Škoda Group Produces the World’s Longest Tram: The Škoda ForCity Smart 38T

Škoda Group, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of public transport vehicles, is proud to announce the production of the world’s longest tram, the Škoda ForCity Smart 38T, which is now taking shape in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The first tram of this new model has been delivered to the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan area, marking a significant milestone for both Škoda and Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv), the German public transport operator serving Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Ludwigshafen.

A New Milestone in Urban Mobility

With an impressive length of nearly 60 meters, the Škoda 38T is part of a fully modular fleet designed to meet the complex demands of both urban and regional transport. This ambitious project aims to transform the public transport experience in the Rhine-Neckar region, which is known for its bustling urban centres and growing transportation needs. The trams are built to offer high capacity, passenger-friendly features, and adaptability, playing a key role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility in the region.

Jan Christoph Harder, Škoda Group’s Regional President (West and North), commented: “The longest tram in the world, the Škoda ForCity Smart 38T, is a result of our close collaboration with rnv to create a vehicle that meets the complex demands of urban and regional transport. Its modular design and high capacity make it a key element in shaping the future of mobility in the Rhine-Neckar region. This project also highlights strong European cooperation, with more than 20% of the components sourced from Germany, reinforcing the shared commitment to sustainable public transport across Europe.”

Efficient Production and Adaptability

Each Škoda 38T takes approximately 18 weeks to produce, while the smaller 30-meter Škoda 36T is completed in 9 weeks. The trams are part of a large-scale contract with rnv, covering a total of 114 trams in three different sizes: the 30m Škoda 36T, the 40m Škoda 37T, and the 60m Škoda 38T. Designed for flexibility, these trams can be coupled into formations up to 80 meters, allowing the fleet to adapt to varying passenger needs. This modular design ensures that the trams can be used efficiently in different operating environments, ranging from high-density city routes to longer regional journeys.

A Truly International Collaboration

The journey of each tram begins in Otanmäki, Finland, where the bare car bodies are produced, before final assembly takes place at Škoda Group’s facility in Pilsen. These trams are engineered for both tram and railway operations and are designed to run on a 1,000mm gauge, a standard used across many European rail networks. With a top speed of 80 km/h, the Škoda ForCity Smart 38T is capable of handling the demanding travel conditions of the region.

In a move that underscores the importance of international collaboration, Škoda Group’s partnership with rnv is a prime example of how European companies can work together to deliver cutting-edge solutions for public transport. As the world’s longest tram begins service in the Rhine-Neckar region, it sets a new standard in urban and regional mobility, helping to shape the future of public transport across Europe.