The order underlines VBBr’s confidence in Škoda Group and in the vehicle platform developed jointly for the public transport operators in Brandenburg an der Havel, Frankfurt (Oder) and Cottbus. The new trams have been specifically adapted to the requirements of the metre-gauge networks in the three cities in Brandenburg.
“The order for four additional vehicles is a strong endorsement of our long-term partnership with the public transport operator and the City of Brandenburg an der Havel. Modern trams form the backbone of attractive, high-capacity and sustainable urban mobility. We are delighted to continue the consistent modernisation of the fleet together with our customer and to provide even more passengers with comfortable and accessible public transport,” says Jan Christoph Harder, President Region West, North & RoW at Škoda Group.
The approximately 29-metre-long, three-section, unidirectional vehicles can accommodate up to 151 passengers. Wide doors, low entrance heights and spacious multifunctional areas facilitate travel for passengers with reduced mobility and those travelling with pushchairs or bicycles. Air-conditioned passenger compartments, modern passenger information systems and a bright, clearly arranged interior ensure a high level of comfort.
“With the four additional trams, we are consistently continuing the renewal of our fleet. The vehicles improve accessibility and comfort for our passengers while also helping to secure the long-term future of tram operations in Brandenburg an der Havel. In Škoda Group, we have selected a reliable and solution-oriented partner. Thanks to the close and constructive cooperation, we were able to achieve a very good result. We are pleased with the technical quality of the trams.This reliability provides an essential foundation for the predictable continuation of our fleet modernisation and for investing directly in the quality of life and sustainable mobility of our city,” says Jörg Vogler, Managing Director of Verkehrsbetriebe Brandenburg an der Havel GmbH.
The ForCity Plus platform combines a modern low-floor design with pivoting bogies at both ends of the vehicle. This configuration reduces wheel and track wear, particularly when negotiating tight curves, making the trams especially well suited to historically developed urban networks. High energy efficiency, reliable availability and competitive lifecycle costs were also key considerations in the vehicles’ development.
The procurement forms part of a joint initiative by the public transport operators in Brandenburg an der Havel, Cottbus and Frankfurt (Oder). The coordinated order enables the operators to make use of technical synergies, share development costs and achieve economic benefits for the participating municipal companies.
With a total of eight Škoda ForCity Plus 48T trams now ordered, Brandenburg an der Havel is strengthening the tram as the high-capacity, climate-friendly backbone of its public transport system.
Key technical specifications of the Škoda ForCity Plus 48T
- length: 28.96 m
- width: 2.30 m
- track gauge: 1,000 mm
- maximum speed: 80 km/h
- kerb weight: 37 t
- number of sections: 3
- configuration: unidirectional tram
- low-floor area: 71%
- capacity: up to 151 passengers
- seating: 51 seats + 5 folding seats
- traction power: 4 × 100 kW
- supply voltage: 600 V DC
- bogies: three two-axle bogies; the outer bogies are pivoting and powered, while the centre bogie is fixed and non-powered
Škoda Group Expands Its Tram Presence in Germany
Germany is one of Škoda Group’s key European markets. Trams from the Czech manufacturer have already been ordered by nine German public transport operators for a total of 11 cities – Mannheim, Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Bonn, Frankfurt (Oder), Cottbus, Brandenburg an der Havel, Chemnitz, Schöneiche, Kassel and Mainz. Altogether, the orders comprise 242 vehicles of various types and lengths. Škoda Group is also the largest supplier of trams for 1,000 mm gauge networks in Germany. Its most significant projects include the delivery of 114 trams to Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr, which operates public transport in Mannheim, Heidelberg and Ludwigshafen, as well as Škoda 41T trams for Bonn.
