Stadler has announced that it has signed a contract with Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) to supply modern TRAMLINK trams. Initially for the supply of sixteen trams, the contract provides for a possible extension of up to twelve further vehicles in two batches of six.

The contract value amounts to 84.3 million euros and stipulates a production lead time for the initial sixteen vehicles of 32 months.

Stadler will design and manufacture the new 4 500 series trams for FGV at its plant in Albuixech. The units will be incorporated into the fleet of Metrovalencia and TRAM d’Alacant, to meet the needs arising from expansion projects planned the coming years.

Stadler asserts that TRAMLINK is a versatile and accessible light rail vehicle family, which can be customised to fit network and mobility requirements. It is a multi-articulated 100% low-floor vehicle, which features innovative steering bogies with real axles, and very low unsprung masses, which provide a quiet and smooth ride, with low ground vibration and noise emissions and a maximum seating capacity above the bogies, without the need for ramps or steps. Its bright, pleasant and custom-designed interior has no barriers, and ensures safe and comfortable travel. Local operators in Lausanne and Geneva also chose vehicles from the TRAMLINK family to expand and improve mobility in their respective cities.

FGV’s new metre-gauge trams are more than 45m long and 2.4m wide. They will be fully accessible and will have spacious multipurpose areas next to the doors, with places reserved for people with reduced mobility. They will provide greater capacity and fast and efficient boarding and alighting the vehicle.

The TRAMLINKs have been designed in accordance with the latest standards for passive safety, crash safety and pedestrian safety, and comply with the C-III scenario of crash regulations, whereas the normal scenario for trams is the less demanding C-IV scenario. They will incorporate modern passenger information and video surveillance systems, efficient air conditioning and other innovations that optimise the travel experience. Stadler hopes that this will contribute to increasing use of public transport.

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