A Streetcar (Tramway) named TramFret (previously Desire) !!!
On June 13th, at 6:13 am, the 913 trainset, code name "TramFret", was launched as the first result of several years of work. The project of delivering goods by using a tramway adapted to this function was implemented through an experiment still yet unique in the world!
“Genuine” merchandise, in a “genuine” tramway dedicated to carry goods, had been delivered to a “genuine” nearby store in Saint-Etienne dowtown!
This TramFret project, carried out jointly by Efficacity, the Research and Development Institute on the Energy Transition of the City, Saint-Etienne Métropole and the “Société de Transport de l'Agglomération Stéphanoise” proves the technical and operational feasibility of a new Urban Logistics system.
By delivering the Casino Shop Bergson at Place Carnot in the heart of the city center on the morning of June 13, 2017, all stakeholders, involved in this event have contributed significantly to this long-term project . The outcome and feedbacks of this experiment will allow to optimize the system, to initiate its industrial development and to study its sustainability.
Thanks to a specific homologation issued by STRMTG (the technical agency of the Ministry in charge of the safety, security and operating conditions of urban transport systems), two other deliveries are planned this week (Casino Shop in Place du Peuple on Wednesday June 14th and once again Casino Shop Bergson de Place Carnot on Thursday June 15th ).
If the result of this first phase is positive, further tests will be carried out in Saint-Etienne in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned! The TramFret is on the track ...
Joël Danard and Kevin Janin
For more information, join TramFret LinkedIn group, follow us on Twitter @TramFret and visit is on www.tramfret.com
Photos © Joël Danard
Viribus unitis pro Europa!
7ySuch a field test had already been conducted by the Vienna Public Transport Operator "Wiener Linien" in 2005-2007, in the Framework of a Demonstration Project funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology. Cf. also former Cargo tram in Dresden / Germany.
Communications Manager at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
7yHi Joel, would it be possible to use the pictures as part of an article for Global Rail News? Thanks.
Professor PhD at Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo - Portugal
7yThat's really something I think it will be a top subject in a near future !