The Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams represent the latest generation of low-floor urban vehicles developed for Prague. They offer a fully environmentally friendly air-conditioned interior, a modern information system, new ergonomic seats, but above all a completely new electromechanical brake, which ensures quieter operation, lower maintenance requirements and greater braking precision. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with an anti-collision system with the LiDAR technology, energy-efficient LED lighting, and advanced regenerative braking system, which allows energy to be fed back into the grid, contributing to savings in tram fleet operating costs.
“Travelling around Prague in more comfortable and safer trams is now a step closer to reality, as the successful approval is a key step towards completing the entire first series of Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams. We are very honoured to supply trams for our capital city and are pleased that production and deliveries are gradually being completed on schedule and without complications. It is a remarkable achievement by our team to have obtained vehicle approval just 16 months after the start of production,” says Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group.
“We have successfully completed the homologation process for the new Škoda ForCity Plus 52T tram model. I greatly appreciate that the entire project is running according to schedule, which is a tremendous achievement for new vehicle deliveries these days. Before we can put the new Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams into regular service, we must perform mandatory test runs and technical safety tests on each newly delivered vehicle, and the manufacturer must then remedy any deficiencies found. We need to obtain a certificate of conformity for each vehicle from the Czech Railway Authority, and they must be transferred to DPP’s ownership by contract. At the same time, our drivers are being trained on the new type of tram. I expect that we will start regular operation with the first vehicles in about three weeks, in accordance with the previously announced schedule,” says Jan Šurovský, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and Technical Director of DPP – Povrch.
Adherence to the schedule and rapid implementation have accompanied the Prague Škoda ForCity Plus 52T tram project from the very beginning. The project was launched in December 2023 with the signing of a framework agreement between Škoda Group and Prague Public Transit Company. Subsequently, in January 2024, the public was able to see for the first time what the new tram would look like, including its modern design and technical solutions. In June of the same year, Škoda Group began production, with the first cars seeing the light of day in early 2025. This April, homologation began without passengers, and in June with passengers.
In September 2025, all cars successfully met the requirement of 20,000 kilometres of passenger mileage, completing the operational reliability verification process. Now, in October 2025, the trams have obtained type approval and operational certification. Each individual tram will also receive a certificate of suitability issued by the Railway Authority. After that, the specific vehicle can be put into regular passenger service.
The new Prague tram is the result of close cooperation between Škoda Group and Prague Public Transit Company. The project builds on the long-term partnership between the two companies. Clear evidence of this is the mileage of the previous tram model delivered. To date, the fleet of 250 ForCity Alfa 15T trams has travelled almost 150 million kilometres.
Under the framework agreement, Škoda can supply up to 200 trams. Next year, another 20 will be added to this year’s 20, and the transport company can exercise an option on the remaining 140.
