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Tram-train

Tramway routes which share track with main-line railways From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tram-train
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A tram-train, also known as a dual-system tram,[1] is an interoperable urban rail transit system in which specially designed vehicles operate as trams on urban street-level networks and as trains on mainline railway tracks, alongside mainline trains.[2]

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Stadtbahn on main-line railway

By complying with both light rail and heavy rail technical and safety standards, these vehicles can use existing tram infrastructure as well as railway lines and stations, enabling a single service to operate across both networks.[3] A tram-train combines the urban accessibility of a tram or light rail with a mainline train's greater speed in the suburbs.[4]

The modern tram-train concept was pioneered by the German city of Karlsruhe in the late 1980s,[5] resulting in the creation of the Karlsruhe Stadtbahn. This concept is often referred to as the Karlsruhe model,[4] and it has since been adopted in other cities such as Mulhouse in France[4] and in Kassel, Nordhausen and Saarbrücken in Germany.[5]

An inversion of the concept is a train-tram – a mainline train adapted to run on-street in an urban tramway, also known as the Zwickau Model.

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Technology

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Kassel RegioTram dual voltage DC/AC Alstom RegioCitadis next to a KVG Bombardier Flexity Classic tram at Königsplatz
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Kassel RegioTram dual mode diesel/electric Alstom RegioCitadis approaching Wolfhagen using diesel power, on main-line railway
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A "DUO" Combino on the Nordhausen urban tramway, where it is electrically powered via overhead wires.
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A "DUO" Combino at Ilfeld station on the HSB rural railway, where it is powered by an onboard diesel engine.
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A pair of Manchester Metrolink Bombardier M5000s on the street in Manchester City Centre, United Kingdom
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A pair of Bombardier M5000s on the mainline, along with a Class 150 in the United Kingdom

The tram-train often is a type of interurban[6] — that is, they link separate towns or cities, according to George W. Hilton and John F. Due's definition.[7]

Most tram-trains are standard gauge, which facilitates sharing track with main-line trains. Exceptions include Alicante Tram and Nordhausen, which are metre gauge.

Tram-train vehicles are dual-equipped to suit the needs of both tram and train operating modes, with support for multiple electrification voltages if required and safety equipment such as train stops and other railway signalling equipment. The Karlsruhe and Saarbrücken systems use "PZB" or "Indusi" automatic train protection, so that if the driver passes a signal at a stop the emergency brakes are applied.

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History

The idea is not new; in the early 20th century, interurban streetcar lines often operated on dedicated rights-of-way between towns, while running on street trackage in town. The difference between modern tram-trains and the older interurban and radial railways is that tram-trains are built to meet mainline railway standards, rather than ignoring them.

In 1924, in Hobart, Australia, sharing of tracks between trams and trains was proposed.[8]

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List of tram-train systems

Asia

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Europe

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North America

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Proposed systems

Africa

  • The October 6th Tram system (The O6T), Cairo, Egypt

Asia

Europe

Oceania

South America

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Vehicles

Models of tram designed for tram-train operation include:

Interurban

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The Zwickau Model has lightweight diesel trains running through urban streets.
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A train running on the street section of Keishin line.

Europe

Japan

North America

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See also

References

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