Germany, Australia: In July, the first nine-section Urbanliner entered operation on Berlin’s busiest M4 line, while the three-section G Class tram was put in service in Melbourne.
Trams for Berlin
The low-floor Urbanliner Flexity of 50.9 m features the new chassis as well as seats and windows in the renewed design. An ergonomically improved cab and cameras replacing exterior mirrors now facilitate the driver’s work. In addition, there are other driver-assistance technologies, including an obstacle detection system. The vehicle can accommodate 312 passengers, 92 of them seated.
The 2020 framework agreement worth €571 mln between Berlin’s operator BVG and Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom in 2021) provides for the delivery of 117 units. Currently, a total of 62 nine-section and 3 five-section trams have been ordered. BVG’s fleet is expected to grow to 15 such vehicles before the end of this year and to 30 units by 2028. The remainder of the ordered Urbanliners will enter service by 2030.
Inside the Urbanliner in Berlin. Source: Benjamin Pritzkuleit/Berliner Kurier
The new trams were to be launched back in 2023. However, the testing of the first vehicle started a year later, followed by subsequent postponements due to incomplete documentation alongside software and safety system weaknesses and other problems.
The last delay, according to Urban Transport Magazine, was connected with infrastructure issues, namely the line’s not being ready for an axle load of 10 tf. Meanwhile, Alstom has claimed that two additional supports were installed in the underground tunnel in the Alexanderplatz area prior to the launch of the new trams.
G Class tram in Melbourne. Source: Philip Mallis/flickr
Trams for Melbourne
The Class G LRV for the Australian city provides accommodation for 150 passengers and has 48 seats. The vehicle is based on two pivoting end bogies and a central non-pivoting one. Each pivoting bogie is fitted with two Škoda Electric motors of 105 kW, ensuring a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
Inside the G Class tram in Melbourne. Source: AussieWirraway/X
In 2022, Alstom received an order for 100 such trams. The mock-up of the head car was unveiled in 2023. The assembly of the vehicles is undertaken at Alstom’s Dandenong site in Australia with local content reaching 65%. The AUD 1.85 bln (USD 1.2 bln) contract also includes 15-year maintenance. Specifically for this purpose, Alstom has built a new depot in the Melbourne suburb of Maidstone.
