Flexity Classic
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Fate | Acquired by Alstom in 2021 |
| Products | Flexity Classic tram |
| Parent | Alstom (since 2021) |
The Flexity Classic tram is a model initially created and produced by Bombardier Transportation, with manufacturing now continued by Alstom after its acquisition of Bombardier in 2021. Positioned as the most traditionally styled variant within the Flexity series, this modern, bi-directional articulated tram incorporates suspended body sections alongside a low-floor design to enhance accessibility, particularly benefiting wheelchair users. Flexity Classic vehicles run on diverse track gauges, including standard gauge in Australia, metre gauge in Essen, and distinctive gauges found in Dresden and Leipzig.
These Flexity trams are deployed across various German cities and international locations such as Stockholm (2010–2020), Norrköping, Gothenburg (Sweden), Kraków, Gdańsk (Poland), and Adelaide in South Australia.
Its main competitors include Siemens’ Combino, Avenio, and Avanto models, alongside Alstom’s Citadis range prior to the acquisition. Following the 2004 metal fatigue issues experienced by the Combino, the Flexity Classic emerged as Germany’s predominant tram model for nearly ten years.
Adelaide
Starting in 2006, TransAdelaide initiated the replacement of Type H trams on the Glenelg line with 11 Flexity Classic units manufactured by Bombardier in Bautzen, Germany. The first vehicle arrived at Glengowrie depot in November 2005 and commenced operations in January 2006. A further order for four additional trams expanded the fleet to 15 units, numbered from 101 to 115.
These trams are painted in Adelaide Metro’s white color scheme accented with yellow, blue, and red. Approximately 70% of their floor area is low-level, allowing easy access via three doorways suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Onboard features include air conditioning, heating systems, CCTV surveillance, and automated stop announcements. Conductors are present during service.
The seating capacity accommodates 64 passengers, with standing room for up to 115. Early criticisms regarding overcrowding—attributed to rising passenger numbers and limited air conditioning—were addressed through enhancements and the introduction of Alstom Citadis (200 Series) trams, which effectively eased congestion.
Specifications
| Flexity trams | |
|---|---|
| Track gauge: | Template:RailGauge |
| Power source: | 600 V DC overhead wire |
| Traction: | 4 motors |
| Number in class: | 15 |
| Unit numbers: | 101–115 |
| Introduced: | 2006 (11), 2008 (4) |
| Built by: | Bombardier Transportation Bautzen, Germany |
| Passenger capacity: | 64 seated; 115 standing |
| Weight: | 40 tonnes (39 long tons; 44 short tons) |
| Length: | 30 m (98 ft 5+1⁄8 in) |
| Width: | 2.4 m (7 ft 10+1⁄2 in) |
Dresden and Leipzig
The Flexity Classic XXL, crafted by Bombardier Transportation at their Bautzen facility, is operated by the Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe. Measuring , it accommodates up to 260 passengers, with seating for 153. Engineered to handle Dresden’s steep elevation changes, it offers a power-to-weight ratio optimized for challenging gradients. Since entering service in 2003, Dresden has incorporated 43 of these trams on routes experiencing high demand.
In Leipzig, the Flexity Classic XXL (NGT12-LEI) is managed by the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe. Beginning with an initial fleet of 12 units from 2005, LVB expanded this number to 33 by early 2012 through successive deliveries of similarly capacious vehicles featuring tailored exterior designs.