THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2015 No. 936 PORTLAND ORANGE LINE: MORE THAN JUST TRANSIT

Light Rail Awards 2015: Celebrating excellence

UITP warning over ageing assets Stadler buys Vossloh Rail Vehicles Siemens to open Turkish factory ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 Passengers first Upper Silesia 12 Are we delivering the All change for one of best environments? the great interurbans 9 771460 832043 For booking and sponsorship opportunities please call +44 (0) 1733 367600 or visit www.mainspring.co.uk

27-28 July 2016 Conference Aston, Birmingham, UK The 11th Annual UK Light Rail Conference and exhibition brings together over 250 decision-makers for two days of open debate covering all aspects of light rail operations and development. Delegates can explore the latest industry innovation within the event’s exhibition area and examine LRT’s role in alleviating congestion in our towns and cities and its potential for driving economic growth.

VVoices from the industry… “On behalf of UKTram specifically “We are really pleased to have and the industry as a whole I send “Thank you for a brilliant welcomed the conference to the my sincere thanks for such a great conference. The dinner was really city and to help to grow it over the event. Everything about it oozed enjoyable and I just wanted to thank last two years. It’s been a pleasure quality. I think that such an event you and your team for all your hard to partner with you and the team, shows any doubters that light rail work in making the event a success. and thank you for always being in the UK is here to stay and I really appreciated the extra respective to our suggestions.” can present itself in a way that is attention to detail on our behalf.” Sarah Alton – Communications & second to none.” Marsid Greenidge – Head of Marketing Business Partner, Colin Robey – Managing Director, Communications, UK Nottingham City Council UKTram

SUPPORTED BY ORGANISED BY 473 CONTENTS The official journal of the Light Rail Transit Association DECEMBER 2015 Vol. 78 No. 936 www.tramnews.net EDITORIAL 468 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 S.J. Morgan S.J. E-mail: [email protected] WORLDWIDE EDITOR Michael Taplin 484 Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] NEWS EDITOR John Symons 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST9 0LW, UK. E-mail: [email protected] SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Neil Pulling WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTORS Tony Bailey, James Chuang, Paul Nicholson, Richard Felski, Ed Havens, Bill Vigrass, Andrew Moglestue, Mike Russell, Nikolai Semyonov, Vic Simons, Herbert Pence, Alain Senut, Thomas Wagner. NEWS 468 SYSTEMS FACTFILE: BOSTON 488 PRODUCTION UITP’s ‘Munich Declaration’ challenges The capital of Massachusetts, already Lanna Blyth for cities and operators; Bombardier claims boasting an admirable Tel: +44 (0)1733 367604 E-mail: [email protected] Primove range record; Stadler acquires network, is seeking to expand again – DESIGN Vossloh Rail Vehicles; Dublin planning Vic Simons sums up the current offerings. Debbie Nolan underway for lower-cost Metro North; ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL MANAGER Siemens to build Turkish factory. WORLDWIDE REVIEW 493 Geoff Butler Kim Jong Un inspects new North Korean- Tel: +44 (0)1733 367610 E-mail: [email protected] PORTLAND – MILWAUKIE 473 built metro train set; Medellin rubber-tyred PUBLISHER Vic Simons reports from TriMet’s latest tramway opens; EUR455m financial plan for Howard Johnston opening: the Orange Line, linking Paris Tram Express Sud tram-train agreed; Tramways & Urban Transit is jointly published by the Portland and Milwaukee. Olsztyn tramway to open in December; LRTA and LRTA Publishing on the third Friday of each Kuala Lumpur MRT line 2 approved; San month preceding the cover date. UPPER SILESIA 479 Diego looks at light rail expansion. LRTA WEBSITE AND DIARY Public transport in the Upper Silesia region Brian Lomas E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] has had mixed fortunes, but Witold MAILBOX 498 LRTA MEMBERSHIP (with TAUT subscription) Urbanowcz reports why the latest light rail The best laid plans for Midland Metro Tramways & Urban Transit is sent free to all paid-up closure came as something of a surprise. seem to have gone awry; plus more on stray members of the Light Rail Transit Association. currents and the issue of articulation. SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES PUTTING PASSENGERS FIRST 484 LRTA Membership Secretary (Dept T06), Stops, stations and interchanges are the CLASSIC : PRAHA AT 150 500 38 Wolseley Road, Sale M33 7AU, UK. gateways to our systems. Scott McIntosh asks The celebrations of tramways around the Tel: +44 (0)117 9517785 if we're spending the right proportion of our world continue, this time in Prague, as BACK ISSUES Tel: +44 (0)117 951 7785 time considering their form and function. Mike Russell reports. PRINT AND DISTRIBUTION Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1778 391000. It's been an inspirational month for light rail LRTA REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 138 Radnor Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2BY, UK. Many of the points UITP listed as significant for urban transit at its rail Private company limited by guarantee, No. 5072319 conference in October – from population growth to automation – are hardly in England and Wales. new. Indeed, they have been widely discussed within these pages and elsewhere LRTA CHAIRMAN for many years. What is useful is that the International Association of Public Andrew Braddock Transport has effectively ‘codified’ the influences facing both cities and light E-mail: [email protected] and urban systems in the future in one easily digestible list (see News). LRTA DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Moreover, the statistics in the worldwide body’s Light Rail in Figures report also allow it Paul Rowen to be confident when it identifies challenges – one of which is that it judges that less than LRTA PUBLISHING REGISTERED OFFICE c/o 8 Berwick Place, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 4TU, half the vehicles needed globally every year simply for fleet renewal have actually been UK. Private Limited Company, No. 06169422 built. This stark finding reinforces a key point: successful light rail that will cope with in England and Wales. the expanding demands of the future demands long-term thinking, but short to © LRTA Publishing 2015 medium-term action. Transport and urban planners the world over could do worse than Articles are submitted on the understanding they may also have the ‘Munich Declaration’ pinned to their office walls. later be used on our websites or other media. A contribution is accepted on the basis that its author is responsible for the There was plenty of success for projects that will bring such long-term benefits at this opinions expressed in it, and such opinions are not those of year’s Light Rail Awards, held in October and supported again by TAUT. A record-breaker LRTA Publishing or the LRTA. All rights reserved. in terms both of entries and attendance, the awards honour excellence and innovation No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in from around the globe; read all about it in the supplement that accompanies this issue. any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and More forward thinking is being displayed in the US city of Portland, where particular retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from consideration has been given to light rail’s enviromental footprint as well as its benefits the copyright owner. Multiple copying of the contents of the to local stakeholders and businesses. Some of the initiatives in delivering the latest link magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. between central Portland and neighbouring Milwaukie should offer inspiration to COVER: A Siemens S70 train on the new Tilikum promoters everywhere. Read more about it from page 473. Simon Johnston, Editor Crossing over the . S. J. Morgan

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 467 News UITP celebrates worldwide light rail and tram expansion New report shows that the US leads LRT development, but warns of ageing assets and obsolescence

new report from In rolling stock terms, there the oldest average age and where for new lines and system UITP, released at its are currently over 36 000 trams investment in fleet renewal is the expansion. Production figures International Rail and LRVs in operation, and most needed. between 1987 and 2014 suggest Conference in Munich, in Western Europe and the Assuming a useful working life that only around 400-450 LRVs Ademonstrates the impressive US the average vehicle age is of 35 years, this would be mean and trams are built each year, growth of light rail worldwide below 20 years. Eastern Europe that in excess of 1000 new trams pointing to a worrying age of over the last three decades. is in a transition phase, while are required each year for mere rolling stock assets in some parts Light Rail in Figures shows that Eurasia is the continent with fleet renewal, without counting of the world. 120 new systems have opened since 1985, and 78 since 2000. The US holds the majority of the 10 MESSAGES FROM MUNICH new openings since the start of the 21st Century (23), more so Overall public transport growth A rail system has a lifecycle of 40 attractive and won’t be considered than even France (20), widely 20% of all public transport is in urban years; the sector needs to recognise as “lost” if we provide services held as the modern pioneer areas, with 265m passengers carried this and prepare for the future. such as wi-fi and infotainment to in 400 cities every day. maximise travelling time. of the mode. Over the same Going multi-modal to generate period Spain has opened 16 new The urban rail market is booming non-fare revenues Losing the frequency spectrum systems, with Turkey next at The world’s urban population is Fare revenues are often insufficient Communications Based Train growing by about 75m every year, to cover the (high) costs of operating Control (CBTC) systems used for eight. The good news is openings requiring better transport solutions. and maintaining system;. multi- new projects and re-signalling use far outweigh closures, with only LRT and tramway systems now modal policies, and opportunities radio frequencies for safety-critical 13 over the same period – eight in operate in 388 cities, mostly in such as real estate diversification, track-train communications, but the the former Soviet Union, four in Europe (206 cities), while in the land value capture, park-and-ride prevalence of digital devices sees Romania and one in Egypt. 30 years to 2000, around 25 new sites and renting advertising space radio bands becoming saturated Over 15 600km (9700 miles) metro systems were built per decade can help bridge a shortfall. and urban rail is at risk of losing its of infrastructure are currently and many existing networks have New solutions to both store and dedicated frequency spectrum. being operated worldwide, with been expanded. Today there are save energy More capacity to meet the 9000 metro stations and 11 000km another 850km (530 miles) under Reducing consumption is both a growing demand (6835 miles) of line infrastructure. construction and 2350km political will and a key requirement for Many systems face overcrowding, (1460 miles) at the planning stage. Automation is the future operators, for whom energy represents especially during peak hours. There are a total of 732km (455 miles) the second highest cost after staff. Significant investments are therefore There are 32 345 stops and an of automated metro lines, spread Energy efficiency and weight necessary to meet this growing average spacing of 484m. Over over 52 lines in 35 cities. reductions through technology will demand: more lines, extensions, 13.6bn passengers are carried Beware obsolescence help as, for example, a 1% reduction in additional rolling stock etc. each year, or an average of around Ageing infrastructure and mass can represent a 1% energy saving. The ‘Munich Declaration’ 45m each day. vehicles are the key challenges for Journeys must be entertaining In conclusion, UITP issued the The highest patronage is seen operators and authorities, but new With greater digitalisation, more ‘Munich Declaration’, highlighting in Budapest (396m passengers/ technologies – especially in the solutions are available to improve the importance of urban rail and annum), followed by Vienna collection and use of data – can help passenger journeys, such as real- calling on policymakers and (363m), Bucharest (322m), to monitor maintenance. Component time information updates. Public planners to review conventional Prague (317m) and Sankt obsolescence is also a major issue. transport time can be made more design practices to manage costs. Peterburg (312m).

On 3 November Bombardier specifically developed for announced the completion longer distances. Mannheim Bombardier claims of a 41.6km (25.8-mile) is the worldwide centre for catenary-free test run on the Primove development. Primove range record Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr (RNV) The system’s advanced tram network in Mannheim, thermal conditioning unit Germany, powered entirely maintains the battery’s ideal by its latest-generation temperature and enables Primove technology. The rapid charging and full system as installed uses nickel braking energy recovery manganese cobalt (NMC) while extending their life by Lithium-ion cells in up to ten years. combination with the firm’s Although the announcement Mitrac propulsion and control is significant due to the equipment. distance covered, the same RNV began using technologies have been used supercapacitor energy storage in revenue service on the Hexi systems in 2009, and now has line in Nanjing, China, since 30 trams with this technology. August 2014. Six trams, built This has provided sufficient by CRRC Puzhen under license, energy for short journeys operate in the city of over eight Bombardier trams in Mannheim have used supercapacitor technology since off-wire, however the test million residents without 2009, this is the vehicle that completed the 41.6km (25.8-mile) run in November. run took place using the overhead power supply on Bombardier latest version of the system, 90% of the lines.

468 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Nice selects Alstom Stadler acquires Vossloh wire-free solution Alstom has been awarded a EUR91m contract to supply 19 Citadis X05 44m low-floor trams rolling stock business for lines 2 and 3 and the SRS ground-based static charging Swiss firm takes over the Spanish-based Vossloh Rail Vehicles, the solution for the vehicles’ onboard supercapacitors. The order manufacturing arm of German track and component specialist includes options for between 3 and 18 more trams and maintenance for a period of 12 years. n 4 November Vossloh Unlike Line 1, the EUR650m AG announced the line 2 will from 2018 run 11.3km sale of its Spanish- (seven miles) from the Airport based Rail Vehicles to Port de Nice, with a 3.2km Obusiness to Stadler Rail of (two-mile) subway in the central Switzerland. Subject to approval area. Surface sections will be by the relevant authorities, the catenary free. deal – including a cash payment Cuenca begins dynamic of EUR48m and assumption of tram tests EUR124m in debt liabilities – is The first powered test runs on the expected to be completed in the new tramline in Cuenca, Ecuador, first quarter of 2016, but will be were made on 19 October. backdated to 1 July 2015. The 10.5km (6.5-mile) line from A year ago Vossloh announced Parque Industrial to Control Sur, a major restructuring of its with 27 stops, will open in the first half of 2016 and feature a 2km businesses and that a number of The first Citylink for the UK’s tram-train project is due for delivery to Sheffield Supertram’s Nunnery Road depot in December. Following a period of intensive (1.2-mile) section with APS surface divisions would be either sold testing, driver instruction will begin with a view to the first vehicles entering current collection. Journey times in their entirety of split up. Rail service progressively from July. Vossloh are projected at 35 minutes and Vehicles, based in Albuixech the system has a design capacity and supplying diesel-electric very happy that we have found is not yet tangible” for Vossloh for 120 000 passengers/day. locomotives, light rail and a buyer that is experienced in Electrical Systems (formerly Leading the CITA Cuenca tram-train vehicles, is one of the industry, has a tremendous Vossloh Kiepe) in Düsseldorf consortium, Alstom is responsible three business units in the reputation and is reliable.” and the Vossloh Locomotives for electrification, power supplies and systems integration as well German firm’s ‘discontinued’ Stadler Rail Deputy Chairman business in Kiel. The statement as the supply of 14 33m Alstom Transportation division Thomas Ahlburg said that concluded: ‘The objective Citadis 100% low-floor trams. (TAUT 925). The division through the acquisition “we remains that a suitable buyer for reported sales of EUR223.3m are able to integrate a company both businesses will be found by New Alna Sharyo trams in 2014 – against a forecast that perfectly complements our the end of 2017 at the latest’. for Tokyo EUR500m – and EUR182.4m in product portfolio and at the Vossloh Rail Vehicles has The first two Alna SharyoSeries 8900 trams have entered service the first nine months of 2015. same time enables us to access secured orders for its on the 1372mm Arakawa line in A Vossloh statement said, new markets… Moreover, we can low-floor trams for cities such as Tokyo, Japan. These are intended ‘the management and all proven count on a highly experienced Rostock in Germany, Gmunden to replace the existing Series 7000 functions of the business’ are to and motivated management and in Austria and Santos in Brazil, trams, the oldest of which date remain in Spain, which Stadler engineering team.” and Citylink tram-trains for from 1954. A further six new 13m intends to strengthen as a centre The firm’s medium-term Karlsruhe and Chemnitz in single-section trams are due for of competence for locomotive strategy remains, which Germany, Mallorca in Spain delivery by early 2017. engineering. includes the sale of its other and for the future tram-train The 12.2km (7.6-mile) Arakawa Vossloh Chairman Dr Hans Transportation businesses, scheme between Sheffield and line currently serves 45 000 passengers per day. Martin Schabert said: “We are although “a change of ownership Rotherham in the UK. Twin Cities exercise S70 option Metro Transit has exercised an Dublin plans lower cost Metro North option for five more Siemens S70 LRVs for the Twin Cities light rail system that links the Minnesota Consideration is being given to a The line will be designed key hospital and university cities of Minneapolis and St Paul. lower-cost version of Metro North to allow potential extension destinations and offering a The order, worth USD20m, adds (TAUT 935). The project to link southwards to Brides Glen and journey time of 19 minutes from to the existing 59 Siemens Dublin city centre with the Irish to ultimately form a complete O’Connell St to the airport and vehicles already in operation on capital’s airport must sit alongside north-south metro corridor. 31 minutes from O’Connell the Blue and Green lines. proposals for DART expansion Metro North will now cost Street to Swords Estuary. Tenders have also been invited to Balbriggan, Maynooth and EUR2.6bn and comprise a A draft Transport Strategy for for a further 27 LRVs for delivery Hazelhatch, including a redesign 16.5km (10.3-mile) light rail line Greater Dublin 2016-2035 includes by 2020, with an option for of the DART Underground project. connecting St Stephen’s Green the Brides Glen proposal as well as another 50. Revisions include reducing with Swords, via Dublin Airport. further Luas expansion; following Maxwell signs CAF the amount of tunnelling and The new proposals would retain completion of the Cross City line supercapacitor deal length of elevated structures a large proportion of the almost extension to Broombridge, there San Diego-based Maxwell by adopting surface running EUR170m invested in the Metro would be further expansion Technologies has signed a in Swords; having one less North project before it was put of this line to Finglas plus an contract to supply CAF Power & city centre station (replacing on hold. It is expected that extension of the Green line south Automation with ultracapacitors for its ACR systems. Among the O’Connell Bridge and Parnell construction would begin in 2021 to Bray where it would link with latest applications of CAF’s ACR Square with a single station on with a view to delivery in 2026-27. DART to provide an alternative technology, which allow off-wire O’Connell Street); and building Almost 8.5km (5.3 miles) will rail link from the city centre. The operation in its trams, are smaller stations with shorter run in-tunnel from St Stephen’s Luas Red line would extend to vehicles for Kaohsiung, Taiwan, platforms, matching shorter Green to Griffith Avenue and Poolbeg and a new line would be and Tallinn, Estonia. vehicles. under the airport, serving created to serve Lucan.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 469 News Transit Commission seeks legal recourse for late tram delivery City operator cites significant delays and additional retrofit costs in Bombardier claim

n summer 2009 the Toronto year. Instead Bombardier will be Transit Commission (TTC) able to send just six more. ordered 204 30.2m low-floor In addition to the CAD50m articulated Flexity trams penalty in the contract for late fromI Bombardier’s Thunder Bay delivery, on 27 October the TTC plant for CAD1.25bn (approx. Board voted sue for damages for EUR880m at summer 2009 rates). additional maintenance and The only other credible bidder overhaul costs of its existing was Siemens, which offered a fleet, to require the Bombardier significantly higher tender price). CEO to appear before it, and to The first arrived in September ask staff to investigate alternative 2012 (the first two entered service suppliers if Bombardier cannot on 31 August 2014), and under fulfil the order. the agreed schedule there should So far it has not taken Toronto Bombardier 4403 on the Spadina route. J. Bow, courtesy TTC now be 67 in the city. Subsequent the further step available of deliveries have been delayed by a removing Bombardier from its by 2018, and with delivery likely claims it has added a third shift to strike at the factory and technical list of approved contractors (the to drag out to 2020, it could the production line to speed up problems. On 15 October company is also delivering metro in theory be required to make delivery. Standard-gauge versions Bombardier advised TTC that cars to Toronto). In the meantime significant modifications to its of the Flexity Freedom are on order even the revised schedule made 30 ALRVs are being refurbished high-floorCLRV and ALRV cars. for regional agency Metrolinx in July would not be met, just for another ten years service, Bombardier has cited quality (182 cars for CAD770m) with ten were in city (another arrived with 4217 the first to be dealt control issues with components delivery running about a year in the last week of October), and with. The problem that faces made at its Mexican plant, a late, and Waterloo - Kitchener should have been followed by TTC is that Canadian regulations sub-contractor to the Thunder (14 cars), and potentially for another 13 before the end of the require all trams to be accessible Bay facility for various parts, and Mississauga and Hamilton. Hitachi closes AnsaldoBreda deal First Izmir tram completed On 2 November Hitachi expand turnkey operations announced the completion of and enlarge its portfolio with At the Adapazari factory on its acquisition of Italian rolling world-class products. The 14 October, Izmir mayor Aziz stock builder AnsaldoBreda – combination of Ansaldo and Kocaoglu was able to inspect ‘apart from some revamping Hitachi’s complementary the first of 38 low-floor air- activities and certain residual portfolios will also deliver a conditioned trams destined for contracts’ as quoted in a unique opportunity to pursue delivery to his city in December. statement – and a 40% stake in untapped growth potential in A joint production of South signalling specialist Ansaldo new markets.” Korea’s Hyundai Rotem and STS from Finmeccanica. Hitachi recently completed Turkish TCDD subsidiary Tüvasas, The Japanese conglomerate, its first manufacturing the 32m five-section double- which also offers metro and plant outside Japan in ended 43.1t car can carry 285 monorail vehicles from its own Newton Aycliffe, UK, and the passengers and will be used on portfolio, has paid EUR30m acquisition provides further the new Konak (21 cars, 12.6km) for AnsaldoBreda and EUR9.50 Hitachi Rail Group Global CEO European manufacturing and and Karsiyaka (17 cars, 8.8km) per share for Ansaldo STS in a Alistair Dormer and Finmeccanica testing facilities, considerably tramlines, planned to be carrying deal valued at EUR761m. It will CEO and General Manager Mauro expanding its capacity. passengers in 2017. Lithium-ion now launch a mandatory offer Moretti at the closing of the transaction The deal will also give the batteries permit operation on for the remaining shares in on 2 November. Hitachi Rail Group strengthened firm a major sections without overhead wire. Ansaldo STS. boost in the tramway, light rail The KRW83.7bn (EUR67.6m) Alistair Dormer, Global Hitachi will strengthen its and metro markets, as well as order was placed in August 2014 CEO of Hitachi Rail Group, position in signalling and metro signalling technology and the remaining cars will said: “With these acquisitions traffic management systems, around the world. arrive by October 2016. Both lines are being built by Gülermak: the Konak line links Fahrettin Altay Meydani and Hungarian tram prototype for the African market Halkapinar, and the Karsiyaka A prototype eight-axle 35% low- with local workers and talks are use in Szeged. The two end line links Alaybey and Mavisehir; floor tram for the African market underway with Ethiopian state- sections are rebuilt ex-Rostock both lines are separated by a bay has been delivered to Addis owned Metals & Engineering Tatra B6 cars, with an added low- and connect with ferry services. Ababa by Dunai Repülogépgyár. Corp. about constructing a test floor centre section; styling is by A third line is planned. Izmir The Hungarian manufacturer track. The firm is also negotiating Artifex Stúdió. opened a segregated LRT line in intends to carry out series financing with the Commercial The 33.8m tram weighs 2000, which has expanded to production in Ethiopia using Bank of Ethiopia. 63.4t and has 50 seats, with a 20km (12.5 miles) and uses 45 Hungarian components, with its The prototype was originally passenger capacity of 233 at 5/m2 Bombardier high-floor cars plus 32 staff co-ordinating production built in 2010 and intended for or 278 at 8/m2. more recent deliveries from China.

