Guided busway or "tram" in Caen, France

[LouJ]

A few images of the guided busway in Caen. The locals call it a tram! Its days are numbered as it has been announced that the system will be converted to a proper tramway in the next few years.

http://www.world-railways.co.uk/gallery/gallery.php?id=196

 

[starrymarkb]

I understand the system ended up costing almost as much as a tram, but has been far more troublesome.

Nancy has a similar system IIRC

 

[Anon Mouse]

Would that be classed as a monorail? (apologies if its a stupid question!)

 

[WatcherZero]

A monorail is when theres a single rail guiding and supporting the weight of the vehicle. These are commonly called Rubber-tyred tram's or Guided Bus systems.

 

[Anon Mouse]

A monorail is when theres a single rail guiding and supporting the weight of the vehicle. These are commonly called Rubber-tyred tram's or Guided Bus systems.

Thanks for the explanation!

Looks like a giant Scalextric set. I'm not too sure if I like it!

 

[starrymarkb]

A bit more about the system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Guided_Light_Transit

Nancy's operate away from the Guiderail as well

 

[WatcherZero]

What can be confusing is there is another type of system where the track supports the weight of the vehicle and provides power while rubber tyres actually guide the vehicle round corners and such without bearing any of the vehicles weight.

 

[starrymarkb]

Not that I'm aware of. Closest thing to that description would be the Paris Metro, (where the Rubber tyres are used for traction, but share support with steel wheels on the guide rails)

VAL systems (Lille, Toulouse etc) use rubber tyres for support and guidance

Edit - unamericanise my spell checker!

 

[WatcherZero]

You would for example see that on a rollercoaster or monorail in a station. Similar too boat rides guided by rail have wheels for avoiding structures in the water.

 

[HSTEd]

Was this the system that led to damage to the road surface as the busses were following exactly the same path to the milimetre every single time?