Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Translohr

Translohr is a rubber-tyred guided tramway system featuring a central guidance that steers vehicles along a dedicated track, combining the precision of guidance with the comfort and low noise of rubber tires for urban . Developed by the French company Lohr Industrie and later managed by following its 2012 acquisition, the system offers low-floor designs for easy , lengths ranging from 25 to 46 meters, capacities up to 255 passengers per , maximum speeds of 70 , and the ability to handle gradients up to 13%. Production of Translohr vehicles ceased in 2018 after discontinued the line, though existing systems continue to operate with guaranteed parts support in some cases. The technology's first commercial deployment occurred in , , where Line A opened on October 14, 2006, marking the inaugural use of Translohr as a modern urban tram solution with a 14 km route and bidirectional service. By 2012, over 150 Translohr vehicles had been sold and were operational in five cities: (), and Venice-Mestre (), and (). Subsequent deployments included the region (Tramway T5 and T6 lines, opened in 2013 and 2014 respectively) and (Ayacucho Line, opened in 2015). These implementations highlighted Translohr's advantages in constrained urban environments, such as reduced track width (3.2 meters gauge) and a tight of 10.5 meters, facilitating integration into existing streetscapes with minimal works. Despite its innovative design, Translohr faced challenges including higher maintenance costs for rubber tires and guidance systems, leading to the decommissioning of the Zhangjiang Line in May 2023 after 13 years of low ridership and operational issues; the system has been suspended since 2023. Ongoing systems, such as those in (Ayacucho Line, operational since 2015) and , demonstrate resilience in hilly or rainy terrains, with vehicles noted for their amphibious-like performance and passenger comfort. The system's legacy underscores debates in urban transit about hybrid technologies balancing cost, capacity, and environmental integration.

History and Development

Origins and Invention

The Translohr system was developed by Lohr Industrie, a engineering firm based in Héricourt, , as an innovative urban transit solution inspired by the smooth ride and noise reduction of rubber-tired systems, such as those on Lines 1, 4, 6, and 11 introduced from the onward. The design combined the flexibility of bus operations with the precision and capacity of rail guidance, featuring rubber tires for propulsion and a central steel guide rail for steering to ensure stability on dedicated tracks. This approach addressed urban challenges like steep gradients and tight curves, where traditional steel-wheel trams struggled, while maintaining low infrastructure costs compared to full systems. Development intensified in the late and early , with Lohr Industrie building the first prototype in to validate the central guide rail's role in and the rubber tires' contribution to a quiet, vibration-free ride. These prototypes initially emphasized bimodal capability, allowing vehicles to operate in guided mode on fixed tracks or free mode on roads, a key for urban deployment, though later systems focused on permanent guidance. Testing emphasized features, such as the guide rail's inverted-T cross-section that locked the vehicle's guidance wheels, preventing derailments on curves up to 20 meters in radius. The first tests occurred in 2001 at the RATP’s Trans site south of , showcasing the prototype's performance to potential investors and authorities. The event highlighted the system's ability to navigate mixed urban environments with minimal visual impact, as the guide rail was embedded in the roadway, blending with existing . This marked a pivotal step in gaining confidence for further development, paving the way for initial commercial applications. Lohr Industrie filed patents for the core and configuration during the early , covering the mechanical interface between the vehicle's guidance arms and the central rail, as well as the system that distributed weight across rubber tires for optimal traction. These protected the unique steering mechanism that allowed high speeds—up to 70 km/h—without the need for side rails, distinguishing Translohr from other technologies like the earlier system. Subsequent commercialization efforts by Lohr Industrie built on this foundation to bring the system to market.

