Nuremberg’s public transport operator VAG has awarded Siemens Mobility the contract to supply new low-floor trams. The first order comprises twelve Avenio low-floor trams which are to be delivered by the end of 2022 with the objective to enhance capacity of the 38.3 km tram network. In addition, the contract includes options of another 75 vehicles which can be ordered until 2034.
More trams for rising demand and network expansion
The twelve vehicles of the basic order enable VAG to improve its service on lines that are already suffering from high demand. The tram lines with capacity issues are the tram lines between the city centre and the Business Tower as well as various lines that operate in the southern city. Demand will further rise significantly in the up
The new trams
VAG has awarded the contract to Siemens Mobility following a Europe-wide invitation to tender. In 2018, Bombardier and Siemens showcased their latest low-floor tram models from Krakow (Flexity) and Munich (Avenio) respectively. The model Avenio is a proven vehicle, which is already in use in Munich where 30 Avenios have been delivered in 2016 – 18 and further 73 are on order now. UTM already reported here:
The new Avenio for Nuremberg will also offer feature a modern air conditioning system as well as Wifi equipment. The trams will have a width of 2.3 m, a length of 36.85 m. The Avenio for Nuremberg consists of four modules, each with its own, centrally located bogie. The mechanical architecture is pretty much identical to the existing GT8N low-floor trams from 1999/ 2000. Despite being a standard vehicle, Avenio will be adapted to the needs of the VAG. For example, VAG is planning so-called multifunctional areas in the access area of the six double doors in order to offer more space boarding. The multi-purpose area also offers space for rollers, wheelchairs as well as for bicycles during off-peak hours. In the coming weeks and months, the layout of the interior will be finalized with the designers.
If, in the middle of the 2030s, the current vehicle fleet has been replaced, VAG’s vehicle fleet will consist in Avenio trams only which will then be in use for a further 20 years. For the operation and maintenance of the tram system, this has an enormous advantage: drivers only have to be trained on one tram model and in the workshop only one model has to be maintained. Thus, the storage costs for spare parts can be reduced. Today the car park of the Nuremberg tramway consists of:
- 14 GT6N, Adtranz/ Siemens, built in 1995 – 96, the fleet is currently being refurbished by Iftec
- 26 GT8N, Adtranz/ Siemens, built in 1999 – 2000, the fleet is currently being refurbished by Iftec
- 8 GTV6, Stadler Variotram, built in 2006 – 07
Contract volume
Thanks to the large number of units, VAG has achieved an attractive price for the basic order. For this alone, she estimates a total cost of 44 million euros or 3.67 million Euro per tram. The Free State of Bavaria is funding the procurement of the twelve first trams with around 40 % of the acquisition costs, in total around 14 million euros. The funding comes from various funding sources, namely from the municipal transport financing law and the package of measures for air pollution control of the Free State of Bavaria. This investment should help the transport companies to renew and strengthen their vehicle fleet in order to get more people to shift to public transport.
18.11.2019
