Member of UITP

The ULTRA LIGHT RAIL concept

• ULR is a low cost tramway system that uses self-powered trams with some form of energy storage.

• It is an alternative to Light Rail for routes that are not high speed.

• Carry traffic of 600-6,000 p/h/d and have “tramway characteristics” such as mingling with pedestrians, stops that are close together, narrow streets.

 It is low cost because: 

• Vehicles can use bus type technology/ economy of scale through standardisation.

• There is no external electrification, overhead wires, sub-stations, and cables.

• It is thus easier to route and find cheaper more attractive alignments.

• It can use a higher proportion of simple standard  track components.

• It can use standard, not specifically designed points and crossings.

• Services (gas, electricity, telephone, water pipes etc.) do not have to be relocated.

• It can carry more people per driver than a bus.

• One driver can move more people in a given time than is possible with a bus on congested roads.

• It uses substantially less energy per passenger than a bus.

• Trams last a lot longer than buses.

• Stops are the same as bus stops.

• It only needs a bus type depot and bus-operating organisation.

 It attracts more income and is effective in achieving modal shift because: 

• The public see it as a tram giving a superior quality service.
• It is a fixed link system showing commitment whilst retaining its flexibility.

  It also provides: 

• Significant environmental benefits.           
• Stimulus to development.
• Easy level access to low platforms
• High safety levels.

ULR is a novel concept but it uses well-established technology. The principle is similar to the “streetcar” approach now being adopted in many US city centres in reaction to the high costs of conventional Light Rail, but adds the advantage of energy storage.