Tram rail pressed to the limit today...

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the operational capacity of a new tram system in Odense, Denmark, particularly in the context of a national soccer match. Participants explore the challenges and logistics of maintaining efficient tram service during high-demand events, as well as broader implications for public transport systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the tram system's ability to handle three-minute intervals during peak demand, particularly with large crowds from the soccer match.
  • Others note that trams typically stop for 60 to 90 seconds, which could complicate scheduling and lead to bunching if not managed carefully.
  • One participant highlights the effectiveness of trams in moving large numbers of people along fixed routes, suggesting that with sufficient vehicles, the system should perform well.
  • Comparisons are made to other transit systems, such as the London Underground, which operates at a frequency of every 100 seconds during peak times.
  • Another participant mentions the upcoming Copenhagen-Sweden metro line, which is expected to operate every 1.5 minutes, noting the differences in population density between cities.
  • A later post reflects on the outcome of the soccer match, indicating that the tram system met expectations despite initial concerns about the electrical grid's capacity.
  • One participant proposes exploring the synchronization of tram acceleration and braking to reduce peak load on the electrical grid.
  • Another introduces a political dimension, suggesting that the soccer match serves a purpose beyond sport, potentially fostering unity in Europe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of concerns and optimism regarding the tram system's performance during the event. While some agree on the potential challenges, others emphasize the system's capabilities. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of the tram system under these conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions about tram operations, including stop durations and the impact of crowd behavior, without fully resolving these points. The discussion also touches on broader implications of public transport in relation to social and political contexts.

sbrothy
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Today, we have a national soccer match at my little town stadium in Odense, Fynen, Denmark. It's Denmark - Lithuania I think. So, they're pressing the new tram system hoping it can cope with 3 minute intervals. Embarrassing if it can't...
 
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A tram normally stops for what... 60 to 90 seconds? That doesn't leave much time between trams. The operators will have to pay close attention to what they're doing, in order to keep trams from bunching together.
 
Yes. And imagine the horde of soccer-drunk fans trying to start fights thrown into the mix! :woot:
 
Trams are very good at moving many people over a fixed route. With enough vehicles and a shorter route, say shuttling between the central railway station and the playing field, there should be no problem.

The biggest problem with trams is that people don't realise how useful they are, until they are gone. We need more trams.
 
At peak time on the London Underground there is a Victoria line train every 100 seconds!
 
When the Copenhagen - Sweden metro line opens, the line designated M7 is supposed to drive every 1.5 minutes!

Danish I'm afraid:

https://oresundsmetro.com/files/media/document/
sammenfatningsrapport_oeresundsmetro_teknik_og_anlaeg_dec13_1.pdf

They talk about 200 seconds generally. But yeah, London is a lot bigger and more populated than Copenhagen. They talk about 60.000 daily pendlers between Denmark and Sweden though...!
 
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PeroK said:
At peak time on the London Underground there is a Victoria line train every 100 seconds!

That reminded me of a very cool real-time map of the London Underground which a friend sent to me recently:

https://www.londonunderground.live/
 
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Hadn't seen this one. Very professional.
 
Denmark vs. Lithuania International Friendly game. 11 June 2025.
Denmark 5, Lithuania 0. The friendly soccer game was the winner.
I guess the trams and tracks survived the home team celebrations.
 
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  • #10
Baluncore said:
Denmark vs. Lithuania International Friendly game. 11 June 2025.
Denmark 5, Lithuania 0. The friendly soccer game was the winner.
I guess the trams and tracks survived the home team celebrations.
Yes, I was rather surprised. Not by the tram living up to specs (they initially feared that the electrical grid wasn't up to the task), but by the crazy result. Must've been the "fan effect" (if one such exists). I doubt many Lithuanians took the trip...
 
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It would be interesting to know how the acceleration of one tram, away from a stop, might be synchronised with the regenerative braking of another to a stop, something that could reduce the peak load of the transport system on the grid.

In a democracy, successful politicians do not get too far ahead of the people who vote, so they must move the people along. I expect the friendly game was designed, in these difficult times, to do more for the Pan-European unity of the people, than for soccer. The game has played an important part in uniting the East and the West of Europe, in the minds of all the fans involved. That is a win for the Lithuanian people, and European politicians.
 
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  • #12
A devious line of thinking, but probably not too far from the truth. As I learned in history: cui bono?
 
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