Czech Republic: The five-section, bidirectional ForCity Classic 49T with a fully low-floor design was presented at the manufacturer’s site in Plzeň.
The first vehicle is expected to arrive in Bergamo, Italy in March to undergo trial runs, while the whole fleet of 10 LRVs ordered by the city will be launched in autumn.
The 33 m ForCity Classic tram is based on three fixed bogies, with traction motors installed on two of them. Designed for a maximum speed of 70 km/h, the new LRV can accommodate 281 passengers. There are four 1.3 m doors on each side. The interior has two dedicated areas for wheelchairs, prams and bicycles.
Škoda Group claims that this is the first of its trams featuring an anti-collision system. In addition, the doors will be fitted with automatic slide-out ramps to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility.
In spring 2023, the operator TEB designated a consortium with Škoda Group to construct the T2 tram line between the cities of Bergamo and Villa d’Almè. The contract worth €176 mln covers the delivery of 10 trams and their maintenance for three years.