470 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org PM Trudeau promises Siemens to build EUR30m LRT for Montreal Shortly before the 19 October election which returned his Liberal Party to power, future Turkish tram factory Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to spend German firm seeks to expand Asian prospects through new Gebze facility CAD5.8bn (EUR4.05bn) on transit projects in Montreal over four years, including a light rail line across the Champlain Bridge to iemens is to invest link the city centre and south EUR30m in a new tram shore communities and a rapid assembly plant in the transit project for the region. city of Gebze, 65km His new Liberal Government (40S miles) east of Istanbul. has committed CAD20bn (approx. Vehicle production is due to EUR14bn) to transit investment over the next decade. start in 2018. The factory has been designed by consulting Compensation for engineers Arup, which has been Alexandria victims working in Turkey since 1982. Egypt’s Ministry of Solidarity Siemens was the supplier for announced on 25 October that it the Konya tramway project in would pay EGP10 000 (EUR1145) in compensation to the family 1992 and now feels that a lower of each of the six victims killed cost base and local supply chain that week in Alexandria when an will enable it to put in more A computer-generated view of the new Siemens factory in the city of Gebze. Arup overhead line from the tramway competitive bids for projects in a fell into water flooding the city’s rapidly-growing Asian market as such as the Durmazlar Silkworm. and the country is an important streets in Moharam Beek St. well as eastern Europe. Many new light rail and tramway link between Europe and Asia. Faiveley HVAC deal Siemens already has Turkish systems have been built in A report says up to 6500 rail Faiveley Transport has been partners and supplies drive Turkey during the last 20 years, transit cars could be needed by awarded the USD15m contract to systems to locally-built vehicles with more under construction, Turkish cities in 2016-2023. supply HVAC systems to CRRC for Orange and Red line metro cars in Boston, USA. Engineering and manufacture is to take place at Faiveley’s plant in Shanghai, Stockholm’s Lidingö line re-opens with project management in its Greenville facility in South After six months of delay caused passing loops, upgraded stations opening ceremony. The operating Carolina. Delivery is expected to by problems during signalling and new signalling. contract for the line is held by AB start by the end of 2016. commissioning, the 9.2km (5.7- It is now worked by seven Stockholms Spårvägar, a company mile) Lidingö light rail line from CAF Urbos AXL 40.6m class A36 wholly owned by the Swedish Croxley link delayed Opening of the Croxley Rail Link Ropsten (interchange with metro low-floor cars (551-7), operating Tramway Society, which already in Hertfordshire (UK) has been Red line 13) to Gåshaga, re- from the rebuilt Aga depot, operates the Djurgården line put back to December 2020 by opened on 24 October following that provide a ten-minute peak between Norrmalmstorg in the London Underground, which has two years of reconstruction work, service. Preserved 1948 bogie city centre and Waldermarsudde. taken over the project to extend including additional/extended tram A24 17 was also at the The extension from Ropsten the Metropolitan line to Watford T-Bana station into Stockholm Junction station. The Department for Transport had previously said CAF-built four-section low-floor tram city centre, linking with the the line would open in 2019. 553 on the re-opened Lidingöbana at Djurgården line, could open Talludden on 24 October. P. Bolin after 2020 (when the old bridge to Lidingö island is replaced by a new one); the line originally Manchester opened in 1914, and later reached the city centre, but was shortlist revealed cut back to Ropsten with the Transport for Greater Manchester change in the rule of the road in (UK) has shortlisted four bidders 1967. Before the latest closure, to operate and maintain its the line (route 21) was carrying Metrolink light rail network under 3.3m passengers/year. a ten-year contract: a KeolisAmey joint venture, National Express, Transdev and incumbent RATP Dev. Invitations to negotiate will NEWS IN PICTURES Avenio in service in Den Haag Den Haag operator HTM announced the start be issued in early 2016; a contract of Siemens Avenio passenger service on would then be signed in January Route 2 on 2 November. The Dutch city ordered 40 Avenio low-floor trams in 2011 and 2017 for a July start. exercised an option for 20 more in 2013 at a Meanwhile, the link from cost of EUR2.58m each. Victoria Station to Exchange Test running has also started on Route 11, Square – part of the Second the next to be operated with the new low-floor City Crossing (2CC) – is to be fleet. The 35m four-section vehicles, capacity operational before the end of the for 238 passengers, 70 seated, will eventually year. The overhead was energised enter service on routes 1, 9, 15 and 17. on 26 October and the first tram Deliveries are due for completion in 2016. In preparation for using the 100% low-floor ran on 1 November. This will trams, the city is undertaking a programme of allow the daytime Oldham line track renewal and platform replacement. service to be strengthened to Siemens every six minutes. The full 2CC line is due to open in 2017.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 471 News

UK transport body to NEWS IN PICTURES expand membership Crosstown LRT Transport for the North (TfN) is to expand its membership following Alstom opens criticism it is too focused on the construction signed Brazilian test track city regions of northern England. Alstom’s EUR15m Brazilian Currently the organisation nfrastructure Ontario City transport operator TTC will factory at Taubaté now has a focuses on five city regions, Leeds, and regional transport operate the line, scheduled to full-scale track; the 400m line Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle authority Metrolinx signed open in 2021. enables test speeds up to 40 and Sheffield, plus the city of the CAD91.bn (EUR6.37bn) The 25-stop line, offering km/h (25mph) to allow testing of Hull. It will now include other fixed-priceI construction and connections to multiple bus traction, braking, supercapacitor sub-regional partnerships in the maintenance contract for routes, three metro stations and air-conditioning systems north of England – Lancashire and as well as acoustics. Each tram Toronto’s 19km (11.8-mile) and GO Transit commuter rail Cumbria having already joined. gets four days of testing before Merseytravel Director General Eglinton Crosstown LRT stations, will run along Eglinton delivery, with six engineers David Brown has been named as line with preferred bidder Avenue between Mount Dennis dedicated to this task. TfN’s first Chief Executive and the Crosslinx Transit Solutions on (Weston Road) and Kennedy, The first trams to be trialled UK Government is expected to 3 November. with initial groundworks on the new facility, starting make amendments to the Cities The contract with the beginning in 2011. in October, were the locally- and Local Government Devolution Crosslinx consortium – A 10km (6.2-mile) section assembled 25 cars of the 32 Citadis Bill to potentially give the body a comprising ACS Infrastructure at the western end of the line, being delivered to Rio de Janeiro’s statutory role from July. Canada, Aecon, EllisDon, SNC- between Keele Street and Laird 28km (17.4-mile) VLT Carioca project in Porto Maravilha, due to Award for De Lijn Flexity Lavalin and Dragados Canada Drive, will be constructed in open at the end of 2016. The Bombardier Flexity 2 tram – includes a 30-year maintenance a twin-bore tunnel, boring of currently being delivered to agreement with funding for which began in 2013. At the Antwerpen and Gent has won renewals and lifecycle repairs, peak of construction Crosslinx the prestigious Henry Van de Velde design award. Beating and according to the province estimates that 2500 workers will over 200 rival Flemish products, was CAD2bn (EUR1.4bn) under work on the project with around the tram was awarded first its original estimate. 90% of the labour coming from place based on good design Project promoter Infrastructure the Greater Toronto Area. criteria, ergonomics, aesthetics, Ontario has used its ‘Alternative Flexity Freedom low-floor functionality and quality. Financing and Procurement vehicles are to be supplied The 42.6m tram debuted at the Model’ to transfer significant by Bombardier, which also 2014 InnoTrans expo in Berlin and project risk to the private sector, agreed a CAD403m (EUR308m) Citadis 106, the first locally- the first entered service in May 2015. while Metrolinx will oversee the agreement for 30 years assembled Alstom tram. Alstom line’s design and construction. maintenance in July.

472 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Portland – Milwaukie

PORTLAND: GREEN A MAX train composed of Type 5 cars inbound from Milwaukie on the new MEETS ORANGE Orange Line. S. J. Morgan Widely-held as a North American pioneer, TriMet’s delivery of the Orange Line linking Portland and Milwaukie features impressive social and environmental credentials to match its spectacular infrastructure. Vic Simons reports from the opening.

aturday 12 September 2015 marked thousands of trees having been planted Other than buses and emergency vehicles, another momentous day for light rail along the alignment. motorised road vehicles are excluded. development in city The formal opening ceremony at the first The 524m (1720ft) cable-stayed bridge, of Portland, with the Metropolitan of the new stations at Lincoln/SW 3rd was with four piers, two of which are in the river, Area Express (MAX) system opening attended by both city and state dignitaries is the first new crossing of the Willamette in Sa new line that bridges the Willamette and TAUT was on the first the Portland area since 1973; it is the only River to reach the city of Milwaukie in from the Yellow Line northern terminus at multi-use transit bridge of its kind in the USA, neighbouring Clackamas County. Portland , which is cross-linked according to TriMet, and cost USD134.6m. celebrated the inauguration with free rides with the new line. As well as the striking structure itself, the across the MAX network and with events and As is to be expected, the Siemens LRV bridge features 178 LED lights that change sales stalls at each of the new stations. used was packed with significant delays at hue as water speeds, temperature and water A major expansion project delivered over many stops as more and more people were height change, providing a spectacular a period of four years, the Orange Line fulfils crammed in. Travellers were detrained at night-time illumination. an ambition for rail transit along this north- the southern terminus at the intersection From the previous PSU terminus at the south corridor that stretches back nearly of McLoughlin Blvd and SE Park Avenue in southern end of downtown, the new line four decades. As well as the eye-catching Oak Grove in Clackamas County – also the turns east to the first stop at Lincoln St/SW infrastructure that marks out the 11.7km site of the one of the biggest celebrations. 3rd Ave Station. From there the alignment (7.3-mile) route from the existing Yellow/ Passengers then had to queue to board descends the steepest grade of the Orange Green Line terminus at PSU South/SW 6th a northbound train, although plenty of Line to cross the bus and MAX-only Harbor & College, TriMet is to be commended for operational staff were on hand to control Viaduct, crossing road junctions of varying its commitment to social and sustainability passenger flow and answer questions. complexity before returning to ground level initiatives that offer lessons to all US projects. at South Waterfront where it joins up with the One of the biggest programmes in the Streetcar at the four-track, four-platform-faced history of the transit authority, the 17-stop The spectacular new Tilikum Crossing, or South Waterfront/SW Moody Ave Station. (ten of which are new) Orange Line was Bridge of the People, over the Willamette Surprisingly, whilst this station is located delivered on time and almost USD50m under River is the undoubted focal point to most at the foot of the bridge, the Portland the original USD1.49bn budget. All of the observers and was designed by TriMet for the Streetcar runs through it on the centre new stops and park-and-ride sites are finished MAX Orange Line. It also carries the Portland tracks without stopping before turning to the usual high MAX standards with Streetcar service, closing the gap in its north- north on SW Moody and linking with the sheltered waiting areas, ticket machines and south Central Loop (renamed A Loop and Streetcar system’s north-south line (NS timetables. There is extensive landscaping on B Loop to indicate the direction around it), Line) and stopping around 100m away. the approaches to the new stops, with many with a bicycle lane and a pedestrian footpath. The two inner platform faces are used by

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 473 Portland – Milwaukie

ABOVE: Although built as part of a project, Portland's Tilikum Crossing bridge is also used by the system; car 021 leaves the crossing on 13 September. V. Simons

ABOVE RIGHT: Streetcar 022 , one of the seven United Streetcar-built vehicles, heading south on SW Moody. The car will turn left to the Tilikum Crossing as part of testing on 10 September. V. Simons

BELOW RIGHT: Members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community celebrate the opening of the Tilikum Crossing transit bridge on 12 September, as the official inaugural MAX train crosses; LRV 523 features an adhesive wrap advertising the new line’s opening. S. J. Morgan two high-frequency bus routes. Project Multnomah into Clackamas County with near the OMSI/SE Water Avenue stop. Director Rob Barnard explained that both the first station at Milwaukie/Main St and a The Brooklyn rail yard, operated by Union TriMet and Portland Streetcar believed that final stop in Oak Grove. At the SE Park Ave Pacific, saw significant redevelopment to interchange between Streetcar routes were terminus a large multi-storey park-and-ride accommodate its new neighbour. preferable to a Streetcar/MAX interchange. (space for 401 vehicles, including seven EV TriMet’s main administrative offices, and At the eastern end of the Tilikum Crossing, charging points) has been constructed across the largest of its three bus garages, are located MAX and Streetcar tracks diverge, with the the street from the station. Emphasising immediately north of the SE 17th & Holgate latter running into an expanded OMSI station TriMet’s commitment to sustainable travel, all Blvd station, and inbetween the new MAX (a second platform face has been added) of the new Orange Line stops have ample bike- line and the Brooklyn rail yard. around 40m from the MAX station of the parking facilities. Bus routes were recast to A significant element of the project was same name. From there the Orange Line turns avoid duplication and to feed light rail, with the requirement for a fleet of 18 newS70 south and runs through a further four stations integrated ticketing allowing seamless transfer. LRVs, purchased from Siemens and built before it reaches SE Tacoma St/Johnson Creek The Orange Line also includes the only at its facility in Sacramento, California, at Station where there is a 320-vehicle park-and- light rail/heavy rail level crossing on the a cost of USD4.4m each, including spares ride facility. From here, the line crosses from TriMet system, a signal-controlled crossing and maintenance. Designated Type 5, the new vehicles are similar in appearance “At the eastern end of the Tilikum Crossing, to the older Type 4 vehicles but with slightly redesigned ends. The vehicles use MAX and Streetcar tracks diverge.” regenerative braking, feeding power back to the electricity grid and further improving MAX’s environmental credentials. Internally, the vehicles have also been redesigned to include longitudinal and better seating provision, particularly at the non-driving end and in the central section. As with the Type 4, these vehicles are single- ended and only run in coupled pairs. As the city of Portland features short city blocks in the downtown area, trains cannot be any longer, with two-car trains almost taking up a complete block length.

Immediately west of the Tilikum Crossing, the South Waterfront MAX station (just out of view to the right) has a four-track layout. MAX uses the outer tracks, Portland Streetcar services use the inner tracks and pass the MAX station without stopping. In this 19 September view, Streetcar 009 has just left the bridge and is passing a Type 5 MAX train that is headed for the bridge. In the background are the Ross Island Bridge and Mount Hood. S. J. Morgan

474 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project

The ‘triple-bottom-line’ approach NE Halsey St Rob Barnard is rightly proud of the scheme’s delivery and, aside from bringing it in under Portland budget, he is adamant that this is “far more City than just a transit project”. In keeping with NE Glisan St lvd the moniker ‘Bridge of the People’ – by far ES dnarG evA B Center dy an E Burnside St the most dominant new landmark of the S E Orange Line – TriMet encouraged small S and disadvantaged business enterprises SE Stark St to participate in construction tenders. SE Belmont St Contractors were also encouraged wherever possible to support local and ethnically-

SE 12th Ave diverse businesses, with lead contractors SE Hawthorne St Stacy and Witbeck Inc, and Kiewit Infrastructure West particularly OMSI/SE Water Ave

embracing this approach. SE 60th Ave Following on from, and expanding upon, Lincoln St/ Clinton/ SE Division St principles first established with construction SW 3rd Ave SE 12th Ave of the MAX Blue and Yellow lines, Barnard told TAUT that “for that kind of money you South Waterfront/ SE 39th Ave SE Powell St need to do more than just provide transit. SW Moody Ave SE 17th Ave & 26 The project needs to ensure that every dollar 5 is leveraged to do more than one thing,” Rhine St adding that he hoped that this was setting a ES dn25 evA

precedent for the way projects are delivered, SE 17th Ave & SE Holgate Blvd reviR ettemalliW reviR

both within TriMet and nationwide. Holgate Blvd evA eikuawliM ES eikuawliM evA Barnard also highlighted the green ES eikuawliM evA credentials of the Orange Line, hoping SE Steele St that the industry can benchmark some of the lessons set out very early on to add

‘triple-bottom-line’ principles – assigning SE McLoughlin Blvd equal importance to social, environmental SE Woodstock Blvd and financial considerations. An initial SE Bybee Blvd 28 sustainability strategies resulted from SE Bybee Blvd this approach to design, construction and operation of the new line, with hundreds more added through its development, Ave SE Flavel St SE 13th SE Tacoma St/

some of which can be retrospectively SE 17th Ave 17th SE

SE Tacoma St Ave 17th SE added to other MAX operations. Johnson Creek In terms of construction initiatives, around M U LT N O M A H C O U N T Y 100 buildings were demolished during the construction phase with as much of the C L AC K A M A S C O U N T Y material from this process as possible being SE Johnson Creek Rd reclaimed for alternative use. Contaminated soil on the west side of the Willamette was encased and buried beneath the new SW Moody station, rather than being transported Milwaukie away for expensive treatment, and this is also PMLR route SE Harrison St amongst the first US LRT lines to use recycled plastic composite sleepers. PMLR station SE Monroe St Further innovations include extensive 43 landscaping along the line to capture and Park & Ride Milwaukie/ Main St SE Railroad Ave treat storm water, and the installation of Existing MAX lines 224 planted eco-roofs on new structures such as substations and communications buildings County line SE Lake Rd to not only capture rainwater for recycling but also remove harmful pollutants from the Ave SE Linwood Note: Trains will serve all SE Park Ave SE Aldercrest Rd surrounding environment. Aside from the SE Park Ave Downtown Portland traditional slab track construction, green Transit Mall stations. track systems, familiar on many European LRT systems, are also used at strategic sites on A map of the new Orange Line, previously known as PMLR (Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail). Courtesy of TriMet. the alignment – a first for both TriMet For a downloadable PDF of all rail services in the Portland area, visit .org/pdfs/maps/railsystem.pdf and nationally on light rail systems. It doesn’t stop there either as ongoing wildlife. For some of these environmental freight containers at Clinton/SE 12th Ave benefits include a planned project to undertakings, grants were obtained from Station that will be turned into low rental capture wind energy with turbines on the both local and federal sources to enable them office space especially aimed at start-ups. approaches to the Tilikum Crossing (this to be undertaken at zero additional cost to Longer-term the agency claims that it will is still being studied), together with solar the project. USD3m in public art installations help the city and region reach climate change panels and energy-efficient LED lighting that have been added to each of the new stations, targets, by averaging 22 000 weekday riders have already been incorporated into shelter in consultation with local artistic and by 2030, and removing 9100 cars from the designs for the new stops to allow zero net cultural bodies through the Orange Line’s region’s roads during peak hours. In terms energy use. Noise mitigating barrier fences Public Art Advisory Committee. of modal shift over the same period, the have been erected where appropriate. A new As well as impressive sustainability Orange Line will shift 100 000 automobile fish culvert was built when constructing one programmes, Barnard points to significant km (roughly 60 000 miles) each weekday of the bridges, providing an improved habitat social objectives included within the scheme, to transit. This, in turn, will reduce CO2 for native birds, salmon and other forms of such as the erection of a series of stacked emissions by over 27 tonnes each day.

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president William D. Robertson – under the adjacent to the 170th/Elmonica Station, Tualatin Mountains with an underground midway between Beaverton and the station at Park. Opening in Hillsboro terminus. 1998, this is the deepest subway station in the US at 79m. After approximately five minutes Modal integration underground, MAX emerges to ground level Alongside the MAX, the city’s other urban and runs on to Beaverton and Hillsboro. rail mode is the Portland Streetcar – a three- At Beaverton there is a connection with the line system developed by the City of Portland peak hour-only WES diesel commuter rail and operated in partnership with TriMet and route south to Tigard and Wilsonville. Portland Streetcar, Inc. The A and B Loops The Yellow Line starts at the Expo Center circle the city, crossing the Willamette via in northern Portland and runs south in the the bascule-type Broadway Bridge to the median of Interstate Avenue before reaching north of the city centre and running south the . From the west ramp of the near the east bank before turning west across Steel Bridge, the Yellow/Orange and Green the new Tilikum Crossing to rejoin the lines turn north-westwards to Portland North/South Line at SW Moody. On the west Union Station where they turn south-west bank, the lines share the route through the utilising the 5th/6th Avenue one-way system. downtown area, utilising the 10th and 11th One interesting feature is the stopping Avenue one-way system before the NS Line patterns on these routes; due to the short turns west to terminate at NW 23rd Avenue city block lengths, there is no room for in the Nob Hill district of the city. TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane at the MAX and buses to share stops so a system of Seven of the partially low-floor streetcars opening on 12 September. S. J. Morgan alternate blocks is used where the light rail were built locally in Clackamas by United track runs in the gutter when approaching Streetcar, based upon the three-section, Building on success or at stops, moving to the centre of the double-articulated Škoda 10T design from Portland was one of the first US cities to build street to allow MAX to overtake stationary the Czech Republic. Sadly, due to a lack of a second-generation light rail system when buses. This is a practical solution, but does future orders and delivery and reliability it opened the first part of its present Blue mean that bus/rail interchange is not always issues, parent company Oregon Iron Works Line from Gresham in the east of the city straightforward. The two LRT alignments mothballed its streetcar manufacturing to downtown Portland in 1986. Extensions intersect at Square where facilities in late 2014. The earlier ten vehicles and new lines followed to create what is the TriMet information and ticket office is were built in the Czech Republic: seven effectively a four-line system, assuming the located, sharing its facility with the main from a Škoda/Inekon partnership (built Yellow and Orange alignments are for most tourist information office. 2001-02) and three Trio cars from Inekon operational purposes a single line in the core There are now 145 LRVs in service with after venturing out on its own. city area. The Blue Line has been extended TriMet, broken down into five types. Having scrapped its previous fare west to Hillsboro (opened in 1998). The original high-floorType 1 (101-126) was arrangements, which included free rides in The Red Line (opened in 2001 and supplied by Bombardier between 1984 and the downtown Portland area, TriMet now extended in 2003) runs from Portland 1986 for the opening of the system, while operates a flat fare system with a basic two- International Airport to Beaverton in the Siemens has supplied the remainder. and-a-half hour go-anywhere pass costing west, sharing tracks with the Blue Line Types 2 (201-252) and 3 (301-327) are very USD2.50 (as at September 2015). There are from Gateway westwards. Gateway is also similar, having low-floor centre sections reduced fares for youths, those with restricted the point where the Green Line, from its classified asSD660 . The latest Type 4 (401-422) mobility and senior citizens. One-day terminus, joins and Type 5 (521-538) cars are S70 models built (double the single fare), seven-day, 30-day the Blue and Red lines. All four meet at the in California. and yearly passes are also available, the latter Rose Quarter and share tracks across the To ease integration and operation, all requiring photo ID. Many TriMet tickets iconic double-deck Steel lifting bridge across types work across the system on all lines and are interchangeable with the Vancouver, the Willamette River before splitting at the are stabled and maintained at two depots Washington, C-Tran system, many of which bridge’s western end. The Red and Blue lines on the Blue Line. The first, and biggest, is at are also valid on TriMet services. diverge southwards before turning west on Ruby Junction towards the eastern end of the As well as accepting all TriMet tickets, the an alignment across the downtown area. line near the Gresham terminus. This caters Portland Streetcar has its own fare system Upon leaving downtown, this route enters for about two-thirds of the light and heavy with ticket machines at each Streetcar stop the 4.7km (three-mile) twin-bore Robertson maintenance work of the system’s LRVs. The and onboard each vehicle. TriMet estimates Tunnel – named after former TriMet board other depot is located to the west of the city, that revenue loss is between 8% and 10%;

ABOVE: On 12 September, the official inaugural service for dignitaries is pictured leaving the site of the opening ceremony. Decorated with the marketing slogan ‘Catch the Orange’ in flowers, Type 5 cars 523+526 are travelling east on Lincoln ABOVE: A two-car MAX unit near the Tilikum Crossing during final testing on Street at , location of the new line's steepest grade, 6.86%. S. J. Morgan 10 September 2015. The cycleway was built as part of the project. V. Simons

476 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org this would seem consistent with the author’s ABOVE: A night-time view of week-long rides on the system – without Portland's new Tilikum Crossing on 22 June 2015, during a pre-opening experiencing a single ticket inspection. demonstration of the lighting The fastest-growing payment method for system. Under normal operation, travel is the free mobile app, which can be the colours of the LED lights downloaded to phones and tablets – the app change relative to the conditions offers all types of fares and tickets, for either of the river. S. J. Morgan immediate use or storage on the device. The app requires initial registration and the TOP RIGHT: A Milwaukie-bound provision of e-mail and credit card details, train of Type 4 cars at the Orange and has had (as of October 2015) over 251 000 Line's Bybee Boulevard station, the only station on the new line not downloads since its launch in 2013 with 5.7 at the same level as the nearby million fares purchased. streets. In the background is Union Pacific’s main line through Looking to the future Portland, used by several freight TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane trains and six trains (three explained to TAUT that the agency had the per direction) per day. S. J. Morgan capability to deliver major projects on time and within budget due to close partnerships MIDDLE RIGHT: The Orange Line includes the MAX system’s first-ever and teamwork. Although many individual railway level crossing, with the projects were initially led by the regional single-track, non-electrified planning agency, Metro, TriMet was at the Oregon Pacific Railroad. In this table and is the delivery agency, taking over 12 September view looking west as project lead at the 15% design stage and at OMSI station, an outbound with all the stakeholders already in place. MAX train waits as OPR’s Saturday When asked about the downtown free fare excursion train crosses. S. J. Morgan system, McFarlane elaborated that this was about simplification and has led to USD2m BOTTOM RIGHT: Even with a train in the terminal station on increase in revenue. opening day there were still long He then explained that TriMet’s next queues for the return trip. The only immediate project is the Powell-Division time a traveller was likely to get BRT scheme, creating a corridor east of the a seat was by boarding at Tilikum Crossing out towards Gresham. Milwaukie Oak Grove, such was Maintaining continuity for passengers the the demand. V. Simons new route will feature MAX-style stations and passenger information, also enhancing travel times on two of the busiest bus routes “TriMet has that link to the new Tilikum Crossing. Three routes are currently under consultation, the capability to all serving important passenger objectives such as the Mount Hood Medical Center deliver major and Community College and the massive new 221-acre (89.5 ha) Gresham Vista projects on time Business Park owned by the Port of Portland. Construction costs of the three routes are and within estimated to be comparable, and a projected opening date has been set for 2020. budget due to close TriMet’s next major transit expansion project is the Southwest Corridor Plan that partnerships will take light rail or BRT out to Tigard and Tualatin, providing an all-day direct link to and teamwork.”