Key Milestones and Acquisitions

The development of Translohr entered its commercial phase with the launch of its first operational system in , , on November 13, 2006, marking the debut of the technology in as a high-capacity urban transport solution. This initial deployment utilized the series vehicles, introduced in the early to support bi-directional operations on dedicated guideways, enabling efficient passenger flow in hilly terrain. A significant corporate milestone occurred in 2012 when , in partnership with the Fonds Stratégique d'Investissement (FSI), acquired the Translohr division from Lohr Industrie for €35 million, with taking a 51% stake to integrate the rubber-tyred tram technology into its broader rail and urban mobility portfolio. The approved the transaction in September 2012, allowing to leverage Translohr's innovations alongside its existing offerings. Under this new structure, the SP Prime series was developed in the as a unidirectional, optimized evolution of the STE design, aimed at enhancing flexibility for one-way urban routes. Translohr's expansion peaked with the opening of the line in , , on October 20, 2015, the last new system to enter commercial service and the first such installation in the . Since then, no additional deployments have been announced, reflecting a strategic shift toward maintaining existing networks amid evolving market preferences for conventional rail technologies. This decline became evident with the closure of two major international systems in 2023: the Zhangjiang Tram in , , which ceased operations on May 31, 2023, after serving since 2009, and the TEDA Modern Guided Rail Tram in , , which was suspended on June 1, 2023, and subsequently dismantled due to maintenance and operational challenges. As of November 2025, Alstom's focus remains on sustaining the remaining active lines, such as those in and , with plans to replace the system around 2030.

Technical Description

Guideway and Infrastructure

The Translohr system's guideway consists of a central guide rail embedded in the road surface, providing precise for the vehicles through contact with guide rollers. This rail, approximately 0.4 m wide and 8 cm high, is constructed from and positioned between two parallel running strips on either side, where the rubber tires of the vehicles provide and primary load support. The design allows for into existing roadways, minimizing disruption during by requiring a depth of 24 to 30 cm for the guide rail emplacement. The infrastructure supports dual-mode operation, enabling the 100% low-floor vehicles to navigate street-level sections using their rubber tires for traction, with the central guide offering optional steering assistance to enhance and in mixed environments. This flexibility facilitates street running without dedicated tracks in certain segments, though the system is optimized for reserved guideways to achieve higher speeds and capacities. The guide must adhere to stringent geometric s, including a leveling tolerance of +25 mm / -15 mm for the rolling layer, to prevent risks and ensure smooth vehicle guidance; deviations beyond this can lead to increased wear on the rail sides. Power delivery to the Translohr infrastructure relies on an overhead system, with vehicles collecting 750 V electricity via pantographs for propulsion. This standard supports efficient on dedicated routes. switches are to the , accommodating bi-directional on the single central rail through rigid, two-rail mechanisms that align the guide without complex moving parts, enabling seamless reversals at terminals. Construction of the Translohr guideway and associated infrastructure, including road integration, civil works, and , typically averages €20-30 million per kilometer, depending on and site conditions. For instance, the system in cost approximately €27 million per km, reflecting the relatively low excavation needs and compatibility with surface-level installation compared to traditional rail systems. This cost structure emphasizes the system's emphasis on economical embedding into roadways, though it includes provisions for drainage, signaling integration, and pavement resurfacing.

Vehicles and Propulsion

Translohr vehicles are articulated, rubber-tired cars designed for guided operation on urban routes, available in two primary series: the bi-directional and the unidirectional Prime. The series features driving cabs at both ends, enabling operation without turning facilities, and consists of 3 to 6 passenger modules for flexible configurations. Vehicles in this series measure between 25 and 46 meters in length and 2.2 to 2.65 meters in width, depending on local requirements and module count. For instance, the STE4 model is 32 meters long and 2.2 meters wide, accommodating up to 170 passengers, while the longer STE5 variant carries up to approximately 300 passengers. The SP Prime series represents an optimized evolution of the STE, with unidirectional operation requiring a single driving cab, allowing for extended trains up to 46 meters in length with up to 4 modules and capacities up to 255 passengers. Both series emphasize modularity, with automatic coupling between modules to form trains suited to demand, and incorporate full low-floor designs at approximately 35 cm height for enhanced passenger accessibility. Steering integrates with the central guide rail via flanged guide wheels, ensuring precise path-following without load-bearing rails. Propulsion relies on electric drive systems powered by overhead via , delivering traction through rubber tires mounted on axles. Each vehicle employs 8 to 12 rubber tires for support and movement, with asynchronous electric motors providing total power output of 400 to 600 kW across the train. The guide mechanism uses two single-flanged wheels set at 45 degrees to engage the central , handling while the tires bear the vehicle's weight of 23 to 44 tonnes empty. Operational performance includes a top speed of 70 km/h and up to 1.0 m/s², supporting efficient urban transit.

