that when a reliance on proprietary systems can “make would have been laughed at just five years services to Rotherham begin. more difficult or impossible the purchase of ago if we said that we thought Google was a vehicles made by other manufacturers”. competitor, but it certainly are – and they’ve The big utilities debate An exciting vision of a future with better- got very deep pockets and high influence A further topic that will be all-too familiar informed passengers, more effective crisis at all levels, including government. They to those involved with the development of and asset management and the convenience don’t necessarily understand the things we street-running tramway schemes was that on of a ‘single mobility account’ was outlined understand, as we’ve been doing this for 40 the disruption and cost of diverting essential by Martin Howell from Cubic Transportation years, about payment and public transport utilities as part of tramway construction. Systems. Mr Howell was explaining the huge and how those work together, but they’re A panel debate on this topic was chaired by opportunities represented by ‘big data’ – read learning pretty fast.” former UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of more on the concept and how it is applicable State Norman Baker, who began be declaring to transport operators in TAUT 922 – and Reducing weight – and cost that this was one his key areas of focus in reminded delegates of the success of the A particular aspect of technical development his time leading the Department for contactless bank card payment systems already that has raised UK industry interest is Transport’s light rail division. up and running in Chicago and London. the prospect of lighter weight and more Following a fascinating discussion on Challenges, he said, include dealing with economical rail vehicles – and delegates had when to divert utilities and when not to, and the amount of data coming from all sources the opportunity to hear about progress by the looking at the various issues of responsibility, and networks, managing privacy, and that Revolution Very Light Railcar consortium. the panel came to a consensus on two even ‘real time’ information is becoming The consortium was granted GBP1.6m important issues. Firstly, David Rumney, part insufficient. A clearer insight can come (EUR2.3m) under the ‘Future Railway’ of a UKTram working group on the issue, by moving to “predictive analytics”: by scheme in 2014, the money going towards emphasised the importance of maintaining

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 307 UK Light Rail Conference

LEFT: A packed room heard Edinburgh Trams' General Manager Tom Norris describing the tricky act of winning over doubters in the Scottish capital.

TOP: Former UK Transport Minister, Norman Baker, led a lively debate on whether or not to divert utilities for new street-running tram alignments.

ABOVE: Leading consultants discussed overseas LRT opportunities and strategies to access new markets such as and the Middle East. good relationships with all parties. Progress around the globe He explained that the projects that he has “We need to remember With the modern light rail revolution been involved with that have gone the most continuing, expansion was once again a core smoothly are when the various stakeholders that there is a logical source of discussion. A range of presentations were enagaged as early on in the project explained progress – not least on close to as possible, and in as much detail as possible. approach to this issue home Nottingham Express Transit (NET). Enagagement ‘on equal terms’ was key to this [of utility diversion]… sort Councillor Jane Urquhart (Nottingham process, he suggested. City Council’s lead for NET) described how Neil Bayley from National Grid added: the technical issues out the city’s tramway is supporting investment “I can understand promoters’ frustration now and economic growth, as well as giving as most utilities have sold various networks first, then deal with the background on the expansion programme’s so I can imagine the frustration is in knowing funding. This includes innovative sources who to contact… I don’t think that’s going to politics and the costings such as the Workplace Parking Levy that change as more networks are likely to be sold complement around 65% of the project off as time goes on. One thing I would add and all the rest of it.” cost that came from central government. though is that for us as a utilities provider, The Nottingham politician also highlighted diversion is a last option. We would rather ANDY STEEL, INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT the ambitions for further NET expansion, protect our apparatus every time because whether that be heading south of Clifton, it’s a cost that we don’t want to incur.” the Croydon system is dealing with this reaching out to the proposed High Speed 2 Andy Steel, an independent consultant issue – and spoke of how obsolescence comes line, or introducing tram-train. with experience on tramway schemes both in in two forms: firstly, as situations change Another UK system undergoing expansion the UK and overseas summarised the debate what was created may become unsuitable is : by the time the well: “We need to remember that there is for current conditions; and secondly that latest in the current series of lines is finished a logical approach to this issue… sort the equipment manufacturers may no longer in 2017, Metrolink will have undergone nearly technical issues out first, then deal with the support certain pieces of equipment. a decade of continuous growth – and the politics and the costings and all the rest of it.” On Tramlink, she said, “we have many country’s largest light rail network once again Innovation was not confined to the lecture challenges on a day-to-day basis, but featured prominently in the conference. halls, as on show in the exhibition area probably our biggest business risk is actually Chris Coleman, Managing Director delegates had the chance to see the latest obsolescence and technological survival.” of the system’s operator Metrolink RATP developments, from track and overhead line Having opened in 2000, South London’s Dev and Peter Jones, Technical Director systems, crossing systems to a composite tramway is now based on 20-year-old of construction consortium MPT, talked lightweight design of handrail intended as technology. Part of the engineers’ remit their audience through the delivery of the a possible alternative to the metal versions on the 28km (17-mile) system is ‘obsolescence Manchester line. This project opened currently commonplace. management’ – and Tramlink uses in 2014 – a year earlier than previously both proactive and reactive measures. intended, and ahead of budget. Managing obsolescence In an attempt to reduce future problems, The project encompasses 14.5km (nine A flipside of technical progress is for example, the network’s new tram miles) of new infrastructure that includes 15 obsolescence, a subject that many of the management system is an ‘open system’. new fully-accessible stops and major highway new-generation tramways that opened Ms Thompson described obsolescence improvements. It has also involved pushing around the turn of the 21st Century are as “inevitable” and added that, “if it’s two 580-tonne bridges over the M56 and M60 now having to deal with. London Tramlink not to catch us unawares we really do motorways, as well as creating a multi-span Director Sharon Thompson explained how need to manage it.” bridge across a site of biological interest.

308 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Mott MacDonald Leaders in Light Rail

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ABOVE: Mariana Kajen, Managing Director (Middle ABOVE: Delegates were given a striking overview ABOVE: Transport operator Keolis hosted the East) of North Star Consultancy outlined some of of the safety and security challenges of the Jerusalem networking dinner, with UK CEO Alistair Gordon the exciting light and urban rail projects currently tramway by that system's Chief Technical Officer giving a warm welcome to guests and explaning his underway in the Gulf. Simcha Ohrenstein 'pride' in the UK's contribution to the global industry.

The Welsh capital of Cardiff does not have vandalism are a small part of the potential Safety related topics included a talk light rail – but it could have, if ideas outlined problem, he said, “the larger issue is the by Office of Rail and Road Deputy Chief by advisor to the Welsh Government Mark terrorist threat.” Inspector David Keay that covered the Barry of an inspirational multi-modal Transport, Ohrenstein contended “was role of the inspectorate under the UK’s network come to fruition. While no final always a favourite target” for terrorists - and Railways and Other Guided Transport decisions have yet been made, Mr Barry pointed to reasons that include the media Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006; an explained the case for a ‘metro’ mix of heavy coverage that such attacks generate, that mass explanation of UKTram’s Tramway Accident rail electrification, light rail and improved transport is difficult to secure and has quick and Incident Reporting (TAIR) Database bus services for the Cardiff and South and easy access, and that it is impossible from the organisation’s General Manager Wales region, and looked at progress on the to screen every passenger. What is more, James Hammett; a description of how the idea until now; Cardiff is one of the fastest successful attacks breed further similar ones, interfaces between trams and other road growing cities in the UK - and its population as a string of them have shown in places such traffic has been managed in Edinburgh from is expected to rise from around 350 000 as Madrid, London or Mumbai (Bombay). the city council’s Alasdair Sim; a module on today to more than 400 000 in 2026. Jerusalem’s response to the threat is a wide- Competence Management by David Nicholls Structural topics under examination ranging one that takes as its starting point (HSQE Director of KeolisAmey Docklands) included the potential prospects for light rail Israel’s national security concept. Among and Mike Rafferty (of Cuerden Consulting); under the UK’s planned further devolution other aspects, careful design – such as tram and an explanation of Ian Rowe Associates’ of powers to its regions – something many windows designed to be able to withstand the Tram-Pro simulator from Director Ian Rowe. observers have welcomed – as well as an impact of stones being thrown – is combined Away from the conference halls, and in explanation of potential concession models. with the flexible deployment of security addition to the tram ride to the Beeston However projects under the microscope forces throughout the system. Plus, while the Interchange, delegates were invited to take were not limited to those in the UK. Others public part of the network remains ‘open’, part in a celebratory dinner held on the included Utrecht ( – also see the depot is ‘closed’ and protected – with the evening of the first day hosted by Keolis. page 319), rail projects across the Gulf Co- additional benefits that vehicles do not suffer The welcome was given by Keolis UK Chief operation Countries that total well in excess from vandalism or graffiti. Executive Alistair Gordon. of USD130bn, and Aarhus (Denmark) - which has become an outlet for UK expertise. David Steele, SYSTRA’s Head of Light Rail EXHIBITORS Scandinavia, explained how in Aarhus 12km (7.5 miles) of new track and the rebuilding of Cubis Industries 4km (2.5 miles) will help create 110km (68 Findlay Irvine miles) on Denmark’s first light rail project. Global Green Composites Some GBP350m (EUR491m) of investment Ian Rowe Associates is going in and the city centre should have INIT a 7.5min service frequency when the line Klüber Lubrication opens in 2017. Mainspring Mott MacDonald Security, safety Pre-Cast Advanced Track (PCAT) Jerusalem’s light rail system faces clearly up Pfisterer to a problem that creates risk for any open Rosehill Rail transport network: terrorism. STRAIL (UK) Chief Technical Officer Simcha Ohrenstein Sustraco – Ultra Light Rail Participants in this year's Conference trialled a explained how the city’s 14km (nine-mile) SYSTRA special smartcard system supplied by INIT and Tramways & Urban Transit (TAUT) tramway has been designed with security similar to that already in use on Nottingham's trams. in mind from the start, and the principles Thermit Welding behind the methods used to keep the Balfour Beatty Rail Technologies Trelleborg Birmingham Centre of Railway Research and network secure. Transport Technologie-Consult (TTK) Education Turner & Townsend Mr Ohrenstein outlined some of the BMT Reliability Consultants UKTram challenges in TAUT in January 2013 (901), CIRAS Ultra Electronics PMES but expanded with a further two years’ Colas Rail WMG Centre HVM Catapult experience. Explaining that violence and

310 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org UKTram is the trade body for Light Rail & Guided Transport Systems in the British Isles. We represent and work with modern and heritage tramways, light railways, metros, ULR and PRT systems, including: • System operators • Maintainers of infrastructure and rolling stock • Passenger Transport Executives • Local Transport Authorities, City, Town & County Councils • Concessionaires • Manufacturers and trade suppliers • Industry advisors and experts

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

Events and Activities: UKTram provides support for members and a network with quarterly meetings for all its groups, along with best practice days and Light Rail Summits. UKTram is represented within RSSB, VDV, CEN/CENELEC and UITP. Updates and developments, as well as working groups for our activities, will be circulated to relevant member groups and can be found on our website.

Current workstreams include: Low Impact Light Rail competition • Reviewing RSP2 • Working Group 3A – Guidance on non-motorised crossings • Tram-Train learning report • Government lobbying • Top 10 future systems • HS2 Connectivity Plan • National Tram Accident & Incident Reporting Database (T.A.I.R.) • New tramcar safety verification document • Non-metro EN signalling standard study group • DC protection testing best practice • Light Rail test fleet • Ultra Light Rail demonstrator development • Door trap incident analysis • Best practice and development days • Tram horn audibility guidance • Trailing bogie derailment detection • Tramway & cycle interfaces

• UKTram focuses on areas and topics, chosen by its members for the benefit of the whole industry. • Our philosophy is the more we work together, the more we will achieve. • We want all our members to value their membership as much as we value theirs.

“UKTram specifically and the industry as a whole really value events such as the UK Light Rail Conference as they offer a great platform for open debate on the critical issues facing the industry. The growth of the exhibition and the addition of the new Innovation Zone show any doubters that light rail is here to stay and can present itself in a way that is second to none. Here’s to next years event.” Colin Robey, Managing Director, UKTram www.uktram.co.uk UITP World Congress “WITHOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT, BIG CITIES OF THE FUTURE WILL BECOME UNLIVABLE.” Although promising steps have been made, the main discussion points at the 61st UITP World Congress centred on increasing public transport’s market share, harnessing new technologies and more customer-centric approaches.

oing more with less. That was the message for public transport given to the 2200-strong audience by outgoing UITP President Sir Peter Hendy, DCommissioner of Transport for London, at the 61st UITP World Congress and Exhibition in Milan. “It’s the rallying cry of our time,” Mr Hendy said. “We can call on decision-makers to give us more support, but ultimately we have to pry ourselves away from depending too much on public funds. We have to find new models to pay for public transport, ABOVE: UITP General Secretary Alain Flausch. UITP and talking constantly with the business community is going to be vital.” Flausch told an audience of participants from other places are not going to be nice places to Adding that the future for public transport 83 countries that very promising progress be. Something has to be done. was bright, Hendy added: “We are the people had been made in cities such as Oslo, London But whatever the future, mass transit is the who create growth, we are the people who and Paris – which have increased public solution for normal cities that do not have create jobs, we are the people who make transport’s modal share by at least 10% since significant suburban sprawl. Heavy metros cities more competitive and productive.” 2009 – while cities such as , and and trains that can transport large numbers This mood was echoed by many sectors, Rome have reversed a decline. The situation of people will make the difference here.” seeking to unify both rail and road in closer in developing nations is less encouraging, Masaki Ogata is taking over the role of harmony: modes must work together to however, due to increasing availability UITP President from Mr Hendy, and is the reduce the reliance on private automobiles of cheap combustion-engined personal first President from Asia and only the second at a time when the population densities of transport and minimal governmental non-European in the association's 130-year major cities around the world are set to reach measures to manage this growth. history to hold the position. Ogata has been crippling levels. A wider societal and economic shift Vice-President of the organisation since 2013 Those living in urban centres in 2014 requires the control of urban sprawl and and Vice-Chairman of Japanese heavy rail accounted for 54% of the world’s total better spatial planning, rather than just the operator JR East since 2012. population – up from 34% in 1960 – and provision of good quality public transport the shift towards denser urban living is alone, he said: “Our strategy to double the Technology as an enabler of growth continuing at a rate of around 1.5% market share of public transport worldwide Responding to the rapidly-changing per year, meaning that 70% of the world’s by 2025 is about cities… our data shows requirements of the modern passenger also citizens could be living in cities by 2030. that cities with a higher public transport needs to be high on the agenda for both For these cities to continue to prosper, the market share use less of their urban space transport operators and local and national audience heard, mass transit and more for transport. This space can then be used authorities, with ‘smart’ technologies sustainable modes need to develop in line for recreational as well as economically- reaching maturity and becoming part of with populations to cater for the growth. productive functions. everyday life for millions. Taking its part UITP’s PTx2 initiative, which aims to “We are going to continue to push for this within the ‘Internet of Things’, transport is double public transport’s market share by because I am scared for the next generation. becoming much more of a commodity, the 2025, highlighted many of these themes and Without these changes big cities will become audience heard, and operators need to adapt. was referred to in an opening plenary address unlivable. Life in places like Mexico City and One area of innovation that had the by UITP General Secretary, Alain Flausch. Mr São Paulo is going to be difficult, and many exhibition halls buzzing was the idea of

312 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: The 61st UITP Congress saw participants from 83 countries, all united to drive sustainable transport solutions for the 21st Century. UITP LEFT: Outoging UITP President Sir Peter Hendy. UITP

