Darmstadt Tram Vibrations: Woman Injured, Fatal Accident Disrupts Services

Vibrations from new trams are causing concern. Recent accidents highlight the urgency for a fix.

, and Administrator

2025 October 25 . 10:00 AM

1 min read

In this image we can see a locomotive on the track, bicycle on the floor, electric cables and sky.

Darmstadt Tram Vibrations: Woman Injured, Fatal Accident Disrupts Services

A woman was severely injured in a tram-related incident on Rheinstraße in Darmstadt on Wednesday. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to address increasing vibration issues affecting residents since the introduction of new TINA trams. A fatal incident on Thursday further disrupted services.

Residents in parts of Darmstadt have been experiencing louder vibrations since the new TINA trams were introduced. HEAG mobilo initially tried reducing speeds to mitigate the issue but found it ineffective. Nighttime speed reductions from 40 km/h to 30 km/h in Arheilgen did not significantly reduce vibrations, and an independent expert assessment even found vibrations increased in one direction.

Stadler, the manufacturer, has been working on a solution. They retrofitted the trams with damping components on the bogies and are currently testing them in Darmstadt. Measurements are taking place in Arheilgen and Eberstadt, aiming to significantly reduce vibrations for residents. Results are expected by the end of October 2024, after which a series-ready solution will be installed fleet-wide as soon as possible.

On Thursday afternoon, a car incident disrupted tram services in Darmstadt. Routes to Eberstadt and Alsbach were halted, with replacement buses operating until further notice. Tragically, a 93-year-old woman died in a separate tram incident, and police are seeking witnesses.

While efforts to reduce vibrations continue, a recent incident has highlighted the need for swift solutions. Residents await the results of Stadler's tests, hoping for a permanent fix to the vibration issues. Meanwhile, tram services remain disrupted following a fatal incident, with replacement buses in operation.