News & Discussion: Trams

[rubberman]

The other problem with centre platforms is that you cannot run buses as well as trams in the same corridor, as is done elsewhere.

I’ll be honest I’ve never heard of a bus-only lane shared with trams, what places have done this?

I've seen it in several places in Germany, Poland and the Czech republic.

Given that trams have evolved as vehicles running in completely mixed street traffic: buses, cars, trucks and trams, it's actually a safer version of what happens in every city where trams and normal traffic mix. Melbourne is an example of completely mixed traffic in places. So, a version of what happens in Melbourne, for example, but with buses only, excluding cars and commercial vehicles, is a pretty uncontroversial proposal. The only question, really, is how many buses you can run between trams before that slows the trams down.

Other than the possibility of crowding the schedule and slowing trams down, what would be the problem with having buses and trams in the same lane? It's far better than buses, trams, cars, trucks in the same lane, and nobody raises an eyebrow at that.

Edit: At the moment, Jetty Road has cars, trucks, buses and trams allowed on the tram track. Imagine if cars and trucks were banned (of course, they won't be) as a thought experiment. In that case, it would substantially improve tram and bus travel along Jetty Road. From a public transport and safety perspective, it would be a big improvement. Politically, and from the legitimate point of view of car drivers, it won't happen. But technically, it would be quite feasible, improving safety and travel time.

[claybro]

The other problem with centre platforms is that you cannot run buses as well as trams in the same corridor, as is done elsewhere.

I’ll be honest I’ve never heard of a bus-only lane shared with trams, what places have done this?

I've seen it in several places in Germany, Poland and the Czech republic.

Given that trams have evolved as vehicles running in completely mixed street traffic: buses, cars, trucks and trams, it's actually a safer version of what happens in every city where trams and normal traffic mix. Melbourne is an example of completely mixed traffic in places. So, a version of what happens in Melbourne, for example, but with buses only, excluding cars and commercial vehicles, is a pretty uncontroversial proposal. The only question, really, is how many buses you can run between trams before that slows the trams down.

Other than the possibility of crowding the schedule and slowing trams down, what would be the problem with having buses and trams in the same lane? It's far better than buses, trams, cars, trucks in the same lane, and nobody raises an eyebrow at that.

Edit: At the moment, Jetty Road has cars, trucks, buses and trams allowed on the tram track. Imagine if cars and trucks were banned (of course, they won't be) as a thought experiment. In that case, it would substantially improve tram and bus travel along Jetty Road. From a public transport and safety perspective, it would be a big improvement. Politically, and from the legitimate point of view of car drivers, it won't happen. But technically, it would be quite feasible, improving safety and travel time.

The examples you mention in Europe, also have the European benefit of all entry points on busses, where people can enter via all doors. It really speeds up the standing time at each stop meaning less delays for all modes. This should at lest be trialled on Obahn, and make exits at the interchanges via ticketed gates.

[PD2/20]

The examples you mention in Europe, also have the European benefit of all entry points on busses, where people can enter via all doors. It really speeds up the standing time at each stop meaning less delays for all modes. This should at lest be trialled on Obahn, and make exits at the interchanges via ticketed gates.

All entry boarding with ticket validators at each door was implemented on the O-Bahn a number of years ago.

[ChillyPhilly]

To run buses down the Port Road tram corridor, the centre island stops will need to be rebuilt.

[rubberman]

To run buses down the Port Road tram corridor, the centre island stops will need to be rebuilt.

Yup. That's just another objection to centre island platforms.

[abc]

why would you even bother when there's a train that follows the same route?

[claybro]

The examples you mention in Europe, also have the European benefit of all entry points on busses, where people can enter via all doors. It really speeds up the standing time at each stop meaning less delays for all modes. This should at lest be trialled on Obahn, and make exits at the interchanges via ticketed gates.

All entry boarding with ticket validators at each door was implemented on the O-Bahn a number of years ago.

Good news. As an infrequent visitor and not having been on it for a number of years.. it’s good to see common sense prevailed.

[Spotto]

why would you even bother when there's a train that follows the same route?

A train that stops at Bonython Park and Thebarton/the new Southwark development?