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Plzen: More new Skoda trams and trolleybuses in service

Sady Pětatřicátníků | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)

In the Czech city of Plzeň, delivery of the current series of new 40T ‘ForCity Smart’ low-floor trams from the domestic manufacturer Škoda Group is progressing continously. After two pre-series trams numbered 385 and 386 delivered in 2021, which we have already reported on (see LINK), the order from the agreed option has been increased to a total of 22 vehicles. Škoda delivered ten cars between April 2023 and January 2024, with a further ten to follow since November 2024, after which the series with the numbers 385-406 will be complete. These are three-part, 29-metre-long and 2.50-metre-wide bidirectional coaches with a completely low-floor design. There are five double-width doors on each side of the vehicle, making it easier for the up to 185 passengers on board to board and alight. 64 of them can enjoy the journey seated.

Test rides prior to start of passenger service: Tram no. 398 in th city centre on 15 December 2024 | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)
No. 391 – U Pracé | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)
No. 397 underpassing the main railway station | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)
Bory | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)
No. 398 undergoing test rides – here at the Anglické nábřeží intermediate loop | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)


The new vehicles have their base at the Slovani depot and workshop facilities of Plzeňské městské dopravní podniky, a.s. (PMDP), the cities’ public transport operator, and are mainly (but not exclusively) used on line 4.

The newest trolleybus 612 – a Škoda 26 Tr with Solaris body – at the main station | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)
Brand new trolleybus 612 – a Škoda 26 Tr with Solaris body | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)


As a local manufacturer, Škoda is naturally very present on the trolleybuses in Plzeň, too. As part of a framework agreement concluded in 2022 for up to 53 new vehicles, two more Škoda 26 Tr 12-metre trolleybuses with Solaris bodies arrived in Plzen in November – they have been in regular service since mid-December 2024 numbered 611 and 612. In the meantime, the use of the Škoda 24Tr Irisbus Citelis delivered in 2004-2009 has declined noticeably. 11 of them are still in service – they will be replaced by other new vehicles in the medium term, as will the five Škoda 25Tr Irisbus Citelis articulated vehicles built new in 2009.

Two Skoda products: Tram 397 and trolleybus 570 at the main station | © Urban Transport Magazine (b)
13.01.2025