Cottbus is happy: new trams are rolling out after 35 years!

Cottbus is happy: new trams are rolling out after 35 years!

In Cottbus the new trams are finally allowed to take passengers! The official handover of the first new trams took place last Friday, and the first two models will be in use on line 4 from Saturday. These trams are a welcome addition to the city; they are the first of their type in 35 years.

A total of up to 22 new Skoda “ForCity Plus” trams will be delivered to Cottbus, with seven of the new trams currently in regular use. The new models replace the old Tatra models, which have become outdated over the years. Particularly pleasing: All 22 cable cars should be available in Cottbus by 2026. This is a significant step forward for local public transport.

Improvements and challenges

But what makes the new generation of trams so special? The new rides come with a slimmer design and larger windows, making for a more comfortable ride. Getting started is also made easier thanks to an improved design. The tracks are also air-conditioned and offer more space. Last but not least, the infotainment system has been upgraded and acceleration has been accelerated.

Of course, the path to approval was not without hurdles. The approval process required numerous reports covering topics such as evacuation, fire protection and noise protection. A backlog of applications to the responsible authorities also caused delays. Nevertheless, around 85 drivers from Cottbusverkehr have now been trained for the new trains and are ready to start operations.

Financing and future prospects

The financing of the new trams is largely secured by state and federal subsidies. This also entails demands for higher frequency frequencies and an expansion of the network. The city and the transport association are optimistic that the new trams will contribute to the attractiveness of local public transport in Cottbus.

Overall, the new trams show that Cottbus has a good knack for modernizing the transport offering. With these innovations, the hope for improved mobility offerings and satisfied passengers also increases.