Overview and analysis of methods for assessing ride comfort on tram tracks

Abstract

An overview of methods for evaluating comfort on tram tracks is given in this paper. Tramway systems differ in many aspects from standard railway tracks and, therefore, standards developed for standard rail lines have to be analysed and evaluated. Equivalent level of vibrations, Sperling ride index, and several methods proposed in EN 12299 are described, and these methods are compared on two trial tram sections 21 km in total length. Conclusions and recommendations for measuring ride comfort on tram tracks are presented.