Deployment and Operations

Operational Systems

The Translohr technology powers five active guided tramway systems worldwide as of 2025, spanning urban corridors in , , and . These networks leverage rubber-tyred vehicles on dedicated guideways to provide efficient mass transit, with capacities tailored to medium-density routes and integration into broader frameworks. Performance metrics vary by location, reflecting local demand and , but all emphasize low-floor and quiet operation for passenger comfort. In , , the inaugural Translohr line opened in 2006 as the city's primary north-south axis, covering 13.6 km with 22 stops from Champratel to Lycée Beaumont via the city center. It operates with a fleet of 12 STE-series vehicles, each accommodating up to 200 passengers, and sustains a daily ridership of approximately 30,000, supporting commuter flows in the region. The hosts two interconnected Translohr lines within the network. Line T5, launched in 2013, runs 6.6 km northeast from RER A at Saint-Denis to , enhancing suburban connectivity with bidirectional service every 4-6 minutes during peak hours. Line T6, introduced in 2014, extends 14 km southwest from Viroflay-RER C to Châtillon-Montrouge, navigating challenging terrain including a 1.6 km and steep gradients up to 10%. The combined lines deploy 25 SP-series vehicles, fostering seamless transfers to and services for over 100,000 daily users across both routes. Italy's installations focus on regional urban mobility. In Padua, the SIR1 line, operational since 2007, traverses 10.6 km through the historic urban core with 16 stops, linking the central railway station to Guizza and Voltabarozzo neighborhoods using 16 STE3 vehicles for reliable peak-hour frequencies of 5 minutes. An extension, the SIR3 line, is under construction and expected to open in 2025-2026, expanding the network by approximately 6.6 km. Nearby in Mestre (Venice mainland), the T1/T2 lines, active since 2010, cover 10.5 km with 22 stops from Piazzale Roma to Alberonero and Sernaglia, employing 15 STE3 vehicles to bridge industrial zones and ferry connections to Venice island, handling diverse commuter and tourist traffic. The southernmost deployment is the Ayacucho Tram in , , which entered service in 2015 as an extension of the Metro de system. This 4.3 km east-west route includes 9 stops from station to Itagui, operated by 12 SP vehicles with capacities of up to 300 passengers each, and achieves a daily ridership of approximately 28,000 as of 2024, revitalizing eastern corridors through integration with Metro Line A and elevated walkways. All Translohr networks employ a 750 V electrification system via a central ground-level , enabling compact without overhead wires in sensitive areas. As of 2025, expansions are underway, including the SIR3 line in , , under construction with completion expected in 2025-2026, while focus remains on maintenance and upgrades for existing fleets.

Closed and Abandoned Systems

The Zhangjiang Tram in , , operated from December 31, 2009, to May 31, 2023, spanning 9.8 km with 15 stops and utilizing 9 STE3 rubber-tyred vehicles. The system was closed primarily due to limited ridership, which had dwindled to just four daily departures in its final weeks, exacerbated by poor integration with the surrounding urban fabric and high maintenance costs following the discontinuation of spare parts supply after Alstom's acquisition of Translohr. These factors, including the line's failure to effectively connect key destinations like major commercial areas, contributed to its underutilization, with daily passengers falling well below 5,000. Similarly, the TEDA Modern Guided Rail Tram in , , ran from May 10, 2007, to June 1, 2023, covering approximately 8 km with 14 stops and employing Translohr vehicles. Decommissioned amid ongoing operational challenges, the line faced high maintenance expenses and reliability issues, including a notable in August 2007 shortly after opening, which highlighted vulnerabilities in the rubber-tyred guided system. The infrastructure was subsequently dismantled, with bus services replacing the route. Several proposed Translohr projects were ultimately abandoned before construction. In the , a pilot line in , , was canceled due to shifting priorities toward conventional tramways. Plans for a system in , , during the 2000s were halted following the devastating 2009 earthquake, which redirected resources to disaster recovery. In Kaohsiung, , Translohr lost a competitive bid in the 2000s to alternative rail technologies for the city's mass transit expansion. Extensions under the Grand Paris initiative were scaled back after 2012, favoring standard over the specialized guided system amid 's restructuring. As of 2025, no revivals of discontinued Translohr systems have been reported, with equipment from the and closures largely scrapped or left in uncertain status without repurposing for other transit uses.