‘whole journey’ booking and payment cost) savings would be made through “We can call on decision- facilities. New Trapeze CEO Peter Schneck closer integration of project teams in the told TAUT enthusiastically of the idea of a early design phases to ensure that alignments makers to give us more ‘transport concierge’ service – effectively a are finalised and any utility diversions are system that allows you to book a door-to-door addressed at an early stage to allow for an support, but ultimately we service anywhere on the planet, and one uninterrupted construction programme, that ‘held your hand’ along every step of the he added. Although some aspects of the have to pry ourselves away journey through a simple-to-navigate app. package are still to be finalised, Alstom from depending too much “We need to be thinking smarter to look after believes that it will be able to start offering the passenger,” he said. Atractis as a turnkey package before the on public funds. We have Advances in contactless payment systems end of the year. and GPS location allow for passengers to Another highlight of the Alstom stand was to find new models to pay even travel without a ‘ticket’ as electronic the unveiling of its new SRS static recharging systems and onboard readers will know system, based upon lessons learnt through for public transport, and which modes you are using and ensure that application of its APS (alimentation par le sol) you are only charged for the exact route ground-level power supply networks. talking constantly with travelled. This idea of a ‘single travel account’ Yet while APS supplies power to the tram was also a feature of Cubic's presentation, while moving, the SRS concept uses roof- the business community is but such developments would require a great mounted supercapacitors that are charged deal of trust on behalf of the passenger that via a section of conductor rail at each stop in going to be vital.” their data, especially bank or credit card as little as 20 seconds. Fed by the same radio information, is transmitted securely between switching technology and using the same SIR PETER HENDY, UITP PRESIDENT themselves and the operator. retractable collector shoes, with SRS compact Harnessing technology to reduce cost, power supply cabinets can be integrated into BELOW: The NTL (formerly Translohr) Prime construction times and provide better the stop’s design. promises construction costs of around EUR10m/km mobility options for all was something and a ground occupancy of 5m for a twin-line showcased by Alstom with its new scalable Emerging markets – and tram builders system with turning radii of just 10.5m for tight ‘Attractis’ turnkey tramway package. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority used city curves. TAUT Alstom Transport President Henri the Congress to announce further growth Poupart-Lafarge told TAUT that start-to- of its rail-based infrastructure. Mattar Al finish construction time for a new 12km Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman (7.5-mile) tramway capable of transporting of the board of executive directors lauded between 6000 and 14 000 passengers per the success of Dubai’s groundbreaking metro hour/per direction could be reduced to as and tramway systems, saying that it was the little as 30 months, with a 20% reduction in agency’s ambition to extend the metro to overall costs through its integrated approach 100km (62 miles) by 2020, 200km (124 miles) and adoption of proven solutions. This would by 2025 and more than double that to 421km make light rail an option for more cities (261.6 miles) by 2030. constrained by costs and looking instead at The RTA aims to raise the share of public BRT solutions, he added. transport trips in the emirate to 20% in Attractis is labelled as effectively a the next five years and raise that further ‘tramway in a box’ and brings together the to 30% by 2030. Harnessing technology firm’s existing Citadis tram family, Appitrack and bringing together modes into an automated slab track tracklaying, HESOP integrated network, this also included the regenerating substation technology and opportunities made possible by driverless overhead or ground-level power supplies to cars, Al Tayer added. optimise each element for a quicker design Many conversations at the Congress were and build time. The real time (and therefore dominated by the agglomeration of Chinese

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 313 UITP World Congress

ABOVE: Alstom unveiled two innovations, one for reducing tramway construction ABOVE: The highlight of Bombardier’s stand was a full-size mock up of the times and costs and the other (above) for power supply from static charging. Alstom cab of one of its latest deliveries – the Flexity for , . TAUT

rolling stock manufacturers and what that financing and construction. With large only be a matter of time before a European may also mean for the market. workforces and assembly plants, the speed city chose CRRC as a supplier, providing One senior source from a major European- with which new vehicle platforms and the a first vital foothold in the world’s largest based tram builder told TAUT that the latest technologies could reach customers LRT market. “In the past we had two giant challenges from the newly-formed CRRC from the design stage was also going to companies fighting it out amongst themselves Corporation – the merger of China’s two put established suppliers under pressure to for a share of the export market – now we have rail giants was finalised on 1 June – lies in innovate and form new strategies to stay one big one, and they have huge resources at its strength to not only supply trams and ahead of the curve. their disposal and very deep pockets.” metro cars at a lower cost than their more Asking not to be named, the source said established western counterparts, but also that aggressive export strategies would see The next edition is to be held in Montreal in thatHepworth its technology Rail ad 2015 will 130x185mm.qxp_Layoutbe packaged in 1success 28/11/2014 in emerging 09:11 marketsPage 1 such as Africa, May 2017 under the new name of ‘Global Public state-supported projects that also include Latin and South America, and that it would Transport Summit’. Replacing or Refurbishing? Take a look at Hepworth Rail International’s range of wiper systems specifically designed for the locomotive, light rail vehicle and EMU/DMU markets. Top quality compact systems ... for a great price! The systems have the same high quality and technical specifications and innovations already seen in the industry worldwide and will provide the best option when looking to replace existing pneumatic or older, less efficient systems with a proven, reliable, rail compliant electric system.

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314 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Comment ISSUES OF OBSOLESCENCE No-one wants to back the Betamax solution, and services have to be maintained in the face of tight budgets and increasingly ageing equipment – what’s an operator to do? Howard Johnston probes a little deeper…

o sooner has anything been made, it’s on the way to become an expensive annoyance because through services could becoming out of date. While the news headlines in not run to and from adjoining towns due to total incompatibility. this magazine are inevitably stolen by discussion of the The final nail in the coffin was when the Lorain company went N latest policy decisions, new routes and new vehicles, bust, and the inability to obtain spare parts was a good reason to the day job for managers and operators the world over is the close the system altogether. running of efficient services once the honeymoon period is over. Moving forward 100 years, London Tramlink’s Director Sharon Since the birth of tramways, the biggest challenges have Thompson was speaking for colleagues around the world in arisen because insufficient funds have been set aside for the Nottingham when she explained that one of her biggest business replacement of obsolete equipment or upgrades to meet changes risks is obsolescence and technological survival. The challenge, in legislation. In short, technological innovation is synonymous she says, is keeping passengers moving while replacing the assets, on the other hand with incompatibility. The kit that was great which therefore requires precise management. in 1985 and is still in front line service should by rights have Because it sometimes takes five years from planning to gone into the skip some time ago. It may or may not be broken or commissioning, many items are in fact further down the road of worn out, but how will services be ageing than is often imagined. It is maintained while it is inspected crucial to have knowledge of all assets and possibly replaced? down to the last nut and bolt, listing There are analogies in ordinary all that are no longer suitable or life. No matter how reliable a liable to fail. This is against the same 15-year-old motor car is, drivers backdrop that manufacturers can no feel uncomfortable being seen at longer readily supply components. It the wheel. Mobile phones that can be a shock to learn that a new cab aren’t ‘smart’ belong in museums, for a tram caught in a severe collision televisions that don’t have flat might cost seven figures – as much or screens are now an embarrassment, more than the entire vehicle cost in as are computers that can’t handle the first place. The consequences of super-fast broadband. street-located electrical substations Given the level of capital cannot be contemplated, nor getting investment every time change support for computers powered by is necessary, transport operators MSDos or Windows 95. don’t have the luxury of such 1500 Series trams still provide one of the best ways to travel in Milan, Ms Thompson proffered some whimsy, unless it’s a disaster (there often providing a better ride than their modern counterparts! I. Fisher splendid nuggets of advice. If have been instances of complete equipment works, it’s sometimes best fleet replacement after less than a “Since the birth of tramways, the to leave it alone. Keep hold of the decade). Not so in , however, original drawings as if they are the where the decision to construct biggest challenges have arisen Magna Carta, because it’s a nightmare Peter Witt-style trams proved a if they get mislaid. Reclaim as many wise one for the Azienda Tranviaria because insufficient funds have materials and spares as possible Municipale in Milan. More than a from defective machinery, and fifth of a fleet of 500 constructed in been set aside for the remember that if the main supplier the late 1920s and early 1930s are has long gone to the wall (or perhaps still in service today (albeit after replacement of obsolete not), small firms can copy minor some extensive refurbishment), and components – often quickly, easily, there seems no reason why they equipment or upgrades to meet and sometimes more cheaply. If you should not celebrate their centenary. are able to stock up, there will even be Less visionary, as was explained changes in legislation.” occasions when manufacturers want in detail at the UK Light Rail to buy some of their parts back. Conference at Nottingham in June, are the French systems that In the North East of England, the Tyne & Wear Metro serving enthusiastically adopted the alimentation par le sol (APS) concept, Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland has a raft of challenges with using ground-level power supplies to free their cities of overhead some of its operations on shared railway alignments that have wires. Apart from general reliability and a broad disregard of structures dating back to 1839, signalling and train control systems efficiency issues, they are now stuck with 20-year-old technology that are now 40, and vehicles so venerable that they have just had to and dependence on a single manufacturer. As speaker Hervé receive a “75%” life overhaul. Mazzoni warned: “It’s like signing a 100-year marriage with no As Brian Wilson, Head of Engineering, pointed out, a stripdown prospect of a divorce, no matter how much you dislike your partner.” of the vehicle fleet to the bare shells at Wabtec’s works at Doncaster It seems that we never learn. Although stories of horses revealed extensive corrosion. dropping dead from electrocution in the early 20th Century The Metro’s unsung hero however is Radio Ron. No technology seem to have been somewhat exaggerated, Wolverhampton problem, however old the equipment is, defeats Ron... City Council’s decision to adopt the Lorain stud-contact system TAUT Publisher Howard Johnston has over 40 years working experience (electromagnets rose from under the street when a tram passed in the public transport arena. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of over them) was a major disappointment. After 20 years it had Transport and was the Editor of Tramways & Urban Transit from 1995-2010.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 315 Atlanta STREETCARS RETURN TO ATLANTA At the end of December 2014 the City of Atlanta finally opened its modern streetcar circulator, just in time to fulfil various promises made by the Mayor. The system is not without its issues, but Vic Simons visited the city in May to report on early operations and plans for the future.

tlanta is the State Capital and LEFT: Atlanta largest city in the US State of Streetcar 1001 during a Georgia. The city proper has a at Centennial Olympic Park in the population of around 400 000 north-west corner of but is part of a total population the current loop. ofA around five million in the surrounding Metropolitan Area – the ninth largest RIGHT: Siemens conurbation in the US. S70 1001 arriving at Planning for the first streetcars began after the Peachtree Center the American Civil War ended in 1865 as in central Atlanta on the city had been destroyed by fire and was 19 May. This stop is a rapidly being rebuilt. The first horse-drawn short walk from the streetcar lines were incorporated in 1872 and Five Points MARTA lasted until electrification, which took place station that forms gradually between 1895 and the early years of the main hub of the MARTA subway. the 20th Century. There had been a number of conversions from horse to steam power All images by Vic using small locomotives – electrification Simons, 19 May 2015 swept these away too. Electric streetcar service finally succumbed to motorbuses or in 1949; the latter lasted until provision. A modern streetcar was seen as approximately USD17m signed in May 1963 before being replaced by diesel vehicles. the most suitable option, particularly in view 2011. Whilst largely built in – the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid of developments in other US cities where propulsion systems are manufactured at Transit Authority) was created by legislation streetcars were being either constructed as Siemens’ facility in Alpharetta, just north of in 1965 by the State of Georgia, yet it was feeders to the main LRT system, as in Dallas, Atlanta – and similar to S70 vehicles in use not until 1972 that MARTA was in a position or standalone systems such as those being on the Sugar House line in Salt Lake City, to purchase the assets of the existing bus built in Cincinnati and Kansas City. they have been further modified locally operation for around USD13m. As the name before delivery to Atlanta. Operating on implies it was always the expectation that a The streetcar makes a comeback standard gauge track with power drawn heavy rail metro-type operation would be The first line to be built was a 4.3km (2.7-mile) from the overhead at 750v DC, the 24.1m developed and the first section of the east- city circulator linking Centennial Olympic bi-directional, double-articulated streetcars west route opened in 1979. Park with the Martin Luther King Jr Historic are 70% low-floor with a powered truck at The metro continued to expand over the District, providing a connection to the each end and a central non-powered truck. next 30 years, resulting in two basic lines, one MARTA subway at Peachtree Center. The This gives a maximum operating speed of running east-west with the other running on 12-stop line operates on a single-track 56km/h (35mph), although in practice the a north-south alignment with its southern alignment in an anti-clockwise loop, while operational speeds are actually much lower. terminus at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta both sides of the loop are very close at When TAUT visited in May there was only International Airport. Each route splits into Woodruff Park where there is a crossover. The one car in service, taking around 40 minutes two branches. Although originally set up to car depot and maintenance centre is located to complete the loop, including a ten-minute provide service in the five counties making underneath the 12-lane I-75/I-85 freeway, break at the Centennial Olympic Park stop. up the metropolitan area, initially only and is linked to eastbound and westbound The USD92m (EUR82m) project is a two counties – DeKalb and Fulton – along tracks at Auburn and Edgewood Avenues. joint venture between the City of Atlanta with the city of Atlanta supported MARTA Four Siemens S70 LRVs have been acquired (USD32.6m), the Atlanta Downtown financially by means of a one-cent sales tax – for the service, under a contract worth Improvement District (ADID, USD6m) and thus MARTA generally only provided service in these counties. However, this situation changed in November 2014 when voters in Clayton County overwhelmingly approved a referendum to levy a one-cent sales tax to join MARTA by a 3-to-1 margin. On 21 March, MARTA launched bus service in Clayton County and the transit agency is seeking to introduce a high-capacity transit option in the county – such as or bus-rapid transit – over the next decade. By the early 21st Century the City of Atlanta realised that public transportation needed ABOVE: Locked-out ticket machines at Carnegie ABOVE: Rear entrance of the Streetcar depot something more, and looked to an LRT at Spring; no are currently charged for the and maintenance facility from Auburn Avenue solution to bolster the central core transport Streetcar, although a fixed USD1 fare is due next year. underneath the freeway.

316 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org MARTA. Additional funds came from TIGER management system not always recognising Ambitious future plans II grants totalling USD47.6m, and USD6.5m the presence of the streetcar, resulting in The system has great potential for growth, from the Atlanta Regional Commission. vehicles having to wait for two or three with political will to create a wider multi-line It was announced before the opening date cycles before being allowed to proceed. We 101km (63-mile) network with a core loop of 31 December 2014 that no fares would be saw this first-hand when on one trip the service linked to the Atlanta Beltline service charged for an initial three-month period, streetcar was held at signals near Woodruff and cross-city links. Although this is still in with a USD1 fare then collected through the Park for more than five minutes; surely this the planning stage, the prospect of growth city’s Breeze card. However on 31 March, sort of delay could be easily rectified by a is attracting widespread support and current Mayor Kasim Reed revealed that the fare- simple software modification. plans estimate that the full 101km (62.8- free period was to be extended until the There is also a problem with the education mile) double-tracked system – to be built in end of the year, citing that different, more of the automobile-driving public, with well- four construction segments – would cost in integrated technologies could better serve publicised service delays attributed to drivers the region of USD3.65bn. revenue collection duties. Speaking to local driving and parking poorly and obstructing Phase 1 is planned as a north-east – media, Mayor Reed said: “We should let the single-track alignment. Again, first-hand south-west alignment crossing the city to the the Atlanta Streetcar become a habit… experience showed us this as on one journey north of downtown with links to both ends I’m confident we can have an app that can of the existing loop. This 18km (11.3-mile) work better than the Breeze card.” “Development along the segment is projected to cost USD661m. Of course cynics could argue the only Phase 2 is planned to be three short reason such an operation currently attracts streetcar route is estimated stretches of track further extending the passengers (even though ridership is well Phase I build; the total distance is 12.6km below projections) is that no fares are charged to total USD840m in the (7.9 miles) at an estimated cost of USD497m. – on both trips taken by the author the cars Phase 3 is somewhat bigger, which provides were well loaded – but the city authorities five years since the for some infill and branches beyond the claim that the Streetcar is on track to meet its ring. This phase covers 24.5km (15.6 miles) 2015 budget even without the projected project’s inception.” and is estimated to cost just under USD1bn. USD300 000 in fare revenue. Regeneration The final 40km (25 miles) is the largest and development along the route is estimated we had to wait for over an hour for a streetcar phase, completing the ring and adding to total an impressive USD840m in the five to arrive, despite the advertised 30-minute further branches and estimated to cost years since the project’s inception. . The delay was caused by a car USD1.5bn. The operation appears not to be used parked across the track and it is understood The end result will be a dense streetcar to its full potential however, and TAUT that the police were involved in its removal. network, designed to aid regeneration of the understands that a shortage of qualified The frequency of this sort of incident could inner city. Other aspects include affordable operators has led to the current frequency be reduced by better marking of the tracks to housing, walking trails and dedicated green reduction – this in itself seems odd for a make them stand out from the remainder of spaces. Four separate tax districts have been system that has been open for six months. the roadway and harsher financial penalties set up to enable the local funding element, It is believed that the City, responsible for than the standard USD20 parking fine. although this will only cover a relatively operations, changed its driver certification Most of the above can be regarded as small proportion of the total costs, with the requirements at the last minute easily-fixed teething troubles, however, majority derived from federal sources. There is no signal priority at junctions. provided there is a management will to Funding is not yet in place and there are no This is exacerbated by the traffic rectify them. timescales for the phases, although there is

