Два дня назад, в Париже была открыта 10 линия трамвая! Так что, поздравляем! (RUS) Two days ago, in Paris the tram line 10 has opened! So, congratulations! (ENG)
In France, it is customary that +/- 2 weeks, prior to the official inauguration, trams already start trial running according to the scheduled timetable. It should be remembered that this is a new (remote and stand-alone) tram line, with the drivers having no previous experience of driving trams. Initially, they get theoretical and practical training, but driving according to a timetable, without an instructor and with other road users is something completely different. Listing all the details would lead me too far. Indeed, one of them can be seen in the picture: the trams have to stop exactly at a predetermined place. Of course, this was practised with an instructor, but now the new drivers have to live up to it themselves every time. The author took this picture while running on schedule, with no passengers and shortly before the inauguration. These are crucial days for the operator. Technically, everything has to work (think signals, traffic light control, switches...) and the drivers have to perform everything exactly as it was taught to them. That there are all sorts of temporary measuring instruments and cameras to monitor this is therefore not surprising. I will repeat: it is a totally new line with drivers who generally have no experience whatsoever of driving a rail vehicle.
Alex, maybe you might know, what are the black "devices" between the rails on the photo? Are these some kind of safety equipment preventing the tram from overrunning the dead-ends?
For me, it is also the first time I have seen this technology (even in Paris). Last summer, I visited the then newest tram line (T13) and there this was not present. Since my photos do not provide sufficient evidence, I started looking further. The exact link is too long, but Google and find the tram terminus "Saint-Germain-en-Laye'. Photos existing from this tramstation (or endstation), including a pole standing in the middle of the tracks.
I wouldn't be surprised if they applied new technology. Whether there is a connection to the tram (and the control centre) I cannot say for sure. A fact is that both the tram and the line itself are equipped with automatic speed limitation. The signals, to the tram, are given by fixed installations so that the driver cannot exceed the predetermined speed.
Here I'm not sure how this installation works and what exactly it is connected to: perhaps to the tram (automatic braking should the driver exceed the authorised limit) and probably even a general alarm (to dispatching) if the tram passes over it.
It is really not surprising that additional safety measures are taken with every new project. Human error is never out of the question, but one wants to avoid severe consequences as much as possible and preferably to the absolute minimum.
I really don't know how it works, but I'm pretty sure that safety is the first concern.
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