Criticism and Challenges

Technical and Reliability Issues

Translohr systems have encountered several derailments linked to guide rail misalignment and component failures. In , , the newly opened line experienced four derailments within weeks of its March 2007 inauguration, including a notable incident on May 6, 2007, when a vehicle derailed on a curve in Piazzale Stazione, colliding with a and causing one serious to a . These events were attributed to the challenges of the single central guide rail interacting with guidance wheels under load, particularly on curves. A similar issue occurred in , , on January 10, 2011, where a derailed near Les Carmes due to the detachment of the front guidance , caused by deteriorated composite bandages on the guidance rollers and stress from a nearby . The traveled 188 meters off the guideway before striking a wall at 36 km/h, resulting in one minor passenger injury and significant damage to the front section. The official identified inadequate of the guidance components and insufficient alarm verification protocols as contributing factors, with no evidence of involvement in this case. Maintenance challenges stem primarily from accelerated side wear on the guide rail , driven by the interaction between guidance wheels and the rail web in three-point contact configurations, especially on tight curves (e.g., 25 m ) and at speeds above 15 km/h. indicates that this wear necessitates regular inspections and potential replacements every 3-4 years to mitigate risks, with the system's sensitivity to operational parameters like pre-pressure on guidance tires exacerbating flange degradation. Debris accumulation on the guideway can further compromise , requiring frequent cleaning to maintain reliability. The rubber-tired , while enabling low-floor vehicles, contributes to these issues by placing minimal load on the non-load-bearing guide rail, making it prone to misalignment under environmental stresses. Power supply disruptions have been reported in humid conditions due to pantograph-catenary contact problems, though specific figures vary by ; early installations experienced intermittent issues leading to service halts. Overall, while no fatalities have resulted from Translohr incidents, these technical flaws have led to higher-than-average service interruptions compared to conventional steel-wheeled trams, as noted in operational reviews emphasizing the need for enhanced safeguards.

Economic and Systemic Concerns

The Translohr system's economic viability has been questioned due to its higher overall costs compared to conventional -based , despite initial promises of savings. While the guideway construction can be 25-40% less expensive than traditional rails in some European contexts, the total project expenses, including vehicles and operations, often exceed those of standard systems. For instance, the tramway, a 15.7 km Translohr line opened in 2002 and closed in 2017, incurred a total cost of €227 million, which proved more burdensome than equivalent alternatives when factoring in long-term expenses. A primary economic concern stems from elevated requirements, particularly the accelerated wear on surfaces caused by the rubber-tired traveling repeatedly over the same paths. This leads to surface warping and , necessitating frequent and costly repairs to the alongside the guideway. replacements are also more frequent due to the system's , contributing to higher operational expenditures that offset any upfront advantages. inefficiency further compounds these issues, as rubber-tired operations consume more power than steel-wheel systems, increasing running costs over time. Systemically, Translohr's technology imposes significant limitations on flexibility and . As a vendor-specific system developed by Lohr Industrie (now under ), it creates , where operators must source all vehicles, parts, and upgrades exclusively from the manufacturer, stifling competition and inflating procurement prices for expansions or replacements. discontinued Translohr production in 2018, raising concerns about long-term parts availability and maintenance support, which contributed to the decommissioning of systems like the Zhangjiang Line in 2023 and the earlier closure of in 2017 due to operational and economic challenges. This lack of prevents seamless integration with existing conventional rail or bus networks, complicating planning and urban mobility strategies. In cases of system failure or , or abandonment becomes prohibitively expensive, as seen in several discontinued installations where proprietary constraints hindered cost-effective transitions to alternative technologies.

