JOHN WHITEHOUSE reports on the start of testing of the prototype Very Light Rail vehicle for the city
The outlook for Coventry’s new Very Light Rail (CVLR) system is positive, with important milestones having been being reached for both track and the vehicles. Progress with both elements was demonstrated on 22 February at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC), part of the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), including a chance to ride on the new zero-emission battery-powered vehicle along sections of both the special VLR track and the centre’s heavy rail test track.
TEST FACILITIES
The CVLR project is innovative and, arguably, unique. The track has been designed to absorb pressure from vehicles, both road and rail, to reduce the need to divert underlying utility pipes and cables. This has an immediate financial impact, as the cost of laying the VLR track is estimated to be significantly lower than for a traditional tram system. It also means the track can be laid more easily and (importantly) quickly, minimising the impact on the surrounding area. It is maybe ironic that the Black Country extension of the West Midlands Metro is under construction alon…
