Passenger Trials of New Transport System Begin in Coventry
16.04.2025
In Coventry, passenger trials of the innovative Coventry Very Light Rail system will begin in May as part of the city’s public transport modernization program. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Digital Mobility Comes to Coventry
The new test phase involves running a battery-powered vehicle along a 220-meter line recently laid in the city center. For one month, the vehicle will operate on this test track while engineers collect technical data and public feedback.
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Based on the results, the system will be fine-tuned before full-scale implementation. The official launch is scheduled for 2026 and is expected to mark a breakthrough in sustainable urban mobility.
Innovation and Cost Efficiency in Coventry
The CVLR project offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional trams. The savings are made possible by installing rails on ultra-strong concrete slabs just 30 cm thick, avoiding the need to relocate underground utilities.
Battery-powered vehicles eliminate the need for track electrification. As a result, tracks can be installed over existing infrastructure. Moreover, the rolling stock is compatible with standard tramways, adding flexibility and adaptability.
Each low-floor vehicle accommodates 56 passengers, including 20 seated. A turning radius of just 15 meters ensures excellent maneuverability in densely built-up areas.
Developers aim to enable autonomous operation in the future, which will enhance safety, reduce operating costs, and simplify maintenance.
The CVLR system may become a new standard for compact and growing cities that seek to upgrade their public transport networks without heavy investments or major infrastructure overhauls.
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