Rhineland region secures 62 new light rail vehicles

The cities of Dusseldorf and Cologne will take delivery of 62 Bombardier FLEXITY light rail vehicles.

Contracts were signed to provide Cologne transport authority (KVB) with 20 vehicles at an approximate value of 64 million euro. Dusseldorf transport authority (Rheinbahn AG) will receive 42 vehicles, with an option for 16 additional vehicles. This acquisition is valued at approximately 127 million euro.

The light rail vehicles to be built for Dusseldorf and Cologne, will replace the region’s existing fleet of Stadtbahnwagen Bs and be manufactured at Bombardier sites in Germany. Dusseldorf’s vehicles are scheduled to be delivered between 2017 and 2020, while those for Cologne are scheduled for delivery between 2020 and 2021.

Dirk Biesenbach, CEO of Rheinbahn AG commented on today’s announcement: “We are delighted that we have managed to carry out this tender in cooperation with the Cologne Transport Authority. Together we are acquiring modern and attractive vehicles for Dusseldorf and Cologne.”

Jorn Schwarze, CTO, KVB added, “The contract has been awarded based on the most economical offer. Particularly worth mentioning are the low lifecycle costs and easy maintainability. We are convinced to have chosen the most cost efficient and cost effective solution.”

The 28 meters long FLEXITY light rail vehicle features generous passageways and spacious multi-purpose areas. 550 vehicles of this type are already in service in in Bursa Turkey, the German cities Cologne and Frankfurt and Manchester.