Electric motors from Traction Systems Austria are now also powering trams in Sarajevo

For the first time, electric motors from TSA are also powering trams in Sarajevo
Those who are familiar with history, know about the long-standing friendly connection between Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina for many decades. Austria has been one of the largest foreign investors in the Balkan country for many years now, and the delivery of 100 Austrian electric motors by Traktionssysteme Austria for urban public transport by the end of 2025 is yet another testament to this close relationship.

In April 2024, the first Tango NF3 trams from Stadler Rail began operating in Sarajevo. The new rolling stock is powered by TSA’s electric motors of type TMR 35-30-4. All 15 new trams ordered in 2021 will be operating in Sarajevo’s public transportation network by the end of summer, and another 10 trams have already been ordered, with TSA motors set to power those vehicles as well.

‘This is the first time that TSA motors are powering rail vehicles in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We already have 25 articulated trolley buses operating with our motors. In the RAIL sector, this is indeed our first order. We also have local value added in the country, through partial production in our second manufacturing plant in the Bosnian industrial city of Tuzla. We are delighted to be able to make a significant contribution to sustainable mobility in Bosnia and Herzegovina with our products‘, says Johannes Mensdorff-Pouilly, Head of Sales – RAIL.ROAD.SERVICE.

The new Tango NF3 trams from Stadler Rail
The first unit of the Tango NF3 tram from Stadler Rail for Sarajevo was presented at the TRAKO exhibition in Gdańsk (Poland) in 2023. The special feature of these vehicles: Their swiveling bogies with flexible frames ensure smooth rides, while the arrangement of the doors allows for swift boarding and exiting of passengers. These three-part trams have a capacity of up to 180 passengers, including 79 seats, and have a length of 31.1 meters, a width of 2.4 meters, and a height of 3.6 meters, providing a spacious interior design. The low-floor design makes it accessible for people with limited mobility. Despite a maximum speed of 70 km/h, the noise level during operation is kept to a minimum.

The TSA electric motors of type TMR 35-30-4 are not only used in Sarajevo but also power the Tango NF2 trams from Stadler Rail in Ostrava (Czech Republic), highlighting their versatility and performance.

Million Euro investments with the help of the European Union for public transport in Sarajevo
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has around 300,000 inhabitants and a long history of public transport. As early as 1882, the city was connected to the region’s railway network through efforts of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. For military reasons, the rail network was built with an extremely narrow gauge of only 760 millimeters. In 1885, the future tram system was operated as a horse-drawn tram. About ten years later, the Sarajevo tram was electrified.

With various projects and the assistance of the European Investment Bank, urban transport in the Sarajevo Canton is continually being modernized and made future-proof. Investments totaling 40 million euros are planned overall. The main focus is on achieving climate goals and reducing CO2 emissions. Therefore, investments totaling 8.7 million euros are planned for 2024 in the public transport network, with almost 6 million euros allocated solely to the modernization of the tram depot.