Short description
(English)
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Mixed traffic zones in urban areas are seen as a promising way to use the meager spaces by as many actors as possible, including public transport. However, accidents involving trams in these zones are often fatal and threaten the acceptance of the tram systems as such. The aims of this research are to describe the current safety situation of trams in Switzerland, and to investigate the current safety practices, the influence of infrastructure and street layout, the interaction of operations and the regulations. The differences and similarities of safety practices between the four tram systems in Switzerland, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each approach will determine the state of the art of Swiss tramways in mixed traffic zones. The research will lead to a “best practice” guideline for tram and safety in mixed traffic zones.
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Abstract
(English)
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Mixed traffic zones in urban areas are seen as a promising way to use the meager spaces by as many actors as possible, including public transport. However, accidents involving trams in these zones are often severe and threaten the acceptance of the tram systems as such. The aims of this project were to describe the current safety situation of trams in Switzerland, and to investigate the current safety practices of tram operators and relevant authorities. The regulative framework in Switzerland has been analyzed, particularly with respect to responsibilities for safety and the interactions in traffic, and the actors involved. Additionally, published and unpublished sources for tram safety data (description of data and availability) are described. These data were used to describe the current safety situation of trams in Switzerland in general terms. During the project, further data were collected with interviews and questionnaires to tram operators and authorities. These data provide insights into what typical hot spots for tram safety are, which measures are currently used to improve such situations, and which types of locations are prone to near-accidents. As a main result, safety practices of operators and authorities are described, with regard to organization, data collection and processing, data analysis and derivation of measures, personnel training and involvement, operation, public safety campaigns, infrastructure, rolling stock and policy. The project provides at the same time a comprehensive overview of relevant topics for tram safety in Switzerland and deeper insights into specific, particularly relevant aspects.
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