Plans for Coventry driverless light railway

[OwlMan]

Plans for a driverless £6m light railway project for Coventry have been revealed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-41426029

Plans for a driverless £6m light railway project for Coventry have been revealed.

The scheme would use battery-operated vehicles to link locations in and around the city, potentially including the HS2 station in Solihull.

The city's council said the "world-class" railway would be funded by government money, subject to the business case being approved.

The first demonstrator vehicle would be ready for testing by spring 2019.

The plans have been developed by researchers at the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).

They said the aim was to make the vehicles cheaper, quieter and more environmentally friendly than anything currently available.
Image copyright University of Warwick
Image caption The designers hope the vehicles could be made in the Midlands

Dr Nick Mallinson, from WMG, said he hoped the vehicles would be made in the Midlands, to save on the cost of importing them.

"The whole focus is on reducing the cost of the system, so cities the size of Coventry can have their own tram-type transport without facing the costs cities like Birmingham have faced," he said.

The vehicles would operate without a driver which, the university said, would mean more frequent services.
'Unique to Coventry'

The project would, subject to approval, be funded by government money as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority deal.

Jim O'Boyle, cabinet member for regeneration at the city council, said the authority had been working on the project for "quite a while".

He said phase one of the project would probably link from Coventry to the University of Warwick and the Jaguar Land Rover site, while a future phase could link the city to the HS2 line.

"We wanted something world-class and we believe we can come up with something unique to Coventry," he said.

"We have the expertise to build and manufacture it here in this region."

 

[rebmcr]

A phrase springs to mind... "If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't."

 

[AlterEgo]

Is this being backed by Lyle Lanley from the Simpsons?

 

[takno]

Bit misleading. re https://coventryobserver.co.uk/news...ess-light-rail-people-mover-in-coventry-2521/ :

They have unveiled today details of a £6m research and development project to ‘connect the city using state-of-the-art, lightweight, battery-operated, driverless rail vehicles on a low cost track, which will be designed and built in UK.’

So that's £6m for R&D into how they're going to build an ultra-light tram which can operate driverless in shared space. If going ultra-light saves moving utilities then conceivably it could make a serious dent on the costs of shared road running, but you're probably still looking at 100x that 6m to actually build the network they're suggesting.

 

[gordonthemoron]

what HS2 station in Solihull?

 

[takno]

what HS2 station in Solihull?

I assume it's talking about Birmingham Interchange

 

[OwlMan]

Update from Coventry Telegraph
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventrys-trams-could-travel-13749764
This is where Coventry's trams could travel to

Councillor Jim O’Boyle believes the Very Light Rail (VLR) electric tram system being developed by WMG at the University of Warwick is a realistic and deliverable project
If trams return to Coventry’s streets the network could link the city centre with the University of Warwick, Jaguar Land Rover at Whitley and ultimately the HS2 terminal at the NEC.
University Hospital Coventry in Walsgrave is also being considered as a possible destination.
That is the ambitious vision of Coventry City Council cabinet member Cllr Jim O’Boyle.
Councillor O’Boyle believes the Very Light Rail (VLR) electric tram system being developed by WMG at the University of Warwick is a realistic and deliverable project.
He says linking it to the HS2 terminal being built by the NEC and Birmingham Airport would give it a strong funding case, given the Government cash that is available for transport projects linked to the high speed rail scheme.
However, given the timetable for HS2, Cllr O’Boyle said it is likely the tram system would initially operate between Coventry city centre and either the University of Warwick or Jaguar Land Rover’s growing operation at Whitley.
The system, which would see trams return to Coventry for the first time since 1940, would in all likelihood be based out of a central hub as part of the ongoing Coventry Railway Station Masterplan.
Read MoreTrams could soon be back on Coventry's streets for first time since World War Two
Cllr O’Boyle said: “The original idea around this would be as part of the Coventry Railway Station Masterplan.
“That would be the hub, or terminus for this particular system.”
Cllr O’Boyle believes the first route could be to either the University of Warwick or Whitley.
“I have spoken to the university about this and clearly they have got an interest,” he said.
“A lot of students come in to the city on the train or bus, so it makes a lot of sense having the university linked up with it. And of course WMG are developing the system too, which strengthens the case further.
“Jaguar Land Rover up at Whitley have already sent me a letter saying they are interested.
“They already have to bus people in, haven’t got enough car parking space and they are expanding.
“If we can develop an alternative world-class public transport system then clearly they are going to be interested.”


