Škoda Group has secured a CZK 2.4 billion (approx £85m) contract with the Brno Public Transport Authority in the Czech Republic for the purchase of up to 40 new ForCity Smart 45T trams, of which five are currently on order.

The ForCity Smart 45T trams have a maximum operating speed is 70 km/h, are fully low-floor three-unit vehicles with swivel bogies, and can accommodate up to 233 passengers with 64 seated. They feature air conditioning, two large multifunctional spaces for wheelchairs, prams, or bicycles, a modern, LCD information monitor, USB chargers, and an external and internal CCTV system.

The trams are expected to be in service by mid-December onwards on a new tram line leading to the University of Brno.

In the coming weeks, the trams will accumulate the necessary kilometres on proving runs before going into trial operation with passengers.

A novel feature of the driver’s cab sees some controls partially implemented directly in the driver’s seat. Other driving features include heated windscreens, daytime running lights in the front windscreen, and regenerative braking that returns electricity to the grid when braking, which reduces the overall consumption of the vehicle and thus the operating costs.

Tomáš Ignačák, President of the CZ/SK Region at Škoda Group, said: “More and more people in the Czech Republic can travel with our vehicles, and this is the greatest reward for well-done work. Passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride with reliable Czech products that safely take them to their destination. Some of our products are already operating in Brno, and this delivery is a follow-up to our successful cooperation. The new “Šalina” is the most modern vehicle from our workshop and I believe that it will serve for decades to come to the full satisfaction of all residents and visitors of this Moravian metropolis.”

Mayor of Brno Markéta Vaňková said: “The new bi-directional trams are intended primarily for line 8, which is terminated at both ends by a switchback. I believe that people will appreciate both the new vehicle and the new line. One more new tram should arrive in Brno by the end of the year, and for the remaining three passengers will wait until March 2023.”

Miloš Havránek, CEO of Brno Public Transport Authority, added: “According to the requirements of the Rail Authority, the trams will run the necessary kilometres without passengers in the next few weeks and some type tests will be carried out on them. After that, it will be in trial operation with passengers. We expect to put it into regular operation during December.”