FROM a passenger perspective, the demonstration Revolution Very Light Rail (RVLR) vehicle is a departure from what you might expect, especially if the mention of a low-cost and lightweight train triggers recollections of noisy, bouncy and often cold journeys on the now-retired ‘Pacer’ units.
For a start, this is a single-car train that is capable of 65mph, but which can operate at up to 20mph on battery power and also utilises two Cummins 2.8 Euro 6 emissionscompliant diesel engines for traction and battery recharging. Accessibility (with dedicated wheelchair space and assistance call point), air conditioning, passenger information displays, wi-fi and mobile device charging sockets are all part of the specification. The seats too are stylish and reasonably well-padded. In the middle of the vehicle, one set of four seats on either side of the aisle also has a table.
Outside, it also looks every bit the worthy contemporary of its mainstream counterparts, but being attractive enough to inspire transport users to choose rail over other modes was just part of the brief. The role of RVLR is to be an enabler, lowering costs and increasing the viability of local line reopenings or the introduction of additional services.
“The role of RVLR is to be an enabler, lowering costs and increasing the viability of local line reopenings or the introduction of additional services”