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TOP LEFT: A crowd waits to board a Milwaukie- bound MAX Type 5 train (led by car 535) that is arriving at OMSI station on the Orange Line's opening day. The buildings in the background are on the other side of the Willamette River. S. J. Morgan

TOP RIGHT: Interior of a Type 5 LRV showing the new longitudinal seating. V. Simons downtown Portland. This project is still in the consultation stage, although it is likely that underground alignments will be cost-prohibitive; a final decision on the route is expected in February 2016. Finally, TAUT asked whether the Yellow Line northern extension across a new double- deck multi-modal bridge across the Columbia River into Washington State, was still viable. The proposed USD3.2bn project, cancelled in 2014, included a 4.7km (2.9-mile) five-station LRT alignment from the current Yellow Line Expo Center terminus in Portland to Clark College in Vancouver. Choosing his words carefully, McFarlane stated that whilst RIGHT: On opening day, 12 September 2015, car 414 showing Milwaukie as its destination is the first through both the City of Portland and the State of train from the northern terminus at the Expo Center. Also in the picture is Type 5 LRV 524. Note the front-end Oregon were committed to the new crossing differences between the Type 4 and Type 5 vehicles – both Siemens S70 models. V. Simons and were prepared to pay their share, the State of Washington has refused to support potentially interrupting long-distance mind that the original infrastructure is now it financially, thus killing the project for interstate transport. If the bridge had to 30 years old. This is valuable in retaining the time being. Options for reducing cost close for repairs, the bypass I-205 would the skills and expertise developed from the and negating the need for any Washington be unable to cope as for a large part of its Orange Line project to be kept available to contribution have been proposed, but the route there are only two running lanes in manage the next major scheme. project remains archived. each direction. In the meantime the structure of the Barnard’s final remarks showed the Grateful thanks are due to Neil McFarlane, twin (1917 and 1958-built) bridges – which commitment of the agency to light rail, Rob Barnard, Chris Tucker, Mary Fetsch and effectively form one alignment to carry explaining that he and his team would be Roberta Altstadt of TriMet and Portland the key I-5 artery – continue to deteriorate, managing a number of maintenance projects contributor Steve Morgan for their assistance not just further delaying traffic locally but for the existing MAX system, bearing in in the preparation of this article.

A southbound Orange Line Type 4 train on a new light rail-only bridge over Kellogg Creek, situated in Milwaukie immediately south of the town centre. Visible below are two other bridges, one carrying utilities, and, behind that, the lower portion of an adjacent wooden trestle carrying a Portland & Western Railroad (ex-Southern Pacific) line. S. J. Morgan

ABOVE: Two United Streetcar-built streetcars meet at the east end of the 20m stretch of bi-directional running, on Montgomery Street, on 6 September. Car 023 (left) is on the NS Line while 025 is headed for the Tilikum Crossing on the new B . S.J. Morgan Upper Silesia MIXED FORTUNES IN UPPER SILESIA

What remains of the tramway route in Gliwice on a grey, cloudy and smoggy November day, 2011. Witold Urbanowicz

Earlier this year another tramway disappeared from the bi-national Upper Silesia region, this time in Ruda Slaska. Witold Urbanowicz reports on why this was perhaps a surprise, given EU investment into the vast tramway network – but also, why it was not.

pper Silesia has around 20 Trams lose out authorities, with the cities through which the closely-situated cities, housing This unique region is served by a fascinating trams ran becoming shareholders – sadly this over two million inhabitants. interurban tramway network, consisting of didn’t prevent continuing closures. In 2008 a However, sources vary in 340km (211 miles) of single track, and around line between the centre of Bytom, Łagiewniki determining exact urban areas, 200km (124 miles) of interconnecting lines district and Ruda Slaska was suspended Uwith the number of inhabitants potentially that link together 13 cities. and the tracks were dismantled. In 2009 a reaching 3.5 million, making it one of Operator Tramwaje Slaskie was a state line linking the centre of Chorzów and the Europe’s biggest metropolitan regions. organisation for a long time after the collapse northern part of Katowice and Siemianowice For decades this was an important of communism – the only such case in Poland Slaskie was closed. industrial region, known for mining and where, as a rule, local transport is managed The most controversial of these closures steelworks – even today the large 1970s by local government. However, with little was decided on in 2009 by the authorities Katowice Steelworks in Dabrowa Górnicza interest from central authorities investment in Gliwice, a large town served by the still produces rail and tramway tracks. was hard to come by, and the tramway westernmost part of the network. Despite the After the collapse of communism this role system began losing out to other forms of outcry of its citizens and even a referendum, dwindled with many undertakings closing, transport. This, along with the region’s social the authorities opted to shut a popular route leaving a large employment void. As such and economic problems combined with the that passed through the whole city: the the region now faces a variety of social and mismatch of current transport needs led to claimed reason was the expenditure required economic challenges, with consequent rapid the decline of the mode and the first wave of to modernise the route’s infrastructure. Only depopulation; the population of Bytom, closures during the still-Communist era of a short section with a depot in the eastern for example, has shrunk by 23.5% (53 000) the 1970s and 1980s. part of the town now remains in service. in the last 20 years, the largest fall in In the 21st Century cost-cutting measures, In the wake of large EU-financed tramway percentage terms in the whole of Poland, pro-bus politics and lower passenger demand projects in other Polish cities this decision and the second in terms of real numbers caused further closures. In 2006 a line seems short-sighted. (only being eclipsed by Łódz). between Bytom and Dabrówka Wislana in Other problems have been caused by Piekary Slaskie (line 8) closed, followed by the A helping hand from the EU mining damage, changing the landscape line between Bedzin and Wojkowice (line 25). In 2011 Tramwaje Slaskie, along with Tychy of cities and necessitating the compulsory Finally, in 2007, Tramwaje Slaskie city and trolleybus operator Tyskie Linie displacement of citizens. responsibilities were passed to the local Trolejbusowe, launched a modernisation

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 479 Upper Silesia

basin) of the Upper Silesia region; construction of up to 29km (18 miles) of new lines and the purchase of at least 30 new partially low-floor trams. Modernisation will focus on routes in Bytom (around 25km/15.5 miles), Sosnowiec (15.5km/ten miles), Zabrze (12.5km/eight miles) and Dabrowa Górnicza (around 10km/ six miles). There are four new routes planned: extension of line 15 from Zagórze towards the Klimontów district in Sosnowiec, a route west of the Politechnika Slaska loop to Miechowice in Bytom (although this is now under review), connection tracks on Grundmanna street in Katowice, and extension of the route from the Brynów loop to the Piotrowice district in Katowice.

Ruda Slaska says ‘no’ It seemed everything was working out well at last for Tramwaje Slaskie – but then on 14 February 2015, tramline 18 between Bytom Stroszek and Ruda Slaska Chebzie was closed. The Ruda Slaska authorities had wanted to shut it years earlier. In 2007 some residents ABOVE: Katowice, 3 Maja street during reconstruction. May 2013. Witold Urbanowicz were already campaigning for closure of this project that was the recipient of EU funding. The rolling stock contract was awarded impractical, cumbersome and ‘dangerous’ While in terms of network length and to Pesa, with the first fully low-floorTwist line, according to Andrzej Nowak, investment compared to other cities the tram (2012N) brought into service in May plenipotentiary of the president of the city project might appear unimpressive, it 2014. The new trolleybuses were delivered by of Ruda Slaska for transport. Several factors proves that tramways don’t have to be an Solaris, enabling a complete fleet renewal at are said to have contributed to this: obsolete outdated option. Tychy; the average age of vehicles in the city rolling stock, the poor state of repair of track, Initially, 46km (29 miles) of single track is now four years old. and a lack of a clear vision for the future. was modernised, along with 75 105N series Making savings in the project’s cost The city argues that it undertook efforts to vehicles; a further 30 new trams were then also enabled its expansion. Cost estimates rescue the line, but for a long time the needs purchased (in 2012, delivered in 2013-14). received when projects were initially put out voiced by Ruda Slaska on transport solutions, Some 15km (nine miles) of trolleybus routes to tender were eventually followed by lower mainly for improvements in regards to were also subject to modernisation, and 15 offers, so a second phase could therefore be the functioning of its tramway, were not new trolleybuses purchased. Two park-and- implemented. This extended project includes taken into account by either the transport ride facilities were constructed in Tychy. further modernisation of 14.5km (nine miles) organiser, KZK GOP, or representatives of the The tramway modernisation projects of single track, construction of a tramwash Tramwaje Slaskie company. were grouped into three main routes: and the purchase of 12 new partially low- Numerous interventions and declarations Katowice Brynów – Chorzów – Bytom; floor trams. Modertrans Poznan, a subsidary in 2008-11 by Ruda Slaska to contribute to the Sosnowiec Zagórze – Katowice – Chorzów – of MPK Poznan, will deliver the vehicles by investment programme for modernisation Swietochłowice – Bytom; and Bytom – Ruda the end of the year. and development of its tramway were not Slaska – Zabrze. This included construction Plans for the 2014-20 EU Financial considered by Tramwaje Slaskie as a solution. of a second track from Katowice to Sosnowiec Perspective are certainly ambitious, totalling Although further action was taken by the (line 15) and reinstatement of the Bytom – PLN880m (EUR215m). The project covers city, time was not its friend says Nowak – Łagiewniki district – Ruda Slaska route 80km (50 miles) of track modernisation, as even in 2008 the organiser, KZK GOP, (line 7) with double track. mainly in the Zagłebie part (Dabrowskie proposed to replace tramline 18 with buses.

ABOVE: Line 18 at the Ruda Slaska Chebzie loop, 2011. Witold Urbanowicz RIGHT: Route reconstruction and reinstatement in Bytom. Rafał Wójcik

480 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Tramwaj Slaskie

WOJKOWICE BYTOM DĄBROWA PIEKARY GÓRNICZA ŚLĄSKIE 2006 BĘDZIN 2006 ZABRZE 2006 2014 SIEMIANOWICE ŚLĄSKIE Gliwice CHORZÓW 2015 CZELADŹ 2009 2008

ŚWIĘTO- -CHŁOWICE

2006 Sosnowiec

Ruda Slaska Routes in operation Depots Katowice Reinstated routes Routes closed since 2006 MYSŁOWICE Direction of planned new routes

ABOVE: A simplified map of the routes in Upper Silesia shows the extensive closures since 2006 and the planned extensions. For an interactive map of the area, visit http://rozklady.kzkgop.pl/plan/index_.htm

RIGHT: Modernised However, despite such adversities line 18 105N car at Łagiewniki struggled on – until now. According to the Targowisko terminus in authorities that undertook an examination of June 2013, before line 7 the bridge at the Piastowska and Sobieskiego was reinstated to Bytom intersection, its failing condition posed centre. Trams on line 7 a threat to the safety of the tramway and used this ‘temporarily’ its passengers. The poor state of tracks at for a few years to change Rafał Wójcik Wolnosci and Piastowska streets was also direction. cited, while vibrations from trams were said to be contributing to the decay of surrounding buildings. The high-floor fleet was another reason given for the route’s poor performance, by creating difficulties for the elderly and mobility impaired, even so far as preventing use of the trams for some. Traffic safety is a further consideration. On Piastowska and Wolnosci a single track with passing loops is located on one side of the road on the route towards Bytom. This meant trams heading in the direction of Chebzie ran against the flow of traffic, its positioning and stop locations forcing passengers to alight directly into the path of approaching vehicles. Over the last ten years the police in Ruda RIGHT: Reinstatement Slaska have reported 109 accidents and 526 of line 7 in Bytom collisions on Wolnosci and Piastowska streets, Łagiewniki in September resulting in six deaths and 146 injuries. 2013. Rafał Wójcik

Differing views on trams Although the line was ‘suspended’, it seems clear that it will not return due to differences between Tramwaje Slaskie and the city of Ruda Slaska over the vision for the tramway. “We don’t agree with it and we don’t understand it. It is possible to carry out a facelift and modernisation works, which would allow the line to operate until modernisation of the bridge,” said Andrzej Zowada, spokesperson for Tramwaje Slaskie, on the decision to close line 18. The company is, however, aware of the shortcomings of line 18: “The line in its present form, with the old rails in the street and with a single track operation, might not be appreciated by many people,” Andrzej Zowada admits. However, he points out, that doesn’t have to be a permanent state.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 481 Upper Silesia

TADEUSZ FREISLER, HEAD OF TRAMWAJE SLASKIE

Q What are the effects of the ongoing modernisation? It is a gigantic project and passengers are A starting to see the scope of it. We’ve opened new – actually rebuilt – sections of tramway in Bytom. We’ve modernised the 105N trams and low-floor trams now operate on our network, recently on the modernised section of line 15 linking Katowice and Sosnowiec. Although for several years very little has happened on the tramway network in Śląsk and Zagłębie, local authorities have decided that the tramway is very important. I think public perception testifies they did not make a mistake.

Further new trams this year will be only Q partially low-floor – why is this ? Our goal is to introduce a higher share of A low-floor trams across routes where there is high passenger demand, so passengers with accessibility difficulties will be able to use two sets of doors, rather than just one, for example. However, we have many lines with less ABOVE: Katowice Rynek before reconstruction with intensive traffic where one pair of doors will be a Düwag Pt car passing a 105N car. In the background sufficient for mobility-impaired passengers. is the characteristic silhouette of the Spodek (‘flying These trams will also be bi-directional. saucer’). Witold Urbanowicz Ultimately, we want to use them on routes that end without a loop, and before that to serve RIGHT: Katowice Rynek during reconstruction. routes under modernisation so we don’t have to The Konstal 116Nd was the first generation of low-floor suspend traffic entirely. We already have some tram on the Silesian interurbans.. Witold Urbanowicz bi-directional trams, but they are high-floor. We would like to mix low-floor with high-floor so “Reconstruction and modernisation could that, on the routes being upgraded, passengers be carried out, laying a second track in places with disabilities can still access the tram. where possible. We also have an alternative version with points towards Zabrze at the Q What are the main plans under the new intersection of Wolnosci and Zabrzanska EU Financing Perspective 2014-20? street, this would allow us to improve We have the project framework for the transport connections of this part of Ruda trains: dynamic, with double track served by A 2014-20 Financial Perspective and want to continue modernisation of infrastructure as we with Zabrze. There is potential, with a railway a state-of-the-art fleet, transporting people still have a lot to do. Secondly, we want to station on the route, for turning points to be much faster than by road,” says Nowak. construct a number of new sections of track. A constructed. Currently passengers only have However, the city feels ignored and flagship example is Sosnowiec – the extension of a bus line that doesn’t run very frequently”. bitterness is escalating within local line 15 from Zagórz towards Klimontów, linking These proposals were rejected by Ruda government, prompted by investments the settlements with the centre of Sosnowiec. Slaska, however. New turning points by the elsewhere. Nowak says: “For a long time The second such investment, to be confirmed, railway station and on the intersection of Ruda Slaska clearly indicated the need for is a long stretch of tramline in Bytom. In Wolnosci and Zabrzanska would duplicate modernisation of route 9, the most heavily- Katowice we are planning a link between lines 7 and 6 across Grundmanna Street. Katowice also existing routes, argues Andrzej Nowak of used tramline in Ruda Slaska. So far our voices wants to extend a route south from Brynów. Ruda Slaska. He points out that passengers have not been heard. If modern Pesa Twist can use direct railway routes – the train to trams can operate on the Zawodzie Zajezdnia Zabrze takes five minutes, while the tram – Katowice Plac Wolnosci route, you have to Q What are the main areas of focus for track modernisation? takes around 25 minutes. He also states that ask: why not us? Are we worse than them?” A This time we will mostly focus on the the existing tramway connections with It must be hoped that with investment modernisation of routes in Zagłębie Zabrze (line 1) in the south of Ruda are not behind them, other city authorities will (Dąbrowskie basin). We have tracks, in Dąbrowa popular – ridership only rises in Zabrze. In be more patient and more determined to Górnicza, Sosnowiec and Będzin, that were laid Nowak’s opinion, passengers prefer the more maintain tramway service. However, with in the 1970s, which we now need to modernise. We would also like to complete the punctual 840 and 870 bus lines. such a vast network and a long list of needs, modernisation on the main axes – the connection Yet Ruda Slaska says it is not against it is clear that some places could wait a long between Katowice and Bytom, either through tramways, despite its decision to close line 18. time. As such, not everything might be saved Chorzów or Świętochłowice. This should “A city such as Ruda Slaska should have tram – the obvious targets being the more remote complete modernisation of the main routes. transport in the form of so-called urban single-track routes. Then we will be left with single-track routes of lesser service intensity. We will need to decide whether to totally modernise them, add second tracks, or to shorten the routes in some cases. Apart from line 18 in Ruda Slaska, there are other sections where maintenance might be debatable, but generally this section of the network has already been optimised. When it comes to development plans, we’re preparing not only for the coming EU Financial Perspective, but also for the next one. There are a few interesting connections that would solve a lot of transport problems in the metropolitan area. We, and the passengers and residents of Katowice, Sosnowiec and Chorzów, would really benefit from that. ABOVE: A new Pesa Twist low-floor tram in Bytom, ABOVE: A Pesa Twist car on newly-renovated 3 Maja Pl. Sikorskiego. Tramwaje Slaskie SA street in Katowice. Tramwaje Slaskie SA

482 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Advertorial IT’S LIFT-OFF FOR RAIL MAINTENANCE The use of UAVs offers a whole new horizon of opportunities for urban rail operators to reduce time, cost and disruption.

eering down into a murky sump chamber has been the lot of the rail drainage engineer for decades. From now on, though, many may spend more time looking up to the skies. PTrack and rail assets are often hidden and can be difficult to access. But rail engineers are rising above these problems, by using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to support infrastructure survey and development work. Lanes Group, the specialist drainage and maintenance company, was Highly Commended at the 2015 Light Rail Awards for its pioneering use of UAVs on London A Lanes Group UAV above Amersham station: a Underground’s (LU) rail infrastructure. roof survey was completed in one day, instead of five. The company’s Rail Division is using surveillance drones, designed for military use Urban transit systems supported include in Germany, to ‘spy’ on rail assets – improving Manchester Metrolink, Sheffield Supertram access to hard-to-reach structures, reducing and Nottingham Express Transit, as well as survey costs, and generating richer, London Underground and the Docklands BIM-compliant data. The technology is Light Railway. One example is the extensive rapidly changing Lanes Group’s mindset. jet vac cleaning and CCTV surveys along Matthew Todd, Commercial Director at new track drainage installed for Metrolink’s Lanes Rail Division, said: “Rail and urban new Second City Crossing, in preparation transit contractors like us are becoming data for its planned opening in December. management experts, as well as maintenance Now, with its UAV service, Lanes Group has experts. The opportunities to support our added a pilot’s licence to its list of credentials ABOVE: Analyse that – a point cloud image of clients more effectively are significant.” – even if this pilot stays firmly on the ground. Amersham station created by stitching together data But this approach doesn’t have to be Images captured can be used to generate from UAV and terrestrial pictures. exclusively airborne, as the company is also 3D point clouds. These can be used for BELOW: Lanes Group relines a sewer along the pioneering new technology that uses sound generating 3D structural models and Nottingham Express Transit Phase Two tram extension. to map drainage systems and potential faults. CAD files, as well as orthogonal mosaics. All images courtesy of Lanes Group SewerBatt uses high frequency sonic pulses Video fly-throughs can be used to identify – much like bats’ echolocation – to create a obstructions, clashes and access issues. sound map of drains and sewers. Lanes Group The technology has significant practical has proved Sewerbatt’s worth on its Thames advantages. A UAV survey of the roof at Water wastewater network contract. Now the Amersham Station on LU’s Metropolitan line Rail Division is trialling it on LU assets. was completed in one day by two operatives. The company has a long and successful Undertaken conventionally, it would have record of providing specialist drainage taken four operatives up to five nights. In support for both rail and urban transit some cases, roof areas are so fragile, carrying systems, during development and in terms of out such inspections is nigh on impossible. ongoing operational management. Services Andrew McQueen, Head of Professional include CCTV drainage surveys, ongoing Services at Lanes Group, said: “UAV track drainage maintenance and replacement, technology is ideally suited to survey and track drainage cleaning, and rehabilitation, inspection work on urban transit systems. including no dig techniques and relining. The aircraft can fly above busy streets, Its Rail Division also delivers a range of gathering data without the service, or any other maintenance services for LU, many other stakeholder, being affected. It can under a Total Purchased Services contract, also help manage emergency situations, including bridge and structure repair, such as flooding caused by extreme vegetation control, fencing, locks, and weather events, by identifying how best coin counters and safes. to drain areas without affecting other Recent rail projects have included the road users and residents.” relining of a 42m-long 1300mm-diameter Lanes Group is a leader in advanced CONTACT rail culvert in Surrey (UK) for Osborne, using technologies, in the air and on the ground, ultra violet light curing technology. It is the to help rail and urban transit clients better W: www.lanesfordrains.co.uk widest pipe relined so far by Lanes using this understand and maintain their assets and E: [email protected] technique. Also, a track drainage replacement associated structures, so they can deliver a T: +44 (0)161 788 2266 project along the Western Section of Crossrail. better customer experience for passengers.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 483 Stops and interchanges PUTTING THE PASSENGER FIRST Stops, stations and interchanges are the gateways to our transport networks. Scott McIntosh asks if we’re spending the right proportion of our time considering their form and function compared to the time spent on rolling stock or route infrastructure.

