City running mode

[strange6]

On the manchester metrolink, just before entrance into Man Victoria station, there is a sign telling the tram drivers to switch to 'city running mode'. What is this exactly? Is it a mode that just puts a speed restriction on the tram?

 

[transmanche]

On the manchester metrolink, just before entrance into Man Victoria station, there is a sign telling the tram drivers to switch to 'city running mode'. What is this exactly? Is it a mode that just puts a speed restriction on the tram?

I haven't been on the Metrolink for a while, but remember seeing a sign at the G-Mex stop telling drivers to switch to 'street running mode without steps'. As well as speed limits, I seem to recall it has a different horn/whistle for road/off-road running. I also think the wing mirrors pop out for street running and the indicators are activated. And obviously the signalling is different on-street, I don't know if this has any impact on the tram's safety systems.

So I'm guessing that the change in mode engages/disengages all the various settings.

 

[WestCoast]

I also think the wing mirrors pop out for street running and the indicators are activated.

Do they still do this, even though they have CCTV monitors on each side of the cab now? I can't remember...

 

[strange6]

I haven't been on the Metrolink for a while, but remember seeing a sign at the G-Mex stop telling drivers to switch to 'street running mode without steps'. As well as speed limits, I seem to recall it has a different horn/whistle for road/off-road running. I also think the wing mirrors pop out for street running and the indicators are activated. And obviously the signalling is different on-street, I don't know if this has any impact on the tram's safety systems.

So I'm guessing that the change in mode engages/disengages all the various settings.

You're probably right although I have never noticed wing mirrors! Will have a closer look next time!
What is the training for tram drivers like compared to train drivers? The tram drivers going through the city centre have a hell of a responsibility in terms of people walking in their way and city centre traffic.

 

[transmanche]

Do they still do this, even though they have CCTV monitors on each side of the cab now? I can't remember...

Well I did say it'd been a while... it must be longer than I thought!

 

[northernrail]

Do they still do this, even though they have CCTV monitors on each side of the cab now? I can't remember...

Not all of the trams have the camera's some (1014, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1026, 2001, 2003 & 2004) still have mirrors

 

[WestCoast]

Not all of the trams have the camera's some (1014, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1026, 2001, 2003 & 2004) still have mirrors

I presume the new trams don't have the mirrors?

 

[northernrail]

No, they have camera's, the monitors are stuck inbetween the cab window's, with another monitor on the floor to the side of the driver witch displays the inside of the Tram.

 

[142094]

Might also be for different type of headlighting (if that is a word). I know that Croydon trams and Nottingham SET trams have different settings for headlights depending where on the route they are.

 

[northernrail]

there's a sign for the former heavy rail lines, can't remember the exact words.
i think there is one for Picadilly Undercroft aswell.