Transport for Sydney Vlog 823: Parramatta Light Rail - New CAF Urbos 100 Tram First Look

[@geoffreymoore1510]

Thanks for the Interior and exterior tour. I like the wider doors. I hope they will allow me to park behind the driver to video the whole route once it gets going.

[@aussiejohn5835]

Hi Sean 👋 this is an excellent presentation with a great explanation of each module. I am impressed with the seating plan of this vehicle as it caters to the disabled with easy access for wheelchairs and step free for those with mobility issues. I can, however, see a potential problem with having only 1 pantograph for such a long vehicle. I do realise that if the pantograph should fail for any reason, the tram can operate on stored power, but I am not sure for how long. I would have thought a second pantograph would allow the tram to operate as normal should one fail. Excellent presentation Sean, well done 👏 👍

[@transportforsydneyvlogs7258]

Thanks John! Glad you liked it! Yes, I quite like this version of the CAF Urbos 100 in that they have increased the number of seats while also providing necessary space and designated wheelchair and bicycle areas for those in need of it. Definitely a big improvement in configuration from its predecessor. I think the powered batteries within the vehicles will be strong enough to power the trams in the non-wired areas, and for extended periods in the event of a pantograph failure with the charging devices which have been installed under the track bed at a few locations. I know there’s one at the Westmead terminus, and potentially another at the Carlingford terminus too. So I could imagine the charge during the dwell times will help inject sufficient battery into the vehicles to enable it to run without the pantograph for longer periods if required.

[@aussiejohn5835]

@@transportforsydneyvlogs7258 you're very welcome Sean 👍 I wasn't aware of the track bed charging devices and that makes a big difference. Thanks for teaching me something today.

[@meerabains-866]

Great opening to the vid. And also great video!

[@transportforsydneyvlogs7258]

Thank you!

[@cousy65nc61]

Did a Sydney visit last year , the transport systems fantastic . Did a great train journey from hay market to Penrith , passing parramatta on the way .

[@ChadTransportshorts24]

Great video Sean

[@transportforsydneyvlogs7258]

Thanks Chad!

[@SydneyTransitVlogs]

On 11:56. You can see me sitting down. lol

[@transportforsydneyvlogs7258]

Ahahaha nice, hello :)

[@peterelvery]

Hi Sean. A couple of things worth noting. The 2 cab cars are also motorised, so 3 powered modules altogether. Like most low-floor trams, the wheelsets do not pivot, despite being commonly referred to as "bogies". The modules with pantographs are usually designated as "T" by CAF, not "R". Any idea why this has changed?

[@transportforsydneyvlogs7258]

Hi Peter, yes you are right about the car modules being motorised. Forgot to mention that at the time. And the module with the pantograph is indeed the “T” module. Thought it was referred to as “R” initially but was wrong, so thanks for pointing that out.

[@peterelvery]

@@transportforsydneyvlogs7258 No problem at all Sean. As you might have guessed, my interest is mostly in the technical aspects rather than watching trains go by but I do like your videos. That said, I might get myself to Telopea on opening day due to a family connection with the station. My grandmother opened it in 1925.

[@Sydney_Mapz]

3:58 I think I’ve seen him before..