Flexity

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Flexity
KasselKoenigsplatzStrassenbahn2477.jpg
A Flexity tram in Kassel, this one being the Flexity Classic model
Manufacturer Bombardier Transportation, Alstom (2021–)

The Alstom Flexity (sold as Bombardier Flexity before 2021, stylized in all caps) is a family of trams, streetcars, and light rail vehicles manufactured by Bombardier Transportation until 2021, when French company Alstom took over Bombardier. As of 2015, more than 3,500 Flexity vehicles are in operation around the world in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America in 100 cities among 20 countries internationally. [1] Production of the vehicles is done at Bombardier's global production plants [2] and by local manufacturers worldwide through technology transfer agreements. [3]

Contents

Inside Alstom, the Flexity supplements the Citadis range. Third-party competitors include Siemens Mobility's Combino, Avanto and Avenio, Stadler Rail's Tango and Variobahn, CAF's Urbos, and AnsaldoBreda's Sirio globally, and Siemens USA's S70/S700, U2, SD-100, SD-160, SD-400, SD-460, and S200, along with LRVs and streetcars from Kinki Sharyo, Brookville Equipment Corporation and Škoda/Inekon/United Streetcar in North America.

Overview

Eurotram in Strasbourg Tramways Strasbourg 06.JPG
Eurotram in Strasbourg

Flexity trams and LRVs usually belong to one of six standard models. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant carbon steel and featuring driver's cabs made with glass-reinforced plastic, [4] they have a modular design that is customizable to meet specific operators' demands, including a variety of track gauges and voltages. The modules can also be replaced easily in case of damage. [4]

Flexity trams can be built for both bi-directional and uni-directional systems. A low-floor design with multi-purpose areas is standard on most models, allowing easy access to the vehicles for wheelchair users. There are also high-floor configurations for Flexity LRVs, and can be designed for tram-train operations.

NameFloorDirectionTop speedWidthLength
Flexity 2 100% low-floorBidirectional70 km/h
(43 mph)
2.3–2.65 m
(7 ft 6+12 in – 8 ft 8+38 in)
32.5 m
(106 ft 7+12 in)
Flexity Classic 65–74% low-floorBidirectional
or unidirectional
70–80 km/h
(43–50 mph)
21–45 m
(68 ft 10+34 in – 147 ft 7+58 in)
Flexity Outlook 100% low-floor65–80 km/h (40–50 mph)27–43.4 m
(88 ft 7 in – 142 ft 4+58 in)
Flexity Swift 70–76% low-floor or 100% high-floorBidirectional70–100 km/h
(43–62 mph)
25–42 m
(82 ft 14 in – 137 ft 9+12 in)
Flexity Link 50% low-floor100 km/h
(62 mph)
37 m
(121 ft 4+34 in)
Flexity Freedom 100% low-floor80 km/h (50 mph)2.65 m
(8 ft 8+38 in)
30.8 m
(101 ft 58 in)

Flexity 2

Flexity 2 in Blackpool Blackpool Transport 003 (9126084712).jpg
Flexity 2 in Blackpool

As Bombardier's premium tram model, [5] the Flexity 2 tram is a 100% low-floor vehicle with improved corrosion resistance, impact protection, energy efficiency, and a more spacious interior resulting from the reduction of its sidewall widths. [6] It is also compatible with Bombardier's PRIMOVE conductive battery charging system. These vehicles are currently used in Blackpool, Gold Coast, Basel, and Antwerp, among others.

Flexity Classic

Flexity Classic in Frankfurt VGF S201 29.11.2005 Suedbahnhof.JPG
Flexity Classic in Frankfurt

Being of a traditional appearance but with the same design features and technology as other vehicles, [7] the 70% low floor Flexity Classic requires comparatively less maintenance compared to other Flexity tram models. [8] They are primarily focused on providing high-capacity public transport in densely spaced urban areas. These vehicles are currently used in Adelaide, Dresden, Essen, Frankfurt and Kassel, among others.

Flexity Outlook

Flexity Outlook from Brussels (on a demonstration line in Vancouver) Olympic Line streetcar.jpg
Flexity Outlook from Brussels (on a demonstration line in Vancouver)

With a 100% low floor, [7] the Flexity Outlook range encompasses two different designs: the Eurotram and Cityrunner. Eurotram was originally conceived by Socimi of Italy as a distinctive, train-like tramcar with large windows and modules with both powered and unpowered bogies. [9] Cityrunner has a more conventional appearance, but highly customizable and is future proof with its easily repairable modules. These vehicles are currently used in Strasbourg, Porto, Brussels, and Marseille, among others. Toronto is a customized variant of the Flexity Outlook.

Flexity Swift

Flexity Swift in Cologne 4517Bensberg.jpg
Flexity Swift in Cologne

Designed as a bi-directional low or high-floor light rail vehicle, [10] the Flexity Swift was conceived for use on high-speed interurban railways and light metros, [11] with different body lengths and the ability to form multiple unit sets and be constructed to meet high crashworthiness standards. These vehicles are currently used in Cologne, Minneapolis, London, and Manchester, among others.

