First new Graz tram presented!
The future of mobility in Graz is taking shape: Alstom and Holding Graz have presented the first Flexity™ Graz tram at the factory.
Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner: “The new Graz trams are outstanding – modern, comfortable and simply beautiful. But what is particularly important is that they bring real progress for the people in our city. More space and accessibility mean a better quality of life in everyday life. With this new generation of trams, we are consistently investing in attractive public transport.”
City of Participation Manfred Eber: “It’s exciting to see how our new trams are taking shape on site in Vienna. Flexity™ Graz brings many practical improvements for passengers’ everyday lives – from barrier-free boarding to more space in the carriages. We are thus taking another step towards more attractive public transport in Graz.”
Mark Perz, CEO of Holding Graz: “The number of public transport users has been rising for years and will continue to do so in the Mur metropolis over the next few years, not least due to the ongoing influx of new residents and changes in mobility behaviour. The consequence of this development: public transport and a modern mobility service must be further expanded in Graz. Graz Linien currently has 85 trams in its fleet. Of these, 66 Bims are in operation in the early morning peak period. The 15 trams that will be delivered at a later date will optimise public transport services in Graz by increasing passenger capacity by 30%.”
“We are proud to be able to hand over this innovative vehicle to Holding Graz soon. The Flexity™ Graz will significantly support Graz on its way to sustainable and barrier-free mobility,” says Lilian Meyer, Managing Director of Alstom Austria. The new train was developed at the Vienna Donaustadt site, the global competence centre for trams and light rail vehicles.
Starting signal 2026
The 15 new Flexity™ vehicles will enter regular service in 2026 and increase passenger capacity in Graz by 30 %. This will noticeably reduce congestion in the city centre and improve passenger services. Alstom, the global market leader in rail transport, is thus providing a pioneering addition to the urban transport network. Trial runs and comprehensive tests were already carried out in 2019 and 2020 as part of a Europe-wide tender to meet the high requirements in terms of low noise and vibration. After the selection process was completed in 2023, the decision was made in favour of Alstom (then Bombardier).
Technical highlights of the Flexity™ Graz:
- Capacity for 200 passengers (140 standing and 60 seated)
- 33.81 metres long with 6 double doors for fast passenger changes
- Completely barrier-free interior with lowest boarding height of 215 mm
- Lightweight stainless steel construction and energy-efficient technology, such as a sustainable air conditioning system
- ODAS™ driving assistance system for obstacle detection and ECO-Drive system for driver:interior support
- Mobile phone charging stations, wheelchair and pushchair spaces, modern information monitors and LED door status displays
- The Flexity Graz is the only Alstom tram with mobile phone charging stations.
The seats in the new trains are made of recycled leather (“ELeather”, a sustainable and environmentally friendly material based on recycled leather fibres).
Flexity™ success story worldwide
2,000 Flexity™ trams are already in successful operation in Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck and major international cities such as Berlin, Brussels, Zurich and Melbourne. Graz is now joining this success story and investing in climate-friendly future mobility with the new generation.
About Alstom Austria
Alstom Austria is one of the leading suppliers of rail vehicles, system solutions and signalling technology and employs around 750 people. At the Vienna Donaustadt site, a global competence centre for trams and light rail vehicles, all project phases are covered, from design and engineering to commissioning. Outstanding planning and engineering services ensure the success of complex national and international projects. In addition to trams, Alstom Austria is also represented in the service and mainline railway sector, for example with ETCS equipment and modern Traxx locomotives.
About Alstom
Alstom is a leading global provider of sustainable mobility solutions. With more than 84,700 employees in over 64 countries, the company is shaping the future of rail transport. Alstom offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services ranging from high-speed trains, metros, trams and regional trains to turnkey systems, signalling, infrastructure and digital mobility solutions.
Photo above: Lilian Meyer, Judith Schwentner, Manfred Eber, Mark Perz
