On 24th March 2025, Verkehrsbetriebe Potsdam (ViP) has unveiled a new tram model, the Tramlink, which is intended to significantly rejuvenate the Potsdam tram fleet. These new 100% low-floor vehicles offer an urgently needed increase in capacity for Potsdam. With a length of 42 metres, they are around 12 metres longer than the previous Variobahn trams and can carry up to 246 passengers, 74 of whom are seated. Thanks to eight wide doors, passengers can be changed quickly. Specially designed areas offer additional comfort for parents with children, wheelchair users and passengers with pushchairs or walking frames. USB sockets, a modern information system and air conditioning also ensure passenger comfort.
Looking back
In December 2021, Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam GmbH (ViP) ordered 10 Tramlink trams from Stadler for use on the Potsdam tram network. The contract includes options for up to 15 more vehicles. Three of these have already been ordered. Stadler will also be responsible for maintenance and spare parts supply for 10 years with an optional extension of a further 6 years. The costs per vehicle amount to around 4.67 million euros.
The corresponding financing agreement between the state capital of Potsdam and ViP was approved and signed by the city council in December 2021. This means that 60.8 million euros are available for the procurement of 13 trams (ten trams according to the supply contract and three trams from the 15-vehicle option), including spare parts and tools. The trams are being procured as part of a financing package for the Krampnitz tram link.
The Tramlink is a lightweight, modern, modular, multi-articulated low-floor vehicle whose innovative running gear concept with continuous axles guarantees a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Tramlink was developed as early as 2006 by the former Vossloh Kiepe at the Valencia (Albuixech) site as its own product platform for a modular tram concept. Sales of this type have included Rostock, Santos and Gmunden and, more recently, to several Swiss companies such as Lugano, Bern, Waldenburgerbahn and Limattalbahn and Lausanne, as well as to Jena, Erfurt and Milan.
Development milestones
- Spring 2023: Production of the Tramlink began in spring 2023 – in the first stage, the car bodies were and will be welded at Stadler’s Polish plant in Środa Wielkopolska. All body shell modules are produced in Poland. The bogies, on the other hand, are manufactured entirely at the Stadler site in Valencia. The first manufactured car body modules were inspected in Środa in May 2023. In the period that followed, initial sample tests were also carried out at several suppliers on doors, air conditioning systems, engines, gearboxes and braking equipment. The tests confirmed fulfilment of the requirements and made it possible to suggest minor improvements.
- July 2023: Start of fitting out the first tram. This and another tram were assembled and made ready for operation by the second half of 2024.
- January/February 2024: Start of assembly of further trams at the Stadler plant in Berlin-Pankow.
- February 2024: Conversions for the Tramlink in Potsdam. In order to accommodate the 42-metre-long carriages, adjustments are made to the stabling hall at the ViP depot and two additional tracks are built. Construction began in February 2024 and is scheduled for completion in April 2024.
- July 2024: The first vehicle is in dynamic commissioning at Stadler’s Valencia site.
- September 2024: Completion of the complete body shells of all 13 vehicles ordered at the Stadler site in Środa Wielkopolska.
- 13 March 2025: The first Tramlink tram has arrived in Potsdam. The vehicle was transported from Spain via Belgium and reached the ViP depot on a low-loader. After its arrival, the tram is assembled in the tram workshop and undergoes extensive testing before it goes into regular passenger service. Passenger service is scheduled to start in the first half of 2025.
A video of the transport is available here:
Tests and training
The introduction of the new trams requires extensive preparations. Extensive tests will be carried out in the coming weeks, including safety checks, braking and radio tests as well as driving tests to check the clearance. The current consumption in the overhead line system, interior lighting, dynamic behaviour and noise emissions will also be tested. In addition, the door system and passenger information system are commissioned and the ViP ticket machines are installed.
An essential part of the introduction is the training of driving and workshop personnel. The aim is for all drivers to be able to operate all types of trams in Potsdam in order to enable flexible deployment planning in daily operations.
Production and international co-operation
The Tramlink was produced at several European locations. The first two vehicles manufactured in Valencia were transported in parts by low-loader to Potsdam and assembled there. From the third delivery onwards, the trams will be transported in one piece, for which an motorway exit was converted into a depot in November 2023. The other vehicles will be produced and put into operation at Stadler’s Berlin and Velten sites. The presentation of the first Tramlink was held under the motto ‘A European for Potsdam – The Tramlink Europe Tour’ and emphasises the international cooperation on this forward-looking project.
The new Tramlink trams represent an important step in the modernisation of Potsdam’s public transport system. Thanks to their innovative technology, environmentally friendly features and high level of passenger comfort, they make a significant contribution to sustainable mobility in the city.
Technical data
- Capacity: 246 people, 74 seated and 172 standing
- Low-floor share: 100 per cent
- Entrance height: 30 cm
- Length: 42 metres
- Width: 2.30 metres
- Height: 3.60 metres
- Wheel diameter: 61.5 cm
- Aisle width in the passenger compartment: 70 cm
- Aisle width in the chassis modules: 50 cm
- Width of a single seat: 42.5 cm
- Weight: 55.9 tonnes
- Car body material: Duplex steel
- Number of doors: six double, two single
- Engine power: 6 x 100 kilowatts
- Multifunctional areas: four, two of which are wheelchair-accessible
