First of 50 New Trams for Silesia Completed at Stadler's Polish Plant

At Stadler's plant in Siedlce, the construction of the first modern Tramlink tram has been completed, which is part of a contract to supply 50 such vehicles for the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. The vehicle, referred to in press materials as Tramlink, will enter service with the operator Silesian Trams. This is a groundbreaking order, as these are the first trams in the history of this carrier designed from the ground up to run on standard 1435-millimeter gauge tracks, which form the basis of the regional network. The Silesian tram system, one of the oldest and largest in Poland, has for decades relied mainly on narrow-gauge rolling stock adapted to historical track parameters. The unification and modernization of track gauge on the metropolitan network is a process that has been ongoing for years, aimed at facilitating fleet integration and reducing maintenance costs. The order, valued at over one billion złoty, includes not only the delivery of vehicles but also their maintenance for a period of fifteen years. The first units are scheduled to hit the routes, primarily in the Katowice area, this coming summer, after necessary tests and obtaining operating certifications. All 50 trams are to be delivered by 2028. The new vehicles are expected to bring a significant improvement in travel comfort. The design features a low floor along approximately 70 percent of the car's length, significantly facilitating access for people with disabilities, parents with small children, and cyclists. The interiors will be air-conditioned, equipped with surveillance systems and dynamic passenger information. From the operator's perspective, the economic benefits are key. The Tramlinks are designed to be more energy-efficient than older models thanks to the use of individual drives on each bogie, which translates to lower electricity bills. Additionally, their construction is intended to facilitate maintenance work, reducing upkeep costs. As noted by representatives of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, the investment is part of a broader strategy to modernize public transport in the region, which also includes the expansion of track and stop infrastructure. The contract execution by Stadler is taking place at its Polish plant in Siedlce, highlighting the local aspect of the investment and the development of the national transport industry. The company assures that it has applied technical solutions previously proven in other European cities. The investment in new rolling stock for Silesian Trams is a response to growing passenger demands and the needs of the ecological transformation of urban transport. It also represents an important step in modernizing the image of Silesian public transport, which for years has struggled with the problem of outdated and diverse rolling stock.