After an extensive testing period and obtaining all technical approvals, the new TINA tram entered regular service in Rostock for the first time.
The official launch took place during a festive event attended by State Secretary Ines Jesse, Rostock Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger, members of the RSAG management team Yvette Hartmann and Jan Bleis, and Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Sales Director at Stadler.
A new generation of trams for Rostock
“The residents of Rostock can now enjoy state-of-the-art, fully accessible trams equipped with environmentally friendly air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a spacious interior,” said Yvette Hartmann and Jan Bleis, members of the RSAG management team.
“The road from the start of the project in 2018 to today’s launch has been a long one, marked by intense discussions in local politics, several project stages, and an extensive testing phase. Now Rostock is getting a new generation of trams that will define the cityscape for many years to come and make public transport even more attractive.”
Financial support from the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Ines Jesse, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economics, Infrastructure, Tourism, and Labor of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, conveyed the congratulations of the state government and emphasized the importance of the project:
“With the commissioning of the new TINA trams, we are opening a new chapter for mobility in Rostock. Modern, safe, and accessible trams create an attractive offer for the population and strengthen public transport in the long term. At the same time, this moment shows how we are implementing the mobility offensive of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania step by step.”
The state government is supporting this forward-looking project with EUR 11.75 million, which was recently supplemented by a further EUR 2.3 million for the purchase of the 30th TINA tram.
The TINA concept, developed by Stadler
TINA is the acronym for “Totally Integrated Low-Floor Drive,” a solution developed by Stadler that allows for optimized distribution of equipment under the vehicle and a completely low-floor interior throughout the entire length of the tram.
In the first stage, one TINA tram will run on the city’s main lines, 1 and 5, and two other vehicles will be used for training driving personnel.
“The positive response in Rostock shows that modern mobility is not only technically convincing, but also emotionally inspiring,” said Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Sales Director at Stadler.
“We would like to thank RSAG and the state government for their trust. The fact that the project was implemented on schedule confirms the success of our innovative vehicle concept.”
RSAG orders 30th TINA tram
The operator RSAG has already ordered its 30th TINA tram. “The vehicle made a very good impression both during testing and among the city’s residents. We are all the more pleased that, together with the state government, we have been able to secure funding for another tram,” said Hartmann and Bleis.
The total investment for the 30 vehicles amounts to approximately 107 million EUR. Three TINA trams are already in Rostock, with the rest to be delivered between January 2026 and mid-2027.
Increased comfort and modern technology
The new trams are 32 meters long and can carry 216 passengers, 75 of whom can be seated. The fully lowered interior allows barrier-free access and includes four multifunctional areas for strollers and bicycles. Large panoramic windows and generous aisle heights create a feeling of open space.
The vehicles are equipped with USB sockets, free Wi-Fi (starting January 1, 2026), modern passenger information screens, video surveillance systems, and cashless ticket machines.
Four specially developed bogies ensure smooth running and reduce wear on rails and wheels, while driver assistance systems, including collision protection, enhance operational safety.
The largest investment in RSAG’s history
In December 2020, the Rostock City Council approved the largest investment in RSAG’s history, with a capital increase of 30 million EUR by 2029 to finance the new trams. Following a European tender, Stadler was named the winner in June 2022.
The new TINA trams will gradually replace the 6N1 vehicles, manufactured between 1994 and 1996, which are being taken out of service after approximately 30 years of service.
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