FRANKFURT (Oder) City Transport launched passenger operation on June 17 with the first of 13 new Škoda 46T LRVs, while Prague Public Transit (DPP) began trial operation with passengers with the first Škoda ForCity Plus 52T LRV on June 20.
Eight LRVs have already been supplied to Frankfurt (Oder). Škoda says two more will arrive shortly and the final three are in the last stages of production. The entry into service of the Škoda LRVs will allow the gradual replacement of Frankfurt’s ageing KT4 tram fleet.
The new Frankfurt vehicles are part of a joint contract signed by the cities of Frankfurt (Oder), Cottbus, and Brandenburg an der Havel. Škoda Group is supplying a shared vehicle platform tailored to the needs of each city’s network. While the LRVs are nearly identical in design, they are adapted for three very different operating environments.
Cottbus and Brandenburg
In Cottbus, six Škoda 47T LRVs have been delivered and are now in the process of obtaining authorisation for passenger operation, and a seventh is nearly finished. In 2022, Cottbus Transport exercised an option for 15 additional vehicles, with seven already in early production.
In Brandenburg an der Havel, two LRVs have been delivered and two more are undergoing final assembly.
Prague
DPP and Škoda Group signed a framework agreement in December 2023 worth more than €665m for the supply of up to 200 ForCity Plus 52T LRVs. Prague committed to purchasing 40 LRVs, with 20 scheduled for delivery this year and the remainder by the end of 2026.
The ForCity Plus 52T LRVs are 100% low-floor and feature a spacious interior with wide gangways between sections. Škoda says the vehicles are fully climate-controlled using natural, eco-friendly refrigerants and have an advanced passenger information system. The LRVs have electromechanical brakes and energy recovery to reduce energy consumption.
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