Freight tram-train to be tested in Karlsruhe

摘要

Trials with a prototype freight tram or tram-train are to start in Karlsruhe and the surrounding area in 2022, under the 'regio-KArgo' project to develop alternative forms of local goods transport. The promoters note that recent growth in online shopping has led to an increase in package delivery traffic, creating congestion and a shortage of staff and vehicles. The project brings together operators Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe and Albtal-Verkehrsgesell-schaft with freight shippers, logistics companies and research institutes, including DB Engineering & Consulting and the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology. According to AVG Technical Director Ascan Egerer, the freight trams would form the centrepiece of a holistic concept which will entail rethinking the existing freight transport delivery model. They would operate between consolidation centres and city hubs', from where final distribution would use emission-free methods such as cargo bikes.