The Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn tram is officially on track, marking a major milestone for public transport in Bonn. After extensive testing, including trials in the Climatic Wind Tunnel in Vienna, and receiving final approval from the Technical Assessment Body, the tram is now ready to carry passengers. Its first official journey was celebrated with a special event at the SWB Bus und Bahn depot in Beuel on Saturday, introducing this state-of-the-art, eco-friendly vehicle to the people of Bonn.
The unveiling event brought together key figures, including Anja Wenmakers, Managing Director of SWB Bus und Bahn; Katja Dörner, Mayor of Bonn and Chairwoman of the SWB Supervisory Board; and Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group.
“The ForCity Smart Bonn represents the perfect blend of innovation, design, and sustainability,” said Petr Novotný. “We are proud to be a part of Bonn’s journey towards a more modern and eco-friendly public transport system. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the trust and collaboration of our valued partner, SWB Bus und Bahn, and the city of Bonn. We are confident that passengers will enjoy the comfort, safety, and efficiency these trams bring to their daily travels.”
“With the new SWB trams, we are laying the foundation for a successful mobility transition in Bonn,” said Anja Wenmakers. “They are powered by green electricity, which contributes to the city’s goal of climate neutrality by 2035. An appealing design, modern features and the latest technology have the potential to get more people excited about public transport.”
Mayor Katja Dörner added, “As Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of SWB Bus und Bahn, this is of course a very special day for me. But even more so for the people of Bonn. Because the new trams will bring a significant improvement in everyday life, especially for them. I would like to thank SWB Bus und Bahn for the continuous and successful cooperation. Public transport is the backbone of the mobility transition. With new trams, we are making a genuine offer to everyone to switch to local public transport.”
The Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn tram has been designed to meet the city’s needs. As one of the first trams in Germany to feature an eco-friendly CO₂-based air conditioning system, it sets new standards for energy efficiency and passenger comfort. The vehicles also include pivoting bogies, reducing noise and vibration while protecting the tracks, and boast wide entrances, multifunctional compartments, and ergonomic driver cabs designed with input from local drivers.
This modern tram, recognised with the Red Dot Award for Product Design, is a modern low-floor vehicle designed to integrate seamlessly with Bonn’s urban landscape. It features advanced lighting for increased visibility, a nearly silent ride to reduce noise pollution, and smart technologies such as cameras replacing traditional rear-view mirrors for enhanced safety.
Passengers and drivers alike are set to benefit from the thoughtful design and cutting-edge innovations, making the Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn a key part of the city’s sustainable future. SWB Bus und Bahn is preparing for the arrival of 28 trams, with the first vehicles already operating on Line 61 between Dottendorf and Auerberg.
