Aarhus orders more LRVs, with battery capability

The Danish city of Aarhus has been operating an interesting combined tramway and light rail system since 2017 . City trams run one 12km street-based line while LRVs operate into rural areas over railway infrastructure that has been electrified. There are 14 Stadler Variobahn trams for the city line and 12 Stadler Tango LRVs for the former railway services. 

 

The new system has been successful in attracting more passengers to public transport, so on 2 December a contract was signed with Stadler for eight 49m four-section Citilink trams based on the Tango design with space for 332 passengers (152 seated), for delivery for line L2 in 2029; there is an option for 12 more. They will be built at Valencia in Spain, permitting a 15-minute service to be introduced. Design includes a battery pack allowing 10km of operation away from the overhead. The rural light rail lines are prone to icing during the winter which can cause problems for pantograph current collection, so battery power can be used in these circumstances. Mie Krog, Chair of the board of Aarhus Letbane, said, 'With more trains, we are making the Light Rail an even stronger link between city and country. This is entirely in line with our vision of delivering stable and efficient transport on time to the people of East Jutland. This is a great benefit for our passengers and for all of East Jutland’. 'This contract embodies our shared vision for sustainable mobility. Together with Aarhus Letbane, we are committed to creating solutions that make public transport more attractive and accessible for all. With CITYLINK, we are helping Aarhus move toward a smarter, greener, and fully integrated transport system that meets the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow’, said Iñigo Parra, CEO Stadler Valencia.