C2-class Melbourne tram
| C2-class | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Alstom |
| Assembly | La Rochelle |
| Number in service | 5 |
| Fleet numbers | 5103, 5106, 5111, 5113, 5123 |
| Capacity | 54 (Seated) 150 (Standing) |
| Depots | Southbank |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | 32.52 m (106 ft 8 in) |
| Width | 2.65 m (8 ft 8 in) |
| Height | 3.27 m (10 ft 9 in) |
| Doors | 10 |
| Articulated sections | 4 |
| Wheelbase | 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 40.0 t (39.4 long tons; 44.1 short tons) |
| Traction motors | 4 x 129 kW (173 hp) |
| Electric system(s) | 600 V DC |
| Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The C2-class trams are five-section Alstom Citadis 302 trams built in La Rochelle, France that operate on the Melbourne tram network. They were built for the tram network in Mulhouse, France, but being surplus to Mulhouse demands, were leased to use in Melbourne in 2008, later being purchased by the Government of Victoria. The trams operate solely on route 96.
History
In 2008 an arrangement to lease five low-floor, air-conditioned, bi-directional, five section Alstom Citadis 302 trams was brokered with Mulhouse, France, through Yarra Trams' then French parent, Transdev.[1][2][3] The lease agreement was $9 million for four years with shipping costs of $500,000 for each tram,[4] with the first tram arriving in Melbourne in February 2008.[5][6] The first tram was launched on 11 June 2008, nicknamed Bumble Bee 1, with the rest following suit up to Bumble Bee 5; all entered service on route 96.[2][7][8]
Being surplus the demands of Mulhouse, they were originally intended to be leased only until December 2011.[7] However, it was announced in November 2010 that the State Government was in negotiations to acquire the C2-trams, with all five subsequently purchased in 2012/13.[4][9][10][11]
Prior to entering service in Melbourne they had minor adjustments made at Preston Workshops, including improvements to the air-conditioning and modifications to the Mulhouse livery.[3][7][12]
In July 2014, C2 5123 was the first C2 class tram to receive the new Public Transport Victoria livery.
Operation
C2-class trams operate on the following route:
References
- ^ "Mulhouse Light Rail and Tram Train, France". railway-technology.com. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ^ a b "First of Five French Trams Now on Melbourne Tracks" (Press release). Minister for Public Transport. 11 June 2008. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
{{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Five more trams to be added to the metropolitan system". Yarra Trams. 7 February 2008. Archived from the original on 10 February 2008. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ^ a b c Lucas, Clay (13 October 2010). "Bee trams to stay, but at what price?". The Age. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ^ "C2.5123". Vicsig. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ^ "Melbourne welcomes Mulhouse tram" Railway Gazette International March 2008 page 127
- ^ a b c "Yarra Trams introduces Plan Bee". The Age. 18 June 2008. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ^ C2-Class Yarra Trams
- ^ "Mulhouse trams to stay in Melbourne" Trolley Wire issue 323 November 2010 page 19
- ^ "Tram Procurement Program". Public Transport Victoria. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ^ "Public Transport Victoria Annual Report 2012 – 13" (PDF). Public Transport Victoria. 2013. p. 13. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
- ^ a b "C2 Class". Vicsig. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
External links
Media related to Citadis 302 trams in Melbourne at Wikimedia Commons