Flexity Swift
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The Flexity Swift tram is a light-rail vehicle manufactured by Bombardier Transportation. Most models follow a 70% low-floor design in order to allow access to those in wheelchairs without requiring the construction of high platforms, though some of Cologne's fleet use a high-floor format (900 mm) with level boarding platforms instead, in order to retain compatibility with stations built for older trams.
They are bi-directional, with cabs at both ends and doors on both sides, and are articulated with three sections. The centre section is very short on most trams, but can be replaced with a longer piece in order to increase capacity, as London is considering doing for future lines.
The trams can be coupled together into trains, and can safely reach speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) when running on dedicated lines. Systems using the Flexity Swift tram include Cologne (for which it was originally designed), south London's Tramlink, Istanbul, Rotterdam, Stockholm (lines 12 and 22), and the Minneapolis Hiawatha Line. Merseytram in Liverpool/Merseyside plans to use the same model as London if it is built.
In April 2007, eight new Flexity trams were ordered for use on Manchester Metrolink.
The Flexity Swift's closest competitors are Alstom's Citadis, the Siemens Combino and Avanto, Sirio from Ansaldobreda, and Bombardier's other Flexity trams (including the Outlook, Classic, and Link).
[edit] Gallery of Flexity Swift trams
 A Flexity Swift tram on the RijnGouweLijn in the south of The Netherlands |
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[edit] External links
- Flexity Swift official site
- About London's trams (unofficial)
Technical Information concerning the electrical equipment:
