Draft:RNT 2020

The Rhein-Neckar-Tram 2020 (RNT 2020) (manufacturer name ForCity Smart 36T, 37T and 38T) is a series of low-floor tram by Škoda Transportation for the Rhein-Neckar metropolitan region. The RNT 2020 is to be used on all lines of the Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (RNV) and will replace vehicles built between 1960 and 2000.

General Information
The Rhein-Neckar-Tram 2020 is designed as a bi-directional vehicle. This is particularly important for its use in Heidelberg due to the low number of turning loops. The model type with doors on both sides makes it possible to use it overland, as there are many stations with platforms on both sides. The trams can reach a maximum speed of 80 km/h.

Order
The order covers 80 vehicles at a cost of 265 million euros. The trams are build at the Czech manufacturer Škoda Transportation at locations in Czechia and Finland. Basis for the RNT 2020 is the Škoda Artic.

The 37- and 38T variants are designed as partial bi-directional vehicles with only one cab and doors on both sides and are used exclusively in double traction. The other ends of the vehicles are equipped with a gangway that allows passengers to access the entire tram. The advantage of this is that in the event of a fault, only the affected half of the vehicle needs to be repaired and the other half can be reconnected and returned to service.

Multiple tractions should be avoided during rush hours by using the longer trams. Furthermore, there is more space for passengers in the same space and two driver's cabs can be saved per vehicle. The 60-meter cars are currently the longest meter-gauge streetcars in the world.

The vehicles have been delivered since October 2022. The first RNT 2020 arrived in Ludwigshafen between 2:30 and 3:00 a.m. on the morning of October 18, 2022.

Usage
The first carriage, with number 1402 (type 36T), went into service on April 14, 2023, almost three years late, at the start of the Bundesgartenschau in Mannheim.

The vehicles have been in operation on Mannheim Line 2 between Neckarstadt West and Feudenheim since October 9, 2023. They are now also in use on line 3 and as driving school vehicles. Since the end of January 2024, the first 37T full train 1803/1804 of the RNT has been in regular service on line 3 between Sandhofen and Rheingoldhalle. Since February 8, 2024, the 1408 and 1409 have been operating as traction on Line 1 between Schönau and Rheinau Bahnhof.

Weblinks
Rhein-Neckar-Tram 2020
 * Seite zur Rhein-Neckar-Tram 2020