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 317 Atlanta

Carnegie Streetcar route Centennial at Spring Olympic Park Streetcar stop MARTA connection

MARTA Luckie at Cone Peachtree Center Express Bus

Woodruff Park Auburn at Piedmont Dobbs Plaza King Historic District

Park Place

Hurt Park Sweet Auburn Market Edgewood at Hilliard

a 2030 target for full completion. Given the MARTA operates a flat fare system using 60 years. Whilst a partner in the scheme, difficulties and delays associated with the the rechargeable Breeze card that can be used MARTA has been mandated by federal first small loop, it is difficult to believe that on both rail and the extensive bus network; regulators to provide oversight of the this date is anything but ambitious. there are entry and exit gates at all stations Streetcar for at least one year as part of an where there are ticket machines. Atlanta was intergovernmental agreement between the MARTA Subway the first city in the USA to 100% adopt stored agency and the City of Atlanta. After that time, The excellent heavy rail rapid transit system value cards in 2007, and according to MARTA the city is expected to assume full control of is now 79km (48 miles) long with 38 stations, the average farebox recovery is around 33% the Streetcar’s operations. In the meantime, and operates as four colour-coded routes with with the balance coming from the sales tax. MARTA continues to collaborate with the City two on each of the north-south and east-west MARTA rolling stock is made up of three to identify a fare collection system or protocol alignments. The biggest traffic objective here types: 120 cars were procured from Société that is better suited to the Streetcar. is the airport, located at the southern end of Franco-Belge (now Alstom) during the period Krisak became more animated when the north – south Red and Gold lines. 1978-82; a further 120 cars were supplied by talking about development plans for MARTA The Red line runs through the city to North Hitachi during the mid-1980s; the final batch rail services, explaining that three of the Springs; the Gold line shares its tracks as far as was delivered between 2001 and 2005 by seven corridors under examination are the Lindbergh Center stop where it diverges AnsaldoBreda. Cars from the first two batches progressing beyond the conceptual stage. The north-east to Doraville. The main east – west were refurbished at Alstom’s Hornell facility in Clifton corridor is planned as a light rail link route is the Blue line from Indian Creek to New York in the early years of the 21st Century between Lindbergh station on the Red/Gold Hamilton E. Holmes. This is supplemented in two deals worth around USD265m. lines, running tangentially south-east to the by the Green line which shares track from Trains generally operate in four- or six-car Blue line Avondale station and including the Edgewood/Candler Park to the east of the city formations although all station platforms recasting of bus services to feed the LRT link. to Ashby in the west where it diverges north- have been built to accommodate eight-car The second corridor under development is west to Bankhead. All alignments intersect at trains. The system uses automatic train an extension of the Red line subway alongside the subterranean Five Points station in the operation although each driving car has or in the median of the GA 400 freeway to heart of the city. MARTA operates 505 buses manual driving facilities, with 750v DC Windward Parkway. The I-20 East project on 91 routes and 338 railcars. current collection via the third rail. is more complex as it involves a heavy rail All lines run to ten-minute headways during extension of the Blue line from Indian Creek the Monday to Friday peak, reduced to every View from the top to Stonecrest Mall. From there, a direct BRT 12 minutes at midday and every 20 minutes Speaking to TAUT, MARTA’s Chief Operating route is planned to downtown Atlanta. in the evenings and at weekends. After 21.00 Officer Richard A Krisak acknowledged However, none of these projects can proceed the Red line operates only as a shuttle between “growing pains” with re-introducing without funding, explained Krisak, stating North Springs and Lindbergh where there is streetcars in a dense urban environment from that FTA grants (which provide up to 50% cross-platform transfer to the Gold line. which they had been absent for more than match funding) are becoming more difficult to obtain. The anticipated solution is to apply for federal TIGER grants, which can often require a greater local contribution. Although the issue is made more problematic by the State of Georgia’s refusal to fund public transport, Krisak remains upbeat about these projects. Summing up, whilst expressing concern about the ageing rail fleet – despite recent programmes, the older vehicles have less than 15 years life left in them – he remains positive about the future for transit in the city.

Thanks to Rick Krisak and Lyle Harris of MARTA.

MORE INFORMATION Public transport: www.itsmarta.com Metro car 609 at Lindbergh Center station. Atlanta Streetcar: streetcar.atlantaga.gov This is one of the latest deliveries, delivered Atlanta BeltLine: www.beltline.org by AnsaldoBreda between 2001 and 2005.

318 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Utrecht UTRECHT UITHOFLIJN: DEVELOPMENT AND CHALLENGES

Uithoflijn Project Manager Martijn Donders of Mott MacDonald explains the technical challenges in bringing a new low-floor tramline into the heart of one of 27 CAF Urbos trams have been ordered for the The Netherlands’ key science, research and technology parks. Uithoflijn project, with an option for a further 20-26 to eventually replace the city’s existing high-floor fleet.

trecht is the fourth-largest Science Park are reaching capacity with journey time of the longer route around city in The Netherlands with a ever-increasing passenger numbers, mainly the city centre was more attractive than the population of 330 000. It has students. Bus line 28 runs through the shorter route through the older streets. But operated a single 20km (12-mile) crowded city and line 12 runs around as passenger numbers continued to grow, high-floor tramline since the the historic centre, partly on dedicated in April 2012 Utrecht City Council and the U1980s, which connects Centraal station with infrastructure, using double-articulated Regional Transport Authority decided to the southern suburbs of Nieuwegein and 25m vehicles with up to 30 buses/hour replace line 12 with a new 9km (5.6-mile) IJsselstein. Since opening there have been operating per direction during peak times. low-floor tramline from Utrecht Centraal plans for expansion towards the historical Bus priority at junctions is implemented to station (CS) to the Utrecht Science Park centre and also to the ever-growing Utrecht avoid bus queues along the route and at stops. to cope for future growth; this would also Science Park De Uithof in the east. The original plan was for a dedicated bus connect with the existing tram network. The two main bus lines that connect lane for line 12 that required grade separation Utrecht’s transport policy in 2012 Utrecht Centraal station and Utrecht of several road junctions to ensure that the indicated that even more bus lanes might

ABOVE: A queue of buses on line 12 at Utrecht Centraal station during the ABOVE: Already The Netherlands’ busiest station, Utrecht Centraal is undergoing morning peak shows the scale of the congestion. a major EUR3.2bn regeneration programme scheduled for completion by 2030.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 319 Utrecht

be transformed into tramlines in the future; current practices in Utrecht it was decided CAF to supply a fleet of 27 five-section 33m these would include a route through the to exclude tram operations and maintenance low-floor trams; this also includes options middle of the city’s main shopping streets, from the Uithoflijn contracts. Also, as to retrofit batteries and supercaps to enable also replacing bus line 28. This is just one of financial support was secured, DBFM or operation without catenary in the university the reasons that the city decided to procure DBFMO contracts were ruled out – instead, and medical centre area. Options also exist low-floor trams for the new route. one contract for the new trams and one for a further 20-26 trams to replace high-floor The existing high-floor fleet that runs contract for the remaining infrastructure trams on the SUNIJ line. between Nieuwegein, IJsselstein and Utrecht were tendered in 2014. It is anticipated that the end-to-end journey Centraal station is nearly life-expired and As well as ordering new vehicles for time will be 17 minutes, with between 16 and will also ultimately be replaced with low- the Uithoflijn, an option for replacing 20 trams/hour in service during the peak in floor vehicles, most likely the same ones the existing fleet was also requested by coupled pairs with an average operational ordered for the Uithoflijn project. This will the current asset manager; as the rolling speed of 26km/h (16mph). It is assumed that give Utrecht the opportunity to operationally stock contract would take longer than the 24 trams will be required for operational use connect the new Uithoflijn with the existing infrastructure contract to complete the with three spares for maintenance and to tram network, called SUNIJ line. two contracts were procured separately. achieve availability targets. The project team drafted a collaboration Procurement of the new trams and Procurement of the Uithoflijn agreement to help ensure the integration infrastructure design includes an option to So although the Uithoflijn started off as risks between the trams and the buy longer units in the future to address the dedicated project, a business case was infrastructure are being dealt with. Mott increase in passenger usage and offer a higher developed for a tramline during the enabling MacDonald was appointed technical advisor availability of seating capacity. The total works and the land acquisition period. The to the project team, with local consultant project cost is EUR440m. civil contracts for construction of a new Movares acting as the back office support Normal daily passenger flow for the new bus lane were already in place at the time team for the infrastructure. line is estimated at 45 000, projected to of the policy change. As the business case On 23 December 2014 a contract for rise by 2030 to 60 000, with 50-60% of the highlighted that the large number of projected infrastructure construction was signed with passenger flow attributed to student travel. passengers could better be transported with the Royal BAM Group – this includes the a tram system, all contracts were modified remaining civil works and the superstructure Utrecht Centraal station in 2012 to take into account the new for the whole 9km (5.6-mile) route, including Utrecht Centraal station is a major transport requirements. Fortunately the superstructure the stabling facility at the end of the line. A hub, the largest and busiest railway station and the stops had not yet been procured. contract was signed on 30 January 2015 with in The Netherlands, welcoming around Around the same time the Utrecht Regional 88 million passengers per year (forecast to Transport Authority awarded the regional “It is anticipated that the increase to 100 million by 2030). bus and tram operating concession to Qbuzz, The station and its surrounding which commenced services in December 2013. end-to-end journey time environment are undergoing a major The maintenance contract for the SUNIJ renewal and expansion programme, line infrastructure had already been awarded will be 17 minutes, with budgeted at EUR3.2bn, with overall to Strukton, while Stadler – formerly Voith completion scheduled for 2030. Current Railservices – had undertaken maintenance between 16 and 20 trams work comprises a new train, tram and bus of the existing high-floor trams at the current terminal, covered bicycle parking areas depot in Nieuwegein. To make best use of per hour during the peak” (with capacity for 33 000 bikes around

320 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org ABOVE: Innovative sectioning of the overhead wire in the Science Park should see EMC issues reduced significantly, also removing the requirement for relocation of the line or onboard energy storage.

LEFT: Environmental concerns have been met with various mitigation measures along the new line, including sections of grass track, as seen at the proposed Galgenwaard .

All images courtesy of the Uithoflijn project team

Utrecht Centraal station), and a new city hall “Rejecting even partial at stops would also require specific EMI building above the station. mitigation measures. The three-minute The Uithoflijn snakes through Utrecht’s battery operation, the turnaround time at the terminal stop main station area, with a double-track length ‘Park+Ride De Uithof’ is very short, thus of almost 1.1km (0.7 miles) and stops at both promoter has chosen to limiting the time to charge the batteries. the western and eastern sides of the station. Therefore we have to calculate twice the While the tramline is being constructed, adopt a new ‘sectioning’ length of the catenary-free section and Utrecht City Council and its partners operating 5km (three miles) of tramway are building a new station area; this is technology to address EMI without charging points was considered too much-needed as the area around the technically risky at the time a decision was was built in the 1970s. issues in the Science Park” made. Another reason not to go for catenary- When completed, Utrecht Centraal station free operation is the associated cost to equip will provide seamless connections between was decided to move the tramline 15m away the whole fleet with battery packs and the trains, buses and trams with an excellent from the original alignment to reduce EMI associated high maintenance costs. cycle parking area. and vibration levels at one of the hospital buildings. An area of environmental heritage Sectioning: Proofing new technology Protecting sensitive equipment at has been offered to construct the new Rejecting a move to even partial battery Utrecht Science Park tramline, which is shared with buses and operation, the promoter has instead chosen The new line will run from Utrecht Centraal emergency services. to adopt a new ‘sectioning’ technology to station to the central corridor in De Uithof, The wheel/rail interface was studied in address the EMI issues in Utrecht Science a public road that gives access to most detail to reduce the vibration levels and trams Park. Sectioning of the catenary system is buildings and is currently only accessible with low unsprung mass were selected. The estimated to reduce the EMI to acceptable for public transport, emergency services, infrastructure will also receive dampening levels using a new patented system designed pedestrians and cyclists. in specific areas. To reduce construction by the Technical University of Delft together The area includes the University Medical noise and vibration the bidders were invited with its partner EM Power Systems. Centre, a children’s hospital, university, to reduce their work period to a minimum The implementation includes catenary college and numerous innovative companies resulting in a ‘big bang construction period’ masts situated every 20m along affected parts and research organisations. As such, this during the summer of 2016, limiting of the route and isolated connections in the 2.5km (1.55-mile) section of the route disturbance in Utrecht Science Park. wiring. This new technology was intended features institutions using incredibly To address the EMI issues catenary-free for tramline 19 in Delft, but due to problems sensitive equipment, varying from electron battery operation has also been considered; with an existing bridge this project has been microscopes to the latest MRI scanners. A first such operation will increase the weight of the postponed and Utrecht will be the first place review by the project team has identified at trams but also significantly reduce EMI levels. it is installed in full operation. least 40 locations that might be affected by The conclusions of a feasibility study in Extensive testing is included in the Utrecht the new tramline, with eight in particular 2013 identified that there is considerable project programme to confirm that the identified as ‘hot spots’ where more than one interest in the tramway market for battery sectioning system is effective, while the piece of sensitive apparatus is installed. operation and that the equipment is project team has also drafted plans to deal The project promoter considered a gradually being developed into ever more with the eventuality that things may not go range of options to mitigate impacts to the viable solutions. However, the decision was to plan. Retrofitting rolling stock with small sensitive equipment, with vibration and taken that whilst there are operational and battery packs is also considered as a last resort Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) issues environmental benefits from using this and the rolling stock contract is drafted to of main concern. Moving the affected technology it was difficult to justify on cater for this event. equipment further inside the buildings or economic and technical grounds. In summer 2018 the Uithoflijn will enter to others away from the new tramline was The technology and operational operation for passengers, with EMI and seen to be the most effective solution, but experience are available to cover 2.5km vibration testing take place in 2017 and the large number of apparatus involved without catenary in the university and temporary bus lanes to smoothly introduce made that option impractical. In 2013 it hospital areas, but the charging points the service.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 321 Wheel/rail interface UNDERSTANDING THE WHEEL/RAIL INTERFACE PART TWO

Concluding his two-part series, n 1903 the Board of Trade, the then UK Rails Sub-Committee and Tramway Rails regulatory body for (amongst other Sub-committee. Bob Hall offers further evidence industries) railways and tramways, British Standard (BS) 2 - 1903 identified to dispel the ‘keep theory’, helped to create the Engineering complementary pairs of sections, one each Standards Committee, which for straight and curved tracks. The curved with practical experience from includedI a Rails Committee. It met only sections had a check of sufficient thickness to once, its members recognising that railway survive wear from flange back contact. around the world. and tramway technologies had conflicting In 1921, BS 2 - Rev 1 withdrew all five pairs in needs and thus splitting into the Railway favour of three replacements; Figure 1 illustrates BS 2 Rev 1, Sections 8 and 8C. Inventors patented several renewable checks: I illustrate one developed by Hadfields, a well-known Sheffield-based switch and crossing manufacturer. Figure 4. In 1905 Germany introduced a similar series of five matching rail standards, although with a slightly wider groove to accommodate a broader wheel-flange that remains the continental norm. The current Ri range is descended from this German standardisation [5]. German Ri sections have become internationally adopted profiles and 60Ri1 has become the choice for urban tramways throughout Europe and beyond. To my knowledge, none of the 60-plus German urban street tramways use anything other than 60Ri1, although a few heavier metros with thicker flanges, normally confined to off-road operation, lay 59Ri1 where occasionally their tracks stray onto paved thoroughfares that, of necessity, are relatively straight. A composite drawing illustrates the difference and, coincidently, the available sacrificial metal embodied in 60Ri1 section. Figure 5.

