https://twitter.com/coventrycc/status/1666007632283303938?s=46
Having seen this and hearing how they plan to have public tests in place in the next 12 month raises many questions about how fast it will take to lay the tracks compared to West Midlands metro track
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on June 07, 2023, 12:38:33 PMhttps://twitter.com/coventrycc/status/1666007632283303938?s=46
Having seen this and hearing how they plan to have public tests in place in the next 12 month raises many questions about how fast it will take to lay the tracks compared to West Midlands metro track
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-light-rail/light-rail
According to that, it'll take however long it takes for them to grind of 1' of the road up, plonk the tracks down, then put it back on. If they use the Midland Metro contractors, then add 600% to the time.
Quote from: ellspurs on June 07, 2023, 03:51:33 PMhttps://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-light-rail/light-rail
According to that, it'll take however long it takes for them to grind of 1' of the road up, plonk the tracks down, then put it back on. If they use the Midland Metro contractors, then add 600% to the time.
It sounds to me like spending millions of pounds for the sake of spending millions of pounds, just because it is 'innovative'.
In my opinion, the money would be far better spent on bus priority measures - measures that actually work - to allow bus services to operate more efficiently and reliably.
Quote from: Stu on June 07, 2023, 07:14:08 PMIt sounds to me like spending millions of pounds for the sake of spending millions of pounds, just because it is 'innovative'.
In my opinion, the money would be far better spent on bus priority measures - measures that actually work - to allow bus services to operate more efficiently and reliably.
Agreed Stu.
Just a thought. Should this thread become a standalone topic as the project gets going?
The initial route will be quite short and maybe coming soon to Coventry if the money is there
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/new-traffic-restrictions-cycle-path-28274128
From the map it looks like Phase 1 will run from the railway station to just a little further than the old IKEA store.
Phase 2 goes along Corporation St to just outside of Pool Meadow.
Initial roadworks are reported due to start Spring 2024.
Plans to trial a futuristic public transport system on the streets of Coventry (https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/all-about/coventry) have taken a step foward. A bid to build a 'demonstrator track' for Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) was sent in for permission by the council this month.
Work to build the track is likely to start in autumn 2024 and the the first part could be finished by next year, plans say. But people won't be able to use its battery powered vehicle to get around just yet, the report adds, as the aim of the demonstrator is to prove the system works in practice.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/futurisic-transport-system-coventry-takes-28715299
The local paper has now picked up on the negative comments on VLR
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/readers-disapprove-plans-build-coventry-28741166
Quote from: Sandy Lane on March 02, 2024, 02:10:39 PMThe local paper has now picked up on the negative comments on VLR
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/readers-disapprove-plans-build-coventry-28741166
Or put it another way, writer selects the views of five people commenting on their own paper's facebook page to concoct a story on which more people will comment.
Clicks achieved, time for a coffee.
Reach quality journalism there.
I'm sort of repeating myself here.
There's a lot of money about to be spent (£10m per km?), and undoubtedly months of disruption while roads are dug up.
But for what? Just to 'demonstrate' this VLR system, that passengers won't be able to use?
I would agree, it's a waste of money, Coventry doesn't need this, there are already frequent bus services connecting the city centre and railway station.
Quote from: Stu on March 02, 2024, 03:09:06 PMI would agree, it's a waste of money, Coventry doesn't need this, there are already frequent bus services connecting the city centre and railway station.
Buses give a much more flexible service.
IIUC the VLR is mainly funded by DfT in London and Coventry was the chosen guinea pig (victim)?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on March 02, 2024, 05:59:18 PMBuses give a much more flexible service.
IIUC the VLR is mainly funded by DfT in London and Coventry was the chosen guinea pig (victim)?
Yes, buses provide a flexible service, and can run on existing roads.
It doesn't matter where the funding is coming from though, at the end of the day all this money is being conjured up out of thin air and has to be paid back with interest as a tax burden over the long-term, while the developers, contractors, consultants and other private 'stakeholders' benefit financially in the short-term.
As I said earlier this is a case of spending money for the sake of spending money.
In the case of Coventry, the money would be better spent on improving bus priority measures for existing bus services.
Quote from: Stu on March 02, 2024, 06:10:17 PMIt doesn't matter where the funding is coming from though, at the end of the day all this money is being conjured up out of thin air and has to be paid back with interest as a tax burden over the long-term, while the developers, contractors, consultants and other private 'stakeholders' benefit financially in the short-term.
As I said earlier this is a case of spending money for the sake of spending money.
In the case of Coventry, the money would be better spent on improving bus priority measures for existing bus services.
IMO the source of the funding is significant and may well be politically charged. It was rumoured the VLR idea and most of the funding came from Westminster as a softener because Coventry has lost out to the benefits of HS2 (and has been by passed) and is also no longer to be a part of the Midland Metro network.