Flexity Link in Saarbrucken Saarbahn01.jpg
Flexity Link in Saarbrücken

The Flexity Link tram-train has dual voltage capabilities and is compatible with mainline railway regulations (e.g. BOStrab) that permit operation on both urban tram networks and mainline railways, reducing transport infrastructure costs. Although this particular model is only used in Saarbrücken, [12] a recent order has been made for dual-voltage Flexity Swift vehicles in Karlsruhe, where the tram-train concept was pioneered. [13]

Flexity Freedom

Flexity Freedom in Kitchener-Waterloo ION 505 Kitchener City Hall.jpg
Flexity Freedom in Kitchener-Waterloo

The Flexity Freedom is targeted at the North American market. [14] Like the rest of Bombardier's Flexity models, it is locally made out of 100% low-floor modules, and features the same multiple unit capability as the Flexity Swift, with air conditioning and an easily configurable interior layout. Designed for the Transit City network in Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and other LRT projects in Ontario, [15] the model has been selected for Edmonton's Valley Line [16] and is being marketed by Bombardier for future orders within North America.

Customized solutions

Flexity Berlin in Berlin Flexity Berlin -a.jpg
Flexity Berlin in Berlin
Flexity Wien in Vienna Wien-wiener-linien-sl-67-1132429.jpg
Flexity Wien in Vienna
Flexity Outlook in Toronto King Street Pilot Project - Planters & furniture near Charlotte St.jpg
Flexity Outlook in Toronto

Variants of Bombardier's Flexity trams and streetcars have been specially designed for use in certain cities, such as Berlin, Vienna, and Toronto. [17]

Berlin

The Flexity Berlin was developed for the Berlin tram network, and is based on the older Incentro model developed by Adtranz. With a full 100% low floor interior, both uni-directional and bi-directional versions are used with either five or seven sections. [18]

Vienna

The Flexity Wien was developed for the Vienna tram network. Derived from the Flexity Berlin with elements of the Flexity 2 line, it is a five-section, 100% low-floor, uni-directional tram with a floor height of 215 millimeters, permitting sidewalk-level boarding in line with the Siemens ULF. [19]

Toronto

A derivative of the Flexity Outlook was created for the Toronto streetcar system to replace the aging CLRVs and ALRVs built by UTDC. [20] It is five-section, air-conditioned, built to the TTC's unique track gauge of 4 ft 10+78 in (1,495 mm) TTC gauge, and fully compatible with the existing network. They are unique in that they are equipped with both a trolley pole and a pantograph, in order to facilitate the gradual adoption of the pantograph for the TTC's overhead wire system

Other models

Bombardier has also manufactured other models of tram which they do not place in the Flexity family, [17] including the Cobra for Zürich and the Incentro for Nantes and Nottingham. These models are no longer in production and have been succeeded by Flexity vehicles.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tram stop</span> Place designated for a tram to stop so passengers can board or leave

A tram stop, tram station, streetcar stop, or light rail station is a place designated for a tram, streetcar, or light rail vehicle to stop so passengers can board or alight it. Generally, tram stops share most characteristics of bus stops, but because trams operate on rails, they often include railway platforms, especially if stepless entries are provided for accessibility. However, trams may also be used with bus stop type flags and with mid-street pavements as platforms, in street running mode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alstom Citadis</span> Family of low-floor trams and light rail vehicles

The Alstom Citadis is a family of low-floor trams and light rail vehicles built by Alstom. As of 2017, over 2,300 Citadis trams have been sold and 1,800 tramways are in revenue service throughout the world, with operations in all six inhabited continents. An evolution of Alstom's earlier TFS vehicle, most Citadis vehicles are made in Alstom's factories in La Rochelle, Reichshoffen and Valenciennes, France, and in Barcelona, Spain, and Annaba, Algeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Low-floor tram</span> Tram that has no stair steps between entrances and the passenger cabin

A low-floor tram is a tram that has no stairsteps between one or more entrances and part or all of the passenger cabin. The low-floor design improves the accessibility of the tram for the public, and also may provide larger windows and more airspace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flexity Swift</span> Series of public transportation vehicles

The Bombardier Flexity Swift is a series of urban and inter-urban tram, light rail and light metro vehicles manufactured by Bombardier Transportation. It is part of the Bombardier Flexity family of rail vehicles, and like the others, Flexity Swift vehicles can be customized to suit the needs and requirements of customers including legacy designs from its acquisition of Adtranz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto streetcar system</span> Streetcar network in Ontario, Canada

The Toronto streetcar system is a network of eleven streetcar routes in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It is the third busiest light-rail system in North America. The network is concentrated primarily in Downtown Toronto and in proximity to the city's waterfront. Much of the streetcar route network dates from the 19th century. Three streetcar routes operate in their own right-of-way, one in a partial right-of-way, and six operate on street trackage shared with vehicular traffic with streetcars stopping on demand at frequent stops like buses. Since 2019, the network has used low-floor streetcars, making it fully accessible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flexity Outlook</span> Type of tram vehicle

The Bombardier Flexity Outlook is a series of low-floored, articulated light-rail trams manufactured by Bombardier Transportation. Part of the larger Bombardier Flexity product line, Flexity Outlook vehicles are modular in design and commonly used throughout Europe.

