SWITZERLAND: The first of 27 Stadler Tramlink trams ordered by Bern operator Bernmobil was delivered for testing on February 1. Entry into service is planned for late summer.
A framework contract signed between the two parties in September 2019 covers the supply of up to 50 trams, with a SFr125m firm order for an initial 27 to be delivered by mid-2025, along with spare parts.
The order includes 20 bidirectional vehicles with 52 seats and six doors per side, and seven unidirectional trams with 68 seats and seven doors per side.
The 100% low-floor trams will be 42·5 m long, with wooden seats throughout, retractable steps for accessible boarding and a collision avoidance system to assist the driver.
The trams will replace 12 Vevey and nine RBS cars that are approaching the end of their service life, and expand the fleet to support an increase in services on Route 9 and an extension from Wabern to an S-Bahn interchange at Kleinwabern.
