Lille Donates Surplus Trams to Support Mykolaiv
The Métropole Européenne de Lille will donate 23 Breda VLC trams to help maintain public transport services in Mykolaiv.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Métropole Européenne de Lille is donating 23 surplus Breda VLC trams to the city of Mykolaiv, Ukraine. Mykolaiv will organize and fund the transportation of these vehicles as it struggles to maintain its current rolling stock.
Why it matters
The donation addresses critical maintenance difficulties in Mykolaiv caused by a lack of Russian spare parts and ongoing service disruptions from Russian attacks. This initiative aims to support the city's public transport infrastructure amidst these challenges.
The donated Breda VLC models were manufactured in the 1990s and have been fully depreciated for three years. The vehicles currently operate on metre gauge tracks, while Mykolaiv uses 1,524 mm broad gauge infrastructure.
The players
Métropole Européenne de Lille
This French administrative entity is responsible for the management of the public transport network serving the Lille urban area.
Mykolaiv
A city in southern Ukraine that currently maintains a tram network for its public transportation needs.
Alstom
A French multinational manufacturer that produces rolling stock and infrastructure for rail and tram systems globally.
The details
Mykolaiv will assume responsibility for the logistics and costs associated with transporting the trams from France. The trams will be transferred gradually as they are withdrawn from service in Lille to make room for new Alstom Citadis units.
Timeline
The Breda VLC trams were originally manufactured during the 1990s.
Lille placed an order for new Alstom Citadis trams in late 2023.
Lille plans to begin putting the new Alstom Citadis trams into service in autumn 2026.
Market Landscape
This donation highlights the role of municipal-level logistics in cross-border aid efforts within the European solidarity framework. It positions Lille as a key donor while filling a void for Mykolaiv as it transitions away from dependence on Russian spare parts.
The donation will assist Mykolaiv in stabilizing its public transit network, which is vital for residents navigating frequent service disruptions. The project remains subject to the successful completion of gauge conversions before the units can operate locally.
The takeaway
This donation underscores the practical challenges cities face when maintaining older transport fleets amid external geopolitical pressures. Successful implementation of such aid requires significant local investment in logistics and necessary technical modifications.
Further reading
Learn more about global Philanthropy initiatives and their impact on infrastructure.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Gazette International.
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