Chemnitz eCitylink on test

In the German city of Chemnitz test runs are being carried out with the first of 19 Stadler eCityLink tram-trains that are due to enter service in 2027. The second-generation Citylink is built to operate at 600V dc on the city tramway or at 15kV ac on electrified railway tracks, contrasting with the 12 first-generation cars that run on diesel power or 600V dc. The eCitylinks will be deployed in 2027 between Chemnitz and Stollberg as well as Chemnitz to Mittweida/Döbeln. Later they will also be deployed on the new links between Chemnitz and Limbach-Oberfrohna and between Stollberg and St Egidien. In addition to the firm order for 19 Stadler holds an option to supply another 27 of these dual-voltage cars. The eCitylink is a double-ended LRV, 37.1m Long with seats for 88 passengers and a maximum speed of 100km/h. They are fitted with a toilet in recognition of their use on longer-distance routes. The latest tram-train package for central Saxony totalling EUR 234.56M was approved in March 2022 and includes the new cars and lines and a new depot and workshop. 

 

VMS Managing Director Mathias Korda sais, ‘The new tram will undergo rigorous testing in the Chemnitz tram and regional rail network over the coming months. Approval runs and numerous trials are on the agenda. From 2027 the new vehicle, along with its sister vehicles, is scheduled to be deployed on the Chemnitz Model network’. 

 

The first stage of the Chemnitz Model tram-train network opened in December 2002 and now covers four lines with an interchange point at Chmnitz Hbf (main station). There are six Variobahn cars for the Stollberg line supplemented by 12 Citylink first generation for later links.