New Moderus trams already operating [PHOTO, VIDEO]

Two new trains purchased by the MPK had already left on their route. Four more are prepared to join the traffic and to appear on streets in the coming days. With the delivery of six Moderus trams, Wrocław has now eighty eight trams adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. And it is precisely the 'W-skersi' group who tested the new tram on pl. Teatralny. "There is plenty of space for us, indeed. The new purchases are a thrill. They will seriously expand our route network by the routes, on which even the partially low-floor trams operate", says Bartłomiej Skrzyński, Wrocław spokesman for Persons with Disabilities. The trams are also adapted to the needs of the blind, or partially sighted. They are equipped with a voice announcement system, special, more visible information boards, and all the buttons inside the tram are also Braille-marked.

The MPK ordered six new trams Modertrans in the tender. 'There is, however, the possibility to extend the contract by another sixteen trams,' says Patryk Wild, board member of the MPK Wrocław. "And then, the number of trams adjusted to the needs of people with disabilities, mothers with children or the elderly, will exceed one hundred", he adds.

We also managed to take a ride with the new tram. It seems very spacious and a lot more quiet than, for example, the one by Skoda.

MPK paid approx. 23 million PLN net for the trams. "They are partially low-floor, but in terms of technical solutions, components or technology, they are as good as those by Pesa. However, they cost half the price of those made in Bydgoszcz", says Agnieszka Korzeniowska, spokeswoman for the MPK.

Passengers can judge the new trams themselves. Today and tomorrow Moderus vehicles will operate on line 17. Later, the trams will also appear on other lines. "We will do our best to use them and the Pesa trams interchangeably, so that they appear on as many routes as possible", says Patryk Wild.

Moderus Beta MF 19AC

Specification

Length: 28250 mm Width: 2354 mm Low-floor module Passenger capacity: 214 Seats: 40 Standing places: 174 Number of doors: 5 (1 single-leaf+ 4 two-leaf) Drive bogies: 4, steerable Drive: asynchronous Colour - metallic blue

Equipment

• Air conditioning of the passenger compartment
• Air distribution ducting
• Monitoring system
• Dynamic passenger information (LED information boards and LCD monitors, announcements of stops)
• Photocells in the door additionally protects from catching
• A platform for wheelchairs and prams
• USB chargers

Purchase cost: 3.75 million PLN a piece