Tramway technical factsheets

IUTCS factsheet no. 00: IUTCS: an approach to be developed

This factsheet presents the concept of urban insertion, which can be applied to all public transport systems operating on urban roads.

It covers the issues of urban insertion, the objectives being pursued, its regulatory framework and the main tools to be implemented. It also highlights some of the key points to look out for when implementing projects and upgrading systems.

IUTCS factsheet no. 01: Tramway and visibility: issues and existing rules

The aim of this factsheet is to list, as exhaustively as possible, the visibility problems related to the presence of sight obstructions on the public or private domain, and to recommend tools for the prevention and management of sight obstructions.

IUTCS factsheet no. 02: Tramway and pedestrian crossings: design principles

Whether they are on dedicated tram lanes or in general traffic areas, the tramway crossings designed for pedestrians must meet planning principles presented in this factsheet.

Its objective is to :

• clarify issues, current regulations and best practices,
• and set out the essential planning principles that are necessary to address these issues such as safety.

This factsheet does not cover: pedestrian areas and meeting areas (areas where there is no need for pedestrian crossings), intersections with greenways or pedestrian crossings on dedicated bus lanes.

This factsheet was updated in June 2023 by STRMTG and CEREMA, in order to integrate changes made by the IUTCS factsheet n°03 Tramways in general traffic concerning the principle of pedestrian crossing marks on the ground on tram tracks, when the tram is in general traffic, as well as other changes following feedback.

IUTCS factsheet no. 03: Tramway in general traffic

This factsheet concerns sections of lines in mixed traffic areas where tramways and general traffic run on the same road. Its objectives are to explain the issues related to design of mixed traffic areas, provide feedback on their operation, define their field of application and make recommendations for the design and operation of these sites.

IUTCS factsheet no. 04: Tramway and visibility: methods and tools

Visibility is an essential parameter in the anticipation of conflict management in the context of the operation of a tramway (sight-only driving principle), especially between tramway and third parties, including in the presence of light signals. This document puts forward a method for determining the minimum visibility conditions to be achieved (definition of visibility cones) contributing to reduce the risk of accidents between trams and third parties, depending on the type of conflict and its management methods. It also deals with visibility on signals intended for the operation of trams.

The update of June 2023 mainly brings a resumption of the hypotheses retained for the determination of the cones of visibility of crossings of tram tracks designed for bicycles that are not managed by light signalling and crossings of tram tracks designed for pedestrians that are not managed by light signalling. These hypotheses allow to take into account the accumulated feedback, as well as to formulate a more credible approach of the cyclist.

This factsheet is accompanied by a spreadsheet tool for calculating the visibility cones for each configuration, which can be configured with geometric characteristics of the layout to be modelled.

IUTCS factsheet no. 05: Tramway and roadway modifications: the obligations of managers

This factsheet is for educational purposes and reiterates the obligations of road managers following the 2017 update of the “safety of guided public transport” regulations (Decree No. 2017-440 of 30 March 2017, i.e. the STPG Decree). It explains the importance of urban insertion for the safety of tramways and their operation with a high level of service, and then gives examples of modifications that can have an impact on the safety of an existing tramway line.

This document is the final version and replaces the 2018 draft version.

IUTCS factsheet no. 07: Tramway and bicycle facilities: general principles and signage

IUTCS factsheet no. 08: Tramway and bicycle facilities: design recommendations

With the increase of bicycle and tram trips, improving their safety is a necessity. This implies the creation of facilities that meet the requirements of safety, performance and comfort, both for the tram and for the users of bicycle facilities in their diversity: traditional bicycles, cargo bikes, adapted bicycles, motorized personal travel equipment, etc.

In this context, the Cerema and the STRMTG present two factsheets relating to the Tramway and bicycle facilities:

IUTCS factsheet no. 09: Evolution of the 120 second rule : how to reduce waiting at the lights ?

This fact sheet gives solutions to reduce waiting times at traffic lights as well as recommendations for dealing with tram and Buses with a high level of service intersections. A large part of the performance of a signalized intersection is linked to its design. The operation of the lights alone cannot compensate for the shortcomings of the upstream phases (geometry in particular). It proposes recommendations for the different stages of design of traffic lights. Finally, it recalls the current regulations and presents an example of optimization.