Bombardier's anti-collision system for trams receives certification
The DAS system gives trams drivers advanced warning of a potential impact with pedestrians, bikers, other vehicles, or objects obstructing the tram tracks.
The system uses a network of stereovision cameras to identify and track the movement of objects on or near a tram's path. Photo: Bombardier Transportation
2 min to read
The system uses a network of stereovision cameras to identify and track the movement of objects on or near a tram's path. Photo: Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation announced their innovative Drivers Assistance System (DAS) received homologation for passenger service in Germany. Starting in August 2015, trams equipped with this innovative tram safety platform will enter service in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
The DAS is an anti-collision system that gives trams drivers advanced warning of a potential impact with pedestrians, bikers, other vehicles or objects obstructing the tram tracks. The system uses a network of stereovision cameras to identify and track the movement of objects on or near a tram's path. Should a potential collision be identified, the system issues an audio alert for the tram driver and can even perform and automatic braking function.
Ad Loading...
This new safety platform compliments the recent development of Bombardier's BodyGuard(TM), a type of external airbag for trams that prevents pedestrians from being trapped under a moving tram, which is typically the cause for the most serious injuries (also developed in collaboration with AIT). Both technologies demonstrate Bombardier's commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies that improve vehicle safety for operators, passengers and pedestrians, according to the company.
The highly-complex DAS platform was made possible with technical support from the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Frankfurt am Main's transport authority the Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt am Main (VFG), who provided testing opportunities. Following approval by the technical supervisory authority, VFG's vehicle no. 272 is now the first tram in the world to operate normal service equipped with DAS. It is currently being used for training and VGF will soon equip its other 73 "S" tramcars with the DAS, making the Frankfurt fleet the first to be completely equipped with this new safety technology. This upgrade will run until December 2016.
Participants include representatives from the CCSAO, the Chicago Police Department, CTA, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA, Metra, and Pace.
The phased introduction of the cameras for station staff follows the successful rollout of the devices with TTC Special Constables and Provincial Offenses Officers in January 2025.
The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.
New research from MTI shows a sharp increase in attacks on public-facing transit employees, with North America accounting for a significant share and bus drivers among the most affected.
BRIT patrols are over and above those already occurring within the district. For example, the agency experienced three copper wire thefts along the G Line in April, followed by others later in the month and in early May.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
