According to a Japanese drum concert and the Speeches of the politicians, it was so far: The new Flexity Tram rolled out on Friday afternoon for the first Time from the Central plant facility at the VBZ headquarters in Zurich-Altstetten. Four years late, in favour of fanfare accompanies. Was not controlled by VBZ-Director, Guido Schoch. Although he had longed for this day, he took on the folding seat beside the driver seat.
and Then offered the invited guests the possibility the 43-Meter-long Tram (just under 7 meters longer than the Cobra) from the inside to look at, to sit in one of the 91 seats (one more than the Cobra) trial and the 188 number of standing places (130 is in the Cobra) to. How does it feel? What is the Flexity is no good? We have it tested and make the comparison to the Cobra.
sense of space
Velvet Lounge: The Flexity is simple and offers a lot of space. Photo: Reto Oeschger
those Who enter the new Tram, feels more in a subway than in a Tram. It offers plenty of unobstructed space is getting long, and leaves the Cobra in comparison, small and crammed full of work. Flexity is to say: without a lot of bells and whistles to be comfortable – also in the Lounge in the rear of the composition. In the space protruding wheel arches such as in the Basel Drämmli there are in Zurich there is no trace. The white walls make the interior bright, the metal rods and the wooden seats give it a certain Freshness. The brightly painted green walls didn’t need to be too. Critically the height of the room at the Points where the seats are slightly raised – Tall enough to reach the ceiling. There is a clear advantage compared to the new buses, the light, it is bright and cold; a little brighter than in the Tram of 2000, or in the Cobra, but still hot.
metal rods, wooden seats, more air, big Windows, bright light. In the space effect the Flexity wins against the Cobras.
The gizmos
signs of the times: 24-in USB ports there are in the new Tram.
Small black Connectors in the Form of retaining certain seats in the new Tram to favorite places to make buttons. In these black Jacks, the two USB connector ports are to charge the Smartphone. In today’s time, more than just a Gimmick, which worked at least in the current Test, perfectly. The Cobra, from a time in the cell phone battery had almost a week and feel the need to immediately power was small, not in the logical way. That’s why we press one eye and not put it in the Cobra at a disadvantage. The second innovation, however, corresponds to less of the spirit of the times: a dress-hook, secured to the seat in front of you. And this is a bit of a bad design. He is more of a tick to a little wide, too deep to be mounted and, therefore, for long Jackets is disabled. We don’t miss this Gimmick in the Cobra so. So: in a draw, the Flexity is still leading 1:0.
The seats
A place more than the Cobra: 91 seats made of beech wood in the Tram.
In this category could not lose the new Tram at all. The seats are made of beech wood are a little dull, but elegant and are quite comfortable. And hygienic, what can not be said of the often in something verranzten Cobra cloth seats. The place is also a big plus point. You can sit in the individual seats, the leg room is surprisingly large, even with a high shot people poking the knee. Together with coat and jacket it will be as tight as in today’s Trams. 2:0 for the Flexity.
The disabled-friendliness
Should make the public transport in Zurich barrier-free: All new Trams are low-floor.
of Course, the Flexity is a low floor throughout. For people who are dependent on a wheelchair, is the tram shortage there is currently a plague, since there is often no Trams with a low initial run. Disabled people’s organisations have also obtained the three large open spaces. The Flexity offers cars for passengers with children and bicycles a relief. The next point goes to the Flexity – 3:0.
survey
How do you like the Flexity?
I like it better than the Cobra.
The Flexity scores points with me.
> Vote <p class="result answer" I like it better than the Cobra.
100%
The Flexity scores points with me.
0%
1 vote
I like it better than the Cobra.
100%
The Flexity scores points with me.
0%
1 vote
The displays
the placement of the information screens it, what should be the Flexity in the first place: a means of transport for many people on short routes recognizes. The people shall stand, the seat comfort is secondary. The screens on the ceiling are placed so that they can be read from the floor seats better than the Seats from. The screens are not an improvement to earlier. The Cobra wins the first point. Intermediate Level: 3:1 Flexity.
The Exterior
With plenty of late, it bends the curve: The new Tram is reminiscent of a Tatzelwurm.
From the point of view, reminiscent of the Flexity with its many elements to a long Tatzelwurm. It will protrude with its 43 metres of each bus stop in the front and the rear. On the exterior, the Flexity stands out clearly from the existing Zurich Tram: round in shape, stringently in the lines, simple Signage. The LED lights on the doors that display the shut-down status, are also subtle. Only from the front, the Tram appears to be powerful. The cab is a little too high. What is confusing is: the flagging. It is not in the middle of the front, but mounted on the side. All in all, the Flexity looks nicer than the Cobra, makes 4:1 for the Flexity.
In February, the second Flexity
the question as to the ride quality Remains. This can only be evaluated in the early summer. Then the Flexity after the test phase will operate for the first time, pass through the town roles.
On what line is still unclear; probably, but on the heavily loaded line 4. Until then, it is tested extensively and on the Zurich rail network to be adjusted. The first new Tram does not remain alone for long. In February, the next one will be from the East German Bombardier plant in Bautzen to Zürich transported. And starting in may, a month another new Flexity in the VBZ, it should arrive in workshops. Until 2024 70 Flexity in Zurich are on the road – so is the Plan at least. Today, it is not clear that the 70 new Trams to be sufficient in the long term, to meet the needs in Zurich. The VBZ to negotiate with the ZVV , whether a further 70 can be ordered. The VBZ should get up in the summer, no OK of the transport Association, which threatens, once again, a tram shortage, as it prevails today.
And, perhaps, will arrive thanks to the new Tram, which Stéphane Wettstein, managing Director of Bombardier in Switzerland, said at the ceremony: That of Zurich overtaken in terms of quality of life in Vienna, where the Flexitys run for a long time.
Created: 15.11.2019, 18:45 PM
