ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam and manufacturer Stadler Rail have presented the first new Tramlink tram for Potsdam to representatives of the state capital. This milestone brings the project closer to full operation.
“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,” ViP’s Technical Director, Uwe Loeschmann, stated.
“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,” Mayor Mike Schubert added.
The presentation was attended by city officials, including the Chairman of the ViP Supervisory Board and Deputy Mayor Bernd Rubelt, as well as members of the Supervisory Board, representatives from Stadtwerke Potsdam, the State Capital’s Commissioner for People with Disabilities, and the Customer Advisory Board. Other guests included Christoph Heuing, Managing Director of the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB), a representative from the Federal Railway Authority (TAB), and ViP’s service providers.
“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,” Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler’s Germany division, remarked.
Tramlink: Testing and training before operation
In the coming weeks, a series of tests and preparations will be conducted ahead of the tram’s official deployment. These include safety checks such as brake and radio testing, clearance profile verification, and assessments of power consumption from the overhead line network. Additional tests will cover low-voltage systems, interior lighting, dynamic performance, noise emissions, and electromagnetic compatibility. The door and passenger information systems will also be commissioned, and ViP ticket machines will be installed.
Driver training will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations. Each ViP tram driver will be trained to operate all tram types in Potsdam, maximising flexibility in daily service.
Stadler’s new Tramlink trams introduce several features to improve passenger comfort and efficiency. These fully low-floor trams provide barrier-free access, benefiting passengers with limited mobility.
At 42 metres long, the Tramlink vehicles are approximately 12 metres longer than the previously used Variobahns, accommodating up to 246 passengers, including 74 seated. The spacious interior features wide aisles and step-free access. A total of eight doors allow for faster boarding and alighting.
Special consideration has been given to diverse passenger needs. The trams include parent-child seats, multifunctional areas for strollers and walkers, and two designated spaces for wheelchair users.
The presentation, held under the theme “A European for Potsdam – The Tramlink European Tour,” highlighted the tram’s European production journey. The first vehicle was manufactured at Stadler’s sites in Środa Wielkopolska, Poland, and Valencia, Spain, where the second unit is currently undergoing final assembly. Future production and commissioning of the remaining 11 trams will take place at Stadler’s Berlin and Velten facilities.
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