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 equipment 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 Karlsruhe system also uses an "Automatic Train Protection" signalling system, so that even if the driver accidentally misses a stop signal (perhaps because (s)he has become unwell) safety will be ensured by means of an application of the emergency brakes. 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, the Netherlands
Saarbrücken, Germany
New Jersey, US
Nordhausen, Germany - 600VDC/onboard diesel engine
Zwickau, Germany - onboard diesel engine (Lightweight RegioSprinter diesel trains which also operate over street tramway as TrainTrams)

Proposed systems

Wroclaw, Poland (2005) - 600VDC/3kVDC
Mulhouse
Kassel, Germany (2006)
- 600VDC/15kVAC and (different tramtrains)
- 600VDC/onboard diesel engine

Manufacturers

Models of tram designed for tram-train operation include: