Bombardier CR4000
| Company type | Tram vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | K4000 (Cologne Stadtbahn) |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Bombardier Transportation |
| Headquarters | Vienna , Austria |
Area served | London, United Kingdom |
| Products | 76% low-floor trams (Flexity Swift series) |
| Owner | Transport for London (Tramlink) |
| Parent | Bombardier Transportation |
| Website | www |
Bombardier CR4000
The Bombardier CR4000 is a 76% low-floor tram belonging to the Bombardier Flexity Swift series, currently operated by London's Tramlink. Produced between 1998 and 2000 at Bombardier’s Vienna facility in Austria, these trams bear a strong resemblance to the K4000 models deployed on Cologne Stadtbahn’s low-platform lines. The fleet, comprising 24 vehicles, commenced service in spring 2000, with 23 units still active today.
Constructed with an aluminium body, each tram stretches 30.1 meters in length and provides seating for 70 passengers alongside standing room for 138. Propulsion is delivered by four Alstom asynchronous three-phase AC motors that produce a combined output of 480 kW. The CR4000 operates on a 750 V DC overhead catenary system utilizing pantograph current collection. It achieves a top speed of 50 mph and employs Kiepe Electric GTO–VVVF traction control technology.
The fleet underwent refurbishments during 2008–2009 and again in 2015 to modernize both interiors and technical systems. Maintenance and servicing are conducted at the Therapia Lane Depot, ensuring continued support for Tramlink’s urban transit services throughout London.
History
Between 1998 and 2000, Bombardier Transportation assembled 24 trams at its Vienna plant. The initial unit, number 2530, arrived at Therapia Lane depot on 13 September 1998 and was promptly subjected to testing procedures. Although passenger operations were initially scheduled for November 1999, delays in line construction postponed the inaugural service until 10 May 2000.
The trams are numbered sequentially from 2530 to 2553, succeeding the former London Transport numbering series which ended at 2529 (with those units retired by 1952). Upon introduction, all vehicles were presented in a red and white livery except tram number 2550, which featured the FirstGroup color scheme.
Overview
These vehicles are six-axle, single-articulated, double-ended trams equipped with four doors on each side. The low-floor area extends between the outer door sets through the articulation section resting on an unpowered bogie. Elevated sections above the powered bogies require passengers to ascend steps. The low-floor height aligns with platform levels to facilitate accessibility, including designated spaces for two wheelchairs per tram.
Each unit measures approximately long and wide, offering seating capacity for 70 passengers and total accommodation exceeding 200 individuals. Powered by a overhead supply of , they can reach speeds up to .
Safety systems incorporate an integrated traction brake controller featuring a deadman’s handle: if the driver releases this control while the tram is moving, audible alarms activate followed by automatic brake application after a preset delay.
Upgrades and refurbishment
Since their deployment, these trams have received several upgrades. In 2006, traditional bus-style destination blinds were replaced with LED screens, and onboard announcements were updated to feature the voice of BBC presenter Nicholas Owen.
From 2008 to 2009, the entire fleet underwent refurbishment that included comprehensive interior cleaning, replacement of seat moquette, and application of a refreshed exterior livery in lime green, blue, and white tones.
A subsequent refurbishment phase between 2015 and 2016 involved full interior repainting—including handrails—installation of new flooring and seat fabrics, updated safety signage, removal of stop request buttons, and fitting of new LED headlights externally. Tram number 2553 re-entered service in May 2015 following repairs from a major accident combined with this refurbishment program.
Naming
On 20 October 2007 at Beckenham Junction, tram number 2535 was formally dedicated as Stephen Parascandolo 1980 - 2007 in tribute to Stephen Parascandolo, a passionate local tram supporter and the webmaster behind the "Unofficial Croydon Tramlink website." Parascandolo tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 26. The dedication event was attended by his relatives, fellow enthusiasts, and representatives from Tramlink.
Accidents and incidents
Unit 2551 experienced a derailment and subsequent overturn on 9 November 2016 while negotiating a tight curve near Sandilands Junction. This accident caused seven deaths and injured 58 individuals, with 16 sustaining serious injuries. Investigations revealed that the tram was traveling at approximately 73 km/h in an area restricted to 20 km/h.
Following the incident, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) examined the type of glazing used in CR4000 series vehicles due to significant damage on the tram’s right side, including shattered windows through which passengers were ejected. Notably, six of the seven fatalities occurred as passengers were thrown out through these broken windows. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) refrained from commenting on whether laminated safety glass had been fitted, citing the ongoing RAIB inquiry. Bombardier did not provide any information regarding the glass specifications when approached.
Due to severe damage sustained, vehicle 2551 was withdrawn permanently from operation.
External links
- London Trams – Transport for London
- Croydon Tramlink - The Unofficial Website – Stephen Parascandolo
- London Croydon Tramlink Underground Real Distance Map – City Rail Transit
- Bombardier Flexity Swift: London-Croydon, United Kingdom – Bombardier