Bernmobil, the transit authority in Bern, Switzerland, has ordered 21 Combino trams from the Transportation Systems Group (TS) of Siemens AG. This latest model of the “Combino Classic” represents a further development of the Siemens Combino fleet. Fifteen previous model vehicles which were completely modified several months ago are already in operation in Bern. The 21 new trams will be delivered by the end of 2010. The order is worth around 100 million Swiss francs, which is around 65 million euros.

Hans M. Schabert, President of the TS Group considers this order from the Bern transit authority “to be a demonstration of the confidence that our customers have in our competence in trams and tramway systems. Owing to the successful modification of the Combino, Siemens now possesses comprehensive expertise in the field of 100% low-floor trams. All this know-how has been funneled into development of the new Combino models called “Plus” and “Classic”, making them the technological leader in 100% low-floor trams.”

During the Combino modification program, which started in 2004, all 475 Combino vehicles are fitted with reinforcing and load-reducing elements to ensure the roughly 30-year service life normally expected in the industry. This modification work was based on extensive new knowledge acquired about the loads acting on trams during operation.

The new Combino Classic is a 100% low-floor vehicle without interior ramps or steps. The Classic version for Bern is 2.3 meters wide and 42 meters long, which means it is 11 meters longer than the existing Combino Advanced model being used by Bernmobil. As a result, its passenger capacity has been increased by about one third. Apart from the structural improvements to the car body and the bogies, which were implemented during modification of the Combino, the new vehicle also comes with an air-conditioned passenger compartment.

Screens on the outside and inside of the tram offer improved passenger information. Specially reserved spaces and a wheelchair ramp make the tram accessible to persons with impaired mobility. In addition, the interior and exterior designs are being adapted. For example, the front module for the Bern tram combines an elegant design with better protection for pedestrians and the tram drivers in critical situations. Other new features include the optimized seating layout in the area of the bogie modules and also a better arrangement of the stanchions and handrails. In addition to the rearview mirrors, CCTV cameras will enable to driver to make sure passenger get on and off the vehicle safely.

The 21 new vehicles will be delivered in 2009 and 2010. They are to be used to bring passenger service to Westside Brünnen, a new part of the city to be connected to the tram system as part of the Tram Bern West project, and for operation on Line 9.

Pictures accompanying this press release may be found under
www.siemens.com/ts-pictures/bern_combino