Call for technology to prevent Luas dragging passengers

Railway accident investigators have urged the installation of advanced anti-drag technology on Luas trams following multiple incidents where passengers were pulled along station platforms after their clothing or belongings became entangled in closing doors. The Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) released a safety advisory after documenting four such occurrences between April and June of this year, highlighting concerns over potential injuries or even fatalities. The incidents began on 15 May at the Stillorgan stop on the Luas Green Line, where a teenager suffered a deep facial laceration and grazes to her knees and hands after her coat became stuck in the doors as she attempted to board the tram. She ran alongside the moving tram before releasing her coat and collapsing to the ground, unbeknownst to the driver. Emergency services were notified, and the girl received medical treatment at a local hospital. Another incident occurred on 21 April at Heuston station, where a man’s fingertip was caught between the doors as he tried to board. He ran alongside the tram until the driver noticed the disturbance and halted the vehicle. Fortunately, the man remained unharmed. On 17 June, a dog owner at the Hospital stop in Tallaght on the Red Line faced a similar situation. Her dog had boarded the tram, but she failed to follow quickly enough, resulting in her wrist getting caught in the lead. She was dragged alongside the tram before finally freeing herself and falling onto the platform. Passengers alerted the driver, who stopped the tram. The woman sustained minor cuts but refused medical assistance, while the dog remained unscathed. A fourth incident took place on 29 May at Busáras station, where two passengers had their bags caught as they rushed toward the tram with closing doors. After being informed by passengers aboard the tram, the driver stopped the vehicle. Both individuals managed to free themselves without serious injury. The RAIU conducted a thorough examination of the door-closing mechanisms, obstacle detection systems, and the information provided to both drivers and the public regarding tram operations. It was discovered that the current technology used on Luas trams can detect obstacles only if there is a gap of at least 10 millimetres between the doors during closure. However, each of the four incidents involved obstructions smaller than this threshold, enabling the doors to close and lock without triggering the sensors. The unit suggested that implementing enhanced obstacle detection and specific drag detection technologies could potentially prevent such situations. Additionally, the RAIU emphasized the importance of updating driver manuals to stress the necessity of checking platform cameras and mirrors prior to departure. Despite the presence of informational stickers on tram doors warning passengers to keep clear as the doors close, these measures were deemed insufficient. Research from the previous year indicated a general lack of understanding among the public regarding how tram doors function, leading many to engage in risky behavior under the misconception that tram doors operate similarly to those found in lifts or retail environments. The RAIU acknowledged that the existing tramway safety instruction manual clearly outlines procedures for Luas drivers concerning door operation, including allocating sufficient time for boarding and alighting and using cameras and mirrors to ensure doors are free of obstructions. Drivers are also instructed to employ chimes to notify passengers of impending departure. Nevertheless, the investigation highlighted that the image quality on camera displays of some older trams was subpar, suggesting that higher-resolution CCTV systems could improve visibility for drivers, thereby enhancing their ability to identify potential hazards. The findings underscore the urgent need for technological upgrades and improved communication strategies aimed at increasing passenger awareness and ensuring safer tram operations. As the RAIU continues to monitor developments, further actions are anticipated to address these critical safety issues.