Technical defects: New Škoda trams remain in the depot!

Technical defects: New Škoda trams remain in the depot!

The new Škoda trams in Brandenburg an der Havel are currently idle and waiting to be released for regular service. Extensive technical defects are the reason why the two vehicles that have already been delivered are still parked at the Brandenburg Transport Authority (VBBr) depot. Loud maz-online.de Before regular use, type approvals and operating permits must be obtained and the drivers must be trained accordingly.

Of the eight trams ordered, only two have arrived so far - the first in December 2022 and the second a few weeks ago. The plan was for the new railways to start operating in the first half of 2025, but problems with the holders of the sanding pipes are delaying the process significantly. These mounts are crucial to improving braking effectiveness on black ice, which is particularly important in the cold season.

Challenges in the approval process

The trams must undergo extensive tests on the way to being granted operating licenses. Test drives have already been carried out on the 39 kilometer long route network in Brandenburg an der Havel, the first taking place on January 28th of this year. Loud stadt-brandenburg.de These tests included encounter driving, braking maneuvers and several other safety-related tests.

A legal part of the approval process states that the technical supervisory authority needs around two to three months for approval after the necessary adjustments to the stops have been completed. These structural adjustments, which are necessary to accommodate the new railways, should be completed by April 2025 - the costs are estimated at a maximum of 30,000 euros.

Difficulties with the technology supplied

The deficiencies in the current vehicles are considerable: both railways have had over 100 problems. The manufacturer, Škoda Transportation, has recently opened a branch in Berlin to better coordinate the elimination of defects. Urgent repairs must now be carried out so that the vehicles can soon be used as planned. Similar developments are underway in Frankfurt (Oder), where ten of the 13 trains ordered have already been delivered, but one had to be sent back to the factory due to serious defects.

The remaining four trams that have been announced for Brandenburg are not scheduled to be delivered until next year. The entire cycle that led to the ordering of these vehicles dates back to 2012, with a joint tender and contract signing in 2021. Each tram has a hefty unit price of around 2.7 million euros. It cannot be ruled out that there may be renegotiations with the manufacturer due to rising production costs.

The transport companies are therefore faced with a challenge: Despite the great effort and the possibility of obtaining up to 24 new low-floor trams, the regular operation of the first vehicles continues to be postponed. The anticipation of the new technology and its advantages remains nothing more than a beautiful dream for the time being.