Bombardier's Newest light rail vehicle

[Mario_v]

Hello all,

In the following link, a video of Flexcity Swift, Bombardier's newest answer to the ever evolving city transit needs is presented. It is currently being tested in Oporto, Portugal's 2nd city, and is desguised in a special black livery, in order to keep some sort of secrecy. Here's te link, enjoy.

http://jn.sapo.pt/multimedia/video.aspx?content_id=1049680

[al-in-chgo]

At a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), I'd have to say it's much more "tram" than "train." 

Intriguing-looking unit nonetheless!   -  a.s.

 

[daveklepper]

Aot of "Flexity" light rail vehicles have been sold to various British and European city systems.   It is basically a modular design that can easily be customized for various applications, including gauge, width, length, seats-to-standees ratio, etc.  Competition includes the "City-runner" and "Combino" and other buck rogers looking vehicles.   (At least that is how they all appear to me who prefers a traditional tram look, with the PCC being the extreme modern good looking car.)  There will probably be more upgrades and improvements in the future.

[Mario_v]

The reason for such a high speed is related with the fact that some of Oporto's Metro system are conversions of former metre gauge railways, in this case, the Red line, wich goes up North  some 25 kilometres (16 miles) all the way up to Póvoa do Varzim. The present fleet of Eurotrams has a speed limit of 50mph, an even in express runs, times are not much competitive. The new Flexcitys are precisely for this out of the town long runs, in wich a vehicle being more a train than a tram (I dont know why isn't it called Interurban) is more adequate, and since other extensions are now being prepared (green line to trofa, and to Gondomar, all of it suburban), it becames really handy expand the fleet.

I belive that also the Violet - airport line - will be seing this cars, since extra capacity is really handy also on that line.

The intriguing looking  has a dual purpose. To protect the vehicle while it's being tested (a full 5000 kiloetre program is being executed), and also for commercial reasons, even if one can already see some of units of the new fleet at the .... erm car barn .... erm works  

[videomaker]

ITs a shame they shot the video at night,I would like to see this in the daylight..It looks similar to everything else Ive seen here in the US...

[jkeaton]

Mario_v

The new Flexcitys are precisely for this out of the town long runs, in wich a vehicle being more a train than a tram (I dont know why isn't it called Interurban) is more adequate, and since other extensions are now being prepared (green line to trofa, and to Gondomar, all of it suburban), it becames really handy expand the fleet.

 Probably because 'Interurban', especially once translated, could be anything moving etween cities - but a 'tram-train' is clear about what it is, particularly when you remember that 'tram' or a word that sounds like that means 'streetcar' in almost every European language.

[al-in-chgo]

jkeaton

Mario_v

The new Flexcitys are precisely for this out of the town long runs, in wich a vehicle being more a train than a tram (I dont know why isn't it called Interurban) is more adequate, and since other extensions are now being prepared (green line to trofa, and to Gondomar, all of it suburban), it becames really handy expand the fleet.

 Probably because 'Interurban', especially once translated, could be anything moving etween cities - but a 'tram-train' is clear about what it is, particularly when you remember that 'tram' or a word that sounds like that means 'streetcar' in almost every European language.

You make some very good points IMHO.  I am caught wondering whether the term "light-rail" (or a Portuguese, Italian, French, German, etc. translation) is used outside N. America.  Not that I would argue it says more; in fact, "tram-train" does get across the facts that the units can move through city streets like an (articulated) streetcar but run at much higher speeds between towns on its own right-of-way (like an interurban or a commuter train).  So I retract any previous objections I had to "tram-train."    In fact, at Christmas dinner, one of my shirttail relatives wanted to know what a "light-rail" system is, in reference to Charlotte's admirable LYNX system.  Pressed for a quick definition, I described it as a cross between a streetcar and a commuter train, with many of the advantages of both. 

It is worth noting, though, that "tram" as a streetcar line is more British than American.  In fact, in Las Vegas the people-movers between certain casinos (I'm not counting the monorail) are called "tram" and use a tram-type pictogram, even though some of them are actually horizontal cable cars.  ISuch use may not be entirely kosher but it is pragmatic:  a short, easily pronounced word that indicates "these carriages will haul you somewhere you want to go."    -   a. s.