The first new tram for Prague is unveiled
29/01/2025
Thirteen months after the signing of the contract between the Prague Public Transit Company and Škoda Group, the first Škoda ForCity Plus 52T tram for Prague has completed production.
The tram recently completed production and made its debut on the test track at Škoda’s production facility in Pilsen. With the exterior finalised and interior work nearing completion, commissioning and testing are now underway. Two additional trams are in advanced stages of assembly, while components for others are being welded. Currently, eight trams are under construction at the Pilsen production workshops.
The first of these modern trams is expected to arrive in Prague in April, where it will commence test runs without passengers as part of the homologation process. This marks the first step in a broader plan to modernise the city’s tram fleet.
The unveiling of the Škoda ForCity Plus 52T tram follows the signing of a framework contract in December 2023 between the Prague Public Transit Company and Škoda Group for the delivery of up to 200 of these advanced trams. The total contract value, if fully utilized, exceeds CZK 16.6 billion. Currently, 40 trams have been ordered, with the first 20 set to arrive this year and the remaining 20 expected by the end of 2026.
Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, emphasised the significance of this milestone: “The first new tram 52T is already here. This is a significant milestone because after almost 20 years, Prague is getting a completely new type of tram. The super-modern low-floor Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams will offer air conditioning, quiet operation, and an advanced anti-collision system.”
Zdeněk Hřib, 1st deputy mayor for transport and chairman of the Prague public transit company supervisory board, highlighted the city’s commitment to expanding its tram network: “We have started an unprecedented tram boom in Prague. New lines are growing like mushrooms after rain in the capital, which is why it is necessary to expand the tram fleet substantially. In the next two years, we will launch several new lines, for example to Malešice, Strahov, Nové Dvory, Žižkov, or the Museum, where we will build on the already implemented line on Wenceslas Square. In short, trams are a symbol of modern and ecological transport, making Prague a cleaner and more pleasant city to live in.”
With the introduction of these new trams, Prague is also upgrading its infrastructure. Jan Šurovský, vice chairman of the board of directors and technical director of Prague public transit company – Surface, noted the readiness of the city to accommodate the new fleet: “We are preparing intensively for the arrival of the new trams. In Prague, the construction of the new Hloubětín depot is nearing completion, and pre-acceptance of the first technological units has begun these days. The Hloubětín depot will be the home of the new trams. It will be the place where they will be commissioned after their return from the factory, sent out on test runs, and subsequently into regular operation. I firmly believe that the manufacturer will be able to fulfil all further steps according to the schedule and the contract.”
Petr Novotný echoed the importance of this project for the Czech Republic’s industrial sector: “Supplying trams for the capital of our country is not only a great honour for us but also a great responsibility. This project brings stability and employment opportunities to thousands of people across the industry in the Czech Republic. We believe that the new tram will not only be a symbol of technological sophistication but also of the ingenuity and commitment of all those involved in its development.”
In the coming weeks, the first three trams will be completed in Pilsen before being transported to Prague for further testing. Initial test runs without passengers will be conducted as part of the homologation process, including calibration of the anti-collision system. Following this, test runs with passengers will take place before final approval is granted by the Czech railway authority.
Meanwhile, serial production of additional trams will continue, ensuring a steady rollout of new vehicles in accordance with the contract timeline.
The Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams are designed with passenger comfort and sustainability in mind. These fully low-floor trams provide a spacious interior with wider passages between sections, full-vehicle air conditioning using ecological refrigerants, and a modern information system to enhance passenger experience. Advanced technological solutions, including axle bogies, electromechanical brakes, and energy recovery systems, contribute to lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency.
The first of these modern trams is expected to arrive in Prague in April, where it will commence test runs without passengers as part of the homologation process. This marks the first step in a broader plan to modernise the city’s tram fleet.
The unveiling of the Škoda ForCity Plus 52T tram follows the signing of a framework contract in December 2023 between the Prague Public Transit Company and Škoda Group for the delivery of up to 200 of these advanced trams. The total contract value, if fully utilized, exceeds CZK 16.6 billion. Currently, 40 trams have been ordered, with the first 20 set to arrive this year and the remaining 20 expected by the end of 2026.
Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, emphasised the significance of this milestone: “The first new tram 52T is already here. This is a significant milestone because after almost 20 years, Prague is getting a completely new type of tram. The super-modern low-floor Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams will offer air conditioning, quiet operation, and an advanced anti-collision system.”
Zdeněk Hřib, 1st deputy mayor for transport and chairman of the Prague public transit company supervisory board, highlighted the city’s commitment to expanding its tram network: “We have started an unprecedented tram boom in Prague. New lines are growing like mushrooms after rain in the capital, which is why it is necessary to expand the tram fleet substantially. In the next two years, we will launch several new lines, for example to Malešice, Strahov, Nové Dvory, Žižkov, or the Museum, where we will build on the already implemented line on Wenceslas Square. In short, trams are a symbol of modern and ecological transport, making Prague a cleaner and more pleasant city to live in.”
With the introduction of these new trams, Prague is also upgrading its infrastructure. Jan Šurovský, vice chairman of the board of directors and technical director of Prague public transit company – Surface, noted the readiness of the city to accommodate the new fleet: “We are preparing intensively for the arrival of the new trams. In Prague, the construction of the new Hloubětín depot is nearing completion, and pre-acceptance of the first technological units has begun these days. The Hloubětín depot will be the home of the new trams. It will be the place where they will be commissioned after their return from the factory, sent out on test runs, and subsequently into regular operation. I firmly believe that the manufacturer will be able to fulfil all further steps according to the schedule and the contract.”
Petr Novotný echoed the importance of this project for the Czech Republic’s industrial sector: “Supplying trams for the capital of our country is not only a great honour for us but also a great responsibility. This project brings stability and employment opportunities to thousands of people across the industry in the Czech Republic. We believe that the new tram will not only be a symbol of technological sophistication but also of the ingenuity and commitment of all those involved in its development.”
In the coming weeks, the first three trams will be completed in Pilsen before being transported to Prague for further testing. Initial test runs without passengers will be conducted as part of the homologation process, including calibration of the anti-collision system. Following this, test runs with passengers will take place before final approval is granted by the Czech railway authority.
Meanwhile, serial production of additional trams will continue, ensuring a steady rollout of new vehicles in accordance with the contract timeline.
The Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams are designed with passenger comfort and sustainability in mind. These fully low-floor trams provide a spacious interior with wider passages between sections, full-vehicle air conditioning using ecological refrigerants, and a modern information system to enhance passenger experience. Advanced technological solutions, including axle bogies, electromechanical brakes, and energy recovery systems, contribute to lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency.