The first three trams from the Liberec fleet started their major overhaul at the Škoda Group production site in Martinov, Ostrava. Škoda Group won the tender for the repair of a total of six T3 trams worth almost EUR 2 million. The work includes mainly repairs to the cabinets and electrical parts of the vehicles, but the plan is also to completely renovate the interiors, including the driver’s cabins. The planned overhaul will allow the trams to maintain their capabilities for the next 15 years.
“We have been working on the overhaul of the car bodies of trams of type designation T3 for Liberec in the period between 2020 and 2022. I believe that thanks to the overhaul, the trams will serve the residents and visitors of Liberec reliably for many years to come,” said Marek Herbst, Senior Vice President Service at Škoda Group.
The trams undergo several repair procedures during the process. One of the most important of these is the repair of vehicle skeletons affected by corrosion. This requires the removal of the outer cladding, windows, door systems and interior elements. After a thorough inspection and a series of measurements, the experts will replace all damaged parts and reassemble the vehicle. Finally, the trams will be given a new paint job.
Another 15 years in operation
Škoda Group has entered a contract with the Liberec Transport Company for the repair of a total of six T3 trams, worth approximately CZK 46 million. Repairs and modernisation of public transport vehicles have long been popular among operators. They allow to increase safety and reliability while saving financial resources. This option is mainly used in cases where the purchase of new vehicles is not economically profitable. “By following an appropriate procedure for planned overhauls and replacing some key elements, we are able to maintain the tram’s capabilities for the next 15 years of its life cycle,” adds Marek Herbst.
The Škoda Group’s production site in Martinov, Ostrava, is currently working on several orders for the Czech and foreign markets. Important foreign orders include, for example, a contract to repair 80 trams from Gothenburg, Sweden. The Swedish operator Västtrafik AB has ordered the revision and repair of M31 trams from the Group for a total value of CZK 1.84 billion. The work will take place in Martin until 2027.
