I suffer from tram envy. Admitting it is the first step to a cure, looking at them more closely is the second
Pan Up
After a career in trains I wish they could be more like trams, at least for the short-distance commuting market. Big windows, low-back seats, super-cool looking front ends, terrific acceleration and braking, all at half the price. Meanwhile commuter trains are bogged down with legislation, defensive driving and restrictive practice.
Need convincing? Take a trip on the Midland Metro and there is every chance you will run parallel to a Class 172. In the time it takes the ‘172’ to crawl into the platform, the guard to check the platform is still there and enable the doors, then the passengers to open them, the tram will have already been and gone. Heavy rail is so SLOW!
