|
The UK Libural Democrats have
adopted ULR as part of their parties policies: "Autumn
Conference 2008"
3.3 Tram-Trains,
Trams and Ultra-Light Rail
3.3.1 Tram-trains are a hybrid running on both
existing railway lines and rails set into the
highway, sharing the route with other road traffic. Usually
powered by overhead electric cables, they can also
be powered by diesel engines. This hybrid capacity has the Fast
Track Britain: Building a Transport System for the 21st Century advantage
that a tram-train running as a metro rail service could be taken on tracks
along streets beyond a
rail terminus, freeing up station platforms needed for regular trains.
3.3.2 Modern trams like the system in Greater
Manchester have been successful and
popular, although very expensive to build. Trams make
extensive use of existing railway track but also
have sections through town or city centres. As in continental cities,
trams have priority over other road users, and
provide zero-emission, high capacity, swift and silent
public transport.
3.3.3 Ultra-light rail (ULR) has been
trialled successfully in Bristol and Stourbridge and is now being
commissioned for Southport. Essentially a lightweight bus on rails, it
carries its power source on board thus avoiding the need for overhead
wiring, and its light weight means that expensive excavations to re-site
utilities are avoided. Pre-formed track can be
sited as easily as kerbs. Using a hybrid engine, ULR could
be low although not zero emission.
3.3.4 Liberal Democrats will encourage ITAs to
promote tram or ULR schemes suitable to their
locality using capital raised
through innovative local funding mechanisms.
A Parliamentary
question was asked by Norman Baker (MP Lib
Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Transport) regarding Ultra Light Rail to the Secretary of State
for Transport .Click
HERE
to see the full question.
|