References

  1. [1]
    Ayacucho tramway line supplied by Alstom and NTL enters into ...
    Oct 23, 2015 · Translohr tramways on tyres combine the advantages of a guided system with its central rail and the assets of a tyre vehicle, which provide ...
  2. [2]
    Alstom and the FSI are studying the acquisition of 85% of Translohr ...
    Apr 10, 2012 · The Translohr product is a light tyre-based tramway, 25 to 46 metres long depending on the version, with a central steering system on each axle ...
  3. [3]
    Alstom and its subsidiary NTL open the T6 tram line in Ile-de-France
    Dec 13, 2014 · The Translohr tram for the T6 line is 46 metres long and can carry up to 255 passengers [3]. It offers unique ease of deployment: the tram ...
  4. [4]
    First Translohr tram decommissioned: Shanghai
    May 31, 2023 · The Zhangjiang tram was the first modern tram line in Shanghai metropolitan area and started passenger service on 31 December 2009.
  5. [5]
    [PDF] Évaluation prospective de l'exploitation du tramway de Clermont ...
    Aug 26, 2018 · Si l'arrêt des lignes de production de Translohr devait se confirmer dans un avenir proche, l'adossement au groupe Siemens Alstom devrait ...
  6. [6]
    Bus Rapid Transit: The future of public transport in Clermont-Ferrand
    Nov 23, 2020 · The only Translohr line A was introduced as the first application of this new public transport system in France in 2006 but has been struggling ...
  7. [7]
    Alstom and NTL inaugurate the underground section of the T6 ...
    Jun 11, 2016 · They offer unique ease of insertion, with reduced gauge [5] and a short turning radius [6]. Their structure on tyres and guidance system, ...
  8. [8]
    [PDF] Questions raised on the design of the ''dead-man'' device ... - HAL-SHS
    The initial conditions behind development of the Translohr vehicle, in the aim of enabling bimodal operations, i.e., road (bus-driving mode) or guided (tram ...
  9. [9]
    Impacts of insertion and operation of a new surface guided transit ...
    better vehicle stability and a better general comfort for the users. The railway type guidance device of the intermediate systems (TVR, TRANSLOHR..) allows.
  10. [10]
    Alstom and the Fonds Stratégique dInvestissement (FSI) have ...
    Jun 11, 2012 · Alstom and the Fonds Stratégique dInvestissement (FSI) have reached an agreement with Lohr Industrie for the acquisition of Translohr. Press ...Missing: production ceased
  11. [11]
    EU approves Translohr takeover by Alstom, FSI | Reuters
    Sep 24, 2012 · Engineering company Alstom <ALSO.PA> and French sovereign fund FSI secured EU regulatory approval on Monday to buy French tramway system ...Missing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition
  12. [12]
    TRANSLOHR SP Prime tramway - haiku design
    Translohr SP Prime is NTL's new light, unidirectional, guided, electric transport system. An optimised version of the Translohr STE.Missing: introduction | Show results with:introduction
  13. [13]
    UrbanRail.Net > Asia > China > TIANJIN (Tientsin) Subway
    Dec 3, 2018 · 01 June 2023: closed and subsequently dismantled! Tianjin TEDA Translohr tram. MAIL.<|separator|>
  14. [14]
    [PDF] analyse comparative des systèmes de transport guidé de surface
    Jun 17, 2013 · Les voies30 du Translohr. La voie du Translohr est une voie routière ayant un rail central posé au milieu des chaussées, dont le ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] Transport systems comparison trams on tires / trams on rails
    The construction of the Translohr track way requires a limited number of operations: 1. Casting the concrete to a depth of 24 to 30 cm with an emplacement for ...Missing: guideway | Show results with:guideway
  16. [16]
    [PDF] Innovative technologies for the public transportation in the Urban ...
    Un-guided running mode as a conventional bus, without optical guidance. ○. Dual mode supply. External electric supply by twin wired overhead line (750 V DC.Missing: street | Show results with:street
  17. [17]
