Jena's local transport on the way to a barrier-free streetcar network

Jena's local transport system has reason to celebrate: The Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture has promised to provide financial support for the procurement of a further nine streetcars. The funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and from state funds and will cover a maximum of half of the total costs. The trams are the shorter version (32 meters) of the bidirectional multi-articulated TRAMLINK vehicle, manufactured by Stadler Valencia in Spain.

The final decision on the investment in these modern, low-floor and barrier-free trams is still pending. If the decision is positive, this would be an important milestone for the modernization and planned expansion of Jena's tram network, especially to strengthen the north-south axis. The city of Jena, characterized by special geographical features such as valley and hillside locations as well as a river, is dependent on well-developed local public transport, especially streetcars, in order to ensure the mobility of all residents in the city and from the region. This is because the streetcars play a central role in Jena's transport system and, with 34,000 passengers a day, form the backbone of local transport. They relieve traffic congestion, reduce environmental pollution and improve people's quality of life.

The nine low-floor trams are planned as five-section streetcars with a length of 32 meters. All vehicles have special multifunctional areas with sufficient space for wheelchair users, prams and bicycles. In addition, the trams are equipped with five doors per side and a modern customer information system.

The new TRAMLINK streetcars, also known as „light rail vehicles“, will replace the existing 33 GT6M vehicles. The first „Lichtbahn“ will go into service in Jena in 2023, with the next ones starting successively in 2024 and 2025. The funding commitment that has been agreed will enable nine more vehicles to be procured by 2026.

The Jena tram fleet is therefore well on the way to becoming even more attractive and passenger-friendly. In general, the new streetcar procurement project of Jena's local transport system is based on the motto „We connect generations“. Specifically, this involves more powerful, more energy-efficient and, above all, completely barrier-free vehicles that run on a stable rail network. The decision of the committees to invest in these new trams is of great importance for the prospering city of Jena - for future-proof and ecological mobility.

Christian Gerlitz, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Jena Public Transport and Mayor of the City of Jena commented: „I am very grateful that the Free State of Thuringia has kept its word and is once again providing a double-digit million sum to complete the renewal of Jena's tram fleet. With only two modern vehicle types left in the fleet, we will not only be able to offer our passengers more comfort, but the higher capacities and lower operating costs will also help us to further expand Jena's public transport services. Together with the already approved federal funding of more than 31 million euros for the northern extension and the barrier-free extension of Line 1, this new state funding will enable us to raise the quality and quantity of Jena's public transport network to a new level.

All information about the Lichtbahn can be found here