A strong signal for sustainable mobility: TSA traction motors power new trams from Bozankaya for Belgrade

TSA motors: The beating heart of new trams from Bozankaya for Belgrade
Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA), the global leader in the development and production of electromechanical drive systems for rolling stock and commercial road vehicles, based in Wiener Neudorf, Austria, has achieved another major milestone. In summer 2024, TSA was awarded a significant contract to supply more than 100 traction motors of type TMR 31A-39-4 for 25 new five-section low-floor trams being manufactured by Turkish rolling stock producer Bozankaya. The trams will soon serve public transport passengers in the Serbian capital.
Each of the 25 trams will be equipped with four TSA traction motors. The first units have already been delivered and by the end of July 2025, the initial two vehicles now have been presented in Belgrade.
“Securing this important project for Belgrade is a clear sign for the trust that Bozankaya and the city of Belgrade place in our technology,” says Robert Tencl, CEO of Traktionssysteme Austria. “Our traction motors are renowned worldwide for their quality, efficiency, and durability. We’re proud to support sustainable urban mobility once again through this project.”

Belgrade’s tram modernization powered by TSA technology
The new trams for Belgrade will operate on the city’s 1,000 mm narrow-gauge network run by GSP Beograd. At 30.5 meters in length, each vehicle features four double and two single doors, room for 170 standing passengers, and 48 seats – meeting all requirements for modern urban transit. With a top speed of 70 km/h, these trams will offer fast and comfortable service in the growing network of the Serbian metropolis.

The TMR 31A-39-4 traction motors selected for the project are specifically designed for use in meter-gauge low-floor trams. They offer high power density in a compact design and are optimized for the demanding stop-and-go conditions of urban environments.

The project came with challenging requirements: tight development and delivery timelines, a technically precise layout tailored to meter-gauge vehicles, and the highest standards of availability and energy efficiency.
“We had to develop and produce the motors within a very tight timeframe. Thanks to the expertise of our team, we were able to meet this challenge successfully,” explains Johannes Mensdorff-Pouilly, Head of Sales – RAIL.ROAD.SERVICE at TSA.

Due to strict spatial constraints – particularly in terms of diameter – existing solutions couldn’t simply be reused for this new drive system. Instead, TSA developed a fully new concept to meet the specific needs of the Belgrade tram.

This innovative system solution and compact motor design deliver clear advantages: more passenger space and a more comfortable interior layout. However, the compact format also presented engineering challenges in the motor design. The aim was to counteract any disadvantages of the small size with tailored technical solutions. Working closely with the vehicle manufacturer, TSA was able to integrate individual requirements into a customized solution.

TSA and Belgrade: A proven partnership
TSA has been a trusted mobility partner to Belgrade since 2011. That year, 30 five-section CAF Urbos 3 trams equipped with a total of 240 TSA traction motors entered service in the city’s public transport fleet. These trams remain a vital part of daily operations.

Currently, TSA is overhauling these traction motors through its sophisticated PitStop Service – a specialized maintenance program that restores motors to peak performance while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and precision servicing, PitStop minimizes downtime and maximizes long-term operational reliability.

“Our durable motors have been a part of Belgrade’s urban mobility for more than a decade,” says Robert Tencl. “This latest order highlights our ongoing contribution to the shift toward sustainable transport in Europe and reinforces our role as a long-term mobility partner.”

Bozankaya, headquartered in Ankara, is an established manufacturer of trams, metro trains, trolleybuses, and electric buses. The company follows a holistic approach to sustainable vehicle development and exports its products to numerous countries worldwide. TSA and Bozankaya have enjoyed a successful partnership for over ten years. With the current Belgrade project, the total number of traction motors delivered by TSA to Bozankaya rises to 450 units – marking another milestone in their shared journey toward cleaner, more efficient public transport.