by A tram, or streetcar, is a rail vehicle that runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. Trams operate within cities and towns to transport passengers over short to medium distances. The first horse-drawn streetcar appeared in the 1830s in England and Scotland, while the first electric streetcars were introduced in Germany and the United States in the 1880s and 1890s. Today trams provide an important public transportation role in many cities around the world.
Advantages of Trams over Other Modes of Transportation
Trams have several advantages compared to other transportation modes like buses, subways, and personal automobiles:
Environmental Benefits
Trams produce significantly lower carbon emissions than buses or personal automobiles since they run primarily on electric power. They can carry more passengers than buses, meaning fewer vehicles are needed on the road to transport the same number of people. This reduces congestion and air pollution in cities. Tram Systems also use electricity more efficiently than buses or cars. Some tram systems are powered entirely by renewable energy sources like hydroelectric or solar power.
Higher Capacity than Buses
Trams have a much higher capacity than standard buses, typically carrying up to 250-300 passengers compared to around 80 for a full-size bus. This allows trams to move more people with fewer vehicles. The per-passenger energy use is also lower since trams don’t have to carry as much weight per person as buses.
Lower Infrastructure Costs than Subways
While trams have higher infrastructure costs than buses which use existing roadways, building surface tram lines is significantly cheaper than tunneling for underground subways. Trams avoid expensive underground tunneling and deep stations that must deal with issues like ventilation, waterproofing, and earth pressures.
Improve Transit Accessibility
Trams increase the accessibility of public transportation compared to buses which often get stuck in traffic congestion. Their dedicated rail alignments allow for more dependable schedules. Tram Systems also interface better than buses with pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks due to their ground-level boarding.
Economic Development Impact
Trams have been shown to promote transit-oriented development and spark new investment close to station areas due to improved accessibility. Businesses benefit from increased foot traffic near tram stops. Property values also typically rise near high-quality tram corridors.
Examples of Modern Tram Systems Around the World
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has an extensive modern tram network that is integrated into the urban fabric of the city. Over 250 trams carry over 200 million passengers annually on over 250km of track. Melbourne’s iconic “W-Class” and “Z-Class” trams are internationally recognized symbols of the city. The success of Melbourne’s trams shows how they can effectively move large numbers of people in the inner urban core.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s trams are part of an integrated public transportation system that includes the metro, S-Trains, and bikes. Over 30 million passenger trips are taken annually on Copenhagen’s 58 trams operating on approximately 28 miles of dedicated track. The system connects many areas not served by the metro and S-train lines, like the waterfront areas and harbors. Ridership has increased substantially since trams were reintroduced in the early 2000s after being discontinued in the 1950s.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s well-developed tram network is extensive at over 100 miles of track and is continuously expanding into new areas. Over 250 modern trams carry around 300 million passengers yearly. The 12 tram lines constitute the backbone of Zurich’s public transportation system and account for a significant portion of trips taken. Many lines achieve headways under 5 minutes during peak times and frequent service all day helps keep car use low.
Seattle, United States
Seattle operates a growing modern streetcar system called Sound Transit Link Light Rail that connects downtown to neighboring cities. Ridership has exceeded projections since the South Lake Union line opened in 2007, demonstrating that trams can succeed in the US. Seattle has continued expanding the network, with planned extensions that will connect more neighborhoods and activity centers while boosting access to the regional high-capacity commuter rail system.
Types of Modern Trams
Low-Floor Trams
Low-floor trams that have their entire floor at curb height have become the standard for modern systems worldwide. This allows for faster boarding and alighting compared to high-floored trams that require steps. Low floors benefit elderly, disabled, and parents with strollers the most. Platform-edge doors also increase safety and boarding speed.
Longer Trams
Many cities operate longer articulated trams with multiple connected segments capable of carrying 200+ passengers each. Lengths range from 30 to 60 meters and up to three sections connected. Longer trams allow for greater capacity with fewer vehicles on the tracks. However they require specialized overhead wiring.
Heritage Trams
Some cities like Lisbon and San Francisco have retained heritage fleets of older styled trams for their historic value and tourism appeal. While picturesque, heritage trams have higher operating costs and lower capacities than modern designs. But they contribute to the unique character of these cities.
Future of the Tram
As climate change awareness increases worldwide, cities are looking for sustainable transportation options to replace fossil-fueled personal vehicles. Tram Systems appeal as an emissions-free mass transit solution utilizing existing electric grid infrastructure. Their higher capacities also ease overcrowding concerns as urban populations grow densely. Many cities are pursuing tram expansion projects to improve mobility and connectivity across their urban cores. Advances in sensor technologies may enable autonomous operation in dedicated alignments to further boost efficiencies. With their demonstrated environmental and economic development benefits, trams will likely remain an indispensable part of sustainable urban transit networks for decades to come.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
