CAF Wins EUR 49M Euskotren Deal for 9 Extra-Long Trams

CAF and Basque public transport operator Euskotren have finalized a supply contract for nine extra-long trams designated for the network in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. The procurement is valued at nearly EUR 49 million and directly supports the operational requirements for the planned network extension to the Zabalgana district. While some third-party data aggregators initially reported a lack of specific details, official announcements confirm the precise financial and technical scope of the agreement.

The new rolling stock will consist of seven-module vehicles measuring 44 meters in length. This configuration provides a maximum capacity of 400 passengers per unit, a size comparable to the extra-long trams already in service on the Vitoria-Gasteiz network. Deliveries of the new trams are scheduled to occur between 2028 and 2029.

The contract’s financial structure allocates the majority of the nearly EUR 49 million to the nine vehicles. The agreement also includes a provision for spare parts and replacement components required for maintenance, valued at approximately EUR 4 million. A separate line item of EUR 1.19 million covers the delivery of a driving simulator for Euskotren’s driver training programs.

Technical upgrades on the new trams focus on passenger systems and universal accessibility. Each unit will feature a modernized air conditioning system engineered to maintain performance during periods of high ambient temperatures. This enhancement addresses growing operational challenges related to climate conditions in the region.

Euskotren has mandated accessibility improvements that exceed current legal standards, even though the existing fleet is already 100% low-floor. The new units will incorporate signage compliant with updated universal accessibility criteria. Interior layouts will be modified by removing folding seats to create more fluid passenger circulation spaces. Priority seating will be distinguished by a specific color differentiation to improve identification for passengers with reduced mobility, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The operator states these changes are intended to guarantee equal access to public transport for all user groups.

This fleet acquisition represents a critical infrastructure investment for the Basque capital’s public transport system. The new trams will provide the necessary capacity for the Zabalgana line extension and introduce an elevated standard of accessibility across the network.