Very Light Rail Vehicle

Coventry is on the road to launching its own tram network

Introducing… Coventry Very Light Rail (VLR), a transport solution that provides all the benefits of a conventional tram network, but is significantly lower in cost, electric powered, and produces zero-emissions. Researchers from the University of Warwick’s WMG, together with TDi Ltd, have designed and built the prototype, but what’s next?

Since launching the project seven years ago, the VLR prototype has made many appearances to the public. The most notable of these was in 2021 when the prototype toured its future operational home in Coventry, having been completed for its City of Culture 2021 celebrations.

Then, in June 2023, it made an exciting appearance at the Coventry MotoFest, where people were actually able to step inside the vehicle, which can hold up to 56 people and has seats for 20.

Testing of the VLR has recently gained momentum. An innovative test track, which is thinner than the tracks used by existing rail systems and specifically designed to work with the new VLR, has been installed at the council’s Whitley Depot facility. WMG will play an important role in evaluating the performance of this track using test data fed into a digital computer model.

Installation work has now begun on Coventry's new on-road test track for the city's proposed cutting-edge Very Light Rail technology. The 220-metre demonstration track in the city centre is designed to test whether the transport model can be implemented more efficiently and cost-effectively compared with typical tram systems. It is anticipated to reach completion and commence on-road tests by summer 2025.

Coventry is said to be leading the green industrial revolution – not only will it be the first UK all-electric bus city by 2025, but also the first city to launch this revolutionised tram network.

Dr Darren Hughes, from WMG, said: “The vehicle has been constructed within Coventry with a reliance on a regional supply chain where possible, showing the strength in depth of local manufacturing. It is a unique vehicle with state-of-the-art technologies including an advanced battery power-train and resilient glazing, making it even safer for public use.”