Adidas prevails in dispute over Three-City Tram - Adidas backs revised tram network after route dispute resolution
A new tram network linking Nuremberg, Erlangen, and Herzogenaurach has moved a step closer after Adidas and local authorities settled their dispute. The sportswear giant had opposed the original route, which would have cut through its campus in Herzogenaurach. Under the revised plan, Adidas will now contribute funding and support further development.
The original tram alignment faced strong resistance from Adidas CEO Björn Gulden. He argued that the proposed route would disrupt the company's headquarters in Herzogenaurach. The town, which hosts three major global firms, currently relies only on bus connections to the wider transport network.
After negotiations, the regional authority announced changes to the route. Adidas has agreed to provide financial backing for both construction and future operating costs. Despite this progress, building work is not expected to start before 2028.
The tram project aims to improve connections between Nuremberg, Erlangen, and Herzogenaurach. However, political disagreements—particularly between Erlangen's CSU local branch and state leadership—have added complexity. No official records of these tensions have been made public as of early 2026.
The revised tram plan now has Adidas's support, securing both funding and a more acceptable route. Herzogenaurach will gain a direct link to the regional network, replacing its current bus-only services. Construction timelines remain unchanged, with no work set to begin before 2028.
