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Section 6: Modern Tramways
The tram, which emerged early in the 20th century, fell into obscurity due to outdated technology, slow speeds, bumpy rides, and noise. However, with increasing urban vehicle congestion and pollution, the tram's benefits were revisited. Driven by new technology, the modern tram has returned, recognized for its affordability, environmental friendliness, comfort, and convenience.
A tram is an electric, rail-guided, medium-capacity urban rail transit system operating on city streets, either as a single car or articulated in pairs. It can be classified by floor height (high or low), power supply (conductor rail or overhead contact system), and wheel-rail type (steel wheel on steel rail or rubber wheel on guided track).
Modern trams offer transport capacity between light rail and buses, reaching 10,000 to 12,000 passengers per hour. They have strong climbing abilities and small turning radii, enhancing flexibility. Modular design allows for easy extension of train length and maintenance. Compared to subways, modern trams are cheaper (1/6 of subway costs per km and 1/3 of light rail), with lower operational costs and higher benefits. They are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, consuming only 1/9 of the energy of cars and 1/4 of buses.
Construction methods are flexible: reusing existing tram lines or abandoned railways, building new lines, or sharing tracks with mainline railways. These options not only leverage existing resources but also alleviate urban traffic pressure with minimal investment. New tram lines can harmonize with the urban environment, serving as both transportation and scenery. Sharing tracks with mainline railways extends tram services to city outskirts, solving the last-mile problem and increasing passenger flow.
