Karlsruhe develops revolutionary concept: Trams to also deliver goods

As the trams are technically equipped to use Deutsche Bahn's heavy rail network, they can also serve the countryside where logistic hubs are easier to install. (Photo: KVV Paul Gärtner)

Karlsruhe, 8 July 2021

Due to climate change and other factors, livable cities, a reduced carbon footprint and greener mobility options is now top of the political agenda for many cities. As a result, in the last few years there has been a strong push towards smart mobility concepts known as Mobility as a Service (MaaS). They allow passengers to travel in cities, on-demand without the need for their own car.

Now, the Mobility Cluster of Karlsruhe in Germany is taking the concept of mobility of the future to the next level. Benefiting from Karlsruhe's exceptional tram and commuter train network, they have started a series of research and pilot projects under the umbrella name "regioKArgo", whereby "KA" is the abbreviation of the city and region of Karlsruhe. Its goal is something of a revolution in transport.

Thinking ahead connected mobility

Until now, there has been a clear distinction between transporting passengers and transporting goods. The result is an exceptionally high volume of traffic in city centers. Karlsruhe is going to put an end to this with the development of a demonstrator cargo tram under the leadership of Karlsruhe's public transport providers.

The mobility concept behind this project is as simple as it is convincing. In particular, during off-peak hours the tram will transport goods in a dedicated compartment that can then safely be made available for passengers during peak hours. The tram will collect parcels from logistic hubs where carriers will have deposited them. The tram then transports the parcels to 'city hubs' in the city center, where service providers take them for the last mile - this will of course be carried out by local, emission-free transport modes such as e-vans or cargo bikes.

The tram will collect parcels from logistic hubs where carriers will have deposited them. (Photo: AVG Michael Krauth)

Management platform connects logistics with PT

Responsibility for the development of the underlying management platform within a sub-project lies with INIT, a worldwide leading provider of IT solutions for public transport. This ICT platform (Information and Communication Technology) is the digital core behind this revolutionary new project. It will track the movement of all goods and connect the logistic service agents with the transport service providers for booking, transport management and payment.

The concept also addresses the concerns of parcel delivery firms, since - with online shopping on the increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic - these companies are close to reaching the limit of their capabilities, not least because of the issue of hiring additional drivers.

Karlsruhe thinks outside the box

Karlsruhe is convinced that this innovative logistic concept will contribute significantly to an overall reduction in traffic volumes in urban areas. The Karlsruhe TramTrain model provides the ideal preconditions for this project. As our trams are technically equipped to use Deutsche Bahn's heavy rail network, we can also serve the countryside where logistic hubs are easier to install.

Ascan Egerer

COO of Karlsruhe's public transport providers VBK and AVG

Karlsruhe has always been a mobility pioneer. Today this translates into a strong commitment to design the mobility of the future. We enjoy a unique ecosystem that brings together science, universities, industry, politics and a trailblazing public transport provider. The innovative capacity of the Karlsruhe Mobility Cluster is strongly recognized in the public transport sector. One example is the unique Innovation Partnership of Karlsruhe with UITP, the International Association of Public Transport, headquartered in Brussels.

Dr. Frank Mentrup

Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe

The connected expertise of the Karlsruhe Mobility Cluster will ensure that in the future not only passengers, but also goods will travel in an eco-friendly manner - by "public transport".

About RegioKArgo

Under the leadership of Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (AVG) and Automotive Engineering Network (aen), a broad consortium contributes to many sub-projects. In terms of research, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technologie (KIT), Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Offenburg University and the Karlsruhe-based FZI Research Centre for Information Technology are all involved. The partnership also includes many partners from the public transport sector as well as the logistics industry and political entities.