This article proposes and develops a methodology that allows the estimation of the required minimum ground plan area for the facilities in a tramway depot, as well as the total area of the depot, taking into account the fleet size, tram length, number and type of performed activities. The study formulates simple mathematical equations to calculate the useful area of various depot installations in relation to the characteristics of the vehicle fleet (number and length of trams). It also presents tables of data, from which the total depot area can be estimated. Finally, the layouts of typical ground plans of tram depots are presented for tram fleets of between 15 and 83 vehicles and for tram lengths of 30, 35 and 40 m. From the presented results it is concluded that: (i) the construction of depots for 15 vehicles (very small depots) requires an area of 30–35 acres; (ii) the construction of depots for 45 vehicles (medium-sized depots) requires an area of 42–50 acres; and (iii) the construction of depots for 80 vehicles (large-sized depots) requires an area of 52–60 acres.

Feasibility studies of transportation projects often require significant technical input, which should normally be the outcome of sub-sequent studies. An early assessment and screening of technically suitable project alternatives in the form of applicability verification could yield significant cost and time savings for planners, decision makers and stakeholders. The objective of this paper is to develop a comprehensive approach for the technical applicability verification of tramway systems. The proposed method considers different applicability aspects in a systematic manner and allows for quickly assessing whether a project may be implemented, in the context of a preparatory process. A case study of the applicability verification method for the case of a planned tram line in Thessaloniki, Greece, demonstrates the potential of the proposed method.