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- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
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The shared-track sections in Amsterdam are generally very short (often just over a narrow bridge or for a distance of about two tram-lengths through a narrow pedestrian area). They're also the exception rather than the norm; probably 99% of the tram network is in its own track. It would be much more difficult to have shared sections that are much longer than a couple of tram-lengths without having to have a very highly regimented schedule.
Yes, I never saw a shared track of more than about a hundred yards and I never saw how the drivers knew not to enter if another streetcar was coming, except by looking. There seemed to be no traffic signals - unless they were in the streetcar. It is certainly not a solution for long stretches. (In Amsterdam I was also amused by the streetcar lines going over lift bridges, where the bridge AND the overhead all lifted together, cool!)