North American ameriTRAM tour continues

Written by Douglas John Bowen
ameriTRAM in Charlotte

Contrary to published reports, KinkiSharyo has continued to showcase its prototype ameriTRAM streetcar even after the APTA Annual Expo in New Orleans last October. The company had its prototype on display at the maintenance shops for Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit (HBLRT) in Jersey City, N.J., on Dec. 23.

ameriTRAM in CharlotteOn that date, officials from Hoboken, N.J., and from the Hudson County Improvement Authority, were invited to tour the car (shown at left, at its North American debut in Charlotte, N.C. on Jan. 20, 2011) and grill officials from both KinkiSharyo and 21st Century Rail, the contractor operating HBLRT for New Jersey Transit. The discussions centered on ameriTRAM’s capability to provide wireless mobility over stretches of right-of-way.

Hoboken is considering adding a streetcar to its transportation options, which to date have included an aggressive mix of pedestrian improvements, bicycle lanes, local bus loops, and “Corner Car” options packaged to reduce overreliance on automobiles and parking constraints. No specific streetcar route has been selected for the city so far.

 

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