Tenerife Light Rail System – Railway Technology

This article explores the planning, construction, and operation of the Tenerife light rail system, specifically focusing on Line 1 and its future expansions. The project, a significant undertaking for the island, aimed to improve public transportation, alleviate traffic congestion, and stimulate economic growth. This analysis will delve into the project’s financing, technological choices, operational performance, and future development plans, highlighting the challenges and successes encountered during its implementation. The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of this notable light rail (LRT) project and its contribution to Tenerife’s infrastructure and sustainable transportation goals. Understanding the successes and challenges of the Tenerife LRT provides valuable insights for future light rail projects, especially those in geographically challenging environments with significant reliance on public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Line 1: A Challenging but Successful Implementation

Line 1 of the Tenerife light rail system, connecting Santa Cruz and La Laguna, presented significant engineering challenges due to the steep terrain. The 12.3km route, with a significant elevation change of 600 meters, necessitated extensive street improvements and underground utility relocation. The choice of Alstom Citadis trams, with all-wheel drive and regenerative braking, proved crucial in addressing the gradient demands and optimizing energy efficiency. The use of 35GP13 grooved rails, supplied by Corus Steel in collaboration with several construction companies, provided a robust solution for the demanding track conditions. The efficient 500-600m spacing between stations optimized passenger flow and minimized journey times. This successful integration of advanced technology and careful planning minimized environmental impact, ensuring the project aligned with sustainability goals.

Financing and Partnerships: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach

The €306 million project cost was financed through a complex public-private partnership (PPP) involving various stakeholders. The island’s government held a significant stake, demonstrating its commitment to the project’s success. Other key contributors included the Canary Islands provincial government, the municipalities of Santa Cruz and La Laguna, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Transdev, CajaCanarias Bank, and the Spanish government. This diverse funding model, a hallmark of many large-scale infrastructure projects, showcases the benefits of collaborative funding strategies to support significant public works endeavors.

Technology and Operations: Optimizing Efficiency and Sustainability

The selection of Alstom Citadis trams, a proven technology in European cities, reflected a strategic decision to leverage reliable and efficient equipment. The trams’ features, including all-wheel drive for steep gradients and regenerative braking for energy recovery, demonstrated a commitment to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The signalling and communications systems, provided by Efacec and Ikusi, ensured seamless operation and provided vital passenger information and security features. The 22,000m² maintenance depot, designed with future growth in mind, further contributed to the system’s long-term operational sustainability. Metropolitano de Tenerife’s policy of aiming for complete energy self-sufficiency (by 2020) underscores its long-term commitment to reducing the system’s environmental footprint.

Expansion and Future Plans: Growth and Integration

Future plans for the Tenerife light rail system include the expansion of Line 1 to Tenerife Norte Airport and the construction of Line 2, connecting La Cuesta and Tincer. These expansions aim to increase ridership, improve connectivity, and further integrate the LRT system into the island’s broader transportation network. The planned Santa Cruz – Las Américas line is an even more ambitious endeavor, aiming to provide high-speed rail connectivity across a much greater distance. The integration with the existing bus network through the Bono Via bi-mode ticket further enhances the system’s accessibility and convenience, supporting the project’s goal of providing integrated and seamless public transportation solutions.

Conclusions

The Tenerife light rail system, specifically Line 1, stands as a successful example of large-scale infrastructure development in a challenging geographical environment. The project’s careful planning, strategic partnerships, and innovative technological choices have resulted in a functional and efficient LRT system. The initial success of Line 1, with ridership exceeding initial projections, demonstrates the significant demand for improved public transportation on the island. The ambitious expansion plans, including Line 2 and the proposed Santa Cruz – Las Américas line, showcase a long-term vision to create a comprehensive and integrated rail network. However, challenges remain. Maintaining the financial sustainability of the system, managing future expansion projects effectively, and ensuring ongoing operational efficiency will be crucial to its long-term success. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the system’s integration with the existing bus network and the achievement of its self-sufficiency goals will be key indicators of its overall impact on Tenerife’s transportation landscape and environmental sustainability efforts. The Tenerife LRT serves as a case study illustrating the potential of well-planned and executed light rail projects to transform urban mobility and contribute to a sustainable transportation future. The project’s innovative financing model, careful consideration of technological needs, and clear vision for future expansion provide valuable lessons for similar projects in other regions.

Company Information:

• Alstom: A multinational company specializing in rolling stock manufacturing.
• Corus Steel: A steel manufacturer (now part of Tata Steel).
• Dragados, Comsa, FCC, Tecsa, Necso: Construction companies involved in the project.
• Efacec: A Portuguese company providing electrical engineering and technology solutions.
• Ikusi: A Spanish technology company.
• Transdev: A multinational public transport operator.
• CajaCanarias Bank: A regional bank in the Canary Islands.
• Metropolitano de Tenerife: The operating company for the Tenerife light rail system.