- Presentation of innovative driver assistance system at Bombardier’s Vienna site
- Delivery of the first tram of the new batch of 100% low-floor trams manufactured in Vienna for the Mediterranean metropolis of Marseille
Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation announced today that the innovative driver assistance system for its trams will set new safety standards according to initial real-time tests. In future, Bombardier trams will be able detect obstacles and correctly assess their potential danger. A specially developed optical 3D sensor system will make trams and light rail vehicles proactive and thereby even safer. The system is currently undergoing tests on a Bombardier tram operated by the Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt (VGF) (Frankfurt Transport Company).
“This is a significant milestone in the development of a system that promises increased protection for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists,” said Bruno Kittner, Site General Manager Vienna, Bombardier Transportation, as he presented the system to journalists in Vienna. The ongoing tests have already generated promising results: The tram accurately monitors the path in front of the vehicle to a distance of more than 60 m and automatically identifies and pinpoints potential hazards.
The new safety system has been developed by Bombardier together with the local research partner AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna, where Bombardier’s global light rail competence center is located. The 3D stereovision system will be offered for the entire range of Bombardier trams and light rail vehicles from the end of 2014, among them the BOMBARDIER FLEXITY 100% low-floor trams that are manufactured at the Vienna site.
The production facility in Vienna is currently delivering the first tram of the new batch of 100% low-floor trams for the city of Marseille, in France. The tram’s unique design pays homage to the maritime tradition of the port of Marseille and is considered one of the most beautiful trams in the world by many observers. The driver’s cab looks reminiscent of an ocean liner while the upper part of the sides evokes the look of timber planks. With its big windows and plain white finish, this low-floor tram resembles a yacht rather than a light rail vehicle.
Bombardier Transportation won the original contract for the first complete stainless steel vehicle in December 2004. Marseille already has 26 Bombardier trams in daily revenue service and ordered another six trams, the first of which was handed to the new owners today. The new trams will be longer with seven modules and can transport approximately 25 per cent more passengers. The first 26 trams were originally delivered as five-module trams. The modular concept has made it possible to extend these vehicles by two modules, which were manufactured in Vienna and integrated in Marseille.
Pierre Saracino, Tram Director of the Communauté Urbaine Marseille Provence Métropole, said: “Bombardier Transportation has convinced us with its flexibility. The extension project from five to seven modules was perfectly implemented in Marseille without additional tools and without affecting operation. Today we transport 261 instead of 200 passengers per tram.“
The Marseille tram has the same advantages as all the members of the modular FLEXITY family. Apart from being able to tailor the vehicles to customer requirements also at a later stage, this construction concept offers wide passageways and ample multi-purpose areas. This not only ensures rapid passenger flow but also provides sufficient space for transporting prams. Mobility impaired passengers benefit from a larger space for wheelchairs.
The modular concept also makes maintenance and repairs much easier. A damaged driver’s cab, for example, can be replaced in less than a day allowing the tram to re-enter service while the damage is being repaired at the depot. The vehicle also comes equipped with conventional wheel-set bogies, which guarantee a smooth ride and minimize maintenance costs.
Based on these technical features, Bombardier has developed a unique service concept which is already in successful operation in Linz. The customer pays a fixed price per kilometer for the services rendered. The services are implemented by customer’s employees at the cost of Bombardier, guaranteeing jobs at the transport operator. In Linz, 23 FLEXITY trams are being serviced in this way for a period of 16 years.
About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance for operators and passengers. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a very diverse customer base with products or services in more than 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, we posted revenues of $16.8 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Notes to Editors
Follow Bombardier Transportation on Twitter @BombardierRail.
BOMBARDIER, FLEXITY and ECO4 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For Information
Australia and New Zealand: +61 3 9794 2223
John Ince
Canada: +1 450 441 3007
Marc Laforge
China: +86 10 8517 2268
Flora Long
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe: +49 30 98607 1134
Immo von Fallois
France, Benelux and North Africa: +33 6 07 78 95 38
Anne Froger
India and Japan: +91 7 838 660 093
Harsh Mehta
Mexico: +52 55 5093 7714
Paulina Ortega
Nordic and Baltic Countries: +46 10 852 5213
Pär Isaksson
South East Asia: +65 6478 6235
Evon Lam
Southern Africa and Middle East: +49 30 98607 1147
Sandy Roth
Southern Europe and South America: +35 1 919 693 728
Luis Ramos
UK: +44 7785 450 065
Stephen Bethel
USA: +1 450 441 3007
Maryanne Roberts