HEAG mobilo GmbH is modernizing the tram network in Darmstadt. The goal is a comfortable, low-step boarding and alighting experience for all passengers. Instead of costly complete renovations, the transport company relies on partial platform height increases.
63 modular ramp systems made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) from fisco are being used. They reduce the boarding height by five centimeters. The secure anchoring in the substrate is ensured by fischer UltraCut FBS II concrete screws made of stainless steel.
Darmstadt is an important center for science and business. Around 76,500 people commute to the city daily. Barrier-free local transport is indispensable. A low-step entry helps wheelchair users and people with walking aids. Families with strollers and travelers with heavy luggage also benefit from it.
Most of the HEAG mobilo stops are already considered low-barrier. Nevertheless, many stations still had a step of around five centimeters. Many platforms date back to the 1990s. Substrates, materials, and slopes vary greatly. A complete reconstruction of the stops would have been very expensive and would have blocked rail traffic for months.
The structural adjustment is targeted specifically at the boarding area of low-floor trains. The fischer subsidiary fisco developed custom-fit ramp systems made of glass fiber reinforced plastic for this purpose.
Custom-fit dimensions: Depending on the stop, there are installation depths of 57 cm or 84 cm. The standard length is 4.60 m. For combined bus and train stops, there is a variant with a length of 5.80 m.
Low weight: One element weighs under 11 kg. Installation can be done by hand without heavy lifting equipment. This saves valuable time.
High safety: The surface meets slip resistance class R13. A flat leading edge prevents tripping hazards. Wheelchairs and strollers roll over it effortlessly.
Robust material: GFRP is extremely durable, weatherproof, UV-resistant, and non-conductive. The yellow signal color ensures good visibility.
Compensation of unevenness: The system reliably compensates for slopes and unevenness in the substrate. The ramps remain permanently stable.
Each stop brings its own conditions. Especially against this background, our modular ramp system and the fastening solution used prove to be particularly practical.
The installation was preceded by an extensive testing phase. As early as 2022, HEAG mobilo tested ramps from fisco in the network. Passenger surveys awarded top marks for comfort, safety, and visibility. The components also proved to be wear-resistant and low-maintenance throughout all seasons.
With the project in Darmstadt, fisco sets another milestone in infrastructure expansion. Previously, 67 platform height adjustments were completed in Jena as well as 81 curb height adjustments in Kassel.
