Milestones
With an order volume of 265 million euros for 80 trams in three length classes (30, 40 and 60 metres), the order for the Rhein-Neckar-Tram (RNT) from Škoda Transportation is the largest single investment in the history of Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv). With this step, rnv and the cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg, as shareholders and public transport authorities, are sending a clear and sustainable signal in favour of continued strong and customer-friendly public transport in the metropolitan region.
For the financing, rnv was able to gain competent partners in the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a consortium consisting of KfW IPEX Bank and Nord LB. The cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg have provided corresponding guarantees. In doing so, they are making a particularly clear commitment to the model of well-developed municipal and regional rail transport under the responsibility of the local authorities, thereby also strengthening the joint success model rnv for the future.
The state of Baden-Württemberg is supporting the procurement of RNT as part of an ecologically orientated and sustainable transport policy by granting a subsidy of over 13 million euros.
Europe-wide call for tenders
For contracts of this size, the applicable European and national law requires a Europe-wide invitation to tender. In 2017, rnv initiated and carried out a corresponding tendering and award procedure in close coordination with the responsible authorities. The same evaluation standards were applied to all industry bids. Criteria included the technical concept, the implementation of the specifications and economic dimensions.
In the overall assessment, Škoda Transportation, based in Pilsen in the Czech Republic, submitted the most convincing offer. In particular, Škoda's fulfilment of rnv's high requirements for mature and proven vehicle technology in combination with high cost-effectiveness and great customer benefits was presented plausibly and comprehensibly. Accordingly, the contract was awarded to Škoda Transportation in June 2018 and a contract was signed for the delivery of 80 Rhine-Neckar trams with an option for 34 additional vehicles.
Škoda Transportation
Škoda Transportation is an established manufacturer in the rail vehicle industry with a long tradition and great expertise in the development and production of locomotives and double-decker coaches for rail transport as well as road and light rail vehicles. In addition to its headquarters in Pilsen in the Czech Republic, the company has further administrative and production sites in Prague, Oulu and Otanmäki (both in Finland). The supplier of the new Rhine-Neckar trams is endeavouring to establish a permanent presence as a partner in the Rhine-Neckar region. For example, the establishment of a base for customer service and support as well as joint education and training of workshop employees are being discussed.
Production and other milestones
After awarding the contract to Škoda Transportation in mid-2018, rnv started a dialogue process with passengers and interest groups in mid-October 2018. The aim of this process was to clarify the final details and gather important input to be incorporated into the creation of the specifications, i.e. the binding list of all design requirements for the manufacturer. The final technical and conceptual specifications for the new Rhein-Neckar-Trams were precisely described and defined in the specification sheet, from the design of the vehicle body and various mechanical and electronic components to the dimensioning of individual bolts.
In particular, the optimisations resulting from the dialogue process led to adjustments, such as the new floor design in the articulations and middle carriages or the offset door positions. These adjustments had to be designed, calculated and integrated into the vehicle concept.
Production
The car bodies and bogie frames are welded at Škoda's Otanmäki site in Finland. The site specialises in this type of body shell work and has extensive experience in this field. The interior fittings of the car bodies, the assembly of the bogies and the first vehicle tests are carried out at Škoda's Pilsen site in the Czech Republic.
Test phase
Following delivery of the first tram to rnv in October 2022, an extensive commissioning and test phase took place during which the vehicle was put through its paces. Thousands of kilometres were covered in test runs to ensure that the vehicle was operational across the entire rnv rail network, initially with the 30-metre vehicle and later also with the 40-metre and 60-metre vehicles.
The rnv's driving and operating personnel were able to familiarise themselves with the production, acceptance, maintenance and operation of the new generation of trains in the run-up to delivery. This was achieved through permanent involvement in all relevant project milestones as well as intensive training and virtual test runs on the simulator.
Operating licence
A complex legal and technical approval and acceptance process for the new railways took place in parallel to commissioning. This is necessary because the rail vehicles used by rnv are subject to several sets of rules, crash standards and operating regulations due to their flexible use under both tram and railway operating law. In order to guarantee the most efficient and transparent process possible, rnv has attached great importance to the comprehensive involvement of all relevant authorities, agencies and testing institutes right from the start.
On the railway
Following the granting of the operating licence for the light rail and tram lines in Ludwigshafen, Mannheim and Heidelberg and the approval for use on the railway lines to Bad Dürkheim and between Mannheim, Heidelberg and Weinheim, the new Rhein-Neckar-Trams have been proving their worth in passenger transport since 2023, offering customers a new level of quality in local transport.
