EU funding has made possible the launch of a project to purchase a new fleet of modern, low-floor trams for use in public transport in Poznań, capital and largest city of north-western Poland’s Wielkopolskie region. The new trams will gradually replace the city’s existing outdated rolling stock.
- 20 December 2017
A total of 60 energy-efficient trams are to be purchased within the framework of the project. Of these, 10 are bidirectional – they can be driven in either direction and have operating cabs at both ends – with low floor share of 23%. Another 20 are bidirectional with ultra-low floors and 30 are unidirectional – designed to operate only in a forward direction – with 100% low floors.
The purchase of the trams is backed up by the acquisition of a package of tram depot equipment which enables the new fleet to be properly serviced.
One of Poland’s main urban centres
With around 550 000 inhabitants in the municipality itself and some 898 000 in the wider urban agglomeration, Poznań is the fifth largest city in Poland. The local urban public transport company, Miejskie Przedsiebiorstwo Komunikacyjne w Poznaniu (MPK), is in the process of modernising its fleet.
The new trams will replace 54 older vehicles aged between 26 and 46 years, with a further six trams added to increase the size of MPK’s rolling stock. Within the timetable set for the project, 10 trams were bought, delivered and put into operation during 2017, with 18 scheduled for purchase in 2018 and a further 32 in 2019 to bring the total to 60. The rolling stock will serve the main tram routes within the urban area of Poznań, particularly those with the highest numbers of passengers.
Safer, cleaner, more comfortable transport
Modernisation of the fleet will increase the safety and quality of public transport services in Poznań, with passengers benefiting from more comfortable travel in more pleasant surroundings.
In addition, tramways are a clean and sustainable means of urban public transport. By increasing their attractiveness to the travelling public, the project helps to reduce levels of emissions of substances which are harmful to the environment as part of moves to support the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors. As a result, it contributes to ensuring cleaner air in the city and improving quality of life for local residents.
Trams have long been an important feature of the cityscape of Poznań, with the first horse-drawn tram having been introduced in the 1880s and the first electric tram following soon after, at the very end of the 19th century. The city’s tram network is now approaching 70 kilometres in total length, with around 20 lines in operation. Services on these lines are provided by in the region of 430 vehicles.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Purchase of modern low-floor tram fleet” is EUR 103 453 718, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 11 487 122 through the “Infrastructure and Environment” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.