Public transport Zurich public transport company tests streetcar with touchless door buttons

Modern buttons, a sun protection film, sensors and antennas: Zurich's public transport authority (VBZ) has converted a Cobra streetcar into a test vehicle to test innovations in everyday operation

Innovations are needed so that the city of Zurich can offer a modern and efficient infrastructure, said City Councillor Michael Baumer (FDP) at the presentation of "InnoTram" to the media on Tuesday. VBZ Director Marco Lüthi added that the innovations must ultimately bring added value for customers or make processes safer or otherwise better for employees.

"Touchless boarding" of the streetcar

The most striking new feature of the innovative streetcar can be found in the door area: radar sensors detect approaching hands, so it is no longer necessary to press a button. This "touchless boarding" makes boarding easier, said Baumer. This technology can help people with disabilities in particular.

A new sun protection film is also being tested, which is barely noticeable at first glance and is designed to reduce the rise in temperature inside the vehicle in summer. New LED lighting inside the vehicle should lead to further energy savings - up to 80 percent.

Timely repairs thanks to sensors

Many invisible improvements have also been installed in the Innovation Tram, which will be running on various lines through Zurich from Tuesday. For example, specially developed sensors will monitor the condition of the wheels. These sound an alarm and call for the wheels to be ground round before they become too bumpy and ride comfort suffers as a result.

An innovative "RailEar" sensor also registers vibrations, providing information on the condition of the vehicle and the tracks. "This means that damage can be detected and repaired at an early stage," said VBZ Director Lüthi.

Other innovations in the special streetcar include a new microphone, which should make the streetcar pilot's announcements easier to understand, and an antenna, so that the vehicle can be precisely located in the depot, which should simplify the exit regime in the morning in particular.

According to Lüthi and Baumer, it remains to be seen which of the innovations will be introduced in all VBZ streetcars in the future. The innovations are now being extensively tested in operation. They have to prove themselves, bring added value and be robust. The "InnoTram" will run until at least the end of 2025.

SDA