    Mechanism and affecting factors of Translohr tramway guide rail ...
    The results revealed that curve radius and tram speed are the critical factors affecting rail track side wear.Missing: Fernand | Show results with:Fernand
  18. [18]
    [PDF] Rubber tyred Tram : another solution to urban mobility
    Total cost of the project : M€ 290 (Euros 2002), being M€ 20.7/km but other sources say M€ 378 , being M€ 27/km. Funding. Three banking conventions with the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  19. [19]
    TRANSLOHR STE Tramways - haiku design
    Translohr STE is a high-capacity urban public transport system with a small footprint, available in a range of trams with 3 to 6 passenger modules, ...
  20. [20]
    New Era Hi-tech Buses - Citytransport.info
    ... Translohr trams were ordered from Lohr Industries for delivery in June 2008 (these have now arrived). On a less happy note one of Clermont-Ferrand's ...
  21. [21]
    [PDF] Buses with a high level of services
    May 4, 2010 · The Translohr by Lohr Industrie was first exported to Italy, notably because of its ability to integrate seemlessly into historic city centres ( ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Alstom delivers first Translohr STE5 train to Ayacucho project in ...
    Jul 16, 2014 · The LRV train has the capacity to run at a speed of 70km/h and can accommodate more than 300 passengers. "On completion, the project will offer ...Missing: length weight
  23. [23]
    [PDF] Innovative Technologies for Light Rail and Tram - POLIS Network
    Reduced infrastructure requirements: the rubber-tyred trams are equipped with steering wheels and diesel auxiliary engines, allowing them to drive independent ...
  24. [24]
    LTC 0706 Translohr.pub
    Jun 12, 2007 · It is in use in Clermont-Ferrand, France since October 2006 and recently in Tianjin, China. Systems are under construction in Padua, L'Aquila, ...
  25. [25]
    France Nancy Translohr vs. GLT TVR
    One was developed by the French company called Lohr, and is known by the name of the public transport subdivision of the above company, called Translohr.Missing: history invention Industrie 1970s
  26. [26]
    UrbanRail.Net > Europe > France > Clermont-Ferrand Tram ...
    Clermont-Ferrand - approx. 150,000 inh ... - rolling stock: 20 Translohr. 14-12-2013: Champratel - Les Vergnes (1.5 km). Photos .. Official Website. T2C.<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Paris Tramway Line T5 - Railway Technology
    Aug 3, 2014 · The Translohr STE3 is a three car tram set that runs on tires. It is 25m-long with a capacity for 127 passengers.Missing: details | Show results with:details
  28. [28]
    Paris Tramway Line T6 - Railway Technology
    Mar 27, 2011 · Translohr STE3 that will operate on future T5 and very similar to STE 6 type that will run on T6. Clemart Railway station. Tramway ...
  29. [29]
    Padua, new line Sir3 and revamping Sir1 fleet - Sustainable Bus
    Dec 12, 2022 · The new line will have 13 stops; a new depot will also be built at Voltabarozzo and a Park and Ride facility with 383 parking spaces.
  30. [30]
    The Venice / Mestre Tramway - The Alternative Connection to the ...
    Jun 16, 2021 · The Venice-Mestre tram system owns 20 Translohr STE4 trains. The trains are 32 meter long and can hold up to 170 people in four train sections. ...Missing: operational details
  31. [31]
    Ayacucho tram line oficially inaugurated - Railway PRO
    Oct 26, 2015 · The line is 4.3 km-long, includes 9 stations and is expected to transport 85,000 passengers per day. The line has been partially open since ...
  32. [32]
    Medellin starts commercial operations on Ayacucho tramway line
    Oct 25, 2015 · The line will be served by a fleet of 12 Translohr STE5 trams, which were ordered from the NTL consortium comprising Alstom (51%) and BPI France ...
  33. [33]
    Light Rail Now! NewsLog - Light Rail Transit News
    So far, in the several weeks since its opening, Padua's "bus rapid transit" system, using Translohr's "guided-bus" technology, has derailed no less than four ...