University Hospital Coventry in Walsgave is also a destination Cllr O’Boyle has in his sights.
“People have mentioned the hospital as well,” he added.
“It is almost like a little city all on its own.”
The HS2 link-up is probably more of a long-term aim but a vital one, according to Cllr O’Boyle.
He said: “It needs to link up to HS2, that is perhaps the point of this and that is how it fits in to the wider connectivity as part of the overall region.
“We want that connectivity from here to there and more importantly from there to here.”
The VLR system is being developed as part of a WMG research project.
A West Midlands Combined Authority grant of £2.5m has already been secured to develop a prototype vehicle, which be tested at a special facility in Dudley.
The system would be powered by battery technology being developed at WMG and use special lightweight tracks.

 

[OwlMan]

Councillor OBoyle has been speaking again about his pet project - I still doubt anything will happen.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventrys-trams-could-cost-just-13800769
Coventry's trams could cost just a tenth of Birmingham's

It has been claimed the first route could be delivered for as little as £42m
Trams could return to Coventry’s streets for the first time since 1940 at a fraction of the cost of systems in other cities.
The councillor who is pushing for the ambitious plan to become a reality believes the first route could be delivered for as little as £42m - compared to a cost of £150m per mile for the Midland Metro system in Birmingham.
One of the proposed routes would link Coventry railway station to the HS2 terminal at the NEC near Birmingham Airport.
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration on Coventry City Council, admits a lot of hurdles have to be overcome for the Very Light Rail (VLR) project to come to fruition but believes the cost is a strong point in its favour.
He said: “It is too early to be exact but overall to deliver a first route would be in the region of £42m.
“Compare that to Birmingham’s tram costing £150m per mile.
“Overall, once you extend VLR it is reasonable to say it will be about ten times cheaper than Birmingham’s tram.”
As to why it would be so much cheaper, there are a number of reasons, largely connected to the technology and infrastructure.
The system would be powered by battery technology being developed at WMG at the University of Warwick and use special lightweight tracks.
The system is also based on proven technology in the car industry and the track used would be easy to both install and move.
The project is currently at the research and development stage, having received a grant from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), but Cllr O’Boyle believes it could move along swiftly.
“We have mapped out Coventry to look at what the ground itself is like and what civil engineering would be needed,” he said.
“This should be fairly minimal, due to a revolutionary design for track which is easy to lay and easy to lift for maintenance.
“This can be used on existing surfaces be it roads, pavements or soft ground if need be.”
Cllr O’Boyle added: “It is a scheme I am passionate about but recognise the challenges ahead.”
A pre-design for the carriage car has already been completed at WMG.
The next stage is for that to be turned into a demonstrator vehicle, which would be tested at a special facility in Dudley.
Cllr O’Boyle said the project is still subject to a strong business case being made to the WMCA, with a view to accessing cash as part of the region’s devolution deal.
Speaking to the Telegraph previously, Cllr O’Boyle said linking the VLR system from Friargate to the HS2 terminal being built by the NEC and Birmingham Airport would give it a strong funding case, given that Government cash is available for transport projects linked to the high speed rail scheme.
However, given the timetable for HS2, Cllr O’Boyle said it is likely the tram system would initially operate between Coventry city centre and either the University of Warwick or Jaguar Land Rover’s growing operation at Whitley.

 

[AngusH]

I suspect that it is related to this:

https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/research/hvmcatapult/research/rail/vlr/

The abbreviations and basic outline seem to match.

The people and organisations involved seem serious though, so there may be more to it than a first glance suggests...

Also:
http://www.verylightrail.com

 

[Ianno87]

What's wrong with the existing railway line from Coventry to link to HS2 at Birmingham Interchange? Very Light Rail would be a slow way of making the same journey...

