Coventry City Council has announced plans to debut 800m twin-track demonstrator between Coventry railway station and the university technology park.
The project is designed to support Coventry’s Very Light Rail (VLR) project, utilising a shallow, modular track system, made from precast concrete units designed to sit at significantly lower depths than traditional tram track.
The system avoids deep excavation, reducing the need to divert utilities which aims to cut installation times, reduce carbon emissions during construction, and minimise disruption to road users and businesses.
The VLR vehicles themselves are battery-powered, eliminating the need for overhead wires and associated infrastructure.
This further reduces capital cost and visual impact and allows for quicker installation on urban streets.
During trials earlier this year, 200m of track was laid in just eight weeks – faster than any other track system. In the weeks after the rides the team was also able to show utility companies that access to cables and pipes under the track was quick and simple.
Coventry City Council cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, Jim O’Boyle, said: “Coventry Very Light Rail is pioneering transport innovation.
“It is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to conventional tram systems and we have proven it can be delivered at less than half the cost and in half the time.
“We are on to a real transport game changer here. It will be good for the environment, have no unsightly overhead cables and in the future, it has the potential to be autonomous – offering a hop on and hop off service.
“What’s more I think everyone that saw it here, and rode it, can agree that it looked great in the street and gave a quiet and smooth ride.
“I’m looking forward to seeing it back and providing the chance for even more people to have a go on it.”
