Tram Network Research Articles

Governing the Geneva Tram Network: Making Decisions without Making Choices

This paper discusses the challenges of managing urban technical networks exploring four complementary dimensions: the autonomy of technical objects, the decision-making model, the reversibility of changes, and the centralization of command and control. The analysis is based on the example of the Geneva tram network, which has experienced an important change of its operating system over recent years. This transformation has created a vigorous social and political controversy. We argue that what is regarded as an intrinsic condition of ungovernability should be better understood as a more or less consciously constructed situation where (a) public transit development does not appear as a real priority within overall transportation policy in Geneva, (b) a delegation of responsibility of managing the tram network occurs from the political to the technical level, and (c) some of the decisions taken at the technical level have, in turn, physically compromised the development of the network.

An Analytical Network Process model for risks prioritisation in megaprojects

Megaprojects are complex and expensive projects that often involve social, technical, economic, environmental and political (STEEP) challenges to project management. Despite these challenges, project owners and financiers continue to invest large sums of money in megaprojects that run high risks of being over schedule and over budget. While some degree of cost and schedule risks are considered during project planning, the challenge of modelling risks interactions and impacts on project performance still remains. To tackle this technical problem, this research adopted the Analytical Network Process and combined it with a new Risk Priority Index as an innovative approach to model risks analytically based on data collected from the Edinburgh Tram Network project at the construction phase. The approach provides an interactive way for developers to prioritise risks across the project supply network and to initiate timely mitigation strategies against significant cost and time consequences of STEEP risks on megaproject performance.

Wpływ członkostwa Polski w Unii Europejskiej na przemiany publicznego transportu zbiorowego w Poznaniu

Transportation is one of the domains of economy in which Poland, due to its accession to the EU in 2004, is obliged to adhere to the EU law. Sustainable development has been the paramount objective of the EU sectoral policies and thus the EU is the driving force in undertakings which aim at sustainable development of transportation. EU transportation policy encourages development of economic, safe and eco-friendly transportation. For this reason, the EU strongly supports all undertakings which lead to the improvement of public transportation in agglomerations. Well-organised and dependable public transportation definitely improves the quality of city life and it may contribute to the reduction of crowd and improvement of the environment.The tendency to modernise comprehensively urban systems of public transportation has arrived to Poland from Western Europe. The processes have been initiated by the possibility of subsidising public transportation projects thanks to substantial amount of money from the EU funds. The money allotted for implementation of cohesion policy and regional development policy has clearly changed the image of public transportation in many Polish cities. By dint of these policies, it has become possible to initiate long-delayed investments, i.e. not only the purchase of a fleet of new trams and buses, but also modernisation and development of transportation infrastructure.For Poznań, the first decade of Poland’s EU membership has turned out to be a period of modernisation of the system of public transportation and possibility to buy modern low-floor trams and busses. Curiously, a company from the Wielkopolska voivodeship has won the tender to deliver the fleet three times, thereby strengthening its position on the market. Moreover, three new tram lines have been constructed. The first one, which crosses the city centre, has contributed to the optimization of the tram network and the revitalization of urban spaces. The second one has been built on the outskirts of the city and owing to the fact that in almost half of its length it passes through the tunnel, it is separated from the road traffic. The third one ensures fast and direct transport from the Northern districts of Poznań to the vicinity of main railway station.Apart from that, Poznań has undergone the following changes concerning the organisation of public transportation: separation of the organiser and the carrier of transportation; integration of railway, tram and bus transportation both in the city area and within the agglomeration; introduction of the flexible tariff and modern system of fees. Currently, the authorities of Poznań are planning subsequent investments in the development of public transportation, which can be subsidised in the new budget perspective of the EU.

What Next in Transportation? [Transportation Systems

On 21 October 2013, the South Australian government announced an integrated transport and land use plan for the Adelaide region that includes a major expansion of its existing tram service. The expansion would be accomplished by including the existing tram line between downtown Adelaide and Glenelg (see ?Figure 1) in a new AdeLINK tram network that would consist of the following six lines:

Accessibility modelling: predicting the impact of planned transport infrastructure on accessibility patterns in Edinburgh, UK

