Re: Departure-side (tram) stops

[Vaughan Williams <ender2000@my-deja.com>]

> Fine in theory, but what about the cars which would surely bank up
> across the intersection while the tram unloaded and loaded.  I think
> such an idea might well lead to massive congestion on the roads.  It
> is bad enough now when trams stop at intersections and just miss the
> traffic lights.

How do you mean cars banking across the intersection?
If you mean the sort of problem you have at intersections along Spencer
St where trams are turning but cars queue across the intersection, then
what is needed is a sign or two saying "do not queue across
intersection" and a cop or two to confiscate the licences of anyone who
does.

But at an ordinary intersection, the tram either (for a far-side stop)
has a green light when it arrives at the intersection (because the
lights are timed or triggered to make it so) and then stops on the far
side of the intersection. These stops are only suitable for streets
like Nicholson St or CBD streets where there are safety zones and the
tram has its own lane. Otherwise, the cars do get stuck behind the tram
stopping on the far side of the intersection.

For a stop before traffic lights, the driver would need to press a
button to change the lights once the tram is ready to go - the other
light then immediately turns yellow so the tram can be let through
quickly.

> Priority for trams is an excellent idea, but it should be triggered by
> the driver when the tram is ready to move.


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