Last week, Traila had the pleasure of joining Bernmobil for a Tram Listening Session in Bern. What sounds like background noise to most became a rich source of insight for those who know what to listen for.

With years of hands-on experience, Bernmobil has been applying condition-based maintenance with impressive precision and consistency, long before it became a buzzword in the industry. Their method is simple but powerful: by listening to their trams once a week in a key location, they can detect mechanical issues before they escalate. A rhythmic bang? Likely polygons. A deep rumble? That points to concave wear. This approach not only extends the life of tracks and vehicles but also keeps urban noise levels in check.

The session was part of Traila’s ongoing exchange with operators in the field. Understanding real-world operational challenges is central to how Traila develops and refines its active steering technology. Close dialogue with maintenance teams and system experts helps ensure that our solutions address the actual needs on the ground. We left Bern with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for the craft behind condition-based maintenance.

At Traila, we know that building smarter, more sustainable rail systems starts with understanding the wheel-rail interface in all its complexity. And that understanding begins by listening.