However, trams on a North East-City-South West axis through Coventry wouldn't be a terrible idea...

 

[daikilo]

A phrase springs to mind... "If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't."

Surely the saying is "if something appears too good to be true, it probably is".

Anyway, 6 million won't even pay for the study!

 

[rebmcr]

Surely the saying is "if something appears too good to be true, it probably is".

I chose "isn't true" rather than "is too good to be", but either are a bit ambiguous. :/

 

[MarkWi72]

It needs an extension of the Midland Metro, but having spoken to the Cabinet Member for Transport on Solihull Council , I do not hold out much hope I'm afraid.

 

[TrainfanBen]

Living in Coventry I can say that as exciting as a project like this is I don't expect it to come to fruition. Could however be cheaper than a conventional tramway.

 

[OverSpeed]

Living in Coventry I can say that as exciting as a project like this is I don't expect it to come to fruition. Could however be cheaper than a conventional tramway.

I thought there were plans to eventually extend the proposed Birmingham city center to Birmingham international Tram route eventually along the A45 corridor then onto coventry?

 

[TrainfanBen]

I thought there were plans to eventually extend the proposed Birmingham city center to Birmingham international Tram route eventually along the A45 corridor then onto coventry?

I believe Coventry is just speculation.

The final extension currently planned to be delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance will see the route from the Birmingham Eastside Extensionextended further eastwards by 17km to serve Solihull and terminate at the High Speed 2 (HS2) interchange station, allowing passenger access by tram to the airport, National Exhibition Centre and Genting Arena when open for passenger service in 2026.

Currently TfWM are planning to extend to Birmingham Interchange. Anything further is unplanned and would be a seperate project if it ever materialises.

 

[OwlMan]

from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-42745007

Rail link planned in time for Coventry city of culture
Plans are in place for Coventry to have a new light railway when it becomes the UK's City of Culture in 2021.
The battery-operated, driverless vehicles would shuttle visitors between the railway station and the cultural attractions in the city centre.
The project is part of a £12m agreement between the city council and the University of Warwick, which is developing a rail link for Coventry.
The council described the project as "completely unique".
'Environmentally friendly'
The free-to-use city of culture service would be a temporary link ahead of a permanent shuttle being installed in the city.
The plans have been developed by researchers at the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), backed by £12m funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
"The city of culture title has prompted the council to think they ought to get something up and running," said Dr Nick Mallinson from WMG, who initiated the project.
"We plan to run an exhibition track that can carry passengers between the railway station and Bull Yard, in the city centre, in time for 2021."
It is hoped the project will result in a permanent transport scheme for Coventry that is more affordable than traditional trams.
"We are currently in the process of procuring industrial partners to develop the shuttle vehicle and the track," said Dr Mallinson.
If successful, it is hoped other cities would copy the scheme.
Jim O'Boyle, cabinet member for regeneration at Coventry City Council, said: "We are hoping to have a first demonstrator for the city of culture but there is a lot of work to be done.
"The idea is completely unique, it's innovative. There's nothing like it anywhere in the world.
"We will need to adhere to the highest possible standards to make sure it is safe. But where there's a will, there's a way.

The designers hope the vehicles will be cheaper and environmentally friendly than traditional trams

Coventry hopes to have a demonstration vehicle available to shuttle visitors when it takes on the City of Culture title

(edited to include quote tags)

 

[OwlMan]

Update in local paper today a contract has been awarded to Transport Design International, which is based at Clifford Chambers in Stratford-upon-Avon, to create a vehicle

