Siemens Swiss streetcar

Bernmobil, the transit authority in Bern, Switzerland, has placed an order with Siemens’ Transportation Systems Group (TS) for 21 Combino trams worth €65m.

The Combino Classic tram is a low-floor vehicle without interior ramps or steps. The version designed for Bern measures 2.3m wide and 42m long, making it 11m longer than Bern’s existing Combino Advanced model trams that are in operation.

The new trams are to be delivered by the end of 2010 and will help to connect the Westside Brunnen part of the city to the main tram network, in addition to operating on Line 9.

According to Siemens, a modification programme that started in 2004 on all 475 Combino vehicles has ensured that the fleet will operate the 30-year service life to meet standard industry expectations.