Network Meeting, Cologne

Host of the second network meeting was the Research Association for Underground Transportation Facilities (Studiengesellschaft für unterirdische Verkehrsanlagen e.V.) – STUVA in Cologne.

Central issues of this meeting were presentations concerning the basic stage of development, findings and problems in the implementation of green tram tracks from the viewpoint of the partners. Presentations were held on the following subjects:

• Green tracks – solution to noise problems at urban trains? (STUVA e.V.)
• Slab track Rheda City Grün (Rail.One GmbH)
• Experience in installation and long-term monitoring of green tracks (Ingenieurbüro Schmid)
• Elastic elements for grass tracks in different track systems(Edilon)(Sedra GmbH)
• Grass track – Sedum track, an overview (NIRA GmbH & Co. KG)

This exchange of experience and knowledge will be continued in future meetings. It forms the base for derivation of research and development needs, which lead to the most important objectives and the preparation of project drafts.

The public transport companies in Germany meet very different requirements regarding the implementation of green tracks. This affects the track system, the vegetation system as well as additional components. The choice is majorly influenced by specific conditions (regional and local), economic aspects, different premises and stipulations of the enterprises. Is the emphasis for instance rather on optical effects, ecological effects or economic considerations? Based on those facts vegetation systems are to be optimised and new solutions to be found. Furthermore standardisation of vegetation systems seems rather unrealistic.

Apart from the development of optimized greening systems, guidelines which recommend existing systems, their installation and maintenance are considered important.