Yarra Trams Looks At Spending Big To Cut System's Ugly Overheads

The Age

Wednesday June 7, 2006

STEPHEN MOYNIHAN, TRANSPORT REPORTER

LIKE computers and telephones before them, Melbourne's trams could one day go wireless.

This month, Yarra Trams representatives will travel to Bordeaux, France, to view that city's new tram system, which operates without overhead wires.

Instead, a third rail, which runs between the existing tracks, is electrified when a tram runs on it. The track is broken into eight-metre sections and is powered after a signal is sent from the tram to the track. Once the tram has passed that section of track, the power is cut, making it safe to touch.

The project cost the city millions of dollars to establish. In its early stages it was plagued with problems, but Yarra Trams has confirmed to The Age that it is examining the technology.

There is no guarantee that Melbourne's trams could be wireless, but the private operator is interested in the potential benefits.

Florence Forzy, a former Bordeaux councillor now employed by Yarra Trams, said the city's tram system was scrapped in the 1950s and citizens were now renewing their love for the light-rail system.

Around a quarter of Bordeaux's tram system operates without overhead wires and Ms Forzy said the wireless section of track ran through the historic section of the old town.

While she conceded that the system was very expensive, the aesthetics and beauty of the streetscape were maintained, as well as providing a modern and efficient public transport for Bordeaux.

"It is loved and the people are so proud of their trams. It was part of a revamping of the city. I would say it has contributed to the city's quality of life," Ms Forzy said.

But due to the cost of the system, Ms Forzy said it would be unviable to roll it out across Melbourne's tram system, which is the third-largest in the world. Instead, it could be used on routes along St Kilda Road, Royal Parade or even along historic Collins Street.

As well as the inquiry by Yarra Trams, several other cities are investigating the technology.

ON TRACK HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

Instead of overhead lines, power is supplied to the tram by a third "contact rail" of separated electrical segments.

1 Tram emits coded signal to power contactor under track as it approaches each power segment

2 Next segment of contact rail is energised

© 2006 The Age

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