The European Investment Bank (EIB) has proposed a loan of EUR 230 million for the Graz tram acquisition project, which has an eligible cost of EUR 473 million.
Holding Graz – Kommunale Dienstleistungen GmbH is the promoter of the project which operates under a public service agreement with the City of Graz, which was recently extended for an additional ten years, covering the period from 2025 to 2035.
Graz tram acquisition project covers the procurement of 49 light rail vehicles of approximately 34-metre long each as well as the extension of an existing tramway maintenance depot at Steyrergasse. It will also include a storage area at Auer Welsbach Gasse, adding capacity to accommodate additional 40 trams and expand the repair and maintenance workshop.
In May 2023, Holding Graz and Alstom concluded a contract for the purchase and maintenance of 15 Flexity light rail vehicles and the official signing of the contract took place in January 2024, in the presence of the Graz city government. The new Flexitys will be manufactured by Alstom in Vienna, meaning that a significant proportion of the added value will remain in Austria.
In May 2025, Holding Graz has presented the first Flexity tram, with the entire fleet expected to enter regular service in 2026 and increase passenger capacity in Graz by 30%. This will noticeably reduce congestion in the city centre and improve passenger services.
The new Flexity trams, measuring 33.81 metres in length, are around six metres longer than the vehicles currently running in Graz. Their expanded design allows them to carry about 30% more passengers, accommodating up to 200 people, of whom 60 can be seated. By comparison, the existing Variobahn units hold 145 passengers, while the Cityrunner models offer space for 142.
Thanks to their larger capacity and layout designed to speed up boarding and alighting, the Flexity fleet is expected to play a key role in easing pressure on public transport in central Graz.
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