This article describes the concept of a low-floor tramcar used in Vienna, Austria. Radially-controlled portal-frame running gears are employed to permit an ultra-low floor and a modular vehicle design. Multiple entry points ensure short boarding/alighting times, reducing service delays. The modules feature double suspension with angular pendulum springs; and rubber-sprung wheels achieve higher lateral rigidity and lower noise emission. Hydraulic height adjustability offers the possibility of lowering the front of the vehicle standing at a tram stop. The portal-frame running gear controls the ability of the train to keep aligned correctly to the curves of the line so that minimum wear and noise emission are made on the track. Traction and brake units are integrated and the motors connected to a traction converter which gives the correct speeds for the wheels in a curve. The trams have gained positive acceptance from both passengers and drivers.
Samenvatting