Manchester Metrolink’s Deansgate- igh-quality public transport Castlefield stop has recently been transformed cannot stop everywhere – into a ‘sky garden’, giving passengers another stopping consumes time. green space in the heart of the city. TfGM Many transport planners attempt to attract riders, run efficientlyH and endeavour to compete with other private modes such as the car by spacing stops as far apart as possible. The operation of many transport demand models is driven by concepts of overall travel speed and so inevitably pushes planners in the same direction. Unfortunately most of our potential passengers do not live at – or even in the immediate vicinity of – our stops, nor do they work or shop at tram stops. For the prospective rider the ‘journey experience’ includes access to and from the points where they board and leave the system. Sustainable ridership depends on the quality of these access routes and the quality of the waiting environment just as much as it does on the speed and reliability of the in-tram part of the trip. The ability and willingness of people to walk a short distance to a stop is what makes it possible to gather many people on a single vehicle. This is the essence of any transport project.

484 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Figure 1

LEFT: The Edinburgh Airport stop that serves the Scottish capital takes you right to edge of the terminal; sadly the design of the stops across the system, while stylish, does not offer significant protection from the elements. TAUT

BELOW AND BOTTOM: Bus stops on the Zuidtangent in the Netherlands provided an aspirational quality to the service, but the angled rear glass walls and ‘flower petal’ glass roofs provided little shelter on windy days and were unable to stand up to stormy weather. They were replaced within a few years. Alena Hanzlová, Shirley de Jong (via WikiMedia Commons)

Every stop has a catchment area – the area that one can walk (shown in dark blue) distance people are prepared to walk to is around a third of the ideal radius. a stop. It is difficult to determine these The dense grid of pedestrian links shown distances precisely due to a wide number of on the right maximises walking access; variables, but planners have adopted a rough this is the classic Edinburgh New Town/ rule of thumb that the distance that most London Square or ‘Coronation Street’ terrace people seem to tolerate, and the point where layout and shows that twice as much of the ridership falls off dramatically, is around theoretical area is accessible. a quarter of a mile (400m). Yet many other The car-oriented network can be made factors should be considered; if most potential more permeable by the provision of users of the system have little option other walkways away from the road, but these than public transport, then it may be possible must be well laid-out, well-lit and safe. to ‘force’ them to walk further. Our potential passenger is not willingly But modern tramways are not just ‘better going to go through dark or foul back alleys buses for the transit dependent’. They are or threatening underpasses where anti-social intended to give a genuine alternative to the elements may lurk. Thus the transport car, which is often parked outside the door, developer must work with the local authority so that part of the market demands a shorter, and land developers to ensure good access “Modern tramways are better walk and a quality journey experience. to stops in the first place, while the operator not just ‘better buses for Access to the stop is provided along a must also accept closer stop spacing and network of streets and paths and the design find other ways to maintain high operating the transit dependent’. of that network is crucial to the walking speeds if it is to grow its market share. distance. Consider Figure 1 above. The They are intended to give left-hand example is typical of the sort of Form AND function car-oriented network found in many modern Having reached the stop from their departure a genuine alternative to housing developments; it is also full of point, our passenger is all too often faced obstacles to the pedestrian and the actual with a disappointing environment. Stops the private car.”

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 485 Stops and interchanges

are often a jumble of mismatched and ill-considered boxes and shelters. He or she may find a place to stand – if very lucky a place to sit – but it will often be under a canopy designed by someone under the misapprehension that winds never blow, and rain – and occasionally hail – only falls vertically. Photographs of Edinburgh tramstops show shelters where the whole footprint was soaked with rain, pooling around the passengers’ feet, even on only a moderately wet Scottish day. While the design is striking, this is simply not good enough. Shelters should be stylish and good- looking, but also fit for purpose. We should remember the experience of the former Zuidtangent busway in the Netherlands; the flagship stops had floral glass canopies and plant-inspired steelwork forms. Architects and designers were thrilled and the project won awards. Unfortunately in attempting to give an aspirational quality to the bus service which used them, the “Form and fitness for basic job of reliably providing shelter for passengers was overlooked. purpose are important in The flower petal roofs were at a high level and the angled glass walls behind left attracting passengers to gaps; on a windy day such an arrangement provided only a limited degree of shelter. the system and reconciling Not only that, but the glass roofs themselves proved unable to withstand stormy weather them to the wait for the and after some of them blew off, the rest next service.” were removed on safety grounds. When the busway was incorporated into the R-net local bus network the ruined shelters were replaced considered, with the incorporation of waiting connecting vehicle. If that cannot be with a standardised product; they may be less green and planted elements where possible provided then clear wayfinding is essential to impressive, but they actually do the job. and systems such as solar panels to power direct passengers from one mode to another. The location of stop equipment also needs stop equipment. LED lighting is more It is important to enable passengers to careful contemplation. It is not acceptable to efficient than traditional incandescent or make the interchange reasonably dry-shod, put ticket vending machines or validators out tube alternatives – not only providing a sprints out into the rain or snow are in the rain, passengers should be able to use greater flexibility in light output, but also justifiably resented by passengers – you them – and queue up for them – under cover. reducing long-term costs. don’t want them running in such slippery Even simple things like system maps need conditions anyway, increasing the risk of sensible placement as far too often they are Interchanges aren’t the enemy accident and/or injury. Efficient real-time placed on the back wall of the shelter above Too many commentators believe that indicators and ‘time of next connection’ the seats, forcing people who wish to consult interchanges are a barrier to public transport displays encourage passengers and make them to lean over those seated, pressing their use. They claim that the private car offers a them think that their journey is important stomachs into the face of intending passengers! ‘one seat ride’ and that low investment bus to the transport operator. All too often Form and fitness for purpose are an systems allow a complex route pattern that passengers feel abandoned at interchanges, important element in attracting passengers can satisfy this aspiration, making high so if timed connections cannot be managed to the system and reconciling them to the capacity rail systems redundant. This is, of then at least a delaying signal needs to be wait for the next service on their journey, course, nonsense, as almost all car journeys provided for the connector so that it can and simple considerations like location and require a pedestrian element at one end of the be held back for a short time by a late- a clear understanding of the climate are trip – usually from a parking space to the final arriving tram or metro car – nothing is more crucial. For example, requirements such as destination – and complex route patterns frustrating than seeing your connecting air-conditioning and solar panels for stops mean low frequency on each route. vehicle roar off, empty of riders, just as your in hot and humid climates such as Phoenix This problem is made worse at the service draws into the platform. or Dubai will be very different to the heaters planning stage of a project because many If service frequencies are reasonably and more robust shelters needed in a colder transport demand models add weighted high and waiting times for connections are climate such as that in Ottawa. ‘Interchange Penalties’ every time a minimal then a simple interchange is all Likewise, provision of reliable passenger passenger has to make a connection. Whilst it that is required, however if there is a risk information is another key to the success is true that most passengers are resistant to an that interchange times will be longer then a of any transport network. At the very least, interchange and that these interchanges can range of other facilities should be provided; timetables and route diagrams overlaid onto be made far more irritating by poor layout lavatories and simple vending machines are maps that show the wider transport network and poor timetabling, it should be recognised an obvious example. Far too many transport of the local area and points of interest should that connections buy frequency by allowing authorities are closing the lavatory facilities be the bare minimum. It is always desirable simpler service patterns. [1] they already have because they are ‘too much – and is becoming increasingly possible with If we are to persuade passengers that trouble’ or ‘cost too much to maintain’. developments in technology – to also have transport interchange is acceptable then This may be true, but taking trouble to look real-time information displays that show the we must make the facilities attractive and after one’s customers is how a responsible arrival time of the next service. If you have efficient places to use. The ideal is a covered, business builds brand loyalty – leaving the ability to show details for connecting cross-platform interchange; the passenger passengers in discomfort and embarrassment, services then all the better. steps off one vehicle and either waits on the or hungry and deyhradated, is a sure way to As with other system infrastructure, platform or – if the transport authority is really ensure that next time they will make the trip environmental initiatives should be on the ball – they cross the platform onto the by private motor car.

486 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org OPINION: ANDREW BRADDOCK, LRTA CHAIRMAN

Good interchange is a significant weakness in most of the UK’s urban systems. With largely bus- based public transport, British cities tend to have networks of the “everywhere-to-everywhere else” kind which make them very hard for users to understand. This results mainly from our continued use of distance-based fares with no form of transfer ticket (so there is obvious reluctance to change) rather than time-based zonal tariffs which apply to all operators. This weakness is exacerbated by the deregulated nature of bus services outside London, where if there is an interchangeable ticket at all it costs more than an individual operator’s and is usually for a minimum of one day’s travel. I have long argued that if you follow the average Swiss citizen to work, and ask whether they mind all the changes they have made on the journey from their home, you'll get a blank expression as if to say "what changes?". Fundamentally, no public transport system can ABOVE: Heavy snowfall is relatively rare in offer door-to-door coverage of the huge range of (), but sees temperatures drop significantly trips people make, so there is bound to be some and platforms have underfloor heating to ensure degree of interchange. This can be made simpler comfortable, safe environments. Neil Pulling by all-mode tickets that permit any number of transfers within and between modes for an LEFT: Tram stops in the hot and dusty Dubai hour or even 90 minutes, and by designing climate are fully enclosed, with platform screen interchanges which work efficiently and simply. doors and air conditioning. Alstom Again, the Swiss have the answer with cross- platform bus/tram connections – under cover RIGHT: The new Beeston Centre stop in and with effective co-ordination of timetables. Nottingham offers simple cross-platform interchange Timed transfers every ten or 15 minutes are often with local bus services. Neil Pulling provided and within reason connections are safeguarded in the event of service disruption. BELOW RIGHT: Berlin's Alexanderplatz interchange Design of interchanges is absolutely critical. (tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, heavy rail) features shops, bars There are numerous examples of good practice and large covered areas. Neil Pulling throughout continental Europe, commonly with the side platforms of a tramstop featuring bus There is much to be said for making stops on their outer faces, geared to the major interchange points into real ‘transit centres’, directional flow. The new Beeston interchange with a range of facilities, kiosks, a tea/coffee on Nottingham's recently opened line to shop, concierge services etc. It is even probable Chilwell (left) is a pretty good example. But the that providing a site for a ‘Metro’-type opportunity to create just such an interchange mini-market that sells everyday essentials at Addington Village on Croydon’s Tramlink system was not taken up, so there is something may consolidate market share far more than a of a gap between the bus and tram stations at this small car and cycle park. Of course a problem important interface between the two modes. arises when services with wide headways are As Scott explains, detailed design is a crucial pulsed through an interchange. The result element – no wind tunnels or open or exposed may be five minutes of frenetic activity as areas please, and sensible positioning of all modes converge on the interchange and information displays, ticket machines, etc. passengers scuttle from vehicle to vehicle; must be ensured. this is then followed by a long period of quiet before the next pulse. The quiet time can be quite dispiriting for passengers. Passengers would resent being made to It may be more attractive to establish animate an otherwise deserted public square connection-activated civic areas, public – running 250-300m for a bus, dodging squares that serve as both a symbolic and puddles with their umbrella blown inside functional heart of the community but where out. The distances would be no longer than people connecting between transit lines form experienced in many London Underground part of the square’s activity. The idea arises stations and urban designers are always telling from the desire to have bus-rail connections us that visual interest makes walks feel shorter. happen in an interesting setting, rather than a typical suburban bus interchange that features Conclusions an area where only bus passengers would be.[2] The lack of attention paid to stops and ABOVE: Typical interchange platform at a light Interesting examples in North America and interchanges is regrettable as they are the rail stop in Hannover - trams to the left, buses to Syntagma Square (Athens), Alexanderplatz ‘third leg’ of the tripod of public service and the right. Andrew Braddock (Berlin) and Piccadilly Gardens (Manchester) the open door to the system. The great Frank are also worth studying. Piccadilly Gardens Pick (architect of London Underground’s has its own issues, however, mostly created by visual identity) observed that “the marketing use of the bus facility to stand dead buses and of a transport organisation depended on NOTES the amount of raw concrete in the area, but communicating to the public the quality 1 Vide Walker. J, Human Transit, 2012 lessons can certainly be learned from it. of service available and an apparent ease of 2 Research has failed to find a phrase in any Connection distances should be as short travel”. Good stops and interchanges are language that translates as ‘As beautiful as a as possible, preferably no more than 100m integral to quality of service and as much bus station’ and some weather mitigation (trees or attention should be paid to them as to route Fig. 1 Reproduced from Urban Design 4 Health umbrella roofs over walkways) is desirable. infrastructure and rolling stock.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 487 Boston

The Massachusetts state capital has a range of public transport – including a subway opened SYSTEMS in 1897 – and is now looking to

further expand USA Boston FACTFILE its rail-borne offering. Words No. Boston, and pictures 99 USA by Vic Simons.

oston is the US state of Although the MBTA network is AnsaldoBreda cars used. Mattapan also has a large Massachusetts’ capital and described as having four subway lines, 3822 leads a two-car bus interchange. The other Red line its largest city. Located the Green line is effectively a light train at Reservoir branch runs to Braintree in the south. Station – the on the Charles River rail system, with four branches. The A standalone route starting at Oak Green line's main where it emerges into the subway lines, other than the Green operations base Grove in the north of the city, the BAtlantic Ocean, some 320km (200 line, mostly use third-rail current is on the left – in Orange line replaced part of the Green miles) north-east of New York City, collection, electrified at 600V dc, October 2005. line’s E branch when it was extended Boston has a population of around although the Blue line (Bowdoin – Initial issues saw the to Forest Hills in the south-west in 650 000. However, the city is part of a Wonderland) uses overhead catenary Type 8 cars limited May 1987. This extension coincided much larger metropolitan area of five for surface-running near Boston Logan to certain branches, with the conversion of the line into million residents, around two-thirds International Airport to its north- but modifications an underground metro through the to later vehicles of the total in the state. eastern terminus at Wonderland. city centre. and infrastructure Public transport is operated by the The Red line (Alewife – Mattapan/ now sees them Beginning at Lechmere, just north Metropolitan Boston Transit Authority Braintree) is the ‘newest’ of the operating across the of the city centre, the Green line (MBTA) and encompasses light rail four original lines (built in 1912 system and also in runs southwards through the city lines, a streetcar route, trolleybuses, and extended in increments up to multiple with earlier to Copley where its line E diverges diesel buses, commuter rail services 1983), and splits into two branches Kinkisharyo cars. south to Heath Street. The final part and ferries. North America’s first at its southern end. One of the of this route has street running to the subway opened in Boston in 1897 and branches is fed at Ashmont by a terminus. Lines B, C and D proceed the alignment is still used today as classic streetcar line from Mattapan together for a further two stops from part of the city centre underground where there is a separate depot for Copley to Kenmore where the three section of the Green line. storage and servicing of the PCC lines split and come to the surface.

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THE FLEET

The Green line currently uses two vehicle types. There are 120 Kinkisharyo cars purchased in the 1980s and 1990s; these high-floor articulated vehicles are 22m long and 2.6m wide. Some 95 partially low-floor AnsaldoBreda cars were introduced in the early years of the 21st Century and to provide low-floor access cars of each type are usually coupled together. In May 2014, a USD118m contract was placed with CAF USA for 24 70% low-floor vehicles, half the cost of which will be met by the FTA’s New Start programme – bodyshells are to produced in Spain, with final assembly taking place in Elmira, NY. The MBTA is looking to upgrade many of the stations to allow three-car trains to operate. The Blue line uses 94 14.9m-long and 2.8m-wide Siemens vehicles delivered in 2008-09, forming six-car trains. A few older cars remain in occasional service. The Orange line uses 120 cars built by Hawker Siddeley in Canada dating from the early 1980s; these 20m, 2.8m-wide units form six-car trains. These will be replaced by 2020 under a USD566m order (combined with the Red line) placed with Chinese conglomerate CRRC in 2014. The Red line has two main types. Originally delivered by Pullman Standard in 1969-70, 74 cars were rebuilt in the mid-1980s. Another 58 were delivered by UTDC in 1987-88 and A mixture of Type 7 and Type 7.5 Kinkisharyo cars and newer AnsaldoBreda Type 8 cars at in 1993-94 a further 86 Bombardier cars arrived. All 21.2m cars Lechmere terminus on 14 May. are 3m wide. Red and Orange vehicles are not compatible. “Although the MBTA network is described as having four subway lines, the Green line is effectively an LRT system, with four branches.”

The future Type 9 Green line cars, due for delivery in 2017. CAF

Boston’s new Red and Orange line cars will be built at a facility in Springfield, MA, due to open in 2017. CRRC A Blue line service approaches Logan Airport station on 15 May, running in third-rail mode. The train will raise its pantograph in the station.

Slightly shabby-looking Kinkisharyo car 3606 has just arrived at the Riverside terminus in the suburb of Newton, the western extremity of light rail service in Boston. This terminus is served by a large park-and-ride site. AnsaldoBreda car 3840 at Riverside terminus, waiting to return to Boston on 14 May.

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The 6.9km (4.3-mile) Green line northern “Cost estimates for the Green line extension of USD1.992bn may extension, projected to open in 2020, would well be insufficient, with certain quarters believing that another provide service from a relocated Lechmere station USD700m-1bn may be required. A project review is currently to Medford with a terminus next to Tufts University. A two-stop stub would serve underway in a bid to reduce costs and identify additional funding.” Harvard. MBTA/MassDoT

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Line D runs to Riverside where a A Red line train passes Savin Hill station depot and maintenance facility is en route to Alewife on 15 May 2015. The train located just beyond the station. Line has come from Braintree but does not stop at C runs to Cleveland Circle, a terminus Savin Hill as this is on the Ashmont branch. less than 200m from Reservoir Station Between the two branches is the commuter rail line out of South Station. on line D, which is linked by bus route 86 with the Chestnut Hill Avenue stop on line B just two stops short of the NETWORK FACTS Boston College terminus. Line B serves a number of Opened: 1897 educational establishments and can be Lines: Three metro; one light rail with crowded on college term afternoons. four branches; streetcar feeder line. The striking feature of the surface Stops: 126 sections of lines B, C, and to some Distance: 100.8km/62.6 miles (Green extent line D, is the short distance line 36.2km/22.5 miles; Orange line between stops (as little as 200m in Early AnsaldoBreda partial low-floor car 3806 leads a two-car train 17.9km/11.1 miles; Blue line 9.5km/5.9 some cases) and their rudimentary at North Station in downtown Boston on 14 May 2015. miles; Red line 33km/20.5 miles) nature, more akin to suburban bus Depots: 4 stops. The outer portion of the Green Approx. weekday hours: 05.00- 0.00 line uses a segregated alignment on Gauge: 1435mm old railway formation. 600V dc Originally there was a line A to Power supply: Watertown; this closed in 1969 and City operator: Metropolitan Boston was replaced by buses. Transit Authority Green line services are usually Area network: Metropolitan Boston made up of two-car trains on each Transit Authority line; unusually there is a driver in each car, although the second driver INFORMATION is only there to sell and check tickets. Transport: www.mbta.com This is due to the lack of either ticket Tourist information: vending machines or ticket offices at www.cityofboston.gov/visitors or many stops; however the presence of www.revolutionaryboston.org a second driver is useful in cases of emergency and for security. The Green line is being extended alignment to Union Square in Red line streetcar Boston also has an extensive northwards from Lechmere and will Harvard. As part of the project the 3087 approaches commuter rail system radiating split into two onward branches. current Lechmere station is to be Ashmont on 15 May. from its two main line long-distance Note the Red line The main future branch is a five- relocated and rebuilt with a car park. stations. Five routes run from terminal tracks station extension to College Avenue In view of the below this is now in below the viaduct. North Station with seven routes plus in Medford where it will interchange doubt, however. Cost estimates from These PCCs have two small branches running from with commuter (heavy) rail. This early 2015 of USD1.992bn may well been in service since South Station. MBTA sets fare and section is to be opened in two stages: be insufficient to complete the works the 1940s, and will service levels. the one-station section to Washington as planned as certain quarters believe remain so as the The southern routes operate far Street is projected to open in 2017, that another USD700m-1bn may be line would require beyond the metropolitan area, with major upgrading to with the remaining four-station required. A project review is currently accommodate the one running to Providence, the capital portion to College Avenue scheduled underway in a bid to identify why the heavier partial of Massachusetts’ neighbouring to follow in 2020. The separate cost estimates are so far astray, reduce low-floor cars used state of Rhode Island. Some of these western spur consists of a one-station costs and identify additional funding. on the Green line. routes share trackage with Amtrak

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ABOVE: Streetcars await their next turns or maintenance at the Mattapan maintenance sidings.

LEFT: Red line PCC 3230 undergoing light maintenance inside the small Mattapan depot.

long-distance trains to New York and the underground section articulated ABOVE LEFT: Wharf North near Aquarium Station Washington and beyond. Whilst the buses run in trolleybus mode before A Silver line to Logan Airport. Amtrak services mainly use electric switching at Silver Line Way. dual-mode diesel There is an extensive bus system, motive power the MBTA commuter The other two routes, SL4 and SL5, trolleybus at Silver but outside the peak many routes Line Way on its way rail services are diesel powered and run entirely on-street from South run at irregular intervals so forward into South Station. run in ‘push-pull’ mode. Station or Downtown Crossing to planning is essential. Boston also has a bus Dudley Square and use articulated ABOVE : Lowell service known as the Silver line, buses. Vehicles are painted silver to Streetcar 4131 - built Interactive maps and schedules of opened in 2002, which uses dedicated distinguish them from the yellow and by Gomaco in the Boston’s transit services are available articulated vehicles on four lines. Two white regular buses and trolleybuses. 1980s – approaching at www.mbta.com/schedules_and_ lines run in-tunnel from South Station Three other trolleybus routes run from downtown boarding maps/subway before emerging at Silver Line Way Harvard station on the Red line to point on 13 May. The author wishes to acknowledge – SL1 runs to Logan Airport whilst various points westwards. Robert Schwandl for information in his SL2 runs to the Design Centre. Both A number of MBTA boat services book Subways and Light Rail in the use either CNG (compressed natural operate across Boston Harbour, the USA – Volume 1 East Coast, available gas) or hybrid diesel/trolleybuses. On most notable of which runs from Long through the LRTA Bookshop.

