Stadler to Deliver 132 Modular Tramcars to Cologne

Stadler will supply 132 high-floor tramcars to Cologne under a €700 million contract that includes maintenance, spare parts, and additional modular sections. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The deal with Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB), Cologne’s public transport operator, introduces a new generation of trams with modular flexibility. Stadler has designed these vehicles to include detachable center sections, allowing two units to link seamlessly and offer full-length walk-through interiors.

Additionally, the contract provides for 34 extra 10-meter modules. These can extend trams to nearly 70 meters in length, boosting capacity to around 470 passengers—ideal for peak-hour operations in a city of over one million residents.

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Stadler brings innovation to Cologne’s tram network

Stadler has integrated advanced features to improve safety, efficiency, and user experience. Drivers will benefit from enhanced visibility, collision avoidance systems, and video-equipped side mirrors to eliminate blind spots.

Passenger counting technology will help optimize route planning based on real-time demand. The trams will also feature wide aisles, large information screens, and LED lighting to enhance accessibility and passenger comfort.

Energy-efficient air conditioning will maintain interior climate control across all seasons. Video surveillance systems will support public safety and operational oversight. The projected service life of each tram exceeds 30 years, contributing to long-term value for KVB and taxpayers.

Stadler targets 2029 for first tram deliveries

Stadler plans to deliver 10 tram units and five intermediate modules for trial service by 2029. Full-scale delivery will begin in mid-2030 and continue through the end of 2032.

These new tramcars will gradually replace Cologne’s aging Series 2200/2300 and 5100 units. The upgrades are essential for a network that includes 14 tram lines spanning 198 kilometers and serving Germany’s fourth-largest city.

Cologne, located on the left bank of the Rhine, plays a critical role in regional transport. Stadler’s project reinforces the city’s shift toward smart, high-capacity, and sustainable public mobility.

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