Trams that could run without wires in city
Talks are taking place over the introduction of wire-free hydrogen trams to Bath
Bath Area Trams Association (BATA) says it is in detailed discussions with USA transportation system manufacturer TIG/M and consultants Tenbroeke Engineering over the project.
TIG/M could supply, install and operate a tram system that is free of overhead wires and can climb all the hills and negotiate Bath’s narrow streets. Dependent on a future study, it is proposed that TIG/M would carry out the design and build and then operate the system.
Some 11 lines have been surveyed by the city trams association and a study found that at least four of them were likely to be viable.
Similar new tram plans have been produced by the TFGB Transport Forum for Greater Bristol, along with eight other UK cities.
David Andrews, chair of BATA, said: “The wire-free tram could be ideal for Bath where some heritage groups have naturally questioned the suitability of overhead wires; because the tram is considerably lighter than a conventional tram the 12-inch deep concrete on which the tracks are laid will protect the vulnerable Bath vaults from any further damage from heavy road vehicles.”
He also said that overhead wires are normal and acceptable in many heritage cities such as near Rome’s Colosseum or attached to Vienna’s Grand Opera House.
Mr Andrews added: “We face exciting times within the transport world with the realisation that trams form a great back-bone to any integrated transport plan including buses.
“We are very pleased to see that our close liaison with both regional authority Weca – West of England Combined Authority – and Bath & North East Somerset Council is paying off.”