Direct tram connection between Oberhausen and Essen

As part of a public information event regarding the planned extension of tram line 105 between the cities of Oberhausen and Essen, a public information event was held on Wednesday, May 13th, at the Oberhausen Technology Center. Numerous interested citizens took the opportunity to learn firsthand about the joint project of the cities of Oberhausen and Essen, as well as STOAG (Oberhausen Public Transport Company) and Ruhrbahn (Ruhr Transport Company). At an open information market, transport experts from the Oberhausen city administration and STOAG presented the current planning status at various themed stations. The aim was to engage in dialogue with visitors, answer questions, and gather suggestions regarding the presented, new planning option. 

Line 105 connects

The plan is to close the gap in the existing tram line 105, thus closing the current network gap between Oberhausen and Essen and creating a continuous, direct tram connection between the two cities for the first time since the 1970s. In its meeting on February 5, 2024, the Oberhausen City Council resolved to develop a new plan for closing the gap in line 105, based on the route proposed in the New Center Master Plan. The new route will be approximately 3,5 kilometers long and will run from the current terminus at Essen Unterstraße via Essener Straße to connect with the public transport network in the New Center of Oberhausen. This route will provide connections to Oberhausen Central Station and Sterkrade Station. In addition to the Essen Unterstraße stop, six new stops are planned along the route. These will connect existing urban districts as well as new residential, commercial, and leisure areas. 

According to the project partners, closing the gap will particularly improve the accessibility of the new center of Oberhausen, the Centro area and adjacent districts, while also sustainably strengthening public transport between the two cities. 

The preliminary plans presented at the public information event will subsequently be updated, taking into account the evaluated and reviewed feedback, and prepared for further decision-making by the Oberhausen City Council. This decision is planned for summer 2026 and will serve as the basis for developing the detailed design plans, upon which the planning approval process can then begin.

Further information and insights into the progress of closing the gap can be found at any time on the project website at linie105.de .