Škoda Group officially presented the first fully modernised M31 tram for Västtrafik in Gothenburg. After successfully completing all required certification and operating tests, the vehicle also carried its first passengers, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation programme. Local public transport operator Göteborgs Spårvägar is now proceeding the trams into regular service, with additional units currently undergoing refurbishment at Škoda Group’s production site in Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
The contract covers the comprehensive modernisation of 79 M31 trams, originally manufactured in the 1980s, with the aim of extending their service life by at least 15 years while significantly improving comfort, reliability, and working conditions for both passengers and drivers. The process includes a complete refurbishment of the vehicle exterior and interior, a refreshed design aligned with the look of Gothenburg’s current tram fleet, new seat coverings, enhanced lighting, upgraded heating and air-conditioning systems, and a re-engineered boarding ramp to improve accessibility.
Major technical systems have also been modernised, including a new electro-hydraulic braking system and new door drives replacing older pneumatic units. The driver’s cab has been redesigned with a more ergonomic layout, improved visibility, and modern controls, bringing working conditions up to contemporary standards.
The M31 tramcars were originally built as Gothenborg’s M21 series by ASEA/ABB, Västerås between 1984 and 1992. They were enlarge by a middle low-floor section in 1998-2002 and underwent already an extensive refurbishment by Czech companies Cegelec Praha and Evoka between 2011 and 2017.
