First Stadler Tramlink arrives in Jena
Posted on 7th May 2023 at 12:11
With a population of 103 000, an established 23.3km system and an existing fleet of 38 vehicles, the eastern German city of Jena has a long history of using trams. In fact, the city has operated trams since 1901. However, their fleet is aging and some vehicles require replacement and modernisation.
On 5 May, Jenaer Nahverkehr, the municipal transport operator of Jena, took delivery of the first of 16 seven-section 42m Stadler Tramlink low-floor trams. The EUR 92M order placed in 2021 also includes eight 32m cars. Finance for the order came from the EU under the Europa für Thuringen programme and from state resources.
The long metre-gauge tram will enter service on line 5 in the autumn after commissioning, trials and training. It was delivered by road from the Stadler factor in Valencia, Spain, and carries the fleet number 801. It has been given the name Lichtbahn in recognition of its large windows giving a bright interior, with passenger information systems visible from ever seat.
The new trams will start the replacement of the 33 ADtranz/Bombardier GT6M dating from 1996-97. There is an option for 19 more Lichtbahn.
The first new Lichtbahn for Jena at a motorway service area during its delivery run. (R Dauer)
Jena Nahverkehr managing director Steffen Gundermann said, ‘the new trams bring a lot of new functional and/or technical features. These technical innovations make a significant contribution to emissions reduction, sustainability, increased attractiveness, complete accessibility and improved working conditions. They are an important building block for the success of a climate and environmentally oriented transport system’.
Tagged as: Jena, Lichtbahn, Stadler Tramlink
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