Han Ximin

ximhan@126.com

THE tram operator yesterday unveiled eight types of behaviors that could easily cause tram accidents after the city’s first tram line started a two-month test operation in Longhua District.

The violations include vehicles scrambling for road space while making a sudden turn, pedestrians taking shortcuts to stations instead of using footbridges, riders going beyond off-limit areas while waiting for trains, leaving stones, metal and even bikes on rails or sitting, walking, or playing on the rails at night.

“The vehicles running in the same direction of trams could easily cause an accident if they run a red light or make a sudden left turn,” said Hu Weiwu, vice manager of the operation department of Shenzhen Modern Trams Co. Ltd.

Vehicles will slow down when they make turns, while trams are fast. This could cause accidents, according to Hu.

Many signs banning vehicles from turning left have been set up at intersections to remind drivers. At some intersections that allow vehicles to turn left, the company reminds drivers to be cautious before making a left turn.

The use of full-beam lights from the opposite direction is also another behavior that could cause tram accidents as it prevents the tram driver from clearly seeing the area ahead.

The operator also reminded pedestrians to make sure it is safe when crossing the tram lines at an intersection where there isn’t traffic lights.

The tramline in Longhua will be put into operation at the end of June, offering a new choice for the 3 million residents in the district.

The tramline is designed to run at 70 kilometers per hour, but trams will run at speeds between 23 and 25 kilometers per hour to ensure safety, considering the speed limit and wait times at stations and intersections.

The experimental line includes an 8.59-kilometer main line running through 15 stations between Qinghu Station and Xinlan Station of Shenzhen Metro’s Longhua Line, and a spur line running 3.13 kilometers along Huanguan Road South with five stations.