Berlin: Speed limit for trams?

Big cities are often noisy - and not only because of car traffic. Trams also make a lot of noise. Especially in cities like Berlin, where in many neighbourhoods the trams run noisily between narrow houses, citizens are increasingly complaining about it. This is precisely why residents of the Adlershof district have called for the introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit, hoping that this would reduce the noise level of the squealing trams. However, the senate administration and the Berlin transport company are currently rejecting the request.  

A few weeks ago, residents and the local housing association had met with BVG representatives at the tracks to present the speed limit proposal. They argued that, just as car drivers in residential areas must reduce their speed to 30 km/h, trams should also travel at a low speed. Especially in Adlershof, where the route runs in several curves through a new housing area.  

Categorically, however, the Senate and BVG remain opposed. "There is no evidence that the predicted rating levels would be exceeded," the transport administration said. "Accordingly, there is no reason to reduce the permissible speed of the tram and to pursue the proposal," their response continues. The municipal transport authority was aware that the tram could cause an annoying squeaking noise - especially in the curves.  

In order to possibly prevent this or at least to reduce it significantly, sufficient measures have already been taken. For example, BVG has installed 14 rail head conditioning systems on the tracks, which are supposed to make the contact between the cars and the tracks quieter. However, these will be continuously checked in the coming periods. This is because it is still unclear whether the systems can sometimes fail in certain weather conditions. On the basis of future checks, the senate administration will then decide whether further noise protection measures are necessary on the lines.  

In any case, the introduction of a speed limit for Berlin's trams is currently out of the question. Especially in view of the coming driving bans, which aim to ban cars from the city centre, with the introduction of a zero-emission zone, they play too big a role as part of the public transport network in the eyes of the Senate to slow down the system with, say, a speed limit. If a high-speed limit were introduced, travel times would double according to BVG calculations - which would make trams less attractive for many.  

It is not clear how Berlin will deal with the problem of noise pollution near the tracks in the future. However, the news of the rejection of a speed limit for trams is certainly not music to the ears of local residents.