PRO: Port Adelaide Tramline | $260m

[AG]

Looks V. impressive - lots of room.

BTW (this has probably been mentioned before) - what is happening with the single track under Morphett St Br.?

SA - STATE ON THE MOVE

Nothing, apparently. At least not for now. Should be interesting to see how it copes when the service operates during peak periods.

[Omicron]

Uh, what's with the hideously orange floors?

Charcoal grey please.

This tram is for colour-blind people with folding chairs - those of us with eyes or in need of a seat will have to look elsewhere for transport, alas.

[Tonsley213]

My first opinion is roomy & airy.

That's with no one in them.

The Bumblebee trams in Melbourne feel roomy & airy even when they are half full.

[BillD]

Hi everyone,

There are a few people coming from interstate hoping to travel on the Citadis tomorrow afternoon (Mon 28th).

It's unclear at this time whether there'll be any tickets left over for late-comers.

Many people were given five or more tickets. If you've collected more than you need, please bring any spares along just in case.

Thanks,
Bill.

[BillD]

Firstly, many thanks to all involved at Adelaide Metro and the DTEI for putting on the run.

Those enthusiasts I spoke to on the tram thought that it was a great success.

I enjoyed the ride, and the airconditioning seemed up to the task despite the 30 degree day and large passenger load.

A few photo's from me (click on each to enlarge)...

Approaching Brighton Rd - "Charter" on the desto


Loading in Moseley Square


About to leave Glenelg

[Xaragmata]

Nice pics, Bill. I didn't bother trying to get a ticket & went on 104 ahead of it:

[Port Adelaide Fan]

New tram running... briefly

THE first of Adelaide's six new Euro trams carried its first paying customers from Glenelg to Adelaide on Tuesday morning.

The Alstom Citadis tram rolled into service for the morning commuter peak, but has since returned to the Glengowrie depot to be used for driver training.

Two more of the French-built trams are undergoing final commissioning works at the Glengowrie depot to prepare them for service on Adelaide's tramline.

The remaining three are being modified in Melbourne and will arrive in Adelaide progressively from next month.

Were you one of the few paying customers to have a ride on the new tram this morning? Tell us what you think of it in the comment box below?

The trams were purchased from MINTRA, the local transport authority in the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Acting Premier Paul Holloway said it was exciting news for public transport.

"This is the first of six Euro trams that will increase TransAdelaide's modern tram fleet by 50 per cent," he said.

"These trams will provide a significant boost to tram customers, especially in the morning and afternoon peak periods.

"We are expecting to see all six of the Euro trams servicing the network in time for the opening of the $100 million tramline extension to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre."

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 01,00.html

[Will409]

Citadis 203 at Glenelg terminus, 28/12/2009.


Citadis 203 and Flexity 104 at City West terminus, 28/12/2009.


Citadis 203 profile shot at City West, 28/12/2009.


Well loaded interior of Citadis 203, 28/12/2009.


Builders plate on Citadis 203, 28/12/2009.


Citadis 203 being loaded with a number of tramway enthusiasts at Glenelg terminus, 28/12/2009.

[fkj]

IMO it looks just as small on the inside when it is loaded with passengers

[monotonehell]

IMO it looks just as small on the inside when it is loaded with passengers

Points at fkj's quote furiously

[Port Adelaide Fan]

First of six new trams on the lines

ADELAIDE'S new trams have been given the thumbs up by commuters who say they offer more space and comfort.

Running from Glenelg this morning and then as the city shuttle, the first of the new trams impressed passengers with the use of space and the working airconditioning, but they say the real test will come with weekday peak-hour trips when the festive season is over.

Commuters who spoke to The Advertiser said increased peak-hour trips would be better served by the increased standing space.

More doors allowed faster entry and exit and ticket machines were situated in the middle of the floor in front of doors.

One of the drawbacks was steps up to seats which some felt could cause issues for elderly and when school children were on board crowded services.

As for a smooth ride, most felt it was improved, although some felt the new tram was noisier than the old.

On the whole, the reaction was positive and people could actually see out the windows without looking through graffiti.

The Verdicts

PATRICK KENNY, Seacliff Park.

It's fantastic, longer and wider. They were made in France so the real test will be how they cope with the air conditioning when it's 40 degrees. I didn't notice much noise at all.

ENRICO VARRICCHIO, Glandore.

Too much noise. It is nice inside and looks like it has the same seating, it is smoother than the old ones but it is noisy, more noisy.

more http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 01,00.html

[monotonehell]

ADELAIDE'S new trams have been given the thumbs up by commuters who say they offer more space and comfort.

Points furiously at PAF's quote ... *hides*

[fabricator]

PAF missed the important part of that article (or AdelaideNow have updated it).

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 01,00.html

The new trams will initially be used as peak-hour sweepers - immediately following regular Bombardiers operating on the current timetable - to provide additional capacity.

They will be incorporated into a new timetable introduced once the tramline extension to the Entertainment Centre is opened in February or March.

I other words, not so easy to figure out when they run. Just loiter around the tram line around peak hour and hope for the best.

[metro]

ENRICO VARRICCHIO, Glandore.

Too much noise. It is nice inside and looks like it has the same seating, it is smoother than the old ones but it is noisy, more noisy.

Noisy?? WTF?

typical Adelaidian, just has to whinge about something.

[BillD]

Here are a couple more pic's from Citadis 203's first day in revenue service

First shuttle tram 8:25am 29/12/09 has left its siding and is moving on to the Up.


Shot of the driver's panel showing the view from one of the outside cameras