Check and girder rail design In 1885, the Board of Trade directed that any railway track carrying passengers, or adjacent to such a track, of radius ten chains or less (200m) must have a check rail. A 21st Century version requires all passenger carrying railway lines curving at 200m or less to have a continuous check rail, engaging with the back of the wheel-flange. Curves on second-generation British tramways are typically up to ten times as sharp as heavy rail curves. Regardless of whether plain rail suffices for tangent tracks, experienced designers invariably specify grooved rail for such curvature for exactly the same reasons as for railway practice, because acute bends in urban streets require low rail flange-back guidance. Tramcars frequently need lateral force available only by matching wheel and groove Figure 1. BS 2, Rev 1 (1921) railhead sections 8 and 8C. The latter, shown dotted, for radii less than 45.7m contours. Transmitting thrust through a (150ft). Sections 6 and 6C and 7 and 7C differed only in the profiles of the groove bottoms. Subsequent BS large surface, rather than point contact, revisions, the last in 1944, did not alter sections 6-8 and in 1981 the British Standards Institution withdrew reduces wear, which demands that girder BS through lack of demand. Remaining users by then preferred European standard profiles. rail gauge-faces have a pronounced downwards incline.

322 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Figure 4. Hadfields' replaceable check..

Figure 5. A comparison of 59Ri1, intended only for tangent tracks, and 60Ri1, a universal design for tramway tangent and radiused tracks.

Unlike railways, the is narrower at the bottom of the gauge-face. German Normalprofil profiles all had symmetrical V-shaped grooves with sides inclined 1:6 (about 9.5 degrees from vertical), as do their present day derivatives “My impression is that UK tramway engineers’ lack and most other girder rails. My impression is that UK engineers’ lack of understanding of understanding of girder rail design differences of girder rail design differences has led to inappropriate use of 59Ri1. It is no has led to inappropriate use of 59Ri1.” coincidence that the 15mm check thickness of 59Ri1 is analogous to earlier tangent track Engineers to long-established tramways matches the groove then all four flanges profiles,9 /16in (14.3mm) for BS 2 sections know that interaction between wheel and rail share lateral thrust, the inside faces of and the 15mm early German straight track depends upon a relationship between gauge, diagonally opposite effectively Normalprofil sections 1-5. wheelbase, wheel diameter, flange profile, spreading the turning force between four London Tramlink initially laid 60Ri1 track radius, rail profile and groove width. contact points. To some extent, the high rail then, presumably after acceptance of the The equation appears too complex to define check guides the trailing axle away from ‘keep theory’, replaced worn-out curves with accuracy and, in practice, four-point centre, forcing wheelsets to align reasonably with 59Ri1 on the assumption that its contact rarely occurs until slight wear achieves squarely to the track, both axles then wider groove would reduce wear. Since the desired equilibrium. A continental approximating radial orientation. That eases the gauge-face must then take all the wear, permanent way engineer explained that the attack angle and reduces stress on the it effectively halves rail life and, reality to me some four decades ago. leading outer wheel-flange. Wheel flanges coincidentally, creates a less pleasant ride Look again at Figures 2 & 3 (reproduced taper outwards from the tip, meaning that on around curves, as illustrated on below) and imagine those wheelsets are railways, interaction occurs only after severe Manchester Metrolink. on girder rail. If the flange profile properly wear or if something else is seriously amiss.

Figure 2. Exaggerated misalignment between wheel and rail, illustrating attack angles on curved track. Figure 3. Exaggerated truck or bogie misalignment.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 323 Wheel/rail interface

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE Wirral Tramway, (UK). In 1994, after less than 50 operating days, two Hong Kong-built tramcars with wheel profiles incompatible with section 60Ri1 cut the high rail at the curve near Woodside terminus. Tram 70 climbed out of the rail groove and derailed, halting only after demolishing a wall. A design failing identified was that its leading wheelset was not receiving support through the low rail check. The rail supplier, Edgar Allen of Sheffield, recommended laying replacement 60Ri1 rails wide-to-gauge to ensure simultaneous contact by gauge-face and opposite check. Those substituted have given no trouble. , Crich (UK). The National Tramway Museum replaced a Figure 6. Noel Street crossing, Nottingham (UK). Figure 7. Noel Street crossing again. No gauge badly-worn curve at its Wakebridge passing The check face became badly worn before motor face, no check face and no support across the rail gap. loop – following 35 years of unblemished service traffic had time to scrub off paint applied during Within a year, a design more suited to heavy rail use – and trams derailed on the new 60Ri1. Museum manufacture. suffered severe wear. staff cured the problem by the same technique recommended to Birkenhead by Edgar Allen. Properly laid girder rail gauge and check Ri59, SEI 41G or other wide grooved profile. (Australia). With a network of faces wear simultaneously from the outset, The North American continent has its over 250 route km (155 route miles), Melbourne with checks on curves being sufficiently own standards, although current policy has the world’s largest urban tramways. Its robust to accept wear, a fact that anyone can documents clearly state that gauging should engineers, with many unbroken decades of verify by examining continental tramway achieve four-point contact. experience, clearly feel the need to provide low-rail lateral guidance around curves. infrastructures. Figures 6 and 7 (above) illustrate what I Until the 1960s, Melbourne used a girder As mentioned earlier, Germany has more believe is inappropriate application of railway rail profile comparable to BS2 Rev 1. Australian than 60 urban tramway systems. Most have technology on Nottingham Express Transit rolling mills then ceased production of girder rails, operated for more than a century, which (NET). NET developers chose rail section forcing purchase from abroad, with the burden of prompts a reasonable assumption that SEI 41GP, a unique profile used by no other expensive freighting. Melbourne eked out stocks their operators have a long-developed European urban tramway. I also suspect by adopting the common American practice of awareness of ideal design parameters. A that engineers with experience only of laying Vignoles rail for all near-tangent tracks, typical German wheel profile running on heavy railway track specified the embedded including many miles embedded in highways. 60Ri1 encounters flange-back/check contact specialwork where one track crosses another Figure 10 (see TAUT 931), copied from a 21st century Melbourne specification, confirms at about 40/45m radii. in Noel Street. It was hardly a ‘state of the that ‘keeps’ are unnecessary. The undertaking British tramway engineers may well benefit art’ design, comprising eight separate pieces imports 60Ri1 for curves less than about 70m from examining why those undertakings fishplated together. radius. ‘Keep theory’ proponents need to explain have a near-universal preference for Ri60 Despite having to impose a 5km/h why the expense of flange-check interaction is and, on every French second-generation (3mph) speed limit within days of opening, undesirable or unnecessary. tramway, a very similar SEI 35G (or related residents in adjacent properties endured a Elsewhere. Similar track policies exist slightly taller checked SEI 35 GP). Observers decade of severe noise and vibration before throughout the world. Toronto and San will have difficulty identifying an urban the operator at last adopted what has been Francisco have related strategies except that tramway beyond the UK that has adopted standard tramway practice for more than they do not use bolt-on checks. Many Russian and former Eastern Bloc countries use unchecked rail for paved tangent tracks “The only rational way to interpret BOStrab diagram and install grooved rail or separately checked Vignoles where constrained-curving occurs. That is that Germany, with a significant number of tramways, policy is irrespective of whether the track is on private right-of-way or embedded in a highway. regards check-flange guidance as accepted practice.”

Figure 8. Gent, Belgium (August 2011). Nine-day-old relaid track with 62Ri1 (RiNP4aM) rails, showing immediate flangeback/check contact on both high and low rails. Note that of the two, the high-rail check is exhibiting the greatest contacts

324 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org US PRACTICE Figure 9. Back-to-front dimensions

A respected US report [6] published in 2007 offers the following advice for promoters: “When choosing a track designer, it is of great importance that the one chosen has demonstrable knowledge of streetcar track and successful design experience. Many B track designers have primarily a railroad New and worn – background, which by itself is not qualification for design of Light Rail Circulator System A – Railway wheel A The less critical flange back or [tramway] track with small radius curves B – Tramway wheel back-to-back dimension. and possibly complex and compact shop and yard layout.” Several US specifications for ‘streetcar’ track design urge that high and low rails share lateral guidance. Figure 10. 2004 BOStrab a century. The new (2013) Noel Street guidance on crossing incorporates flange-tip running tramway through railhead gaps, where visual evidence track design. illustrates flange-back contact by both checks. Elsewhere on that tramway, embedded pointwork similarly causes noise and vibration, indeed the design team made special provision for noise mitigation beneath a crossover outside the Theatre Royal, which did not work. This suggests that only a few years ago British tramway professionals had yet to study either history or what is standard practice elsewhere in the world.

Recent developments Around the Millennium, numerous continental tramways began adopting section 62Ri1, a related profile to 60Ri1. It has a 25mm check thickness and a nominally reduced groove width, the latter feature encouraging flange-back contact at less severe radii. Four-point contact occurs from the outset on properly designed curves, as principally on the outer face, Figure 9a, or newcomers whose first specialism is not illustrated on relaid nine-day-old track in whereas tramway girder-rails react with both tramways. I have attempted within these Gent, Belgium, where both high and low sides of the flange to produce a completely two articles to show clear evidence of rails immediately experience flange/gauge different profile. Effectively the symmetrical flange-back/check guidance, which I hope face and flange-back/check contact. trapezoid illustrated in Figure 9b has the makes everyone think carefully about his or Figure 8. Similar observations in Zürich advantage that its virtually unchanged her practice. As the renowned US Democratic illustrate flange-back guidance on new back-to-front allows tramcars to operate Senator Moynihan once said: ‘Everyone is first-class trackwork. Does anyone have with wheel wear well beyond acceptable entitled to their own opinions, but not to sufficientchutzpah to dispute Swiss railway limits. their own facts’. engineering principles? It is also worth considering the German There is still much to learn. It is now The probable encouragement for adopting BOStrab Guidance Regulations (March 2004) more than 25 years, about half the working 62Ri1 is that wheel/rail interface of low-floor, [7]. The English translation has an illustration lifespan of most people, since the UK began multi-section trams on rigid trucks (or at of wear on gauge-faces, wheel-flanges and reintroducing tramways. How much longer best, almost rigid bogies) is more complex check, its Figure 13 is reproduced here as must we wait before British designers than the long-proven PCC and its derivatives. Figure 10. In the translation from German, grasp what for decades elsewhere has been The former steer less well than conventional added footnotes appear to presume that elementary? bogie trams and appear to wear the high-rail flange wear profiles are the result of worn check more rapidly than its low rail partner, tracks, a rather unkind (and unfair) inference a problem that their engineers probably that German operators do not maintain now understand. their infrastructures. FOOTNOTES The only rational way to interpret the Accepted specifications BOStrab diagram is that Germany, a country 5. Ri is an acronym of Rillenschiene, translating directly as grooved rail, a suffix Common practice is to quote the distance having a significant number of the world’s number denoting the weight in kg/m. between wheelset inner faces, a measurement tramways, regards check-flange guidance known as flange-back or back-to-back, as accepted practice. Anyone taking issue 6. www.modernstreetcar.org/pdf/circulator_ whereas when passing through railhead gaps should include a reasoned condemnation of trackway_report_final_3_30_07.pdf at crossings the all-important dimension operators throughout the world who have is the back-to-front, the distance between always relied on the principle. 7. Regulations on the Guidance of Rail Vehicles one flange front face and the back face of its in accordance with the German Federal partner; any change to this dimension will Summary Regulations on the Construction and Operation of Light Rail Transit Systems, BOStrab - affect guidance. I have offered sample evidence from Guidance Regulations (SpR) - (March 2004) Figure 9 depicts wear on ‘A’ railway wheels undertakings around the world and would – translated into English in 2008 and ‘B’ tramway wheels. Railway flanges suggest that British engineers involved (www.orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_ rarely encounter check-railed curves, so in tramway development need to choose file/0018/5076/ttgn5-bostraben-main.pdf) alter that crucial back-to-front by wearing between data from long-established experts,

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 325 THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE

As befits a city with strong environmental credentials, systems Freiburg is extending its tramway and introducing a www.lrta.org new fleet of high-capacity GERMANY www.tautonline.com factfile trams. Neil Pulling reports. SUBSCRIBE NOW! No. Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany AUGUST 2015 N O. 932 95 freiburg ATLANTA CONTINUES THE STREETCAR REVOLUTION Now entering its 78th year, Tramways & Urban Transit is the world’s leading monthly publication dedicated

ormally just called ABOVE: One of Basel main railway line and principal Freiburg, the Baden- Freiburg’s earlier current project brochure identifies station, Freiburg (Breisgau) Hbf, Württemberg city’s Combinos at around 70% of urban journeys already with the historic core being around full name incorporates Bertoldsbrunnen, made without a car; this is said to be the landmark Münster tower. Much Breisgau, an area east of the central meeting the highest rate in Germany. theN Rhine – also the border with France point of all four of Freiburg’s apparent antiquity solely to light and urban rail developments. Most public transport is run by tram lines. is reconstruction. The Luftwaffe – which reaches up from the rift valley Freiburger Verkehrs AG under the VAG mistook the city as a target in 1940, into the Black Forest’s western edge. brand, which claims 211 000 daily All pictures by but it was mainly the Royal Air Force’s Amongst its many attractions, the area passengers on its trams and buses. Neil Pulling unless November 1944 raid which, except for boasts Germany’s sunniest climate. A VAG has just over 60 vehicles in each otherwise stated the cathedral, obliterated the centre. university city, regional administrative mode and also runs the 3.6km (2.2- The tramway remains a principal centre and attracting year-round mile) Schauinsland . Through UK debates safety, technology and integration feature of the central crossroads, tourism, Freiburg has a large service VAG’s 33% holding, the tramway is Bertoldsbrunnen, which is marked by Suburban Washington to get trams sector. The population has increased part of the area’s union of transport an abstract equestrian statue that is a by about 45 000 since the early 1970s, providers created in 1991, Regio- replacement of a more classical form. closed’ lines? with Freiburg beginning 2015 with Verkehrsverbund Freiburg (RVF). Hope for Andalucía’s ‘ 218 041 residents. Electrified from its opening in 1901, the metre-gauge tramway’s survival The prime transport hub is the Although backed by wooded main station (Hbf), with the central allowed it to become part of Freiburg’s hillsides, Freiburg and its tramway bus terminus (ZOB) at the station’s UKTram backs seven innovations modern association with the ISSN 1460-8324 have a mainly level setting. The southern-eastern corner. Opened in £4.25 environment and system expansion 08 centre lies east of the - 1999, the multi-storey secure cycle was underway during the 1980s. A World Congress Freiburg storage Radstation west of the Hbf UITP faces the issues ’s 9 771460 832043 ‘green’ capital www.tautonline.com. of urban growth www.lrta.org A uguST 2015 / 327 We deliver comprehensive news and analysis,

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The new Tramways & Urban Transit website is the interactive way to keep up-to-date on the light and urban rail topics that matter: the latest contracts, the most important events and who’s involved where – a concise update of the latest news from both new and established systems around the world. Visit us at: www.tautonline.com Freiburg im Breisgau

As befits a city with strong environmental credentials, SYSTEMS Freiburg is extending its tramway and introducing a GERMANY new fleet of high-capacity FACTFILE trams. Neil Pulling reports. No.95 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany FREIBURG

ormally just called ABOVE: One of Basel main railway line and principal current project brochure identifies Freiburg, the Baden- Freiburg’s earlier station, Freiburg (Breisgau) Hbf, around 70% of urban journeys already Württemberg city’s Combinos at with the historic core being around made without a car; this is said to be full name incorporates Bertoldsbrunnen, the landmark Münster tower. Much the highest rate in Germany. the central meeting Breisgau, an area east of of Freiburg’s apparent antiquity Most public transport is run by point of all four theN Rhine – also the border with France is reconstruction. The Luftwaffe Freiburger Verkehrs AG under the VAG tram lines. – which reaches up from the rift valley mistook the city as a target in 1940, brand, which claims 211 000 daily into the Black Forest’s western edge. All pictures by but it was mainly the Royal Air Force’s passengers on its trams and buses. Amongst its many attractions, the area Neil Pulling unless November 1944 raid which, except for VAG has just over 60 vehicles in each boasts Germany’s sunniest climate. A otherwise stated the cathedral, obliterated the centre. mode and also runs the 3.6km (2.2- university city, regional administrative The tramway remains a principal mile) Schauinsland cable car. Through centre and attracting year-round feature of the central crossroads, VAG’s 33% holding, the tramway is tourism, Freiburg has a large service Bertoldsbrunnen, which is marked by part of the area’s union of transport sector. The population has increased an abstract equestrian statue that is a providers created in 1991, Regio- by about 45 000 since the early 1970s, replacement of a more classical form. Verkehrsverbund Freiburg (RVF). with Freiburg beginning 2015 with Electrified from its opening in 1901, The prime transport hub is the 218 041 residents. the metre-gauge tramway’s survival main station (Hbf), with the central Although backed by wooded allowed it to become part of Freiburg’s bus terminus (ZOB) at the station’s hillsides, Freiburg and its tramway modern association with the southern-eastern corner. Opened in have a mainly level setting. The environment and system expansion 1999, the multi-storey secure cycle centre lies east of the Mannheim- was underway during the 1980s. A storage Radstation west of the Hbf

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 327 Freiburg im Breisgau

THE FLEET

The system’s oldest trams are six high-floor DüwagGT8 vehicles from the early 1980s; 11 GT8N from the 1990s have low-floor space in the centre car. The most numerous type at 26 is the 48% low-floor Düwag/ABBGT8Z , passenger capacity 205, 84 seated. Now subject to a EUR10.4m modernisation programme into 2017, the updated trams are most identifiable by LED running lights, with updated displays and livery. Received from 1999 to cover expansion and rising demand, the first fully low-floor trams were seven-section 42m Siemens Combino, capacity 241, 78 seated. The first group is numbered 271-279 with the later air-conditioned ‘Advanced’ being 281- 290. The latter is distinguished by an arched service display above the cab. Freiburg’s N272 was used for destruction testing during the ‘Combino Crisis’ which led to rebuilding of the type worldwide, with VAG’s fleet restored by 2008. A representative of the Maschinenfabrik Esslingen GT4 type, once a Freiburg mainstay, remains as Partywagen 121, while the CAF trams (301-312) carry the new livery of red and white with black window surrounds; the existing fleet features many advertising schemes.

