TWENTY-SIX LONGER Luas trams are to be introduced on the Green Line over the next 14 months.

The first of the new trams, which will increase passenger capacity by 30% – from 319 to 408 per vehicle, was officially unveiled today.

Each of the 26 trams are being extended by 11.1m through the addition of two new modules per tram. This will convert the Luas Citadis 402-type trams (43.6m) into longer Luas Citadis 502-type trams (54.7m).

In addition to these extended trams, eight new 55m trams are expected to be introduced in 2020, all of which will have a passenger capacity of 408 people. Seven 55m trams were introduced into the fleet last year.

The extended trams are being introduced in response to increased demand on the Green Line service. The number of journeys on this service has increased from 30.5 million in 2013 to 41.8 million in 2018. Commuter peak-time services are in particularly high demand.

The first extended tram was unveiled at Sandyford Luas Depot today. Speaking at the event, Transport Minister Shane Ross said the government is “committed to improving public transport”.

“I look forward to the better service Luas will be able to provide to Green Line customers over the coming months as more of the trams are extended,” Ross added.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said the NTA worked with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to extend the trams.

“Each of these extended trams will be able to carry 30% more customers, providing increased capacity and a better service on the Luas Green Line,” she said.