C-class Melbourne tram

C-class (Citadis 202)
C 3017 at St Vincents Plaza, Fitzroy in January 2008
Manufacturer	Alstom
Constructed	2001–02
Number in service	36
Fleet numbers	3001-3036
Depots	Kew
Specifications
Articulations	3 (two articulations)
Length	22.98 m (75 ft 5 in)
Width	2.65 m (8 ft 8 in)
Height	3.36 m (11 ft 0 in)
Wheelbase	1,850 mm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	28.6 t (28.1 long tons; 31.5 short tons)
Passenger capacity seats	40
Passenger capacity standing	110[1]
Doors	6 (three per side)
Traction motors	4 × 115 kW (154 hp)
Electric system(s)	600 V DC Catenary
Current collection method	Pantograph
Bogies	2 (?)
Gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The C-class trams are three-section Citadis 202 trams built by Alstom, France that operate on the Melbourne tram network. They were the first low-floor trams in Melbourne, being delivered in 2001/02.

History

Following the privatisation of Melbourne's tram system the private operators acquired new trams to replace the Z-class trams.^[2] Following a six month tender process, it was announced in October 2000 that Yarra Trams would purchase 36 three section Alstom Citadis 202 low-floor trams.^[2] They were the first low-floor trams in Melbourne, and the first tram imported for the Melbourne tram system since the 1920s.^[3][4][5]

The design was adapted by Alstom for local conditions,^[6] with the first four trams arriving at Webb Dock on 10 August 2001. Following fit-out and testing at Preston Workshops, they entered service on 12 October 2001. The last arrived on 25 June 2002 and entered service on 30 August 2002. All C-class trams initially operated on route 109.^[5][7]

Criticisms

The Citadis trams have been criticised by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), who claim they have operations problems, including injuries to the drivers relating to design. There were concerns raised in 2011 regarding the external cameras fitted to the trams. Despite Yarra Trams replacing the cameras a number of times, there were visibility issues at night and in high glare situations. These problems had been solved by July 2012.^[8][9][10]

They have also been described by the RTBU as "cheap as chips", following allegations that swaying and lateral forces at "speeds above 25 km/h" were causing driver injuries. Yarra Trams responded by stating that they were addressing the issue by offering drivers lumbar support, and that track renewal had improved ride quality, reducing sway, while Yarra Trams had previously changed to controls to avoid wrist injuries.^[11]

Operation

C-class trams operate from Kew tram depot and are used on the following routes:^[7][12]

• 48: North Balwyn - Victoria Harbour
• 109: Box Hill - Port Melbourne

References

1. "Yarra Trams Load Survey Report May 2014" (PDF). Public Transport Victoria. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
2. "Low floor tram". Yarra Trams. 6 October 2000. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
3. "New Era for Public Transport Starts Today" (Press release). Office of the Premier. 12 October 2001. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
4. Wilson, Randall; Budd, Dale (2005). Melbourne tram book. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press Ltd. pp. 31, 33. ISBN 0 86840 646 5.
5. "Low floor trams have arrived!". Yarra Trams. 17 August 2001. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
6. "An Interview on Melbourne’s X’Trapolis trains and Citadis trams with Dominic Clark, X’Trapolis Product Manager". Alstom. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
7. "C Class". Vicsig. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
8. Carey, Adam (14 July 2012). "Trams cop a low blow as report slams design flaws". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
9. "Safety of Citadis trams". Yarra Trams. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
10. Carey, Adam (18 July 2012). "Yarra Trams cleared in safety check". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
11. Carey, Adam (4 August 2012). "Passengers, drivers at risk in 'cheap as chips' trams". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
12. "Accessibility Guide" (PDF). Yarra Trams. Retrieved 26 October 2013.

External links

• Yarra Trams
• Yarra Trams - C-Class