The three contributors and their approximate weights are: (a) Kinetic energy of a car, 33%  (b) Number of car stops in the fleet, 50% and (c) improved regeneration, 50% to 80%.  i.e. Energy used = 33% x 50% x 65% = 11%

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In its nature it is a tram, it operates on the street, rails are of tram style and the driver drives it by sight, the same as all other road users do. Corridor segregation is the similar as with trams but harsher enforcement of corridor rules is required. The delivery speed and the capacity however are equal or superior to a train.

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It depends widely on distance travelled. At peak (long consists) it ranges from nil to 10% additional time required. Off peak (short consists) it is from 10% to 100%.  Only in rare circumstances is the travelling time more than with conventional tram. Chart

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Yes. Narrow wheelchairs will be able to move in-car. Wide wheelchairs will have to remain stationary in the car.

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In most trips you cannot reach your target destination using Waverail alone.  You will have to alight before your target station and await the Wbus which will deliver you to within approx 100m of any point along the line.

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Some trips cannot be done with Waverail only and Wbus caters for all those passengers. Additionaly Wbus provides very dense (~100m) pickup/dropdown service. Wbus is part of the overall  Waverail concept.

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This depends on variety of operational factors as well on the mobility of the passenger.  As a  guideline, the following trips are impossible:

- All travellers:   One-station trips

- 'Slow moving' persons:   3-or-less-stations trips

- Non-moving persons:   ¾ of all possible trips; but Waverail delivers within a few stations from the target.

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Yes provided there is a U-return at the fringe of the CBD.

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Absolutely.  Example City to Parramatta: The full capacity of 1,070 passengers can be released at a station and the same amount can be picked up from a station.  This is possible because the 15car wave is only filled to 85%*) and all passengers fit nicely into 14cars (crush load 1,170) and even into 13cars (1,090). There is no need to schedule since the driver will, on advise of the control software, do this as a routine. Picking up an unexpected 1,070 Passengers is different only insofar as they will of course not fit into a single waiting car.  Instead the Maître de Cabine reports the unexpected arrival of 1,070 aspiring passengers which will trigger the release of 13 cars from the next wave.

*) target fill; enforced by the Crowd Control System (CCS).

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Realistically no.  Theoretically it happens if a wave smaller than 6cars was at target fill and all passengers were to alight at the same station.  This situation is rare indeed and if it were to happen it would affect only a few passengers.

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In terms of timetable yes (Peak frequency: 14 per h; off-peak: 6). Operational aspects such as consist size and car scheduling however are subject to a different system, more sophisticated and computer based, which also includes extra events or seasonal patterns (SCHILTEC's DDDSA™). This is to economise by taking advantage of Waverail's dynamic car amalgamation flexibility.

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There are limited seats along the walls and some fold down seats.  Proposed  is a longwise railing in the centre of the car.

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A special procedure (involving a 20s buffer) is designed to prevent this (emergencies excluded).  The Maître de Cabine will stop boarding about 20s before absolute latest boarding.  Any late passengers are left behind and will, within 40s, board and get shelter in the imminent new car .  At no time do the drivers of the passing wave and the split-off surrender control to prevent a collision. 

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There is no danger of collision but system operation is affected. In most cases the car can be pushed along until the shed siding and passengers will hardly notice the mishap.  In the case where pushing out is not possible the system comes to a halt until the time when a road crane removes the car.

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Maximum speed is 39km/h and the tram has absolute right of way.  Emergency braking power is limited to safeguard passengers.  Fragile passengers will be encouraged not to walk but to remain seated. 

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Depending on the terrain it is one in 10 on average and less at main stations.  Up to 1 in 6 if no station island provided.  The Maître de Cabine will be at the ramp at all times during alighting and boarding and will be responsible for the all encompassing safety.

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Not generally.  The mass of the car gives some protection and the automatic end couplers include energy absorbing devices which can help in front and back collision.  The inclusions of air bags in the design may be a possibility.

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The Waverail system does not work when a regular wave is crush loaded. This is why Waverail has a Crowd Control System which prevents aspiring passengers from boarding when it could become crowded. Current plan is to allow no more that 85% fill.

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Wavreail has in every car a person of authority.  This person, (the Maître de Cabine) drives only about 7-10% of the time and his/her main objective is to preserve the value of the car. The Maître de Cabine is the owner or a direct report to the owner of the car and is invested with the full power of eviction.

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The Maître de Cabine's main task is to look after passengers and car and driving is only a small fraction of the duty. The MdC has an authority exceding that of a stewart.

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Acceleration energy is down 90%. Air-conditioning and heating energy is down substantially. Initial materials and spare parts need is down. In many cases overhead wires are not required.

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Generally yes; but peak time in-car walking is unlikely to be allowed with a full size bike.

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No; it is considered beneficial but a normal operator ownership structure is also possible.