GERMANY: Following a European tender Škoda has been selected to supply 22 trams to Mainz in 2028-30.
Announcing the order on May 20, operator MVG said new trams are needed to increase capacity to handle growing ridership, to ensure long-term reliable operation and to meet modern requirements for accessibility and air-conditioning.
The €100m investment is being largely financed by municipal company Mainzer Stadtwerke, with €12m from the city of Mainz and €5m from Land of Rheinland-Pfalz.
MVG was looking for a proven design – similar vehicles have been ordered for Mannheim, Bonn and Kassel – with bogies rather than rigid wheelsets for quiet operation.
The Mainz trams will be 43·5 m long, with five double doors for quick entry and exit and a capacity of 258 passengers, including 96 seated. They will replace six high-floor Düwag M8C trams built in 1984 which have a capacity of 139 passengers, and 16 low-floor Adtranz GT6M-ZR vehicles from 1996 with a capacity of 143.
The Škoda trams will have a continuous stepless floor, four spaces for wheelchair users and significantly more space for the increasing number of pushchairs and bicycles. They will have wi-fi, USB charging sockets, large information displays and LED lighting.
