German and Austrian tram train operators have defined the tram train of the future together with the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV). It will enable to carry on the success story of the Karlsruhe tram train model not only in Karlsruhe, but also in other regions in both countries. As part of the so-called VDV-Tram-Train project, six German-speaking transport operators have now put 504 regional light rail vehicles out to tender and are waiting for offers from the vehicle manufacturers in the upcoming months. Preparations for the invitation to tender, in particular the creation of the specifications, have been going on since 2017.
In addition to vehicle development, production and -commissioning, a 32 year maintenance contract with the manufacturer is planned. This creates a total project volume of around 4 billion euros. “This is an unprecedented project we can all be proud of. I am glad and relieved that our three years of joint work is now bearing fruit. Now we are very much looking forward to the offers ”, emphasizes Ascan Egerer, technical director the Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (AVG) and the Karlsruhe transport company (VBK). The Karlsruhe operator is responsible for the overall project management.