Belgian transport operator De Lijn has exercised a €97m option to buy 40 additional Flexity 2 low-floor LRVs from Bombardier.
The vehicles will be use on the metre-gauge tram networks in the cities of Antwerp and Ghent.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The initial order was signed by De Lijn in 2012 and the exercised option increases transporter’s fleet of Bombardier Flexity 2 trams to 88 from 48.
The new 43m-long trams, which will replace an ageing fleet, will be capable of carrying about 40% more passengers than their predecessors.
The low-floor vehicles are equipped with multi-purpose areas for those with reduced mobility, and storage space for bicycles and prams.
See Also:
De Lijn general director Roger Kesteloot said: "We are happy to be able to provide these two Flemish cities with a much-needed capacity increase with this order.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData"The initial reaction to ‘Albatros’, the name that our passengers chose for the Flexity 2 trams, in Ghent has been very positive. We are looking forward with anticipation to the deliveries of the 40 additional trams."
Under the exercised option, Ghent will receive 16 more 43m-long bidirectional vehicles, which will each accommodate up to 378 passengers.
Antwerp will get 24 monodirectional trams, including 14 43m-long units capable of accommodating 380 passengers, and ten 31m-long LRVs with capacities for up to 266 passengers.
All of the 2.3m-wide trams are equipped with Mitrac propulsion system and have heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for drivers and passengers.
Under a previous contract, Bombardier is responsible for structural revisions, refurbishment and crash repairs on De Lijn’s existing fleet.
The train manufacturer is also a partner in the De Lijn’s electric bus EVTecLab field trial project, where three electric buses are equipped with Bombardier Primove technology for inductive charging in the city of Bruges.
Image: The new Bombardier trams will operate in Antwerp and Ghent. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.
