First FLEXITY In Duisburg

On 7 September 2020, the first pre-series FLEXITY low-floor tram for Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft AG (DVG) was presented to the public. A batch of 47 trams was ordered in December 2017, worth around 135 million EUR (approx. 2.8 million EUR per tram). Bombardier is also responsible for the supply of spare parts and their maintenance for the 24 years, with an optional extension for up to 32 years. 

The new DVG FLEXITY trams are being assembled at Bombardier’s Bautzen works. They are bi-directional air conditioned three-car, 70 % low-floor vehicles, 34 m long and 2.3 m wide. The tram is marked with the slogan, “I am the new one. Your new comfort zone” and has a lot to offer in terms of comfort and safety, as it is brighter and more spacious than the previous model, offering space for up to 200 passengers. With two doors on each sidewall in the end cars and one in the intermediate car, it allows for better accessibility than the older types.

The trams are equipped with the image-based driver assistance system known as the Obstacle Detection and Assistance System (ODAS), which helps to prevent collisions. It anticipates possible collisions with pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles, sends an alarm to the driver and can initiate braking. Two concealed impact elements as well as flexible, soft trim parts in the lower area ensure even more protection for road users.

Delivery was initially expected to start in mid-2019, however it is beginning only now, with testing of the pre-series tram underway on the DVG network. It is envisaged that the start of regular passenger service will follow sometime in summer 2021. Subsequently, delivery of the batch-built trams will begin and the last vehicle is to follow in 2023. For this purpose, more than 300 tram drivers and workshop staff must be trained. The new FLEXITY fleet will replace the old Type GT 10 NC-DU, in total 43 trams, built by DUEWAG between 1986 and 1993.