Innovations in tram and light rail systems

Abstract

Some 350 tram or light rail transit (LRT) systems are operated worldwide. After a period of little interest in trams during the 1960s and heavy cutbacks or total abandonment of tram networks, a renaissance combined with sociological and technical innovations is now taking place, especially in North America and Western Europe. More than 100 cities worldwide are considering the introduction of a tram/ LRT system. After defining tram and LRT and dealing with nine different types of tram/LRT, this article focuses on current innovations mainly in German and European cities like Hannover, Karlsruhe, Kassel, Oberhausen, Saarbrücken, Sheffield and Vienna. Sociological innovations encompass a changed perception of urban transport, changed traffic policies, the image of modern trams in the view of the citizens, tram or LRT in pedestrian malls, and the high appeal of well-designed vehicles and stops. On the technical side, innovations include low-floor vehicles, modular vehicle systems, lighter and less expensive vehicles, raised platforms at stops, the use of telematics in public transport for central control of vehicles, traffic lights actuated by vehicles, dynamic information of passengers, and track sharing by railway and LRT vehicles. Finally, tram and LRT systems are appropriate to fill the gap in capacity between bus and metro at construction expenses of about a tenth of a metro system.

Adapting Urban Light-Rail Transport to the African Context: A Process Conducted by Transport Authorities and Chinese Rail Corporations in Addis-Ababa, Abuja, and Lagos

“…The multiple case study approach allowed for an in-depth study of variables and relationships between variables, due to the specific contexts of the different cases. This approach to research has been applied to actual settings [27][28][29]. In addition, for public transport institutional analysis, variables are better analyzed qualitatively, which requires in-depth methodologies [30], such as semi-structured in-depth interviews that can provide more comprehensive data and can take the specific contexts of the study into consideration.…”

Choosing Between Tram and Metro in Hong Kong – Utility, Affect and Demographics

“…Others have suggested that surface rail systems, such as the tram, fill a gap between the bus and the metro [14]. The very different operating characteristics of these two systems leaves space for a hybrid surface alternative, at least within a heavily travelled corridor.…”

A review of technological improvements in bus rapid transit (BRT) and buses with high level of service (BHLS)

“…Bus lanes, bus only roads, and traffic management measures to assist buses were already implemented in the 1970s, as well as automatic dispatch and control systems. In the 1990s, tramways received special attention and were the subject of several improvements (Topp 1999 • 20 km bus lanes, 95 % dedicated, mostly central with curb separation from general traffic • 29 stations, every 700 m on average • 39 articulated buses, specially designed and branded for the system • Information systems for passengers (visual and audio) at stations and on board, about wait time and disturbances • 23 km/h commercial speed (17 km/h minimum at peak hours) • 3.5 min headway (peak), with very good regularity (within interval plus 3 min for 96 % of the passengers) • 66,000 trips/day, growing 7 % per year • Good integration with pedestrians and rail (4 RER and 1 subway).…”