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No one wants to hear messages like that! That’s why, with the help of special locking systems, tram drivers have access to technical areas inside their vehicles that passengers normally never see.

Behind-the-Scenes Job

We at Kraus & Naimer had the opportunity to take a look at the technical inner workings of the new VDV TramTrain vehicles at the Karlsruhe Public Transportation Authority (VBK), where we discovered one of our blue CA25 switches in action.

ITS FUNCTION: In the event of a malfunction, it cuts off the continuous power supply to the motors so that the step rail can be retracted manually and the door closed.

A positive outcome despite the malfunction: The tram can initially continue operating normally without disrupting service, and then be taken in for inspection or repair at the next opportunity.

Who, when, why?

Even in the ergonomically designed driver’s workstation, our CG4 switches are behind many of the countless controls. 

“Most of them are protected against accidental activation with special covers; particularly important ones are even sealed. These may only be unlocked upon instruction from the control center to ensure full transparency regarding who, when, and why an unforeseen action had to be taken,” explains Achim Hettel of the VBK Vehicles and Workshops Department.

The new, comfortable trams are currently undergoing the required tests as part of the certification process.

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