In a groundbreaking development for urban transportation, the world’s largest tram, manufactured by Škoda Group, has made its debut in Mannheim, Germany. This colossal vehicle, measuring an impressive 58.61 meters in length, is set to revolutionize public transit in the region.
The ForCity Smart 38T, as it’s officially known, boasts remarkable specifications. With a capacity to carry 368 passengers and a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, this tram is a testament to modern engineering prowess. The German transport company Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr has ordered these trams, with the first one recently unveiled in Mannheim.
Jan Švehla, spokesperson for Škoda Group, revealed that they are producing a total of 114 trams in three different lengths – 30, 40, and 60 meters – for their German client. The longest version, of which twelve will be manufactured, is the one making headlines.
One of the most intriguing features of the 40 and 60-meter trams is their ability to split into halves for easier maintenance and depot handling. This modular design even allows for the creation of a 50-meter tram by combining different halves, offering unparalleled flexibility to the operator.
These Škoda trams, manufactured at the Transtech plant in Finland, will serve not only Mannheim but also nearby Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg, spanning three federal states. They’re designed for both urban and inter-city routes, requiring partial train homologation to meet safety standards.
The contract, won by Škoda six years ago, initially included 80 trams valued at nearly seven billion Czech crowns, with an option for an additional 34 vehicles. The full delivery is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with passengers likely to experience these revolutionary trams starting next year, pending necessary approvals.