DVG, the public transport operator in the German city of Duisburg, has placed into service the first eight of 49 Flexity Classic LRVs that are being supplied by Alstom.
The design received approval from the Technical Supervisory Authority for the Düsseldorf region on April 3, enabling DVG to place the first LRVs into service on line 903, which runs from Duisburg to Dinslaken.
The new Flexity fleet will also be deployed on line 901 as deliveries progress.
The three-section, 70% low-floor LRVs are designated type GT8ND-NF4 by DVG, which ordered the new fleet in 2017 to replace Duewag GT 10 NC-DU LRVs built between 1986 and 1993.
The new LRVs have a maximum speed of 80km/h and are 34m long and 2.3m wide. Each LRV has capacity for a total of 200 seated and standing passengers.
There are five doors per side, equipped with retractable flaps to bridge the gap between the LRV and platforms at stops and provide level boarding. Wheelchair space is provided in a multi-functional area that can also accommodate pushchairs and bicycles.
Energy recuperated during regenerative braking can be used to power the heating system or returned to the overhead supply.
The new Flexity fleet has been supplied under a €132m contract for 47 LRVs originally awarded to Bombardier, with production undertaken at the Bautzen plant in eastern Germany. The contract includes the provision of spare parts and maintenance services to support DVG staff employees over a team of 24 years, with an option for an eight-year extension.
Two prototypes were originally due for delivery by December 2019, although this was delayed until September 2020. The remainder of the fleet was due to be supplied to DVG by 2023. However, deliveries are not now expected to be concluded after 2024.
The order quantity has been increased to 49 LRVs following contract signature and without any increase in the overall order price being disclosed.
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