Sofia Launches Tender for 40 Trams Valued at €100 Million

SOFIA, BULGARIA – Stolichen Elektrotransport has initiated a procurement process for 40 new fully low-floor trams, a deal estimated to be worth EUR 100 million. This tender is part of a wider fleet renewal program approved by the Sofia City Council in 2024 to replace aging, socialist-era vehicles. The city is also pursuing financing, potentially including a EUR 200 million loan, to fund the acquisition of up to 78 new trams and 75 trolleybuses.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The procurement covers the supply of 40 fully low-floor trams intended to upgrade Sofia’s public transport network. This tender is separate from ongoing procedures for an additional 38 vehicles, which could bring the total number of new trams to 78. The program is a direct result of a 2024 Sofia City Council decision to accelerate the replacement of the oldest rolling stock on its 308 km network.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

The estimated cost of EUR 2.5 million per vehicle positions this tender competitively within the European light rail market. Comparable procurements in other major European cities often see higher per-unit costs. For instance, recent contracts in Western Europe for similar specification low-floor trams have ranged from EUR 2.8 million to EUR 4.0 million per vehicle, depending on customizations, passenger capacity, and included long-term maintenance agreements (Source: European Rolling Stock Forum, 2024). The manufacturer for the Sofia contract has not yet been selected, and the final price will depend on the winning bid.

Editor’s Analysis

This procurement signals a critical phase in Sofia’s effort to modernize its public transport infrastructure, moving away from legacy high-floor vehicles. The move aligns with a broader trend across Central and Eastern Europe, where cities are leveraging municipal and EU-level financing to improve accessibility and reduce transport-related emissions. The success of this large-scale renewal will heavily depend on securing favorable terms from financial institutions like the European Investment Bank, which is increasingly prioritizing sustainable urban mobility projects (Source: EIB Transport Lending Policy, 2023).

FAQ

Q: How many new trams is Sofia planning to acquire in total?
A: Sofia is tendering for 40 new trams, with ongoing procedures for another 38, potentially totaling 78 vehicles. This is in addition to 25 trams contracted in 2021 and 37 delivered prior to that.

Q: What is the estimated cost per tram in this new tender?
A: The estimated cost is approximately EUR 2.5 million per tram, based on the total value of EUR 100 million for the 40-vehicle order. The final cost will be determined upon contract award.

Q: Who will manufacture the new trams for Sofia?
A: The manufacturer has not been selected yet. Stolichen Elektrotransport has initiated a procurement process, and interested rolling stock manufacturers will need to submit bids for the contract.