T2 tram line on the right tracks after trial test run
Shanghai’s proposed new tram line, T2 in Songjiang District, ran its first test run on October 11 with 50 local residents taking part.
The trial run covered four stops in the west section of T2 — Jiangxue Road Station, Xilin Road N. Station, Kai Yuan Med Shopping Center Station and Wenhui Road Station — over more than 2.56 kilometers.
“I’m so excited. The tram is smooth and comfortable and the views are different from that on buses. It’s more like on a train, and I will definitely take it when put into use,” local resident Zhang Guiying said.
The test crew was made up of six female and two male drivers. All of them had received license for trams and after a probation period of one year.
“Testing on road is different from training, as prejudgement is crucial, and I will reduce speed and remind with horns,” tram driver Yu Qifeng said. Yu was also one of the trainers of the tram crew.
“We have a separate signal system for trams and only tram drivers understand it, which ensures the separation of signal system from ordinary traffic lights to secure safety,” Shen Jian, a director with Songjiang Tram Company, said.
The Songjiang information office said the service from Canghua Road Station on T1 to Longma Road Station on T2 would be tested in early 2018. Both lines are expected to begin pilot operations in November next year.
Shanghai revived its historic tram system in 2010 with the Zhangjiang Tram service, which is still the only line in operation so far.