The achievement of good spatial accessibility and equity in the distribution of urban services is one of the supreme goals for urban planners. With Scottish Government backing, the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) has started to construct a tram network to cater for the future needs of Scotland’s capital city by providing an integrated transport solution using trams and buses. Spatial Network Analysis of Public Transport Accessibility (SNAPTA) which is a GIS-based accessibility model has been developed to measure the accessibility by public transport to different urban services and activities. The model responds to several limitations in other existing accessibility models in planning practice. It offers an alternative and practical tool to help planners and decision makers in examining the strengths and weaknesses of land use – transport integration. SNAPTA has been applied to a pilot study in Edinburgh city to identify the contribution of the infrastructure improvements of the tram system and Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR) to improved accessibility by public transport to six types of activity opportunities. This paper outlines the concept and methodology of the SNAPTA model, and presents the findings related to this pilot study with a focus on changes in potential accessibility to jobs between four different public transport network scenarios. The accessibility values so obtained help to identify the gaps in the coverage of the public transport network and the efficiency in the spatial distribution of urban services and activities. The findings focus on whether the planned transport infrastructures for Edinburgh will lead to better accessibility and reduced inequity (in terms of accessibility) across the city.

License to Ride: Free Public Transportation for Residents of Tallinn

The City of Tallinn, capital of Estonia, with a population of 420,000, recently became the world’s largest municipality offering free public transportation. Tourists still have to pay to ride the city’s bus, trolley, and tram network, but registered residents—including a large population of Russian-speaking non-citizens—only have to tap their municipal transit cards once onboard. This article presents a qualitative account of the world’s largest free public transporta- tion experiment to date. The results challenge and inform the conventional measures and objectives of transportation experts. The analysis is meant to complement the existing literature surveying free public transportation experiments and evaluating transportation pricing schemes.

Modeling Degradation of Tracks for Maintenance Planning on a Tram Line

 Abstract—There is a need among transportation maintenance decision makers for a better understanding of the long-term behavior of railroad tracks. The use of accurate techniques to predict track conditions increases track safety and maintenance effectiveness. This paper provides a review of degradation models relevant for railroad tracks. Furthermore, due to the lack of long term information on the condition development of tram infrastructures, presents the methodology which will be used to derive degradation models from the data of Melbourne tram network.

Route selection for mobile sensor nodes on public transport networks

The sensing range of a sensor is spatially limited. Thus, achieving a good coverage of a large area of interest requires installation of a huge number of sensors which is cost and labor intensive. For example, monitoring air pollution in a city needs a high density of measurement stations installed throughout the area of interest. As alternative, we install a smaller number of mobile sensing nodes on top of public transport vehicles that regularly traverse the city. In this paper, we consider the problem of selecting a subnetwork of a city’s public transport network to achieve a good coverage of the area of interest. In general case, public transport vehicles are not assigned to fix lines but rather to depots where they are parked overnight. We introduce an algorithm that selects the installation locations, i.e., number of vehicles within each host depot, such that sensing coverage is maximized. Since we are working with low-cost sensors, which exhibit failures and drift over time, vehicles selected for sensor installation have to be in each other’s vicinity from time to time to allow comparing sensor readings. We refer to such meeting points as checkpoints. Our algorithm optimizes sensing coverage while providing a sufficient number of checkpoint locations. We evaluate our algorithm based on the tram network of Zurich and show how an accurate selection of vehicles for installing measurement stations affects the overall system quality. We show that our algorithm outperforms random search, simulated annealing, and the greedy approach.

CALCULATIONS OF TRAMWAY TRACK CAPACITY IN THE WIDE AREA NETWORKS

The article shows a way of calculating the tram network capacity. A wide area network in Silesian Conurbation was used as an example (before and after planned modernization). Special attention was put on the traffic limiters like: single-track sections, stops, junctions, crossings with traffic lights, etc. Travel times and other characteristics were determined with the use of Monte Carlo method. In total, the capacity calculations of the tram network in Silesian Conurbation (divided into 74 sections) had taken into account: 131 crossings with traffic lights, 395 stops, 52 junctions, 51 single-track sections.

