TINA trams vibrations are now the next focus for Stadler and BLT Baselland Transport AG. Earlier technical work sharply reduced vehicle noise. The companies are preparing to test rubber-suspension wheels from early July 2026. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

TINA trams vibrations face new wheel tests
TINA trams vibrations face new wheel tests

According to Stadler, the trial will test whether the new wheels reduce vibrations during operation. Also, it follows earlier measures that targeted noise from the TINA fleet. The sequence keeps the work on two vehicle-generated emissions from the same fleet. First came noise; vibrations follow.

Stadler TINA trams in the Basel region

The TINA vehicles built by Stadler are used by BLT in the Basel region. TINA is short for Total Integrated Low-Floor Drive. It is designed to provide a fully low-floor tram. Also, it enables level boarding and better passenger accessibility.

Also, Stadler and BLT say this layout creates more interior space and improves comfort. At the same time, it requires careful coordination between the vehicle, the infrastructure, and operations. In historically developed tram networks, noise and vibration emissions may arise. For example, such networks include tight curves, switches, and different track structures.

Noise reduction measures already applied

Since the TINA trams began operating, Stadler and BLT have targeted vehicle-generated emissions. The two companies say the technical changes have produced a noticeable reduction in noise.

The work covered several areas. It included additional damping elements and an optimized wheel profile. In addition, it included adjustments to the electromagnetic track brakes and modifications to the bodywork. Following these measures, the trams now operate much more quietly. They are much quieter than at the start of service.

Measurements indicate that primary noise has fallen by 3.7 decibels. BLT and Stadler say this corresponds to cutting the noise level in half. The TINA vehicles have reached the primary noise level of the earlier Tango fleet. BLT’s full TINA fleet is to receive the modifications by the end of 2025.

Rubber-suspension wheels to be tested

After noise work, BLT and Stadler are moving to measures aimed at lowering vibrations. One TINA tram will be fitted with new wheels using rubber suspension. The design is intended to provide stronger damping during wheel-rail contact.

Meanwhile, regular measurements in urban areas will check the performance of the new solution. The tests are expected to start in early July 2026.

“Thank you, Stadler, for your significant involvement over the past few months. Regarding noise, we have achieved our goals. I am pleased that we are now taking the next step together with the manufacturer Stadler and testing wheel-level measures to reduce vibrations,” stated Phillipp Glogg, technical director at BLT.

Ansgar Brockmeyer also pointed to the joint work with the Swiss operator. Brockmeyer is Stadler’s director of sales and marketing.

“The collaboration with BLT is excellent. Together we analyzed the causes of noise and vibrations, developed technical measures, and verified their effect in operation. The fact that the TINA trams are much quieter today shows that we are on the right track. We are now focusing on reducing vibrations. Our goal is clear: a modern tram with a high level of comfort for passengers and residents,” stated Ansgar Brockmeyer.

TINA fleet retrofitting depends on test results

The trial outcome will be incorporated directly into TINA fleet production. If the tests are positive, new TINA trams will use the optimized components. Stadler will fit them at the factory.

Vehicles already in service will be retrofitted gradually by Stadler. Also, the Swiss manufacturer will cover the cost of these measures.

Separately, TINA trams are currently operating in six European cities. They are Basel through BLT, Darmstadt, Rostock, Halle, Gera, and The Hague.

In addition, the East German cities Görlitz and Zwickau chose the TINA model in mid-April. They selected it in a tender and also placed an order for 14 vehicles.

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