Sunscreen for tram tracks

The Basel rail network is in such a bad condition that the trams now have to drive more slowly. As a result, the Bruderholz BVB had tested a sunscreen of sorts for the tracks.

The rails of the tram network of BVB are more worn than expected, as a large-scale survey has now shown. "Thanks to attentive staff, we were able to react quickly and take the first measures," said BVB Director Erich Lagler on Thursday. Currently, "extremely critical" damage to around 15 trams is being resolved, and by September all trams will be repaired.

The problem of rail wear is the wrong tracking due to deviations in the maintenance of the wheels. The delayed revision thus leads to severe damage to the rails. However, the age and material of the rails play no role and do not affect safety, as BVB emphasized: "First priority is given to maintenance and safety, so that the familiar everyday situation can return soon," says Lagler.