ESSENTIAL FACTS Local travel: MBTA uses different fare regimes for can be purchased onboard a train but a premium is networks. Frequent Acela trains run to New York different modes with some integration; subway charged if the traveller could have bought a ticket City and various points south. tickets can be used on buses, but not the other at the ticket machine or ticket office at the place of As Boston hotels are comparatively expensive, way round. The preferred payment method is boarding before joining the train. the most cost-effective way to visit is to stay out of the rechargeable pre-payment Charlie Card, town and travel in by rail. There is however one purchased from ticket vending machines, service What is there to see? Boston has the usual big city note of warning: as of July 2015 parking at MBTA centres and online. Cash fares can be paid to bus attractions, including historic sites and museums. subway or commuter rail stations could only be drivers but transfers are not available. There are It has a large population of Irish descent, which paid by mobile phone or monthly invoice based on also 24-hour and weekly tickets (USD12 and USD19 has had an impact on dining and culture. The city the registration of the vehicle. respectively) and reduced fares are available for was the site of the famous ‘tea party’ in 1773 that Just north of Boston is the city of Lowell, served seniors and travellers with disabilities. These some say was the precursor of the American War by commuter rail services from North Station. tickets are only valid on bus and subway routes. of Independence. Lowell has an active vintage streetcar operation The commuter rail fare system is zone-based. Boston has direct flights to many major during the summer months, running over roughly Ten-ride and monthly tickets are available. Tickets European cities and is well-connected to US 3km (two miles) of track.

492 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Worldwide Review

AUSTRALIA BROADBEACH – SOUTHPORT. With Malcolm Turnbull replacing Tony Abbott as Australian Prime Minister, the new administration has committed AUD95m (EUR62m) for the AUD650m (EUR425m) extension of the Gold Coast tramline by 7.3km (4.5 miles) from University Hospital to Helensvale railway station. Brisbane Times CANBERRA. T h e A C T Government has started consultation on possible future tramlines in seven corridors, following on from the 12km (7.5- mile) Gungahlin line already agreed. Transport Canberra is to be established as an agency to run both bus and tram networks. RGI NEWCASTLE. The legislation to authorise removal of the former rail line to central Newcastle has been passed by the state legislature after the government added an The Iranian Government is making good progress with metro construction. The latest system to open is Isfahan with its extra AUD50m (EUR32.7m) to five-car Chinese-built trains similar to those delivered to Tabriz and Tehran. CRRC the city’s revitalisation plans (which include a light rail link to BELGIUM access to Grottes de Han started driving trailers entered Metrolinx Wickham railway station). ABC BRUXELLES/BRUSSELS. on 12 September using autorail service on 9 October. IRJ Plans to convert bus route 71 AR145 (1935) and AR266 (1938). AUSTRIA (De Brouckere – Delta) to tram These have lost their diesel engines CHINA INNSBRUCK. Tram-train operation have been postponed in favour of lithium-phosphate NANJING. Shangyuanmen service on line 5 from Völs in the for at least a decade due to the battery packs that are recharged station on metro line 3 was opened west to Rum in the east via city opposition from businesses and every 30 minutes during the on 18 October. urbanrail.net tram tracks is due to start at the residents in Chaussee d’Ixelles. six-minute layover at the village end of 2020. In the meantime Extensive bus priority will be tried terminus. Two more cars are to be COLOMBIA trams will be extended by 8.3km first to see if the capacity of the bus similarly rebuilt. T-2000 MEDELLIN. Passenger service on (5.2 miles), west from Höttinger Au route can be increased. OOSTENDE. All the Hermelijn the 4.2km (2.6-mile) rubber-tyred to Peerhofsiedlung and Technik Articulated PCC 7749 in all-over trams borrowed for the summer tramway to Ayacucho metro station West (2017), and east from livery has been placed in Avenue from Antwerpen and Gent were is understood to have started on Defreggerstrasse to Olympische de Jette near Place Reine Astrid returned by 17 September, apart 15 October. A formal ceremony Dorf (2018). An order for 20 as an information point for the from Antwerpen 7269, which will involving the President of new trams is imminent. An future tramline 9 for six months. winter on the coast. T-2000 Colombia was held on 20 October. additional depot will be built From 5 October to 18 December 200m west of the existing Wilten line 82 was cut back to a temporary BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA DENMARK depot. R. Deacon terminus at Berchem to permit SARAJEVO. The first of 20 AALBORG. The planned WIEN (Vienna). The tram parade the turning circle at Berchem Duewag eight-axle trams donated tramway scheme is threatened held on 27 September to mark Station to be replaced by a new by Konya in Turkey is in service by the withdrawal of the 150 years of tramway operation stub terminus. as 901. These 1963 trams were DKK839m (EUR112.5m) national featured the following cars (in Plans have been announced originally built for Köln (Cologne); government grant. TR order of appearance): advertising for a third metro depot at Erasme, 34 Tatra K2YU trams remain in works car 6408, horse tram 53, mostly underground, but with service, plus 14 modernised cars ECUADOR steam tram Salzburg 11+trailer a 1.2km (0.7-mile) test track of this type (ex-Brno). There are QUITO. A consortium of 7+van 107, A 7m (1898), D 244, AW alongside the railway. T-2000 four KT8B (ex-Kosice). SV Acciona and Odebrecht has been 82, H 2215+wagon 7059, K 2380+u2 GENT. Since 1 September announced as preferred bidder 3802, G 777+d2 5604, P2 462+m3 non-renovated PCCs have made BULGARIA for the 22.5km (14-mile) metro 5311, WLB Hofsalon 200, works just occasional appearances at SOFIA. The order for 20 three-car project, estimated at USD1.54bn. car SP 6019, H1 2260+k2 3487, A peaks on line 4. They may be Siemens Inspiro metro trains was A contract for 18 six-car trains has 2 (1944)+k5 3984, G4 345, Z 4208, required when new extensions to signed on 28 September, with an still to be awarded. IRJ B 51+b 1401, T1 408+k6 1530+k6 Zwijnaarde and UZ Gent open option for a further ten. Entry into 1518, DG2 2051+k1 3210+k2 3442, next year. At the moment the peak service is planned for 2018. IRJ ETHIOPIA C1 141+c1 1241, T2 432, N60 2714 run-out is 58 trams, with 73 cars ADDIS ABABA. The second light +m2 5218+n60 5786, G2 2051+k1 in the operating fleet. The new CANADA rail (Blue) line was due to open at 3210+k2 3442, D 4301, K 2423+k5 turning circle at Flanders Expo MISSISSAUGA. The city of the end of October. 2Merkato.com 3940, L1 2606+c3 1110, E 4401, L4 was brought into use from Brampton has voted to delete the 548+l3 1852, F 711, M 4134+m2 21 August. T-2000 planned northern section of the FRANCE 5211+m3 5364, E1 4855, E2 4314 + CHARLEROI. The centenary of proposed light rail line from Steeles CLERMONT-FERRAND. NTL has c3 1514, A 1 (1995), B1 771, E1 4867 Jumet workshops was celebrated Avenue to the GO Transit station. received a EUR14.8m order for four (Ringtram), T1 2680. in November, with ASVi S 9148 This means the project is likely new Translohr 32m STE4 vehicles. The new fire brigade training providing a special service between to be completed in 2018 rather The contract includes the first stage centre at Leopoldau has the city centre and the depot. T-2000 than 2022. D. Drum of a programme to upgrade the acquired withdrawn U-Bahn set HAN-SUR-LESSE. Electric TORONTO. The first of 67 cabs on the city’s existing fleet of 2011/3011 and tram 4755. operation of the tramline giving Bombardier-built double-deck 26 rubber-tyred trams.

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The ground-breaking ceremony for Ulm’s second tramline was held on The Ukrainian capital Kyiv is now testing a Pesa Foxtrot tram and hopes that 15 October. SWU the builder will arrange favourable financing terms. Avalex GRENOBLE. The completion built trams will be marked by monorail) cars was expected tracks throughout the 2016 season, of line E has increased the peak a special event on 2 April 2016; to arrive at Vohwinkel workshops which marks the tramway’s run-out to 88 trams, from a fleet 1956 prototype trailer 93 is one of on 14 November. DS 140th anniversary year. Special of 103. T-2000 the cars restored for this show. DS ZWICKAU. On 7 October the events include the Manx Heritage MARSEILLE. The two-line HALLE. Tram tracks across Bahnhofstrasse was closed, Transport Festival (27-31 July metro system is to be converted Rannische Platz were re-opened probably for four weeks, due 2016) and the 140th Anniversary to automatic train operation from 26 October; those at Steintor to the threat of a building weekend (6-7 August). by 2024, with a new fleet of 38 remain closed. Bus replacement close to collapse. Tramlines 5 four-car rubber-tyred trains 61 was cancelled with the and 7 turned on the triangle ITALY and the installation of platform resumption of service on line 1. DS at Georgenplatz to start with, FIRENZE (Florence). The first edge doors. The total cost of the HEIDELBERG. Planning but were then replaced by bus rails for tramline 3 were laid at the conversion and new stock is permission has been granted for operation, while line 4 had its future Careggi terminus during estimated at EUR474m. I RG the EUR25.1m, 2.2km (1.4-mile) frequency boosted to every ten the last week of October. A. Fantechi MONTPELLIER. The four tramline through Bahnstadt, with minutes. DS GENOVA. In October additional trams delivered last work expected to start in March for AnsaldoBreda delivered two cars autumn were 2070 (line 3 livery), completion in summer 2018, and INDIA from the order for four four-car 2097 (line 2 livery) and 2098/9 enabling tracks in Eppelheimer MUMBAI. The state government metro trains. EA (black livery). The 87 trams in Strasse to be closed. Routes 22 and of Maharashtra has approved two MILANO. The suspended circular the fleet are 2001-33, 2041-64, 26 will serve the line, with new new metro projects: the 18.6km tram routes 29/30 were reinstated and 2070-99. stops at Hbf Süd, Gadamerplatz (11.6-mile) northern section on 20 October but are now PARIS. A EUR455m financing and Eppelheimer Terrasse. DS of line 2 and the 16.5km routes 9/10, featuring traffic light plan for phase 1 of the Tram Express MÜNCHEN (Munich). The (10.3-mile) link between Dahisar priority saving nine minutes Sud tram-train project has been state has approved the planning East and Andheri East, both for on the circuit. Route 37 has been approved by STIF, covering the permission for the extension completion in 2019. IRJ withdrawn. Monumentale station 20km (12.5 miles) from Massy of tramline 25 to S-Bhf Berg- LUCKNOW. Alstom is to supply on metro line 5 was opened Palaiseau to Évry-Courcouronnes am-Laim. Work will start this 20 four-car trains and signalling on 11 October. urbanrail.net via Épinay-sur-Orge. Construction year, with opening planned for for a 22.8km (14.2-mile) metro ROMA. The city council has will start next spring. December 2016. DS under a EUR150m contract due withdrawn finance for metro Also approved was the 6km NÜRNBERG (Nuremburg). to be fulfilled in 2016. RGI line D and revoked the concession. (3.7-mile) extension of metro 1964 MAN articulated tram 334 Correcting last issue’s news, line 11 from Mairie de Lilas to has been refitted and relaunched IRAN the narrow-gauge line was cut RER Rosny-Bois-Perrier, costing as a party tram ‘Extratour’. DS ISFAHAN. The fourth metro back from Giardinetti to EUR1.3bn, tramline T9 costing STUTTGART. The line between system in Iran opened in Isfahan Centocelle. TR, D. Schöpfer EUR404m, and 15 new Alstom Staatsgalerie and Charlottenplatz on 15 October, when the 11.2km TORINO. Tenders have been Dualis tram-trains for the new (lines U1, U2 and U4) will be closed (seven-mile) northern section invited for contracts to build a branch of T4 to Montfermeil. from 17 May 2016 to 19 August of line 1 was inaugurated. 43km second automated metro line, Alstom has completed delivery 2017 to permit new subway work (26.7 miles) is planned. Chinese- running north-south from of 67 MP05 six-car metro trains to in connection with the Stuttgart 21 built five-car trains as delivered to Rebaudengo to Bengasi (Scalo lines 1 and 14. IRJ project. Lines U1, U2 and U11 will Tabriz and Tehran are used. RGI Vanchiglia). IRJ be diverted via Hbf and Berliner VENEZIA. After six weeks GERMANY Platz, while new shuttle services IRELAND of operation of the Translohr BIELEFELD. The 1.2km (0.7-mile) U21 (Charlottenplatz – Südheimer DUBLIN. Further ‘red light rubber-tyred tram in mixed extension of line 2 to Altenhagen Platz) and U24 (Charlottenplatz – camera’ systems are to be installed traffic on the causeway bridge, will open on 6 December. DS Hölderlinplatz will be introduced. following the success of the first and various crashes/motor vehicle CHEMNITZ. There has been Line U4 will shuttle between one at the junction of Blackhall breakdowns, a 90-day trial started a delay in achieving tramway Neckartor and Untertürkheim. Place and Benburb Street on the in early November with one lane regulation approval for the new ULM. The ground-breaking Red line. There were 37 tram/ reserved for public transport Vossloh Citylink cars, so when ceremony for the second tram vehicle collisions in 2014 and (including Translohr) and the they enter passenger service on line took place on 15 October at this number dropped to 14 in the other reserved for cars, coaches 13 December they will run on the future southern terminus. first nine months of 2015. and trucks. Nuova di Venezia DB tracks only as far as Hbf. DS The 10.5km (6.5-mile) north-south FREIBURG-IM-BREISGAU. The line will share 1.2km (0.7 miles) in ISLE OF MAN KAZAKHSTAN opening ceremony for the new the city centre with the existing DOUGLAS. Douglas Borough ALMATY. All tram services Messe tramway line 4 in Berliner tramway. DS Council has notified the Friends were suspended indefinitely Allee will be on 11 December. DS WUPPERTAL. The first of the of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway from 31 October after a safety GOTHA. Sixty years of Gotha- new Schwebebahn (suspended that a service will run on existing inspection revealed serious

494 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org deficiencies with both tram with line 1 at San Miguelito to linking Yeouido to the National tracks and vehicle bogies. Most Nuevo Tocumen, and is due to University will have 12 rubber- services had been worked by open in 2019. IRJ tyred trains and a running time ex-Berlin Tatra KT4D, but there of 16 minutes. RGI had been frequent derailments PHILIPPINES in recent weeks. informburo.kz MANILA. Tenders have been SWITZERLAND invited for 120 LRVS to boost BERN. The 11 October parade MOROCCO capacity of LRT-1 and provide for to mark 125 years of tramways CASABLANCA. The second its extension to Bacoor, Cavite. featured steam tram 12 with trailer tramline will be worked by 31, and electric trams 37+239, 50 Alstom Citadis trams due POLAND 145+311, 171+317, 107, 621+337, for delivery in 2017-18 at a cost LODZ. Duewag trams from 719+327, 742, 751, 763, 661 and of EUR100m. The 32m cars will Mannheim (GT8N) and Bochum RBS 83. DS work in coupled pairs on the (M6S) provide most of the ZÜRICH. The second 9.6km 22.5km (14-mile) line. A French 11-tram run-out on interurban (six-mile) phase of the government subsidy of 65% of the line 46, Zdrowie – Ozorków, Durchmesserlinie cross-city link cost has been made available. IRJ while ex-Hagen/Innsbruck trams was inaugurated on 26 November, can be seen on line 43 (Telefoniczna but will start commercial operation MALAYSIA – Konstantynów). DS on 13 December; it will be used by Sheffield Supertram 123, on show KUALA LUMPUR. T h e OLZSTYN. An opening date of S-Bahn lines S19 and S21 as well as during a depot open day on 25 October as part of the system’s 21st anniversary 52.2km (32.4-mile) Klang Valley 15 December has been set for the long-distance services. The final celebrations. The tram was decorated MRT line 2 has been approved opening of the 11km (6.8-mile) phase will open in late 2017. EA by artist Peter McKee. Mike Haddon for construction, and should tramway, 85% financed by EU open in 2021-22. 13.5km (8.4 funds. W. Urbanowicz TAIWAN UNITED KINGDOM miles) will be underground and WARSZAWA. Preferred bidders KAOHSIUNG. Testing of the new BLACKPOOL. W i n t e r 38.7km (24 miles) elevated. J IR have been selected for contracts 8.7km (5.4-mile) tramline between timetables were introduced on 8 to build the 3.4km (2.1-mile) Lizihnei and Kaisyuan Jhonghua November and provide for a daily NETHERLANDS western extension and 3.1km along Kaohsiung harbour 15-minute 08.00-19.00. DEN HAAG. Tramline 1 was (1.9-mile) eastern extension of started on 16 October, with the A 20-minute headway applies in cut back from Delft to the metro line M2. Work is due to be opportunity for the public to take early mornings with a 30-minute reversing triangle at completed in 2019. a round trip by reservation on headway each evening. All trams ‘s-Gravenmade during the October Fourteen people were injured 20 trips/day. focustailwan.tw operate the full route. half-term school holiday to when two trams collided on Al. EDINBURGH. The inquiry into permit the new junction with line Jerozolimskie on 28 October. THAILAND Edinburgh’s tramway will examine 19 to be laid in Delft. digitaletram.nl Initial investigations suggest that BANGKOK. CRRC subsidiary six million documents as part of the leading tram braked suddenly Changchun Railway Vehicles has its investigations, it was revealed NORTH KOREA when a pedestrian walked onto been given an order for seven at the first preliminary hearing. INDUSTRY. On 23 October the the tracks, with the following four-car EMUs to increase capacity Lord Hardie, leading the inquiry, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party vehicle unable to stop in time; on the . At present has confirmed that it will not of Korea, Kim Jong Un, visited the 13 passengers were injured as well the line is operated by nine four-car determine why the project went Kim Jong Thae electric locomotive as the driver of the second tram, Siemens Desiro EMUs. IRJ ahead or decide if anybody factory to inspect a four-car metro who had to be cut from the cab was legally responsible or train set designed and built in by firefighters. IRJ, Radio Poland TURKEY financially liable. Korea. The capital, Pyongyang, BURSA. Delivery has started of GREATER MANCHESTER. has a 22km (14-mile) metro using RUSSIA 12 Durmazlar Silkworm 100% Plans to trial overnight parking at ex-Berlin rolling stock. RGI YEKATERINBURG. The first low-floor trams for the 10.2km some Metrolink park-and-ride sites Uraltransmash 71-407 bogie tram (6.3-mile) extension of line T2 have been agreed. The trial will NORWAY is numbered 980. Matching design from Osmangazi to the new start in December and take place BERGEN. Airport operator Avinor 71-409 four-axle articulated tram, railway station. RGI on Fridays and Saturdays, initially AS has received a EUR200m EIB 991, entered service on route 18 KONYA. Branch tramline 2, at 13 locations. loan to build a third terminal, that from 6 October. transphoto.ru 4.4km (2.7 miles) from Alaaddin to Metrolink has been recognised will include the light rail station Adliye, opened on 29 September, nationally on a number of fronts, for the extension due to open in SINGAPORE and includes 1.8km (1.1 miles) including Prime Minister David 2016; 42m 221 MASS RAPID TRANSIT. The without overhead where the Skoda Cameron’s ‘Better Public Building’ was delivered on 8 October. GRN alignment and station location 28T trams use lithium-titanium award; the ‘Civil Engineering OSLO. The new temporary for the final phase of the Circle batteries for traction current. Fares Achievement of the Year’ award; layout of tram services in the city line metro have been announced. were free for the first month. RGI and the ‘Putting Passengers First’ centre was brought into use from The 36km (22.4-mile) loop with SAMSUN. A EUR12.3m contract award at the 2015 National Rail 17 November, and will run until 33 stations is to be completed by for eight trams has been placed Awards. It was also named a winner February 2017. Westbound routes 2025, using 133 three-car trains with Durmazlar. The 31.8m cars at the Light Rail Awards (see the 3, 12 and 19 use the new track based at Kim Chuan depot. IRJ will augment the current fleet of Light Rail Awards supplement with in Rosenkrantz gate, while 16 AnsaldoBreda trams in this issue). eastbound services run via SLOVAKIA readiness for the opening of the A new report claims that Aker brygge. LTF KOSICE. The European Union 14km (8.7-mile) extension from Manchester Airport could create TRONDHEIM. Trams 93+96 Cohesion Fund has made a grant Gar to Tekkeköy. RGI tens of thousands of jobs in Greater and 94+99 are now equipped to of EUR38.6m towards the cost Manchester – but only with an be able to run in multiple. They of 33 Vario LF2plus trams from UKRAINE improved regional road, train, ran as such for the Olavs festival Pragoimex; 23 have been delivered KHARKIV. Ex-Riga Tatra T3 51081 tram and bus network. More than on 27 July. Other trams in service and an option for ten more has has entered service after overhaul 21 000 staff are employed there were 95 and 97. LTF been exercised. Options for 13 as 5108 in Kharkiv. transphoto.ru with more than 46 600 jobs more remain outstanding. IRJ ODESA. The first ex-Riga Tatra T3 supported locally, but its PANAMA to be refurbished entered service planning director has said that PANAMA CITY. Construction SOUTH KOREA on line 18 on 20 October as 7151. success will only continue with of metro line 2 was launched on SEOUL. Construction of the This tram was delivered to Riga in a transport network to serve a 5 October. The 21km (13-mile) 7.8km (4.8-mile) Sillim Line metro 1979 as 1091, and left the city last doubled passenger throughput. line will run from an interchange started on 18 October. The line September as 51917. transphoto.ru This will be looked at as part

