Belgian transport operator De Lijn has agreed an order with Bombardier for 48 new trams in a deal worth 129 million euros.
The fleet of Flexity units, which represent the biggest single tram order place by Be Lijn, will replace ageing PCC trams in the cities of Ghent and Antwerp in the north of the country.
Roger Kesteloot, general director of De Lijn, said: “As an operator, we look forward to the arrival of 48 Flexity 2 trams toward the end of 2014. First and foremost, because it allows us to offer modern and spacious vehicles to our customers in Antwerp and Ghent, but also because they are more economical in terms of maintenance and operational costs.
“With these additional vehicles, we will increase the number of passenger seats by nearly 10,000, making it more attractive to take the tram. It goes without saying that this will efficiently improve the accessibility and the quality of life in both urban areas.”
Johan Van den Bussche, chief country representative at Bombardier Transportation Benelux, added: “We have had the privilege to be a strategic partner of the main operators in Belgium for the past decades and are committed to delivering innovative solutions that set new standards in comfort, efficiency and ecology.”
The vehicles come in different lengths and configurations. Ghent will receive 10 bi-directional seven-module vehicles with a length of approximately 43m, able to accommodate 378 passengers.
Antwerp will receive 38 mono-directional trams: 10 seven-module vehicles with a length of approximately 43m and a capacity for 380 passengers and 28 five-module vehicles with a length of approximately 31m, able to accommodate 266 passengers in total.
Bombardier will manufacture the trams at its sites in Bautzen, Germany, Bruges, Belgium and Vienna, Austria.
Bombardier’s site in Bruges, Belgium, will also oversee all project management, commissioning, warranty and fleet support.
