Your opinion: Which do you think is a good tram set up for this intersection?

[Red_Rattler]

Just your opinion, of which set up "adds" to this tram set up at this 4 way intersection?

(And no, the answer to that question some may ask why not put the tracks down the grass middle island is that the island is slightly higher on one side (of the real place)

NO QUOTING OF PHOTOS PERMITTED

Just ignore the traffic lights, signals, etc.
The advantage of the first photo is that the tram passengers don't need to cross a busy road, but the disadvantage is it takes up "car parking spaces"

Yes, I know that I will need tom fix the start the curve for the tram track to start at the line, not before it, if that's the curve I choose.

Advantage is that the road traffic can turn left, without interrupting the trams. Disadvantage is that the passengers need to cross a busy road (& the tracks) to get to the tram stops)

 

[Electro]

Hi Red_Rattler

I think the first pic looks ok but the line turning right needs to be in the right hand lane.


BUT in saying that have you thought about putting the stations in the middle of the street half way down and adding a Zebra crossing
on each side for people to cross near the platforums.


Just my thoughts



Poul

 

[RRSignal]

Just your opinion, of which set up "adds" to this tram set up at this 4 way intersection?

(And no, the answer to that question some may ask why not put the tracks down the grass middle island is that the island is slightly higher on one side (of the real place)

NO QUOTING OF PHOTOS PERMITTED

Just ignore the traffic lights, signals, etc.
The advantage of the first photo is that the tram passengers don't need to cross a busy road, but the disadvantage is it takes up "car parking spaces"

I would think tram operators would think of passenger safety first; by default, the first one. Also, I don't think users of any mass-transit system would like be regularly exposed to the dangers (and waiting) of traffic.

AFAIK, in Philly, they don't care a dang about loss of parking spots.

 

[Red_Rattler]

Come to think of it, I can have two layouts, one with each set up!

 

[paulzmay]

THe second would be more common in Australia, and probably in much of the rest of the world. Running in the central reservation would probably be even more likely. A dedicated lane for the tram approaching the junction would reduce conflictng moveents, and allow the tram to bypass queues of traffic.

Loss of parking spots is more of a concern for some authorities than others. Reducing available parking tends to help reduce traffic, and on-street parking tends to cause more traffic problems than off-street. Even the RAA has called for removal of on-street parking in Adelaide to reduce congestion: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/...ic-pain-says-raa/story-e6frea83-1226239409583

@RRSignal: Not sure about the rest of the world, but I'm pretty sure that all of Australia's original tram systems mostly had trams stopping in the middle of the road with no platform at most stops. This is still the case in many places in Melbourne. Cars are prohibited from passing on the inside of trams stopped at a stop. Example: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=toorak+tram+stop&ll=-37.839504,144.995622&spn=0.001576,0.007355&hq=tram+stop&hnear=Toorak+Victoria,+Australia&t=h&fll=-37.839026,144.990386&fspn=0.003478,0.007355&z=18&layer=c&cbll=-37.839506,144.995621&panoid=7-fnt0bAG6P7lbmQFd753w&cbp=11,182.41,,0,3.81

Paul

 

[JCitron]

As far as your setups go, I like them both but the second one works for me probably because I'm used to center-running. In Boston there is a center median with the trolleys (you guys call them trams) and their stations. It's up to the people to fend for themselves to cross the street.

http://binged.it/13e6LBv

John

 

[Red_Rattler]

THe second would be more common in Australia, and probably in much of the rest of the world.

Yep, I know, but thought it would add to the scene.

Running in the central reservation would probably be even more likely

Yep, better to run down the middle of the island, but not in this case, as one side is higher than the other. In other words, one direction of the road and part of the island is higher than the other part. (And that's going to be hard to do)

 

[Red_Rattler]

While not exactly the same, here is a similar set up on this Street View map: http://goo.gl/maps/zcxOr