Stadler has signed a contract with Transports publics de la région lausannoise (tl), the main operator of public transport in the Swiss city of Lausanne, to supply ten TRAMLINK trams as well as associated spare parts and special tools.

The vehicles are for operation on a new tram line between Lausanne and Renens. Stadler already has contracts for TRAMLINK trams with six other operators in Switzerland. In Lugano, TRAMLINK trams began operations last year, and they will soon be operating in the cantons of Aargau, Basel, and Bern, but these will be the first time that standard gauge TRAMLINK trams have run in Switzerland.

The trams are multi-articulated with a low floor that provides maximum seating capacity over bogies of an innovative real axle type that guarantees a quiet and comfortable ride. They are fully accessible with wide aisles and barrier-free compartments with wide aisles. Next to the doors are three multi-purpose areas with space reserved for wheelchairs, trolleys, and bicycles.

Each tram is almost 45m long and 2.65m wide and has a passenger capacity of up to 316 people. There are eight double-leaf doors per side, with sliding steps to eliminate gaps between platforms and the tram and allow a fast and safe flow of passengers. The trams’ complete acoustic and thermal insulation and efficient air-conditioning system enhances the comfort and safety of passengers.

Constructed from extremely light, high-strength stainless steel, the tram’s structure meets the high structural requirements without compromising on weight, and ensures both passengers and drivers have the best possible protection. Drivers have all-around visibility to ensure maximum safety whilst operating in unpredictable urban environments whilst the design of the front end provides better pedestrian protection.

Stadler has previously delivered 80 TRAMLINK trams to Milan in Italy and 11 TRAMLINK trams to Augsburg in Germany.

Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing and Deputy Group CEO at Stadler, said: “We are very proud that Lausanne, strongly committed to green and sustainable mobility, has chosen our innovative TRAMLINK for its first tramway line. Passengers and drivers will enjoy a safe and comfortable ride and residents will appreciate the lack of noise. TRAMLINKs are fully accessible vehicles particularly attractive for urban traffic.”