Stadler TRAMLINK Tram Presented in Potsdam

The first new TRAMLINK tram for Potsdam has been officially presented by ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam and Stadler Rail to representatives of the state capital.

This vehicle is the first of 13 new trams that will contribute to expanding capacity in the city. The event marked a step toward integrating the vehicle into daily operations.

Before entering service, the TRAMLINK must undergo extensive testing. These trials will cover safety aspects such as braking and clearance profile checks, as well as power consumption tests in the rectifier substation. Other assessments will include noise emissions, electromagnetic compatibility, and passenger comfort.

Additionally, ViP’s drivers and maintenance staff will undergo training to familiarise themselves with the new tram’s operation and maintenance requirements.

ViP's Technical Director, Uwe Loeschmann said:

We are delighted to present the TRAMLINK, a new, innovative vehicle for our tram fleet today. The TRAMLINK will help shape Potsdam's cityscape for decades to come. The 13 TRAMLINK vehicles will provide the necessary capacity expansion for our most important goal of continuing to offer efficient and customer-oriented local public transport in this growing city. The vehicle is state-of-the-art and offers passengers a contemporary ambience, even in the interior. Its 100% accessibility and large doors make boarding and alighting easier for our passengers. We hope for a high level of popularity and a positive response from the people of Potsdam in the future.

The TRAMLINK trams for Potsdam incorporate several features aimed at improving passenger experience. The 42-metre-long vehicles are significantly longer than the existing Variobahns and have a capacity of up to 246 passengers, including 74 seated. Level access is available at eight doors, facilitating efficient boarding and disembarking.

Inside, the trams feature spacious and well-lit interiors with wide aisles and step-free access throughout. Special attention has been given to passenger needs, with designated areas for wheelchair users, multifunctional spaces for prams and walkers, and parent-child seating areas.

Mayor Mike Schubert said:

With the new TRAMLINK tram, we are noticeably improving public transport in Potsdam. I thank everyone involved who made this important step possible. The new trams are a significant contribution to modern and environmentally friendly mobility in our city.

The presentation event was held under the theme ‘A European for Potsdam – The TRAMLINK European Tour.’ While the first vehicle has now arrived, the second tram is in final assembly in Valencia, Spain. Production and commissioning of the remaining vehicles will take place at Stadler’s sites in Berlin and Velten.

Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany said:

We are delighted to present the first of a total of 13 new TRAMLINK trams for Potsdam together with the ViP team. This first tram has completed a long journey through various Stadler locations: starting with the shell production in Poland, continuing with assembly in Spain, and then arriving in Potsdam by sea and road. This makes the TRAMLINK a true European.

With these new trams, ViP aims to enhance service quality and capacity while ensuring a high standard of accessibility for all passengers. The upcoming testing and training phases will prepare the TRAMLINK for its introduction into regular service in Potsdam.