Abstract
The tram is a sustainable mode of transport. However, tram tracks are often shared with vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and cyclists. In this mixed environment, accidents between trams and VRUs are very rare but severe at the same time. Previous studies have acknowledged that tram driving is a complex and very demanding task. Yet, subjective notions of traffic safety that are more connected with the behavior of tram drivers, have never been quantified. This is important in order to better interpret the challenges that tram drivers face. To do so, a stated preference experiment was designed in which tram drivers in Athens rated their perceived safety and driving stress of different driving scenarios on a 7-point Likert Scale. The driving scenarios were presented to the tram drivers using static images. According to the estimated perceived safety model, the alignment type (such as exclusive, semi-exclusive), the existence and the type of pedestrian crossing and the volume of VRUs influence tram drivers' perceived safety. Driving stress was affected mainly by arrival delay and load of standing passengers. Route familiarity also appeared as an important factor, that influences driving stress. No statistically significant correlation between perceived safety and driving stress was observed. One explanation for this is that experienced tram drivers believe that they are ready to respond properly in a section that they perceive as unsafe, if they are familiar with it. If there is no familiarity, tram drivers lack confidence and therefore driving stress is increased.
Highlights
Sustainable mobility requires the advancement of public transport, which in many cities in the world includes the use of trams and light rail systems
A stated preference experiment was designed in which tram drivers in Athens rated their perceived safety and driving stress of different driving scenarios on a 7-point Likert Scale
A stated preference experiment was designed in order to collect tram drivers' perceived safety and driving stress ratings
Summary
Sustainable mobility requires the advancement of public transport, which in many cities in the world includes the use of trams and light rail systems. These systems are often the backbone of the public transport network in cities and regions (Kanacilo and Van Oort, 2008). Most tram systems are running in Europe (206 cities) and Eurasia (93 cities), Germany and Russia having the most networks. These systems are able to: 1) improve the effectiveness of the transport system, 2) make the city more efficient, 3) boost the economic development, 4) protect the environment and 5) ensure social equity (five E's concept) (van der Bijl et al, 2018). Higher tram speeds were mainly observed in semi-exclusive sections
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