Understanding Trackless Tram Technology and Its Potential Future Role in Sydney's Transport Planning

Douglas Bennett

University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW

This presentation was delivered at the 2021 Online Conference Series and until October 2022 is only available to registered delegates and Content Access Pass holders via Interchange. For information on accessing this and other presentations please review the Content Access Pass options.

ABSTRACT

Rapid population growth in Sydney during the late 20th and early 21st century has put increased pressure on the existing provision of transport infrastructure. Due to financial constraints and the NSW government's existing expenditure on transport projects, delivery of additional infrastructure has proven difficult. Large-scale transport projects such as Sydney Metro have received priority over cross-regional transit projects such as Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2. In this context, it could be argued that there is a need to consider alternative, cost-effective cross-regional transport infrastructure in Sydney. This study investigates the feasibility of trackless tram technology as a viable cross-regional public transport alternative in Sydney. The study is informed by academic literature on trackless trams and light rail and analyses the viability of trackless trams from a statutory and strategic perspective through a policy review and a comparative analysis. Finally, the study reviews the political feasibility of trackless trams through in-depth interviews with local government officials. The thesis argues that although legislative barriers and a restricted market may hinder the technologies viability in the short term, trackless trams can be a viable alternative to light rail in the near future.

Author

Douglas Bennett | University of New South Wales Sydney

Douglas Bennett is an undergraduate student at the University of New South Wales Sydney, undertaking a Bachelor of City Planning (Honours).