What trams can do for cities David Walmsley Formerly Fixed Track Executive, Confederation of Passenger Transport UK
There are trams all over Europe... Prague CZ- Chotkova hill Photo: Bath Trams website
There are trams all over Europe... Lisbon, Portugal Photo: Wikipedia
There are trams all over Europe... Helsinki FIN - Senaatintori Photo: Wikipedia
There are trams all over Europe... Seville ESP - Cathedral Photo: D Walmsley Apr 2018
There are trams all over Europe... Oostende, BEL Photo: D Walmsley Oct 2018
58 tramways in Germany -where they always had them Source: COST Action TU1103 report
28 tramways in France -where they closed all the old ones, just like UK In operation 2013 on the left, planned 2013 on the right Source: COST Action TU1103 report
Just 7 tramway systems in Great Britain Edinburgh Blackpool Manchester Sheffield Nottingham Birmingham Croydon Source: COST Action TU1103 report 9
Why is France more successful with trams? Population density about twice that in UK Versementtransports earmarked tax, anathema to HM Treasury Higher subsidy acceptable -~50%, cf0% UK Strength of local mayor new factor in UK? Politicalwill: we must have good public transport
What are the advantages of trams? Trams carry lots of people Trams get people out of cars Accessibility for people with disabilities Trams are as safe as buses and safer than cars Trams have positive economic impacts Access to jobs and investment Increase land and property values Promote urban development Improve city image
Trams carry lots of people 275 m on all LR, 120 m on trams 300 250 Blackpool Manchester Sheffield Midland Croydon Nottingham Edinburgh Tyne&Wear Docklands LR 200 150 100 50 0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Source: Department for Transport
Manchester Trams get people out of cars and reduce congestion Mode formerly used Sheffield Midland Croydon Nottingham Car traffic reduction 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Manchester Former car users New journeys Sheffield Midland Croydon Nottingham Source: PTEG What light rail can do for cities -16% -14% -12% -10% -8% -6% -4% -2% 0%
Trams promote social inclusion Trams are accessible for people with disabilities From 2020, all trams must conform to Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) As have all new trams since 1999 Trams promote social inclusion and access to jobs
Accessible trams level boarding, contrasting doors and floor Photos: D Walmsley Nov 2018
Accessible trams handrails, push buttons, doorway lights, info displays Photos: D Walmsley Nov 2018
Accessible trams wheelchair space Photo: D WalmsleyNov 2018. Yes, I did ask his permission
What about cost? 6000 5000 Bus 4000 Cost 3000 Tram 2000 1000 0 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 Capacity
Croydon Tram Accident 9 November 2016 Photo: Rail Accident Investigation Branch
For the record, trams are safe Previously, no tram passengers killed in UK in the modern tramway era (post-1992) The industry is working very hard to ensure, as far as possible, it cannot happen again Trams are, and remain, at least as safe as buses and safer than cars 20
Trams lead to fewer accidents 3.5 Number Killed per billion pax-km 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Number Injured per billion pax-km 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Car Bus Rail Light rail 50 0 Car Bus Rail Light rail Source: PTEG What light rail can do for cities
Economic impacts of light rail systems Improves access to jobs Stimulates inward investment Unlocks hard-to-reach sites for development Trigger for relocation of land use Triggers fresh growth Increases land and property values Improves city image and quality Source: UKTram Investigation into the economic impacts on cities of investment in light rail systems