Decision in Bologna
The Municipality of Bologna (Comune di Bologna) has awarded CAF the framework contract for the supply of up to 60 trams, which also includes the maintenance of the units for four years and the supply of spare parts and specialised tools for the fleet. An initial contract will be signed for the delivery of 33 units worth over 130 million euros, which could be extended to up to 60 trams within a maximum period of six years. There is even the possibility of increasing the delivery to up to 72 trams (an additional 20% quota provided for by law), which would more than double the total value of the project if all options are utilised.
The URBOS model tram to be supplied by CAF will consist of five modules and will have a capacity of over 200 passengers with a length of 35 metres. It will also be equipped with an OESS (On Board Energy Storage Systems) system that will allow the unit to run without overhead wires, reducing both visual impact and energy consumption. This technology, tested and developed by CAF in a large number of projects, has made the company a leading supplier of energy storage systems in the railway sector.
This contract is part of a project to build a new tram network in the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. This tram network will comprise four lines (red, yellow, green and blue) and will be operated by TPB, which is owned by TPER (Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia Romagna), we last reported here:
https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/the-bologna-process-more-electric-public-transport-to-come/ .
The project is funded by the European Union’s recovery and resilience plans and is part of the city’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. The aim of this ambitious plan is to offer residents and visitors a cleaner city where it is possible to move around in a sustainable and safe way by creating a unique, integrated urban transport system. The tram is one of the pillars of this new model for sustainable mobility.
Extension of the contract for Rome
In addition, the Italian operator ATAC S.p.A., which manages public transport in the Rome metropolitan area, has exercised a first option on the extension of the tramway project provided for in the framework contract, which was awarded to CAF at the end of last year. The framework agreement included an initial contract for the design and manufacture of 40 trams with the possibility of increasing the number of units up to 121.
With the conversion of parts of the option, a further 20 trams have now been firmly ordered and are also equipped with the OESS system. In addition, there is a maintenance contract for an initial period of five years. The aim is to replace more of the up to 70-year-old Roman trams with new ones and realise the planned network expansions.
