New high-capacity Škoda trams soon to arrive on Prague’s streets

Škoda ForCity Plus 52T
  • New high-capacity Škoda trams soon to arrive on Prague’s streets
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A new model of trams will soon be seen around Prague, as the Škoda ForCity Plus 52T was launched this week for the first time on Škoda's test track in Plzeň. Ahead of their arrival and test runs in the capital, Danny Bate spoke to councillor and former Deputy Mayor for Transport Adam Scheinherr about what the new trams will offer.

Photo: Lukáš Milota,  Czech Radio

We have a new model of tram that is in the final stages of being tested in Plzeň, and it's soon to be hitting the streets of Prague. What is different about this make of tram?

“These trams are specially designed for conditions of Prague, and they come with new technology. So, they will be trams for the twenty-first century, and I am very happy. Prague public transport will be more comfortable, safer and faster.”

And why are these trams better for Prague compared with the existing models?

Adam Scheinherr | Photo: Vojtěch Havlík,  Prague City Council,   Wikimedia Commons,  CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED

“These trams have bigger capacity. They can board 20% more passengers. They are low-floor trams, so they don't have any stairs inside, making them very comfortable for passengers with some difficulties, like elderly people, parents with strollers, or passengers on wheelchairs. And for those people especially, they can get on the tram through four out of five doors. It will be much more comfortable than now, when they can use only two doors out of six.”

Photo: Lukáš Milota,  Czech Radio

And when can we expect to see these trams around Prague and to take a ride?

“The first trams will come to Prague at the end of March and the beginning of April. For now, they have to pass the homologation test. For passengers, they will be in service at the end of this year.”

Škoda ForCity Plus 52T | Photo: DPP/Škoda Group

And how do these new trams fit into the general programme of the Prague city government with regards to transportation? Is this a sign of good things to come?

“Prague public transport is one of the best in the world and we are trying to keep it like this. So, we have to bring modern things and faster, more comfortable services.

Construction of Škoda ForCity Plus 52T | Photo: DPP/Škoda Group

“In the previous election period, when I was Deputy Mayor for Transport, we started to construct new tram lines. Now we have finished three new tram lines and two are under construction in the historic city of Prague on Wenceslas Square. We are constructing a new tram bridge in the south of Prague, the Dvorecký Bridge.

“So, with the new infrastructure, of course, we also need new vehicles. I hope Prague will order all two hundred vehicles that it is possible to order according to the contract, so we can also exchange the old trams that are not low-floor vehicles.”