Halle (dpa/sa) - The Hallesche Verkehrs-AG (Havag) is expected to get 56 new tram cars. A corresponding contract was signed on Tuesday with the Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler AG, as the municipal utility announced. The first vehicles are to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2024 and used in scheduled services from 2025. The state of Saxony-Anhalt and the city of Halle are providing 60 percent of the financing, and Havag says it owns 40 percent. The order volume is around 168 million euros.

The railcars are gradually replacing a large part of the trains in operation, which date from the years 1996 to 2001 and are now retiring after almost 30 years of continuous use, said a spokeswoman for the city administration. The new trains offer an air-conditioned passenger compartment, larger door widths, no steps throughout the vehicle, wider aisles, improved stopping options, modern information systems, said Havag board member Vinzenz Schwarz.

Most recently, the Magdeburger Verkehrsbetriebe (MVB) had ordered 35 new trams from another provider. The order value for the vehicles and their spare parts supply for a period of 24 years is around 190 million euros. Here, Saxony-Anhalt contributes almost 60 million euros for the procurement of the new vehicles. The contract also includes options for an additional 28 vehicles.