Very Light Rail Trials Begin in the United Kingdom

Coventry has launched pilot operations of the new Very Light Rail system, with a prototype now transporting passengers along a 220-meter demo line over the course of one month. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The trial aims to evaluate the performance of this innovative transport in near-real conditions. After testing, engineers will refine the system, and a full launch is scheduled for next year.

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Very Light Rail: Innovation and Benefits for Cities

The Very Light Rail project has been developed since 2016 by the University of Warwick and engineering firm TDI. In 2021, they introduced an 11-meter-long prototype that accommodates 56 passengers, including 17 seated.

The vehicle can handle curves with a radius of just 15 meters. When fully loaded, it weighs 16 tons, and its batteries can be recharged in only a few minutes.

Construction of the demonstration track was funded by a €81.3 million grant. This funding enabled the creation of core infrastructure to collect technical data during the testing phase.

Very Light Rail Reduces Urban Infrastructure Costs

Track construction for Very Light Rail costs four times less than traditional tramway installation, making the system attractive for cities with limited budgets.

The train can also run on existing tram lines, simplifying integration into current public transport networks and reducing implementation costs.

Developers emphasize the system’s sustainability and affordability. Designed for frequent use in dense urban areas, it could serve as a model for future projects across the United Kingdom.

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