Following final assembly, the VLR will undergo a range of vehicle-level performance validation testing, which will continue into early 2021. The vehicle will subsequently be used to demonstrate the technology to stakeholders and potential sponsors.
Revolution VLR is being developed by a Transport Design International-led consortium that includes the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), Eversholt Rail, the RDM Group, Cummins, Prose, Transcal Engineering, and the University of Warwick’s Warwick Manufacturing Group.
The RVLR project aims to provide a low-cost alternative to traditional heavy trains on short, low-traffic routes which would otherwise not be economical to operate, such as currently disused branch lines.
A separate Very Light Rail low-floor LRV project is also being developed by some of the consortium members, with the support of Coventry City Council.
The May 2020 edition of IRJ includes an in-depth article on both Very Light Rail projects.
