Abstract
Luxembourg is expanding public transportation networks as a measure against road congestion and air pollution associated with economic and population growth. As part of this, in 2017, a hybrid tram system with catenary-free technology has been reintroduced, which can be integrated into the historic district registered as a World Heritage Site. The hybrid system with on-board batteries allows the tram to operate 3.6km of catenary-free section by charging the batteries during operation on catenary sections and boarding at stations on catenary-free section. Similar technologies researched and developed by Japanese companies and institutions are still in test stage. Possible reasons for the delay for social implementation could be lower awareness on landscape protection, existence of numerous utility poles and overhead power lines, and pursuit of excessive quality for the hybrid system. Flexible and practical adoption of novel technologies is required to make a better society.
