Newcastle LRT passed its initial test last night with a light rail vehicle driven along Hunter Street under its own power. Under the powered tests, the brakes, onboard energy storage and charging systems were checked. This is Australia’s first wire-free light rail system.
“Testing started the moment Newcastle’s first light rail vehicle arrived in the depot last month, and after completing a series of safety checks we can now power up and start driving. The test involved running the vehicle along Hunter Street and checking the brakes and charging points at each stop,” New South Wales Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, said.
Newcastle’s LRVs have energy storages which will be charged at each stop in the time it takes for passengers to get on and off.
Over the coming weeks the tests will continue at night and include a range of simulations like filling the tram with weights to mimic it being completely full of passengers and checking the traffic signal interactions at pedestrian crossings and intersections.
Initial tests are conducted at night to ensure the system is operating safely and efficiently under controlled conditions.
Daytime testing will involve simulating timetables and driver training.
Newcastle LRT will have a length of 2.7 km, running from Newcastle Interchange at Wickham to Pacific Park in Newcastle East.
Commercial services on Australia’s first wire-free light rail system will be launched in early 2019.
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