A project which those cynics amongst us may have thought would never happen looks as if it could be operational by the summer with work starting on installing a short test track for Coventry Very Light Rail. Colas Rail have started installing the new road test track which enable the revolutionary technology to be showcased in the summer.
The demonstration track may only be 220 metres long but this is planned to show how the pioneering transport system can be delivered faster and at a much lower cost than traditional tramways.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “This revolutionary Very Light Rail technology, in which the West Midlands is leading the way, will slash costs and accelerate construction times for tram networks – allowing us to better deliver on my vision to connect communities with more affordable and accessible public transport.
“We are investing millions in this project, and the start of work on this test track shows how close we are to making this a reality.”
Once work on the track is complete there will be a four week showcase in the summer. This will give local people the opportunity to ride in the vehicle and provide feedback.
The concept is said to have the potential to revolutionise the light rail market and make urban transport significantly more affordable for cities and larger towns.
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, commented: “I am pleased that Colas has been appointed to deliver this really exciting stage of Very Light Rail in Coventry City Centre. We think it will be a real game changer in terms of how people move around, especially in towns and cities and it will save cash, cut carbon and eventually provide a driverless hop on and hop off option.
“It will be great to see it in the street scene and for local people to be able to actually ride on it. And of course, there is lots of interest from across the Uk and further afield so we are really looking forward to showing everyone how quickly the track can be laid – that really is the clever bit of our system.”
The innovative track being laid is thinner than the track used in existing tram systems, reducing the need to dig deeper and divert all pipes and cables, which can add significant cost and time delays to light rail projects.
If the showcase is a success, Coventry City Council hope to develop plans for a Very Light Rail network across the city.
Already out of date as trackless automated trams are running in China now
“Trackless automated trams “? You mean driverless buses?
If you don’t dig out a foundation, how do you stop the track from moving and sinking?
The clue is in the word lightweight