Rail technology company Bombardier Transportation (www.bombardier.com)has signed a ‘framework agreement’ to supply up to 175 Bombardier Flexity trams to the Brussels Intercommunal Transportation Co (STIB).

The total value of the contract is about 480 million euros, starting with a firm order for 60 Flexity trams (worth about 169 million euros).

This follows an announcement made by STIB in February, naming Bombardier Transport-ation as preferred bidder.

Sébastien Ridremont, Bombardier Transportation sales director (Benelux), said: “Our goal is to persuade the people of Brussels to leave their cars behind and choose more efficient and eco-friendly mobility options.

"These new Flexity trams are key to achieving that, as they will greatly enhance the passenger experience with low-floor access and a spacious interior.

“Over the last 20 years, our engineers have developed an in-depth knowledge of the Brussels tram network — information that enabled Bombardier to propose the most efficient and network-friendly tram solution.”

The new trams will feature a range of passenger amenities, as well as full LED lighting designed to reduce energy consumption.

The Bombardier Flexx Urban 3000 bogies have been designed to deliver a smooth ride, with reduced vibration and noise.

The driver’s cab features the company’s Driver’s Assistance System, which uses an “intelligent array of cameras and sensors to detect pedestrians and other vehicles moving near the tram”.

Some of the new trams will replace older high-floor trams, while the rest will be used to increase STIB’s tram fleet and capacity as the network is extended.

For this first call-off, 49 of the vehicles will be 32m-long five-car types, with the remaining 11 being 43m seven-car types. The first deliveries are scheduled for March 2020.

Bombardier Transportation employs around 39,850 people and its products and services operate in over 60 countries.