Potentiale einer Güterstraßenbahn, Oliver Wurz

This thesis is an investigation of the potentials of cargo trams as an alternative to road transport by heavy-duty vehicles in the decentralized waste disposal of the city of Vienna. It is part of a general concept for an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable freight transport system in urban areas.

The first part of the paper shows experiences with already realized cargo tram concepts as well as the properties of rail transport by cargo trams in relation to road transport.

The main part explains the existing transports within the waste disposal system of the city and investigates their suitability for rail transports by cargo trams on principle. The following chapter examines whether or how far the suitable transports can be carried out on the existing rail infrastructure and where it is necessary to expand the tracks in order to guarantee a proper connection to the tramway network. For these expansions the expected costs are estimated.

The definition of boundary conditions for the conception of suitable vehicles and devices for the handling of the cargo is part of the last chapter of the analysis. Finally, the general conclusions present a procedure for the step-by-step realization of the concept of "cargo trams in urban waste disposal in Vienna" on basis of the preceding investigation.