The most important thing nowadays is to use available resources to develop infrastructure
as efficiently as possible. In this regard, evaluating the deterioration of tramway tracks is critical from
both a technical and an economic viewpoint. In Hungary, seven types of superstructure systems are
currently differentiated in the case of tramway transport, but the geometrical deterioration, lifecycle,
and lifecycle cost of the tramway tracks are not accurately known. The current study aimed to
evaluate and compare the results of track geometry measurements of two different “open” tramway
superstructure systems depending on their traffic load and age. The geometry measurements we
re executed by TrackScan 4.01 instrument, developed and maintained by a Hungarian developer
company called Metalelektro Méréstechnika Ltd. The evaluation of the measurements showed a
clear relationship between the traffic load, age, and track deterioration. Based on the results, it
can be generally stated, concerning “open” superstructure systems, that regardless of the “open”
superstructure system or the level of traffic load, the average value of alignment is decreasing;
however, the average value of the longitudinal level is increasing. Furthermore, the deterioration of
an older ballasted track with lower traffic is similar to that of a younger ballasted track that has a
higher traffic load. Another significant result was that the deterioration of the track gauge parameter
in the case of concrete slab tracks is clearly described as the broadening of the track gauge.