Gera is strengthening local transport: six used trams for just 6 euros!

Gera is strengthening local transport: six used trams for just 6 euros!

The city of Gera's transport company has concluded a very bizarre deal: six used tram cars from Darmstadt were purchased for one euro each. While the total price of six euros almost seems like a bargain, this decision represents significant changes to the city's local transport. The vehicles come from HEAG mobilo and were initially designed for rough use on Cologne's rails. In Gera, the trams are now to be refurbished and painted in bright yellow. Around 30 specialists are ready to make these mobile vehicles barrier-free and ready for use by the end of the year, as bahnblogstelle.com reports.

But why this big effort? Quite simply: Gera is confronted with growing passenger numbers. In 2024, the Geraer Verkehrsbetriebe (GVB) counted an impressive 17.2 million passengers, which brings more people onto the trams than ever before. The latest Germany ticket has noticeably boosted the use of local public transport. In order to meet the increasing demand, the new trailers - which will be added to the rented railcars as well as to the existing Gera railcars - are urgently needed. This decision could be seen as a good move at a time when local transport is under enormous pressure.

Investments for the future

The investment costs for the refurbishment are around 100,000 euros per car. At a time when many transport companies are struggling, it is refreshing to see Gera taking decisive action. This initiative is not just a simple upgrade of the fleet, but is also part of the comprehensive strategy for barrier-free local transport, as the Zukunftsnetzwerk ÖPNV makes clear. Accessibility is seen as a central element of the 2030 public transport strategy. Not only the vehicles, but also the stops, stations and the entire travel path must be made accessible to everyone. This is particularly important so that mobility offers are in line with the needs of the entire population.

To meet these requirements, the new trams are not only designed to carry passengers, but are also expected to offer facilities that increase comfort. Parking spaces for wheelchairs, strollers and the integration of modern technologies such as WiFi or monitors are of central importance. In Gera, we ensure that the vehicles are properly upgraded to meet different needs.

Looking into the future

The city plans to purchase six new trams next year. These innovations are not only intended to complement the existing railcars, but also to ensure that local transport in Gera remains sustainable. Expanding the vehicle fleet is not just a necessity, but a measure in order to be able to adequately cope with the coming passenger flows. The formation of a robust transport infrastructure is the top priority, especially with regard to the Germany-wide travel with the Deutschlandticket.

The Geraer Verkehrsbetriebe is meeting the challenges of the time with a creative approach that not only expands the fleet, but also ensures that local public transport in the city remains accessible to everyone. A situation where everyone gets a good deal is what all mobility players strive for. And that's exactly where something is happening in Gera!