Thought I'd start a new thread to avoid those wanting to express their condolences. I worked for Croydon Tramlink as a Controller for several years, l left several years ago but feel competent to answer most general questions. All operational staff are qualified to drive and have to refresh their license
by completing a full driving shift monthly. I have spoken to several Tram staff and all are horrified by last weeks tragic event, they all mostly live in the area and have family and friends who travel on the system, as I do.
The Croydon tram is bi-directional, a driver's cab in both ends which are identical. The driver operates the tram by using the Traction Brake Controller (TBC) which he/she operates with the left hand. The TBC is usually upright and must be depressed to operate, any release of the TBC will result in the emergency brakes being applied after a couple of seconds. Basically it's a push to go pull to stop system, the further forward the TBC is pushed the faster the tram goes, and the same in reverse, if the TBC is pulled back the brakes are applied. The braking system is dynamic, in that it uses the electrical motors on the roof to transfer power to the brakes.There are also Track Brakes, basically huge magnets which lock on to the rail on each set of wheels which the driver can apply manually or if the tram applies an emergency brake.
The tram speedo is in kph and all tram speed signs you see are in kph, max speed is 80kph which equates to 50mph, which the trams are governed to not exceed. Permanent speed signage is black on a white background, temporary or emergency speed restrictions are red on white.
I saw a light rail "expert" on the news the other night talking about a button the driver needs to press every 30 seconds or the brakes would apply, no such thing, at least there wasn't on the trams when I worked there and I doubt they have been upgraded.
Again, this horrible event hits close to home and I am as shocked as anyone else, no one steps on any form of public transport expecting for this to occur.
Obviously I can't offer any explanation for this tragedy, I wasn't there and it would be unwise to do so. However I have driven trams, and trains too, and know how difficult it can be. Minds wander and we don't know what this particular man's state of mind was.
Condolences to all who are effected by this, if anyone does have any questions about trams in general please keep them here.
by completing a full driving shift monthly. I have spoken to several Tram staff and all are horrified by last weeks tragic event, they all mostly live in the area and have family and friends who travel on the system, as I do.
The Croydon tram is bi-directional, a driver's cab in both ends which are identical. The driver operates the tram by using the Traction Brake Controller (TBC) which he/she operates with the left hand. The TBC is usually upright and must be depressed to operate, any release of the TBC will result in the emergency brakes being applied after a couple of seconds. Basically it's a push to go pull to stop system, the further forward the TBC is pushed the faster the tram goes, and the same in reverse, if the TBC is pulled back the brakes are applied. The braking system is dynamic, in that it uses the electrical motors on the roof to transfer power to the brakes.There are also Track Brakes, basically huge magnets which lock on to the rail on each set of wheels which the driver can apply manually or if the tram applies an emergency brake.
The tram speedo is in kph and all tram speed signs you see are in kph, max speed is 80kph which equates to 50mph, which the trams are governed to not exceed. Permanent speed signage is black on a white background, temporary or emergency speed restrictions are red on white.
I saw a light rail "expert" on the news the other night talking about a button the driver needs to press every 30 seconds or the brakes would apply, no such thing, at least there wasn't on the trams when I worked there and I doubt they have been upgraded.
Again, this horrible event hits close to home and I am as shocked as anyone else, no one steps on any form of public transport expecting for this to occur.
Obviously I can't offer any explanation for this tragedy, I wasn't there and it would be unwise to do so. However I have driven trams, and trains too, and know how difficult it can be. Minds wander and we don't know what this particular man's state of mind was.
Condolences to all who are effected by this, if anyone does have any questions about trams in general please keep them here.
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