C-class Melbourne tram

C-class
C3017 at St Vincent's Plaza on route 109
in January 2008
Manufacturer Alstom
Assembly La Rochelle
Constructed 2001/02
Number in service 36
Fleet numbers C3001-C3036
Capacity 40 (Seated)
110 (Standing)
Depot(s) Kew
Specifications
Train length 22.98 m (75 ft 5 in)
Width 2.65 m (8 ft 8 in)
Height 3.36 m (11 ft 0 in)
Doors 6 (three per side)
Articulated sections 3 (two articulations)
Wheelbase 1,850 mm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight 28.6 t (28.1 long tons; 31.5 short tons)
Traction motors 4 × 115 kW (154 hp)
Electric system(s) 600 V DC Catenary
Current collection method Pantograph
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The C-class Melbourne tram is a fleet of three-section Alstom Citadis 202 trams built in La Rochelle, France that operate on the Melbourne tram network. They were the first low-floor trams in Melbourne, being delivered in 2001/02.

History

To meet a franchise commitment to introduce new trams to replace Z-class trams, 36 three-section Alstom Citadis 202 low-floor trams were purchased by Yarra Trams.[1][2][3] They were the first low-floor trams in Melbourne, and the first tram imported for the Melbourne tram system since the 1920s.[4][5][6][7]

The design was adapted by Alstom for local conditions,[8] with the first four trams arriving at Webb Dock on 10 August 2001. Following fit-out and testing at Preston Workshops, they entered service on 12 October 2001. The last arrived on 25 June 2002 and entered service on 30 August 2002. All C1-class trams initially operated on route 109.[6][9]

Criticisms

The Citadis trams have been criticised by the Australian Rail Tram & Bus Industry Union (RTBU), who claim they have operational problems, including injuries to the drivers relating to design. There were concerns raised in 2011 regarding the external cameras fitted to the trams. Despite Yarra Trams replacing the cameras a number of times, there were visibility issues at night and in high glare situations. These problems had been solved by July 2012.[10][11][12]

They have also been described by the RTBU as "cheap as chips", following allegations that swaying and lateral forces at "speeds above 25 km/h" were causing driver injuries. Yarra Trams responded by stating that they were addressing the issue by offering drivers lumbar support, and that track renewal had improved ride quality, reducing sway, while Yarra Trams had previously changed to controls to avoid wrist injuries.[13]

Operation

C-class trams operate on the following routes:

References

  1. ↑ "Low floor tram". Yarra Trams. 6 October 2000. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Alstom to supply new trams and maintenance for Melbourne Alstom 6 October 2000
  3. ↑ "Yarra Trams Orders Alstom's Citadis Cars" Railway Digest December 2000 page 15
  4. ↑ "New Era for Public Transport Starts Today" (Press release). Office of the Premier. 12 October 2001. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  5. ↑ Wilson, Randall; Budd, Dale (2005). Melbourne tram book. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press. pp. 31, 33. ISBN 0 86840 646 5.
  6. 1 2 "Low floor trams have arrived!". Yarra Trams. 17 August 2001. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  7. ↑ C-Class Yarra Trams
  8. ↑ "An Interview on Melbourne's X'Trapolis trains and Citadis trams with Dominic Clark, X'Trapolis Product Manager". Alstom. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  9. ↑ "C Class". Vicsig. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  10. ↑ Carey, Adam (14 July 2012). "Trams cop a low blow as report slams design flaws". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  11. ↑ "Safety of Citadis trams". Yarra Trams. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  12. ↑ Carey, Adam (18 July 2012). "Yarra Trams cleared in safety check". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  13. ↑ Carey, Adam (4 August 2012). "Passengers, drivers at risk in 'cheap as chips' trams". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.

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