Starting signal for modern mobility in Halle (Saale): The "short TINA" is coming to the rails
The anticipation for the new TINA trams is given a very concrete starting signal today: At a photo press event at the HAVAG depot on Freiimfelder Straße, Saxony-Anhalt's Minister of Infrastructure Dr Lydia Hüskens symbolically handed over the commissioning permit for the first MGT M tram ("short TINA") to Hallesche Verkehrs-AG (HAVAG), a company belonging to the Stadtwerke Halle Group.
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At 30.4 metres, the "short TINA" is specifically designed for urban operation in Halle (Saale) and combines modern technology with a noticeable increase in comfort and accessibility – including a completely step-free interior, large panoramic windows, high ceilings and open multifunctional areas for wheelchairs and prams, among other things.
The first "short TINA" had previously received operating approval from the Technical Supervisory Authority (TAB); the formal commissioning approval follows on from this. An important lever for the further rollout: the positive test result also serves as proof of conformity for all 38 other vehicles in this series. With technical approval, the widespread use of the new TINA vehicle family is moving closer; further vehicles are to go into passenger service in the coming months.
HAVAG has ordered 56 TINA low-floor light rail vehicles from Stadler – 39 in the M version and 17 in the XL version. TINA stands for an open, bright interior concept with large panoramic windows, high ceilings and multifunctional areas. For operation, the series relies on TINA bogies (smooth ride, goal: protection of wheel/rail), driver assistance systems including collision protection, the digital UNIBOARD© display and pleasant passenger compartment air conditioning in all seasons.
Dr Lydia Hüskens, Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, said: "With official approval, the way is now clear for the new generation of trams to go into service in Halle. They stand for greater accessibility, increased comfort and future-proof public transport. All in all, this is a clear plus for attractive local transport and thus also for the people of Halle."
Dr Alexander Vogt, Mayor of Halle (Saale): "The TINA trams are a real asset for the city on the Saale. With the first 'short TINA', modern mobility is visibly coming to the rails – more comfortable, more accessible and ready for the demands of a growing city. This project stands for long-term reliability and strengthens our urban public transport system. Today's approval steps provide tailwind for the entire series – and thus for the consistent modernisation of our HAVAG fleet."
TINA combines an open, passenger-friendly and well-air-conditioned interior design with technology that supports operation on the network – from the TINA bogies to assistance systems for the driving personnel.
Vinzenz Schwarz, CEO of Hallesche Verkehrs-AG: "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."
Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Marketing & Sales at Stadler: "Today's launch signal for the first short TINA is the result of strong cooperation. From the signing of the contract in 2022 to the design and manufacture to the successful approval this year. My thanks go to the teams at HAVAG, Stadtwerke Halle and our colleagues at Stadler, who worked closely together in every phase of the project. With the TINA platform, we are bringing a new generation of vehicles to the rails that are precisely tailored to the requirements of urban transport in Halle with their accessibility, open space concept and modern driver's cab."
The short TINA is specifically designed for urban operation because it combines features that are particularly important in everyday inner-city life:
. With its compact length of 30.4 metres, the M version is deliberately designed as a vehicle "for everyday use in the city".
. Capacity suitable for many routes: 64 seats and 103 standing places offer a balanced mix for daily city transport.
. Fast passenger exchange at frequent stops: low floor with 350 millimetres floor height, 290 millimetres entry height and 1500 millimetres entry width, no partitions at the doors – this makes getting on and off easier and keeps waiting times short.
. Consistently barrier-free: completely without steps or raised bases, wide aisles – a real advantage for people with limited mobility, parents with prams and passengers with walkers.
. Automatic, energy-efficient air conditioning for summer and winter.
. Interior makes urban mobility easier: large panoramic windows, high ceilings and open multifunctional areas (e.g. for wheelchairs and prams) enhance comfort and functionality during busy passenger changes.
. More support and safety in heavy traffic: driver assistance systems including collision protection and the situation-appropriate UNIBOARD© display help to manage city operations safely and with focus. LED lighting, door buttons with visual display and cameras instead of exterior mirrors.
. Ergonomic driver's workplace: larger, more modern, with separate entrance door and space for training staff.
TINA fleet for Halle (Saale) – in a nutshell
. HAVAG has ordered 56 TINA low-floor light rail vehicles from Stadler: 39 in the M version and 17 in the XL version.
. Vehicle family/designation: TINA MGT-M and TINA MGT-XL.
. Capacity & length:
. M: 30.4 m, 64 seats, 103 standing places
. XL: 45.4 m, 96 seats, 173 standing places
100% accessibility/low floor: floor height 350 mm, entrance 290 mm, entrance width 1500 mm.
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