Škoda ForCity Plus 52T Trams Pass Type Approval and Homologation Process
Škoda’s new ForCity Plus 52T trams designed for Prague have officially passed both the type approval and homologation process.
Škoda’s new ForCity Plus 52T trams designed for Prague have officially passed both the type approval and homologation process.
The new trams, the latest generation of fully-low floor trams from the manufacturer, have passed all technical tests and covered the requisite 20,000 kilometres both with and without passengers.
Having received approval, 13 of the Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams have been delivered to the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) and are being housed at its Hloubětín depot, with a remaining seven currently at an advanced stage of production.
The remaining trams are set to be delivered by the beginning of December, a little after two years since the contract was initially signed.
Before the trams are put into full service; each vehicle must obtain a certificate of suitability from the Czech Railway Authority.
The vehicles are equipped with a fully air-conditioned interior, modern information system, ergonomic seating and a new electromechanical brake, which aims to provide quieter operation, reduce maintenance requirements and offer greater braking precision.
Additionally, the trams feature an anti-collision system with LiDAR technology, LED lighting and a regenerative braking system, which allows energy to be fed back into the power grid.
Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, said:
Travelling around Prague in more comfortable and safer trams is now a step closer to reality, as the successful approval is a key step towards completing the entire first series of Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams. We are very honoured to supply trams for our capital city and are pleased that production and deliveries are gradually being completed on schedule and without complications. It is a remarkable achievement by our team to have obtained vehicle approval just 16 months after the start of production.
The project was first launched in December 2023 with the signing of a framework between both the Škoda Group and the Prague Public Transport Company before a public unveiling of the trams in January 2024. Production of the first cars was completed in early 2025.
Under the framework agreement, Škoda is permitted to supply up to 200 trams, with 2026 set to see the supply of another 20. DPP has the option to acquire the remaining 140 if it desires.
