Stadler’s new Tramlink model (74 units) for Milan

On February 20, the Tramlink, the new tramway produced by Stadler Rail in its Valencia plant in Spain, made its debut on the Milan scene. The new rolling stock brings with it both new technologies and a new way of designing the streetcar vehicle according to sustainability and energy-saving criteria, combined with the comfort undoubtedly offered by the rolling stock. The Tramlink is the first streetcar delivered to Milan since the Sirio streetcars of the early 2000s.

The first new generation vehicle, was presented to the public for the first time on February 19 by Arrigo Giana, Atm Milano Ceo, and Iñigo Parra, Ceo and President of Stadler Valencia. The streetcar unveiled today at the Milan depot on via Messina, will provide regular service in the first period of operation on Routes 7 and 31 from 20th.

74 tramway by Stadler for ATM Milano

Numbered 7701, the newcomer is the first of 74 vehicles ordered by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi from Stadler as part of a framework agreement to supply up to 124 vehicles, a renewal the important for Milan’s network, the largest in Italy, stretching 160 kilometers, with 17 lines, operating seven days a week and a service schedule that in some cases can cover more than 22 hours a day.

The current supply includes the delivery of 60 cars with a length of 25.40 meters, like the presented model, and 14 cars with a length of 35 meters.

Some of the cars will be supplied in suburban set-up, and in the future destined for the lines to Seregno and and Limbiate, and the others in urban set-up, with fewer seats.

Tramlink  will gradually replace the older vehicles that no longer meet ATM’s required performance characteristics, such as the high floor, lack of air-conditioning system, and disabled station. Subject to decommissioning within two years, once the supply has been completed, will in fact be the “all electric” 4700 double-decker cars, dating back to 1960, and part of the “Jumbo” 4900s, dating back to the second half of the 1970s and not subject to revamping. Instead, the “Trolley” streetcars from 1928/30, considered one of the symbols of the city, Italy and the world and destined to surely surpass the 100-year mark in service, will remain in service. Simplicity of construction, undoubted sturdiness and ATM’s careful maintenance have meant that 125 Trolley cars are still in service in excellent shape.  In addition to the Trolleys, Eurotrams and Sirios delivered in the years 2000-2010 will form an active part of the fleet.

A proven model, the new Stadler streetcars for Milan are modern, comfortable and innovative, with a feature virtually unknown in Milan for an urban streetcar: bidirectionality. To find such a feature in Milan, one has to go back to the two-axle trams of the 1920s or to material intended for the intercity network.

The Tramlink is equipped with two driver’s cabs and three double-leaf doors on both sides. The bi-directional vehicle will make it possible to dispense with terminus loops for future network extensions by just two simple shunting rods.

The livery adopted is the classic white/yellow typical of Milan streetcars, has a high-strength stainless steel case ( duplex), and is spread over three modules. There are 44 seats, on yellow vandal-proof seats, plus 22 folding seats, located in the multipurpose areas, intended for the disabled, the elderly, and those who have to make a short route with few stops.

The areas for the disabled are located in the position closest to the driver’s cab, which in the case of getting on or off will have to manoevre the manually operated platform, with minimization of the car’s dwell time. The entry height is 350 mm. The floor is low, allowing easy access for people with reduced mobility . Maximum is the visibility from both the driver’s cabs and the passenger environment.

The vehicle is equipped with LED interior lighting, as are the position and clearance lights; front and side turn signals are white, as for all the latest generation rolling stock. air conditioning for driver’s cabs ( with dedicated system) and passenger environment. The 10 “No blind spot” cameras with no blind spots ensure safety throughout the vehicle, with real-time data transmission to the ATM operations center; USB sockets are available for charging smartphones.

Large monitors, well integrated into the interior context, provide the necessary information to passengers: line number, route and upcoming stops. An acoustic-light annunciator signals when the doors are closed. The mechanical design is very interesting. The high-strength stainless steel structure with side panelling and bolted cabin requires particularly low maintenance. Easy access to relevant components.

The extreme trolleys, motors, are equipped with 4 motors of the power of kW 105 each and pivoting wheels, which can therefore be oriented in all directions, to allow the best inscription in curves of the trolley itself, especially useful for small radius curves, up to 17 meters, to the benefit of the lower consumption of the armament and the edgings, and ideal for overcoming the narrow curves present in the city center, as well as a reduction in the noise produced by the vehicle. In short, it’s a “smart” steering link between the body and undercarriage, with a new type of suspension.  Ultimately, the ideal solution for a comfortable ride.

The trolleys are also equipped with axles and an articulated frame, which is useful in heavy track conditions. The traction equipment is inverter-driven, with a cabinet placed in the vehicle cover, as is the case with the new generation of electric traction vehicles. The streetcar is also equipped with an anti – collision radar device for the safety of both driver, passengers and pedestrians. The maximum developable speed of the vehicle is 60 km/h.