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 495 Worldwide Review

An artist’s impression of the new CAF Type 9 trams on order for Boston’s MBTA The North Korean metro train that was inspected by Kim Jung Un on 23 October. shows differences from the images released when the order was placed. MBTA KCNA of the government’s Northern from September as no agreement commercial artist Peter McKee. in summer 2016 and public service Powerhouse initiative. could be reached with unions – is TYNE & WEAR. The mid-point by early 2019; the extension from LONDON (TRAMLINK). now unlikely to take place until of the GBP389m (EUR546m) 11- Centenary Square to Five Ways is The public consultation on the 2016. The unions involved are year modernisation programme scheduled for completion by 2021. provision of a GBP27m (EUR38m) requesting a face-to-face meeting for the Tyne and Wear Metro At present the east line extension loop short working facility in East with London Mayor Boris Johnson. system has been reached and from Bull Street to the proposed Croydon using Dingwall Road The Underground’s first ‘sloping Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport High Speed Two station and and Lansdowne Road has been lift’ has been installed at Greenford, Executive Nexus has introduced beyond to Digbeth is scheduled to concluded with most respondents allowing the station to be added an infographic telling the story see its first services in 2018. supporting the proposals. to the list of those with disabled so far, including: 30% reduction The West Midlands Passenger However, Croydon Council access. The lift runs on miniature in signal faults compared to 2010; Transport Executive, Centro, is remains sceptical and says it is rails similar to the principles of a zero minutes of delay caused by to be abolished if a combined yet to be convinced of the funicular and is the first example rail breaks in the last two years; the authority is established for the additional loop’s benefits. installed on a UK mass transit line. average interval between points conurbation. The seven districts of It is intended that the new loop Greenford opened in 1947 and was failures rising from three years Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, would relieve the main town one of the last stations to retain to nine years; enough electricity Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton centre loop, which is running at its old wooden escalators; the saved from 18 new energy-efficient and Walsall hope to secure full capacity and would not allow provision of a new lift shaft was escalators to power 270 homes; Parliamentary approval for the extra services to be operated to considered too expensive. The GBP20m (EUR28m) extra invested new organisation in time for it to New Addington, Elmers End and design is to be copied at two in key infrastructure projects be operational from 1 April, when Beckenham Junction. Reversing Crossrail stations to open in 2018. thanks to more efficient delivery; the functions of the existing West additional trams at East Croydon Caledonian Road station on the and 30 new apprentices taken on Midlands Integrated Transport is not considered an option due to Piccadilly line is to close for eight to reinvigorate key skills. Authority would be transferred. the delays that would be caused to months from 4 January for upgrade WEST MIDLANDS. Midland through trams. works to its 30-year-old lifts. Metro’s Snow Hill terminus USA Transport for London believes SOUTH YORKSHIRE. A low was used for the last time on 24 AUSTIN, TX. A new study has it needs to increase the number of speed collision between trams October, with the service being recommended an urban light trams to New Addington, splitting 118 and 120 at Shalesmoor in cut back to St Paul’s for six weeks. rail line for the city, despite two this service from the Wimbledon October caused delays on the This has allowed the tracks of previous proposals being rejected section, which would in turn be north side of the system until the the New Street extension to be by voters. Funding would require linked to the Beckenham branch damaged trams could be recovered joined to the existing route. a further bond election. where demand for through overnight. It is expected that the It will also allow the platform space E. B. Havens journeys is considered to be undamaged sections will be joined at Snow Hill previously occupied BOSTON, MA. Online voting the greatest. TfL hopes for as one tram while the damaged by the tramway to be recovered closed on 3 November for the construction to be completed sections are repaired, due to the for use by national rail services. public to select the external livery by 2019 or 2020. Some GBP15m very tight rolling stock provision. A walking route into the city centre of the 24 new CAF LRVs for the (EUR21m) of the cost would be The ‘real time’ information has been provided, although Green line, on order for delivery met by retail developers. system installed at Supertram tickets can be used on National from 2017, as well as the 284 Metro The fleet has been further stops has been criticised for not Express bus services including cars on order from CRRC for the increased by the delivery of Stadler always giving accurate timings. a rail-replacement ML1 service. Red and Orange lines. R. Barrows vehicle 2562 in October. This The Passenger Transport Executive Alternatively passengers will be CHICAGO, IL. The 5.5-month leaves one further new tram to be has admitted that not all trams able to transfer to train services at shutdown of the Yellow line delivered (in addition to the return have real time information Jewellery Quarter station. Skokie Swift service came to an of 2556, currently being repaired tracking working due to the new Once the link-up is complete end on 30 October, with free rides in Germany). None of the new technology not working alongside on 6 December services will run until 6 November. E. B. Havens batch of Stadler trams had entered older equipment. It is hoped to a new stop at Bull Street. It is CINCINNATI, OH. The new CAF service by the end of October the full system will be running still suggested that the full route Urbos trams are being delivered although testing had been carried accurately by the end of 2015. will be open before the end of the as 1176-1180, following on from out on the first pair to arrive. Sheffield Supertram held a depot year, with the new Snow Hill stop the last PCC delivered to the LONDON (UNDERGROUND). open day on 25 October to mark opening in 2016. city in 1947. Introduction of the weekend the system’s 21st anniversary. Initial groundwork on the The tram depot is next to the Night Tube service on the Jubilee, As part of the celebrations tram extension beyond New Street Rheingeist brewery, and five local Piccadilly, Central, Northern 123 was specially decorated with station to Centenary Square has breweries are releasing new beers, and Victoria lines – postponed artwork by Sheffield painter and begun, with main works to start sponsoring each new tram. The

496 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org first tram was delivered on 30 for the next five years was agreed by 2030. The existing depot can Sydney N 710, Sydney K 1295, October. E. B. Havens by all levels of government on accommodate 104 cars. E. B. Havens Sydney R 1741, 1819 and 1917, DALLAS, TX. A USD30m 10 October. RGI TACOMA, WA. The Downtown and Melbourne W2 432) and four contract for a new fare collection PORTLAND, OR. I n Streetcar extension project has buses were destroyed. H. Clark system has been awarded to Vix mid-August TriMet launched a been awarded a USD15m federal WEHMINGEN (DE). A new Technology. This will permit five-year programme to renovate TIGER grant, and should be ready arrival at the Hannoversche passengers to pay using smartcards, and modernise 14 of its to open by early 2018. E. B. Havens Strassenbahn Museum is DWM- contactless cards or smartphones. oldest MAX stations, dating from built Karlsruhe eight-axle tram Ex-Brussels PCC 7169 entered the mid-1980s. The stations are VENEZUELA 206. Driver training started on regular service on the McKinney on the east-side line between CARACAS. Ayacucho station on 4 October and it was hoped to Avenue heritage tramway on 8 Hollywood/42nd station and the suburban metro line Metro Los use it on 6 December. DS September. It carries an all-over the Gresham terminus at Teques was opened on 7 October. advertising livery. RGI, P. Ehrlich Cleveland Avenue. urbanrail.net CONTRIBUTORS DENVER, CO. RTD has ordered The large ‘Made in USA’ decals Worldwide items should be sent to 29 SD160 LRVs from Siemens that had adorned both sides of MUSEUM NEWS Worldwide Editor Michael Taplin for delivery in 2018 at a cost Portland Streetcar car 015 for six EAST HAVEN, CT (US). The at Flat 1, 10 Hope Road, Shanklin, of USD112m. Once the order years were removed on 9 July. Shore Line Trolley Museum is Isle of Wight PO37 6EA, UK. is complete, Denver will have In mid-October it was the last getting USD1.2m from the Federal Fax: +44 (0)1983 862810 or e-mail: 201 Siemens LRVs, built in tram to be given a new logo that Emergency Management Agency [email protected] Sacramento. the Portland Streetcar system had to repair stock damaged during UK and Ireland items The commuter rail service adopted in February, replacing flooding in 2011-12. E. B. Havens are welcomed by the Home between Union Station and the original (2001) logo, and HEATON PARK (UK). Stockport News Editor, John Symons, the airport will open for public which had been applied to 5 has been relocated from 17 Whitmore Avenue, Werrington, service on 22 April. RGI the other trams in the spring. the Lakeside depot to Middleton Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 0LW, UK. EL PASO, TX. A USD18.8m Eventually, the new logo will Road depot where an assessment E-mail: [email protected]. contract has been awarded also replace the old one at into its condition is being Acknowledgements this to Brookville Equipment for all stops. S. J. Morgan made. Now that restoration month are due to BS Blickpunkt the overhaul, restoration and ORLANDO, FL. The FTA has of Hull 96 is complete, work Strassenbahn, Brisbane Times, modernisation of six ex-San Diego announced a Full Funding Grant over the winter will focus Richard Buckley, digitaletram.nl, PCC cars. The 1937 St Louis trams agreement of USD93.4m for the on returning Stockport 5 to DS Drehscheibe , EA Eisenbahn, have been stored in the open since 27.5k m (17.1-mile) southern service during 2016. GRN Global Rail News, Mike 1974, so are little more than shells. extension of the SunRail commuter LOFTUS (AU). The original depot Haddon, Irish Independent, The renovated cars will feature rail line to Poinciana. E. B. Havens of the Sydney Tramway Museum IRJ International Rail Journal, air-conditioning, a wheelchair SACRAMENTO, CA. A new in Royal National Park, used to Manchester Evening News, lift and bicycle rack. They will be financing plan has been developed store unrestored trams, was Eric Pounder, RGI Railway used to operate the planned city for the West Sacramento tramway attacked by vandals and gutted by Gazette International, T-2000, TR centre tramway loop. E. B. Havens link after voters rejected a special fire on the night of 23-24 October. Today’s Railways, transphoto.ru KANSAS CITY. The tramway tax district. A different legal Seven tram bodies (Sydney C 12, and urbanrail.net. operating and maintenance structure will permit businesses contract has been awarded to to be assessed for up to USD150m Herzog Transit Services. The five- towards the cost of the scheme, year fixed price contract is worth which already has promises of USD15.8m and will start with USD150m from federal and local testing the four CAF Urbos trams sources. E. B. Havens as they arrive this year. SAN DIEGO, CA. SANDAG The overhead was energised on has adopted a 35-year plan for 21 October, while the first of transport infrastructure projects four CAF trams was delivered on that includes significant 4 November. RGI expansion of light rail as well as LITTLE ROCK, AK. Highway double-tracking the Oceanside – reconstruction plans for Escondido Sprinter diesel line. Interstate 30 threaten the branch The 17.7km (11-mile) Mid-Coast of the tramway to the Clinton light rail to La Jolla and University Presidential Center, built in 2007. City will open in 2019, and be The transit agency is fighting followed by lines San Ysdrio – the plans. E. B. Havens Carmel Valley, Pacific Beach – El LOS ANGELES, CA. T he Cajon, San Diego – SDSU and USD957m, 18.4km (11.4-mile) University City – Sorrento Valley. Gold line Foothill extension to The total cost is USD204bn, and Azusa is programmed to open on an 18% federal contribution is 5 March. assumed. E. B. Havens Local electors could vote next SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Muni). year on extending the sales tax by The Environmental Impact a further half cent to provide Statement for the Golden State additional transit funding from Warriors arena in Mission 2017. A. Weeks Bay proposes several financial MILWAUKIE, WI. A USD14.2m contributions as planning gain, federal TIGER grant has been including four new LRVs for awarded for the extension of the Muni. E. B. Havens Downtown Streetcar line now SEATTLE, WA. Sound Transit under construction. The spur has selected a site between will link the line at Cathedral Bellevue and Redmond for a Square to the Lakefront and Art USD380m LRT operations and Museum. E. B. Havens maintenance centre, to be built by NEW YORK, NY. The MTA 2020. The current 62-strong LRV capital programme of USD26.1bn fleet is expected to grow to 184

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 497 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.

Midland Metro’s 160-200km network: The best laid plans…

I recently turned up a public brochure, dated 1989, that outlined the concept of the UK’s Midland Metro as a light rapid transit system. The map shows seven lines radiating from Birmingham, three of them with branch lines and two others linked up in a loop. It also shows a line from Wolverhampton to Walsall, and from Walsall to Dudley and Stourbridge. The names of Solihull, Oldbury and Sutton Coldfield also appear on the map – and Coventry is shown as having its own system of four radial lines (or two cross-town lines). The text of the brochure reads: “By the year 2000 the whole of the initial 160-200 kilometres [100-125 miles] could be built and running, linking the towns of the Black Country, connecting the suburbs of Birmingham to the city centre and separately serving Coventry. The following 20 or 30 years could see the network quadruple in size.” ‘Could’ is the operative word here. I also have contemporary pages from Investors Chronicle with a report based on the Conceptual plans for the UK's Midland Metro in 1989 detailed a same brochure. Both publications show an artist’s impression comprehensive network of seven lines radiating from Birmingham and Coventry with its own system. Author's collection of a Grenoble look-a-like tram on a single line in an attractive street scene. Investors Chronicle says the Midland Metro The current expansion programme is to take us “will be the first of its kind in Britain”. Wishful thinking! to Centenary Square, Curzon Street and Deritend in It was the third such system – seven years after Manchester Birmingham, and finally to Wolverhampton station, Metrolink and five years after Sheffield Supertram. but this progress is painfully slow compared with Edwardian Alas, “the best laid plans o’ mice an’ men, Gang aft agley”, times and Birmingham is way behind London, Glasgow, as they say. Midland Metro is far from its intended coverage Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle in its provision of of the Midlands conurbation, even by the year 2000. modern local rail services. The city deserves better. The ex-Great Western Railway line from Birmingham Snow Twenty-six years have passed since those plans were Hill to Wolverhampton reopened as an electric light railway laid. Shall we ever see their completion – or the discussed in 1999 and this line is only now being extended on street quadrupling of the system’s size? from Snow Hill to New Street station in central Birmingham. Cedric Greenwood, Holt, Norfolk

Current leakage answers magnetic storms in space, so not much can be For example in Automobile Electrical Regarding Mr Swallow’s letter (TAUT 935), done about them. I mention this fact to show Equipment by Young and Griffiths (1954), the where tram and trolleybus lines co-exist, the that even if there were NO electric traction, term ‘single pole’ is used where current is first power supply is almost always common to both the problem of corrosion would not go away. passed through a single wire to an accessory as it would be extravagant to have separate The best thing to do is to insulate as far as and the chassis of a vehicle is used to pass substations on a common route. The negative possible any metal in contact with the earth. current from the accessory back to the battery trolleybus wire is connected to the negative As regards traction voltages, this depends or to the dynamo. The term ‘double pole’ busbar in the substation, as are the tram rails. on what voltage is fashionable worldwide at (now rare) is used in the case of two wires With Scott McIntosh’s reply, the Central a given time. At one time it was 550V, then it conveying a current from a generator to an line on the London Underground was only was raised to 600V and now it is 750V. accessory, and then back to the generator. converted to fourth rail in 1940, 40 years Who’s to say what it will be in 2050? Hence it would seem that the use of single and after opening – you can count the number of Many US interurbans operated on 1200V dc double-pole electrical systems is not confined fourth-rail metros worldwide on one hand! through the streets, and the Chicago and to tramways, trolleybuses and railways, Other than London, I only know of Rome South Bend today operates at 1500V dc but can also be found in automobiles and which has this arrangement. There may be a through Michigan City. Many villages around probably ships and aircraft, too. few others, but the vast majority use running the world have high-voltage lines overhead, As stated, the conduit system in London rail return. So do most tramways. yet we have to restrict tramways to 750V. was double pole and in his definitive books, Before we all go overboard on this issue, Alan Hayday, Weston-super-Mare, UK the late Edward Oakley describes this in giving another reason for anti-tram factions to detail, including how the supplies could be oppose light rail, we should be aware that there Stray currents not just a tram issue reversed in a substation in the event of a fault are natural dc earth currents, which have been I concur with the comments of Mssrs Swallow in the insulation of the double-pole system. known of since the 19th Century. Telluric and McIntosh in TAUT 935, and write with Thus the faulty link could be negated. currents were discovered when telegraph respect to the problem of stray currents. With respect to railways in London, the systems were at times found to be operable Although the use of the term twin-wire former Southern Railway settled upon a without a battery. They can damage pipelines or double pole comes from the fact that an single-pole third rail system, which still and cause power transformers to saturate, obvious simile arises from the use of twin- exists. North of London, the London causing blackouts and other problems. wires and twin poles to pass electric current Midland and Scottish and its predecessors These Telluric currents are induced in the from overhead wires, the use of the terms initially used third and fourth rails to earth and in metal conductors, including ‘single-pole’ and ‘double-pole’ are used electrify some lines in the London suburbs. overhead power lines, and are caused by elsewhere in the field of electrical engineering. However the present policy of Network Rail

498 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org and its predecessor is to either change the tram to many environments (TAUT 933 and electricity supply to just a single outside 935), I must dissent from this viewpoint in 2015 LRTA AGM – Isle of Man supply rail, returning current via the running relation to many of the busiest systems such The Association held its 78th Annual rails, or to electrify at 25KV, 50Hz overhead as Prague. Prague is so busy that the 30m General Meeting in Douglas over supply. Hence at present, this results in articulated tram will ultimately be virtually the weekend of 19-20 September, to the route from London to Watford being its whole commercial offering, not part of it. coincide with the 120th anniversary electrified between Euston (two platforms) The only reason you still see so many of the Snaefell Mountain Railway. and Queens Park using a third rail only, and (virtually-permanently) coupled 15m trams Events commenced on Friday from Queens Park to Harrow and Wealdstone on the streets is that it will take some years to evening with a dinner at the top of using four rails – as this section is shared replace the Tatras with articulated trams. Snaefell, continuing with a tour of with the Underground – and from Harrow to The present Škoda 15T order, one of Derby Castle Manx Electric Railway Watford using three rails, although fourth the world’s largest tram orders, almost (MER) workshops and the Isle of Man rails still lay moribund on this stretch. bankrupted the city council, so you’ll have Railway’s steam locomotive depot Despite the problems that arise from to give them a bit more of a chance to acquire on the Saturday morning. They were single-pole supplies, presumably Network the 300 or so more needed to replace the rounded-off on Sunday with a trip Rail is happy with the system in South-East 15m trams – but that is the intention. Fifteen along the MER to Ramsey followed England. The recently revamped and reopened metre trams are not economic, the major use by a vintage bus ride to the Jurby East London line was converted from four of them being overnight services. For this Transport Museum and a steam train rails to three, as Network Rail had become the city could use its articulated buses, which Dining Experience. An optional extra the operating authority. This line includes a have greater capacity and are idle overnight. on Monday of an IMR steam train ride tunnel under the Thames, the first tunnel to On that point, I think it’s important to to Port Erin was well supported too. be built beneath a river. Presumably the tunnel bear in mind that the short, rigid tramcar has At the Dinner, the Honourable Phil built by Brunel senior did not include much less capacity than an articulated bus and you Gawne, Infrastructure Minister in the metal in its infrastructure. Or if it did, then don’t want to encourage capacity challenges Isle of Man Government, responded Network Rail took such matters into account. that undermine the justification for the huge to the toast to Isle of Man Transport Ron Gee, Sidcup (UK) extra investment in tramways/light rail. proposed by LRTA Chairman Andrew The reason you see the Pragoimex EVO1 Braddock and, in turn, proposed a The real demise of Berlin’s tramways running in Prague is that the DPP Workshop toast to the LRTA to which In his most interesting article on Berlin’s at Hostivar, which also does outside work, is Vice-President and Deputy Chairman 150th anniversary celebrations (TAUT 933), a manufacturing partner of the consortium Paul Rowen responded. Mike Russell writes that the building of and is hosting the homologation of the tram. Some 60 members and guests took the Wall in 1961 sparked the West Berlin The commercial goal, publicly stated by all part in the weekend, and the formal authorities’ decision to abandon their parties, is to market the tram for export AGM proceedings were chaired by tramway system. This is not so. (aside from the smaller Czech systems). LRTA Vice-President and Director of A decision was made by the Berlin Senate Finally, Scott correctly mentions the Isle of Man Transport, Ian Longworth. in 1953 not to invest in the tram system but operational disadvantages of fixed bogie The Chairman recorded his thanks to instead buy large double-decker buses and articulated trams – the wear on infrastructure to Ian Longworth and his team, and to construct U-Bahn extensions under the and loss of speed and ride comfort – but to Isle of Man Event Services, for their major tram routes. This started in Seestrasse of course Prague has addressed that with assistance in putting the weekend’s in 1953, by the cut-and-cover method, which the Skoda 15T with proper bogies, illustrated activities together and facilitating I observed, and in May 1958 the key tram so well in Mailbox in the last issue. travel to and from the island. routes to Tegel and beyond were abandoned. These now perform to an even better The 2016 AGM weekend will take Thereafter, the move to total closure standard than the Tatras they replace. place in Birmingham in September, was inexorable, eventually not waiting for Since the 15T, other manufacturers are with exact details to be confirmed. completion of the U-Bahn lines. now offering trams with swivelling bogies. Noel Proudlock, Leeds The problem is that few systems are buying them, for whatever reason. The problem is no Prague: Against articulation longer the articulated tram itself, but that too Whilst Scott McIntosh and I agree on the many systems are buying the wrong ones. potential applicability of the multiple-unit Tony Prescott, Australia MEETINGS & EVENTS

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2015 Friday 11. Glasgow 19.30. MER 1 formed the LRTA tour special on Geoff Price: A reminder of Sunday 20 September. Saturday 21. Taunton 14.00. Tuesday 1. Southampton the Llandudno & Colwyn Bay David Edwards: Berlin and five 19.30. Martin Hubbard: Tramway. (STTS) On 18 October just over 100 LRTA other former GDR systems. (TLRS ) ‘Railway moments from my Monday 14. Thames Valley members gathered in Nottingham Thursday 26. Manchester youth’. (LRTA/SEG) 18.30 for 19.00. John Prentice: for a special tour of the new lines to 19.00. Mike Crabtree: ‘Four Thursday 3. Liverpool 13.30. Isle of Man rail transport. (TLRS) Clifton and Chilwell, which opened Blokes and a Wedding’. Members' cine and video. Tuesday 15. Leeds 19.00. Paul on 25 August. Friday 27. Edinburgh 19.30. Saturday 5. Birmingham Abell: Tramways of Stockport. The trip was preceded by a Keith Jones: Croydon to 14.00. David Voice: Worcester’s Tuesday 15. London 19.00. TBA. presentation by Phil Hewitt, Calcutta. tramways. (LRTA/TLRS/ERS) Saturday 19. Beeston 14.00. Executive Chairman of Tramlink Friday 27. Leicester 19.45. Monday 7. Liverpool 19.00. TBA. (TLRS) Nottingham, and members were able Alan Murray-Rust: French Christmas Dinner at the Adelphi Monday 21. Sheffield 19.30. to ask a number of questions which tramways in 2015. (TMS) Hotel, Liverpool. Book via Alan Stuart Cooke: Films of my highlighted the complexities of Saturday 28. Beeston 14.00. Matthews – 0161 747 4742, not travels in Europe and UK. building tram systems in the UK. Richard Hargreaves: A Tale of later than 1 December. (TLRS) Monday 21. Wickham 19.30. During the tour of the new lines Two Cities. (TLRS) Wednesday 9. Brighton 19.30. Christmas Bash! (TLRS) members were impressed with the Saturday 28. Garstang 14.00. John Bishop: The Bishop in quality of the infrastructure and by Tony Young: World tramway the Land of the Midnight Sun. A full list of the year’s meetings the practical layout of the bus to tram developments. (TLRS) (TLRS) can be found at www.lrta.org interchange at Beeston Town Centre.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org DECEMBER 2015 / 499 Classic Trams PRAHA AT 140 The big events marking a century of electric operation have passed and celebrations now focus on the period since the start of tramway operation in all its forms. A particularly fine example was held in Praha (Prague), as Mike Russell reports. 1

