Australia’s first electric “trackless tram” arrives for trial runs

The City of Stirling in Perth has taken delivery of what it says is Australia’s first electric “trackless tram” which will undergo a trial to determine its viability for operations in the city.

The 30-metre trackless tram will be trialled along a 7-kilometre stretch of Scarborough Beach Road between Glendalough Train Station and Scarborough Beach.

Plans for the trial were first announced in early 2022, and will be supported b $2 million in funding from the federal government through the Urban Congestion Fund. It will feature a trackless tram developed by Chinese manufacturer CRRC.

The City of Stirling believes that trackless trams are less disruptive and more cost effective to build, while retaining the benefits of light rail.

The trial will get underway in the next few weeks and run through to November. It will include assessments of charging capacity and battery performance, manoeuvrability and turning circles, and user experience.

Locals and relevant stakeholders will have the chance to ride the tram and provider user experience testing. A Net Zero Transit Symposium will be held to coincide with the trial, joining national and international experts to discuss the latest in net zero transit options and provide the opportunity for attendees to see the Trackless Tram in action.