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July 12, 2016

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Home » District » Songjiang

Silkworm spins new transport era

A new tramcar powered by electricity and set to run on two rail lines embedded in the streets of central Songjiang was unveiled at the Rail and Metro China Expo last month, attracting the attention of 200 companies from 13 countries.

Its bright yellow, silkworm-shaped appearance pays tribute to Songjang’s history as a famous center for quality silk production and embroidery.

Designed by the Shanghai Rail Traffic Equipment Co., the Songjiang tramcar is Shanghai’s first modern low-floor tram. It is 33 meters long and 2.65 meters wide, with five compartments. Its floor is at the same level as the entry-exit platform.

The first, third and fifth compartments are designed with 16 seats in four rows, while the second and the fourth compartments are standing-only areas.

The tramcar has the capacity to carry 300 people at a maximum speed of 70 kilometer per hour, 5 kilometers faster than conventional buses.

It will run on Songjiang tramlines T1 and T2, which are currently under construction. The new service is expected to begin full operation in one year.

“I really hope it will make transport easier for us locals,” said Songjiang native Du Jinlin, after viewing the new tramcar.

“I don’t really care much how it looks, as long as it works well,” Du added.

Another resident, Li Qiang raised other questions.

“I want to know the ticket price and whether we can enjoy discounts with our transport cards,” Li said. “I think there may not be enough seats, but I suppose the cars were designed for maximum passenger loads.”

Other residents said they want the new tramlines to be more connected with Metro stations, providing seamless travel to downtown areas of Shanghai. The first two tramlines, however, have been designed to connect central Songjiang with outlying areas.

The T1 line will run 14.4 kilometers with 20 stops. It will start at Rongle Road W., traveling along Minyi, Xinzhen, Xinzhan and Xinyu roads before reaching its terminus at the Xinqiao Station.

The T2 line will cover almost 15 kilometers with 19 stops. It will start at Rongle Road West, traveling along Sanxin Road N., New Songjiang Road, Renmin Road N., Meijiabang Road, Jiasong Road S., Guangfulin Road, Zhongchuang Road (tentative) and Jinxi Road (tentative). The line will end at Rongle Road E.

The new lines are part of a broader transport blueprint. In five years, six tramlines will be added, and the network will connect to six bus lines and 118 bus stops, stretching 90 kilometers to link the Jinshan Railway and Metro lines 9 and 12.




 

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