ramway operation in tramcars left Strešovice shortly after 07.00 condition, with darkened glazing. The two Praha (Prague), capital of the as all were scheduled to be in position in the variants of the centre-entrance motor cars Czech Republic, began on 23 city by 09.00, for public inspection. (submarines) built during and shortly after September 1875. A horse-drawn The volume of rolling-stock required its World War Two were also there. line opened between Národni division into two sections. All the historic All rolling-stock up to this point, except TDivadlo and the eastern Karlin district. cars proceeded first from Strešovice to Ringhoffer set 2239 and trailer 1523, From 1965, during September of each Strossmayerovo námestí, where they retained trolley-poles but with a single tenth year, the tramways have staged a were joined by vehicles from other pantograph-style collector plate, as Praha’s parade featuring their development since depots representing the current fleet. overhead is no longer designed for regular 1875, so this year’s event on 20 September After traversing the northern Vltava trolley-pole operation. Then, however, maintained a long tradition. These parades embankment, the museum cars crossed came two cars retaining a trolley-pole with receive huge support from the populace but the river by Cechuv most and then ran sliding collector: Tatra T1 5001 of 1951 are only possible because of the extensive along 17. listopadu to form up in an almost and T2 6002 of 1955. Each car drew a small collection of historic tramcars in the city’s continuous line along Smetanovo nábreží four-wheel trailer (one original and the Transport Museum, which since 1993 has and Križovnická. Meanwhile, the more second adapted from a former goods trailer) been housed in the 1909 Strešovice depot. modern cars together with representatives on which were ensconced two ‘trolley boys’, Earlier this burgeoning collection was of the works fleet had continued along to remove and replace the trolley-pole at housed at Vokovice depot. Nábreží Edvarda Beneše to Malostranská junctions and crossings. Later generation The Strešovice exhibits span many and then parked in close formation on cars, such as the Tatra T3 and KT8 cars now decades, starting with the horse-car Mánesuv most, ready to follow the last of in the museum fleet, retain pantographs. era, and include representatives of the museum cars. The works support fleet was not ignored other forms of Praha public transport. With horse-car 90 of 1886 leading, and leading it was the remarkable train of A remarkable feature, shared with most the parade moved off at around 10.40 to motor car 4053 hauling three open wagons other tramcars preserved in the Czech process along the sole remaining tramline of varying configuration and purpose. and Slovak Republics, is that all rolling- permeating the city centre. The cars Schörling rail-grinder 4092 of 1966 also stock is maintained in working order. travelled in close formation, giving the featured, along with rail-greaser 5572, Consequently, the 20 September parade was impression of a real cavalcade. and motorised tower-wagons dating from comprehensive and the museum emptied of 1948 to 1968. The parade concluded with every serviceable tramcar. Poles and pantographs representatives of cars comprising the The first electric tramway in Praha was present-day fleet. These included 9127, the Proud manufacturing history opened in 1891 by the Czech inventor first of the low-floor Skoda14T Elektra cars In addition to featuring one of Europe’s František Križík as a privately-operated to be returned to traffic after modifications, biggest and best tramways, the Czech summer-only service to the Výstavište and 9326, first of the second batch of 125 capital has a proud history of tramcar exhibition grounds. A number of separate three-section Skoda 15T low-floor cars, building. The works of Franz Ringhoffer & private operators later opened lines, distinguishable from the first series by a Co. at Andel built tramcars for service in together with the then-independent yellow band beneath the front windscreen. the capital, as well as many other towns municipality of Královské Vinohrady, and it Processing via Námestí Republiky and cities of the former Habsburg empire, was not until September 1897 that the city and Štefánikuv most to Strossmayerovo from the late 19th century until 1999 when opened its first line; by 1907 it had acquired námestí, most cars continued to the loop production ceased. The ubiquitous Tatra all the separate tramways and the basis of at Výstavište, where a short pause enabled tramcars were synonymous with many the present network was established. further public inspection to take place central and eastern European tramways The oldest surviving electric motor cars before the official proceedings were brought after World War Two; several owe their all date from 1900. Saloon motor car 200, to a close. The museum cars returned to survival to the robust and long-lived originally on bogies, was first, followed by Strešovice via Strossmayerovo námestí and products of the Praha factory. the unusual open cross-bench tourist car the service cars to their depots; the works The Sunday parade was the culmination 500 from 1913. Solo motor car 88 of 1900, cars had already gone to the museum. of a week of celebrations and events to mark in original dark green livery from the early Some 53 tramcars (one horse-car, 35 the 140th anniversary. These included a 20th century, followed and was succeeded motor cars and 17 trailers) and four road- visual presentation of the history of Praha by motor car 109 hauling crossbench trailer based support vehicles took part in this tramways, an exhibition at Florenc metro 526, one of three built in 1896. All these parade and there was only one defaulter, the station illustrating tramway operations were products of the local Ringhoffer works. 1951-built electric locomotive 4072, which in Europe, and on Saturday 19 September The veterans were followed by a series suffered a brake problem during Saturday Open Days at Hostivar motorbus and metro that epitomised the Praha tramways rolling- tests. Franz Ringhoffer would surely have depots and Strašnice tramway depot. stock for several decades; there are actually looked up with pride from his grave at the The event took place on Sunday morning several design variants but with a distinct appearance of so many of his company’s when regular tramway services along tracks family resemblance, and cars of this general products, many of them well over a century occupied by the parade were diverted via design were still in regular traffic until the old, on the city streets. alternative routes, with extensive local opening of the metro in May 1974. These On 20 September 2015, the former publicity. double-ended two-axle cars, hauling one Bohemian Estates put on a tramway festival Careful planning ensured that historic or two trailers, dated from 1908-1932. The worthy of a splendid capital city. Could the rolling-stock was marshalled in its correct set comprising motor car 2294 and trailer old Imperial Capital trump it a week later? chronological order. The first historic 608 of 1908 were presented in wartime Find out next issue!

500 / DECEMBER 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org 1. Historic trams lined up in close formation on Smetanovo nábřeží. The leading set of Ringhoffer-built cars is led by motor car 2222 of 1930, hauling trailers 1111 and 1219 of 1928 and 1931 respectively.

2. The line-up of modern passenger and works car on Mánesův most was led by rail-greaser 5572, regularly seen on its daily tour of duty.

3. The oldest car in the procession was horse-car 90 of 1886 shown at Senovážné náměstí.. The last horse-drawn tramline disappeared from the streets of Praha in 1905. Saloon electric car 200 of 1900 is following.

4. Ringhoffer-built motor car 2294 of 1932 with 1908-built trailer 608 are shown in wartime condition minus fleet names on the rocker panel and with darkened glazing. View taken at Senovážné náměstí. 2 5. An impression of the close formation of the parade is shown in this view of motor car 88 of 1900 taking the curve at Senovážné náměstí. It obscures cars 109 and 526 behind, but classic Ringhoffer cars 275 (with trailer 624) and motor car 297 (with trailers 638 and 728) can be seen emerging from Jindřišská.

6. No comprehensive review of a tramway’s history is complete without the inclusion of works cars, often the unsung heroes. Here at Senovážné náměstí we 3 4 see Ringhoffer-built motor car 4053 of 1917 (like most similar cars, demoted in later life from the passenger fleet) hauling a variety of works trailers.

7. The Tatra T1 and T2 bogie cars appeared in the parade fitted with unadapted trolley- poles, with sliding collectors. To assist passage through overhead junctions wired for pantograph operation this trailer was attached to T1 5001, with two seated ‘trolley boys’ ready to guide the trolley-pole and detach and re-attach 5 6 it. This view in Senovážné náměstí shows the trolley- pole temporarily dewired and awaiting reattachment.

8. No event of this magnitude would be possible without the support and co-operation of many people. The platform staff involved in operating the parade, all smartly attired as we have come to expect, posed for this group photograph on the track fan of Střešovice depot at the end of the proceedings. Robert Mara 7 8 All photography unless otherwise stated by Mike Russell.

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SYSTEMS FACTFILE: SEATTLE LRT PLANS SWIFT RAIL: PARIS T1 & T8 NEVER SLEEP A NEW APPROACH Strengthening the wider transport network, With major LRT and streetcar extensions A concept modelled on German Paris tram services are becoming more on the way to complement the bus and Schnellbahn systems to improve access cohesive as earlier lines are extended trolleybus systems, Seattle is embracing and connectivity. Nicholas Falk and and new ones are added. Neil Pulling public transport again – and using Reg Harman draw on plans to double explores T1 and T8, the oldest and newest the latest battery-powered streetcar house building rates, tackle congestion, tramlines in the capital conurbation. technology. Vic Simons reports. and promote healthier living. PLUS... JANUARY + Wien tramway celebrates its 150 anniversary ISSUE + The latest news, rolling stock orders and movements, system developments, transport policy and leading industry comment on sale from around the world 18th December

THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE Portland – Milwaukie

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DECEMBER 2015 N O. 936 PORTLAND ORANGE LINE: MORE THAN JUST TRANSIT

POrTLANd: greeN Now in its 78th year, Tramways & Urban Transit is the A MAX train composed of Type 5 cars inbound MeeTS Or from Milwaukie on the new ANge Orange Line. S. J. Morgan Widely-held as a North American pioneer, TriMet’s delivery of the Orange Line linking Portland and Milwaukie features impressive social and environmental credentials to match its spectacular infrastructure. Vic Simons reports from the opening.

aturday 12 September 2015 marked thousands of trees having been planted another momentous day for light rail along the alignment. Other than buses and emergency vehicles, development in the Oregonian city world’s leading monthly publication dedicated solely The formal opening ceremony at the first motorised road vehicles are excluded. of Portland, with the Metropolitan of the new stations at Lincoln/SW 3rd was The 524m (1720ft) cable-stayed bridge, Area Express (MAX) system opening with four piers, two of which are in the river, aS new line that bridges the Willamette attended by both city and state dignitaries is the first new crossing of the Willamette in and TAUT was on the first through service River to reach the city of Milwaukie in the Portland area since 1973; it is the only neighbouring Clackamas County. Portland from the Yellow Line northern terminus at Expo Center Station, which is cross-linked multi-use transit bridge of its kind in the USA, celebrated the inauguration with free rides according to TriMet, and cost USD134.6m. across the MAX network and with events and with the new line. As is to be expected, the Siemens LRV As well as the striking structure itself, the sales stalls at each of the new stations. bridge features 178 LED lights that change A major expansion project delivered over used was packed with significant delays at many stops as more and more people were hue as water speeds, temperature and water a period of four years, the Orange Line fulfils height change, providing a spectacular an ambition for rail transit along this north- crammed in. Travellers were detrained at the southern terminus at the intersection night-time illumination. south corridor that stretches back nearly From the previous PSU terminus at the four decades. As well as the eye-catching of McLoughlin Blvd and SE Park Avenue in to light and urban rail developments. southern end of downtown, the new line infrastructure that marks out the 11.7km Oak Grove in Clackamas County – also the site of the one of the biggest celebrations. turns east to the first stop at Lincoln St/SW (7.3-mile) route from the existing Yellow/ 3rd Ave Station. From there the alignment Green Line terminus at PSU South/SW 6th Passengers then had to queue to board a northbound train, although plenty of descends the steepest grade of the Orange & College, TriMet is to be commended for Line to cross the bus and MAX-only Harbor its commitment to social and sustainability operational staff were on hand to control Light Rail Awards 2015: Celebrating excellence passenger flow and answer questions. Viaduct, crossing road junctions of varying initiatives that offer lessons to all US projects. complexity before returning to ground level One of the biggest programmes in the Tilikum Crossing at South Waterfront where it joins up with the UITP warning over ageing assets history of the transit authority, the 17-stop Streetcar at the four-track, four-platform-faced (ten of which are new) Orange Line was The spectacular new Tilikum Crossing, or Bridge of the People, over the Willamette South Waterfront/SW Moody Ave Station. delivered on time and almost USD50m under Surprisingly, whilst this station is located Stadler buys Vossloh Rail Vehicles the original USD1.49bn budget. All of the River is the undoubted focal point to most observers and was designed by TriMet for the at the foot of the bridge, the Portland new stops and park-and-ride sites are finished Streetcar runs through it on the centre to the usual high MAX standards with MAX Orange Line. It also carries the Portland Siemens to open Turkish factory Streetcar service, closing the gap in its north- tracks without stopping before turning ISSN 1460-8324 sheltered waiting areas, ticket machines and north on SW Moody and linking with the £4.25 south Central Loop (renamed A Loop and 12 timetables. There is extensive landscaping on Streetcar system’s north-south line (NS the approaches to the new stops, with many B Loop to indicate the direction around it), Upper Silesia with a bicycle lane and a pedestrian footpath. Line) and stopping around 100m away. Passengers first The two inner platform faces are used by Are we delivering the All change for one of 9 771460 832043 the great interurbans www.tautonline.com best environments? . www.lrta.org DECEMb Er 2015 / 473 We deliver comprehensive news and analysis,

473-478_TAUT1512_Portland v2.indd 1

09/11/2015 11:05 09/11/2015 09:21 TAUT1512_Cover v2.indd 1 incisive technology features and key interviews with leading industry figures each and every month. Either in print or online, don’t miss out Subscribe today!

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Special review in association with 5 TAUT 1510_NET supplement_pp24-32.indd 69 01/10/2015 14:16 “There’s a lot to celebrate in light rail” UK Transport Minister Andrew Jones the Department for Transport. However has described the annual Light Rail he warned that with the subsequent Awards as “a highlight of the transport devolution of powers from national calendar”… and in 2015 the London government to more local levels, event was bigger than ever. without “a drastic change of direction, Now in its ninth year – and again we are not going to be seeing the DfT supported by London Tramlink generating new light rail schemes.” operator First Tram Operations – the The former minister argued that “the Light Rail Awards attracted another voice of the road lobby will be heard, record number of entries and guests. and heard loudly, and to a lesser extent The event marked the success of the voice of heavy rail too. We are in a projects from around the world, phase where decisions are being taken recognising the entire supply chain in a about transport investment for years to glittering ceremony at the Honourable come – we need to ensure that includes Artillery Company on 7 October. investment in light rail. Everyone in this Speaking via a video address, room knows it makes sense – but sadly Mr Jones said “there’s a lot to celebrate we are not taking those decisions.” in light rail” and that “in the right Mr Baker went on to praise revitalised circumstances light rail and other types industry body UKTram for helping the of urban transit can play a vital role in sector speak with one voice – something our transport network”. called for in the 2011 UK Government Guests from ten countries were in report Green Light for Light Rail – but attendance, this year hosted by former argued “we need to do more. That is my UK Transport Minister Norman Baker – “We are in a phase where challenge to the industry.” a supporter of light rail, both in and out UK projects were strongly represented of political office. Reflecting a growing decisions are being this year, but there was success too for interest, the number of categories has schemes as far apart as Israel, Algeria, now risen to 16 and competition was taken about transport Italy, France and the USA. Perhaps once again keen, with a number of investment for years unsurprisingly, the many UK winners Highly Commended awards being given included entries related to the major out in addition to the winning entries. to come. We need to expansions of both the Nottingham Mr Baker’s keynote address referred Express Transit tramway and Greater to his own pleasure at having been able ensure that includes Manchester’s Metrolink – now the to secure funding for system expansion investment in light rail.” largest light rail network in the country. in the UK’s West Midlands, Manchester Commenting on this year’s entries, and Nottingham while he was in office at Light Rail Awards host Norman Baker the judges said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome such a diverse range of outstanding entries this year. The levels of innovation, safety and customer service initiatives we have seen, along with application of ground-breaking technologies, shows that as an industry we are more than ready to meet the challenges of growing urbanisation.” Tramways & Urban Transit Editor Simon Johnston said: “The competition is tougher than ever and it is a significant achievement just to have made the shortlist tonight. From existing operational practices, to exciting innovations and visions for the future, I would just like to congratulate all those who took part in this year’s event and those who are driving forward the future of tramways and light rail worldwide.” Deputy Director of the Department for Transport's Local Transport Directorate Stephen Fidler joined Norman Baker in presenting the awards. The 2016 Light Rail Awards will All photography by Jon Hill unless otherwise stated. be held in London on 5 October.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 / 3

5 TAUT 1510_NET supplement_pp24-32.indd 69 01/10/2015 14:16 Sponsored by Sponsored by Best Customer Initiative Best Environmental & WINNER TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER – Sustainability Initiative FREE WI-FI – MANCHESTER METROLINK WINNER Manchester Metrolink is the first system in the UK to JERUSALEM TRANSPORTATION MASTERPLAN become fully Wi-Fi capable – and, best of all for passengers, TEAM – CITY POLLUTION REDUCTION the service is free. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) reckons some 92% of travellers now use a smartphone, Since this city tramway opened three years ago, air pollution with 59% of people checking e-mail on a mobile device, in one main thoroughfare has fallen by a staggering 85% – explaining why it sees Wi-Fi as now being essential. dirt, dust and smog have now given way to blooming gardens. Following completion of this pioneering project, up to The Jerusalem Light Rail Transit project is Israel’s first 128GB of data is available per tram each month – such network and has transformed gridlocked and polluted although the current average use is 55GB, leaving plenty roads into pedestrian areas vibrant with life; over the first of additional capacity available. The service has around three years of operation passengers increased more than 100 000 registered users. threefold from around 40 000 to 140 000 per day. Provision of the free Wi-Fi was delivered in March 2015 Simcha Ohrenstein, Chief Technical Officer, commented, in a GBP2.4m (EUR3.2m) investment – but one which came “We regard this as international recognition for the efforts in GBP58 000 (EUR78 000) under budget. we have invested in a project that faced considerable There has been lots of positive feedback and TfGM says challenges, but which has turned into a real success story. this has been money well spent. This is a project that “What has guided us throughout has been not only the is about keeping existing customers happy – as well as need for improvements to public transport but also, and attracting new ones. No wonder the judges thought this perhaps more significantly, the need to make a genuine customer initiative particularly worthy of praise. contribution to the environment of this magnificent city.” The award was presented to TfGM by Richard Brown, Simcha Ohrenstein and Tzachi Strasser collected the Managing Director of sponsor North Star Consultancy. award from Bombardier Vice President, Hans Rudolf-Feuz.

HIGHLY COMMENDED GEST – MOBIWALLET HIGHLY COMMENDED Passengers increasingly GARRANDALE GROUP – SUSTAINABILITY want travel to be easy IN LIGHT RAIL and seamless, and that includes taking the Already well-known in the heavy rail business, Garrandale hassle out of buying Group is now also making an impact on urban transit. tickets and paying to A leading UK engineering firm, Garrandale has provided leave the car at innovation in graffiti removal, waterproof sealants, train park-and-ride sites. washing plants Florence (Firenze) and component operator GEST is taking manufacture – all part in the European MobiWallet mobile ticketing scheme to high quality and – and with its MobiTickt project the RATP Dev subsidiary stringent environmental has used the latest developments in ICT and smartphones standards. What’s to allow users to pay for parking and tickets through a more, its dedicated dedicated app. teams are on call ready GEST already has MobiTickt up and running and being to provide back-up 365 tried out in Scandicci just outside of Firenze. days a year.

4 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org London Olympics 2012. Olympics London the during reliable and popular enormously proving vehicles Bombardier-built 94 operates Railway Light Docklands the area, Docklands eastern the with London of centre the linking And network. 28-km 24 FLEXITY operates System Tramlink Croydon the London, In centre. city SWIFT FLEXITY 120 ordered has Manchester Greater for Transport operator, tram Manchester, In vehicle. one into trams Bombardier of features proven outstanding, the bringing best’, the of ‘best the incorporate FLEXITY The leader. market the from vehicles rail light and trams for opted have Manchester and London Blackpool, in operators UK, the In solutions. dual-mode as as well vehicles rail light high-capacity to trams low-floor 100% from ranging solutions, rail light and BOMBARDIER* The FLEXITY www.bombardier.com *Trademark(s) ofBombardier Inc.oritssubsidiaries. www.northstarconsultancy.com light rail vehicles to date, which significantly ease congestion in the busy Greater Manchester Manchester Greater busy the in congestion ease significantly which to date, vehicles rail light Rail Strategic Advice 2 trams, which have been in successful revenue service in Blackpool since April 2012, 2012, April since Blackpool in service revenue successful in been have which 2trams, * family encompasses the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of tram tram of portfolio comprehensive most industry’s the encompasses * family AND LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES VEHICLES RAIL LIGHT AND INNOVATIVE TRAMS FOR THE UK FOR UK THE Swift light rail vehicles on its its on vehicles rail light Swift ©TfGM, Lesley Chalmers Chalmers Lesley ©TfGM, ©DLR

*Trademark(s) of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. Technical Innovation (Infrastructure) Sponsored by WINNER COLAS RAIL – BESANÇON ‘GREENWAY’ TRACK SOLUTION

Traditional grassed track is increasingly The structure means that drainage popular but can be expensive – and is excellent and the track needs keeping the grass alive requries large only a relatively limited depth of amounts of water. However, a different excavation. What is more, the rails approach was needed in France’s can be pre-mounted, helping in the Besançon, where the limited funds joint quests to lay track quickly and available to build a ‘budget tramway’ keep installation-related noise down. brought about a rethink. In service, this construction Colas Rail’s response was a new form needs less irrigation than prefabricated framework format, conventional grassed track; that is known as ‘greenway’. The use of because there is greater interaction concrete is limited only to where it is between the surface grassed area really needed and the result is cost and the soil below the track formation WINNER savings of around 20% over previous than in conventional solutions. methods, as well as a format that The award was presented to Colas lends itself to use not only with grass Rail’s Patrick Montel by UKTram’s track, but also with asphalt. General Manager, James Hammett.

HIGHLY COMMENDED LANES GROUP – UAV SURVEYING Carrying out surveys is an essential part of keeping tabs on infrastructure and preparing for maintenance work, but it can be time consuming, costly, and soak up manpower. Lanes Group’s use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) means extremely accurate surveys can be carried out without closing facilities or expensive investments in scaffolding and safety equipment. The judges saw plenty of scope for further applications of this cost and time saving technology. HIGHLY COMMENDED

Technical Innovation (Rolling Stock) Sponsored by WINNER HIGHLY COMMENDED BROOKVILLE EQUIPMENT GLOBAL GREEN COMPOSITES – CORPORATION – LIBERTY MIGHTY BAR STREETCAR Most passengers almost certainly don’t give Crossing the wide Trinity River much thought to the handrails they grab in a in downtown Dallas and linking tram, but Global Green Composites has done the Oak Cliff district to the city – and together with Burgmann Packings has by light rail required a new come up with a composite version that’s up to solution as there was no way 80% lighter than existing designs. It is called that the landmark Houston Mighty Bar and can be formed in non-linear Street Viaduct could be spoiled by overhead lines. shapes, as well as delivering a 100kg-plus Enter one forward-thinking US manufacturer which, in partnership with saving on a typical rail carriage. Dallas Area Rapid Transit, developed a clever battery system for its low-floor modern streetcar in just two years – the Onboard Energy Storage System (OESS) was designed to meet the specific demands of the alignment. HIGHLY COMMENDED The first Liberty with OESS was delivered in March 2015 and revenue BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION – services began in April. However, the benefits are not just to do with DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM aesthetics: in the long-term, the reduction in maintenance of overhead wires is expected to also lead to a reduction in costs. Bombardier’s Driver Assistance System – or Brookville President Marion Van Fosson described the vehicle as DAS – uses stereovision cameras as part of “a testament to the ingenuity and work ethic of the entire staff. a warning system to help tram drivers avoid “Every day our customers challenge us to develop solutions that will help collisions. This helpful safety device is already them overcome their challenges, and our staff continue to rise above those a reality (it is now in use in Germany), and in challenges and push the boundaries of what can be seen as possible.” future will be further developed to allow the Marion Van Fosson collected the award from UKTram’s General Manager, system to automatically apply safety features James Hammett. such as brakes.

6 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org A single voice for the industry UK Tram is the trade body for light rail and other guided transport systems throughout the British Isles including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Channel Isles and the Isle of Man. It is the single voice of the tram industry in the UK that represents operators, promoters, manufacturers, contractors and consultants covering not just tramways but also ultra-light rail and personal rapid transit modes.

• UKTram focuses on areas and topics, chosen by its members for the benefi t 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.

WHO ARE OUR MEMBERS?

Executive members: Managing directors/company directors/senior managers from operators, concessionaires, passenger transport executives and suppliers/manufactures/advisors and experts

Functional groups: Made up of experts from across the whole industry, working together for the benefi t of all: sharing knowledge, ideas and experience, helping to promote and support new schemes and new innovations within the industry

Promoters group: Representatives from Marketing group: Representatives from passenger transport executives, county councils, manufacturers, industry advisors, industry city councils and district councils suppliers and industry experts

Guidance & Standards group: Industry experts Heritage group: Representatives from the from any UKTram members and UKTram’s Heritage Tramways Committee and heritage Associate members operators, duty holders and representatives

Light Rail Operators Committee: Operations/ Light Rail Engineers group: Engineering/ customer service/safety & standards managers from: rolling stock/infrastructure managers from:

Second generation tramways, light railways, metros, subways, ultra-light railways, passenger rapid transit systems and heritage systems

• As members of the Rail Alliance and our association with the RIA, UKTram and its members have access to events, conferences and workshops held by these groups.

