‘Tram-Train’ idea can work, but let’s put it in its place

There seems to be desire to push the idea of joining up tramway and rail systems, but it’s often not the best solution

Dr. Bob Tebb is chair of BRTuk. He is also operations technical manager for First UK Bus and has a long career in the British bus industry, pioneering the introduction of guided bus systems.

Dr. Bob Tebb is chair of BRTuk. He is also operations technical manager for First UK Bus and has a long career in the British bus industry, pioneering the introduction of guided bus systems.

On new tracks: Tram-trains now operate over the 20 kms from Mulhouse to Thann, alongside the railway line, giving access to the city centre. In Manchester the metro took over the railway service from Victoria to Bury. Guided buses, like the new Cambridgeshire system can offer even more flexible high quality links

On new tracks: Tram-trains now operate over the 20 kms from Mulhouse to Thann, alongside the railway line, giving access to the city centre. In Manchester the metro took over the railway service from Victoria to Bury. Guided buses, like the new Cambridgeshire system can offer even more flexible high quality links

Tram-Bus: the bus can act in more than one mode. Here it enters the tram interchange outside Liepzig station

Tram-Bus: the bus can act in more than one mode. Here it enters the tram interchange outside Liepzig station

The concept of the ‘tram-train’ seems to be very much the ‘flavour of the decade’ in rail transit circles. No doubt this is as a result of its seeming popularity on the continent of Europe.

I would suggest however, that what is sometimes proposed under the same name,  and currently being so in Britain, is quite a different animal, even if technically it may ultimately closely resemble the original product.

The issue is not the technology – but the application....