article

The tram-train: perfect in form and function for the city and the region

Posted: 22 February 2010 | Bombardier | No comments yet

The project

On 18 September 2009, the transport auth­orities Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (AVG) and Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe GmbH (VBK) ordered 30 FLEXITY Swift type dual-system tram-trains from Bombardier Transportation. These ultra-modern and comfortable vehicles, valued at approximately €129 million ($190 million US), will be delivered between August 2011 and September 2013. An option for up to another 45 vehicles has also been agreed.

The project On 18 September 2009, the transport auth­orities Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (AVG) and Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe GmbH (VBK) ordered 30 FLEXITY Swift type dual-system tram-trains from Bombardier Transportation. These ultra-modern and comfortable vehicles, valued at approximately €129 million ($190 million US), will be delivered between August 2011 and September 2013. An option for up to another 45 vehicles has also been agreed.

The project

On 18 September 2009, the transport auth­orities Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (AVG) and Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe GmbH (VBK) ordered 30 FLEXITY Swift type dual-system tram-trains from Bombardier Transportation. These ultra-modern and comfortable vehicles, valued at approximately €129 million ($190 million US), will be delivered between August 2011 and September 2013. An option for up to another 45 vehicles has also been agreed.

The new generation vehicle is based on the proven technology of the successful Bombardier FLEXITY tram and light rail vehicle family, which currently has more than 1,500 vehicles in service worldwide. Overall, Bombardier now has more than 2,800 trams and light rail vehicles operating or on order in cities across Europe, Australia and North America.

Design

The FLEXITY Swift tram-trains have been customised to fit the exact requirements of the city and the region of Karlsruhe. When it comes to designing vehicles, the design studio and the manufacturer work hand-in-hand together and such cooperation is an absolute must for project success. To define the precise functional requirements of the tram-trains for Karlsruhe, it was important that all the experts from the parties involved worked together, looking at requirements such as the number of seats and the size of the pushchair, bicycle and wheelchair areas. As the dual-system tram-trains will be in service on the complete light rail vehicle network of the region of Karlsruhe and Heilbronn, they will also be equipped with toilets. The vehicles have been designed according to the regulations of BOStrab (German Tram Construction and Operation Regulations) and EBO (German Train Construction and Operation Regulations) and fulfill the requirements for operating on tracks which run through tunnels.

Design process

Bombardier commissioned the Berlin-based design studio IFS Design for the design of the new dual-system vehicle. Since its foundation in 1997, this studio has been focusing primarily on public transport projects, above all on the development and design of trams, metros, underground and intercity transport, as well as high-speed trains, but also on the design of city and tour buses.

Project analysis

The first stage of a project starts out with an analysis of the project. The available project information is analysed, and the task at hand is specified in partnership with the customer. A cost and time plan is then prepared and all specifications are documented in the requirements specification of the vehicle.

Creating the vehicle concept

The next step consists of creating a vehicle concept and the basic technical concept is developed by Bombardier engineers. Ergonomic tests carried out at this stage facilitate the creation of first sketches and pre-models.

The vehicle takes shape

Once the selected concepts have been tested, design variants are developed. The vehicle ­now takes shape and is depicted in detailed 2-D drawings, 3-D renderings and computer ani­mations and the design models and prototypes are developed.

Tailored to the needs of the city

The implementation is based on a close co­operation between designer, manufacturer and customer, to ensure that the vehicle is tailored to the city infrastructure and customised to meet the existing technical requirements.

With the passenger and driver in mind

The challenge for the designer is in developing a vehicle which is technically feasible, not too expensive and easy to be constructed by the manufacturer. In addition, the functionality has to improve – both for the passengers and the driver.

The new trams need to fit in with the existing fleet of Karlsruhe and at the same time be cutting edge and modern.

Dual-system tram-trains

The 37m-long bi-directional vehicles are three cars in length, with an interconnecting gang­-way down the full vehicle length. The vehicle has high-floor access areas because of the existing infrastructure, but they still allow a rapid passenger flow and allow easy access for the mobility-impaired, as well as passengers travelling with prams or heavy luggage.

Three multi-purpose areas also offer additional space in case of increased passenger volume. Alternatively, these areas may be used for bicycles, wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Every car section has been equipped with a compact roof-based air-conditioning unit. All equipment parts for heating, ventilation and cooling are fully integrated into the roof devices.

Ventilation ducts are integrated into the roof and sidewall structure, removing the need for under seat ventilation devices similar to that currently used.

The vehicles accommodate 93 seated passengers (including nine tip-up seats in the multi-purpose areas). An attractive vehicle layout as well as a well thought seat plan in the middle car facilitates a convenient travel experience, and also gives a more comfortable ride for passengers travelling over longer distances.

State-of-the-art technology

The FLEXITY Swift tram-trains are manufactured using the proven light steel construction method.

Conventional bogies are air-suspended ensuring a smooth ride, whilst minimising wheel and track wear. Video surveillance cameras and scratch protection foils on the windows will also help to reduce vandalism. The vehicles were also designed to ensure easy cleaning and part replacement. The cantilever seat layout offers maximum free space in the floor area.

Driver focus

The driver’s cabin is designed to create optimum conditions for the drivers. A separate air-conditioning system for the interior creates a pleasant room climate, and prevents the windows from getting steamed up and also provides for a comfortable indoor temperature during summer months.

More comfort and safety

The excellent partnership developed between AVG/VBK, Bombardier and IFS Design will ensure that all citizens in Karlsruhe will be able to enjoy the comfort, safety and reliability of the FLEXITY Swift tram-train by the end of 2011.

Speaking about this new order, Mr. Grego Peters, President, Light Rail Vehicles, Bombardier Transportation said: “This order demonstrates the trust our customer places in Bombardier as a reliable and strong partner and in our technically sophisticated FLEXITY trams and light rail vehicles. We are delighted that we can actively contribute to the modernisation of local public transport in Baden-Württemberg.”

Related organisations