Yarra trams Hires 5 trams from France.

Metlink · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:56 pm

bramt · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:40 pm

Oh, they have to pay for it... First I thought it would be like the Combino Plus, here on demo for free because Siemens wants the contract.

Fair enough, they are taking 5, for a few years. But couldn't you buy 1 or 2 for the price?

The Met · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:47 pm

Wow, i'm quite impressed with this. (Well, there's always room for improvement) but hey, you've got to start somewhere.

I'm assuming there has to be a series of driver testing/learning/familiarisation with these new trams. Can someone shed light on the commonality between existing Citadis driver consoles?

Some arising questions, such as special events and such (namely Grand Prix) - these trams are to perhaps help with operations.

Also, again a while ago, I mentioned the feasibility of upgrading our current Citadis trams, by adding two (or more) extra sections to them - why not?

I think in the end it's a rather innovative proposition. Other transport industries (namely aviation) often relies on being able to lease vehicle for long periods of time, where they can fulfil expanding networks without too much spending. We'll have to see how they go.

The Met · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:56 pm

Further observation:

- They have higher reaching pantographs. Should not interfere with current operations, usually designed with in Melbourne's height i'm assuming.

Inside-wise:
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/fr/trams/Mulhouse/Citadis/2010-2019/pix.html

http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/fr/trams/Mulhouse/Citadis/2010-2019/mulhouse2016_bk0706090183.jpg
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/fr/trams/Mulhouse/Citadis/2010-2019/mulhouse2016_cw0706090186.jpg

If you notice, section under bogie is practically identical. And of course the 'bum-racks' are still present, but are fully longitudinal on 'span'-sections between bogie sections. Which will definitely aid with capacity. Also note, the fourth section on a Combino is slightly shorter, whereas sections two and four on the Citadis are both full length sections.

Rather professional yet 'quirky' livery design, perhaps it may keep it, but under the contract length it will probably change. I don't know about the interior, it looks like it may stay, i'm rather fond of it, again professional but interesting.

Myki/Metcard installation is going to have to take place. (Though remember Combino Plus was easy to convert)

"People are pretty much alike. It's only that our differences are more susceptible to definition than our similarities." - Linda Ellerbee

standard_gauge · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:57 pm

route14 · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:20 pm

What a stupid act. It's tax-payers' money and they could buy 7 Z class trams or similar at the cost of one D2.

UnitedG · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:53 pm

Now where did we hide all those W Class Trams?

route14 · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 10:08 pm

At Newport and PWS. Razz

Gwiwer · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 10:43 pm

We no longer live in a city of a few thousand souls where single-car trams with 40-odd seats are adequate.

The 96 has taken on the mantle of Melbourne's busiest tram route from the 19 which previously held that title and which is still in second place. Anyone who has attempted to use a 96 in peak times over the past few years will know that demand often exceeds the ability to supply capacity.

Part of the issue was addressed by the appropriation of some D2's from Malvern depot where they were somewhat under-used. Few duties from Malvern are anywhere near as busy as the average 96 table.

There are still numerous 96 duties with B-class allocated and the occasional C-class deputises as well.

The leased trams will give a little extra capacity until such time as the delayed order for 100 new trams (not now expected in service until 2010 account feet being dragged in the tendering and ordering process) is fulfilled.

My sources suggest at this stage that Southbank will reallocate some B2 class trams to the 112 which will in turn permit some A-classes to be cascaded elsewhere. The reports mention the 55 which could mean four or five more B-class trams go there in a reshuffle.

Alternatively the released A class may go to Glenhuntly which already operates the type and displace some Z3 cars to Essendon to boost the 55.

My money would be on a couple more B2's going to Essendon and a couple on the 112 making the shuffle something of a compromise.
In all this remember only a maximum of 5 trams is involved, though the total number shuffled around may be rather higer.

And note that there is no suggestion that more trips will be run on the 96, just that bigger trams will be used. So the actual fleet strength would not need to increase. A few more early Z1's may be taken out of traffic as a result of all this.

Why MYKI? It isn't mine and it's not a key.

Ferroequinologist. BA Hons (Honourable Bachelor of Aquatarts

)
The wise yet mysterious Sir Gwiwer Greybeard

route14 · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:09 pm

I don't believe by having more D2 the capacity is increased. The crushload capacity is only 9 more than that of B class, but it's significantly slower than B class. For a low floor tram to have greater capacity it'd need more length than the current D2 fleet, which mightn't be permitted with the existing network clearance.

tranzitjim · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:35 am

I can not help but wonder about the future, say in 35 years time, when these trams become withdrawn due to being life expired.

How many of them would turn up back here in a Melbourne Museum, because they had once operated in Melbourne?

Gwiwer · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:27 am

comet · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 11:06 am

Well, the new Frenchies look pretty flash.

God, I hope they are better to ride in than these ghastly German Combinos we're stuck with.

I recently used the new Flexities in Adelaide - what a difference a swivelling bogie makes to ride quality.

Gwiwer · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 11:49 am

Riccardo · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:05 pm