Flexity Outlook Eurotram
| Industry | Tram manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Socimi |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Fate | Production transferred to ABB Group, then Adtranz, then Bombardier Transportation |
| Headquarters | Italy |
| Products | Electric tramcars (Eurotram) |
| Parent | Bombardier Transportation (final) |
The Socimi Eurotram—which was later rebranded as the Bombardier Flexity Outlook (E)—is an electric tramcar originally engineered for the Compagnie de Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS) network. Initially manufactured by Socimi, production responsibilities shifted sequentially to ABB Group, then Adtranz, and ultimately to Bombardier Transportation, where it became part of the broader Flexity Outlook product line.
These Eurotrams serve various transit systems, including the Strasbourg tramway in France, Azienda Trasporti Milanesi in Italy, and the Porto Metro in Portugal.
History and design
Conceived specifically for CTS and the Strasbourg tramway, the Eurotram boasts a fully low-floor design complemented by air conditioning and an optimized power-to-weight ratio, enabling it to negotiate 8% inclines within Strasbourg’s central station tunnel. The tram’s unique aesthetic was crafted by Belgian designer Philippe Neerman.
Production contracts were divided between ABB Group and Milan-based Socimi; however, after Socimi declared bankruptcy, ABB finalized manufacturing using Socimi’s prototypes at its UK facilities, incorporating certain parts supplied by ABB Trazione in Italy.
The vehicle’s modular construction consists of cabs, passenger modules, and articulation segments. Strasbourg’s original seven-module configuration includes two cabs, three passenger modules, and two articulation sections, measuring a total length of . The trainsets combine powered and unpowered bogies equipped with independently rotating wheels mounted on stub axles; suspension is provided through radial arms paired with air springs. Each powered wheel is driven by a three-phase asynchronous motor installed on the bogie and connected via a gearbox.
Seven-module trams in Strasbourg can transport up to 285 passengers, with seating for 66, while nine-module variants accommodate 370 passengers including 92 seats. Traction power ratings vary from to .
Following ABB’s transportation division becoming Adtranz—and later acquired by Bombardier Transportation—the Eurotram was incorporated into Bombardier’s Flexity Outlook portfolio.
Although evaluated for Nottingham Express Transit in 1998, the Eurotram’s single-leaf door design led to delays due to safety regulations regarding door closing times; consequently, the double-leaf door-equipped Incentro tram was selected instead.
In December 2002, Porto tram number 018 was exhibited in Australia before operating on Melbourne’s tram network until March 2003 as a seven-section vehicle.
Orders
Between 1994 and 1995, Strasbourg's CTS received twenty-six Eurotrams measuring 33.1 meters (seven-module units) deployed on line A. A subsequent order in 1996 added twenty-seven more trams—nine seven-module and eighteen nine-module vehicles.
The Milan tram system (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) procured twenty units from Adtranz.
Seventy-two vehicles were produced for Porto Metro’s tram service starting in 2001 at Bombardier’s Amadora plant in Portugal.
In total, over 150 units were manufactured during the period from 1994 to 2004.
| City | Network | Number | Unit-Numbers | Built by | UnitType | Year Built | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg, France | Tramway de Strasbourg | 26 10 17 |
1001–1026 1031–1040 1051–1067 |
ABB Adtranz Adtranz |
8-axled 8-axled 10-axled |
1994–1995 1998–1999 1999–2000 |
|
| Milano, Italy | Milano Tram | 26 | 7001–7026 | Adtranz | 8-axled | 1999–2000 | Unidirectional |
| Porto, Portugal | Metro do Porto | 72 | MP-001–MP-072 | Bombardier | 8-axled | 2001–2006 | Units can be coupled |