In the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, Verkehrsbetriebe Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv) presented the world’s longest metre-gauge tram at a ceremony on 12 September 2024. The first new 60-metre-long Rhein-Neckar-Tram (RNT) is part of an extensive framework agreement between rnv and the Czech Skoda Group, which has just been extended once again by exercising options.
We had already reported on the new trams and the gradual commissioning here at UTM – where you can also find further details on the RNT and its area of operation.
The 60 metre long tram that has now been presented is the first of twelve units ordered. Following approval for passenger service, which is expected towards the end of the year, the new vehicle will primarily be used on Line 1 and Line 5. Initially, rnv had ordered 80 new RNTs of different length classes from Škoda, including models with a length of 30 and 40 metres. Now the option for 34 additional (three-section) vehicles has been finalised. The different vehicle lengths enable flexible adaptation to the diverse requirements of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region’s route network.
Delivery of new RNTs by the end of 2026
So far, rnv has received 16 40-metre trams, nine 30-metre trams and one 60-metre RNT. The vehicles are currently in use on various Mannheim lines, on the Ludwigshafen section of line 7, on line 5 and on line 25 in Heidelberg. Delivery of the total of 114 vehicles is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. They are divided into 65 three-section, 30.5-metre-long type 36T coaches, numbered 1401-1465. The 37 four-section type 37T coaches are considered double railcars for operational purposes and therefore bear the numbers 1801/1801 – 1873/1874. The 12 six-section type 38T trams are numbered 1501/1502 – 1523/1524.
‘This new ‘world record tramway’ offers space for well over 350 passengers and, like the other RNTs, sets new standards in terms of comfort, safety and ease of maintenance,’ explained Martin in der Beek, Technical Managing Director of rnv. ‘Despite certain easily explainable delays, the procurement of the RNT is working very well overall. The time between delivery and commissioning was also record-breaking for a vehicle of this complexity. Now the delivery is also going like clockwork. We are currently receiving a new railway every one to two weeks on average,’ continues in der Beek. ‘Incidentally, we are bringing a record back to the region today. The Düwag ET12 tramcar with the number 1020, the so-called ‘Tatzelwurm’ of the former Rhein-Haardtbahn GmbH, was also the longest tram vehicle in the world when it was commissioned in 1967. It will soon be travelling around the region again as our third historic event vehicle.’
(Info: rnv)
