SouthEastBuses
On Moderation
This topic is for the discussion of the Karlsruhe model of public transport systems - basically trams and trains all combined into one (tram-train).
We know how successful tram trains have been in Karlsruhe, as shown here: https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/karlsruhe/
(the Albtalbahn and Hardtbahn are some of Karlsruhe's tram train lines)
The UK has such system in Sheffield with a Supertram line connecting Sheffield City Centre with Rotherham Parkgate.
Has Sheffield's tram train been successful, and if yes, could tram trains work in other UK cities?
I'm thinking Plymouth is somewhere where costs could be justified such system, with a line from Gunnislake, via the current Tamar Valley Line, to Plymouth Railway Station then street running to the city centre. Another line could be implemented from Plymouth City Centre to Totnes via the existing Plymouth-Exeter railway line, encouraging new stations at large communities that don't have one (e.g. Plympton, South Brent).
The only problem I can think of is that electrification will be required for the Tamar Valley Line and part of the Plymouth-Exeter railway line unless if it would be done like Kassel or Chemnitz with bi-mode trams (electric overhead wires in the city centre and diesel power on the railway lines), or with batteries like in Cardiff.
I am also aware that a new tram train system is being built in Cardiff (South Wales Metro), and that Manchester also is considering building a tram-train system too.
@Bletchleyite I think this topic might be of most interest to you!
We know how successful tram trains have been in Karlsruhe, as shown here: https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/karlsruhe/
The success of the Albtalbahn and Hardtbahn prompted a study into how other communities around Karlsruhe might benefit from similar light rail links into the city.
(the Albtalbahn and Hardtbahn are some of Karlsruhe's tram train lines)
The UK has such system in Sheffield with a Supertram line connecting Sheffield City Centre with Rotherham Parkgate.
Has Sheffield's tram train been successful, and if yes, could tram trains work in other UK cities?
I'm thinking Plymouth is somewhere where costs could be justified such system, with a line from Gunnislake, via the current Tamar Valley Line, to Plymouth Railway Station then street running to the city centre. Another line could be implemented from Plymouth City Centre to Totnes via the existing Plymouth-Exeter railway line, encouraging new stations at large communities that don't have one (e.g. Plympton, South Brent).
The only problem I can think of is that electrification will be required for the Tamar Valley Line and part of the Plymouth-Exeter railway line unless if it would be done like Kassel or Chemnitz with bi-mode trams (electric overhead wires in the city centre and diesel power on the railway lines), or with batteries like in Cardiff.
I am also aware that a new tram train system is being built in Cardiff (South Wales Metro), and that Manchester also is considering building a tram-train system too.
@Bletchleyite I think this topic might be of most interest to you!