• UKTram is represented within RSSB, VDV, CEN/CENELEC and UITP. Updates, developments and working groups for their activities will be circulated to relevant member groups and can be found on our website.

ARE YOU IN THE LIGHT RAIL INDUSTRY..? COME AND JOIN US! www.uktram.co.uk

UKTram.indd 1 03/11/2015 15:49 Significant Safety Initiative Outstanding Sponsored by Engineering WINNER Achievement LONDON TRAMS – PEDESTRIAN CROSSING Sponsored by IMPROVEMENTS London Trams reckons the most WINNER likely hazardous event its passengers DB REGIO TYNE AND WEAR – and the public will face is a collision METROCAR ¾-LIFE REFURBISHMENT between a tram and a pedestrian. It has carefully analysed and prioritised the risks of each crossing, 31 locations, with another 17 due to and instituted a scheme of works be completed in 2015. to boost safety. This has included Accidents have fallen by 35% over drawing up its own criteria for four years and London Trams has ‘Non-Motorised User’ (NMU) already shared its work with both the crossings, which includes looking industry body UKTram and a fellow at things such as accident history, member of the Transport for London lighting, signage and tram speed. family, London Underground. More than 200 assessments have Director Sharon Thompson, already been carried out and work collected the award from Callum Together with Wabtec, Tyne and Wear Metro 3 has included installing ‘chicanes’ at Gibson, Mott MacDonald Associate. operator DB Regio has overseen a ‘ /4-life refurbishment’ scheme that has included replacing corroded train bodies, revamping WINNER interiors, and coming up with a new look. UKTRAM – TRAM ACCIDENT At its best the programme saw a six-week AND INCIDENT REPORTING turnaround from cars being sent from Metro’s (TAIR) DATABASE Gosforth depot to their return; anything up to seven trains were away at any single time. After an accident some four The last revamped train returned in June years ago, the UK’s Rail Accident – six months early – bringing to an end a Investigation Branch (RAIB) said that scheme that gives the trains another ten years the industry should work together to of life. The GBP25m (EUR34m) cost is around better collect information on collisions 10% of that of tendering for a new fleet. between pedestrians and trams. Deputy CEO of Colas Rail UK, Stephen Out of that recommendation has now being trialled, and if judged Haynes, presented the award to the team come a centralised reporting system, successful the plan is to widen the from DB Regio Tyne & Wear. which not only allows organisations scheme to all tramways in April to record information, but also to see 2016. Such is the value of what has HIGHLY COMMENDED how they are performing and make been created, LRA host Norman SIEMENS MOBILITY NORTH AMERICA comparisons of that with the overall Baker explained, that colleagues – OFF-WIRE WORLD RECORD industry figures. The RAIB and Her outside the UK are showing interest. Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate can Callum Gibson, Associate at Mott access information too. MacDonald, presented the award to The Tram Accident and Incident James Hammett on behalf of the Reporting database (TAIR) is team at UKTram.

HIGHLY COMMENDED SETRAM – TACHYTRAM Judges were impressed by RATP Dev's belief in a young engineer who devised a simple system to better In September 2014 Siemens was awarded a use aspects of information from a Guinness World Record for running an S70 tram’s data recorder. It can be used to tram nearly 25km (around 15 miles) on a train new drivers or record ‘speeding’ single battery charge inside 24 hours. The – and it helps with network efficiency intention was to see how far this standard too. Normally, such analysis would tram could run exclusively on battery power take an hour, but with Tachytram that without recharging; the record was itself part falls to just five minutes’ work. of a wider-ranging research programme.

8 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Mott MacDonald 2015 Supplier of the Year

Mott MacDonald is extremely proud to receive the 2015 Supplier of the Year (over €10M) award. We thank our many clients from across the LRT sector for their support. This is the sixth successive year that we have won a major award at this prestigious event, cementing our reputation as a leader in the field. Midland Metro, UK

We provide a comprehensive one-stop light rail consultancy service, combining technical expertise in planning, infrastructure, rolling stock, procurement, operations and maintenance along with our systems engineering, systems assurance, costing and project management skills.

Nottingham Express Transit, UK WWW.MOTTMAC.COM

Bergen Light Rail Extension, Norway

[email protected]

World leading engineering, construction and rail support services.

From design to delivery, construction to support, training to maintenance, Colas Rail delivers total solutions in all aspects of railway infrastructure, from high speed rail systems to light and urban rail. As award-winning specialists in the design and construction of all forms of railway, we focus our world-class performance in four key areas of rail infrastructure; Track, Rail Services, Rail Systems and Training.

For more information on Colas Rail: T: 020 7593 5353 W: www.colasrail.co.uk E: [email protected] TW: @ColasRailUK FB: Colas Rail UK

Colas Rail, Dacre House, 19 Dacre Street London SW1H 0DJ, United Kingdom Above: Shiny silver trophies and Champagne. This year's Light Rail Awards featured morecategories than ever before, recognising a broader base of the excellence in the industry worldwide.

Left: The Champagne reception at the Honourable Artillery Company welcomed guests from ten nations.

Right: LRA judge Paul Griffiths (left) celebrates with his former Centro colleagues.

Below right: London Trams were deserving winners of the Significant Safety Initiative

Above: The ladies from headline supporter First Tram Operations get into the spirit of the evening!

Right: Guests from across the industry celebrated the achievements of their colleagues.

10 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Below: Manchester operator RATP (Dev) Metrolink took home another brace of honours.

Lanes' use of UAV technology to serve the light and urban rail industries impressed the judging panel – and the team were impressed at being recognised!

Above: Mott MacDonald are now well used Above: UKTram's James to Champagne... Hammett spent a lot of taking home his time on the stage... another award.

Right: Have you ever Right: Graham seen anyone so excited Thornton of RATP to win an award? (Dev) Metrolink

Paul Robinson and Joanne Bentley from Nottingham Trams form a key Gerry and Sara Killen of Global Green Composites (left) share their part of the delivery team for the multi award-winning NET Phase Two. success with Paolo Carbone of Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 / 11 Manufacturer of the Year WINNER PESA

Fifteen years ago, Polish manufacturer Pesa hadn’t built a single rail vehicle, but in that short time it has grown to become the biggest supplier in its home market – a remarkable achievement in its own right. Tram deliveries have now reached more than 500 in Poland and external markets, with customers increasingly being attracted by a combination of keen price, competitive delivery times and high build quality. The firm has openly declared that its aim is to clear the world's streets of uncomfortable, ugly and non-passenger friendly trams. The low-floor vehicles offered appear under the now-familiar names of Swing, Twist, Jazz and Foxtrot; available for different gauges and in a variety of different configurations, the company’s products have become widespread not only in Poland but increasingly elsewhere too. Aside from its high profile in its domestic market, the company has also supplied other Eastern European countries and is currently delivering over 120 trams to Moscow in a joint venture with Uraltransmash. The judges were really impressed by the ambition and commitment of this manufacturer, and also at the quality of its products when coming from a relatively short history in the light rail sector. In response to its Light Rail Awards win, Pesa’s team said it felt “honoured to receive this honour, especially given the fact that our competitors are on a very high level. “This prize pushes us to be better and better and work even harder on what we do. It will definitely help us acquire new markets and make Pesa as a tram supplier/manufacturer more visible in the whole world.” Pesa President Tomasz Zaboklicki collected the Manufacturer of the Year award from Tramways & Urban Transit Publisher Howard Johnston.

HIGHLY COMMENDED HIGHLY COMMENDED CAF BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION The UK cities of Edinburgh and Birmingham sing the praises of this manufacturer, which celebrates its centenary in two years time and has products running around the globe. CAF vehicles now run from Houston and Cincinnati in the USA, to Budapest in Hungary, Stockholm in Sweden and Cuiaba in Brazil.

Bombardier Transportation currently has an international order book worth over EUR700m and still growing – and Manchester and Berlin have both recently taken delivery of their 100th trams from the organisation. This is all part of a major success story for a worldwide manufacturer that continues to set high standards year after year.

XX12 / /LIGHT DECEMBER RAIL AWARDS 2013 www.tramnews.net 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org . www.lrta.org Supplier of the Year Supplier of the Year Under €10m Over €10m Sponsored by Sponsored by

WINNER ROWE HANKINS WINNER MOTT MACDONALD

The benefits of flange lubrication are not new, but how do Mott MacDonald enjoys a high reputation across the globe you take advantage of them in a more efficient way? Rowe – something reflected not only in the quantity and variety Hankins’ intelligent wheel flange lubrication system (iWFL) of work this multi-disciplinary organisation wins, but also in FALCON is efficient not only technically but financially too – the level of recognition it receives. At the Light Rail Awards by applying lubrication just where (and when) it is needed. alone, Mott MacDonald has now celebrated success on no This is not just about good neighbourliness, for not only fewer than six occasions. does iWFL FALCON reduce the ‘screeching’ noise that can The judges once again put the consultant at the top of come from a vehicle’s wheels as it runs over the rails, it the tree, agreeing that Mott MacDonald’s entry was one has also been proven on the UK’s Manchester Metrolink to of the finest they have ever had the pleasure of reading. dramatically reduce the risk of derailments. The system Many projects over the last year have benefitted from the also cost-effectively increases the life of wheelsets – by firm’s expertise – from Midland Metro, Nottingham Express 50% – and significantly reduces wear on the track. Transit, Manchester Metrolink and London Tramlink in the The system does not dispense lubrication at points UK, to cities as diverse as Bergen (Norway), Edmonton where braking or sanding occur, and it is friendly to (Canada), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Seattle (USA). the environment too. It uses biodegradable grease and Responding to its win, Mott MacDonald said: “The Light prevents wastage by applying minimal amounts in a Rail Awards showcase the best in the industry; highlighting targeted way. The kit is simple to install and can be easily the vision, hard work and dedication of all involved. As such retro-fitted to existing cars, meaning that the benefits can we’re honoured and delighted to be recognised once again be widely realised. by both our clients and the wider industry.” The team from Rowe Hankins collected their award from Ruud Haket, Chief Operating Officer of Keolis UK, Keolis UK Chief Operating Officer, Ruud Haket. presented the award.

HIGHLY COMMENDED INSIDE OUT GROUP HIGHLY COMMENDED MPT

Time-lapse film The programme of the slide of to treble the the major new UK’s Manchester tram bridge over Metrolink network Nottingham station in size is immense. became one of The project the most striking has taken over pieces of imagery seven years, so surrounding the far, and taken project to expand almost GBP2bn Nottingham Express Transit. With other Inside Out Group film (EUR2.7bn) to achieve – and the resulting light rail system work it provides a lasting record of this major engineering has transformed the travel habits of millions of people. project that was completed this year. However, the work In delivering this huge scheme the MPT consortium of this local business goes further as Inside Out Group has of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales has not only also secured the GBP1.3m (EUR1.75m) contract for the 142 delivered, but along the way has also developed innovation CCTV cameras that help keep the NET system safe. after innovation and kept an impeccable safety record.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 / 13 Delivering a world-class light rail system for Metrolink across Greater Manchester

The MPT consortium is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the £1.5bn expansion of Manchester Metrolink, achieving unprecedented success at the Light Rail Awards.

Contact: Bryan Glass, MPT Project Director e: [email protected]

MPT advert.indd 1 21/10/2015 09:05 Employee/Team of the Year Sponsored by

WINNER NET PHASE TWO – ‘UNITING AMBITION’ Delivering the complex expansion of Nottingham Express Transit has been a mammoth undertaking, and one with many challenges along the way. The Light Rail Awards judging panel wanted to recognise the entire team that made it happen. Client, concessionaire, operator, manufacturer, and those who maintain it – in Nottingham they all share ‘One Vision’ of providing the best for the end customer: the passenger. The opening of the tram system’s Phase Two in August has more than doubled the size of the system, more than doubled the size of the fleet, and doubled the size of the operational and maintenance teams. Managing such a transition required close teamwork. A tram now calls at the tramway’s city centre stops every 3.5 minutes during the day, and the expansion puts 20 out of the area’s 30 largest employers within 800m of a tramstop. The system is now up there with the 22 new Alstom vehicles, which were Representatives from Nottingham very finest installations not just in the tested on NET’s existing line one City Council, Tramlink Nottingham, UK, but in the world. before the Phase Two extensions were joint venture Taylor Woodrow-Alstom Achieving all this meant not only opened. The result is a much-expanded and operator Nottingham Trams building the 17.5km (11 miles) of new tramway that now gives this city a true collected their well-deserved award lines, but implementing new systems light rail network and that is a result of from Steve Cocliff of category and technologies as well as introducing teamwork: ‘Uniting Ambition’. sponsor MPT.

HIGHLY COMMENDED HIGHLY COMMENDED CORDANT CLEANING – MIDLAND METRO RATP DEV (METROLINK) – GRAHAM THORNTON/EXPANSIONS AND The team contracted to keep Midland Metro clean collects 20 bags PROJECTS TEAM of rubbish every day from the 21km (13-mile) line. It isn’t just beer cans and fast food wrappers they sweep up either – but old domestic appliances, escaped geese and turkeys, and worst of all unruly trespassers. Neither does Cordant Cleaning just look after the line itself, but also the trams, depot and offices. Audit results have returned ‘100%’ – and the judges also heard that this team recently stopped someone committing suicide.

If you have plans to expand your network three-fold, you need a good team to deliver the grand ideas and give the passengers the service they deserve. Head of Tram Engineering Graham Thornton has exceeded all expectations for the client, the customer, and his colleagues. His tram fleet is now 99.9% reliable… and he volunteers to work on steam trains at weekends!

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 / 15 Project of the Year Project of the Year Over €50m Under €50m WINNER TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER – METROLINK TO WINNER MANCHESTER AIRPORT MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY – Manchester Metrolink’s BALLURE BRIDGE REMEDIAL WORKS 14.5km (nine-mile) Airport line opened ahead of schedule and under budget in November 2014. This addition to the system crosses two motorways and adds a spectacular viaduct over the Mersey Valley, as well as 15 new stops. A complex project that entailed construction of a new route in an environmentally-sensitive area, the line is one part of the major GBP1.9bn Amidst all the new lines being built (EUR2.6bn) project to triple the size of the Greater Manchester system. worldwide, a few systems stand out for still Metrolink now connects every mode in this vibrant region and really is the using traditional equipment. For those, the dependable backbone of a city on the move. pressing topic is more likely to be renewals In its first nine months the Airport line carried 1.5m passengers, 20% more than expansion. One such line is the Isle of than expected; what is more, house prices are soaring by up to 60% in some Man’s Manx Electric Railway, which has just areas along the route. tackled the repair of its classic Ballure Bridge. An unusual riveted metal structure that dates from 1897, Ballure Bridge had been WINNER basically untouched for over 30 years; in TRAMLINK NOTTINGHAM – NET PHASE TWO a GBP1.2m (EUR1.6m) project stretching over 32 weeks, more than 700 rivets were Nottingham Express replaced, new metal replaced corroded Transit Phase Two has sections, and 1300 litres of paint was used. transformed the East Ian Longworth, the island’s Director of Midlands city’s tramway Public Transport, said the bridge work “was a into a network, through the significant project for us that we achieved on opening in August of two time and on budget. It helps secure the safe new branches that have operation of the MER for the future.” more than doubled the Mr Longworth specifically praised Chief network’s size. Engineer Peter Maddocks, who led the team Boasting impressive and who retires this November. engineering including major bridges, the HIGHLY COMMENDED expanded network now reaches important traffic generators such as hospital and university facilities and is pumping life into two suburban town centres, TRANSPORT FOR GREATER helping to boost the local economy. With light rail systems still limited in MANCHESTER – TRANSFORMING number, few cities in the UK could dream of being that well connected by a DEANSGATE-CASTLEFIELD tramway – but in Nottingham the ambition has now become a glittering reality. Representives from the local authority, concessionaire and construction joint venture collected their award from Norman Baker and Deputy Director of the UK Department for Transport's Local Transport division Stephen Fidler.

HIGHLY COMMENDED DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT – DALLAS STREETCAR

Already a winner in another category Metrolink’s Deansgate-Castlefield stop has on the evening – for rolling stock been transformed with new platforms, and supplier Brookville Equipment a ‘sky garden’ complete with ten-metre high Corporation – Dallas Area Rapid Transit ‘living wall’ – all integrated with the listed was recognised this time around for its viaduct the stop is constructed on. The newly overall delivery of the wire-free Dallas rebuilt station really plays on the green Streetcar scheme to connect two credentials of light rail, as well as providing significant urban centres in the Texan better facilities such as larger platforms and city. DART President and CEO Gary improved access at this key city location. Thomas collected the honour.

16 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org Operator of the Year Sponsored by

WINNER EDINBURGH TRAMS

It opened years later than planned, cost way more than the original budget for a shorter route, and ran close to cancellation several times. So perhaps it is no surprise that this project was deemed so unpopular that when the first tram ran into the centre of Edinburgh, police were reportedly on hand amidst fears of people throwing rocks and missiles at the vehicle. Instead, there was a warm trickle of applause, and the tramway’s opening day saw services packed to capacity. Following that day at the end of May 2014, five million passengers have sampled Edinburgh Trams; that figure is more than was budgeted for – and so the service is earning more money than expected. Success is not just about passenger numbers either: research by Passenger Focus returned a 95% satisfaction rate with the service, and reliability has been 99%. The tide certainly appears to have turned – HIGHLY COMMENDED RATP DEV (METROLINK) and there is now a clear buzz around the idea of building the extensions that not so long ago would Manchester Metrolink is now have seemed impossible to achieve. the UK’s largest system – with Transport for Edinburgh Chief Executive Ian Craig 92.5km (57 miles), 92 stops and said of the award: “Initiating and running a brand 31m passenger journeys annually new operation comes with many challenges and – and it continues to grow. Edinburgh Trams has risen to them all. It’s great to Operator RATP Dev (Metrolink) be recognised by the industry in this way and, with has not only had to oversee the passenger satisfaction ratings among the best in the challenge of co-ordinating and UK, we know our customers like what we do too.” delivering these major changes – Malcolm Prentice, CEO of award sponsor but also ensure that the day-to- Garrandale Group, presented the award to the day service that people depend team from Edinburgh Trams. on is reliable at the same time.

Most Improved System Sponsored by

WINNER TYNE AND WEAR METRO

It may be 35 years old, but the UK pioneer that is the Tyne and Wear Metro is currently undergoing a comprehensive top-to-tail modernisation. Under the programme known as Metro: All Change, some GBP385m (EUR519m) is being spent for the benefit of the passenger – with work including major infrastructure renewal and refurbishment of stations with a fresh style as well as the 3 ‘ /4-life’ refurbishment of rolling stock. Taken together, this all amounts to a major commitment to and reinvigoration of the North East’s light rail system. Against this backdrop, the Tyne and Wear Metro is experiencing record growth – its figures are 10% up and the Newcastle-centred system has recorded the second-highest passenger numbers in the UK. What is more, its recruitment and training standards are up there with the best. It all amounts to an extremely impressive picture, and so perhaps it is no surprise that when taking everything together, Simon Johnston, Editor of Tramways and Urban Transit, the Light Rail Awards judges felt the Tyne and Wear Metro presented the award to the team from operator DB Regio perfectly met the spirit of the prize for Most Improved System. Tyne and Wear.

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 / 17 Garrandale_GraffStop_185x130mm.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2015 14:39 Page 1

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Nottingham Phase Two opens to the public Subscribe to the print NET Phase Two: Doubling Nottingham’s network Low- oor fuel cell trams by 2017 US ‘desperate for transit investment’ Dublin relaunches airport LRT link Extensions in Mesa and Sacramento Light Rail Awards mark excellence Rubber-tyred tram tests in Medellín ISSN 1460-8324 Depot design ISSN 1460-8324 £4.25 Basel

11 £4.25 Key considerations 10 Ukraine The Swiss city where Mailbox special for modern systems you don’t need a car Your views on trailers Local innovation 9 771460 832043 9 771460 832043 and coupled cars in Lviv and Kyiv

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05/10/2015 14:43 Vision of the Year WINNER NATIONAL EXPRESS MIDLAND METRO / CENTRO – T3: TRANSFORMING TRAM TRAVEL

In its opening lines, the ‘Transforming Tram Travel (T3)' entry said: “Our concession is so much more than just a formal contract managed by procurement teams… it is a true partnership at every level of our organisations.” This vision sets out a three-year programme of 50 commitments to improving accessibility and consistency across the UK's Midland Metro light rail network, and promises direct initiatives. All this sits against a on an admirable scale – and the mission accountability for their delivery. background of the dawning of a new the combined team has set itself is This is significant as the entry era for the system, with the arrival of a simple one: “to run the best tram recognises that “vision alone is nothing replacement vehicles and the impending system in the UK.” without the capability to deliver”. opening of Midland Metro’s city centre Representatives from operator The T3 programme includes a raft extension in Birmingham. Further National Express Midland Metro and of ticketing and passenger information new lines are in the pipeline that will Passenger Transport Authority Centro measures, greater integration of fares see a dramatic expansion of the West collected their award from Light Rail across regional modes, discounted Midlands tramway and the realisation of Awards host Norman Baker, Deputy travel for its lower-paid passengers, the long-held ambition of the creation of Director of the UK Department for capped fare rises, money-back schemes a true network over the coming decade. Transport's Local Transport Directorate for disrupted services and industry- The judges acknowleged that this Stephen Fidler and Tramways & Urban leading environmental and employment entry demonstrated visionary teamwork Transit Publisher Howard Johnston. Judges’ Special Award Sponsored by WINNER GEOFFREY CLAYDON CB

This year, the judges came to a unanimous decision on who should receive one of the evening's most prestigious awards – one of the true ‘wise men’ of the sector, former UK Government legal advisor and lifelong light rail campaigner Geoffrey Claydon CB. Much of Mr Claydon's time is dedicated to the Light Rail Transit Association, the Tramway Museum Society and the Association, through which he is now a Board Member of UKTram and gave advice on the creation of that body's new constitution. One judge said: “Everyone knows him, everyone respects him. With one of the sharpest minds of anyone I’ve ever met, he is the wise owl who has the answer to any question – or knows the person who does – giving valuable experience from the past and offering common-sense lessons for the future.” It was suggested by another judge that without Mr Claydon’s input behind the scenes over so many areas that the light rail industry in the UK “would be ten years behind where it is now”. Unable to attend in person, Mr Claydon sent a message which was read out by LRTA Chairman Andrew Braddock, who collected the honour on his behalf: “It is both a humbling experience and a great honour to be given this award... I have been privileged to work among many people I regard as friends and it has been most rewarding to have played a small part in the birth of Britain’s (and Ireland’s) second-generation tramways. “I have always enjoyed meeting people in our fraternity from around the world, and take great pleasure in travelling to tramways in other countries – which is what prevents me from joining you this evening! I am grateful to the judges and to everyone there for the support I have received over many years.”

www.tautonline.com . www.lrta.org LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2015 / 19 Proud to sponsor the Light Rail Awards

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