Mainz Invests EUR 100M+ in New Škoda Trams: Boosting Public Transit

Mainz, Germany – October 26, 2024 – The city of Mainz, Germany, has taken a significant step towards modernizing its public transportation infrastructure. Following a comprehensive European-wide tendering process, Mainzer Stadtwerke (the municipal utility company) has awarded Škoda Transportation a contract to supply 22 new trams. This order, valued at over EUR 100 million, represents a crucial investment in the city’s tram network, designed to enhance capacity, improve accessibility, and meet the growing demands of a rapidly expanding passenger base. The new ForCity Smart trams, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030, will replace older vehicles, ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of Mainz’s public transport system. This initiative underscores Mainz’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and its proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of its citizens. The integration of advanced features, such as increased passenger capacity, improved accessibility, and modern amenities, will undoubtedly elevate the overall travel experience for tram users in Mainz.

Modernization of the Tram Fleet

The decision to procure new trams is a strategic move by Mainzer Stadtwerke to replace aging infrastructure. The new ForCity Smart trams will replace six high-floor vehicles, originally built in 1984, and 16 low-floor trams, which have been in operation since 1996. This replacement initiative is critical for maintaining the operational integrity of the tram network and ensuring its ability to meet the city’s evolving transportation needs. By retiring older vehicles, Mainzer Stadtwerke aims to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of its services. The move is also crucial in meeting current standards for accessibility, passenger comfort, and environmental sustainability. The new trams will provide a significantly improved user experience, reflecting the city’s commitment to providing a modern and efficient public transport system. This investment will extend the lifespan of the tram system and support the transport needs of the citizens of Mainz for the coming decades.

Addressing Growing Passenger Demand

Mainz’s tram network has experienced a significant increase in passenger numbers in recent years. In 2024, the number of passengers reached a record of approximately 56.9 million, matching the pre-pandemic figures from 2019. This surge highlights the importance of public transportation in Mainz and the need for increased capacity and efficiency within the tram system. The new trams will play a crucial role in accommodating this growing demand. The new trams will provide significantly more capacity per vehicle, accommodating 258 passengers each, which will help alleviate overcrowding and improve the overall passenger experience. The increase in capacity is a direct response to the growing demand for public transport in Mainz, with projections of further increases in the coming years. This strategic capacity upgrade is critical for meeting the needs of the city’s population and supporting its long-term growth.

Advanced Features and Enhanced Accessibility

The Škoda ForCity Smart trams are designed with a focus on passenger comfort, accessibility, and technological advancements. These trams will feature a continuous low-floor design, ensuring full step-free access for all passengers. This design improvement will make the trams fully accessible to people with disabilities, those with mobility aids, and parents with prams. Each tram will have spacious multi-purpose areas, including four designated wheelchair spaces, as well as ample room for prams, walking frames, and bicycles. Further enhancing the passenger experience, the trams are equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and large information displays. To ensure passenger comfort, the trams will be fully air-conditioned, and all lighting will utilize energy-efficient LED technology. These advanced features are a critical component of the city’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and inclusive public transport.

Financial Support and Project Funding

The procurement of the new trams is backed by a robust financial plan, reflecting the commitment of the City of Mainz and the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Mobility. The project is primarily funded by Mainzer Stadtwerke, with additional support from the City of Mainz. The City of Mainz allocated an investment grant of EUR 12 million in its 2024 double budget. This amount has since been carried over into 2025 and is now available for the purchase of the new vehicles. Furthermore, the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Mobility will provide EUR 5 million in financial support to promote innovative components within the new trams. This collaborative financial approach underscores the importance of this project for the region and its alignment with broader sustainability goals. The financial backing from various sources facilitates the implementation of the project and ensures the long-term viability of the tram network.

Conclusion

The decision by Mainzer Stadtwerke to invest in new trams from Škoda Transportation represents a pivotal step towards the modernization and enhancement of Mainz’s public transport system. The procurement of 22 ForCity Smart trams, with a total value exceeding EUR 100 million, will not only replace aging infrastructure but also significantly increase capacity, improve accessibility, and elevate the overall passenger experience. The new trams are designed to accommodate the growing passenger demand, with features such as a full low-floor design, spacious multi-purpose areas, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi and USB charging. The project’s financial backing, supported by Mainzer Stadtwerke, the City of Mainz, and the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Mobility, underscores the commitment to sustainable urban mobility and demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of the city’s citizens. This investment is designed to promote a comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transport system, which will contribute to Mainz’s goals of sustainable urban mobility. This initiative promises to provide a reliable and modern public transportation network for years to come, thus enhancing the quality of life for residents and supporting the city’s growth.

Company Summary

Škoda Transportation: A leading European manufacturer of rail vehicles, including trams, locomotives, and metro trains. The company is known for its innovation in electric transport.