Trambesòs facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Trambesòs
A tram standing at Wellington stop
Overview
Status	Operational
Line number
Locale	Barcelona metropolitan area
Stations	27
Service
Type	Tram, light rail
Operator(s)	Tramvia Metropolità del Besòs, S.A. (part of TRAM)
Depot(s)	Central Tèrmica del Besòs
Rolling stock	Alstom Citadis 302
Ridership	7,985,513 (2010)
History
Opened	8 May 2004 (2004-05-08)
Technical
Line length	14.097 km (8.759 mi)
Character	At-grade
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in) standard gauge
Electrification	750 V DC overhead lines
Operating speed	19.37 km/h (12.04 mph)

Trambesòs is a modern tram system in Catalonia, Spain. It connects the Barcelona district of Sant Martí with the nearby towns of Badalona and Sant Adrià de Besòs.

The name "Trambesòs" comes from two words. "Tram" is short for tramvia, which means "tram" in Catalan. "Besòs" is the name of a river in the area.

The first part of Trambesòs opened on May 8, 2004. This was part of route T4. Since then, the system has grown with more sections. The newest part opened on June 15, 2008. This created route T6, connecting Sant Adrià de Besòs railway station and Gorg metro station in Badalona.

The company TRAM runs the Trambesòs system. It works alongside another tram network called Trambaix, which serves the southwest of Barcelona. In the future, these two tram systems might connect through Avinguda Diagonal.

How the Trambesòs System Works
Tram Stops and Their Design
- Features at the Stops
Trambesòs Routes
Future Plans for Trambesòs
- Connecting with Trambaix
- Other Possible Tram Extensions
Network Map
See also

How the Trambesòs System Works

The Trambesòs system has 27 stops and is about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) long. It uses three different routes. The network has two tracks for trams, powered by electricity. The tracks are built to a standard width, called standard gauge.

The tram line starts near Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona. It then goes towards Badalona and Sant Adrià de Besòs. It mainly uses two big roads: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Avinguda Diagonal. There is also a smaller branch that crosses La Rambla de la Mina street in Sant Adrià. This branch connects the Gran Via section with the Avinguda Diagonal section.

Dedicated Tram Tracks

Trambesòs uses its own special tracks. These tracks are separate from regular road traffic. This helps the trams run smoothly, quickly, and safely. Trams only meet other vehicles at street crossings. These crossings have traffic lights. The special tracks also have their own signaling system.

The reserved area for the tram includes the tracks and the overhead lines that provide power. It also has the special tram stops. In many places, the tram tracks are at the same level as the sidewalks. Sometimes, the tracks are covered with grass, concrete, or asphalt.

Electric Power for Trams

To power the trams, six power stations are built along the line. These stations provide 750 V of DC electricity. This power goes to the overhead lines. The overhead lines are held up by metal poles along the tracks.

The Trams Themselves

The trams used on the Trambesòs network are called Citadis 302. There are 18 of these trams. They are "low-floor trams," which means they are easy to get on and off. They are colored teal and white. These trams are made by Alstom in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda.

Trams are parked and fixed at the Trambesòs depot. This depot is located near the Central Tèrmica del Besòs stop.

Tickets and Fares

The Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM) handles tickets and fares for the tram. Trambesòs is part of Barcelona's integrated fare system. This means you can use the same tickets for trams, buses, and the metro. It is all within ATM fare zone 1.

You can buy single tickets at machines at the tram stops. These tickets let you transfer between different Trambesòs routes for 30 minutes. You don't need to buy another ticket. You must validate your ticket in a machine near the tram door. Some underground stops have ticket barriers where you validate your ticket before getting on.

Tram Stops and Their Design

The Trambesòs system has 27 stops. All stops look similar to those on the Trambaix network. Most stops have long, low platforms. These platforms are about 60 meters (197 feet) long and 35 centimeters (14 inches) high. They have ramps at each end. This design makes it easy for everyone to board the tram. This includes people using wheelchairs, prams, or those who are elderly.

The stops have different layouts. Some have one island platform in the middle. Others have two side platforms, one on each side of the tracks. Three stops are underground in the Gran Via section.

Many stops offer transfers to the Barcelona Metro network. Only the Estació de Sant Adrià stop connects to Rodalies de Catalunya commuter trains. This makes it the only stop that connects to a heavy rail service.

Features at the Stops

The stops are designed to be easy for everyone to use. They have a simple, modern look with metal and glass. For passengers, there are shelters. These shelters have an intercom, a public address (PA) system, and screens that show tram information. They also have CCTV cameras for safety and noticeboards. You can buy tickets from ticket vending machines at the stops. The architects who designed these shelters won an award in 2004 for their work.

Trambesòs Routes

There are three main routes on the Trambesòs system. They run from east to west.

Routes T5 and T6 use the Gran Via section.
Route T4 uses the Avinguda Diagonal section.
Route T6 also uses a branch that goes through the La Mina neighborhood.

All routes meet at Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes. This is the only stop where you can transfer between all Trambesòs routes.

Trambesòs routes are shown with a teal square that has a white "T" and the route number. For example, . Trambaix routes also use a "T" but have numbers 1-3. Trambesòs uses numbers 4-6.

Route T4 starts near Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona. It goes towards Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes and then to Sant Adrià de Besòs railway station. This route runs along Avinguda Diagonal and Avinguda d'Eduard Maristany, close to the sea.
Route T5 starts at Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes. It goes to Gorg metro station in Badalona, using the Gran Via section.
Route T6 runs from Plaça de les Glòries to Sant Adrià de Besòs railway station. It shares the Gran Via section with route T5. It also uses the branch that goes through the La Mina neighborhood in Sant Adrià.

Future Plans for Trambesòs

Connecting with Trambaix

There have been many discussions about connecting the Trambesòs and Trambaix systems. The original idea was to build a new tram line along the entire Avinguda Diagonal. This would link the two networks. People have even held demonstrations to support this idea.

In 2008, the Mayor of Barcelona, Jordi Hereu, announced plans to rebuild Avinguda Diagonal. This plan included building the new tram line. A public vote, or referendum, was even held in 2010. However, this vote faced technical problems and did not lead to a clear decision.

Later, Mayor Xavier Trias (in 2011) did not support connecting the trams through Avinguda Diagonal. He suggested other streets in the Eixample district. One idea was a "shuttle tram" for tourists between Sagrada Família and La Pedrera. However, these plans were not built.

The current mayor, Ada Colau, still wants to connect the tram lines along Avinguda Diagonal. But she has faced opposition from other political parties.

Other Possible Tram Extensions

The transport authority (ATM) has plans for other tram extensions beyond 2020. These plans aim to expand the current tram network along major roads.

Estació de Sant Adrià ↔ Port de Badalona: This plan would extend route T4 from Sant Adrià de Besòs railway station towards Badalona. It would add 3 new stops and about 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) of tracks. This extension would serve the coastal area of Badalona.
Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica ↔ World Trade Center: This project would extend route T4 from its current end at Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica stop. The new route would go around Parc de la Ciutadella and along Barcelona's waterfront. It would reach the World Trade Center Barcelona in the Port Vell area.
Auditori | Teatre Nacional ↔ Plaça Urquinaona: This extension would take route T5 closer to Barcelona city center. It would start near Auditori – Teatre Nacional stop and go to Plaça Urquinaona.
Torribera ↔ Sant Adrià: This idea involves a new tram line connected to the Trambesòs network. It could be an extension of route T6. This line would connect Sant Adrià de Besòs to Santa Coloma de Gramenet.