class A32, line

Seven new cars
In March 1999, the first tram of type A32 is expected to be delivered to Stockholm. It will be the first of an order for twelve, and seven are expected to have been delivered by the summer of 1999. The trams will then be test-run in preparation for the opening on 16 August of the new light rail line that runs Alvik-Liljeholmen-Gullmarsplan. The plan is to eventually use A32 cars on the Nockeby, Lidingö and Saltsjö lines as well.

Bombardier and Adtranz
This type of tram is completely new to Stockholm. The trams are being supplied by Austrian Bombardier together with Adtranz; the latter firm is also supplying the new underground cars for Stockholm. The bodies are being built at BWS in Vienna, the bogies at BN in Belgium. Final assembly is being done in Västerås.

Environmentally sound
The task of designing the new tram has been going on for a while now, and the standards have been set at a high level when it comes to the new tram's environmental impact and its comfort. The tram will be 30 meters long and 2.65 meters wide; it will have a capacity of 180 passengers, 78 seated and 106 standing. Maximum speed will be 80 km/h. Boarding and alighting will be handled by three pairs of doors on each side of the car, and a large portion of the car's floor is low, making it easier for wheelchairs and baby carriages to use the car.

Environmental standards are reflected in the fact that the tram's material components are recyclable and its energy consumption has been kept low. With thought to the passengers, the tram has been attractively designed, with noise and vibration kept to a minimum. The new car is similar to the "Vagn 2000" underground car in both inside and outside appearance.

From Cologne and Croydon to Nockeby and Lidingö
The procurement of the new tram was a choice among nine different cars from six manufacturers. The selected tram is based on a design already purchased by the transport authority in Cologne (Stadtbahn car K4000), and London Transport has selected the same car for service on the new line in Croydon. In Stockholm, it is calculated that a total of 70 trams will be needed to cover service on the new light rail line, plus the Nockeby, Saltsjö and Lidingö lines.

Text: Per Ampferer.
English translation: Tim Kynerd