LIGHT RAIL
Montpellier tram
Davy Gay, Egis Rail project manager, discusses the successful Montpellier tram scheme in France and its recent extension.
In
the space of 12 years the Greater Montpellier Authority (L’Agglomération
de Montpellier) has developed one of the most inter-linked and most heavily-used tram networks in France (over 300,000 passenger journeys/day), with new lines being brought into service at a rapid pace: since 2000, one every six years.
Sustainable development
It is in this context that the Egis Group was involved in designing the network, with over 800,000 hours of engineering work carried out on the Montpellier tram system, by taking on all aspects of the project management role (except for rolling stock) to deliver four lines (almost 60km of tramway), including two new lines that were opened simultaneously on 7 April 2012.
By ensuring that areas of the city were connected, an approach which was based on the premise of sustainable development by
utilising all modes of transport (especially ‘environmentally friendly’ ones), this meant that the tramway was fully supported by residents as a solution to their everyday transport needs.
Innovation was the main focus at all stages in the project, particularly in meeting the challenges involved in creating this integrated network, along which trams with specially- designed and eye-catching paintwork run.
A multi-disciplinary approach Cross-discipline working
Line 4, which encircles the city centre, is connected to the other three lines and required a multi-disciplinary approach (urban development, operation, safety, railway signalling, etc.) to resolve complex operating problems.
Engineering-led innovation and added value
Engineering-led innovations and input have been crucial in this context, which involved ensuring the safe movement of 120 trams passing in front of the main railway station, during the rush hour period.
The following principle was selected: ‘give way to the
128 | rail technology magazine Aug/Sep 12
This modification, which was a fundamental key element for the operating system at the station, was accepted in January 2011. Following this, studies were carried out from January to June 2011, with the operator TaM, the Forclum Energie-Forclum Ingenierie consortium (railway signalling) and government departments, STRMTG (Service Technique des Remontées Mécaniques et Transports Guidés), which is the Technical Department for Mountain Lifts and Track- Guided Transport Systems, and CERTIFER (Experts ou Organismes de Contrôles Agréés), which is the Certified Inspection Experts and Entities.
The new system was deployed in August 2011, which allowed for six months of testing prior to lines 3 and 4 being put into service.
right’ when running in ‘line-of-sight’ driving mode. This innovative approach required a rethinking of the railway signalling system that was previously used, whilst at the same time guaranteeing the same level of safety.
Conventional railway-type signals were replaced as a result of this change and new signage was created for drivers, which was designed specifically for Montpellier. The result is a completely new technical and architectural type of signal.
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