{"id":8063,"date":"2014-09-06T02:51:16","date_gmt":"2014-09-06T06:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/?p=8063"},"modified":"2014-08-30T08:04:00","modified_gmt":"2014-08-30T12:04:00","slug":"modern-trams-in-an-historic-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/modern-trams-in-an-historic-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Modern Trams in an Historic City"},"content":{"rendered":"

Similar to Dublin\u2019s LUAS.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A modern Alstom Citadis tram glides across cobblestone streets in Reims, France in August 2014. Lumix LX7 photo. Notice the ground-level power supply.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In August, I made a brief visit to Reims in northeastern France. This city is steeped in history and now boasts one of Europe\u2019s newest tram networks, which opened in Spring 2011.<\/p>\n

\"Reims<\/a>
Reims cathedral. Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Trams<\/a>
Trams pass in Reims. Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Canon<\/a>
Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Operated by Veolia Trandev, this system covers just 11.2 kilometers (just under seven miles). Like Dublin\u2019s LUAS it uses modern Alstom Citadis trams. These have a distinctive styling variation with front sections designed to mimic the shape of a champagne flute\u2014which pays homage to Reims\u2019 role as \u2018capital of the champagne region\u2019<\/p>\n

The trams make the same \u2018bong bong\u2019 warning sounds as they navigate city streets.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the relatively small tram fleet are dressed in eight different colours.<\/p>\n

One of the most innovative elements of the Reims system is its application of a modern ground level power supply that is used through the historic city center to avoid unsightly wires.<\/p>\n

In my few hours wandering Reims, I made just a handful of digital photos plus a couple of colour slides.<\/p>\n

\"Eight<\/a>
Eight different colours decorate Reims trams. Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Vestiges<\/a>
Vestiges of Reims original narrow gauge tram system remain. The modern system is standard gauge. Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A<\/a>
A Roman arch tells of Reims history. Augustus was here. Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Near<\/a>
Near the Roman arch the trams change power supply, going from ground level to overhead wires. Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Lumix<\/a>
Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Lumix<\/a>
Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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