Newcastle Light Rail. Image Credit: Hatch LTK

Presentation Abstract

The Newcastle Light Rail (NLR) system opened in February 2019 and consists of a 2.4km link between the heavy rail interchange and Newcastle Beach. The system operates CAF Urbos 3 Light Rail Vehicles designed and manufactured in Spain and France. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) chose a novel solution for the network being 100% catenary free. The LRV’s utilise on board energy storage (OESS) where the LRV is charged at each stop/station. This is the first application of an OESS LRV in Australia.

Hatch LTK were engaged by TfNSW as the LRV Technical Advisor. The presentation provides an overview of the project, concentrating on the LRV engineered technologies including operability and maintenance considerations to enable catenary free operation from energy stored on the vehicles.

About the Speaker

Bruce Wooldridge – National Manager Rolling Stock, Hatch LTK

Bruce has over 35 years’ experience in the NSW rail industry encompassing project management, rail operations, engineering management, technical advisory, rolling stock design and maintenance, strategic sourcing and business development. During his working career he has been employed across a wide range of rail companies including freight and passenger operators, government, consultancies, designers, manufacturers, maintainers, and component suppliers.

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Newcastle Light Rail. Image Credit: Hatch LTK