ABOVE: Freiburg (Breisgau) Hbf is the main interchange: tram platforms on the bridge are easily accessible from trains and buses.

LEFT: Düwag GT8Z 257 at Gundelfinger Strasse on the line 2 northern extension opened in March 2014.

RIGHT: Advanced Combino 283 enters central Freiburg via the Schwabentor on 5 June 2011. The tramway also passes the other remaining gateway, Martinstor.

testifies to the support for cycling. Crossing the southern end of the Hbf platforms, the Stadtbahnbrücke takes the tramway and footpaths over the railway at right angles. With direct stair and lift access from the platforms, this long, broad bridge opened in 1983 and accommodates the Hbf tram stop. Replacing former routes over and under the railway, the Stadtbahnbrücke has been vital for the tramway’s expansion. Urban developments in recent decades have mainly been to the west of the main railway line in areas that previously had little or no tram coverage; this is exemplified by the present line 3 supporting the Haid industrial area since 1994. Nearly all the extensions have track in its own space, and overall the trams are largely segregated from road traffic except for crossings. Modernising older parts of the system means that there is near- total from low platforms. Tram destination panels show the district rather than the actual ABOVE: Old Freiburg: one of VAG’s long-serving Düwag GT8 trams alongside one of the Bächle water channels in terminus name, while three of the the morning peak of 22 April 2015. system’s four regular tramlines serve

328 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

ABOVE: Delivered separately as two- and five-sections, a reassembled CAF Urbos 100 in the VAG compound on 21 April; green GT4 Partywagen in the background.

LEFT: Freiburg Urbos tram 302 in VAG- Zentrum on 4 June. A CAF engineer was busy preparing the car at the time, hence the bare wiring and plastic floor covering. Ray Deacon

RIGHT: City-bound 281 approaches Am Lindenwäldle on a western intersection of lines 3 and 5. the Hbf. All four lines (1, 2, 3 and 5) a tram service being implemented, LEFT: The pass through Bertoldsbrunnen. respectively opening in 1997 and 2006. tramway’s More apparent if there are The most recent extension was the picturesque fewer non-passengers around and northern line 2 section, 1.8km (1.1 southern end – GT8Z 246 at Gunterstal when frequencies are low, the miles) Reutebachgasse to the new Klosterplatz in 2011. Bertoldsbrunnen crossing hosts Gundelfinger Strasse park-and-ride scenes of almost theatrical movement. site in Zähringen district. Opening BELOW: Trams arrive from each direction and in March 2014, it took the system’s Modernised GT8Z pause at their respective platforms trackage to around 32km (20 miles). 243 is amongst the for long enough for all interchange Replacing the Reutebachgasse stub, trams paused for permutations to be made; successive the northern extension added a loop at passenger transfer departures clear the stage until the the much less confined Gundelfinger at Bertoldsbrunnen next timetabled performance. Lines Strasse. Stub track remains for line on 20 April 2015. 1 and 2 take the most straightforward 2’s southern Dorfstrasse terminus in course, respectively on an east-west Günterstal, a picture-postcard village and north-south axis. Characterised by with a green belt separation from many direction changes en route, lines the city. There is a short section of 4 and 5 are more configured to provide bi-directional track here, necessitated connections across the network. When by the narrow Torhaus Kloster arch. operating the full route, line 5 is the Unidirectional tram operations and longest service at 12.4km (7.8 miles) termini with separate arrival and and takes 43 minutes. departure platforms predominate Two extensions clearly exemplify the however, with other turning loops role of trams in local environmental remaining from being the limit of policy. The now established districts previous extensions. of Reiselfeld (named after a former Incorporating the now-open sewage treatment facility) and Vauban Zähringen extension, Freiburg’s (a redeveloped French military area) current expansion is identified in the were both originally dependent upon 2020 programme with the

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 329 Freiburg im Breisgau

NETWORK FACTS Opened: October 1901 Lines: 4 Distance: 32km (20 miles) Depots: 1 Line frequencies: 5-8 minutes Gauge: 1000mm Power: 750V dc overhead supply Fleet: 62 City operator: Freiburger Verkehrs AG Area network: Regio Verkehrsverbund Freiburg (RVF)

INFORMATION City transport: www.vag-freiburg.de Area transport: www.rvf.de Civic and tourist information: www.freiburg.de Tourist information (English): www.freiburg-home.com

most advanced current project being with other forthcoming track towards ABOVE: for completion during 2018. The Stadtbahn Messe. Leaving line 5 at Siegesdenkmal, currently a tram/bus A temporary initial installation is the 1.9km Robert Koch Strasse, the first phase is interchange named after the nearby terminus here (1.2-mile) Rotteckring line which will due for completion in late 2015, adding Franco-Prussian war memorial. The in 2009 when a cross the present east-west track at Platz 1.5km (0.93 miles) and four new stops present Siegesdenkmal stop will be northern part of der Alten Synagoge, with Stadttheater line 2 was rebuilt, in advance of later extension from replaced by two new pairs of platforms. platforms on the new route providing Siegesdenkmal stop Technische Fakultät to the exhibition An emerging new north-south route will be restructured the interchange. In mid-June a site. Another post-2018 phase will is also now apparent in the city centre, for a new line to join projected cost for a new 900m add a connection from the Messe line part of a wider redevelopment planned from the west. (0.6-mile) Waldkircher Strasse section

Advanced Combino 283 at the future crossing and junction to be created under the Rotteckring project at Platz der Alten Synagoge.

330 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org

LEFT: Robert-Koch- Strasse on 4 June with car 273 on route 5. Two days later, route 5 was curtailed for three weeks for the Messe line tracks to be connected to the system. Ray Deacon

“Around 70% of urban journeys are already made without a car, said to be the highest rate in Germany.”

FAR LEFT: Springtime intrudes on the dedicated right of way where 286 slows for Eschholzstrasse road crossing and stop.

LEFT:Rebuilt GT8N 231 emerges from the Rieselfeld terminus loop to start a line 5 service from Bollerstaudenstrasse.

ESSENTIAL FACTS Local travel: Huge ticketing range to replace the existing near-parallel in the large zoned RVF system: the Komturstrasse route was reported to tramway is all in zone A. VAG offices have risen by 70% to EUR13.6m. at the Radstation and 3 Salzstrasse, Post-2020 extensions to existing near Bertoldsbrunnen are very helpful. Single journeys/one hour lines are envisaged such as going east validity from EUR2.20; Regio24 of Lassbergstrasse to Kappell and west tickets from EUR5.50 give 24 hours from Innsbrucker Strasse (Vauban) to from initial validation. Tickets serve the St. Georgen district. are also available from machines With a single concentration of at stops and onboard trams. DB’s maintenance and storage, the northern Baden Württemberg Ticket is depot site at the fork of tracks near valid on VAG services (except the Komturplatz has been redeveloped night network). Tourists staying for housing. Part of the former anywhere in the Black Forest should receive a guest card that allows free southern depot near Lorettostrasse travel by tram, bus and train, over stop – on now-closed revenue track the whole region. on Urachstrasse – houses heritage vehicles. Today’s tram depot is part testing beginning in April and the ABOVE: What is there to see? The Münster is of VAG’s operational centre, next to first two scheduled to enter service Vauban-Mitte stop the star attraction, but exploring the line 3’s VAG-Zentrum stop. It has been on line 3 in July. Scheduled to meet in one of Freiburg’s central streets on foot is a delight. A developed since the 1970s from the system expansion, the second six districts developed particularly attractive part includes West depot on Besançonallee. This are due in 2017. Fully air-conditioned under demanding the atmospheric Feierling beer environmental garden on Gerberau. Admire rather spacious facility has been modified for and low-floor throughout, they requirements. than fall into the street-side Bächle, 12 new bi-directional CAF Urbos 100 have capacity for 82 seated and Freiburg’s open water channels. trams, costing around EUR40m. 168 standing. See www.fdfs.de for heritage tram Deliveries of the Zaragoza-built first For maps and timetables visit ‘Oldtimerlinie 7’ services. batch of six began in March 2015, with www.vag-freiburg.de/fahrplan-linien

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ALGERIA operation on the coastal tramway AL-JAZAER (Algiers). The this summer. On weekends in July eastern extension of tramline 1 and August there are departures from Kahouat Echergui to Dergana from La Panne at 11.30, 13.30, (2.7km/1.7 miles) opened on 14 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30 to June. The completion of the 23km Adinkerke and return; on 21 July (14.3-mile) tramline boosted the and 15 August a horse tram will passenger count to 185 000/day be used between La Panne depot on 41 Alstom Citadis trams. and Esplanade every 20 minutes On 4 July metro was 10.00-17.00; 8 August will be extended from Hai El Badr to El the Trammelant event between Harrach Centre. IRJ De Haan and Zwarte Kiezel every 30 minutes 10.18-18.18; and on AUSTRALIA 13 September a Tramfestival will MELBOURNE. Bombardier see two tram parades between E class trams entered service on Knokke and La Panne. T-2000 line 11 (West Preston – Docklands) from 21 June. J. Chuang BRAZIL NEWCASTLE. The New South SANTOS. On 23 June BR Wales Government is providing Mobilidade Baixada Santista was The Gent PCC now operating in Antwerpen has become a party/performance/ AUD100m (EUR69m) to continue awarded a 20-year concession to library tram rather than running in normal passenger service. P. Resident planning and design for the operate bus and light rail services planned light rail line. J. Chuang as an integrated network in the The Union Station – Pearson 27 June after about 15 months city, including electronic fare airport express service was of reconstruction work, which AUSTRIA collection. BRL134m (EUR38.5m) launched on 6 June, using GO features new street track. GMUNDEN. The existing tram in additional work is needed Transit’s Kitchener line for M. Skinner stop at Hbf was used for the last on the 11.2km (seven-mile) first 22km (14 miles) and a new 3km INDUSTRY. Pragoimex has time on 10 April, and the new phase before regular passenger (1.9-mile) elevated section to unveiled its first 100% low-floor one, closer to the rebuilt station, service can start. airport Terminal 1. A 15-minute four-axle bogie tram of type EVO1; opened on 11 May. EB Trial service started using three service is provided using it is being tested in Praha until GRAZ. Plans have been submitted 44m Vossloh LRVs built in Spain. 18 Sumitomo DMU cars in two October under number 0033. The for the extension of line 6 to Mid-June saw delivery of the first or three-car sets, with provision ‘Eve’ prototype was displayed Smart City/Waagner-Biro-Str. of 19 cars assembled in Brazil by for future electrification. at Czech Rail Days in in It is hoped to start work in 2018 the Vossloh-Ttrans consortium, UP Express is a subsidiary of mid-June. DS and open for public service in with delivery planned for regional agency Metrolinx. September 2019. DS completion in March 2016. IRJ The first of 67 new double- WIEN (Vienna). The formal deck driving trailers built by EL QAHIRA (Cairo). The contract signing with Bombardier CANADA Bombardier for GO Transit service government is seeking a for the supply of 119 34m Flexity OTTAWA. Track construction for was unveiled on 2 June. EUR175m loan from the European trams (with an option for a further the 12.3km (7.6-mile), CAD2.1bn The federal government Bank for Reconstruction and 37) worth EUR431m took place (EUR1.5bn), east-west light rail has announced CAD2.6bn Development to fund a fleet of on 4 June. DS line (the Confederation line (EUR1.9bn) towards the new metro trains. It is planned linking Bayside and Place Smarttrack rapid transit plan by to transfer responsibility for the BELGIUM d’Orléans) started on 15 June. mayor John Tory. D. Drum Heliopolis light rail system to ANTWERPEN. The first TORONTO. Following a visit to the National Tunnel Authority, of the series the Bombardier plant at Thunder CHINA in order to address the poor 7301-10 was delivered on 21 May. Bay by the chair and CEO of TTC, QINGDAO. The first metro line, infrastructure and implement Ex-Gent PCC 6242, refitted as a further revised schedule for the the 25.1km (15.6-mile) line 3 plans for expansion. IRJ a library/theatre tram, carried delivery of Flexity low-floor trams linking the main and north ISKANDARIYAH passengers for the first time on to the city was to be issued. In late railway stations, is due to open (Alexandria). One of the 25 June. T-2000 June, 4408 was awaiting approval on 13 August. urbanrail.net ex-København Düwag trams has BRUSSEL/BRUXELLES. to enter service and 4401/2 SHANGHAI. Bombardier has been refitted as a café and since Work will start in 2016 for the returned to Thunder Bay to be been awarded a CNY808m 12 June and runs between San new tramline 9, Hauts de Jette – brought up to the latest production (EUR117.3m) contract for a 6.6km Stefano and Mostafa Kamel at Simonis, with the target of starting standard; 4400/3 were being used (4.1-mile) peoplemover line from a special fare of ELE5 (EUR0.6), passenger service before the end for training. the southern terminus of metro serving beverages and snacks, and of 2018. By the end of 2015 all trams will line 8 at Shendu Gonglu to the offering free wi-fi. Egyptian Streets From 14 May empty running have Presto smartcard readers, Pujiangzhen residential district, of line 62 trams from Da Vinci to with subway stations and buses to open in December 2017. FINLAND Eurocontrol ceased following the following by the end of 2016. Eleven four-car Innovia APM 300 HELSINKI. Passenger service completion of new trackwork at All other fare options will be trains will be required. RGI on the 18km (11-mile) Ring Rail Da Vinci. The 220th Flexity tram, phased out in 2017. Line of the VR suburban network 3150, entered passenger service Queens Quay, with its 650m (Vantaanlaakso – Hiekkaharju) on 29 April. T-2000 of relocated tram tracks for lines . Two tramway extensions started on 1 July, bringing trains GENT. The official introduction 509 and 510, was fully re-opened have been announced. The two close to the airport (there is a bus of Bombardier Flexity 6351-60 on 19 June. eastern branches will connect shuttle from Aviapolis station). into service on line 1 took place An Aecon-led Consortium has along ul Trpimirova, while the on 11 May, when the class name been named as preferred bidder western branch to Visnjevac will FRANCE ‘Albatros’ was given to the type. for the design, construction be extended. With EU help, it is BORDEAUX. 22 June saw the The supplementary order for 16 and maintenance of the 19km hoped to order low-floor trams.TR opening of the final section of cars will permit all line 1 workings (12-mile) Eglinton crosstown LRT new tramway in Pessac, when to use the 43m trams. T-2000 subway, including 25 stations, line B was extended by 3.5km OOSTENDE. The TTO museum under a 30-year PPP contract. BRNO. Tramway operation in (2.2 miles) from Bougnard to group is organising heritage tram Construction will start in 2016. Milada Horakova resumed on France Alouette. T-2000

