New tram tested in Ostrava

Stadler nOVA, low-floor trams which are tailor-made for the conditions of Ostrava’s public transport, have hit the streets of Ostrava these days. According to the Ostrava Transport Company, this was part of a technical-safety test, with the trial operation to follow after the tram receives a permit. The new tram will be tested in operation without a load, then with a load and eventually, during holidays, with passengers.

Stadler nOVA are the first foreign-produced trams to be operated in the Czech Republic. Once testing is complete, the transport company will take over 40 of these modern trams, starting this August until the first half of 2019. They are equipped with passenger space air-conditioning, USB connectors and they are also Wi-Fi-ready.

The tram has been created for Ostrava on the basis of the proven TANGO model and was designed by Czech engineers from Stadler, a designer office in Prague. It has a modular design, ergonomic driver’s cab and is fully air-conditioned. Swivel chassis with a flexible frame ensures smooth and low-noise operation even at high speeds. The tram is a low-floor vehicle adapted to the needs of people with reduced mobility. In addition, the tram face is optimally shaped to enhance pedestrian protection.

The two-piece nOVA trams are 24.9m long, 2.5m wide and 3.6m high. They can accommodate up to 188 passengers, 61 of which can be seated. The vehicles are fully low-floor and have four wide double doors that allow for quick entry and exit, as well as a wheelchair ramp. The maximum speed is 80 km/h.