Train manufacturer Bombardier has secured an €562m order from Vienna’s public transport operator Wiener Linien to supply up to 156 low-floor trams.
Valued at €562m, the present contract is a result of the European tender launched in the end of 2013.
The 34m-long Bombardier Flexity trams will be manufactured according to the requirements of Wiener Linien, and will be capable of accommodating 211 passengers.
Wiener Linien managing director Günter Steinbauer said: "We wanted a vehicle that is modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly, good fit with the existing infrastructure and a good price-performance ratio."
The trains are expected to be delivered between 2018 and 2026. Once delivered, the trains will replace existing old type E2 high-floor trains.
The contract also includes maintenance of the trains, which will be carried out by the staff of Wiener Linien on behalf and at the risk of Bombardier.
Bombardier will assemble these trains at its facility in Donau City, Vienna.
Wiener Linien is currently taking delivery of a second tranche of 150 ultra low-floor (ULF) vehicles from Siemens. The Viennese operator has received an initial batch of 150 ULFs from 1997 onwards, reported International Rail Journal.
In addition, Siemens secured an order for 32 ULFs earlier this year and the trains are scheduled for delivery in 2016.
However, the new contract to Bombardier follows the operator’s decision to launch a new tender for low-floor LRVs rather than exercising an option for additional ULFs from Siemens.
Bombardier and Siemens were the two final bidders for this project.
Image: The new Bombardier Flexity trams ordered by Wiener Linien. Photo: courtesy of Wiener Linien.
Related Companies