Spatial and temporal visualization of transit operations performance data at a network level

The operational performance of public transport networks is an important aspect of urban planning and development. Despite the network focus of services and delays which are often focused spatially, little research has examined the spatial pattern of operational performance of urban public transport.This paper explores the operational performance of on-road public transport using spatial and historical analysis at a network wide level. Operational performance is investigated through analysis of stop level Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data and utilizes visualization techniques in geographical information systems (GISs) to explore spatial and temporal patterns of change. The network in question is the Melbourne tram (streetcar) network, which has a large historical dataset of AVL data since 2001 providing information on scheduled arrival times, actual arrival times, times of departure, and more.Statistical analysis is undertaken to determine average travel times and the standard deviation of travel times. The statistical analysis is then imported into a GIS package for further analysis; the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) methodology is used to explore spatial variations in data. Outputs include observation of travel times across the network, a reliability analysis investigating actual vs. scheduled travel times and coefficients of variation, and trend analyses to observe the change in tram travel time and change in coefficient of variation.Through this analysis, various changes in travel time and reliability were observed between 2001 and 2010. Vast areas saw improvements in travel time and reliability, while some areas were identified to have deteriorated performance. This paper identifies that the spatial representation of large datasets is of great value in an ongoing monitoring of the network and a powerful reporting tool on a network level basis. Moreover, the results identify transit issues for the Melbourne tram network planners for further investigation.

Modelling vibrations caused by tram movement on slab track line

The recent growth in the use of the railway and particularly that of the tram in urban areas highlights the need to investigate and mitigate the harmful effects associated with these means of transport. The vibrations caused by passing vehicles can be a source of vibration and may damage buildings close to the line. This article aims to develop an analytical mathematical model for predicting the ground vibrations caused by the passing of trams along a slab track. The model is based on the wave equation and is solved in the frequency domain through the Fourier Transform. The loads caused by the vehicle are calculated using a quarter car model. The model is calibrated and validated with real data collected along the tram network of Alicante (Spain), providing a useful tool for future research on the transmission of ground vibrations.

Visualization of Geographical Information System and Automatic Vehicle Location Data to Explore Transit Performance

This paper describes a new methodology to explore the operational performance of on-road transit on a network-level basis. The approach mines stop-level automatic vehicle location (AVL) data and uses new visualization methodologies in geographical information systems (GIS) to explore spatial and temporal patterns of changes in operational performance. The focus is a large historical AVL data set for the tram (streetcar) network of Melbourne, Australia. A major aim is to illustrate how a spatial perspective on networks can improve understanding of transit operational performance. AVL records for 24,451 tram vehicle trips in March 2001 and 26,155 trips in March 2004 were analyzed for 175 tram stops. Arrival travel times and differences between scheduled and actual arrival times were computed for each stop. The Arcview GIS system and spatial surface interpretation with the inverse distance weighted methodology were used to explore spatial variations in the data. Five analyses explored network variations in operational performance: (a) an analysis of tram travel time to Melbourne's central business district, (b) a reliability analysis exploring variations between actual versus scheduled travel time for 2001, (c) an examination of 2001 tram travel time variation with the use of the coefficient of variation, (d) an analysis of changes in tram travel times between 2001 and 2004, and (e) a trend analysis of changes in tram reliability from 2001 to 2004 with the use of the coefficient of variation. Overall the analysis demonstrated that a networkwide and spatial perspective in exploring the operational performance of large transit systems was a new, original, and worthwhile approach to identify transit issues for further investigation.

Modeling Electrified Transit Systems

This paper introduces a new modeling method for light rail traction to allow a detailed drive model to be incorporated into the tram system, thereby permitting detailed energy flows to be studied. Using movement data as an input, this method is shown to be highly suitable for cases employing real measured telemetry to compare the efficiencies of light-rail vehicle designs. Data from the Blackpool tram network in the United Kingdom are used throughout.

Glattalbahn: Innovative Transport Solution for Suburban Areas

The Glattalbahn is an innovative new public transport system serving the rapidly urbanizing suburbs of Zurich, Switzerland. The service combines features of traditional urban and suburban transport. In the city, it operates like a streetcar using Zurich's tram network, but in suburban communities, it operates at higher speeds, with longer stop spacing—more like regional rail service. The Glattalbahn incorporates the latest light rail transport best practices, including a broad community-planning process, coordinated transport and land use planning, continuous facade-to-facade planning, and the use of high-quality components, to reduce life-cycle costs and increase attractiveness. Three routes operate on the newly built infrastructure linking Zurich to the airport. The project cost 652 million Swiss francs (U.S. $602 million). The Glattalbahn has been successful by exceeding its patronage estimates, encouraging significant development, and generating highly positive ratings from customers and the community.

