Re: Melbourne Trams

[David McLoughlin <davemclAXETHIS@iprolink.co.nz>]

klabstep@my-deja.com wrote:


> What is the story about the Swanston Trams order for new trams not
> having a front/drivers door, sounds like a potential problem and could
> slow down the service at junctions.

Swanston Trams has ordered from Siemens 59 Combino low-floor ariculated
trams for delivery from 2002. The trams will come from the Uerdingen
factory in Germany. The Combino is a standard (off the shelf)
European-style tram where the driver has a full-width cab at the front
(much like the Ws) but exits/enters the cab via a door to the passenger
compartment only. These trams are designed for systems where fare
collection is by POP and / or ticket machine and onboard validator,
which is how the Melbourne system now works.

This could certainly cause delays at junctions which require the driver
to get out and use a point-iron. Perhaps all such junctions will be
replaced with auto-points before these trams arrive.

I wonder what routes these trams will be used on? Airport West and North
Coburg for a start, I would expect, freeing some of the Bs for the
busier Swanston Street routes.

What kind of trams are Yarra Trams contemplating?

David McLoughlin
Auckland New Zealand