New Škoda Group Tram Delivered to Cottbus, Germany

A new ForCity Plus 47T tram, assembled in Plzeň, has been delivered to the German city of Cottbus, marking a significant step in modernizing the region’s public transport, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This three-section tram features unique technical specifications and is designed for a 1000 mm gauge track.

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With a 70% low-floor area, it ensures convenient boarding and alighting for all passenger categories, including wheelchair users.

The ForCity Plus 47T is impressive in size: 29 meters long and 2.4 meters wide.

It can accommodate 158 passengers, providing 67 seats, 6 of which are foldable.

Additionally, multifunctional spaces are available for two wheelchair users, highlighting Škoda Group’s commitment to creating accessible and comfortable transport for everyone.

Before entering service, the ForCity Plus 47T will undergo thorough testing and certification, expected to be completed by the end of the current year.

This process is mandatory to ensure the safety and reliability of the new transport.

The contract for the delivery of the new trams was signed by the carrier Cottbusverkehr in 2021-2022.

Under this contract and its option, 22 ForCity Plus 47T trams were ordered.

These trams are set to complement and partially replace the aging Czechoslovak Tatra KT4 trams, produced in the 1980s.

Introducing new models will improve the quality of transport services and reduce the costs of operating and maintaining the old machines.

Funding for the first seven trams comes from the budgets of the city of Cottbus, the state of Brandenburg, and the federal government, in proportions of 45%, 35%, and 5% respectively.

This underscores the project’s importance to various levels of government and their commitment to developing sustainable and modern public transport.

The remaining trams are planned to be financed through the Brandenburg State Investment Bank, demonstrating the successful attraction of investment in the region’s transport infrastructure.

Today, German cities are among the main customers of trams from Škoda Group, reflecting high confidence in the company and the quality of its products.

The delivery of the new tram to Cottbus is just one step towards modernizing the country’s transport systems.

Photo: M. N./transphoto, Cottbusverkehr, Škoda Group

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