Tram-train
A tram-train is a light rail public transport system where trams are able to run on train tracks for greater flexibility and convenience. The concept was pioneered in Karlsruhe, Germany, and has since been adopted at the RijnGouweLijn in the Netherlands, and in Kassel and Saarbrücken, both Germany.
A tram-train has to be fitted with dual equipment to suit the respective needs of tram and train, such as voltage, safety equipment such as train stops, etc.
The idea is not new; in the early 20th century, interurban streetcar lines often operated on the same tracks as steam trains, until crash standards made old-style track sharing impossible. The difference between modern tram-trains and the older interurbans and radial railways is that the tram-trains are upgraded to meet mainline railway standards, rather than ignoring them. The Karlsruhe and Saarbrücken systems also uses an "Automatic Train Protection" signalling system called Indusi or PZB, so that even if the driver accidentally misses a stop signal (perhaps because (s)he has become unwell) safety will be ensured by means of an application of the emergency brakes. The River LINE light rail in New Jersey runs along freight tracks with strict time separation - freight only runs at night, when passenger trains do not run.
Existing systems
- Karlsruhe, Germany - 750VDC/15kVAC
- RijnGouweLijn, the Netherlands
- Saarbrücken, Germany
- New Jersey, US
- Nordhausen, Germany - 600VDC/onboard diesel engine
- Zwickau, Germany - onboard diesel engine (Lightweight RegioSprinter diesel trains which also operate over street tramway as TrainTrams)
Proposed systems
- Wrocław, Poland (2005) - 600VDC/3kVDC
- Mulhouse
- Kassel, Germany (2006)
- 600VDC/15kVAC and (different tramtrains)
- 600VDC/onboard diesel engine
- Melbourne, Australia
Manufacturers
Models of tram designed for tram-train operation include:
- Bombardier's Flexity Link
- Bombardier-Adtranz A32.
- Alstom's Regio-Citadis