In Germany, the research project LogIKTram has concluded, showcasing the potential for using freight trams to transport small volumes of goods within urban rail networks, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Freight Trams in Germany
Photo: MARLO Consultants/Frindik

Launched in August 2020 and associated with regioKArgo, the project wrapped up this summer with a successful demonstration of a freight tram prototype equipped for transporting bicycle trailers.

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The project focused on automating logistics processes using an information and communication platform specifically developed for freight trams.

For transporting small items and packages, a freight carrier the size of a European pallet is used.

Large goods are transported in interchangeable containers that can be moved between trams and trucks.

A key component of the demonstration project was a booking tool developed by Marlo Consultants GmbH.

This tool allows for the reservation of freight trams through the client’s transport management system.

A transport implementation plan is created based on the booking form and is used to manage and monitor traffic, with the capability to update routes.

The booking tool applies modern European data standards, which have already proven effective in urban logistics projects in the Netherlands.

The project coordinator was Albtal Verkehrs-Gesellschaft, with partners including FZI Research Centre for Information Technology, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, INIT GmbH, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Marlo Consultants GmbH, SimPlan AG, and DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH.

Associated partners included AEN-Automotive Engineering Network, e-mobil BW GmbH, Hitachi Rail, the city of Karlsruhe, TechnologieRegion Karlsruhe GmbH, Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe GmbH, and Dachser DPD.

Funding was provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

Photo: MARLO Consultants/Frindik

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