Skoda Group Aims for New World Record in Tram Length

The Czech manufacturer Skoda Group has unveiled its new tram, the ForCity Smart 38T, which is poised to set a world record for length, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This innovative tram, measuring 58.7 meters in length, is designed for the transportation authority of the Rhein-Neckar region (RNV) in Germany.

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The current record is held by the Urbos tram, produced by the Spanish company CAF, with a length of 55.9 meters, consisting of nine sections and operating in Budapest.

Skoda’s ForCity Smart 38T stands out by achieving its impressive length with only six sections, making it unique among its competitors.

The tram is built on the Artic platform and features a variable floor level, providing convenient boarding and alighting for passengers.

It is designed for a track gauge of 1000 mm and boasts an impressive capacity: up to 366 passengers, with 144 seated.

The first tram of this model has already undergone track testing in Pilsen, Czech Republic, and has been presented to the customer.

The contract for the supply of these trams was signed back in 2018 and is valued at 250 million euros.

Under this agreement, Skoda commits to delivering 12 ForCity Smart 38T trams, as well as 68 multi-section trams of shorter lengths.

All these trams will be used in the German cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg. Additionally, the contract includes an option to supply another 34 trams.

The production of these trams is carried out at Skoda’s plants in Pilsen and at the Skoda Transtech plant in Finland, showcasing the international scale of the project and the high level of cooperation between different company divisions.

The ForCity Smart 38T project reflects Skoda’s commitment to innovation and leadership in transportation technology.

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The increased length of the tram and its high passenger capacity are aimed at meeting the growing demands of urban transportation systems for efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

Achieving a new world record will be a significant contribution to the history of public transport and will strengthen Skoda’s position in the international market.

Thus, Skoda Group demonstrates its ability to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, implementing advanced technologies and setting new industry standards.

The successful implementation of this project will be an important step in the development of urban transport and will enable Skoda to solidify its position as a leading manufacturer of innovative transport vehicles.

Photo: Frank Ehemann/Linkedin

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