Project Profile: Rio de Janeiro VLT Carioca Light Rail

The VLT Carioca is a landmark light rail transit (LRT) system in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, delivered via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to revitalize the Porto Maravilha port district. Engineered with advanced catenary-free technology, the network serves as a critical integration link between the city’s diverse public transport modes, enhancing urban mobility and sustainability.

Technical Specifications

The VLT Carioca’s defining technical feature is its complete independence from overhead catenary lines. Power is delivered through Alstom’s proprietary Aesthetic Power Supply (APS) system, a ground-level third rail segmented and activated only when fully covered by the tram, ensuring public safety and preserving the city’s historic vistas. This system powers a fleet of 32 Alstom Citadis trams. Each 44-meter-long vehicle has a capacity for 415 passengers and is designed for low-floor accessibility.

The network was strategically designed for maximum multimodal integration. Spanning six lines with 42 stations, it creates a crucial link between key transit hubs, including the Santos Dumont Airport, the Novo Rio long-distance bus terminal, the main metropolitan train station (Central do Brasil), and ferry terminals. This seamless connectivity with the metro, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and conventional bus systems establishes the VLT as the backbone of mobility in Rio’s central and port regions.

Key Takeaways

• Pioneering PPP Model: The project serves as a successful case study for a 25-year PPP concession in Brazil, effectively combining private sector efficiency in construction and operations with public sector urban renewal objectives for the Porto Maravilha initiative.
• Advanced Catenary-Free Technology: The implementation of Alstom’s APS ground-level power supply set a new standard for aesthetic integration of light rail in historically sensitive urban environments, eliminating the visual clutter of overhead wires.
• Core of a Multimodal Network: Rather than operating in isolation, the VLT was conceived as a central connector, unifying disparate transport systems to improve passenger flow, reduce transfer times, and alleviate chronic traffic congestion in the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What powers the Rio Light Rail trams?
The Rio Light Rail, or VLT Carioca, is powered by Alstom’s Aesthetic Power Supply (APS), an innovative ground-level system. This technology uses a third rail embedded in the track that is only energized in segments directly underneath the tram, ensuring it is safe for pedestrians and vehicles while eliminating the need for overhead power lines.

Who built and operates the VLT Carioca?
The VLT Carioca was designed, built, and is currently operated by the VLT Carioca Consortium under a 25-year public-private partnership agreement with the city of Rio de Janeiro. This consortium includes major infrastructure firms such as CCR and Invepar, with rolling stock supplied by the French manufacturer Alstom.