Think of it as a much more affordable--not to mention environmentally friendly--alternative to light-rail systems. Minitrams can traverse roadways like buses but can also follow dedicated alignments and travel through pedestrian areas utilizing concealed wire guidance. What's more, their compact size makes them a good fit for park-and-ride applications, exhibition and large shopping centers, shuttle services and town centers. These small, electrically powered vehicles can be bi-directional like conventional trams, but they eliminate the need for costly overhead wires or electrified rails.

Transport Design International, Ltd. (TDI), Warwickshire, UK, designed and built a Minitram Public Transport System. So far, the firm has exhibited a working model at RAILTEX in Birmingham, UK. Additionally, they have conducted the requisite one-year certification process on the vehicle to ready it for commercialization. According to company representatives, installation is relatively inexpensive--a complete Minitram system, including vehicles and infrastructure, costs an estimated $1.8 million per kilometer, about 10% of the cost of building a conventional light rail or tram system.

Additionally, the four-wheel steered Minitram offers level passenger boarding--a huge benefit to operators and local authorities who have to contend with strict access requirements. It also comes equipped with a guidance system that enables precise steering along narrow passageways in applications where tracks would be impractical. Dubbed Safeguide, this electronic guidance system automatically wrests control from the primary system in the event of an emergency. This approach marks a huge departure from previous forms of electronic guidance, which leave it up to the driver to take evasive action.

Throughout the development process, TDI utilized design software from VX Corporation, Palm Bay, Florida. The VX CAD (computer aided design) system has enabled the development of several vehicle variations, including zero emission drive systems, wire guided steering, and electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered options. What's more, the minitrams are available in multiple sizes, ranging from 20- to 90-passenger cars. "TDI's Minitram Public Transport System is going to be in the public eye in towns and cities throughout the UK and Europe," says Ian Mason, director of Informed Data Systems, the UK distributor for VX.

Source:

Green Tram Rolls on CAD/CAM
Richard Mandel & Stephanie Gooch
Manufacturing Center, March 2005
www.manufacturingcenter.com/dfx/archives/0305/0305green_tram.asp