Lausanne’s new tram network faced its first vehicle collision and ongoing neighborhood friction over noise during test runs ahead of its official launch. A tram and a car collided on Sunday evening near the Ecole professionnelle de Lausanne (EPSIC) on Rue de Genève, resulting in light bodywork damage to the tram and no injuries, according to reports.
First Collision Recorded on Rue de Genève
The collision occurred at around number 32 on Rue de Genève as test runs continued for the transit line linking Lausanne to Renens. Municipal police intervened at the scene, and no emergency services were deployed because no one was hurt. Transports publics de la région lausannoise (TL) confirmed that the incident marked the first crash of its kind since testing started, following two earlier mirror-scraping incidents involving vehicles. TL assured reporters that the weekend accident will not disrupt the scheduled launch at the end of the year.
Residents Report Noise Nuisances from Alarms and Night Cleaning
While testing proceeds, residents along Rue de Genève have raised concerns over persistent noise disruptions since test runs began on October 4, 2026. Local complaints center on strident door-opening and closing alarms set at 70 decibels that sound every three minutes, penetrating nearby apartments and prompting a neighborhood petition. Residents also object to noisy nighttime track cleaning operations. TL explained that the safety signals comply with federal requirements validated by the Federal Office of Transport and cannot currently adjust automatically to ambient noise levels. However, discussions are underway with the manufacturer regarding potential volume adjustments, while night cleaning remains necessary because the cleaning vehicle moves too slowly to operate during daytime service.
Details regarding the Lausanne tram and car collision
When did the collision between the tram and the car happen?
The collision occurred on Sunday evening, October 18, 2026, at the height of number 32 on Rue de Genève, near the EPSIC in Lausanne.
Were there any injuries reported during the accident?
No injuries were reported, and no emergency services were required at the scene, though the tram sustained minor bodywork damage.
Why are the tram door alarms so loud for residents?
The door signals are set at 70 decibels to meet safety requirements validated by the Federal Office of Transport, and they currently sound every three minutes without volume variation.
How might local transit operators balance federal safety requirements with residential noise concerns as the December launch approaches?