Study on Key Factors on Ride Comfort of Low-floor Light Rail Transit

Abstract

In order to meet the public’s demand for higher and higher comfort level of low-floor trams, this paper analyzes the influence on comfort level from four aspects: equivalent conicity, hinge arrangement position, suspension parameters and track geometry quality. The results show that track geometry quality plays a decisive role in influencing the comfort of low-floor trams, and the power spectral density of track irregularity has a greater impact on the comfort of vehicles than the standard deviation and peak value. Finally, it is suggested that main line maintenance should be shifted from the current management of standard deviation and peak value to track power spectral density curve management. At the same time, it is suggested that vehicle manufacturer should study the track geometry quality more deeply.