Bremen prepares for tram-train operation

With the delivery of the last of 77 Siemens Avenio 100% low-floor trams, Bremen public transport operator BSAG is preparing for a 2024 network expansion that will see tram-train operation on line 8, extended by 9.3km from Huchting to Weyhe-Leeste. This will be followed by a 3.7km extension of line 1 from Huchting to Mittelshuchting (Brüsseler Strasse). 

 

These extensions involve the introduction of tram-trains over the Kirchhuhting–Thedinghausen freight railway with train-control components to permit track-sharing in a cost-effective manner. Siemens has used its own in-house pulse generator to function alongside Traingaurd MT on-board software using sensors supplied by Lenord+Bauer. 

 

The Siemens Avenio for Bremen are split in to two batches, 3201-3242 for normal tramway operation and 3401-3435 with the software for tram-train operation. The latter will be used on lines 1 and 8. The four-section 37m LRVs were built at the Siemens factory in Kragujevac, Serbia and were winners of the iF design award 2022.