Bilbao and Vitoria trams too wide by 2.4 cm, risking collisions

New tram units being introduced in Bilbao and Vitoria‑Gasteiz are about 2.4 cm wider than the previous fleet. The extra width breaches the dynamic gauge at tight corners – notably the intersection of Avenida Montevideo and Calle Gurtubay in Bilbao – so the vehicles can no longer pass each other safely. Drivers now have to stop early and wait for the opposite tram to clear the crossing.

A September report commissioned by Euskotren warned of the problem, but the manufacturer CAF has not commented. In Vitoria, the wider wagons also reduce the clearance needed for wheelchair users at the station near the Basque Parliament. The seven‑module trams for Vitoria are expected to cost around €49 million, and the design flaw threatens both safety and accessibility of the upgraded service.