Trams make spectacular return to western Romania with 'on-track' investments transforming Timișoara, Arad, and Reșița

Trams are experiencing a notable resurgence in western Romania, driven by substantial European-funded investments aimed at modernizing public transport in Timișoara, Arad, and Reșița.

In Reșița, tram transport has resumed with modern vehicles after a 13-year pause, coinciding with the refurbishment of the tram lines. Arad is actively modernizing and extending its tram network, while Timișoara is undertaking a comprehensive renewal of its tram fleet.

Timișoara has recently contracted for an additional 10 modern Bozankaya trams, financed through the Regional Operational Program West 2021–2027. This investment, totaling over 27 million euros with nearly 20 million euros in non-reimbursable funds, includes the acquisition of 10 trams, 10 trolleybuses, and 20 new electric buses.

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The first project, with a total value of over 27 million euros, of which almost 20 million euros are non-reimbursable funds, aims to purchase 10 modern, articulated, low-floor trams with a transport capacity of at least 150 people.

The 10 new trams, expected for delivery by spring 2027, will operate on lines 9 and 7. These articulated, low-floor trams will accommodate at least 150 passengers and feature advanced technologies such as electric traction, regenerative braking, air conditioning, real-time information systems, Wi-Fi, video surveillance, and enhanced accessibility. Operating on a "zero CO₂ emissions" principle, they align with the transition to non-polluting public transport.

Over the past few years, Timișoara has invested approximately 700 million lei (around 140 million euros) in renewing its public transport fleet with new trams, electric buses, and trolleybuses. The city boasts one of Romania's most developed tram networks, spanning over 130 kilometers of lines across eight routes, facilitating nearly 60 million journeys annually.

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The new trams will be 20 meters long and equipped with state-of-the-art technologies: electric traction, regenerative braking, air conditioning, real-time information systems, Wi-Fi, video surveillance, and increased accessibility. They will operate on the principle of "zero CO₂ emissions", being an integral part of the transition to non-polluting public transport.