Polish manufacturer to supply longest trams in the country • New bidirectional vehicles will increase capacity and comfort in the growing network
The Polish port city of Gdańsk (Danzig) is continuing the modernisation of its tram fleet and has once again placed its trust in domestic manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz. Following a Europe-wide tender procedure, PESA has been awarded the contract to supply 20 new fully low-floor bidirectional trams for municipal operator Gdańskie Autobusy i Tramwaje (GAiT). The manufacturer from Bydgoszcz narrowly defeated Czech competitor Škoda Transportation in the procurement process.
The contract is worth around PLN 524 million gross. The vehicle price per unit is 26.2 million PLN (ca 6.05 million EUR). PESA also achieved the highest evaluation scores in several technical categories, including exterior and interior noise levels as well as vehicle design criteria.
New vehicles for a growing tram city
The new trams will complement the existing GAiT fleet and are intended primarily for operation on the new Gdańsk Południe – Wrzeszcz corridor, connecting rapidly developing districts in the south of the city with major transport hubs.
With a length of 46.8 metres, the new vehicles will become the longest trams in Poland. The five-section bidirectional vehicles will accommodate up to 321 passengers, including 100 seated passengers. Seven doors on each side of the vehicle will enable efficient passenger exchange.
The vehicles are based on the latest generation of PESA’s tram family, the Twist 3.0. They feature a fully low-floor interior and are designed to meet modern requirements for accessibility, passenger comfort and efficient operation. We reported about Twist 3.0 here:
They feature a fully low-floor, step-free interior and are designed for comfortable, barrier-free operation. An initial order has already been secured for Kraków. In Kraków, however, the longest units in the current order consist of four cars and are therefore 43 meters long.
Modern technology for safety and comfort
PESA is equipping the new vehicles with advanced assistance and safety systems. The trams will feature a combination of LiDAR, radar and camera-based technologies to improve obstacle detection and provide additional support for drivers.
A key technical feature is the running gear concept. The vehicles will be equipped with four powered bogies, which are also designed to twist. This solution is intended to improve ride comfort, reduce noise and provide smoother operation, particularly on curves in dense urban areas.
Passenger amenities will include:
- automatic climate control,
- modern passenger information systems with 17 displays,
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports,
- spacious multi-purpose areas for wheelchairs, prams and bicycles.
PESA strengthens its position on the European tram market
The Gdańsk contract further strengthens PESA’s position on the Polish tram market. Vehicles manufactured by the Bydgoszcz-based company are already operating in numerous Polish cities, including Warsaw, Kraków, Łódź, Szczecin and Gdańsk itself.
PESA has also expanded its international presence in recent years, with tram fleets delivered to several European countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Ukraine.
For PESA, the order from Gdańsk is strategically important. While international manufacturers such as Alstom, Stadler, CAF and Škoda remain dominant players on the European tram market, the Polish manufacturer has successfully established itself as a competitive supplier of modern low-floor vehicles.
For Škoda, meanwhile, the decision represents a missed opportunity to further strengthen its position in Poland’s tram market. The Czech manufacturer remains active in numerous tram projects across Europe.
Deliveries planned within three years
Following completion of the necessary procedures and contract signing, PESA is expected to deliver the 20 vehicles within three years. The contract also includes staff training for GAiT personnel as well as operational and maintenance support.
With this order, Gdańsk continues its long-term strategy of strengthening the tram system as the backbone of public transport. The new vehicles combine high capacity with modern technology and will play an important role in meeting the growing mobility needs of the expanding metropolitan area.
Technical Data – PESA Twist 3.0 for Gdańsk
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PESA Bydgoszcz |
| Operator | Gdańskie Autobusy i Tramwaje (GAiT) |
| Number of vehicles | 20 |
| Vehicle type | Low-floor bidirectional tram |
| Configuration | Five-section articulated vehicle |
| Length | 46.8 m |
| Capacity | 321 passengers |
| Seats | 100 |
| Low-floor design | 100% |
| Running gear | Four powered steering bogies |
| Safety systems | LiDAR, radar, cameras |
| Passenger information | 17 displays |
| Delivery period | Within 36 months after contract signature |
