Page 47 - U4SSC Compendium of practices on innovative financing for smart sustainable cities projects

9 Transport - Longhua tram (China)

Size of investment: approximately USD 390 million (RMB 2.54 billion)

Start date: 2015

End date: 2017

Project stage: maintenance

Project partners

• Public partner: Bureau of Public Affairs of Longhua District, Shenzhen Municipality

(involved in project investment, public tender, construction and project management, and
franchise operation)

• Private partner: Shenzhen Modern Tram Co. Ltd, a joint venture of two partners

o Shenzhen Metro Group (49 per cent share in the joint venture)

o China Railway Group (51 per cent share in the joint venture)

Project description

The Longhua Modern Tram Project is a light rail system that integrates the north side of Longhua into
the city’s rail network in Shenzhen, significantly easing commuting difficulties and relieving traffic
congestion in the city. A feasibility study for the project was completed in 2014, with construction
of the line being completed from 2015 to 2017. It is approximately 11.7 km long, with 20 stations
in total. The project includes the development of one tram car maintenance shop and 15 tram
cars powered by energy storage supercapacitors. The modern tram system has lower energy
consumption, greater flexibility and quieter operations than metro and light rail.

Sustainable Development Goals impacts

SDG 9: Increased in resource-use efficiency and adoption of climate-neutral technology. The use
of smart technology enhanced railway safety.

SDG 10: The tram project ensures transportation to previously unserved part of the city.

SDG 11: Reduced reliance on private cars and the promotion of public transport will improve the
sustainability of the city.

SDG 13: Climate action with the use of carbon-neutral mode of transportation.

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