Tram-train

A tram-train is a light rail public transport system where trams are able to run on train tracks for greater flexibility and convenience. The concept was pioneered in Karlsruhe, Germany, and has since been adopted in RijnGouweLijn, the Netherlands, Manchester Metrolink, England and Saarbrücken, Germany.

A tram-train has to be fitted with dual equipement to suit the respective needs of tram and train, such as voltage, safety equipment such as train stops, etc.

The idea is not new; in the early 20th century, interurban streetcar lines often operated on the same tracks as steam trains, until crash standards made old-style track sharing impossible. The difference between modern tram-trains and the older interurbans and radial railways is that the tram-trains are upgraded to meet mainline railway standards, rather than ignoring them. The River LINE light rail in New Jersey runs along freight tracks with strict time separation - freight only runs at night, when passenger trains do not run.

Existing systems

• Karlsruhe, Germany - 750VDC/15kVAC
• RijnGouweLijn, Holland
• Saarbrücken, Germany
• New Jersey, US

Proposed systems

• Wroclaw, Poland (2005) - 600VDC/3kVDC
• Mulhouse
• Kassel, Germany (2005) - 600VDC?/15kVAC

Manufacturers

Models of tram designed for tram-train operation include:

• Bombardier's Flexity Link
• Bombardier-Adtranz A32.
• ALSTOM's Regio-Citadis