Purchased: 22 Modern, Comfortable, Large, and Quiet Trams from Czech Manufacturer Škoda by Mainz
Mainz, Germany, is set to modernise its public transport system with the acquisition of 22 new trams, following the approval of both the supervisory board of Mainz AG and the supervisory board of Mainz Transport Company. This significant investment, totalling over 100 million euros, is considered a financial challenge by Mainz City Works AG but is seen as a crucial step towards a more sustainable and accessible future.
The new trams, part of the Škoda ForCity series, are expected to replace 22 ageing vehicles, some of which are 40 years old. These modern trams are renowned for their improved accessibility, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort, offering features such as Wi-Fi, USB charging options, large information displays, air-conditioning, and energy-saving LED lighting.
The new fleet will also include six high-floor vehicles built in 1984 and 16 low-floor trams from 1996. The replacement is a welcome move, as these older models have served Mainz well but are due for an upgrade.
Mobility Minister Katrin Eder (Greens) applauds the investment, viewing it as a future-oriented move and a testament to the importance of tram systems in large cities. She believes that tram systems are the backbone of public transport, largely climate-neutral, and almost always on time.
The CDU also supports the investment, praising it as a strong impetus for the transport transition and investing in the future of mobility in Mainz. However, they warn of the need to ensure financial scope and implement the project as planned.
The SPD, on the other hand, praises the acquisition as a significant step towards the transport transition, investing in the future of mobility in Mainz.
Mainz City Works AG is grateful for the support from the city of Mainz and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, with a 12 million euro investment subsidy being transferred to 2025. The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Mobility is also supporting the purchase with around five million euros for the promotion of innovative components in the new trams.
The new trams will connect the Mainz University Medical Center to the main station, a move that is expected to boost the city's connectivity and accessibility. Mainz is also expanding its tram network, planning to build an inner-city ring and a new line to the Heilig-Kreuz area.
The Czech Ambassador, Jiří Čistecký, attended the contract signing, expressing the strategic partnership and friendship between the Czech Republic and Germany. The contract for 22 new trams in Mainz is significant for Škoda, marking their presence in the eleventh German city.
Each tram can carry 258 passengers, including 96 seated, offering more space, modern comfort, and improved accessibility for mobility-impaired individuals and passengers with strollers or bicycles. The new trams are set to be quieter and more reliable, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable ride for Mainz's commuters.
While specific details about the timeline for the implementation of these new trams are not yet available, this investment in Mainz's public transport system is a clear demonstration of the city's commitment to a sustainable and accessible future. For more information about the expansion of the tram network in Mainz, visitors can refer to the company's website.
- The acquisition of 22 new trams, part of the Škoda ForCity series, marks a crucial step in Mainz's commitment towards a more sustainable and accessible future in public transportation.
- The new trams, renowned for features like Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, and energy-saving LED lighting, are expected to replace ageing vehicles that are up to 40 years old.
- This significant investment in modern transport technology is supported by various political parties, including the CDU, the Greens, and the SPD, who are investing in the future of mobility in Mainz.
- The city of Mainz and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate are also providing financial support for this project, with an investment subsidy of 17 million euros being transferred by 2025.
