The Translohr system operates as a guided vehicle at all times, while with the Bombardier system the vehicles could be driven independently as requirements dictated, such as journeys to the depot. Consequently, the Bombardier vehicles were legally considered buses, had to be fitted with
rear-view mirrors,
lights and
number plates, and were controlled with
steering wheels and
pedals like ordinary buses, though the steering wheel was not used when following the guidance rail. On the other hand, Translohr vehicles operate like standard
trams and cannot move without guidance, so they are not classified as buses and are not equipped with number plates. These systems have been likened to the tram equivalent of
rubber-tyred metros, and they are also less efficient than steel-wheeled light rail vehicles. There is no evidence to prove the superiority of either guidance system. Both Bombardier and Translohr have had
derailments during operation. ==Specifications==