Barcelona to test thermal filters on tram windows to combat heat

The measure is part of a resilience plan with which the operator aims to adapt the service to rising temperatures. The large windows, one of the most recognisable features of the trams, allow direct sunlight in and can significantly increase the feeling of heat inside.

The solution under consideration involves installing solar thermal control films on the glass. These filters would limit some of the radiation without blocking natural light, thus reducing the greenhouse effect that occurs inside the vehicles during periods of greatest sun exposure.

The project is still at an early stage. TRAM is currently working with a prototype and, if the results are satisfactory, plans to carry out pilot tests on some trains soon before deciding whether the technology can be rolled out across the entire fleet.

The initiative would complement the current air conditioning systems. By preventing some of the heat from entering directly, the films could help maintain a more stable temperature and reduce the effort needed to cool the carriages during periods of intense heat.

The problem has become more significant as Barcelona experiences consecutive summers with increasingly high temperatures. Climate control has become one of the most sensitive aspects of public transport, especially in vehicles and stations exposed to sunlight for many hours.

Other transport operators in the city are also looking for solutions to tackle the heat. The Metro has carried out tests to improve the cooling and ventilation of facilities, while TRAM is now focusing part of its efforts on preventing heat from entering directly through the windows.

Future tests will show how much the temperature inside the trains can actually be reduced and whether the solution works during the most demanding summer days. If the system proves effective, the usual panoramic windows of the tram could incorporate a new layer of protection designed specifically for an increasingly hot Barcelona.