BLT and Stadler will test new rubber-suspension wheels for TINA trams, after technical measures implemented so far have significantly reduced vehicle noise. The new tests are scheduled to begin in early July 2026 and aim to reduce vibrations during operation.
The TINA trams manufactured by Stadler are operated by the Swiss operator BLT Baselland Transport AG in the Basel area. The name TINA stands for Total Integrated Low-Floor Drive, a design solution that enables a fully low-floor design, level access, and improved accessibility for passengers.
According to Stadler and BLT, this architecture offers a more spacious interior and increased comfort, but requires careful coordination between the vehicle, infrastructure, and operations. In historically developed tram networks, with tight curves, switches, and varying track structures, noise and vibration emissions can occur.
Noise Reduced by Half
Since the TINA trams entered service, Stadler and BLT have worked to reduce vehicle-generated emissions. According to the two companies, the technical modifications implemented have had a noticeable effect on noise levels.
The measures included the installation of additional damping elements, optimizations to the wheel profile, adjustments to the electromagnetic track brakes, and modifications to the bodywork. As a result of these interventions, the trams now run significantly more quietly than at the start of service.
Measurements indicate a reduction in primary noise of 3.7 decibels, which, according to BLT and Stadler, corresponds to a halving of the noise level. Thus, the primary noise of the TINA trams has reached the level of the previous Tango fleet. BLT’s entire TINA fleet will be modified by the end of 2025.
Tests to reduce vibrations are next
Following the noise reduction, BLT and Stadler are now preparing additional measures to reduce vibrations. A TINA tram will be equipped with new wheels with rubber suspension, which should provide stronger damping during wheel-rail contact.
The effectiveness of this solution will be verified through regular measurements in urban areas. Testing will begin in a few weeks, in early July 2026.
“Thank you, Stadler, for your significant involvement over the past few months. Regarding noise, we have achieved our goals. I am pleased that we are now taking the next step together with the manufacturer Stadler and testing wheel-level measures to reduce vibrations,” stated Phillipp Glogg, technical director at BLT.
For his part, Ansgar Brockmeyer, director of sales and marketing at Stadler, highlighted the collaboration with the Swiss operator.
“The collaboration with BLT is excellent. Together we analyzed the causes of noise and vibrations, developed technical measures, and verified their effect in operation. The fact that the TINA trams are much quieter today shows that we are on the right track. We are now focusing on reducing vibrations. Our goal is clear: a modern tram with a high level of comfort for passengers and residents,” stated Ansgar Brockmeyer.
The modifications will go into production if the tests are positive
Test results will be directly incorporated into the production of the TINA fleet. If the new rubber-suspension wheels have the expected positive effect, the new TINA trams will be factory-fitted with these optimized components.
Existing vehicles will be gradually retrofitted by Stadler. The costs of these measures will be borne by the Swiss manufacturer.
TINA trams operate in six European cities
TINA trams are already in service in six European cities: Basel (via BLT), Darmstadt, Rostock, Halle, Gera, and The Hague.
In mid-April, the East German cities of Görlitz and Zwickau selected the TINA model in a tender and ordered 14 vehicles.
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