Brno orders another 15 bidirectional trams from Škoda
The city has previously ordered five trams, two are currently in service, and three will be delivered by the end of April.
The Brno City Transport Company (DPMB) has found the money for more new trams. Thanks to a European subsidy, the company will exercise a contractual option and order another fifteen ForCity Smart 45T bidirectional trams from Škoda Group. A total of twenty of these trams will be in service in Brno by mid-2025.
DPMB will receive a subsidy of EUR 26.5 million from the Integrated Regional Operational Programme, covering 70% of the purchase price. The new trams will be delivered in three lots of five vehicles each. DPMB plans to receive the first vehicles this year, while the last lot should arrive in the first half of 2025.
DPMB signed the contract with Škoda Group for the delivery of new 45T trams in 2021. DPMB placed a binding order for five trams at that time and has an option for another 35 vehicles. It intends to use this option depending on its financial possibilities. Of the five trams ordered, two are currently in service in Brno and the remaining three are scheduled to be delivered by the end of April.
The new bidirectional tram will gradually replace the aging KT8D5 vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s. It is 31 meters long and can accommodate up to 233 passengers, of which 64 are seated. The maximum operating speed is 70 km/h. The tram is air-conditioned and equipped with a camera system, USB chargers, and partially tinted side windows. The electrical equipment allows recuperation, i.e. the return of electricity to the grid during braking.
More photos are available here.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková