At InnoTrans 2024, Škoda Group has presented its award-winning Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn tram for the city of Bonn, Germany.
The vehicle was unveiled at InnoTrans by representatives of Škoda Group and SWB Bus und Bahn Bonn, the city’s public transport operator.
28 of these trams are set to be introduced in Bonn’s public transport network. They have been specifically designed to suit the city’s historical landscape while meeting modern transport, safety, and environmental standards.
“We have been in the tram manufacturing business for over 25 years and with each new project we push technology and design forward. The trams for Bonn are a great example of this and also confirm our strong position in the German market. More than 220 of our trams will soon be operating in Germany, in 10 cities across the federal states. We are already the number one supplier of narrow-gauge trams on the German market, and I believe we will continue to strengthen our position.”
The trams are 30 metres long, with a capacity of 180 passengers, including 60 seats. They also feature two multifunctional compartments designed for parents with prams, wheelchair users, and cyclists.
The vehicle design was developed with input from local tram drivers to ensure optimal functionality and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and passengers alike.
Notably, the tram’s design has already been recognised with the prestigious Red Dot Award 2024.
“The Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn tram, recognised with the Red Dot Design Award 2024, is a beautiful example of how these qualities can come together in one vehicle. I’m delighted that they will make Škoda trams an organic part of another German city and help improve the quality of transport there. At the moment, there are already three trams in Bonn and 14 more are in various stages of assembly at our Pilsen site. We will then be able to complete the car body structures for all 28 vehicles during September.”
The Škoda ForCity Smart 41T trams feature fully motorised bogies, ensuring high reliability and reducing infrastructure wear and tear. The pivoting bogies also enhance the tram’s durability and safety, contributing to lower maintenance costs.
They will run on green electricity, thus supporting Germany’s broader transition to sustainable mobility.
“Public transport is the backbone of Germany‘s transition to sustainable mobility. We need to offer people real alternatives to cars. Thanks to their attractive design, modern equipment, and the latest technology, the Škoda trams have the potential to inspire more people to use public transport. Since they also run on green electricity, they greatly help the city of Bonn to reach its goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2035.”
