CAF \u2013 the Spanish tram manufacturer \u2013 have been chosen as the preferred bidder for the
\nfleet of replacement trams for the Midland Metro network. Up to 25 trams \u2013 although the initial order will be for just 19 \u2013 could be supplied to replace the current fleet of 16 trams with an introduction into service planned for late 2014.<\/p>\n
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CAF will supply the Urbos 3 model of tram, examples of which are already in use in Zaragoza, Sevilla and Beograd. It is a five section air-conditioned tram with a passenger capacity of approximately 200 (the current trams only have a capacity of 156) with two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. The trams will be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. The deal is worth up to \u00a340 million.<\/p>\n
It is planned to start introducing the trams into service in late 2014 ahead of the planned opening of the extension through Birmingham City Centre between Snow Hill and New Street railway stations. It is thought that the larger capacity of the Urbos 3 trams will be needed for when the service becomes more visible through the City Centre.<\/p>\n
Geoff Inskip, Chief Executive of Centro, said: \u201cThis is an important milestone in the
\ndelivery of a world class integrated transport network. Linking the \u00a3600m investment New Street station with the Jewellery Quarter, and the Black Country will stimulate our local economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cllr Angus Adams, Chairman of Centro, added: \u201cThis has been an extremely rigorous
\ntendering process and all the candidates have been of a very high standard. The new fleet must offer the best value for money with a tram design that offers robustness with a first-class journey experience for the passenger.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is planned that the trams for Midland Metro would be constructed at Zaragoza in
\nSpain with construction starting as soon as the final deal is signed and the first trams being delivered to Birmingham during 2014 so they can be tested and commissioned for an introduction into service by the end of that year.<\/p>\n
The future of the 16 Ansaldo built trams which have operated the service since the CAF are not new to the UK tramway market with the trams currently being delivered to CAF \u2013 the Spanish tram manufacturer \u2013 have been chosen as the preferred bidder for the fleet of replacement trams for the Midland Metro network. Up to 25 trams \u2013 although the initial order will be for just 19 \u2013 … Continue reading
\nsystem opened in 1999 is unknown but these vehicles have been notoriously unreliable throughout their careers. In recent years all 16 trams have not been available for service at the same time with currently 01 <\/strong>and 02 <\/strong>out of service long-term. Whether any preservation group would want to take on one of these is debatable although they would be the first UK low floor light rail vehicle made redundant.<\/p>\n
\nEdinburgh also built by the firm. Edinburgh\u2019s version is made up of seven sections as opposed to the five proposed for the Midland Metro trams with a larger passenger capacity as a result.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"