Ọjọrú, Okudu 11, 2025
On Whit Monday, June 9, 2025, Saarbahn unveiled the first TramTrain of the future at a public presentation in Saarbrücken-Brebach. This marks the commencement of a major transportation innovation, as the first of up to 504 TramTrains, manufactured by Stadler, was delivered to the consortium of six rail operators across Germany and Austria. Saarbahn, part of the consortium, has ordered 28 vehicles, with the possibility of purchasing an additional 21.
This significant step represents the fruition of the innovative “VDV-TramTrain” procurement project, which is unique in its design and structure. The project will see Stadler produce up to 504 versatile TramTrains that are designed to operate seamlessly on both tram and railway lines. The vehicles will be delivered from Stadler’s Valencia facility and come with an extensive maintenance agreement covering their entire operational lifespan.
ipolongo
Driving comfort and innovation for cross-border cooperation
Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Division Spain, said during the presentation: “This is a globally unique international cooperation project. This type of collaboration is the best way to shape Europe. We are delighted to be able to make our contribution and provide our CITYLINK vehicles to the cooperation.”
“The new trains represent greater travel comfort, are a visible sign of a modern metropolis, and are also a symbol of cross-border collaboration and European unity. With the commissioning of the next generation of Saarbahn vehicles, we are staying on course for modern, sustainable mobility for Saarbrücken and the region – this aligns with our understanding as a Euro-metropolis,” explained Uwe Conradt, the Mayor of Saarbrücken.
Saarland’s Minister of Mobility, Petra Berg, stated: “The TramTrains make an important contribution to environmentally friendly local transport. The state and the city of Saarbrücken are advancing future mobility together with the project partners and setting new standards for a high-quality transport offer, in which Saarbahn plays a key role. Modern and future-oriented mobility is a cross-border community issue that empowers people in Saarland to lead an independent life, both in the city and in the countryside.”
Karsten Nagel, Managing Director of Saarbahn: “The arrival of the first vehicle in Saarbrücken is a special milestone: with this vehicle, important parts of the testing and approval program will now be carried out on-site. Stadler is committed to completing the approval process as planned and on time. We look forward to the first new TramTrains in passenger service. Starting with the first vehicles that we expect to see in passenger service in the first half of 2026, we will then gradually replace the existing fleet after roughly 30 years of service by early 2028.”
“This joint procurement project is a lighthouse project for our industry. This project shows that when everyone pulls together, more than just a vehicle emerges – a common piece of the future is created,” added Thorsten Erlenkötter, the overall project manager of the VDV-TramTrain project.
The TramTrain project brings together six transport companies from two countries, all working with a single vehicle platform to achieve greater efficiency and flexibility in urban and regional transport systems. The vehicles, built to meet both tram and railway regulations, offer an innovative solution for cross-border transport needs. The consortium aims to expand the role of TramTrains in modern transportation infrastructure, providing more efficient travel between cities and the surrounding regions.
Saarbahn’s participation in this project highlights the growing demand for high-quality, adaptable public transport solutions in Europe. As one of the founding members of the consortium, Saarbahn plays a pivotal role in helping shape the future of mobility in both Germany and Austria. With the potential for an additional 21 vehicles, the operator is well-positioned to contribute to future expansion efforts.
Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, has been selected to provide the TramTrains following a Europe-wide tender process. These CITYLINK vehicles are being produced in Stadler’s facility in Valencia, Spain. The company has already presented the first vehicle at InnoTrans, the world’s largest transport technology trade fair, which took place in Berlin last September. As part of the complex approval process, several vehicles have already undergone extensive testing in various European locations.
One of the critical stages of testing took place over six months on the Velim test track in the Czech Republic, where the vehicles underwent initial rides and functional assessments. Additionally, electromagnetic compatibility tests were conducted in Munich, while another vehicle endured extreme climate simulations in Vienna to ensure its reliability under both hot and cold conditions.
These rigorous testing procedures have laid the foundation for successful operations of the TramTrains in Saarbrücken, where further tests will be conducted. The approval process will assess the vehicles’ ability to meet both tram and railway regulations, including the German Railway Ordinance (EBO) and the Tram Operations Regulations (BoStrab). Additionally, these vehicles will be approved for service on the line to Saargemünd, France, marking a significant step in cross-border transport.
A key feature of the VDV-TramTrain project is its cost-sharing model, which allows for the distribution of construction and approval costs across the six participating transport companies. As part of the approval process, many of the static and dynamic tests completed with Saarbahn’s vehicles will be valid for the other consortium members. This collective effort not only reduces costs for each operator but also ensures that the project remains on track for success across a broad geographical area.
By sharing testing data, the consortium will streamline the approval process, accelerating the deployment of these vehicles across multiple regions. This shared approach enhances the cost-effectiveness of the project, making it a model for future collaborative transport initiatives across Europe.
The TramTrains, developed under the CITYLINK platform, represent a modular and barrier-free solution for urban and regional mobility. Designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind, these vehicles offer a smooth and seamless transition between city and regional transport systems. The 37.2-meter-long, three-section vehicles are equipped with standardized features such as air conditioning for both passenger and driver compartments, along with spacious multipurpose areas that can be tailored to the needs of individual operators.
Each TramTrain is customizable, allowing for specific adaptations depending on the operator’s requirements. This flexibility ensures that the vehicles can meet the diverse needs of the transport networks in Germany, Austria, and beyond. The CITYLINK vehicles are set to redefine modern urban mobility, providing a reliable and efficient means of travel between city centers and surrounding areas.
The successful delivery of the first TramTrain marks a significant milestone in the VDV-TramTrain project, but it is only the beginning. With further vehicles scheduled for delivery, the consortium will continue to build on this innovative project, expanding the reach of the TramTrain network across Europe. As the fleet grows, more cities and regions will benefit from the seamless integration of tram and rail transport, improving mobility options for millions of passengers.
The collaboration between Saarbahn, Stadler, and the other transport companies sets a new standard for European transport innovation. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and comfort, the VDV-TramTrain project is poised to become a benchmark for future transportation projects, demonstrating how cross-border cooperation and advanced vehicle technology can transform the way people travel.
The unveiling of the first TramTrain in Saarbrücken is a testament to the vision shared by the consortium’s members. By pooling resources and expertise, they are paving the way for a more integrated and sustainable transport system in Europe. As the project progresses, the VDV-TramTrain initiative promises to revolutionize how people connect between urban and rural areas, offering a more sustainable and flexible solution to public transport across borders.
The successful collaboration between the participating operators, Stadler, and local governments highlights the importance of joint efforts in achieving ambitious transport goals. With the delivery of the first vehicle, the VDV-TramTrain project has set a new precedent for the future of cross-border rail and tram operations in Europe.
ipolongo
Monday, June 16, 2025
Monday, June 16, 2025
Monday, June 16, 2025
Monday, June 16, 2025