This paper describes a low-floor light rail vehicle (LRV), which was developed as a prototype in Geneva, Switzerland, and gives many other examples of low-floor LRVs. The Geneva prototype is in many respects like the German M-type tram, but, for 60% of its length, its floor height is only 48cm, not the conventional 88cm. Two 20cm steps connect its lower and higher floors. The new tram is an articulated vehicle, with two body sections connected by a rotating platform, enclosed by bellows. Its wheels have 37.5cm diameter, rather than the usual 68cm. After successful trials of the prototype, 45 LRVs of the same type were produced. Because the floor is still difficult for many people to reach from the ground, most passengers from the ground, most passengers will be helped greatly by providing a small platform of appropriate height at each stop. Three different types of low-floored LRVs have been introduced in various European cities: (1) LRVs with 10% low floor; (2) LRVs with 60-70% low floor; and (3) LRVs with 100% low floor. For vehicles of type (3), special ways have to be found to solve the problem of wheels penetrating the floor. There has been a very ambitious research programme in Germany to develop a new family of multi-articulated low floor LRVs.
Samenvatting