TTC: Streetcar Network

[smallspy]

There must be a reason why the vast majority of tram systems still use overhead catenary. What problem are we solving with ground level system in Toronto. Seems like it would actually introduce more problems.

It will. The various flavours of ground-level power all have additional circuitry in them so that they are only activating the panels underneath the streetcar. That additional circuitry is all more stuff that can fail. And even better, is all placed below the top of the street, where it needs to be both insulated and protected against water intrusion.

Not only that, but they use induction to transmit power to the trains, which is way less efficient than conduction.

It is not a rational solution to use in a place like Toronto.

Dan

 

[nfitz]

We have a critical backlog of major infrastructure repairs that the TTC needs to address, and until those are addressed it makes absolutely no sense to be thinking about nice to haves (ie: removing streetcar overhead wires because they dont look good).

I disagree. If we can have threads about fantasy maps, then I see no reason that we can't discuss what changes we could see during the last half of the 21st century - for the next generation of streetcars.

I don't see that what wires look like would be a factor - it's more about cost effectiveness and simplification. If for example the wiring at a troublesome intersection or part of a yard could be eliminated. How much you'd want to run on battery. etc. There's nothing new in this tech ... there were subway cars in other cities at least as far back as the 1960s with limited batteries on board with the idea that if the power failed, they could at least crawl to the next station.

 

[ssiguy2]

This ground power supply looks like a solution looking for a problem made worse by the fact that it's not even a solution. I think putting street power supply in a city like Toronto is asking for trouble. Not only could the snow be a problem but also the snow plows which could damage the infrastructure. That's not worth the risk and money to get rid of some unsightly wires.

Toronto will eventually get rid of it's catenary wires as will nearly all trams/streetcars worldwide due to the advances in battery technology. In 30 years it's very possible that you may not even find a supplier who builds catenary powered streetcars any more. As batteries become lighter, cheaper, smaller, last longer, have higher power density, and recharge faster, you will find that many systems will simply make new orders as batteries by default. They spare the transit agency of having to repair/replace the wires, have none of the visual pollution, and are not as susceptible to power outages. Much like cars, in 30 years you won't be able to buy an ICE car even if you wanted to.I don't see Toronto, or any city with a large streetcar/tram network, doing a wholesale pull down of the catenary system but just a slow phase out section by section and route by route as new battery trains come online.

Torontonians would be far better served using these funds to bring it's antiquated switching system up to modern standards than wasting it on some ground level power supply idea.