From what I understand vlr is still being developed. It's chances of survival as a project after the next election could well be questionable?
There is a very recent UTube clip on the sole Coventry VLR tram at the Dudley test centre
https://youtu.be/gomiV4LrPzg?si=IgtK8RXqiZgB5Io4
Only part of the return loop seems to be the new road profile track and the rest looks standard rail track.
Impressive acceleration once out on the 'main' line.
Spotted 3 other types of rail vehicles.
........ and the uncertainty continues.....
A Very Light Rail (VLR) passenger service in Coventry is not expected to be up and running until at least 2026, a councillor said.
There is a lot to read here
BBC News - Coventry's Very Light Rail not due for years - councillor
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-68544171
So delayed at least until 2026, also subject to planning permission and more funding. Hmmmmmm sounds like the public is being prepared not to expect too much, if anything at all. Not good PR with an election due soon!
Quote from: Sandy Lane on March 13, 2024, 01:44:15 PM........ and the uncertainty continues.....
A Very Light Rail (VLR) passenger service in Coventry is not expected to be up and running until at least 2026, a councillor said.
There is a lot to read here
BBC News - Coventry's Very Light Rail not due for years - councillor
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-68544171
The uncertainty continues. A lovely non committal response on the future of Coventry VLR project from the new WM Mayor yesterday
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4n19w30351o
"Speaking to BBC CWR about the Very Light Railway (VLR) system in Coventry, Mr Parker said there were "a number of stages we need to get through before we get it up-and-running".
What odds are the bookies giving?
Ah the new mayor cares about as much as the previous mayor did about Coventry.
QuoteThe uncertainty continues. A lovely non committal response on the future of Coventry VLR project from the new WM Mayor yesterday
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4n19w30351o
"Speaking to BBC CWR about the Very Light Railway (VLR) system in Coventry, Mr Parker said there were "a number of stages we need to get through before we get it up-and-running".
What odds are the bookies giving?
Uncertainty, or practicality? Methinks the latter. He knows Rome wasn't built in a day.
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 08, 2024, 06:53:05 PMUncertainty, or practicality? Methinks the latter. He knows Rome wasn't built in a day.
I reckon its Westminster v. Birmingham politics and the release of funding by Westminster.
It was rumoured that the real reason Coventry was given the VLR system by Westminster was a political fudge to keep Coventry politicians quiet due to Coventry not being served by the new HS2 line?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on May 08, 2024, 01:26:17 PMThe uncertainty continues. A lovely non committal response on the future of Coventry VLR project from the new WM Mayor yesterday
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4n19w30351o
"Speaking to BBC CWR about the Very Light Railway (VLR) system in Coventry, Mr Parker said there were "a number of stages we need to get through before we get it up-and-running".
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has instigated an 'in-depth' independent review into all transport projects in the wake of delays to major schemes.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/mayor-calls-review-transport-project-29531364
I suppose it is just a question of when the fate of Coventry VLR will be announced? A month or so after the (time consuming & expensive) independent transport review has been completed maybe? I will guess December 2024?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on July 13, 2024, 07:48:57 AMWest Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has instigated an 'in-depth' independent review into all transport projects in the wake of delays to major schemes.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/mayor-calls-review-transport-project-29531364
I suppose it is just a question of when the fate of Coventry VLR will be announced? A month or so after the (time consuming & expensive) independent transport review has been completed maybe? I will guess December 2024?
And let me guess ... this review will cost a fortune, make absolutely no difference to the travelling public of the West Midlands, and come out with recommendations that a 1 year old could have told you.
Mr Parker please actually do something that actually makes a difference rather than reviewing constant failure!
Update on the situation from the Coventry paper.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/latest-coventry-very-light-rail-29776481
Sounds like a decision on the VLR future may be made on 24 September 2024? Appears the council is raring to go with this project ........ if central government can come up with the funding........ oh dear!
Extracts from the paper:
"Government officials will decide if funding for the Coventry council-led scheme will be released.
Plans to put trams back on Coventry's streets will be reviewed by experts before funding for the first city centre track is agreed. Details on the next steps for the city's 'Very Light Rail' project have been revealed in council meeting papers.
Government officials have yet to approve funding for the so-called "demonstrator" track that will test the vehicle in the city centre. They are expected to make a decision on whether to release £16.5 million next month, September 24, though this is still to be confirmed.
Their decision will come after a panel of experts examine aspects of the scheme. The independent review panel (IRP) has four experts appointed by the council after a "robust procurement process," a council report states.
It comes seven years after the scheme for an "affordable" light rail system was first put forward by the city council. The council and other West Midlands groups have since developed three test tracks and a prototype vehicle.
