Gera purchases 6 old trams for just 6 euros - conversion by the end of the year!

Gera purchases 6 old trams for just 6 euros - conversion by the end of the year!

There is exciting news in the area of ​​public transport in Gera. The city did an extraordinary deal and purchased six old trams from Darmstadt for just 6 euros, i.e. 1 euro per tram. These trams are already 30 years old, but after extensive renovation they should once again serve the citizens of Gera well. The renovation includes accessibility measures so that people with mobility restrictions can also use the trains without any problems. The renovation is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, so that the trains can soon be running on the tracks again.
MDR reports that...

The old railways not only mean savings, but also an opportunity to use the existing infrastructure sustainably. GVB Verkehrs- und Betriebsgesellschaft Gera mbH has also been awarded a contract for the manufacture and delivery of six modern low-floor trams. These new vehicles, produced by Stadler Deutschland GmbH, replace the non-barrier-free high-floor Tatra vehicles from the 1980s. A real step forward, because the new tracks are not only 43 meters long, but also offer space for 270 passengers, including 101 seats and five multifunctional areas for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles.
GVB reports that…

A step in the right direction

The decision in favor of the new railways is no coincidence. Since January 1, 2022, the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG) has required complete accessibility in local public transport. But the road there is rocky. There are numerous hurdles, such as high costs for conversions and the purchase of new vehicles, which pose challenges for many municipalities. The cities and districts are responsible for implementation, as they often do not have the necessary financial resources. In Gera, however, the renovation is seen as an opportunity to make local transport more accessible for everyone - and that is urgently needed because many stops are not yet barrier-free.
Aktion Mensch reports that...

The new vehicles are also intended to help reduce CO2 emissions through optimized energy consumption and offer modern insulation and efficient heating control. With a contract value of almost 38 million euros, of which 17.07 million euros are provided by the Free State of Thuringia and 7.2 million euros by the city of Gera itself, the city shows that it has a good hand when it comes to the mobility of the future. The planned delivery of the first new trains will take place in 2026, with an option for three additional vehicles.

Overall, Gera is on a promising path towards a more accessible and environmentally friendly local transport system. It remains exciting to see how these developments will continue to unfold over the next few years.