Author(s)

C. Jefferson & A. Kuhn

Abstract

In order to make full use of existing urban and/or regional transport networks, there is a need for light rail vehicles able to operate in heavy rail mode in surburban and regional areas as well as in tramway mode in urban areas. Such a vehicle is already available in Karlsruhe, Germany which operates in dual mode, drawing power from either a 750V DC or 15kV AC supply. Operation of such vehicles on both heavy rail and tram tracks, and so offering direct connection between the city centre and its hinterland, is known as the "Karlsruhe Model". In order to meet the needs of European cities in general, light rail vehicles are needed which are sufficiently versatile to be able to share track with heavy rail as well as sharing road space with other

Keywords