In the video I recently boosted, John English of the Utah Transit Authority makes passing reference to a different way to electrify light rail cars. Nearly every light rail system that isn't using diesel (which is most) uses electricity. That electricity is typically delivered via overhead centenary wire, a method which leaves light rail open to critique when comparing it against other fixed guideway solutions like monorail or subway. Comparatively light rail is regarded much cheaper to build than either, but one has to admit - all that stringy electrical wire can be fodder for the opposition.

Click image to see larger animated version.

TR of course doesn't object to the aesthetic trade-off and never would when it comes to building an efficient and otherwise attractive mobility choice. But it's still nice to know that there is another way to electrify light rail cars out there that doesn't involve all the wire, if Hillsborough were so to commit.

The system referenced by English is a concept known as "ground level power supply", and, which is being used for a 10 kilometer light rail stretch in Bordeaux France. More precisely, it is called "Alimentation Par le Sol" or, simply, APS (see this website for more details - it's apparently going to be used as part of the Angers French light rail system too).

Imagine this sleek piece of rapid machinery racing down Nebraska Avenue from USF. No wires!

The website mentioned above offers a more technical if not clearer explanation:

Using APS, the power is supplied to trams via a third rail positioned centrally between the running lines. It is made up of 8m long sections, which are separated by 3m long insulating sections, and energy is supplied to the rail by underground boxes every 22m. The electricity is then collected using two friction contacts located in the middle of the tram. To ensure safety-coded radio signals between the tram and the ground sees that power is only sent to the segment of rail when the tram covers it.

Tampa light rail should never be hindered in pursuit of a visually cleaner implementation. But, at some point before a trowel hits dirt on groundbreaking day, it would be really great for someone to Google the technology and see whether it makes sense to try it on key stretches of Hillsborough light rail.

Incidentally, I notice TR has an old link to a 1998 presentation dubbed "Cordless Light Rail or Regional Rail Transit" which attempts to discuss and present solutions to the centenary issue using conventional technologies.