A review of the success and failure of tram systems to carry urban freight : the implications for a low emission intermodal solution using electric vehicles on trams

This paper considers the potential use of trams and Electric Distribution Vehicles (EDVs) as cargo carriers in intermodal urban freight distribution. Distribution activities are vital for society but are also the cause of environmental and social problems. Transporting goods in urban areas, where most logistics chains start or end, is an activity that increasingly generates severe problems for all stakeholders, for instance, local authorities, the logistic industry, customers and society in general. New transport solutions are necessary in order to decrease traffic congestion, noise and traffic pollution, e.g., emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants in urban areas. A possible solution to these problems is to transform the current freight distribution system within cities, for example by favouring the enhancement of intermodal transport alternatives, i.e. combining road and rail transport. Information has been collected through a literature review and interviews in Amsterdam and from these results a conceptual model is presented, as well as a low emission concept using electric vehicles on trams in Gothenburg. The concept utilizes techniques from the shipping industry, train industry, and the car industry.