Re: Re: 3 to go?
  Mal Rowe

On 25/04/2019 11:58, Prescott wrote:
> It's hard to know what they mean by "next generation tram". Perhaps they mean that Chinese trackless bus! The E is the current design most-adopted for systems requiring trams with swivelling bogies and is available from most of the major manufacturers. The Skoda 15T would be a better tram (not least for having a full complement of six doors and a wider aisle), but otherwise I can't see any design issue with the E that's been superceded by newer designs. There aren't any, nor is there any sign of further signficant development in basic low-floor tram design - where there is now a stable range of design options - anywhere on the horizon. Maybe it's no more than political waffle.


I think the latter Tony.  See attached pic showing the slogan as applied to the first 10 of the E class.

There are a few rumours in circulation:

One is that the next trams will be smaller - suitable for the lower density passenger loadings in the south east where tram routes are closely spaced and cross various train lines offering a faster ride to the CBD ... and able to fit in the existing depots.

Another is that Essendon will get the next tranche of E class trams (drivers are being trained).  The loadings justify that, but depot space is a problem.  Yarra have announced that they will build extra space at Brunswick Depot (see attached extract from "The Wire"), although that's not obviously urgent in terms of capacity there.  One guess (and it's no more than that) would be that Brunswick could take full responsibility for route 6 and Malvern take full responsibility for route 58.  That would free up some space at Essendon Depot.

Mal Rowe - who would be quite happy to have some Es on his local route

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6004 SpringSt 3Sep2018  |  1650W x 1025H  | 503.01 KB |  Photo details
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Brunswick depot TheWire  |  1492W x 785H  | 196.52 KB |