Bombardier Transportation was a Canadian-German rolling stock and rail transport manufacturer, with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. It was one of the world's largest companies in the rail vehicle and equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. Bombardier Transportation had many regional offices, production and development facilities worldwide. It produced a wide range of products including passenger rail vehicles, locomotives, bogies, propulsion and controls. In February 2020, the company had 36,000 employees, and 63 manufacturing and engineering locations around the world. Formerly a division of Bombardier Inc., the company was acquired by French manufacturer Alstom on 29 January 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flexity Classic</span> Light-rail vehicle

The Bombardier Flexity Classic is a model of light-rail tram manufactured by Bombardier Transportation. Although it is marketed as the most traditionally designed member of the Flexity family, it is still a modern bi-directional articulated tram with a low-floor section allowing good accessibility, especially to passengers in wheelchairs. Flexity Classic trams run on 1,435 mmstandard gauge in Australia, 1,000 mmmetre gauge in Essen, 1,450 mm in Dresden, and 1,458 mm in Leipzig.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Socimi Eurotram</span> Electric light rail vehicles

The Socimi Eurotram (later sold as the Bombardier Flexity Outlook (E)) was an electric tramcar designed for the tram system of Compagnie de Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS). Initially produced by Socimi, after the company became bankrupt Eurotrams were manufactured first by ABB Group's transportation division, then by Adtranz and finally by Bombardier Transportation, who marketed the tram as part of their Flexity Outlook range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siemens S700 and S70</span> Light rail transit vehicle

The Siemens S70 and its successor, the Siemens S700, are a series of articulated low-floor light-rail vehicles (LRV) and modern streetcars manufactured for the United States market by Siemens Mobility, a division of German conglomerate Siemens AG. The series also includes a European tram-train variant, the Siemens Avanto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canadian Light Rail Vehicle</span> Type of Canadian streetcar

The Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) and Articulated Light Rail Vehicle (ALRV) were types of streetcars used by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) from the late 1970s until the late 2010s. They were built following the TTC's decision to retain streetcar services in the 1970s, replacing the existing PCC streetcar fleet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flexity 2</span> Family of light-rail vehicles

The Flexity 2 is a family of tram or light-rail vehicle manufactured by Bombardier Transportation. It is 100% low-floor, in order to easily accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs. The trams are bi-directional, with cabs at both ends and doors on both sides, and are articulated with five or seven sections. This family of trams debuted on the Blackpool Tramway, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flexity Outlook (Toronto)</span> Toronto streetcar model operated by the TTC

The Flexity Outlook is the latest model of streetcar in the rolling stock of the Toronto streetcar system owned by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Based on the Bombardier Flexity, they were first ordered in 2009 and were built by Bombardier Transportation in Thunder Bay and Kingston, Ontario, with specific modifications for Toronto, such as unidirectional operation and the ability to operate on the unique broad Toronto gauge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bombardier M5000</span> High-floor light rail vehicle

The Bombardier M5000, is a model of light rail passenger vehicle. It is part of the Flexity Swift range of vehicles, built specifically as a high-floor, articulated bi-directional tram to operate solely on the Manchester Metrolink system in England. The Metrolink system is the only tram network in the United Kingdom capable of running vehicles in multiple and subsequently the M5000s can operate as either a single vehicle or coupled together to form a "double" unit.

Inekon Trams, a.s. is a manufacturer of trams, or streetcars, located in the Czech Republic, and has supplied new trams to several cities in the Czech Republic and the United States. The company also carries out modernisation and repair of trams, as well as track reconstruction. It is a joint-stock company.

Tram Power is a Merseyside-based manufacturer of tramway vehicles. It built a single prototype, called the Citytram, which was tested on the Wirral Tramway and Blackpool Tramway from 2005 to 2007. The company is planning to build a tram line in Preston, Lancashire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto streetcar system rolling stock</span>

In 1921, the Toronto Transportation Commission (TTC) was created to integrate and operate the Toronto streetcar system. The system has had numerous different rolling stock throughout its history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flexity Freedom</span> Light rail passenger vehicle

The Flexity Freedom is a low-floor, articulated light rail vehicle developed by Bombardier Transportation for the North American market. It is marketed as part of the Bombardier Flexity family which includes other models of trams (streetcars) and light metro vehicles. They are produced in facilities in Thunder Bay and Kingston, Ontario, which once produced rolling stock under the names of Canada Car and Foundry (CC&F) and Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC), respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alstom Citadis Spirit</span> Light rail vehicle custom-made for North American market

The Alstom Citadis Spirit is a low-floor articulated light rail vehicle developed by Alstom for Ottawa's O-Train. It is marketed as part of its Citadis family, which includes other models of light rail vehicles, and is based on the Citadis Dualis.

References

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  16. Barrow, Keith (28 Mar 2018). "First Edmonton Valley Line LRV revealed". International Railway Journal. Simmons-Boardman Publishing, Inc. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
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