The Prague Transport Company (DPP) is gearing up to acquire up to 200 unidirectional articulated trams, specifically the Škoda ForCity Plus model, in a deal worth 16.6 billion CZK. Škoda Transportation, the supplier of these low-floor vehicles, emerged as the successful bidder in a competitive tendering process. In the initial phase, DPP will place a confirmed order for 40 trams, with the first batch of 20 expected to be delivered to the capital by 2025.

Daniel Šabík, the head of DPP’s press department, shared the significant development in the procurement plan and disclosed that the agreement with the supplier would be finalized after a 15-day period during which potential objectors could submit their concerns.

The public contract encompasses not only the trams but also related accessories, covering the support and development of vehicle software functions, provision of a software license for tram fault diagnostics, technical vehicle documentation, employee training at DPP, and the provision of ten spare parts.

The exact appearance of the trams will be revealed after the objection period has elapsed. DPP evaluated the vehicles based on various parameters, including the presence of electromagnetic brakes, environmentally friendly coolant in the air conditioning system, a wheel diameter of at least 640 millimeters, and considerations related to vehicle capacity and weight.

Two correctly submitted final bids were received during the tendering process. Alongside the winning bid from Škoda Transportation, Stadler also participated with a vehicle codenamed Stadler Tango NG Prague, proposing a deal worth approximately 17.77 billion crowns.

DPP currently operates around 800 trams, with approximately half of them being low-floor vehicles. As the largest city company overseeing public transport operations and boasting nearly 11,000 employees, DPP manages a network of trams serving 35 lines in Prague. This procurement initiative follows DPP’s past acquisition of 15T For City trams from Škoda Transportation, reflecting the company’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing its fleet for efficient and sustainable public transportation.

Article by Prague Forum