Characteristics and Application of Urban Rubber-Tyred Self-Steering Trams

The application and development of urban rubber-tyred self-steering trams across the world are reviewed. Taking as examples the typical rubber-tired Translohr tram in France, the straddle monorail vehicle in Chongqing, China, the suspended monorail vehicle SAFEGE in Chiba, Japan and the rubber-tired metro MP in France, the technical characteristics, running gear and related research status of rubber-tyred vehicles are analyzed. Currently, researches on urban rubber-tyred trams are focused on the guide mechanism, dynamic performance and guide structure innovations. Compared with the traditional electric vehicles, urban rubber-tyred self-steering vehicles have the advantages of less noise, higher gradeability (nearly a 50% increase), smaller curving radius and smaller footprint; and hence can save urban land use and increase the adaptability to different urban terrains, with a medium transport capacity. However, the research and application of urban rubber-tyred self-steering vehicles in China are still in the initial stage. Further research should be focused on mitigation of tyre wear, design of reliable and efficient guide structures, and formulation of relevant standards. Experiences of operating Translohr tram in Zhangjiang (Shanghai) and Straddle type monorail in Chongqing indicate that realization of domestic manufacturing of the vehicles' key components is the prerequisite for the sustainable development of rubber-tyred self-steering trams in China.