Tramways Cut the Cord

Until recently, the overhead lines of tramways have been a major barrier to the acceptance of trams in many cities. This article describes how the French city of Bordeaux is using a ground-level power supply to minimize the visual impact of its new tramway. This solution combines the transmission of electricity via overhead contact lines with a ground-level power supply. The ground-level power supply consists of a power rail embedded in the permanent way and isolated from the road. This power rail is divided into sequences of blocks which only have power running through them when the tramway is positioned above them. The driver can switch between the ground power supply and catenary when the vehicle is halted. The ground-level power supply technology is being deployed along a total of 13.5 km track on three lines. Although the ground-level power supply costs significantly more per km than an overhead power line, the additional cost makes up only a small portion of the total project cost. Vehicles have on-board batteries in case of power failures when passing over block sections. The non-catenary tramway had a peak unavailability rate of 12% in its first six months of operations. The availability rate has since been improved after an internal audit program was introduced and adjustments were made to the power supply system and rolling stock.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/1016796X
• Authors:
  • Fremaux, Didier
• Publication Date: 2008-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 38-40
• Serial:
  • Public Transport International
  • Volume: 57
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: International Association of Public Transport (UITP)
  • ISSN: 1016-796X
  • Serial URL: http://www.uitp.org/publications/public-transport-magazine.cfm

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Catenaries (Railroads); Electric power supply; Technological innovations; Trolley cars
• Geographic Terms: Bordeaux (France)
• Subject Areas: Energy; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01114875
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 25 2008 7:30AM