The Spanish company CAF recently delivered the first high-floor tram car of the HF1 series to the public transport operator Ruhrbahn, serving the cities of Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr in North Rhine-Westphalia, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

the first high-floor tram of the HF1 series from CAF
Photo: Ruhrbahn

This delivery is part of a €150 million contract signed in June 2021 for the supply of 51 cars.

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The second car is scheduled for delivery by the end of July 2024.

These trams must undergo testing before mass deliveries begin in 2025.

The new cars will replace the outdated P86 and P89 tram series, which are between 30 and 45 years old.

The HF1 trams are 28 meters long and 2650 mm wide, making them slightly shorter and wider than the existing low-floor trams of the NF2 and NF4 series operated by Ruhrbahn.

Despite this, the interiors of the cabs and passenger areas differ only slightly.

They are designed for speeds up to 80 km/h and are equipped with advanced technologies, including pneumatic suspension bogies, a driver assistance system, and rear-view cameras instead of traditional mirrors.

Each car can accommodate at least 173 passengers and includes two multifunctional areas for passengers with disabilities or strollers.

The floor height at the entrance is 970 mm, and the doors are equipped with visual and audible warnings when opening and closing.

The new cars are also equipped with air conditioning systems, enhancing passenger comfort.

The production of the new cars is carried out at CAF’s factory in Zaragoza.

According to company representatives, these high-floor trams combine modern design, advanced technologies, and a high level of passenger comfort.

With the introduction of the new cars, Ruhrbahn plans to significantly improve service quality and make tram rides more comfortable and safer for all passengers.

Photo: Ruhrbahn

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