InnoTrans 2024 report (17)

A small reminder of the last InnoTrans and the ForCity 36T bi-directional trams for Rhein Neckar Verkehr (rnv) was provided by the models on the Škoda stand, which showed all three 1,000 mm gauge versions ordered as part of the Rhein-Neckar-Tram 2020 (RNT) project:
- the three-car type 36T with a length of 30.5 m,
- the four-car type 37T + 37T with a length of 40.65 m,
- a six-car type 38T + 38T with a length of 58.69 m.

The unusual double designation reflects the fact that these are two- and three-car vehicles with gangways on the rear end, which will be permanently paired in service to form four-car (37T) and six-car (38T) trams. The reason for this solution was the rnv requirement for easy detachability of these vehicles in length-restricted workshops. The company rnv operates services in the cities of Mannheim, Heidelberg and Ludwigshafen, and between them, therefore the vehicles described above are also referred to as train trams.

In June 2018, rnv ordered 31 trams of Type 36T, 37 trams of Type 37T + 37T and also 12 trams of Type 38T + 38T, a total of 80 (train)trams. The latter type is the longest tram in the world, with a capacity of 368 passengers, and was presented to the public on 12 September 2024 in Mannheim with tram No. 1501 (the previous record was held by the nine-car Urbos of CAF for Budapest with a length of 55.9 m).

Martin in der Beek, Technical Director of rnv, said at the presentation, "Despite some easily explained delays, the RNT contract is working very well overall. The time between delivery and commissioning has also been record-breaking for a vehicle of this complexity. Now even deliveries are 'running like clockwork' - we are currently receiving a new vehicle every one to two weeks on average."

Nine Type 36T and five 37T+37T vehicles were delivered to rnv by February this year. As of mid-September, rnv there were (still) nine Type 36Ts, sixteen Type 37T+37Ts and one 38T+38T; approval of the latter is expected later this year.

In addition, most recently (the day and month was not specified by rnv) the operator has ordered a further 34 trams from the option, this time designated ForCity Smart 36T, with delivery scheduled for 2026 (the full option range is 37 units).