Subscribe to download
DUEWAG/Siemens Type R

DUEWAG/Siemens Type R tram. Starting in the late 1980s, it became obvious that the previous plans to replace the Frankfurt tram with more busses and metro lines would not come to be. Therefore, the city ordered a new tram, but due to the desire to have something to show for the next election, the whole requisition process was a rush job. With the desire to built a 100% low-floor vehicle, previously untried technology was used and testing was skipped. Only a few months passed between the first design and delivery of the first unit in 1993.

The result was the Type R, the world's first entirely low-floor tram (most trams before and since then had some part of their floor raised for engines, wheels and the like). This was achieved by using independent-wheel suspension and single wheel engines while the electrics were placed on the roof. However, due to the previously mentioned rush, there was no time for trials and the product was rather lacklustre, breaking down on its first press run. The cooling system is unreliable (although that's mostly related to bad sensor placement), most other issues have been ironed out since then. However, due to the rushed development, the City forgot to add couplings to their requirement book, meaning that it is not possible to link more than one unit of this type.

The City Frankfurt declined the option for a third batch of 60 vehicles after 40 had been delivered. Siemens, who took over DUEWAG during the 90s, offered their Combino system as alternative, but this was likewise declined.

The Type R is capable of 70 kph and can carry 170 PAX.