Testing a new tram in Pilsen

Škoda Transportation has started a test drive of its three-section ForCity Smart tram without passengers on the Pilsen Line 4 between the University and Kossutka

The tram must travel 20,000 km without passengers, after which trials with passengers will begin at the same distance, informs Railway Supply magazine, citing Škoda Transportation.

In 2018, the Plzen Public Transport Authority, PMDP, signed a contract with Škoda Transportation in the amount of 1 billion CZK (39.4 million euros in 2021 prices) for the supply of 22 ForCity Smart trams. In 2019, PMDP and the EIB signed a € 50 million loan to purchase 34 trams and 34 trolleybuses to replace the city’s existing vehicle fleet.

The tram has a length of 29 meters, is designed for 64 seats and 121 standing passengers, on average 4 people per m2. The maximum speed of the tram is 70 km per hour.

The trams are 100% low-floor, equipped with air conditioning and have a large capacity, which will significantly increase the comfort of passengers. Five double doors on either side of the vehicle allow quick entry and exit.

The trams will meet the latest European body strength standards. The front of the tram is designed in such a way as to provide better protection for the driver and passengers in the event of a collision. The cab layout of the new tram also provides better visibility for the driver and more comfortable driving ergonomics.

A similar type of tram will soon be introduced in Ostrava, and will also run in the German cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg.

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