Škoda Prague Trams: Rail Innovation & DPP Partnership Drives Progress

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Introduction

The Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams, designed for Prague, have successfully completed the approval and homologation process, with delivery expected by early December. The project, launched in December 2023 with a framework agreement between the Škoda Group and the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP), will see the delivery of 20 trams this year.

Approval and Testing

The latest generation of fully low-floor trams from Škoda has passed all technical tests. They covered the required 20,000 km without passengers and another 20,000 km with passengers. Before being put into regular service, each vehicle must obtain a certificate of suitability from the Czech Railway Authority.

Current Status and Delivery

There are currently 13 Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams at DPP’s Hloubětín depot, with the remaining seven in advanced production. According to the contract, the Škoda Group will deliver them by the beginning of December this year at the latest, two years after the contract was signed. The vehicles were approved in just 22 months.

Operational Preparations

“Before we can put the new Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams into regular service, we must perform mandatory test runs and technical safety tests on each newly delivered vehicle, and the manufacturer must then remedy any deficiencies found. We need to obtain a certificate of conformity for each vehicle from the Czech Railway Authority, and they must be transferred to DPP’s ownership by contract. At the same time, our drivers are being trained on the new type of tram,” says Jan Šurovský, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and Technical Director of DPP – Povrch.

Project Timeline and Partnership

The project was launched in December 2023 with the signing of a framework agreement between the Škoda Group and the Prague Public Transport Company. The public saw the new tram in January 2024. Škoda Group began production in June of the same year, with the first cars appearing in early 2025. Homologation began without passengers in April, and with passengers in June. The new Prague tram is the result of close cooperation between the Škoda Group and the Prague Public Transport Company. The fleet of 250 ForCity Alfa 15T trams has travelled almost 150 million km.

Technical Specifications and Future Plans

Škoda’s trams designed for Prague offer a fully environmentally friendly air-conditioned interior, a modern information system, new ergonomic seats, and a new electromechanical brake. They are equipped with an anti-collision system with the LiDAR technology, energy-efficient LED lighting, and an advanced regenerative braking system. Under the framework agreement, Škoda can supply up to 200 trams. Next year, another 20 will be added to this year’s 20, and the transport company can exercise an option on the remaining 140.

Conclusion

The Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams for Prague have completed testing and are nearing delivery, with 20 trams expected by early December. The project, a collaboration between Škoda Group and the Prague Public Transport Company, includes advanced safety and efficiency features.

Company Summary

Škoda Group: A manufacturer of transportation equipment, including trams.

Prague Public Transport Company (DPP): The public transport operator in Prague.

Technology

LiDAR technology: A remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances).

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