Bombardier has received a firm order for 60 trams through a framework agreement with the Brussels Intercommunal Transportation Company (STIB).
Bombardier and STIB have signed a €480 million framework deal for up to 175 Flexity light rail vehicles. On April 24, STIB placed a firm order for 60 units worth €169 million.
Of the 60 trams included in the first call off, 49 will be five-car units and 11 will be the 43-metre, seven-car variant.
Deliveries are due to start in March 2020.
Sébastien Ridremont, sales director Benelux, Bombardier Transportation, said: “Our goal is to meet passenger expectations and persuade the people of Brussels to leave their cars behind and choose more efficient and eco-friendly mobility options.
He added: “Over the last 20 years, our engineers have developed an in-depth knowledge of the Brussels tram network, information which enabled Bombardier to propose the most efficient and network-friendly tram solution.”
Bombardier will fit the trams with its Flexx Urban 3000 bogies, which it said will reduce vibration and noise.
Driver’s will also have access to a Driver’s Assistance System which uses a combination of cameras and sensors to detect pedestrians and vehicles.
Bombardier has supplied more than 400 trams to STIB and a number of the new vehicles will replace the operator’s older high-floor vehicle fleet.
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