Cargo tram pilot scheme.

30 Nov, 2006

A pilot scheme involving the use of trams to transport heavy goods into the city centre is to be launched by the CityCargo Company in late December or early January next year. Initially trams will be rented from the Municipal Transportation Company (GVB) and will be slightly modified to carry freight. Local authorities have stipulated that the cargo trams must not interfere with passenger trams and have limited the operating hours to between 07.00 and 23.00. Spokesman for CityCargo Peter Hendriks predicts that the number of heavy goods vehicles entering Amsterdam could be reduced by around 2,500 by 2012 as a result of the initiative, cutting down on pollution, traffic congestion and noise, while delivery time for transport companies would also be reduced. The Town Hall must now give the project its seal of approval.