Global Transport Projects: New Trams, Rail Safety Tech, and Expanding Metro Networks Improving Urban Transit Systems: Know More About it
Explore the latest advancements in urban transport, from Prague's new trams to Chicago's rail safety tech.
Across the world, urban transportation systems are evolving with innovative technologies, new projects, and expanded operations aimed at improving service and connectivity for passengers. From the trial launch of new trams in Prague to advancements in rail safety in Chicago, here’s an overview of some of the latest developments in public transport.
Prague’s New ForCity Plus Trams Take to the Tracks
On June 20, Praha’s urban transport operator DPP kicked off a three-month trial of its new ForCity Plus 52T trams, supplied by Škoda Group. These trams are now operating on Route 12 between Sídliště Barrandov and Lehovec. The trial, which marks the first phase of testing for these trams, is designed to test their capabilities before full-scale deployment. These modern trams are expected to offer better comfort and efficiency, enhancing public transport in Prague’s busy urban corridors.
Angers Extends RATP Dev’s Contract to Run Tram and Bus Network
Loire Métropole has renewed RATP Dev’s contract to operate its Irigo tram and bus network until 2031 in Angers. RATP Dev has operated Angers’ multimodal transport network since 2019, and in 2023 helped launch two new tram lines. Ridership, which has increased by 26% and has exceeded 43 million journeys per year, has continued to rise, explained RATP Dev CEO Hiba Farès. It will seek to sustain passenger numbers while also focusing on care for the environment and minimising footprint, she added.
Chicago Transit Authority’s New Pilot Program for Track Safety
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in America will launch a pilot program that will employ Sensonic’s distributed acoustic sensing technology. Its deployment will utilize in-place optical fiber cables to automatically detect falls or intrusions on the tracks, and each sensor will have a potential reach of up to 75 km. It will seek to improve protection through more active detection capabilities and should improve overall CTA network reliability.
Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line Operations of Makkah
Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah metro line in Makkah, which operates solely during the Hajj pilgrimage, had a remarkable performance this June. Over seven days, the line completed 2,154 trips, carrying 1.87 million passengers. Despite challenging conditions, including extreme heat and large crowds, the CRRC team ensured smooth operations and provided a comfortable travel experience for the pilgrims, with each of the 12-car CRRC Changchun trains carrying up to 5,000 passengers per trip.
Hitachi Rail Secures New Taipei Train Control Systems Contract
Gamuda, which is the lead contractor on the New Taipei Xidong and Keelung lines, has contracted Hitachi Rail to deliver SelTrac communications-based train control and Alvea SCADA systems. State-of-the-art systems, they will deliver efficient and safe operations on the new lines, while providing commuters on Taiwan’s expanding urban network with better performance and reliability.
Plzeň Receives New Trams for Improved Service
In Plzeň, Škoda finished delivering 22 Type 40T trams to PMDP, which operates public transport in the city. New trams will likely improve and modernize local transport, offering more comfortable and environmentally friendly travel for citizens moving around the city.
Blackpool Heritage Trams to Re-open After Inspection
In Blackpool, there will be an independent study on the heritage trams to see if they are viable to operate. Familiar in the region, the trams will probably come back to service during the October school vacations, following proper renovations such as speed limiting technology and driver training. Stored at the Starr Gate depot, just as the current fleet, they will remain in service for people.
Main Benefits of New Transport Projects
Improved Efficiency: New trams and train systems in Prague, Angers, and New Taipei aim to offer faster, more reliable services, enhancing the overall commuter experience.
Greater Safety: Installation of Sensonic’s acoustic sensing technology by Chicago constitutes a big leap toward safer tracks, decreasing mishaps by detecting obstructions and intrusions beforehand, preventing them from causing disruptions.
Environmental Impact: Operators like RATP Dev in Angers are focusing on sustainability by enhancing the environmental friendliness of their networks, encouraging eco-conscious travel options for their passengers.
Cultural & Religious Importance: The Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah metro line in Makkah continues to facilitate the mass transit requirements of millions of pilgrims during the Hajj, ensuring their protection and convenience throughout this significant event.
Conclusion
Recent urban transport initiatives globally reflect greater investment in improving efficiency, security, and sustainability in public transport networks. From unveiling new, high-tech trams in Prague and Plzeň, to Chicago’s most modern rail safety technologies, such moves are not only modernizing transport networks, but are also increasing passenger satisfaction. Angers and New Taipei are also setting the stage for better connectivity through advanced train control systems, while Makkah’s metro line continues to play a key part in facilitating during the Hajj pilgrimage.
As cities across the globe invest more in cleaner, more efficient, and safer modes of transport, riders can look forward to smoother, faster, and safer trips. It could be a cool climate tram in Prague, improved track security in Chicago, or better commuter services in New Taipei. Whatever it is, public transport’s future has never looked brighter. These breakthroughs are paving the way towards a more efficient, more sustainable, and more passenger-centric international transit network.
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