World’s longest tram enters service in Mannheim

The German city of Mannheim is taking delivery of 114 trams from Škoda in Plzeň, the Czech Republic. Amongst these are 12 58.7m-long six-section double-ended 38T cars that have become the longest in the world to enter passenger service. Tram operator Rhein-Neckar Verkehr GmbH (rnv) provides tram services on the metre-gauge system that serves the cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg and the areas between. The 38T tram 1501/2 entered service on Mannheim line 1 (Schönau–Rheinau Stadion) and has a top speed of 80km/h. The tram has two fleet numbers because it is divisible at the centre articulation in order to be able to enter the workshop. However in passenger service it operates as one tram with a capacity of up to 368 passengers (156 seated). Each 38T takes 18 weeks to produce. More than 20% of the components are sourced from Germany. The previous longest tram was the 55.9m CAF Urbos built for Budapest. 

 

Jan Christoph Harder, President of Škoda Group, said “The longest tram in the world (Škoda ForCity Smart 38T) is a result of close collaboration with rnv to create a vehicle that meets the complex demands of both urban and regional transport. Its modular design, high capacity, and passenger-friendly features make it a key element in shaping the future of mobility in the Rhine-Neckar region. With more than 20% of its components sourced from Germany, this project also highlights strong European cooperation in sustainable public transport.” 

 

Rnv is the largest joint-tariff area operator in Germany with 10 lines stretching over 97km.