This is a press release from Stadtwerke Bonn
A tear, the paper banner parted and the new streetcar with the number 2253 emerged. Impressively staged with fog and accompanied by cheerful live music from a band, it rolled through the factory gate. It was maneuvered onto the forecourt of the depot by none other than the head of SWB Bus und Bahn herself. The assembled guests welcomed the modern vehicle to applause. In addition to project participants and the Supervisory Board of SWB Bus und Bahn, representatives from politics, the transport industry and various associations were also present.
The traffic turnaround is picking up speed
Anja Wenmakers welcomed those present: "With the new SWB streetcars, we are laying the foundation for a successful mobility transition in Bonn. They contribute to the city's goal of climate neutrality by 2035 because they are powered by green electricity. Attractive design, modern equipment and the latest technology have the potential to get more people excited about public transport," said the Managing Director of the transport company. "I cordially invite you to get on board and be the first to experience the special ride comfort. I am convinced that the new streetcars will help to make our public transport even more attractive," Wenmakers continued.
Mayor Katja Dörner joined in the welcome: "As Mayor of Bonn and Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of SWB Bus und Bahn, this is of course a very special day for me. But even more so for the people of Bonn. For them in particular, the new streetcars will bring a significant improvement in everyday life. I would like to thank SWB Bus und Bahn for the continuous and successful cooperation. Public transport is the backbone of the mobility transition. With new streetcars, we are creating an additional incentive for everyone to switch to local transport."
"ForCity Smart Bonn represents the perfect blend of innovation, design and sustainability," said Petr Novotný, CEO of the Škoda Group. "We are proud to be a part of Bonn's journey towards a more modern and environmentally friendly public transportation system. This achievement would not have been possible without the trust and cooperation of our valued partner, SWB Bus und Bahn, and the City of Bonn. We are sure that passengers will appreciate the comfort, safety and efficiency of these streetcars on their daily journeys."
Convincing premiere
After the words of welcome, the guests boarded the train at the depot. The special trip took them into the city center to Thomas-Mann-Straße and through the southern underpass back to the starting point. Those present were able to gain their first impressions and get an idea of the modern trains. The initial feedback afterwards was positive.
Marion Frohn, Managing Director of Behinderten-Gemeinschaft Bonn, paid particular attention to accessibility. This is not a question for a single person, but an issue that needs to be considered from many perspectives. "In my view, the development process of the railroad has shown that it made sense for the Bonn Disabled Community and SWB to cooperate in order to achieve the greatest possible accessibility," praised Frohn.
Clear the way for Bonn's new streetcars
In order to be fit to handle the new low-floor streetcars, SWB Bus und Bahn drivers have been completing training and test runs on the Bonn route network since the end of August. In November, the Technical Supervisory Authority (TAB) approved the commissioning after extensive testing. This means that nothing now stands in the way of official passenger service, initially on line 61. With the new timetable, which will apply from mid-December, the first Skoda vehicles will regularly commute between Dottendorf and Auerberg.
Incidentally, the fourth vehicle has been in Bonn since November 20. The remaining 24 vehicles will gradually arrive in the federal city.
Investment for the future
After more than three decades, the predecessor lines have had their day. A new era is dawning with the successors from Škoda. This is because the modern low-floor vehicles are state of the art and therefore promise reliable and long-term operation. Practical equipment and design features such as improved interior lighting for passengers should be mentioned here. This also ensures increased visibility in the dark from the outside. Thanks to the bright and energy-saving LED lighting, the new streetcars are clearly visible even in the dark season and at night.
They also move almost silently on the track. This helps to reduce noise in the city for residents and all road users. Automatic door opening at the stops makes it easier for passengers to board and alight quickly.
There are also innovations that make work easier for the drivers: for example, four cameras in the driver's cab area have replaced the exterior mirrors and provide a complete overview.
Stadtwerke is investing more than 100 million euros in the low-floor streetcars and thus in the climate transition. SWB Bus und Bahn had already awarded the contract for 26 new vehicles to the Škoda Group in December 2019. Two more streetcars were ordered in 2022. This includes a contract for spare parts.