Berlin Transport Authority expands Germany’s largest tram network

Bombardier Transportation has announced it will be supplying 21 additional FLEXITY trams to Berlin, expanding Germany’s largest tram network.

The order, worth €71 million, is part of a framework agreement between Bombardier and the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG), for a maximum of 210 vehicles. Berlin’s tram network is the one of the largest in the world (and the biggest in Germany) and BVG will use the additional FLEXITY low-floor trams to increase capacity and meet the demands of a rising passenger base.

Michael Fohrer, Chairman of the German Management Board and President of Locomotives & Light Rail Vehicles at Bombardier said: “[This] represents an important milestone in the long-term partnership with BVG and is strong proof of the passenger-focused features of the FLEXITY platform.”

FLEXITY trams

The bidirectional trams are 40m long and have a 295mm low entrance height and an almost ramp-free passenger cabin. Furthermore, they have a longer wheel lifetime due to their big wheel diameter and a regenerative braking system that harnesses the energy typically lost when vehicles brake and feeds it back into the tram’s propulsion system. The ecologically-friendly vehicles also offer ample space, multipurpose areas and air-conditioning in the passenger area and driver’s cabin.

BVG is also currently testing Bombardier’s remote diagnosis system, myBTfleet, on four of its FLEXITY trams which enables users to optimise service and maintenance through real-time data gathered directly from the vehicle.