The Zaragoza tram has won first prize in the Significant Safety Initiative category at the Global Light Rail Awards. The award, which recognises the best tram projects and initiatives from around the world, is for a European driver assistance pilot scheme that was developed and tested on the tram itself. The same project has also received a special mention (Highly Commended) in the Team of the Year category.

This is a European pilot project, funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), which aims to develop advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for trams. Its objective is to make drivers’ work easier and improve safety on the roads, in a similar way to the assistance systems already fitted to many road vehicles. Zaragoza took part alongside two other cities, Lisbon and Antwerp. Also involved were the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and University College London (UCL), which scientifically validated the results, the Carnet research institute (affiliated with the UPC), the Belgian technology firm OTIV, and the rail manufacturer CAF.

The systems were installed on two trams. They consist of a lidar unit, which measures distances and movements, and cameras that analyse the front of the vehicle. A display alerts the driver if there is an obstacle, and the system takes the approach speed into account to decide when to emit an audible warning to draw the driver’s attention.

To evaluate the results, UCL researchers measured reaction times using a helmet that records brain activity whilst driving and interviewed the drivers to determine the system’s effectiveness.

The Zaragoza tram is one of the most award-winning modes of transport in the world. In 2024, it won in the same safety category for its LED signage on the ground at junctions and pedestrian crossings, which lights up as the tram passes and has since been extended to other parts of the city. Previously, it received the first prize for Best Environmental and Sustainability Project in 2022 for its ‘School Days’ initiative and also won the Significant Safety Initiative award in 2021 for a health plan developed with the University of Zaragoza and the Aragon Institute for Health Research to reduce CO₂ levels inside the vehicles. In 2020, it was recognised in the Best Customer Initiative category for increasing capacity during lockdown, and in 2016 and 2013 it won awards for improving air quality and for the high demand during its first months of service.