With the coming of Tvärbanan, Alvik became a major interchange point,
connecting the subway with two
light rail lines, Nockebybanan and Tvärbanan.
Alvik became the terminal for Nockebybanan when Ängbybanan, another
tram line, was converted to subway operation in the late 1940s. There were
discussions about whether or not to convert Nockebybanan to subway or
to bus operation, but it has survived as a tram line since the early 1900s.
Nockebybanan, also called line 12, uses two center tracks between the two
upper-level platforms at Alvik. The trams arrive at platform 3, permitting an
across-the-platform transfer to platform 4 for subway trains to downtown;
they then reverse through a switch and to platform 2, permitting a similar
across-the-platform transfer from northbound subway trains (coming from
downtown). It's just about the cleanest and best transfer arrangement I've
ever seen.
On the other hand, Tvärbanan's platforms are two levels farther down. The
south ticket hall is at the middle level between the subway and line 12, and
Tvärbanan. A much less satisfactory solution; it's unfortunate that Tvärbanan's
platforms weren't placed under the platforms used by Nockebybanan
and the subway to permit a simpler transfer with only one change of level.
The depot and shops for the cars on both Nockebybanan and Tvärbanan is at
Alvik, with track connections to both tram lines as well as the subway; the
subway trains can use one of the connecting tracks to reverse, and that
track has both third rail and overhead wire.
(20 October 2000)
This shot of a light rail car at Alvik gives a clear view of
the end treatment used in Stockholm. These are the same cars that run
on the Croydon Tramlink outside London, for example, but I think the end
treatment used in Stockholm is much more attractive than the one used at
Croydon.
(20 October 2000)
The same car as it leaves Alvik for Gullmarsplan.
(9 September 2001)
Another shot of a tram leaving Alvik for Gullmarsplan.
The following series of shots were taken on 23 January 2002 during the
morning peak. There was a major problem on the subway (Tub1, green lines) that
morning, because at 4 a.m. a work train had derailed at Hötorget,
destroying at least one switch as well as a fair amount of signalling equipment, and
effectively putting the southbound Tub1 track through downtown out of commission.
Considerable numbers of people, including me, were trying to use Tvärbanan as an
alternative to get around downtown to Gullmarsplan, so
there were unusually high loads on the cars. I had my camera with me, and snapped
these pictures at Alvik.
(23 January 2002)
The car is blurred, of course, but it's very crowded as it leaves Alvik.
(23 January 2002)
Passengers start to gather on Tvärbanan's platform at Alvik. At the same time, the
signs begin informing us that a stalled bus is blocking Tvärbanan's tracks at
Liljeholmen!
(23 January 2002)
The platform starts to get more crowded. Like everyone else, I was feeling pretty
frustrated with not being able to get where I needed to go; at the same time, I was
REALLY happy I had the day off from my job on Tub1!
(23 January 2002)
When a car finally arrives, passengers press forward to get on.
(23 January 2002)
After everyone has alighted, the waiting passengers start to fill up the car.
(10 July 2002)
A car awaiting its departure time at Alvik. The track on which the car is standing is the farther track from where you come down the stairs or escalator from the ticket hall. By comparison, the January pictures above were taken on the platform next to the near-side track.
(10 July 2002)
The same car, but this view shows both tracks. In the distance is the tunnel leading to the tram depot.
(10 July 2002)
A tramcar approaching Alvik from Alviks strand. Notice that the car is coming through the crossover. From the far side of that crossover to Stora Essingen, the line is running single-track to lighten the load on the bridge between Alviks strand and Stora Essingen.
(10 July 2002)
A view of the road crossing and the crossover tracks. There is a temporary speed restriction, 10 km/h (the yellow and red sign).
(10 July 2002)
The car shown above approaching Alvik, after it has stopped at the near-side platform. You can't see it here, but the platform sign says "Ingen påstigning" ("No boarding") because the tram on the far platform will depart first.
(10 July 2002)
The tram on the far platform departing Alvik.
(10 July 2002)
The same tram as it leaves Alvik. Note that it is on the right-hand track, which is the normal track for southbound trams like this one, but the northbound tram above had also used that track.