Potential Gains from Mergers in Local Public Transport: An Efficiency Analysis Applied to Germany

We analyze potential gains from hypothetical mergers in local public transport using the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis with bias corrections by means of bootstrapping. Our sample consists of 41 public transport companies from Germany's most densely populated region, North Rhine-Westphalia. We merge them into geographically meaningful, larger units that operate partially on a joint tram network. Merger gains are then decomposed into individual technical efficiency, synergy and size effects following the methodology of Bogetoft and Wang [Bogetoft, P., Wang, D., 2005. Estimating the Potential Gains from Mergers. Journal of Productivity Analysis, 23(2), 145-171]. Our empirical findings suggest that substantial gains up to 16 percent of factor inputs are present, mainly resulting from synergy effects.

Noise and vibrations at tram track intersection

In urban areas noise and vibration due to public traffic diminish the quality of life. In Zagreb, tram traffic is the most important form of public transport. Tram network has 120 km of the tracks and 190 trams are used for passengers transport every day. In the movement of the vehicle over track, the interaction between the wheel and track plays the most important role in the field of noise and vibrations. The increasing of noise and vibrations are particularly emphasized at track intersection where a given number of track switches and crossings are installed. This paper presents an experimental study of noise and ground vibrations through the passage of three types of tram vehicles. The measurements were done on the tram intersection with the highest traffic volume in Zagreb's tram network. Two types of track construction were analyzed, discrete and continuous rail fastening system. During the track reconstruction at this intersection, the existing discrete rail fastening system was replaced with a continuous. Because of that, the measurements were carried before and after reconstruction at the same test points. Test results have showed significant reductions of noise and vibrations at track intersection in the case of continuous rail installation.

The Spanish Tramway as a Vehicle of Urban Shaping

The connection of the location of economic activity and the tramway layout is studied by examining the relationship for the years 1914, 1935 and 1960. These dates were selected because 1914 was the beginning of the electrification of La Coruna trams and the start of World War I, 1935 was the last year of the Second Republic, and the dismantling of the trams occurred in 1960. The author concludes that while the evolution and consolidation of the tram network influenced the location of economic activity in La Coruna, it is difficult to detect a definable pattern in the connection.

The Redevelopment of Salford Quays, Greater Manchester

In the last twenty years, there has been a major transformation in the heart of the Greater Manchester Conurbation. From a declining industrial base with high unemployment, poor housing and a degraded physical environment, the area is rapidly becoming transformed into a post-industrial city, with all the attributes of modern European living. High tech industries, new flats and apartments, retail, leisure and sporting facilities, museums, art galleries together with a new tram network are contributing to this renaissance. At the same time the rivers and canals are being cleansed and opened up for public access, trees have been planted and new walkways, squares and gardens are creating a softer and more welcoming environment. The Manchester Docks located at the head of the Manchester Ship Canal, some 50 kilometres from the sea, but within the administrative area of the City of Salford, were virtually closed by 1983. Their redevelopment as Salford Quays over the next twenty years symbolised the changes that have taken place and illustrates the extent of the transformation. This article seeks to put this regeneration project in context and to evaluate its impact on the wider urban and regional development of its sub-region.

Electric power distribution and environment: interference of power installation magnetic fields on computer systems

The present study analyzes the electromagnetic interference produced on visual display units (VDUs) in domestic and industrial environments. The main sources of disturbance may be identified in three-phase lines, unbalanced currents, currents in earthing systems, proximity of power installations, proximity of railway tracks, and presence of harmonics on the neutral conductor. Magnetic-field interference for PCs is practically limited to the deflection of the cathode-ray tube (CRT) electron beam. The vertical magnetic field determines a horizontal electron beam motion. The distortion depends linearly on magnetic field intensity and on the difference between the frequency of the CRT vertical raster scan and the frequency of the interfering magnetic field. Herein are analyzed two actual cases of interference produced by the DC-supply line of a metropolitan tram network and by the public electric power distribution network.

Renaissance of trams in Germany—five case studies

Until the end of the 1950s the tram was the most important mode of urban transport in Germany. In the following 30 years drastic cuts were made in the tram network. This trend has now been reversed: new tramways are being built and old ones upgraded. Five case studies represent different developments of tram and light rail systems in German cities: (a) Hannover, which is typical of the stepwise development of a tram system into a partly underground light rail system; (b) Karlsruhe, where the most intensive utilization of railroad tracks is taking place, including the world's first dual-current tram; (c) Oberhausen, where for the first time in Germany a tram was reintroduced in 1996; (d) Saabrücken, which represents the second case of tram reintroduction according to the Karlsruhe model in 1997; and finally (e) Munich, where dense U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks are going to be complemented by new or reopened tram lines.