The replacement of 78 trams has been put out to tender by Amsterdam’s public transport company GVB in the first phase of a major fleet renewal programme. The new trams as options to replace ageing stock from the 1990s, that will soon reach the end of its useful life. The act is part of the city’s goal to update its public transportation infrastructure to ensure it is a sustainable, effective, and available means of transportation for everyone living and visiting there.
GVB has announced that it is also planning a pilot project for driverless trams in the city, as part of acquiring new trams. Together, these programs are advancing Amsterdam’s charge to stay on the cutting edge of technological advancements in public transportation, creating a smarter, connected and more efficient transit system.
Fleet Replacement to Address Aging Trams
The crucial tram system of Amsterdam – the work horse of the public transport system in Amsterdam – is getting an overdue upgrade. City-owned tram operator GVB has launched the tender for a potential 78 new trams. The new trams will replace older trams which have been running for decades and are coming towards the end of their operational lives.
The new light rails will be environmentally friendly, energy conserving, modern and make the passengers comfortable during their journey. The upgrade of the tram fleet reflects the skyrocketing need for high-quality and dependable public transport services in the city: as Amsterdam’s population continues to grow and tourism numbers swell, the fleet must expand with it.
GVB’s intentions fit within wider environmental targets for the city of Amsterdam, which is also seeking to lower its carbon emissions and increase ways to navigate the urban environment. The new trams would be “green trams” that the city is known for, and it will maintain the city’s reputation as being one of the world’s greenest cities.
Introducing Autonomous Tram Operations in Amsterdam
Perhaps the next innovation, in which GVB also announced it’s to trial, is autonomous tram operation. The project is to investigate the new possibilities with driverless technology in public transportation, first and foremost as a complement to today’s services.
Some tramlines in Amsterdam will be used to test how well these trams function, and to what extent they are suitable for actual real-life use. The project is the latest example of how autonomous vehicles are becoming adopted by the each of the world’s public transport systems. If successful, driverless trams could bring a number of advantages, from improved efficiency and fewer staffing costs, to improved safety.
GVB will monitor the pilot project and work with technology partners and local authorities to test the vehicles for safety and dependability for passengers. The project will be additionally be accompanied by public consultations and feedback to respond to any fears by grouses from the local community.
Benefits of Autonomous Trams
Driverless trams may be the future of public transport in Amsterdam. A stronger operating economy is one of the main advantages from the implementation of autonomous cars. It is hoped the autonomous trams will hit the brakes on human error and make traffic flow better and therefore speed up passengers’ journey times and make trams run more frequently.
Next to the operational advantages, independent trams could also result in major savings in costs for GVB. With no driver overheads, the operator could slash the price of the service and invest that saving in even more public transport – or even subsidise fares.
Autonomous cars could also make traveling safer. In the era of advanced sensors and control systems, self-driving trams can react faster and more precisely to hazards to avoid collisions. This technology could contribute to making Amsterdam’s tram system safer for passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
Also it is the power to run trams more economically during the off hours. Finally, with the trams being autonomous, there could be a far more flexible and responsive schedule, with schedules adjusted according to demand, which could help to maximize the use of resources, while also reducing wait times for riders.
The Future of Public Transport in Amsterdam
The fleet renewal and trial of autonomous tram are part of a wider strategy of reimagining Amsterdam’s public transportation network. The city of Manchester has always been at the forefront of sustainable transport, and this shows by these projects commitment to be up there with the best in cutting edge transport developments for urban living.
The new trams will offer a high quality travelling environment, with lighter, more comfortable and more energy-efficient trams. Duplication The future-proofing of vehicles may lay the foundations for a tram network that is more flexible, better utilised and less expensive to operate – securing Amsterdam’s status as a world leader in green, urban transport.
These moves are also in line with the city’s broader plans for the future of public transport: cleaner roads, cleaner air, sustainable transport. The commitment to autonomy, in particular, typifies a city that’s ahead of the curve when it comes to facing head-on the future challenges of mounting urbanization and demand for quick, effective transport solutions.
Conclusion
Amsterdam replacing its tram fleet and trialling the first driverless trams will be a strong demonstration of its commitment to enhancing its public transport system. By replacing as many as 78 trams, we make the tram network of the city modern, reliable and sustainable, and thanks to the autonomous pilot project, urban transport in Amsterdam could be changed for good. This portfolio of work is a major step change in the city’s approach to delivering a transport infrastructure that is resilient, responsive and environmentally friendly for residents and visitors.
(Source: GVB official website and City of Amsterdam Public Transport Portal)
The post Amsterdam now to Replace 78 Trams and Launch Autonomous Operation Pilot Scheme appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
