EVERSHOLT Rail and Transport Design International have announced the launch of the Revolution Very Light Rail (RVLR) Demonstrator vehicle at Ironbridge today.
(L-R) Darren Smith, Chris Heaton Harris, Amrik Jhawar and Tim Burleigh.
The RVLR programme was born out of a challenge set by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and the Department for Transport to provide an attractive, low-cost rolling stock solution that will encourage modal shift to rail.
The Revolution VLR Demonstrator vehicle will be showcased at the purpose-built marketing facility at Ironbridge.
Eversholt Rail and Transport Design International have worked closely with Harworth Developments over the past 6 months to develop the Ironbridge demonstration site.
First we started off the day with a presentation detailing the demonstrator vehicle, the materials used and the idea behind the vehicle.
Tim Hurdiss, associate director of major projects, Harworth Group said: “We’re delighted to be working with TDI and Eversholt Rail to bring Revolution VLR to our Ironbridge site, where we are transforming the former Ironbridge Power Station into a mixed-use development of up to 1,000 homes, alongside a range of commercial, leisure and community uses.
“Together we are exploring the possibilities of how the former sidings and freight line could be brought back into use, opening up the prospect of passengers one day being able to arrive at Ironbridge by rail.”
Since its launch in 2014, the project has involved 7 consortium companies from the automotive, rail and other sectors working in partnership to combine their experience and expertise to realise this first-of-a-kind Demonstrator vehicle.
After the presentation, we were invited to take a ride in the VLR Demonstrator vehicle.
The carriage was like nothing currently in the U.K.
The seats are leather and there is hardly any noise from the engine.
Whilst on the train I noted how modern it feels, it definitely marks a new age of British transport.
We then left the vehicle and Antoni Sozanski director of engineering at Transport Design International explained how the electric batteries worked.
We then boarded the train and returned back to the marketing facility to further learn about the project.
Paul Sutherland, client services director at Eversholt Rail said: “We are delighted to have played an active role in the RVLR programme since 2018.
“We believe that RVLR’s characteristics and cost-effectiveness will really assist the business cases for rail line reopenings and extensions across the UK.”
Chris Heaton-Harris, the Rail Minister added: “VLR is new technology that offers a glimpse into the railways of the future. This low cost, low emission transport might be the sort of thing you see in your town in years to come.
“Our funding is supporting innovation and new technology, helping create the transport network of tomorrow.”