But last year, the project's bid for £37 million of funding from the government was not approved. Instead the Department for Transport (DfT) agreed it would go ahead instead as a research and development project.
This means money is released in stages after evidence is presented. So far, funding for stages 1 and 2 of the project have been granted, totalling some £15 million, according to the report for a council scrutiny meeting tomorrow, 21 August.
Stage 3 of the project is for a 800m demonstrator track including research, which will allow a "commercialisation strategy to be implemented," the report adds. If funding is agreed the route will go from Coventry station to Pool Meadow bus station.
The track aims to show the new rail system can be built at a cost of around £10 million per km, at speed, and allowing most utilities to stay in place. Stage 4 of the project is a business case for the first "commercial" line of the light rail, and would seek £8.5 million of funding".
Quote from: Sandy Lane on August 21, 2024, 08:17:21 AMUpdate on the situation from the Coventry paper.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/latest-coventry-very-light-rail-29776481
Sounds like a decision on the VLR future may be made on 24 September 2024? Appears the council is raring to go with this project ........ if central government can come up with the funding........ oh dear!
Could be VLR decision day tomorrow if the Coventry paper is correct?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on September 23, 2024, 12:09:24 PMCould be VLR decision day tomorrow if the Coventry paper is correct?
Well the Coventry VLR has been very quiet for a while... Now some news.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/work-starts-coventrys-very-light-31193167
Installation work on the new test track is underway
WMCA photo of the very short length of test track construction site in Greyfriars Road.
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/work-under-way-on-pioneering-coventry-very-light-rail-test-track/
"We are investing millions in this project, and the start of work on this test track shows how close we are to making this a reality."
The on road test will offer local people an opportunity to ride in the vehicle and provide feedback.
Not sure what the trench in the photo is for as seems to be right in the middle of the road. If it is for the VLR track it could be fun getting on and off the tram and avoiding the passing traffic?
QuoteWMCA photo of the very short length of test track construction site in Greyfriars Lane.
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/work-under-way-on-pioneering-coventry-very-light-rail-test-track/
"We are investing millions in this project, and the start of work on this test track shows how close we are to making this a reality."
The on road test will offer local people an opportunity to ride in the vehicle and provide feedback.
Not sure what the trench in the photo is for as seems to be right in the middle of the road. If it is for the VLR track it could be fun getting on and off the tram and avoiding the passing traffic?
That looks more like Greyfriars Road to me, which would be a more sensible option if they're planning to link the Railway Station with the centre...
Quote from: Isle of Stroma on March 26, 2025, 09:14:11 AMThat looks more like Greyfriars Road to me, which would be a more sensible option if they're planning to link the Railway Station with the centre...
Whoops, sorry I meant Greyfriars Road. I don't think the taxi drivers would be happy if it was going along Greyfriars Lane!
Post now corrected.
The following was published in Rail Business Daily today.
https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/universal-signalling-supporting-colas-rail-to-deliver-coventry-very-light-rail-demonstrator-track/
Quote from: Roy on March 26, 2025, 01:15:40 PMThe following was published in Rail Business Daily today.
https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/universal-signalling-supporting-colas-rail-to-deliver-coventry-very-light-rail-demonstrator-track/
The last paragraph is interesting - "
The Coventry VLR project is expected to significantly contribute to the city's efforts to decarbonise transport, tackle climate change, and improve air quality".I thought Coventry was changing to all electric buse fleets to decarbonise transport so not sure why is VLR necessary?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on March 26, 2025, 08:35:12 AMWMCA photo of the very short length of test track construction site in Greyfriars Road.
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/work-under-way-on-pioneering-coventry-very-light-rail-test-track/
"We are investing millions in this project, and the start of work on this test track shows how close we are to making this a reality."
The on road test will offer local people an opportunity to ride in the vehicle and provide feedback.
Not sure what the trench in the photo is for as seems to be right in the middle of the road. If it is for the VLR track it could be fun getting on and off the tram and avoiding the passing traffic?
From that article:
QuoteThe 220 metre demonstration track is designed to show how the pioneering transport system can be delivered faster and at a much lower cost than traditional tramways. It is due to be completed ready of on road tests in the summer.
I know it says "investing millions" but I wonder how much it is costing just to build this 220 metre length of track?
Quote from: Stu on March 26, 2025, 08:06:12 PMFrom that article:
I know it says "investing millions" but I wonder how much it is costing just to build this 220 metre length of track?
Stu, a good question, and after a bit of searching, it seems there is an estimate by the council.
"£8.34m is therefore the budget for the city centre demonstrator element of the project"
Not sure if this is the cost of the 220 metres track or the full length from the station to the city centre? I would guess its just the 220m section?