Stadler has secured a contract to supply 27 CITYLINK trams to Fahrzeugmanagement-Region Frankfurt RheinMain (fahma), a subsidiary of Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV), for use on the new Regionaltangente West (RTW) line. The deal also includes long-term maintenance of the fleet, spanning 30 years.

The CITYLINK vehicles, specifically developed for the RTW, are dual-system trams capable of operating on both mainline and light rail tracks. Measuring approximately 50 metres in length, each tram can carry around 360 passengers and offers barrier-free access at varying platform heights, accommodating Deutsche Bahn standards of 76 and 96 cm as well as RTW’s own 80 cm platforms.

Delivery of the first three vehicles, intended for testing and approval, is planned for autumn 2028, with the full fleet expected to be operational by autumn 2030. Full service on the RTW line is scheduled to commence with the December 2030 timetable change. Alongside vehicle delivery, the contract covers maintenance, servicing, and spare parts supply over the three-decade term.

Prof. Knut Ringat, RMV Managing Director, said:

"With the award of the vehicle delivery and maintenance contract, another decisive step has been taken towards the completion of the Regionaltangente West. Not only are the three core sections of the Regionaltangente West now under construction, but the decision on the vehicles has also been made. This means that the most important foundations have been laid for the full launch of operations on the Regionaltangente West line at the end of 2030."

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Division Spain, added:

"We are delighted to have been awarded the contract and to have earned the trust of fahma and RMV in entrusting us with the construction and maintenance of the vehicles for the RTW. This is a special project that requires new developments, for example in terms of barrier-free access at different platform heights. We look forward to realising further dual-system vehicles that will enable passengers to transfer without changing trains, thereby increasing the attractiveness of public transport. The Stadler team is very experienced, highly motivated and will implement the project on schedule."

Image: Stadler