Stadler and Saarbahn have unveiled the first of the Citylink tram-trains to be completed as a part of a huge joint order placed by six German and Austrian transport agencies which have teamed up to reduce costs.
The operators launched a joint procurement to keep the price of tram-trains competitive with pure railway vehicles, which are technically easier to implement and therefore cheaper. Benefits are expected to include a lower unit cost and simplified approvals processes.
The January 2022 framework agreement covers 504 tram-trains worth €4bn, with a €1·7bn firm order for the supply of 246 tram-trains over 10 years from 2024 and the provision of 16 years of maintenance.