The vehicle fleet of the MPK Poznań transport operator has grown: The first of 30 new Moderus Gamma trams for Poznań has been completed and was delivered by low-loader to the Franowo depot on 22 January. The first 10 vehicles were ordered in September 2023 and an option for a further 20 vehicles was exercised in July 2024.
The three-car Moderus Gamma type LF 04 AC BD 4 were developed and assembled by the local and city-owned manufacturer Modertrans in Biskupice near Poznań. The vehicles have a low-floor ratio of 100% and run on four bogies, with the centre car resting on two bogies and the two end cars each having one bogie mounted on the centre car.
The almost 32-metre-long Moderus Gamma essentially corresponds to the 20 bi-directional Moderus Gamma LF 03 AC BD trams delivered in 2019 with minor modifications. The vehicles have a passenger capacity of 240 persons, including 46 seats. The passenger compartment is fully air-conditioned, spacious and has an ergonomic seating arrangement and handrails. The centre aisle is fully low-floor; there are only small platforms above the bogies. There are three double doors and two single doors on each side, as well as up to four ramps for wheelchair access.
Compared to the Gamma’s currently used by the transport companies in Poznań, elements such as door portals, seats and lighting inside the car have also been changed. With visually impaired passengers in mind, exterior signs have been installed on which information is displayed in white.
The LF 04 AC BD 4 also stands out with its updated design compared to the previous Gamma fleet: The large glazing in the driver’s cab is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also intended to increase the driver’s field of vision and further improve safety. The front of the vehicle was taken from the LF 05 AC prototype, which has been in Poznań since summer 2021. We reported on the prototype here (English version is accessible via the link):
https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/modertrans-presents-100-15-meter-low-floor-tram/ .
Delivery, test phase, commissioning and financing
After initial ‘walking tests’, the new tram will now undergo the relevant type and approval tests. Approval and passenger service is expected in the spring, so that the last three remaining ex-Frankfurt Düwag O railcars (bidirectional GT8ZR), which are still in almost daily use, can be taken out of service.
The delivery of the 30 Moderus Gamma LF 04s should be completed by the middle of next year at the latest. MPK Poznań will receive funding for their purchase as part of the ‘Emission-free collective transport in cities (trams)’ tender organised by the Centre for EU Transport Projects. The transport company in Poznań was awarded the highest number of points, enabling it to receive support totalling over PLN 215.5 million (approx. EUR 51.15 million / 85% of the purchase value).
On 13 January 2025, the Centre for EU Projects announced the results of the competition for the ‘Emission-free collective transport in cities (trams)’ programme, stating that Poznań was one of the ‘lucky’ cities selected for vehicle funding. A total of more than PLN 590 million (approx. EUR 140 million) was distributed. Of the 12 applications submitted, only four met the points requirements for funding. The funds were divided between four tram cities – Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Wrocław and Kraków. These cities will procure a total of 88 trams, 30 of which will go to Poznań. The 30 Moderus Beta trams will cost around PLN 247 million (approx. EUR 58.6 million), which corresponds to a vehicle price of around EUR 2.05 million.
In addition, a project to purchase a further 30 low-floor trams is currently being examined in Poznań. In this case, funding – amounting to around PLN 175 million – is planned from the European Infrastructure, Climate and Environment Funds (FENiKs) 2021-2027 programme. Preparations are currently underway for the announcement of a tender. The planned delivery of vehicles is expected to be completed by 2029.
Independently of this, MPK Poznań recently concluded a contract with a Bonn-based operator for the purchase of used NGT6D trams as well as spare and operating parts. We reported here (English version is accessible via the link):
https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/poznan-acquires-the-bonn-low-floor-trams/.
According to the contract, acceptance is preceded by a visual inspection of the trams and the final cost depends, among other things, on the condition of the vehicle or the number of spare parts in stock at the time of delivery. The maximum price for a fully functional tram is the equivalent of €46,500. MPK is planning to purchase 24 vehicles. However, the contract gives the company the right to cancel the purchase of trams that are damaged (e.g. as a result of accidents) and those for which no agreement can be reached on a price reduction. The wagons will be delivered to Poznań in 2025.
With the help of the new Modertrans and the used Bonn vehicles, MPK will be able to get rid of the last high-floor trams. In addition to the aforementioned Frankfurt Düwags, affectionately known locally as ‘Helmuts’, there are still around 50 Konstal and Modertrans 105N/Na tram cars, some of which have been modernised. However, it cannot be ruled out that some of the high-floor tram cars will remain in the company as a reserve. MPK Poznań currently has around 230 trams, 78 per cent of which are low-floor vehicles.
23.01.2025
