Rome Welcomes First New Tram in Over Two Decades with CAF Urbos Fleet

After a 21-year hiatus, Rome’s public transportation network is set for a significant upgrade with the arrival of the first CAF Urbos tram. The delivery marks the beginning of a substantial investment exceeding €450 million to modernize the city’s aging rail infrastructure.

A New Era for Rome’s Tram System

The first of 121 Urbos trams, manufactured by Spanish company CAF, has arrived in Rome and undergone transfer to ATAC’s workshops on Via Prenestina. This delivery signals a return to new tram acquisitions for the Italian capital, with the last new trams ordered in 1999.

Key Features of the CAF Urbos Tram

The new trams, identified by the 9300 series, are 33.5 meters in length and designed to carry up to 215 passengers, including 68 seated and accommodations for two passengers with reduced mobility. These bidirectional vehicles will feature a livery consistent with the city’s recently updated bus fleet.

• Battery Technology: Equipped with onboard battery packs, the Urbos trams will be capable of autonomous operation on select line sections, reducing the reliance on overhead wires and enabling future line extensions.
• Enhanced Safety: A front collision-avoidance system is integrated to improve passenger safety.
• Modern Comfort: The trams feature a low-floor design and air-conditioning for passenger comfort.

Replacing Aging Infrastructure

The new CAF Urbos trams are intended to replace Rome’s oldest rolling stock, including the Stanga cars from the late 1940s (series 7000) and the 9000 series trams from the early 1990s.

Deployment and Future Expansion

The initial operational deployment of the new trams is planned for the future Togliatti tramway, a key project in Rome’s surface rail revival plan. This 8 km line, with 19 stops, will connect Subaugusta to Ponte Mammolo and intersect with Metro Line C. Subsequently, the new trams will be rolled out across the entire city network.

Contract Details and Delivery Schedule

CAF secured the €457 million framework contract to supply 121 five-car bidirectional trams in 2023. Rome has already ordered 80 trams, with 20 expected to be delivered by the end of 2026. The delivery of the first tram was approximately one year behind schedule.

Looking Ahead

The arrival of the CAF Urbos trams represents a significant step towards modernizing Rome’s public transportation system. The investment promises to enhance capacity, accessibility and reliability for commuters, while also reducing the visual impact of future line expansions. The new fleet is expected to transform rail-based public transport in the Italian capital.