Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has launched the tender for 18 battery-powered trams, with the option for 32 additional trams. In May 2019 the winner will be announced, and it will have a period of two-year for design and development process. The first of the new trams are expected to be in action by summer 2021.
TfWM is looking to appoint suppliers with tried and tested tram fleets in operation elsewhere in the world.
The new trams will provide services on a number of forthcoming extensions to the existing network which runs between Wolverhampton St George’s and Birmingham Grand Central.
Currently, there are 21 “Urbos 3” model trams operating on the regional network. The first of those to be fitted with batteries was launched into operation in April 2018. The other 20 existing trams are being retro-fitted with batteries in a rolling programme designed to ensure passenger services remain unaffected.
The battery technology removes the need for overhead electrical wires. This will help engineers meet various challenges constructing the new network extensions – for example, the battery-powered trams will be able to travel underneath the Five Ways roundabout and the new Curzon St station.
Extensions to the tram network are at the heart of a £3.4 billion (EUR 3.8 billion) investment in West Midlands transport over the next decade.
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