Sweden: From 1 December, four three-section variable-floor vehicles entered service on two routes in the city. Their refurbishment, extending their service life by 15 years, was carried out at the plant in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
The work included refurbishing the door systems by replacing the pneumatic drives with electric ones, fitting electro-hydraulic brakes, and improving the driver’s cab visibility. The exterior, interior elements, control systems, lighting, heating, and air conditioning were also upgraded.
First tram refurbished by Škoda Group in Gothenburg. Source: Vasttrafik
The contract for upgrading the entire fleet of 79 M31 trams was signed in 2022 between Škoda Group and Swedish operator Västtrafik, valued at €79 mln. The vehicles will be gradually returned to service through to 2028, with up to eight trams undergoing overhaul at any one time.
Tram, refurbished by Škoda Group, in Gothenburg. Source: Škoda Group
Tram, refurbished by Škoda Group, in Gothenburg. Source: Škoda Group
The trams were manufactured by the Swedish company ASEA between 1984 and 1992, with a low-floor section added between 1998 and 2003. The overhaul, which took place in the 2010s, included the replacement of electronic components and was performed at Ekova Electric in Ostrava, acquired by Škoda Group in 2021.