Coventry's answer to a tram system has taken a step closer to construction. The project remains right on track after a transport specialist firm were awarded a contract to work on the scheme.
When trams do return to Coventry’s streets, the network could link the city centre with the University of Warwick, Jaguar Land Rover at Whitley and ultimately the HS2 terminal at the NEC.
University Hospital Coventry in Walsgrave is also being considered as a possible destination.
Transport Design International, which is based at Clifford Chambers in Stratford-upon-Avon, has won a tender to create a state-of-the-art, lightweight, battery-operated, rail-guided vehicle which will ultimately be capable of operating without a driver.
They will work with WMG, part of University of Warwick, to design and construct an innovative very light rail vehicle which will be part of a new transport solution for Coventry.
Councillor O’Boyle believes the Very Light Rail (VLR) electric tram system being developed by WMG at the University of Warwick is a realistic and deliverable project.
He said back in October last year, that linking it to the HS2 terminal being built by the NEC and Birmingham Airport would give it a strong funding case given the Government cash that is available for transport projects linked to the high speed rail scheme.
However, given the timetable for HS2, Cllr O’Boyle said it is likely the tram system would initially operate between Coventry city centre and either the University of Warwick or Jaguar Land Rover’s growing operation at Whitley.
The system, which would see trams return to Coventry for the first time since 1940, would in all likelihood be based out of a central hub as part of the ongoing Coventry Railway Station Masterplan.
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration at Coventry City Council and CWLEP board director, said this was an exciting step forward in bringing innovative transport to the city.
He said: “This is a really important milestone in the development of a very light railway system in Coventry and we are delighted that WMG has appointed Transport Design International to design and build a completely new rail vehicle for Coventry.
"Battery technology is evolving all the time and creating a new very light rail system in Coventry will be a world-first.
"Routes will be considered, and since overhead cables won’t be needed, the light railway will be low-cost, quiet and environmentally-friendly.
"When I came up with the idea, it wasn't just a system I was thinking of but the potential to design and build it here in the local area.
"This is a great first step in that ambition."
Trams are returning to Coventry’s streets for the first time since 1940 at a fraction of the cost of systems in other cities.
Cllr Jim O'Boyle, who is pushing for the ambitious plan to become a reality, believes the first route could be delivered for as little as £42m - compared to a cost of £150m per mile for the Midland Metro system in Birmingham.
One of the proposed routes would link Coventry railway station to the HS2 terminal at the NEC near Birmingham Airport.
Cllr O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration on Coventry City Council , admits a lot of hurdles have to be overcome for the Very Light Rail (VLR) project to come to fruition but believes the cost is a strong point in its favour.
The project, funded by the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and the West Midlands Combined Authority Devolution Deal, is being managed by researchers from WMG at the University of Warwick in collaboration between Coventry City Council and Transport for West Midlands.
A total of £12.2 million has been secured from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Devolution Deal funding to undertake the research and development required to prove the VLR concept.
In addition, the WMCA has allocated specialist resource from Transport for West Midlands to provide technical support, advice and guidance to the project team as the scheme develops.
Monica Fogarty, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Transport and Infrastructure Business Group, and joint managing director of Warwickshire County Council, said this once again emphasised the area’s reputation for being pioneers in transport technology.
She said: “Transport Design International has gained international recognition for their expertise in the very light rail sector because of their vast experience in working with partners to design and supply revolutionary transport systems,” she said.
The Local Growth Fund has contributed £2.46 million towards phase one of the research and design of the prototype of the battery-powered, self-propelled trains.
This will be a great opportunity to attract further jobs and investment to Coventry and Warwickshire.”
The VLR system will be compatible with Midland Metro and the Council will work collaboratively with TfWM to ensure operating systems, branding and information are consistent across the West Midlands.
The prototype vehicle will be capable of carrying 20 seated passengers and a maximum of 70 including standees.
It will be tested at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley before a permanent tracked route is installed across Coventry and a fleet of vehicles manufactured.
Constructing a Very Light Railway will create a world of opportunities for Coventry, and the latest technology developed by the automotive sector.
James Meredith, very light rail project manager at WMG, said: “This is a great opportunity to bring the latest technology developed by the automotive sector in materials, batteries and electric propulsion to deliver an affordable railway for Coventry.”
Martin Pemberton, Managing Director of Transport Design International, added: “As champions of sustainable, lightweight transport solutions, the TDI team is very proud to have been selected to undertake this exciting, flagship project for Coventry.
"We look forward to working closely with the City Council and WMG to bring their aspirations to reality.”

see https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventrys-trams-take-exciting-step-14787772 for full article