TRAMLINKs For Potsdam

On 14 December, the contract for ten TRAMLINKs as well as the supply of spare parts and maintenance over a period of ten years was signed between ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam and Stadler in Potsdam. This brings the Potsdam fleet of Stadler vehicles to 28 trams. Delivery of the first TRAMLINKs is scheduled for 2024. The contract also includes an option for the delivery of a further 15 trams and maintenance over a further six years. At the same time, a financing agreement between the state capital Potsdam and ViP was signed.

Mayor Mike Schubert said: "We are pleased to be able to launch this largest investment to date for the ViP. The new trams will further enhance the quality of public transport in Potsdam. The aim is to strengthen sustainable mobility and secure the broad range of public transport services. The new vehicles will replace those that are not barrier-free."

The new seven-car TRAMLINKs differ from the Stadler-built Variobahn trams already in operation in length, capacity and passenger comfort. At 42 m, the new trams are about 12 m longer and offer space for more passengers. Up to 246 passengers can be accommodated in the TRAMLINK, of them 74 seating. Level access to the completely low-floor vehicle is possible at a total of eight doors, allowing passengers to change quickly. 

In addition, there are special parent-child seats which, with one-and-a-half width, offer sufficient space for the small passengers and their parents. Four separately designated multifunctional areas near the six double doors facilitate the transport of prams and rollators. Two separate areas are provided for wheelchair users.  

The new trams will be built by Stadler Rail Valencia, their principal technical data are: supply voltage 750 V DC, top speed 70 km/h, traction motor power 6 x 100 kW, width 2.3 m, height 3.6 m above rail top, entrance height 300 mm above rail top, minimum curve radius negotiable 19.5 m. There will be used steel bodyshells planked with aluminium sheets. 

The financing agreement between Potsdam and ViP, which was passed by the city council on 1 December 2021, was also signed. This means that 60.8 million EUR are available for the procurement of 13 trams (ten trams according to the delivery contract and three trams from the 15-piece option), including spare parts as well as tools.