Mannheim tram line 1: Schönau - Rheinau Bahnhof

The world's longest tram is now running in Mannheim | Skoda 38T (2025)Since the beginning of April 2025, the world's longest trams, measuring approximately 60 meters in length, have been operating in Germany, specifically in Mannheim. The Type 38T vehicles, built by Skoda, are 58.69 meters long, to be exact. With this length, they have overtaken the previous record holder, the Urbos 100 in Budapest, by nearly 1.8 meters. However, with a total of eight trams, they seem slightly longer. The Rheinck tram 2020 vehicles have been running in the Reincker region for over two years now. In April 2023, the three-car, 30-meter-long Type 36T vehicles began regular service for the first time. Nearly a year later, the 40-meter-long, four-car Tube 37T vehicles followed. And now, the 58.6-meter-long Type 38T vehicles are also in regular service through Mannheim. The 60-meter-long vehicles were unveiled at a press event at the Reinecker Verkehrsgesellschaft depot in Mannheim in September 2024, where their features and advantages were demonstrated. It was also announced that they would start regular service by the end of 2024. However, this was significantly delayed, and it was not until four months later, after numerous test runs and training sessions, that they finally entered regular service. In the initial weeks, they were primarily used on Tram Line 1. They can now also be found on tram line 5 and other routes. A total of 12 of the approximately 60-meter-long Type 38K vehicles have been ordered. Currently, four of these vehicles are approved for passenger service, but the delivery process for all 12 is still ongoing. Essentially, the Escoda 38Ts are very similar to their shorter counterparts, the Tys 37 and 36T. This similarity begins with the vehicle design. The Tys 38T vehicles feature the same rounded front, with a large, curved windshield and a wind-resistant design, similar to the other two types. An integrated large passenger information display is located in the windscreen. The front and rear lights are arranged in two narrow decorative stripes with a black background. The rest of the front maintains a black-and-white color scheme. The side design closely follows that of the earlier models, featuring one double door per car, and the same color scheme, which includes a large black window band with white sections above and below. A blue decorative stripe runs along the underside. The main difference is that these vehicles have six double doors per side and consist of six cars. A notable feature connecting the six cars is the large folding beam located in the middle of the vehicle, specifically between cars 3 and 4, which allows for easy separation. The three vehicles are delivered separately and assembled into a 60-meter tram later, simplifying maintenance in the depot. This design option is also available in the four-car models. Another key point is that the vehicles operate with two pantographs during regular service. To make boarding easier visually for passengers, the doors are marked with LED strips that light up green when the doors are released for opening and flash red when closing. Most importantly, the 60-meter-long trams offer ample interior space, which is why they are used on lines 1 and 5, where demand is particularly high. These vehicles can accommodate nearly 400 passengers, with seating for 156, some of which are upholstered and quite comfortable. However, some seats feature a wood-effect finish, which is somewhat more elaborate. Additionally, according to the manufacturer, the venue has standing room for 212 people. There are also several multi-passenger areas distributed throughout the vehicle. There are four of these, located at four of the six tram entrances. Otherwise, the interior naturally features the same equipment as the Type 37 and 36T vehicles. For example, large passenger information displays show the upcoming stops and interchange options.By Bahnwelten - May 28, 2025.

Mannheim tram line 1 with low-floor articulated tram 5648 at Hauptbahnhof (2023)By Janus Boye.
April 26, 2023.

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Trams in Mannheim (2011)Trams on the station forecourt of Mannheim main station. Vehicles of the types: RNV8ER (Variobahn) and RNV6ZR.By leeseisenbahnen - September 12, 2011.

Postcard: Mannheim tram line 1 on Planken (2010)Mannheim Mannheim on the Rhine and Neckar Old town divided into rectangles in a checkerboard pattern Paradeplatz with Grupello pyramid, water tower with water features and illuminated fountains, Rhine bridges with a view of Mannheim, Planken with water towerBy Henrik Boye, Werbeverlag Gorzinski - 2010.

Mannheim tram line 1 with low-floor articulated tram 214 near Krappmühlstraße (2009)By Henrik Boye.
October 14, 2009.

Mannheim tram line 1 with low-floor articulated tram 703 at Paradeplatz (2009)By Henrik Boye.
October 14, 2009.

Mannheim tram line 1 with low-floor articulated tram 711 at Tattersall (2009)By Henrik Boye.
October 14, 2009.

Mannheim tram line 1 with low-floor articulated tram 205 at Hauptbahnhof (2009)By Silas Boye Nissen.
June 12, 2009.

Mannheim tram line 1 with low-floor articulated tram 702 on Kaiserring (2003)By Henrik Boye.
July 3, 2003.

Mannheim regional line 5 on Kaiserring (1990)By Henrik Boye.
April 7, 1990.

Postcard: Mannheim tram line 1 near Wasserturm (1910)Based on a historical model Mannheim Heidelberger Straße. (now Planken, pedestrian zone)By Henrik Boye, Jaenecke Verlag - 1910.

Postcard: Mannheim tram line 2 at Hauptbahnhof (1910)Mannheim Central StationBy Henrik Boye - 1910.

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Last updated: April 27, 2026.