332 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org GRENOBLE. The completion Systems Factfile, starting on page of the northern extension of 327. R. Deacon tramline E will be celebrated on KARLSRUHE. Although the 5 September by a ceremony also classic DWM trams no longer marking 28 years to the day since operate on route 5, 124 and 211/5 the re-introduction of trams to the have been retained for bathing city. Passenger service to the outer pool service on summer weekend terminus of line E at Fontanil- lines 16 and 17. The last of these Cornillon Palluel started on trams in service on route 5 was 13 July. T-2000 206, which carried a wreath on LYON. The tramway branch to 22 May. DS Grand Stade should be opened in . A reorganisation December. In addition to service of tram routes from 13 July due to and from Lyon, there will be to significant roadworks saw the service to a park-and-ride facility following network introduced: at Meyzieu. E. Stuart 1, Lerchenwuhne – Alter Markt NANTES. Tram traffic has – Damaschkeplatz – Diesdorf; increased by 2% to reach a record 2, Westerhüsen – Alte Neustadt 72.5m passengers in 2014.A. Senut (unchanged); 3, Olvenstedter The Pragoimex EVO1 100% low-floor bogie tram on test in Praha. R. Sapienc PARIS. STIF has placed a Platz – Damaschkeplatz – Südring – EUR63m order with Alstom for 17 Sudenberg; 4, Klinikum Olvenstedt JAIPUR. The first metro line of horse tram, cycles, pedestrians additional Citadis 402 trams for – Damaschkeplatz – Herrenkrug; opened on 2 June, running 9.6km and car parking at various points line T3, to provide for the 4.3km 5, Klinikum Olvenstedt – Südring (six miles) from Mansarova to along the Promenade. The single (2.8-mile) extension from Porte – Allee-Center – Messegelände; Chandpole; ten four-car trains proposed is also being de la Chapelle to Porte d’Asnieres. 6, Cracau – Allee-Center – Hbf were supplied by BEML. RGI seen as a limiting factor. Frequency improvements are – Leipziger Chaussee; 8, Buckau MUMBAI (Bombay). Electrified The government has confirmed being effected this summer on – Neustädter See (unchanged); commuter rail lines on the that the new tracks will be to a lines T1-3/5-8. A. Senut 9, Reform – Neustädter See Central Railway were converted standard capable of use by Manx (unchanged); 10, Sudenberg – from 1500V dc to 25kV from Electric Railway trams should the GERMANY Barleber See (unchanged). 8 June. RGI horse cars ever be phased out. BERLIN. Full tram service to Daytime frequencies run until Motions have been lodged with Berlin Hbf will now start on 23.00, boosting service between IRELAND the Borough Council (owner of 30 August. IRJ 18.00 and 23.00. DS DUBLIN. John Sisk and Son the horse tramway) and Tynwald . The last of the 1974 series . Six 1984 Ltd and Portuguese-based (financier of the scheme), which of Stadtbahn-B L RVs w a s Stadtbahn-M trams are being construction company, Steconfer, would effectively stall the withdrawn at the end of May; 7466 sent to Cegelec in Praha to have been awarded the main proposals and call into question was sent for rebuilding. 7574 is have new electronic control design and construction contract the viability of the horse trams, now the oldest car in service. DS systems installed. DS for the Luas Cross City line from St which currently make a loss of DESSAU. Ex- two-axle MÜNCHEN (). June Stephen’s Green to Broombridge. GBP250 000 (EUR350 000) per ‘Pullman’ heritage tram 28 saw all The line, over 5km (three miles) annum. Original plans to relocate re-entered service on 13 June (2301-4/11-20) back in service, in length, will serve 13 stops as the tracks to the carriageway side after five years of intermittent including 2301, which had well as providing interchange of the Marine Gardens on Loch restoration work. DS not operated since early 2010, with suburban railway services Promenade were abandoned . Five years after the and was used for trials with at Broombridge and bus services following opposition from so-called withdrawal of Tatra battery operation. DS throughout the city centre. The hoteliers and traders concerned trams, this type can still be seen in . A f t e r t h e new Rosie Hackett Bridge over the at the loss of parking spaces. operation. Now a contract has been completion of its overhaul in River Liffey at Marlborough Street Bus and rail passenger figures awarded to FWM of Hennigsdorf , 1928 Lindner tram 17 is already equipped with tracks. from Isle of Man Transport to overhaul nine T4D/TB4D re-entered service in Naumburg on An announcement on the have shown that the 2015 TT for a further year’s service as 5 June. DS preferred options for public motorcycle races fortnight was the three-car sets. DS RHEIN-RUHR. Abellio and transport to Swords was expected busiest for several years with a total . There were some route National Express have been before the Dáil (parliament) rose of 217 560 passengers carried on changes on the tramway network named as preferred bidders for for the summer recess in July. The the three heritage railways and Bus from 14 June. Lines 103, 104, contracts to operate the RRX two front-running options remain Vannin services from 1-12 June. 105 and 109 were unchanged: rapid transit services from 2019. a Luas spur from Cabra and on to 101, Borbeck – Helenenstr – Hbf Contracts run until 2033. They DCU, Dublin Airport and Swords ITALY – Holsterhausen – Helenenstr; will use the 82 Siemens Desiro – effectively an extension of the FIRENZE. The first rail for 106, as 101 but in the reverse EMUs already ordered. RGI cross-city Luas – and an ‘Optimised tramline 2 has been laid in the direction; 107, Metro North’, a stripped back Novoli area. It is hoped to offer Hbf – Katernberg – Hbf; 108, version of the original Metro passenger service in 2017, and Altenessen Bf – Hbf – Bredeney. . Tatra T5 trams were North project removing some of on line 3 in early 2018. Planning Low-floor trams are used on used on lines 19 and 41 from Clark the stations on the city side and has started for a line 4 from Santa lines 101, 106 and 107. DS Adam tér from 15 June. Work on costing about EUR500m less than Maria Novella to Campi using the FREIBURG-IM-BREISGAU. the extension of these lines from the original proposal. alignment of the Porta a Prato – The northern section of route Batthany tér is in progress. Cascine railway. A. Fantechi 5 was cut back to Technisches N. Gamble ISLE OF MAN MILANO. Saturday 6 June saw Rathaus on 6 June for three DOUGLAS. The proposed the opening of Portello station weeks to enable the junction INDIA GBP21.3m (EUR30m) on metro line 5, in time for the for new route 4 to be installed at DELHI. The Violet line metro reconstruction of the Douglas UITP World Congress, followed Robert-Koch-Strasse. The section was extended from Mandi House Promenade including the by Cenisio on 20 June. urbanrail.net to Technische Fakultät is due to ITO on 8 June. The extension is relocation of the horse tram NAPOLI. Municipio metro to open in December 2015. the first phase of 9.4km (5.8 miles) tracks is still not settled, with station on line 1 opened on 2 June. Preliminary work has begun on of new metro that will take line 6 the government making further At some point this will provide track laying on the Rotteckring to Kashmir Gate. An order for 74 amendments to its proposals. interchange with line 6 (at present extension, due to open in 2017. For new metro cars has been awarded There remains a substantial the 2.3km/1.4-mile light metro in more on Freiburg see this month's to BEML. urbanrail.net volume of objection to the mixing the western suburbs). urbanrail.net

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NETHERLANDS 528, which caught fire and was . Platform ticket destroyed soon after entering machines have been installed at service in 2011. transphoto-ru the busiest stops on tramline 2 SAMARA. The prototype Stadler to reduce the queues for onboard Minsk Myatselitsa 100% low-floor purchases at the conductor’s desk. articulated tram arrived from Single and day tickets may be Moskva for four months of tests purchased. Eight-axle trams 781 in early June. The city is planning and 805 have been withdrawn. to buy 30 new trams in readiness Delivery of the latest batch of for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. metro sets was completed with The centenary of electric the arrival of 152 on 15 May. OR trams was celebrated on DEN HAAG. The new Siemens 17-19 June (four months late) trams will enter service on by a tram driving competition line 2 from the December timetable attended by contestants from change; 18 had been delivered several Russian cities. A. Shanin by 5 June. Daytime testing and SANKT PETERBURG. This driver training started on 22 June. year’s City Festival on 27 May saw Consultation has started on plans the inauguration of a pedestrian The first CAF 100% low-floor trams are now in service in the Estonian capital, for a new tram depot on Zuiderweg tunnel under the Neva River Tallin. V. Waldin in Rijswijk. OR from metro Sportivnaya, and the ROTTERDAM. All metro trains, presentation of the first Ust Katav gauge line is to be taken over park-and-ride sites; a Northstowe trams and buses offered wi-fi 71-624 trams (7910-13), a double- administratively by Baselland loop from Longstanton to service from 25 April. OR sided version of the 71-623 for Transport (BT), although the Oakington linking two busway back-to-back operation on lines branding as Waldenburgbahn sections; and a busway between NEW ZEALAND without turning circles. Y. Lvov will remain. A decision about Waterbeach and north Cambridge CHRISTCHURCH. On 12 May TVER. The second low-floor conversion to metre gauge has still to serve a proposed new HRH Prince Henry of Wales Citystar 71-911 bogie tram was to be taken. EA settlement. Most of the proposals (Prince Harry), visiting delivered from the local factory MARTIGNY – CHÂTELARD. would not appear until the mid- Christchurch, was taken for a ride on 22 June. N. Semyonov ABDeh4/4 4 and 6 have been 2020s, although reinstatement of on ‘Boon’ tram 152 on the city modified to become works cars, rail services between March and centre heritage tramway. THS SLOVAKIA with a diesel generator. TR Wisbech could come earlier. KOSICE. The order with VEVEY – LES PLÉIADES LONDON (TRAMLINK). Pragoimex for 23 Vario LF2 (MVR). The order for GTW rack Wimbledon stop will close from OSLO. 5 September is Public articulated trams has been sets has been doubled to eight, 13 July until October while works Transport Day with displays of extended to 33 cars; 801-17 were which will permit Be2/6 7001-4 take place to construct a new buses and trams at Rådhuspladsen. in service by the end of May. to be sold to Asm. Beh2/4 71-2 platform. Part of Transport for On 11 September the tram museum A total of 27 Tatra T3 trams and Bt224 will remain in London’s investment programme, is open in the evening with remain in service. DS reserve when the new fleet is the development will combine museum trams offering a special in operation. EA with the doubling of sections of service from Jernbanetorget at SWEDEN line (including 700m between 18.00, 19.00 and 20.00. BS GÖTEBORG. The timetable UKRAINE Mitcham Junction and Beddington change on 14 June saw the removal LUGANSK. Limited tram service Lane, and 1km between Mitcham PHILIPPINES of line 13; other lines serve all was resumed on 5 June using and Mitcham Junction), to allow MANILA. Work has started on of its route. BT five cars. transphoto.ru 12 trams per hour between the 4.2km (2.6-mile) eastern STOCKHOLM. SL has awarded Croydon and Wimbledon. extension of LRT-2 (Purple line) to Eitel a six-year maintenance UNITED KINGDOM During the closure trams Masinag Junction, with contract for the Spårväg City BLACKPOOL. High summer will terminate at Dundonald completion due in the third and Lindingöbanan tramway service frequencies were Road, a ten-minute walk from quarter of 2017 – 3.9km (2.4 operations, starting in 2016. introduced from 28 June with Wimbledon station. Tram tickets miles) will be on viaduct. The contract includes track, trams over the full route daily at will be accepted on local buses Philippine Star electrification and signalling. RGI ten-minute intervals, reducing to that connect Wimbledon with 15 minutes between Starr Gate and London’s tram network. RUSSIA SWITZERLAND Bispham and 30 minutes between LONDON (UNDERGROUND). MOSKVA. Saturday 6 June saw the APPENZELLERBAHNEN (AB). Starr Gate and Fleetwood during Trains on the Night Tube introduction of tramline 49, using Motor cars BDe4/4 46 and 47 have the evening. network will start running on 12 eight cars from Apakov depot on been demoted to works use. EA Manchester Transport Museum September and will operate on the route Nagatino – Balaclava BASEL. 8000 passengers/day Society and Blackpool Transport Friday nights and during the early Prospekt. now use tramline 8 to Weil- have announced that ex-towing hours of Saturday and Sunday The first of the Sankt am-Rhein in Germany. When Railcoach 680 will return to on the following lines: Central Peterburg built 71-134 trams to timetables change in December, Blackpool on an initial two- (Ealing Broadway – Hainault); be withdrawn was 3003 on 16 the frequency will be doubled year loan, in time for events in Jubilee (entire line); Northern June. It is reported that financial to every 7.5 minutes. It has been September marking 130 years of (entire line except Mill Hill East problems that were delaying decided not to equip the fleet for tramway operation. The tram will and Bank branches); Piccadilly delivery of 60 more Pesa-built wi-fi on cost grounds, and the lack operate as part of the heritage fleet (Cockfosters – Heathrow Terminal 71-414 trams have been of demand from passengers. as the only 1990-condition single- 5); and Victoria (entire line). resolved, with deliveries to Badische Zeitung, EA decker operational in Blackpool. The current night bus network Krasnopresnenskoe depot GORNERGRATBAHN (GGB). Owned by the MTMS, the tram will be modified at weekends. resuming, permitting a similar When four more double motor cars worked at Beamish from January Union members have backed number of rebuilt T3 trams to be are delivered (to reduce the journey 2014 to March this year before industrial action, claiming drivers sent to Apakov to finally retire time from 24 to 20 minutes), returning to Heaton Park. could be made to work unlimited the remaining KTM-8 trams from four Bhe2/4 of series 3011-22 and CAMBRIDGE. Tr a n s p o r t weekend and night shifts for no this depot. N. Semyonov two Bhe4/8 of series 3041-4 will priorities for the next 15-20 years extra pay when Night Tube is PERM. Ust-Katav has delivered be withdrawn. EA include further expansion of the launched. London Underground 71-623 tram 592, a replacement LIESTAL – WALDENBURG. guided busway network to include says it is committed to reaching a (after court proceedings) for The 13.1km (8.1-mile) 750mm the Hauxton and Trumpington settlement with workers.

