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TURNING ROADS INTO THE NEW RAIL

CfG Member Briefing: Trackless Trams - Committee for Geelong(Image Source: Committee for Geelong)


I have noticed that there are more roads than rail in a lot of nations. Where there is rail most are built underground and out of sight from the public to ensure the peace of a setting. Same goes for roads that connect via a tunnel system. Pre-pandemic, authorities and citizens have talk about more efficient public transport and majority propose the conventional land transports such as bus, heavy rail, light rail and taxis.

As I said, I noticed there are more roads than rails being built. especially in Sydney, Australia where I reside. Why not have hybrid transportation as a solution to the public transport dilemma? Unfortunately, a pandemic has hit Sydney and the globe. Now people with a private car have resorted to driving as a means to physically distant themselves from the risk of COVID infections, which is understandable.

Eventually, the pandemic will pass although it would a slow transition back to use of public transport but it will happen. So, hybrid transports, they have debut in several countries and recently in the modern powerhouse of the PRC. The company CRRC have introduced an innovative transport that incorporates the conventions of a traditional bus and traditional train making to what is known as a trackless tram.

This trackless tram is an interesting piece of work. It is essentially a train with rubber wheels driven on concrete roads. I can see many opportunities for this new transport. This can definitely a game-changer because it is financially less expensive to build compared to building whole tracks for light and heavy rail transports. Therefore, authorities, especially the Liberals, or any government bodies should really grasp onto the opportunity of this innovative piece of modern public transportation.

For example, Parramatta Road in Sydney is heavily congested with cars and trucks in conjunction the recent planning for that corridor proposes a major revitalisation approach. The planning encourages new public transportation and built forms along the busy corridor. Since this is the case, why not have lanes dedicated for the use of trackless trams? It would make sense to do so because of its simpler process of construction.

However, like every new technology a lot of people especially authorities have a hard time grasping onto the idea of new things. This is detrimental because it would make communities and the wider society lag behind. It is risky to take on something unknown but once known it is a lot easier for the long-run. What do you think? Should cities like Sydney Australia really utilise trackless trams as part of their public transport network?

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