Safety
Zurich Tests External Airbags for Trams to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
Zurich’s public transport operator is testing external airbag technology on trams to reduce pedestrian injuries following a rise in accidents.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, the public transport authority in Zurich, Switzerland (Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich or VBZ), is currently testing an external airbag system for its tram fleet. Developed in collaboration with the rail manufacturer Alstom, this technology is designed to cushion the impact of collisions and improve survival rates for pedestrians involved in accidents.
This initiative follows a concerning trend in Zurich, where tram-related incidents have been on the rise. VBZ data indicates that 675 accidents involving trams occurred in 2023, marking the highest number of incidents in six years. Analysis shows that most dangerous events occur during the acceleration or braking phases of the tram, or are related to door operations. The urgency for such safety measures was further highlighted by a series of serious accidents in March 2024, which resulted in multiple severe injuries within a single week.
For residents and travelers in Zurich, this development represents a significant effort to modernize urban safety infrastructure. While the technology is currently in the testing and consideration phase, the potential implementation across the entire fleet aims to mitigate the risks associated with navigating a busy city. It remains to be confirmed when or if this system will be fully deployed across all tram lines, as the project is still undergoing evaluation by the transport authorities.