334 / AUGUST 2015 www.tramnews.net . www.tautonline.com centre regeneration scheme. included USD4.2m/year from the This will incorporate a combined public agency SORTA (Southwest new Metro and to the Ohio Regional Transit Authority) south of Keppel Street. A planning and USD4.7m from a private application was submitted at the operator. end of June with construction Republican councillors likely to start in spring 2017. supported the private option, WEST MIDLANDS. F u l l but this was vetoed by the mayor, passenger operation on Midland who proposed a reduced frequency Metro’s New Street extension to reduce annual operating costs is expected by the end of 2015, by USD4.2m. Attempts by the following testing of trams from city to force the issue failed; the end of October. the final decision rests with the The 700m extension in regional agency SORTA. E. B. Havens Wolverhampton to the railway DALLAS, TX. The McKinney station was the subject of a Public Avenue heritage tramway Inquiry in June. Of the 11 original extension along Olive St to Federal objectors only three remained St, completing the loop at its The double-sided 71-624 tram in Sankt Peterburg, showing its offside doors. at the start of the Inquiry, of southern terminus, opened on 6 A. Sanches which two indicated they would June. The northern terminus has withdraw. This leaves only CP Co3 a turntable, so single-ended cars Record passenger numbers The track reconstruction Ltd, owner of the National Car can now be used. are being carried on London’s programme was to move on Park site in Pipers Row, which is in The city council has approved transport network, with around to the Gleadless area until the further discussions with Centro. USD27.5m for an extension of the 500m more public transport end of August, following The project has already been Oak Cliff streetcar line to Bishops journeys now taking place completion in the city centre at approved by UK Transport Arts district, together with the compared to five years ago. New the end of June. Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, purchase of two more Liberty figures show London Underground TYNE & WEAR. The 40th who is allowing Centro to borrow trams from Brookville. E. B. Havens reaching over 1.3bn passenger anniversary of Metro trains was nearly GBP22m (EUR31m) FORT WORTH, TX. A USD100m journeys and London buses celebrated with a special journey to complete the interchange contract for eight FLIRT 3 DMUs nearly 2.4bn passenger journeys for passengers and former staff project, which includes a revamp was signed with Stadler on 9 (more than half of all bus journeys on 31 May. Metrocars 4001 and of the railway station. June. The trains will run on the made in England). Docklands 4002, the original prototypes, 43km (26.7-mile) TEX Rail line Light Railway (DLR) reached took part in a special journey USA between Fort Worth and DFW 110m passenger journeys, while from Airport to Percy Main. The ATLANTA, GA. USD29.3m in International Airport from the Overground was up nearly first prototypes were delivered to federal TIGER funding is being September 2018. RGI 5m journeys to nearly 140m. the Metro test track in Backworth, sought to extend the tramline KANSAS CITY, MO. Work on MANCHESTER. Construction North Tyneside, in May and by 2.9km (1.8 miles) along overhead construction for the work on the Second City Crossing June 1975. Edgewood Ave to the Atlanta Belt new 3.5km (2.2-mile) city centre is well advanced with tracks The next phase of the Metro Line. Two more trams would be tramway started in late June. extending to Exchange Square modernisation programme for required. E. B. Havens E. B. Havens from Victoria Station likely to the 2015-16 period has been BIRMINGHAM, AL. The city KENOSHA, WI. Utility company see service use by the end of the announced and will include: has been chosen to host the We Energies has given a price of year. Elsewhere on the Second Completion of refurbishment 2021 World Games, but public USD5.5m for the cost of utility City Crossing, St Peter’s Square of the train fleet, including a transport is poor. The Transit relocation for the proposed north- stop closed on 28 June for eight new digital radio system; track Authority is looking into bus south tramway; the city council weeks with trams only returning replacement between Tynemouth rapid transit and light rail to therefore decided on 15 June to at the end of August on a single- and Northumberland Park; a improve the situation. E. B. Havens defer the project. The city has until track basis. The closure will leave new Rail Traffic Management CHARLOTTE, NC. T h e October 2016 to accept a federal the network in two halves with System (RTMS) in the Metro 2.4km (1.5-mile) Gold line grant for the tramway. E. B. Havens northern and eastern services control room; modernisation of heritage tramway linking LOS ANGELES, CA. The latest operating to or through Piccadilly, Central Station’s Metro ticket Charlotte Transportation Center cost estimate for the 6km (3.7-mile) and western and southern services hall and platforms; modernisation (interchange with light rail) and downtown tramline has reduced terminating at Deansgate- work at Heworth, Felling and Novant Health Presbyterian to USD281.6m. There is still a Castlefield or Cornbrook with bus Gateshead Stadium; replacement Medical Center at Hawthorne/5th funding shortfall of USD144m. links to Piccadilly station. of a key track junction at St was to open on 14 July. E. B. Havens Bury line stops will soon Regent Centre. The USD37m project uses three MILWAUKEE, WI. The planned have live service information The GBP40m (EUR56m) works replica trams that originally ran central area tramway circulator on electronic displays. Testing form part of the GBP389m on part of what became the has been re-routed away from has started at some stops, as part (EUR549m) Metro: all change Lynx light rail line. Service starts Wells St around Cathedral of Transport for Greater programme, the UK Government- at 06.00 on weekdays, 08.00 on Square Park to reduce the cost Manchester’s roll out of a new funded modernisation scheme Saturdays and 09.00 Sundays. of utility relocation by USD1m. Tram Management System. This that began in 2010. Service finishes at 23.00, midnight Construction is expected to start is already in use on the new-build Passenger Transport Executive on Friday/Saturday, and 19.00 next spring with passenger service lines and part of the Altrincham Nexus is planning further on Sunday. USD7.7m has been in summer 2018. E. B. Havens line. redevelopment at Sunderland approved for design work for line PHILADELPHIA, PA (SEPTA). There has been an increase station, working in partnership extensions, which could open Former Red Arrow tramlines 101 in the number of ‘tram surfing’ with Sunderland Council and in 2019. E. B. Havens and 102 (Media and Sharon Hill) incidents with people clinging to Network Rail. The works will CHICAGO, IL. The Yellow line are replaced by buses from 15 June the outside of trams while they are complement improvements (Skokie Swift) rapid transit was to 6 September to permit work on in motion. There were 15 reported made to the sub-surface station suspended from 19 June until the track, overhead, bridges and incidents in the last six months in 2010. Plans have also been October due to an embankment communications/signalling. of 2014 but 25 incidents from announced for the development collapse. A. H. Kerman The 26-27 September visit of January to May this year. A poster of a new transport interchange CINCINNATI, OH. Two bids His Holiness Pope Francis will see campaign at stops will also extend in South Shields as part of the for the management/operating many station closures on the city’s to messages on social media. GBP100m (EUR141m) town contract for the new tramway transit system, and operations in

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A view of the first Cincinnati tram approaching completion in the CAF plant at An Inekon tram running on battery power on the new First Hill tramline in Elmira Heights, NY. J. Schneider Seattle. SDOT one direction only before and after Sacramento tramline failed to FLEETWOOD (UK). Four former WEHMINGEN (DE). T he the Papal Masses. A special USD10 obtain the two-thirds majority Blackpool trams previously owned Hannover Strassenbahn-Museum pass will be sold in advance of the needed to pass, leaving the project by for the proposed sprang a surprise on 21 June events. R. Barrows short of USD30m in funding – scheme have when Berlin Tatra KT4D 6016 was PHOENIX, AR. The opening 1215 of 3700 voters returned their been sold to a private individual used in passenger service, date for the 5km (three-mile) Mesa ballot, with 627 voting ‘no’. and moved to open storage in coinciding with the 150-year light rail extension has now been E. B. Havens Fleetwood alongside vehicles tramway celebrations in the fixed for 22 August, still seven ST LOUIS, MO. Tracklaying owned by the Fleetwood Heritage German capital. The northern months earlier than originally for the Delmar Loop heritage Leisure Trust. turning circle of the museum line planned. A park-and-ride is tramway started on 15 June. Of the four, only Brush car 625 was brought into operation at situated at Mesa Drive, the new It may be possible to start is likely to be restored, with 637 the same time. DS terminus. E. B. Havens passenger service in autumn and trailers 681 and 687 used for WHITEHORSE (CA). T he PORTLAND, OR. The timetable 2016. E. B. Havens spares or as static features. heritage tramway using an for the Orange line, opening on SEATTLE, WA. By the end of GIBSON, CA (US). Plans for a ex-Lisboa tram powered by a 12 September, shows that most June a start date for the First tram museum using ex-Brussels generator trailer is operating journeys will be through-routed Hill Streetcar had still not cars have been abandoned and 10.00-18.00 from 17 May to 7 with the Yellow line in the city been announced, as trials and the trams dispersed. 9060 went to September. D. Edwards centre, although some peak certification continued with the the National Capital museum for journeys will operate Milwaukie Inekon-built trams. The Seattle Washington, DC, at Collesville, CONTRIBUTORS – Union Station. Department of Transportation MD. Works car 34 was sent to the Worldwide items should be sent to The number of Type 1/2/3 LRVs renegotiated its contract with OEHRS museum at Brooks, OR, Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin retrofitted with LED signs in late Inekon earlier in the year to followed by trailer 2190 and snow at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, June was only 20-25, so TriMet is encourage prompt entry into plough 19. T-2000 Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. a little behind in its goal of having service of the new trams, with fines HEATON PARK (UK). The Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or e-mail: ‘around 50’ (of the 105 total) that could exceed USD400 000 for tramway was closed for two weeks [email protected] converted by the Orange line’s overruns. E. B. Havens in June to allow upgrades to be UK and Ireland items opening. However, counting the made to the substation, which are welcomed by the Home 35-40 S70s (Types 4 and 5) that MUSEUM NEWS has been in place since 1980. News Editor, John Symons, will be available by then, TriMet ARNHEM (NL). New arrivals OUDDORP (NL). The RTM 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, should still have enough LED- at the heritage tramway are Museum has been granted Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. sign-equipped cars to cover all Amsterdam two-axle set 464+776 planning permission to extend E-mail: [email protected] scheduled Yellow-Orange duties. and open trailer 600, ready its buildings from 250 to 600m2. Contributors this month The LED signs being retrofitted for a tramway event held on The work is due to complete in include Mike Ballinger, are manufactured by a different 20-21 June. digitaletram.nl March 2016 and will provide a R.Barrows, Ray Deacon, D. company (Woonjin Industrial BELMONT, NC (US). This more spacious environment for Edwards and Clifton Flewitt. Systems) than that which supplied suburban city 25km (15.5 miles) the exhibits and shop. Acknowledgements are also due LED signs to Siemens for TriMet’s west of Charlotte is considering The heritage tramline now to BS Blickpunkt Strassenbahn, 40 S70s. a heritage tramway using one of runs almost the full length of the digitaletram.nl, EA Eisenbahn Thursday 11 June saw the the Brill-type ex-Porto trams, at Brouwersdam, from the museum Amateur, EB Eisenbahn, Edinburgh first cross the present in Vancouver. E. B. Havens near Ouddorp on the former island Evening News, Daily News Egypt, Tilikum Crossing bridge, with COLLESVILLE, MD (US). The of Goeree to West Repart, near DS Drehscheibe, Egyptian Streets, members of Portland Opera National Capitol Trolley Museum Scharendijke on the former island Irish Times, IRJ International Rail performing on board. has acquired DC Transit 1945 of Schouwen. P. Burke Journal, Manchester Evening News, Repainting the Broadway Bridge St Louis PCC 1540, a shell that ROCKHILLE FURNACE, PA MTMS, Nottingham Evening saw Portland Streetcar service CL spent some time in Fort Worth as (US). Former San Diego U2 car Post, OR Op De Rails, Philippine line suspended for six weeks from a source of parts for the erstwhile 1019 made its first test run at the Star, RGI Railway Gazette 26 June to 6 August. Leonard’s subway. J. Marinoff Rockhill Trolley Museum on 19 International, Railways to Yesterday, S. J. Morgan, E. B. Havens DALLAS, TX (US). Ex-Brussels June, fitted with trolley poles. Ex- TR Today’s Railways, T-2000 SACRAMENTO, CA. The 3 June PCC 7169 made its first test run SEPTA PCC 2743 has returned to Tram 2000, transphoto.ru, ballot needed to create a special on the McKinney Avenue heritage the museum after restoration in urbanrail.net, Wolverhampton tax district to finance the West tramway on 29 May. T-2000 New Jersey. Railways to Yesterday Express & Star and the Yorkshire Post.

336 / AUGUST 2015 www.tramnews.net . www.tautonline.com To reach the global light rail, tramway, metro and markets, there is no better commerical platform for your organisation than Tramways & Urban Transit.

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AUGUST www.lrta.org 2015 N O. 932 www.tautonline.com JULY 2015 N O. 931 ST CENTURY ATLANTA CONTINUES THE WARSAW’S 21 STREETCAR REVOLUTION URBAN RAIL REVOLUTION

UK debates safety, technology and integration Examining the tramway wheel/rail interface China’s metro fund-raising drive Suburban Washington to get trams Houston opens two new LRT lines Hope for Andalucía’s ‘ closed’ lines? Vienna reveals driverless U5 plan UKTram backs seven innovations ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 World Congress 07 Freiburg UITP faces the issues ISSN 1460-8324

Orléans Trams in Germany’s £4.25 Rolling stock of urban growth 08 LRT’s vital role in a 9 771460 832043 ‘green’ capital Global mergers and historic French city 9 771460 832043 acquisitions analysis

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LANDSLIP REMEDIATION WORKS COMPLETED IN 2013 Burroughs Stewart Associates are delighted to continue supporting the Isle of Man Railways, providing Engineering, Design and Project Management to enable the ongoing operation of the Snaefell Mountain Railway. Our recent projects on the Island include structural inspections, monitoring of retaining walls and the remediation of landslips.

Above right and inset: Principle structural inspection of Llerghy Veg retaining walls

T: +44 (0)1624 662155 І E: [email protected] І W: www.bsa.co.im Letters

MAILBOX Get your views into print Letters should be clearly typed and preferably not handwritten. [email protected] +44 (0)1733 367615 We reserve the right to shorten contributions for publication.

Clear thinking on the interface between wheels and rails

I was very interested in the article by Bob Hall in TAUT 931, which seems at last to inject some clear thinking and understanding into the subject of the wheel/rail interface. To the observer there has seemed an aura of mystery, even blindness to facts, in some statements on the subject. One thing that still mystifies is that, from personal memory, first-generation tram rail had a running surface that was inclined from the horizontal, possibly matching the coning of the wheels, rather than a railway-type bullhead section. One wonders what the purpose was behind that, unless it was some sort of attempt to reduce grooving of the wheels. Certainly if the angles were indeed the same then it must have induced some rolling resistance and wear due to the range of rolling diameter; it could not have helped at all on curves or corners. Howard Burford, by-email

Having a keen interest in UK tramways, I thought I’d express my frustrations at how I see the situation in this country. The delays in opening the Nottingham extensions (still not running yet I understand) seem inexcusable. Why bother with all the costs, disruption and expectation, and then not deliver a timely service? Are people in Nottingham ABOVE: Tramways such as those in the German city of are long bothered any more? No wonder I read that expansion plans established and have seen many years of sterling service through have been questioned. generations of experience. Neil Pulling Has anyone monitored the snail’s pace progress of the tracks out of Snow Hill, along Bull Street and Corporation Street in He points to a lack of understanding of British designers Birmingham? Now that short extension has missed its opening and engineers, and his point about the various rail profiles date when the revamped railway station is due to open. in use in the UK is very interesting indeed. When compared Track replacement in Wolverhampton, Sheffield and to French and German systems that use ‘tried and tested’ rail Manchester has meant months of no service on the affected profiles, why do we insist on re-inventing the wheel? routes, whilst buses come back, and as to Blackpool! A massive I understand that regulations vary from nation to nation, investment in modernising the line only to allow a parallel but surely – safety remaining paramount of course – we bus service to undercut it, banning Senior bus passes on the should look to be adjusting the regulations to those based trams for visitors, teasing us with modest extension plans up upon the decades of experience gained elsewhere rather Talbot Road to the railway station, then never doing it. Even trying to fit tramways into a railway mould. I must agree taking more than a year to sort out the traffic arrangements with Mr Hall in that too much ‘railway thinking’ is applied to at the junction off the Promenade to the old tram depot. tramways; this also echoes the thoughts of Mr Johnston in his I surely can’t be the only one who thinks the British heart editorial in the same issue. is not in its new trams. I read of French systems, or the US and We need to go back and examine what we are trying to further afield, of funding, planning and opening tramways in provide for passengers and whether our solutions for urban the same time it takes us to think about a public enquiry! rail are over-engineered (as I would believe they are). Do Jeremy D Lampitt, Leamington Spa (UK) we want trains running in the streets, or high-capacity buses on fixed infrastructure? As most of the rolling stock Bob Hall’s excellent article on the wheel/rail interface serves manufacturers are rail conglomerates, I would argue that as a great overview of the issues faced by track designers and they are more used to building trains than trams. I find it engineers, and what strikes me as the madness of the whole interesting that some of the most interesting new vehicles are situation of track design and maintenance when it comes to coming from bus manufacturers – this speaks volumes. the UK’s ‘second generation’ networks. N. Youlen, by e-mail

