• de
  • en

Stadler supplies new trams for the Geneva public transport authority (TPG) 

Artist's impression of the seven-car Tramlink for tpg Geneva. For the first time since years, the traditional colour orange is used more intensively I © Stadler

The Geneva Public Transport Company (tpg) has commissioned the manufacturer Stadler to deliver a new series of trams. The new Tramlink low-floor trams are planned as a fleet expansion for the numerous extensions of the network and will also replace the existing Duewag-Vevey fleet in the medium term.

The tpg opted for the Tramlink model, which was developed by the Swiss manufacturer Stadler and which is manufactured at Stadler’s plant in Valencia, Spain. This decision was made after an international tender, which was launched by tpg in August 2021. It was communicated to all bidders involved on 7 July 2022. The award decision can still be appealed. 

First batch of 38 vehicles

A first batch of 38 trams has now been ordered. An option for a further 10 to 25 trains is planned. Delivery of the first train is announced for November 2024, with commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. 

In fact, for tpg, the next few years will be about ensuring the operation of the newly planned tram line to Grand-Saconnex and Ferney-Voltaire, as well as accompanying the planned extensions to the industrial area of Plan-les-Ouates, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Annemasse-Glières. 

In the next few years, the single-direction Duewag-Vevey trams on line 12, which have been in service for around 40 years, are also to be replaced. With the Tramlink model, they will in future have a bi-directional tram with standard dimensions (44 metres long, 2.3 metres wide and with a capacity of 250 passengers) that can be used on all lines of the tpg network without exception (lines 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18). 

First Düwag-Vevey partial low-floor generation in Geneva | © UTM/b

Future of the Duewag-Vevey cars

The complete replacement of the Duewag-Vevey trains is planned for 2030, according to statements by the transport authority. Beyond the announced acquisition, tpg also have the historical perspective in mind, as the Duewag-Vevey vehicles are one of the first low-floor tram series worldwide. In this context, tpg has already made contact with a local association that is interested in “keeping this heritage alive”.

For the remaining trams, the tpg see various options, with cost being the main consideration. The options are a transfer to other transport companies, recycling, donation…

Decarbonisation

The acquisition of this new series of trams comes at a time when tpg are also working to decarbonise their fleet as part of the cantonal climate plan adopted by the Geneva State Council. In line with their CAP 2030 corporate strategy, they aim to operate a fleet that is 100% electric and based on renewable energy by then. 

A positive development for the Geneva population, which will benefit from both an improvement in air quality and a reduction in noise pollution. Investments which, in both cases, aim to guarantee the population of Greater Geneva reliable and environmentally friendly vehicles in the future. 

15.07.2022
4.7 3 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments