Stadler forgets about inspection – and accidentally paralyzes Denmark’s tram fleet 12 exciting climate protection projects that alone won’t save the world (but show ways)

Michael Borre is at his wits end. The general manager of the Aarhus light rail network cannot explain how such a mistake could have happened: “It’s an incredible shame,” he told Danish radio DR.

The reason for the consternation: his company Aarhus Letbane had to take 7 of the 12 trams out of service at the end of last week. These are Tango type vehicles made by Stadler. Since then, commuters in Aarhus have been waiting longer for their tram – as long as it doesn’t break down.

According to the Danes, the Swiss railway builders, who also take care of the maintenance of the trams, have simply forgotten about the inspection required in Europe after the first 500,000 kilometers traveled. “We don’t know how that could have happened,” says Borre. He asked Stadler for an explanation.

Railway company found errors

It’s possible that the lack of controls could have put passengers at risk, Borre said. The inspections are intended to ensure that there are no broken axles and wheels on the vehicles. There was no accident or incident in the Stadler case. The operators of the Stadtbahn dare not make a prediction when all trams will start running again. In a message they write that the error was noticed during an inspection by the railway company.

“If a tram has not had all the necessary inspections as described in the maintenance booklet, it is not allowed to run on our infrastructure,” she says. “Therefore, for safety reasons, the trains cannot be used again until the inspection has been carried out.”

Stadler speaks of “novelty”

Stadler spokesman Fabian Vettori says that with around 10,000 vehicles sold – 42 of them in Denmark – it was new to Stadler that no inspection interval was being adhered to. “It’s still unclear why the maintenance software didn’t report the planned inspections,” he says. Stadler immediately took steps to ensure a secure implementation independent of the software.

The company is working hard to be operational again as soon as possible. The first of the affected trams was put back into service on Thursday. Stadler has asked Aarhus Letbane for an ultrasonic inspection – the most modern and reliable way to inspect the trains. “Once it is available, inspection and recommissioning of all trains can take place quickly,” says Vettori.

(aargauerzeitung.ch)