A new era of public transportation has officially begun in Graz with the inaugural run of the Flexity tram; the city’s most modern generation of trams is entering passenger service for the first time.
The Flexity tram, manufactured by Alstom, was inaugurated by the city’s mayor, Elke Kahr, and the CEO of Holding Graz, Gert Heigl.
The first Flexity tram is named “Theodora” after Theodora Acham, who, along with her colleague Inge Steiner, made history in 1988 as the first female tram drivers at Graz Linien.
The new vehicles are designed for greater comfort, accessibility, capacity, and sustainability and, together with major infrastructure projects—such as the expansion of Line 1 to two tracks and other modernizations of the Graz Linien network—mark a major step forward in the development of Graz’s tram system.
The Flexity trams were developed specifically for the requirements of the Graz network. At 34 meters long, they are the longest trams ever operated in the city. Generous multifunctional areas, modern passenger information systems, air conditioning, and a fully low-floor interior offer a significantly improved travel experience.
Efficiency, accessibility, and fleet expansion
A special focus is placed on accessibility: wide doors, step-free access, and spacious interiors facilitate use for people with strollers or wheelchairs. At the same time, the new vehicles increase transport capacity and provide additional reserves for the growing number of passengers in Graz. The trams are manufactured at the plant in Vienna-Donaustadt, thereby also contributing to Austrian industry.
With today’s inaugural run, the gradual introduction of the new trams into regular service begins. Currently, eight Flexity trams are already in Graz and will gradually enter passenger service. The first ones will operate on the heavily used lines 4, 7, and 17.
By the end of the year, the remaining seven vehicles from the first batch will be delivered. Delivery of the next 16 ordered trams will begin in March 2027, so that by mid-2028, 31 Flexity trams will be in operation in Graz.
According to the City of Graz, the city council is set to approve the purchase of an additional 24 vehicles this month. The order is scheduled for early 2027, and deliveries will begin in late 2028. The financing is partially supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), which backs public transport systems as part of the EU’s climate policies.
The introduction of Flexity trams is part of a long-term strategy to modernize the fleet and adapt public transport for the future.
In recent months, the vehicles have been tested in Graz, including approximately 25 night runs and about 1,800 km of testing. Complex approval procedures were required, including braking tests, electronic safety tests, air conditioning tests, and route and gauge checks.
After the technical documentation was finalized, the type approval was issued on July 7, 2025, and the operating permit was applied for in April 2026 and subsequently approved.
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