For the implementation of track-sharing and dual-mode
tramtrain systems the operators have invest into the infrastructure.
But this investment is clearly smaller than for the implemetation
of new railbound public transport network.
- To connect the track systems of heavy and light rail system change overs are needed.
- At a
system change over the vehicles change their power supply from AC to DC
automatically and the operation guideline changes from BOStrab to EBO.
This includes a transfer of the accountability of the train run from
the train operator to the movements inspector of the heavy railway
network operator.
- The
different guidelines BOStrab and EBO require two different trainings of
the driving employees, because of different signalling of the
infrastructure and different information systems on board of the
vehicles.
- In
case of the reactivation of existing non-electrified
railway infrastructure for public transport services, Karlsruhe's
public transport operater AVG electrified the railway lines. By
using electric drive the trains get a clearly bigger acceleration and
brake decelaration than by using diesel engines. By
this delays caused by a lot of stops can be compensate. The
attractiveness of the public transport network increases for possible
riders.
- The compatibility of the track gauges is the most
important factor for the posibility to implement a track-sharing
network for light and heavy rail. If the existing infrastructure shows
different track gauges the shared tracks must be build as three-track
or four-track-bodys. This requires a big amount of investment
capital (e.g. Zwickau).
During a new or a re-implementation of a tramway network this can be
developed from the beginning in accordance with the track gauge of the
existing heavy railway infrastructure (e.g. Saarbrucken).
- Smaller
turning radii according to the German light rail guideline BOStrab
(about 25 m) than following the heavy rail guideline EBO (not less
than 180 m)
require complex technical modifications of the vehicles.During a new or a re-implementation of a tramway network ,with sufficient available space, the inner-city routes can be
equiped with clearly wider turning radii. This will reduce the costs for the track-sharing vehicles.
