Qingdao tramway trials under way

摘要

Trial operation of the new 8.8km (5.5-mile) tramway in the Chinese city of Qingdao began on 5 March. The standard gauge line has 12 stops and links Qianwangtuan (the site of the depot) and the Chengyang wholesale market. Most of the tramway is on reserved track, but 400m runs on-street. The line is operated by Qingdao Bus Group, and services run 06.30-20.30 daily. Rolling stock includes seven examples of the Chinese built version of the double-ended, three-section, Skoda ISTForCity. Built by CRRC Qingdao Sifang, the 35.2m trams are 2.65m wide, with 60 seats and space for 320 standing. It is believed that the fuel cell powered prototype hydrogen tram built last year is also on the line for test purposes.