Twelve new light rail vehicles for around €65 million: in Braunschweig, the PESA Twist 3.0 marks the beginning of the replacement of the 95-series vehicles introduced in the mid-1990s. The 33.3-metre low-floor vehicle accommodates up to 202 passengers and combines increased capacity with a running gear and vehicle concept tailored to the existing network.
The decision to select Polish manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz marks a significant step in Braunschweig’s vehicle procurement strategy. It is the first time that a PESA tram will operate in Germany. The contract for an initial twelve vehicles was signed at InnoTrans in Berlin on 24 September 2026. A further ten vehicles can be ordered as an option.
More capacity within 33.3 metres
At 33.3 metres, the Twist 3.0 is one of the larger vehicles in the BSVG fleet. The 95-series vehicles being replaced are 27 metres long. The new vehicle is therefore considerably longer, while its width of 2.40 metres remains within the existing vehicle envelope of the network. The vehicles are based on PESA’s new Twist 3.0 platform with orders for Kraków and Gdansk. The 33.3 meter version will also be delivered to Kraków. We reported here:
Capacity rises to 202 passengers, including 75 seats. By comparison, BSVG gives a capacity of up to 143 passengers and 60 seats for the 95-series.
The focus of the procurement is therefore clearly on increasing passenger capacity without requiring a fundamental change to the existing infrastructure to accommodate a wider vehicle.
Key vehicle data
| Feature | PESA Twist 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle length | 33.3 m |
| Vehicle width | 2.40 m |
| Track gauge | 1,100 mm |
| Configuration | three-section, single-ended |
| Low-floor | yes |
| Passenger capacity | 202 |
| Seats | 75 |
| Double doors | 5 |
| Bogies | 4 |
| Air conditioning | fully air-conditioned |
Four bogies as a key technical feature
One of the defining features of the Braunschweig Twist 3.0 is its running gear. The vehicle will be equipped with four freely rotating bogies. This distinguishes the design from many modern low-floor trams, which use various forms of individual-wheel or more rigidly integrated running gear.
For Braunschweig, this configuration is particularly relevant to the existing route network. Freely rotating bogies can better align themselves with the track geometry in curves. BSVG expects this to provide benefits including reduced curve noise and rail wear.
For a vehicle procurement project involving an established network, the interaction between vehicle and infrastructure is crucial. The running gear must not only provide smooth and comfortable running, but also accommodate the existing curve radii and track infrastructure.
2.40 metres rather than 2.65 metres
Vehicle width is an important factor in this context. Braunschweig had also considered the procurement of 2.65-metre-wide light rail vehicles. Such a move, however, would have required extensive infrastructure modifications.
Previous estimates put the necessary investment at around €20 million. The new PESA generation therefore remains at 2.40 metres wide and can be adapted to the existing infrastructure.
This illustrates a fundamental challenge in modern light rail procurement: greater interior width and additional capacity have to be weighed against the infrastructure modifications that a wider vehicle may require. The Braunschweig solution increases capacity primarily through vehicle length and interior design.
Five double doors and generous multi-purpose areas
With a vehicle length of more than 33 metres, passenger flow becomes particularly important. The Twist 3.0 will therefore feature five double doors.
The interior will also provide multi-purpose areas for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Combined with the low-floor design, this is intended to provide barrier-reduced access for passengers.
Full air conditioning of the passenger compartment is also included. Other features include LED lighting and automatic adjustment of the colour temperature according to the outside temperature.
Safety systems at the front of the vehicle
The driver’s cab and vehicle front will also feature modern safety technology. This includes a pedestrian protection system at the front as well as cameras designed to improve visibility of areas alongside and in front of the vehicle.
In mixed traffic involving pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, the visual relationship between the vehicle and its surroundings is particularly important. The additional cameras are intended to reduce areas that are difficult to see from the driver’s position.
€65 million for the initial order
The contract for the twelve vehicles is worth around €65 million net. The published unit price is approximately €5.42 million net.
The State of Lower Saxony is contributing €24 million towards the procurement. A significant proportion of the investment is therefore being supported by state funding.
Procurement at a glance
| Key figure | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicles firmly ordered | 12 |
| Option | 10 vehicles |
| Maximum | 22 vehicles |
| Unit price | approx. €5.42 million net |
| Initial contract value | approx. €65 million net |
| State funding | €24 million |
| First delivery | late 2029 |
| Passenger service | from March 2030 |
| Complete initial fleet | by February 2031 |
Fleet replacement and capacity expansion
The twelve vehicles initially ordered are intended to replace the 95-series. These vehicles date from 1995 and are 27 metres long.
Compared with this generation, the PESA vehicle brings not only new technology but also significantly greater capacity. While BSVG specifies up to 143 passengers for the 95-series, the Twist 3.0 is designed for 202 passengers.
Vehicle replacement therefore also becomes a capacity project. The longer vehicles can accommodate more passengers without increasing the vehicle width.
Option for ten additional vehicles
In addition to the twelve firmly ordered vehicles, BSVG can call off ten further Twist 3.0s. The maximum number within this procurement project is therefore 22 vehicles.
The option is particularly linked to the planned further expansion of Braunschweig’s light rail network. The Stadt.Bahn.Plus programme includes several extension projects, including routes towards Volkmarode-Nord, Rautheim, the Campusbahn and Lehndorf/Kanzlerfeld. The vehicle procurement therefore also provides a basis for additional services on future network extensions.
Production in Bydgoszcz and Leipzig
The order is also significant from the manufacturer’s perspective. PESA Bydgoszcz will thus supply tram vehicles to a German operator for the first time. Production of the Braunschweig vehicles is planned in Bydgoszcz and Leipzig. The Leipzig factory belongs to the newly acquired Heiterblick tram production.
For PESA, the order provides a reference project for the German market. For BSVG, the focus is on adapting a series-production vehicle to the specific requirements of the Braunschweig network.
Passenger service from 2030
The first vehicle is scheduled to arrive in Braunschweig in late 2029. Following testing and approval, passenger service is planned to begin in March 2030. All twelve vehicles from the initial order are scheduled to be in service by February 2031.
The replacement of the 95-series will therefore begin around 35 years after the vehicles entered service.
Conclusion
With the PESA Twist 3.0, Braunschweig is opting for a high-capacity, low-floor tram designed specifically for its existing infrastructure. The 33.3-metre-long vehicles will offer space for 202 passengers, with four bogies, five double doors and full air conditioning.
The initial order comprises 12 trams, which will replace the existing 95 series. With a further 10 vehicles available as an option, the fleet could also be expanded to support future light rail development.
An interesting aspect of the project is that, despite the presence of local tram manufacturer HeiterBlick, PESA has introduced a new platform for the Braunschweig order rather than offering one of its existing platforms. While the precise reasons have not been publicly stated, cost considerations and/or strategic considerations on the part of PESA and BSVG may have played a role. For PESA, the order marks its entry into the German tram market.
28.09.2026
