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The delivery of the new De Lijn Coastal Trams is in sight. The first vehicle of a total of 48 new trams is almost ready. If all goes well, the first tram will arrive before the summer. The new trams will not be put into service until the end of this year at the earliest.

Tram manufacturer CAF is currently putting the finishing touches to the first vehicle in Zaragoza, Spain. A final series of inspections and tests still needs to be performed. Then the tram can be transported to Flanders. The first delivery was initially planned earlier this spring, but was somewhat delayed due to the corona crisis.  

If the last test series goes well, the first tram of the ordered fleet of 48 vehicles will arrive in Ostend before the summer. However, the new trams will not be able to transport passengers this summer season. On the one hand, the necessary mandatory checks and tests must also take place in Flanders, on the other hand, the technicians and drivers still need to be trained. The new trams may not be effectively put into service until the end of this year or early 2021.

“Of course I am happy with the arrival of this new tram on the coast. The corona crisis caused a slight delay, but we are trying to catch up with the delivery of this first vehicle. The new trams will be an absolute added value for the coast. The Coastal Tram has been a successful product for years, and with this investment it will remain so, ”says Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters.

URBOS 100

The new Coastal Trams are of the URBOS 100 type, and equipped with specific modifications for The line. The vehicle has a modern look with aerodynamic design and already travels in other countries including the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Utrecht), Luxembourg, United States, France, ... The new Coastal Tram is 31,58 meters long and can accommodate 187 passengers. It is a low-floor tram that is easily accessible for wheelchair users, less mobiles and travelers with a pram.

Also read: De Lijn introduces contactless payment (cEMV)

Zaragoza - CAF
Zaragoza - CAF
URBOS 100
URBOS 100
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