Bombardier touts launch in U.K. of FLEXITY 2
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefBombardier Transportation Thursday hosted a “global launch” of its FLEXITY 2 tram in Blackpool, England. Blackpool and Lancashire County Council purchased the equipment to “revitalize Britain’s most traditional tram system and will operate 16 new, ultra-modern FLEXITY 2 vehicles on the Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway,” the company said.
FLEXITY 2 is based on the successful FLEXITY family of light rail vehicles and combines proven technology with continuous improvement and innovation, Bombardier said.
As well, Blackpool claims to operate the United Kingdom’s longest running tram operation, which last year celebrated its 125th year of operation. While heritage trams operate as a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the city, with new accessibility regulations coming into effect in 2019, Blackpool and Lancashire County Council began an extensive program to identify a supplier for a new fleet of vehicles, which would enable ease of access and comfort for all passengers.
FLEXITY 2 vehicles sport 100% low floor technology and some new advanced features, such as touch-screens in the driver’s cab, Bombardier said.
Blackpool Council Leader Simon Blackburn said, “Providing a modern tram service that operates as an effective transport system while still offering visitors and residents the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted views of our coastline is something unique to Blackpool. The new FLEXITY 2 model will help us improve access for people with prams or with wheel chairs for example and will run alongside our heritage trams.”
Germar Wacker, president of the Business Unit Light Rail of Bombardier Transportation, said, “We are delighted that Blackpool and Lancashire chose the FLEXITY 2, to bring the latest technology to such a revered tram operation in the UK. The FLEXITY 2 tram incorporates outstanding, proven features of Bombardier trams into one vehicle. FLEXITY 2 will ensure that all passengers in Blackpool and the Fylde coast can enjoy the best standards in comfort and safety.”
