C-class Melbourne tram

The C-class Melbourne tram is a fleet of three-section Alstom Citadis 202 trams built in La Rochelle, France that operate on the Melbourne tram network. They were the first low-floor trams in Melbourne, being delivered in 2001-2002.

Not to be confused with C-class Melbourne tram (first) or C2-class Melbourne tram.

C-class
C 3025 on Collins Street on route 109
in December 2014
ManufacturerAlstom
AssemblyLa Rochelle
Constructed2001-2002
Number in service36
Fleet numbersC3001-C3036
Capacity40 (Seated)
110 (Standing)
Depot(s)Kew
Specifications
Train length22.98 m (75 ft 5 in)
Width2.65 m (8 ft 8 in)
Height3.36 m (11 ft 0 in)
Doors6 (three per side)
Articulated sections3 (two articulations)
Wheelbase1,850 mm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight28.6 t (28.1 long tons; 31.5 short tons)
Traction motors4 × 115 kW (154 hp)
Electric system(s)600 V DC Catenary
Current collection methodPantograph
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge

History

To meet a franchise commitment to introduce new trams to replace Z-class trams, 36 three-section Alstom Citadis 202 low-floor trams were purchased by Yarra Trams.[1][2][3] They were the first low-floor trams in Melbourne, and the first tram imported for the Melbourne tram system since the 1920s.[4][5][6][7]

The design was adapted by Alstom for local conditions,[8] with the first four trams arriving at Webb Dock on 10 August 2001. Following fit-out and testing at Preston Workshops, they entered service on 12 October 2001. The last arrived on 25 June 2002 and entered service on 30 August 2002. All C1-class trams initially operated on route 109.[6][9]

Criticisms

The Citadis trams have been criticised by the Australian Rail Tram & Bus Industry Union (RTBU), who claim they have operational problems, including injuries to the drivers relating to design. There were concerns raised in 2011 regarding the rear-vision cameras fitted to the trams. Despite Yarra Trams replacing the cameras a number of times, there were visibility problems at night and in high glare situations. These had been solved by July 2012.[10][11][12]

The trams have also been described by the RTBU as "cheap as chips", following allegations that swaying and lateral forces at "speeds above 25 km/h" were causing driver injuries. Yarra Trams responded by stating that they were offering drivers lumbar support, and that track renewal had improved ride quality, reducing sway, while the driver's controls had been changed to avoid wrist injuries.[13]

Tram number 3011 has derailed three times, most recently on Sunday 6 October 2019. Each derailment occurred after a collision with a car. The Australian Rail Tram & Bus Industry Union (RTBU) has again said the model should be taken off the road.[14]

Operation

C-class trams operate on the following routes:

References
  1. "Low floor tram". Yarra Trams. 6 October 2000. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  2. Alstom to supply new trams and maintenance for Melbourne Alstom 6 October 2000
  3. "Yarra Trams Orders Alstom's Citadis Cars" Railway Digest December 2000 page 15
  4. "New Era for Public Transport Starts Today" (Press release). Office of the Premier. 12 October 2001. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  5. Wilson, Randall; Budd, Dale (2005). Melbourne tram book. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press. pp. 31, 33. ISBN 0 86840 646 5.
  6. "Low floor trams have arrived!". Yarra Trams. 17 August 2001. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  7. C-Class Archived 2013-10-19 at the Wayback Machine Yarra Trams
  8. "An Interview on Melbourne's X'Trapolis trains and Citadis trams with Dominic Clark, X'Trapolis Product Manager". Alstom. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  9. "C Class". Vicsig. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  10. Carey, Adam (14 July 2012). "Trams cop a low blow as report slams design flaws". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  11. "Safety of Citadis trams". Yarra Trams. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  12. Carey, Adam (18 July 2012). "Yarra Trams cleared in safety check". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  13. Carey, Adam (4 August 2012). "Passengers, drivers at risk in 'cheap as chips' trams". The Age. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  14. "'Cheap as chips' Kew tram's off-the-rails history revealed". The Age. 7 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.

Media related to Citadis 202 trams in Melbourne at Wikimedia Commons

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