Onboard energy storage were running in many cities over 100 me nicely on to many of the themes that Following the constant news ofdevelopments years ago (although with varying levels of Scott McIntosh has been pulling the threads in onboard energy storage in the pages of success admittedly). I also understand that to in his recent series of articles in TAUT. TAUT, one must ask why these developments Bombardier and Abellio in the UK have been There seem to be many arguments for are taking so long to migrate to rail pleased with the efficiency shown in service reducing the axle loading and overall weight applications. It seems that the automotive of the prototype battery-powered IPEMU of the modern tram – lower track wear, more hybrid and battery sectors are moving forward project that has been running in East Anglia. flexibility for alignments and maintenance apace and have made such large strides in just So while the idea of onboard energy regimes – and yet more and more we see what a decade or so, yet rail lags so far behind. storage is not revolutionary, the challenges in amount to scaled-down railway carriages None of these concepts are even remotely powering a heavy, modern low-floor vehicle running in our city streets. Surely the main new; after all, battery-powered trams are certainly a modern disease. This brings reason for creating a lighter weight, simplified

338 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org vehicle is that with reduced complexity comes reduced cost, and the potential to realise more new tramway schemes. Removing some of the weight and complexity of modern low-floor tram designs means there is less mass to move around, surely making onboard energy storage – even in its current forms – more effective. How marvellous it is to dream of a new cottage tram industry in the UK, where vehicles are developed by pulling together the cream of the undoubted excellence in rail and automotive expertise in the country to create lightweight, low-cost trams that make cities think again about their adoption. Taking a leaf from the PCC in the 1930s and 1940s, a standardised basic bogie, traction and control package that can then have a body of your choice dropped onto it by a local supplier seems like a superb idea. In today’s age of modular construction, this is surely possible for cities that wish to develop small starter lines for, say, less than EUR100m. Small orders are currently ‘priced ABOVE: Although beset by early construction problems, the second line of the Warsaw Metro has proved a out’ of the market for cities to even consider success with passengers and proves how a forward-thinking city is prioritisng transport. W. Urbanowicz a tramway when vehicles are EUR2-3m each and built to hold hundreds of passengers. Yet wherever the money comes from in promoters of the country’s tram-train ‘pilot Simpler trams can hopefully lead to simpler individual cases, the point remains valid: scheme’ having to defend the project's slower infrastructure, and thus reduced cost. This is clear plan + funding can equal success. than intended progress. the very definition of ‘Ultra Light Rail’. Clear plans that can’t be funded remain One of the things that came up in the Of course one could argue that it just ideas, and as for funding being available discussion though, was that moves to simply isn’t in the interests of the larger without a clear plan... we all know where pan-European legislation on tram-trains manufacturers to take this route, so who is that can lead! have brought new rules on crashworthiness catering for this potentially significant new Name and address supplied different to those under which early schemes ‘lower end’ market for low cost, lightweight were created. This, it is claimed, makes the rolling stock and infrastructure? One hopes 'Austere' future for public spending process of delivering tram-train schemes that UKTram’s work in this area leads to What is the future of public spending? Five more difficult by making the vehicles more some forward movement if trams are ever to years or more after the financial crisis broke, like trains than trams. succeed again in the UK on a wider scale. the answer still seems uncertain. While surely nobody would deny that B. Polacios, by e-mail Indeed, given the chaos seemingly safety is an important pre-requisite for any enveloping the European single currency, public transport, it nevertheless raises an Warsaw – Planning and funding and tough and controversial austerity cuts intriguing point. If the idea of tram-trains is The fine article by Witold Urbanowicz still gripping a range of economies, it seems at least in part that they encourage travellers (TAUT 931) gives a welcome level of detail likely there's much more ahead. Yet big public out of motor vehicles by providing better on Warsaw’s new metro for those unfamiliar projects – and they include urban rail in its public transport, could making their delivery with it – and it raises something else, too. various forms – need certainty. How can you more difficult mean more people stay on the There may have been some teething confidently plan without it? roads? And if so, is that safer than if those troubles, but Poland’s investment in the Or, and perhaps more worrying, maybe we people were on the rails? future of its capital (metro and trams) shows need to ask ourselves the following question: Name and address supplied what can be done when there is a clear plan, what if ‘Austerity’ in some countries becomes coupled with the funding to deliver that. established in the much longer term as the Correction In Warsaw’s case, much of the money ‘new normal’? Where will our light rail Apologies to David Holt, author of last has come from European Union funding dreams stand then? month’s lead letter, as an error made intended to invest in poorer areas and help A. Hamilton, by e-mail its way into the caption that accompanied them to achieve economic standards more the image he supplied. akin to western Europe. Who thinks that Tram-train or car: Which is safer? The caption should have referenced in Poland’s case such investment would If you were a delegate at the UK Light Rail “road detritus” and not “rail detritus”. We have been feasible without the country's Conference in June (as I was), one of the apologise if this in any way affected any membership of the EU? things you could have seen was the understanding of the meaning.

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

JULY Monday 20. Wickham 19.30. Terry Saturday 25. Beeston 14.00. Models: Railways of Britain. (TLRS) Chase: Tower trams and white What’s on your workbench? (TLRS) Monday 17. Wickham 19.30. Wednesday 15. Bristol 19.30. elephants – part 4. (TLRS) Saturday 25. Garstang 14.00. Ian Gledhill: San Francisco – part 3, Brian Lomas: Italy 2013 – part 2. Tuesday 21. Leeds 18.00. Evening Visit to Old Sirs Garden Tramway, . (TLRS) Thursday 16. Dartford 19.30. Alan Tour to Heaton Park. Meet Kirkgate. Westhoughton. (TLRS) Tuesday 18. Bristol. No meeting. Williams: Belgium & elsewhere. (TLRS) GBP10 inc. admission to Museum. Tuesday 18. London. No meeting. Saturday 18. Croydon. Festival of Free refreshments. AUGUST Thursday 20. Dartford 19.30. TBA. Model Tramways. (TLRS) Tuesday 21. London 19.00. London Saturday 29. Beeston 14.00. Saturday 18. Beeston outing to the Area AGM, followed by Alan Pearce: Wednesday 12. Brighton 19.30. John Huddlestone: Derby Festival of Model Tramways. (TLRS) Films from the LRTA archive. John Scott-Morgan: The Light Trolleybuses Part 2. (TLRS)

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 339 Classic Trams SNAEFELL AT 120 Peter Maddocks and Andrew Scarffe relate the fascinating history of the iconic Isle of Man Snaefell Mountain Railway, and the works to prepare it for another 120 years of successful operation. 1

tanding majestically at the head of the first tram ran in public service on 21 track renewal by contractors. In 2011-12 the Laxey Valley and reaching to August after a construction period of just and 2012-13 many sleepers were replaced a height of 602.5m (2036ft) above eight months. and reballasted, with new rail in several sea level, Snaefell is the Isle of Man’s To work the line, six trams were supplied locations predominantly above the Bungalow only true mountain. Its name, by G F Milnes and Company of Birkenhead Station. During the winter of 2011-12 a set Sof Scandinavian origin, translates as with electrical equipment supplied by Mather of points within the crossover east of the Snow Mountain. and Platt of Manchester. Before construction Bungalow failed and a new crossover was During the middle of Queen Victoria’s started, it was not known whether electric designed, fabricated and installed at the end reign the Isle of Man emerged as a popular trams would climb the 1:12 gradient by wheel of the main work programme. A point blade tourist resort. Enterprising locals quickly adhesion alone. It was therefore decided to recently recovered from the depot at Laxey offered guided walks on foot or horseback adopt the Fell centre rail system and install was dated 1895! In parallel, the railway’s own to the mountain’s summit where telescopes additional motors driving Fell gripper wheels staff continued a programme of rerailing and were installed to view the panoramic scenery. within the pair of bogies under each tram. In Fell rail installation. By 2013 some 46% of the In 1895, ascent of the mountain became the event it was determined that additional total track length had been refurbished. available to all when an electric tramway equipment was not required and it was never Late in the season of 2012, during a routine was built between Laxey and the summit. fitted, although the centre rail was retained track inspection, ground movement was Still in active operation today, 2015 marks for braking on the descent. A large caliper detected adjacent to the track along a section the tramway’s 120th anniversary and brake is mounted on the end of each bogie of line below the old power station. This was the milestone will be marked with public operated by a brake wheel on the platforms. stabilised by excavating and constructing a commemorations this August. This may account for the 3ft 6in (1067mm) wall of stone filled baskets. The initial length The Snaefell Mountain Railway is one gauge, six inches (152mm) wider than the of failure was 80m, but during planning of the island’s top tourist attractions and Manx Standard Gauge. another length moved and this required an continues to carry more than 50 000 people Current collection from the overhead additional section of 40m to be constructed. each year. On a clear day there are unrivalled wires was by a pair of bow collectors mounted In July 2013 the points outside the views of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, on the roof of the tram, one at each end. Bungalow failed due to fatigue and the Heaven, Mann and the Sea or Neptune’s While the Douglas to Ramsey section was railway ran without this facility for the Realm – Seven Kingdoms at a Glance, as the re-equipped with trolley poles in 1898, remainder of that season. early advertising literature proclaimed. the Snaefell trams retain the unusual bow The final phase of critical works began The railway age dawned on the Island in collectors to this day. Each vehicle was fitted in 2014-15, starting with the replacement 1873 when the Company with four 25hp motors, making them the crossover at the Bungalow. This will be opened a line between Douglas and Peel. most powerful trams in Britain at the time. followed by the replacement of the single A route southwards to Erin followed the Following the collapse of the Tramway blade switch at the summit and local next year but the intention to build one to Company in 1900, both lines were sold to resurfacing of the public area. Switches for Ramsey was abandoned and it fell to another the newly-formed the depot entrance and Y-point at Laxey are company, the Manx Northern Railway, to Company. The Snaefell Mountain Railway, already manufactured, and the track and build a line to Ramsey from St John’s on the as it was now known, quickly settled points at Laxey Station were completed in the western side of the island. into an annual routine of hectic summer station relay of 2013-14. Several railway schemes were promoted operation between Whitsun and the end The trams themselves have also come in for the rugged eastern side of the island. of September followed by winter slumber. for their share of attention. Tram 1 received a A number also proposed a line to Snaefell Facing a considerable maintenance backlog frame-up body rebuild and rewire, complete Summit, including one in 1883 by Charles at the end of the World War Two, the Manx with new low-voltage contactor unit; this Spooner and John Hughes of the Festiniog Electric Railway Company sold the lines in replaced the pneumatic unit installed in the Railway. Another notable scheme was 1957 to the Isle of Man Government, which 1970s and for which spares are no longer proposed by John Barraclough Fell in 1888, continues to operate them to this day. available. Two more contactors have been he who had invented the Fell Incline Railway In 1970, car 5 was destroyed by fire and purchased and wheels are on order as the System as an alternative to rack and pinion. a new body was built locally. At the same existing ones approach the end of their lives. His system had a double-headed centre rail time 75 years of mountain climbing was The next tram will be positioned for major laid horizontally between the running rails, beginning to take its toll on the original bodywork later in the 2015 season. gripped by horizontal wheels on specially- antiquated electric equipment. In 1977-79 The 1970s re-equipment work placed large equipped steam locomotives. The system London Transport re-equipped all six cars resistor-braking units on the roofs of wooden enjoyed only limited success, however, with electric components from the frames and their 500kg mass causes additional notably on a line across Mont Cénis between tramways in Germany. Although descent of damage to the lightweight structures. France and Italy and in New Zealand. the mountain is now controlled by rheostatic Alternatives to these high-mounted resistors braking, the Fell equipment was retained for are being considered. The overhead equipment Reaching the summit emergency purposes. It is now the only line in also continues in its original form, with its In 1893 the Douglas and Laxey Coast Electric the world still using the Fell system. wire contact using two bow collectors per Tramway opened between Douglas and car. Wire renewal is underway as a rolling Groudle. The line was extended to Laxey Careful and respectful refurbishment programme whilst alternative heritage-style in 1894 and to Ramsey in 1899. In 1895 the Around the Millennium, the track was in equipment is sought. company made public its plan to build a poor condition. The purchase of 10 000m With significant investment and separate line from Laxey to Snaefell Summit. of new specially-rolled Fell rail was only the professional engineering the Snaefell Works on the double-track, 7.6km (4.75-mile) start of a significant refurbishment project Mountain Railway should be ready for electric tramway began in January 1895 and that began with two winters of plain line another 120 years.

340 / AUGUST 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Laxey Station around 1900. with Snaefell car 1 standing to the left and MER Winter Saloon 21 running round its open trailer.

2. Car 1 has undergone a major restoration programme, beginning in 2011, including a full repaint in the original blue and white livery. Of note is the readoption of the word 'tramway' rather than 'railway', favoured for many decades.

3. The interior of the generating room showing four of the five engines in 1895.

4. Close-up of the Fell brake on the uphill end of one of the trams. The brakesman turned a handwheel in the cab above causing the jaws to close and grip the double-headed centre rail. Brake shoes had to be replaced after about five or six descents from the summit. To the left, the large spur driving wheel can also be seen. These were not encased and contributed to the famous 'growling' noise as trams climbed the mountain.

2 5. SMR cars 2 and 6 outside the 1895 car shed in the early 1960s.

3 4

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

On Thursday 20 August, banker and tramway investor Alexander Bruce will be ‘resurrected’ to welcome passengers to the Snaefell Summit Restaurant. Artwork by local sculptor Anna Smart and artist Michael Starkey will be on display while, in the evening, the first performance of a chamber ensemble work by Ramsey-based composer Tim Price entitled 7 Kingdoms will be staged at the summit. Tickets for the evening event are now on sale. On Friday 21 August, exactly 120 years since the first public trams wended their way to the summit, there will be a special Snaefell Sunset Dinner hosted in the restaurant with the commemorative artworks and Victorian photographic displays still on display. Guided walks exploring Snaefell’s flora and fauna will add to the commemorations on 20-21 August. Other highlights of the 2015 season include stargazing, Pie In The Sky nights and Indian Hill Station nights throughout September and October.

Website: www.iombusandrail.info Facebook: www.facebook.com/IsleofManRailways 5 Twitter: @IOMRailways

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org AUGUST 2015 / 341 BOOKSHOP Order online from lrta.info/shop – or by post from: LRTA Publications, 31 Ashton Road, Wokingham RG41 1HL Postage & packing – Any UK address: add 10%; All addresses outside UK: add 20%. For Airmail despatch outside Europe: add 30% – minimum & maximum values no longer apply.

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Mit der Straßenbahn durch das Mit der Straßenbahn durch das Berlin der 60er Jahre Berlin der 60er Jahre Band 1: Die Linien 1, 11 und 2 Band 2: Die Linien 3 und 4 First part of a new series of The second part of this series pictorial reviews of the city’s tells the story of two tramlines trams during a period of huge re-extended into . change. German text. German text. 215 x 240 mm hardback, landscape 215 x 240 mm hardback, landscape format; 96 pages, 88 black & white format; 96 pages, 83 black & white and five colour pictures, five maps. and 10 colour pictures, five maps. £17.50 plus postage & packing as shown above. £17.50 plus postage & packing as shown above.

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EXPANDING LRT OPERATIONS IN OTTAWA Herbert Pence examines the existing light rail operations in Ottawa, now rebranded as the Trillium line, and looks forward to the new low-floor Confederation line that is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2018.

RIDING THE DALLAS SYSTEMS FACTFILE: HUDSON- STREETCAR TOURS REACHES SOUTH In May Dallas added a new mode to its Tours opened its tramway in August 2013, Vic Simons reports from New Jersey on the public transport offering with the opening of using wire-free and overhead supply – and final piece in the Hudson-Bergen light rail its streetcar line, linking Dallas Union Station one of the most striking modern tram jigsaw, now complete with opening of the with the suburb of Oak Cliff. By Vic Simons. designs. Neil Pulling explores the system. elevated 8th Street station. SEPTEMBER PLUS... ISSUE + Mike Russell reports from Berlin’s 150th tramway anniversary + The latest news, rolling stock orders and movements, system on sale developments, transport policy and leading industry comment August 21 RUBBER CROSSING SYSTEMS FOR CITY RAIL Each crossing panel is SOLUTIONS securely fixed to the next, ensuring the safest crossing possible. Panels cannot become dislodged. Solid rubber panels can be individually removed or replaced without needing to dismantle the whole crossing. In use with Rail Authorities Cost effective, worldwide. high performance rubber crossing systems designed and developed for ease of installation in road and pedestrian crossings, tram stops and depots.

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