Here is a picture of the current heritage tramway (green) and the proposed extension (red).
This extension is planned to be completed in two stages. The first stage to the Poplar lanes area will be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011. Trams will run through Cashel Mall to High Street and down to the lanes area then back up to Cathedral Square where it will rejoin the original route.
The second stage will see the tram continue down High Street from the Poplar lanes area down to CPIT with a completion date of 2013.
The tram extension is well supported by both the public and business, and so far has had a smooth ride towards completion. Generally I support the proposed tram extension, but not if it is simply going to emulate what we currently have (i.e a tourist based museum piece). It would seem that my viewpoint is shared by many people as a number of submissions outlined a view that the tram should be aimed more at opening up the CBD to locals and integrating it into the wider public transport system. Ultimately, I believe that this is what the Council are actually trying to achieve here, it is no coincidence that this extension runs right through the just announced southern CBD redevelopment plans which incorporates massive residential, commercial and retail developments.
If the tram is indeed destined to become a part of the public transport system, then what must we see come of this project? I propose the following;
- Integrated ticketing with Buses
- 'Metro' branding extended to trams
- Real time information integrated with buses
- Modern 'tram stops' with raised platform and shelters
- Modern light-rail vehicles
Soon the Council will announce more detailed plans for the new city bus terminal, and it has already been stated that it will be built to accommodate future light-rail schemes. What this means is any ones guess as talk about light-rail has been mixed with revivals of conventional rail and it has been hard to know exactly what they are talking about. Nevertheless, the Council has talked about this extension forming both the beginning of a city-wide light-rail network as well as the first stage of an eventual city loop light-rail scheme connecting with a revived commuter rail network at Moorhouse Ave.
Below is my take on what the tram extension could eventually form in the southern CBD. The Blue lines are an extension south to Moorhouse Ave and back up Colombo Street to Cathedral Square. As well as providing additional access to the rest of the CBD this concept would also enable services to a revived Christchurch railway station at Moorhouse Ave and the new bus terminal near Lichfield Street both located by purple boxes.
Personally I see such a scheme as this providing the easiest and cheapest hope of reviving, and making viable, high-capacity transport modes within the Greater Christchurch area. Crucially without access to the central CBD no revived rail service would survive or be of great benefit.
I would love the tram to become a more local user friendly service but not at the expense of maintaining quality for the tourist appeal.
ReplyDeleteLight rail sounds cool but what does it mean, anorexic trains?
Will this all mean increased inner city congestion with slow poke trams taking up half the road?
Arguably making the tram more local user friendly would increase the quality of service provided for tourists. Cheaper to use and better facilities would be the most obvious benefits for all, including tourists, as a result of greater investment from local govt.
ReplyDeleteI see where you are going with this though. Melbourne & Adelaide certainly provide excellent examples of how heritage operations with a tourist focus can operate hand in hand with a more modern light-rail system (Melbournes city loop tram for example).
As for your second point, Light-rail is basically the modern term for tram. Except that modern light-rail vehicles tend to be low floor and articulated. Anorexic trains is probably a good way of putting it actually!
For your final point on road congestion we must first stop and think about this. CBD streets are already congested throughout the day whether a slow poke tram is there or not. Also, if a CBD light rail system increased public transport usage for people coming into the city then they may even have the effect of reducing congestion. Finally, I'd imagine that trams on a modern light-rail loop would go a bit faster than the current heritage trams. It might also be worth mentioning that the light-rail line could be within its own space on the road, largely seperate from general traffic. This could entail removing on street parking, which is another kettle of worms altogether. Anyway hope that helps, good questions too.