Škoda Group started the production of the new ForCity Plus Praha 52T trams in Pilsen with the initial stage involving the fabrication of sheet metal parts, which will be welded to form the body of the first tram for Prague.
This marks the beginning of the production phase, following the extensive work by project teams from Škoda Group and the Prague Transport Company (DPP), which resulted in the final vehicle design and production documentation for the 52T trams.
Initially, three trams will be manufactured for testing and homologation purposes, after which serial production will commence.
“This is the first step on the long road to the actual production of new trams for Prague. Although we have already invested thousands of hours into the project as part of its technical preparation, from drawings to technology development, we can now begin to see the fruits of our labour as the new trams take shape right before our eyes. I believe that thanks to the abilities of our employees, years of experience in the industry, and know-how, everything will go according to plan,” said Tomáš Ignačák, President Regions CZ&SK and Central East Škoda Group.
The first 52T tram will be delivered to Prague at the beginning of 2025 when will undergo testing and homologation process.
Delivery by December 2025
Škoda will also deliver two more ForCity Plus Praha trams in the first half of 2025 and the entire fleet of 20 ForCity Plus Praha trams will be delivered by December 2025.
Another significant milestone in tram production will be the completion of the first welded and painted car body, which will then undergo necessary tests.
According to the production schedule, this should occur during the third quarter of this year.
Technicians will subsequently install insulation, windows, complete technical equipment including all wiring, followed by individual interior elements, doors, and other necessary components such as the check-in and information system.
“The record development of tram lines and the planned completion of the tram circuit go hand in hand with the development of the DPP fleet. Based on the outcome of an open tender, Prague may acquire up to 200 modern 52T trams, with the first 20 available by the end of 2025. These new trams will be technologically advanced, featuring a 100% low-floor design with no steps,” says Zdeněk Hřib, First Deputy Mayor of the Capital City of Prague for Transport.
Since the official introduction of the 52T trams in January 2024, the colour scheme of the vehicles has been fine-tuned with the involvement of designers.
The trams will have a uniform PID design with minor adjustments being made to the width and distribution of the colour stripes, primarily concerning the technological units and spare parts of the vehicle.
Additionally, the project teams from Škoda Group and DPP, which met regularly during inspection days, have finalised interior lighting elements, the placement of control buttons, the form of the floor covering, the information system, and the equipment and ergonomics of the driver’s seat.
Test runs and homologation of the new vehicle type in the spring of 2025 may require further adjustments, for example, in software or minor details, which will be reflected in the series production.
ForCity Plus Praha tram features
The new trams are designed specifically for Prague’s transport needs, particularly the diverse historical centre.
The 52T tram features a five-section construction and operates on four bogies, with the outer two freely pivoting and the inner two partially pivoting.
This design results in a spacious 100% low-floor saloon that, at 32 metres long, offers 70 seats and 173 standing places.
Passenger comfort will be enhanced by full-vehicle air conditioning and six large information screens.
The tram is equipped with numerous advanced technologies such as a passenger counting system, regenerative braking, and a predictive safety anti-collision system.
Share on:
