GERMANY: The first Solaris Tramino XL was presented to the public in Leipzig on February 11, and is on display until February 19 at the Leipziger Messe.

In February 2015 Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe selected Solaris to supply five trams for €7·7m, with options for up to 36 more. LVB exercised an option in December 2016 for a further nine trams worth €7·3m.

The partly low-floor four-section unidirectional trams are 37·6 m long and 2 300 mm wide, and are fitted with one unpowered and four powered bogies for operation on Leipzig’s 1 458 mm gauge network. Styling has been undertaken in co-operation with Berlin-based IFS Design. The driver’s cab has been designed with the help of feedback from LVB staff, who were able to view a mock-up before production began.

Each tram has capacity for 220 passengers, including 75 seated, and includes four wheelchair spaces. There two 800 mm wide single doors and four 1 500 mm wide double doors, which have external passenger information displays above them.

Interior features include air-conditioning and ceiling lights that adjust the colour and intensity of the light based on the weather conditions.