Successful Approval for Prague’s New Trams: The Škoda ForCity Plus 52T Has Passed All Tests and Is Close to Entering Service.
The new Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams, intended for operation in Prague, have successfully completed the type approval and certification process. The latest-generation tram passed all technical tests and covered both 20,000 kilometres without passengers and a further 20,000 kilometres in regular passenger service.
At the Depo Hloubětín, 13 of the new Škoda 52T trams are already in place, with a further seven in the final stages of production. According to the contract, Škoda Group is to complete the delivery by early December at the latest – just two years after signing the contract. The approval itself was achieved in a remarkable 22 months. Before entering regular service, each tram must receive operational approval from the Czech Railway Authority.
The Škoda ForCity Plus 52T features state-of-the-art equipment for urban public transport, including fully air-conditioned interiors, a modern information system, and new ergonomic seating. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with an advanced regenerative braking system that feeds energy recovered during braking back into the network, thus reducing operating costs.
“The path to more comfortable and safer trams in Prague has moved a step closer. The successful homologation is a crucial step towards completing the first series of Škoda ForCity Plus 52T. We are proud to supply trams for our capital and pleased that production and delivery are proceeding smoothly and on schedule,” said Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group.
From the perspective of Prague Public Transport, there is also satisfaction with the project’s progress: “We have successfully completed the approval for the new Škoda 52T. It is a major success that the project is on schedule, particularly when delivering new vehicles. We expect regular service with the first trams to start in around three weeks,” explained Jan Šurovský, Deputy Chairman and Technical Director of DPP.
Under the framework contract, Škoda can deliver up to 200 trams. Following the 20 vehicles delivered this year, a further 20 are planned for next year. For the remaining 140 vehicles, DPP has the option to place further orders.
