Swiss manufacturer Stadler Rail has signed a framework contract with the operators of the VDV-TramTrain project to manufacture up to 504 Citylink family train-trams for service in Austria and Germany. This is Stadler’s most significant order, with a maximum value of 4 billion euros.
The framework contract includes a firm order for 246 units worth €1.7 billion. They will be manufactured over the next 10 years, with the first four delivered in 2024.
The order includes the maintenance of the rail vehicles for 16 years with an option to extend it up to 32 years in two contracts of 8 years each.
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VDV-TramTrain, 504 tram-trains for six different customers in two countries
Six local operators from Austria and Germany have joined forces to create the VDV-Tram-Train project. The project aims to modernise and extend the tram-train system, which allows intercity and urban journeys without transfers.
Thanks to economies of scale, they can purchase the train-tram trains through this union and maintain them more cheaply than separately.
All tram-trains will share a standard base, a common design, three bodies, air conditioning, flexible multi-functional areas, and spaces for wheelchair travel. However, each operator has customised some technical, functional, and aesthetic elements, including the doors’ height, to adapt to the platforms of each transport system.
The award was made in the framework of an international call for tenders in October 2020.
Saarbrücken Saarbahn
The German city has opted for the simplest version. Initially, it will receive 28 Citylink tram trains capable of running on a supply voltage of 750 Vdc and 15 kV 16.7 Hz. It can exercise the option to purchase 21 additional trainsets.
As agreed with Stadler, the Saarbahn will be the first railway to receive the new rolling stock. Specifically, it will receive four pre-series units in 2024.
VBK Karlsruhe
The local public transport operator of Karlsruhe (Germany) will purchase 73 trams for urban use only. For this reason, they will only operate with a catenary voltage of 750 Vdc.
According to the tender, VBK’s purchase option is for 57 additional units.
AVG Karlsruhe
The Karlsruhe suburban transport operator will purchase 75 tram-trains with an option for an additional 43 that can run under 750 Vdc and 15 kV 16.7 Hz through the initial order. These units will have toilets and bicycle racks.
The success of the train-tram network operated by AVG inspired the introduction of the model to other cities in Germany and Austria.
Neckar-Alb Regional-Stadtbahn
The German state of Baden-Württemberg will initially purchase 30 tram trains. They will also have toilets and be compatible with 750 Vdc and 15 kV 16.7 Hz voltages.
They will serve a new intercity light rail network with a total length of 205 km. It will connect the cities of Tübingen and Reutlingen and have 45 kilometres of reopened or newly constructed lines.
According to the tender, Neckar-Alb can purchase two additional lots: one of 57 and one of 30.
RSB Salzburg
For its part, the Austrian operator RSB Salzburg will purchase 20 units within the framework of the VDV-Tram-Train project, with an option for five additional units capable of operating under 750 Vdc and 1,000 Vdc.
Schiene Oberösterreich
Finally, Austria’s Schiene Oberösterreich is purchasing 20 units for tram services. Therefore, these Stadler Citylink tram trains will only operate with a 750 V DC power supply.
The operator can exercise an option to purchase an additional 50 trams.