Dubay's new tram system

[Mario_v]

Hello all ;

Here are some infos about Dubay's new tram system, expected to enter service later this year. To start, a movie with a virtual presentation

Some comments ;

The frontal design is quite strange (maybe 'ugly' will be a strong word,but it's ugly to me) ;

It uses a 'power system' that seems to be a very updated vesrion of the Conduit system that was used in NY, Washington and some parts of London,in their older tram systems now extinct (the principle that dictates its use is the same : aestethical reasons) ;

It uses stations with doors that coincide with the vehicle's doors (possibly due to climath reasons,more than 50 degrees celsius are common over there) ;

It's a tram system with 3 classes, replicating in some manner the local subway.

The official site (Blog) :   http://www.alsufouhtram.com/

Just like everything in Dubay, it's very, very high tech.

Anyway, the talks of delays due to finantial reasons (Surprise !) caught me by surprise

[Mario_v]

Since video insertion seems not to be working (on the PC where I am), here's the video link :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H0no-GlAX4

[daveklepper]

Alstom built the LRV's for Jerusalem.   They are low-floor, five body sections, three trucks, 12  powered wheels, mu, run in two-car trains.  Similar cars were  provided for Dublin, except the center truck not powered (don't have Jerusalem;s hills) and not mu, couplers for emergencies only.  Dubai seems the same basic design, curves modified to angles, seven sections and four trucks.   I ride Jerusalem's frequently and consider it a very good design.  Jerusalem is all overhead wire, very carefully and cleanly done.

I believe the Dubai system is not conduit, but power rail on the surface, energized only when the car is on top of it. secioned in five meter, 17-feet sections.   It has been used for the donwtown-historic-town sections in some French cities.  Works OK but installation and maintenance costs are about double overhead wire.  Each 17-foot section has an emergency-power switch in a box recessed in the sidewalk to allow powering the section should it not switch on automatically when the car is above and the car is othewise caught on a dead section.  Not a simple system.

[Mario_v]

daveklepper

Alstom built the LRV's for Jerusalem.   They are low-floor, five body sections, three trucks, 12  powered wheels, mu, run in two-car trains.  Similar cars were  provided for Dublin, except the center truck not powered (don't have Jerusalem;s hills) and not mu, couplers for emergencies only.  Dubai seems the same basic design, curves modified to angles, seven sections and four trucks.   I ride Jerusalem's frequently and consider it a very good design.  Jerusalem is all overhead wire, very carefully and cleanly done.

I believe the Dubai system is not conduit, but power rail on the surface, energized only when the car is on top of it. secioned in five meter, 17-feet sections.   It has been used for the donwtown-historic-town sections in some French cities.  Works OK but installation and maintenance costs are about double overhead wire.  Each 17-foot section has an emergency-power switch in a box recessed in the sidewalk to allow powering the section should it not switch on automatically when the car is above and the car is othewise caught on a dead section.  Not a simple system.

These cars are part of Alstom's Citadis family, a very successefull family of trams that are in service in numerous european cities (Barcelona, Dublin and several other). Normally, the front end is changed per client request (but sometimes with dubious aestethical results). 

As for the new curent system, it's still odd to me, but seems to work. I would prefer an overhead one, because it's more tramsy. By the way, there's even a diesel tram version and soon Ottawa is going to get Citadis at its service on the Confederation line (see first link)

Some info about Citadis family :

Wikipedia (with delivery list) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstom_Citadis

Alstom's own : http://www.alstom.com/transport/products-and-services/trains/tramway-citadis/

Info about the APS contact system : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground-level_power_supply

P.S.: on this last link it really look's like a modern version of the Conduit system, judging by the photos

[John WR]

Thanks, Mario, for the description and for the you tube Alstrom commercial.   What strikes me is that Dubay seems committed not just to providing public transportation but also to providing a real amenity for its people.  I've never heard of enclosed stations for a tram.  And they have 3 classes of service on the tram.  And this is a carrier that runs along public streets (although it looks like it has a special lane in the center of the streets).   It certainly is a different approach than I have ever seen in the US.     

I personally don't find the noses on those cars very attractive either.   But I envy everything else.   

John

[daveklepper]

Do you suppose the nose design is to evoke the image of polished diamonds, reflecting the wealth of the country?    In any case, both Dublin and Jerusalem have more streamlined and rounded versions, somewhat evocating the shovel-nosed Zephyrs.   Dubai has enclosed stations because of typical desert heat.   But at least Dublin and Jerusalem have benches to sit on and next train time indicators, which is more than the traditional car stop had!