Project Profile: Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR)

The Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) is a pioneering urban transit project in the United Kingdom, engineered to validate a low-cost, battery-powered Very Light Rail (VLR) system. This initiative introduces a novel prefabricated trackform and an autonomous-ready vehicle to provide a sustainable and scalable transport solution for smaller urban centres, setting a new benchmark for affordable light rail.

Technical Specifications

Rolling Stock

The CVLR system is centred on a custom-designed, battery-powered vehicle. Each 11-metre unit operates without overhead lines, powered by rapid-charge battery technology that enables high-frequency headways of 3-5 minutes. The vehicle is bidirectional, eliminating the need for turning loops, and has a capacity of 50 passengers (with 30 standing). Its design is lightweight and autonomous-ready, incorporating advanced control systems and bogies developed specifically for the project.

Track and Infrastructure

A key innovation of the CVLR project is its prefabricated trackform. This system consists of 250mm-thick slabs manufactured off-site and laid directly into the road surface. This methodology drastically reduces on-site construction time and minimises disruption to urban environments. The modular slabs can be quickly removed for access to subterranean utilities. The trackform’s construction incorporates sustainable materials, including a high-strength foam core and recycled plastics, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Viability for Smaller Cities: With an estimated cost of £10m/km, compared to £35m-£60m/km for traditional tram systems, CVLR presents a financially viable transit model for cities previously excluded from light rail investment.
• Minimal Urban Disruption: The combination of battery-powered, catenary-free vehicles and a rapid-install prefabricated track system significantly reduces the visual clutter, construction noise, and traffic disruption associated with conventional light rail projects.
• Replicable Collaborative Model: The project’s success is built on a strong partnership between academia (WMG, University of Warwick), public bodies (Coventry City Council, WMCA), and private engineering firms, creating a proven blueprint for future VLR deployments.

FAQ

When will Coventry Very Light Rail open?

The first phase of the Coventry Very Light Rail is anticipated to become operational following the completion of the current construction and regulatory approval stages. The demonstrator vehicle and track have successfully completed testing, and work is advancing towards launching public services on the initial route.

Who is building the Coventry Light Rail system?

The Coventry Light Rail project is a collaborative effort. Key partners include WMG at the University of Warwick leading research and development, Transport Design International (TDI) for vehicle design, French firm Ingerop for the innovative track system, and RDM for vehicle manufacturing. The project is funded and overseen by a partnership including Coventry City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.