Germans Are in for an Upgrade: Bonn to Receive Luxurious Czech Trams Unveiled at InnoTrans

Škoda Group has proudly unveiled its latest trams at the Berlin InnoTrans trade fair, showcasing cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly innovations. Bonn is now one step closer to its goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2035.

Passengers in the German city of Bonn will soon enjoy a significant upgrade in public transport with the arrival of 28 new Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn trams. Representatives from Škoda Group and the customer, SWB Bus und Bahn Bonn, introduced the new model during Tuesday's program at InnoTrans in Berlin. This tram is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the historic city while adhering to modern transport, safety, and environmental standards. Its design has also been recognized with the prestigious Red Dot Award 2024.

"We’ve been producing trams for over 25 years, and with every new project, we push the boundaries of technology and design. The trams for Bonn are a fantastic example of this, highlighting our strong position in the German market. Soon, over 220 of our trams will be running across 10 German cities in various federal states. We are currently the number one supplier of narrow-gauge trams in Germany, and I believe we’ll continue to strengthen our position," said Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group.

"Škoda trams excel in adaptability, comfort, and safety for passengers, as well as in design. The Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn tram, awarded the Red Dot Design Award 2024, beautifully combines all these qualities in one vehicle. I'm pleased that these trams will become an organic part of another German city and help improve the quality of its public transport. Currently, three trams are already in Bonn, and 14 more are in various stages of assembly at our Plzeň factory. By the end of September, we expect to complete the basic construction of all 28 vehicles," said Jan Harder, President of Region West and North at Škoda Group.

"Public transportation is key to Germany's shift toward sustainable mobility. We need to provide people with real alternatives to cars. With their attractive design, modern features, and cutting-edge technology, Škoda trams have the potential to inspire more people to use public transit. Additionally, because they run on eco-friendly electricity, they will significantly help Bonn achieve its climate-neutral goal by 2035," said Anja Wenmakers, CEO of SWB Bus und Bahn.

Comfort, Accessibility, and Safety

The new ForCity Smart 41T trams for Bonn come equipped with fully motorized bogies (100% adhesion), ensuring high vehicle reliability. Swiveling bogies help reduce wheel wear and extend the lifespan of the infrastructure. The tram's design is timeless and tailored to the city's character, taking into account functionality and significantly improving the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and passengers. It also simplifies the maintenance of each tram unit.

Source: Škoda Group Press Releases