The Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) project has initiated vehicle testing on an innovative track at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) in Dudley, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Coventry Very Light Rail

This groundbreaking track, thinner than traditional light rail systems, can be laid just 30cm deep into the road surface, reducing the need to relocate pipes and cables, cutting costs and delays.

The European Union has approved the merger of Thales GTS and Hitachi Rail

By using battery-powered vehicles on this infrastructure, cities can establish a cost-effective passenger tram network.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle from Coventry City Council lauded the success of the first vehicle test and emphasized the track’s speedier installation compared to other systems.

This project, a collaboration between Coventry City Council, Transport for West Midlands, WMG at the University of Warwick, and the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, has received £40 million in funding from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to advance research for an affordable integrated mass transit system.

The track design by Ingerop / Rendel in conjunction with WMG, laid by Galliford Try, showcases its simplicity, reducing construction costs and time.

The test track includes challenging elements like tight curves and a 250-meter vertical hump.

Testing will monitor vibrations, sound, and stresses from the vehicle, demonstrating how CVLR reduces noise and vibrations compared to traditional tram systems.

This test track will pave the way for a real-world demonstration in Coventry city center.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, expressed enthusiasm for investing in Very Light Rail, positioning the region at the forefront of innovative technology.

As CVLR gains momentum, it promises to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality, offering a sustainable transport option for local residents.

Photo/source: © Transport for West Midlands/Coventry Very Light Rail

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

The new Geismar KGT 140 was unveiled at Mecateameetings 2023

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit