Stadler has received commissioning approval for new short versions of its MGT M trams (also known as “short” TINA) for Stadtwerke Halle GmbH, which provides all municipal services in the German city of Halle.

The commissioning permit was handed over at a photo press event by Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr Lydia Hüskens, to Stadtwerke’s Hallesche Verkehrs-AG (HAVAG). The commissioning permit is the next stage in bringing the trams into service, with the Technical Supervisory Authority having granted them operating approval. Receipt of the commissioning permit will allow vehicles in the series to move closer to entering operational service in the coming months.

The “short TINA” is 30.4 metres long and specifically designed for urban operation in Halle (Saale), and features air conditioning, easy step-free access, and storage areas for wheelchairs and prams.

The commissioning permit is the next stage in bringing the trams into service, with the Technical Supervisory Authority having already granted them operating approval. Receipt of the commissioning permit will allow the trams to move closer to entering operational service in the coming months/

TINA trams are designed with open, bright interiors, large panoramic windows and high ceilings, and have multifunctional areas for storage and other uses. Fitted with TINA bogies, they provide a smooth ride and incorporate driver assistance systems, collision protection, and a digital UNIBOARD© display. Stadler has a contract to supply HAVAG with 39 M versions of the TINA trams and 17 XL versions.

Dr Lydia Hüskens, Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, commented that with official approval, the new generation of trams can now go into service in Halle, and with greater accessibility and increased comfort, this is a clear plus for the people of Halle.

Stadler has previously secured a contract to supply 28 TINA trams to Rostock in Germany and 62 TINA trams to The Hague in the Netherlands.

“With TINA, we are bringing a new level of quality to the tracks for the people of Halle: barrier-free, with plenty of space, clear orientation and an interior that takes passengers’ everyday needs into account. Today’s handover is an important step towards the gradual arrival of the new vehicle family in Halle (Saale). Today marks another important step towards the full introduction of the new tram series. HAVAG is now very well prepared to safely transport the steadily growing number of passengers in the coming years, which has been increasing since the end of the pandemic, in a manner that meets quality standards. We would like to thank the state of Saxony-Anhalt for its tremendous support to date. The entire project team, consisting of employees from Stadler and HAVAG itself, deserves a special thank you.”

Vinzenz Schwarz, CEO of Hallesche Verkehrs-AG: