Bringing Back the Tram : Learning from the Continent

Abstract

This paper presents some case studies of the use of trams in continental European cities, together with their implications for possible roles for street-running trams in London. Amsterdam, The Netherlands, has progressive transport policies, and a well- established tram network, with 17 old routes and a modern line opened in 1990. Goeteberg, Sweden, has a well-developed tram network with nine routes, but now facing financial problems. Stockholm has a wide variety of public transport, including a metro, two light railways and two suburban tramways, and is also planning a new orbital light rail line. The tram system in Oslo was once threatened with closure, but was gradually modernised from 1977 on. A new tramway has been introduced in the Saint Denis-Bobigny corridor in Paris. Zuerich, Switzerland, is encouraging people to use high-quality public transport, including 13 tram routes. The paper states the most important and widely applicable lessons that these cities provide for the planning of modern tramways in the UK. For example, modern tramways need to have: (1) integrated timetabling, ticketing, and interchanges with other public transport systems; and (2) significant, reliable financing, especially of capital costs. For the covering abstract see IRRD 869445.