Ulm Tram Line 2: Urban Rail Expansion Project Profile

The Ulm Tram Line 2 project represents a significant urban rail expansion in Ulm, Germany, integrating a 10.5 km line with advanced rolling stock to connect key economic and academic hubs. This profile details the technical specifications, strategic impact, and key stakeholders involved in this benchmark light rail development, which has been fully operational since late 2018.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project involved 9.3 km of new track construction to create the 10.5 km Line 2, which features 18 new stations. The route was strategically planned to serve high-demand corridors, running from Science Park II to the Kuhberg school center, via the Ulm University of Applied Sciences and the Oberer Eselsberg clinics. A key civil engineering work was the construction of the 400-meter Kienlesberg bridge, a multi-modal structure designed to carry trams, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians over existing mainline railway tracks. The project also included a major expansion of the Ulm Weststadt transport depot to house and maintain the new fleet.

The rolling stock consists of a fleet of 12 Siemens Avenio M multi-articulated, low-floor trams. Each 31-meter vehicle has a capacity of 175 passengers and is constructed with a lightweight aluminum body to minimize energy consumption. The trams are equipped with advanced drive technology and the Siemens Tram Assistant collision warning system, enhancing operational safety and efficiency across the network. The procurement contract, valued at €32 million, demonstrates a commitment to deploying modern, reliable, and sustainable vehicle technology.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Connectivity: The project successfully linked vital city zones including the Science Park, university, and major hospitals, directly addressing urban growth and significantly improving public transit accessibility for thousands of commuters, students, and residents.
• Efficient Project Delivery: By integrating with 1.2 km of the existing Line 1 infrastructure, the project minimized new construction requirements, which was critical for controlling costs and accelerating the delivery timeline while expanding the network.
• Advanced Technology Integration: The adoption of Siemens Avenio M trams with modern safety features (collision warning) and energy-efficient design (lightweight construction) establishes a high standard for sustainable public transport in the region and enhances the passenger experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the route of Ulm Tram Line 2?
Ulm Tram Line 2 runs a 10.5-kilometer route connecting Science Park II with the Kuhberg school center. Key stops along the line include the Ulm University of Applied Sciences, the Oberer Eselsberg clinics, and the central railway station, providing a critical link between the city’s main scientific, medical, and transport hubs.

Who built the Ulm Tram Line 2?
The Ulm Tram Line 2 project was managed and is operated by SWU Verkehr, a subsidiary of the city’s utility company, SWU Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm. The primary supplier for the rolling stock was Siemens Mobility, which manufactured and delivered the fleet of 12 Avenio M trams for the line.