Stadler Unveils First Citylink Tram-Train: High-Speed Transport for Saarbahn and VDV

Stadler has unveiled the first Citylink tram-train, developed under a major contract with the German-Austrian consortium VDV, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This bi-directional, dual-system, three-section tram-train is set to debut at the international InnoTrans 2024 exhibition in Berlin.

Air Disinfection System for Public Transport

The rolling stock was manufactured for Saarbahn, which operates a light rail line between Germany and France.

However, despite the cross-border route, all 28 units of the new rolling stock will be operated exclusively within Germany.

The first four trams are expected to be delivered to Saarbahn by the end of this year, with the remaining trains to be delivered by 2027.

The Citylink tram is designed to operate on two power systems – 750V DC and 15kV AC, making it versatile for various urban and suburban lines.

This rolling stock can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, providing fast and comfortable transportation for passengers.

Inside, the tram offers 100 seats and areas for strollers and bicycles, making it particularly convenient for families and active travelers.

The total capacity of the tram is 233 passengers, which is optimal for medium-load urban routes.

Saarbahn is part of the VDV consortium, which unites German and Austrian transport companies to create a unified standard for tram rolling stock.

VDV was founded with the goal of developing a unified platform for trams, significantly reducing the cost of acquiring and maintaining trains.

As part of this partnership, a contract was signed with Stadler in 2022 for the delivery of 246 Citylink trams, with the option to expand the order by another 258 units.

Thanks to standardization, the cost of each rolling stock unit was reduced by €1 million, a significant achievement in optimizing the budgets of transport companies.

Additionally, the bulk orders have allowed for a reduction in operational costs, which is especially important for long-term planning and the sustainable development of transport infrastructure.

Thus, Stadler and VDV continue to introduce innovative solutions in urban transport, offering modern and efficient rolling stock that meets the needs of both passengers and transport operators.

Photo: Stadler

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