New Stadler streetcars for Valencia and Alicante

On 3 March, Stadler signed an order with Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) for the supply of 16 trams of the Tramlink model, with an option for a further 12 vehicles (in two lots of 6 units each). The value of the order is € 84.3mln and the delivery time is set at 32 months from the signing of the contract. The new vehicles, registered in the 4500 series, will be able to be deployed on both the Valencia (Metrovalencia) and Alicante networks, both managed by FGV, and will be essential for the planned extensions on both networks. The investment may be co-financed by the European Union, through the Operational Programme of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the Valencian Community 2021-2027.

Valencia, with approximately 795,000 inhabitants, is the third largest city in Spain in terms of population. Smaller is the city of Alicante, some 337,300 inhabitants, which, however, increases to some 757,000 when considering the metropolitan area Alicante – Eiche. The Valencian network has 10 lines, 6 metro and 4 tramway; the network serves 35 municipalities, as well as the city of Valencia, and covers a large part of the metropolitan area, with a total length of 161.4 kilometres, of which 29.5 in tunnel. 146 stations are available to the public, and 38 of these are underground.

The rolling stock includes  today 62 metropolitan trains and 46 trams, the latter in service on lines 4,6,8,10. Alicante’s network is also very interesting, comprising four lines and a fleet of 22 Flexity Outlook type cars.

The new Tramlinks will be approximately 45 m long and 2.4 m wide, and will have large multi-purpose areas next to the doors, as many as 8 per side, with seats also reserved for persons with reduced mobility.
The floor will be entirely lowered and innovative steering bogies will ensure a silent and smooth ride, with low ground vibrations and noise emissions, and a maximum seating capacity above the bogies, without barriers such as ramps or steps.

Stadler Tramlink, in detail

The Stadller Tramlink will allow greater transport capacity, easy passenger access,  significant maintenance and energy savings, as well as a comfortable and safe journey. The model is well tested , having been used on several European networks, including Milan, Lausanne and Geneva.
The design complies with the latest standards in passive safety, accident safety and pedestrian safety, such as compliance with the C-III scenario of accident regulations, while the normal scenario for trams is the less demanding C-IV scenario. They will also incorporate modern passenger information and video surveillance, be air-conditioned and have video surveillance. The new vehicles will be manufactured by the Stadler plant in Albuixech, town located in the Valencian Autonomous Community.

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, said: «We are very proud that FGV, strongly committed to green and sustainable mobility, has chosen our Tramlinks for its planned expansion projects in Alicante and Valencia. This family of highly innovative trams has set trends in terms of performance, universal accessibility, comfort and safety».