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| Flexity Classic | |
|---|---|
 A 2000sfacelift Flexity Classic in Stockholm | |
 A 2020s facelift Flexity Classic tram inEssen | |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier Transportation (2003–2021) Alstom (2021–present) |
| Designer | Deutsche Waggonbau [de] |
| Family name | Flexity |
| Constructed | 2003–present |
| Predecessor | Essen M8D-NF (1999–2001) Kassel 8NGTW |
| Specifications | |
| Low-floor | 65–74% |
| Track gauge | |
TheFlexity Classic is atram model introduced in 2006 and manufactured byAlstom after it acquiredBombardier Transportation in 2021. Although it is marketed as the most traditionally designed member of theFlexity family, it is a modern bi-directional articulated tram withsuspended body segments. Thelow-floor sections allow good accessibility, especially to passengers inwheelchairs. The design and initial production was carried out byDeutsche Waggonbau [de] (DWA), using theLF2000 name.[1]
Flexity models operate in a number of German cities, as well as inStockholm (2010–2020),Norrköping andGothenburg (Sweden),Kraków andGdańsk (Poland), andAdelaide inSouth Australia. Most Flexity Classic trams run on1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)standard gauge, but run on1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in)metre gauge inEssen, on1,450 mm (4 ft 9+3⁄32 in) gauge inDresden, and on1,458 mm (4 ft 9+13⁄32 in) gauge inLeipzig.
Along with other varieties of Flexity trams, the Flexity Classic's closest competitors are theCombino,Avenio andAvanto manufactured bySiemens and, prior to the take-over of Bombardier,Alstom'sCitadis. Following theCombino metal fatigue crisis in 2004, the Flexity Classic became the most popular tram model in Germany for almost a decade.[2]
In 2006,TransAdelaide began to replace theType H cars operating on theGlenelg tram line with 11 Flexity Classic trams built inBautzen, Germany byBombardier Transportation.[3] The first of the new cars was delivered to theGlengowrie depot in November 2005 and entered revenue service on 9 January 2006.[4] A further order of four in 2008 brought the total to 15, numbered 101–115.[5]
The Flexity cars are painted in a standardAdelaide Metro colour scheme of white with yellow, blue and red ends. The trams have low floors throughout 70 per cent of their length, and are accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs through each of the three sets of doors. Their features include air conditioning, heating, recorded video surveillance and automated audio and visual announcements of the next stop. Rovingconductors are employed.
The internal layout accommodates 64 seated passengers and another 115 standing. Initial overcrowding owing to the popularity of the rejuvenated Glenelg line and the short route extension through the business area of Adelaide, and the inadequacy of air conditioning in Adelaide's hot summers, led to adverse reactions from commuters and local media, but the faults were soon rectified and supplementation by Alstom Citadis trams (200 Series) has minimised overcrowding.
| Flexity trams[6] | |
|---|---|
| Track gauge: | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)standard gauge |
| Power source: | 600VDCoverhead 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 ft5+1⁄8 in) |
| Width: | 2.4 m (7 ft10+1⁄2 in) |
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TheFlexity Classic XXL model was developed for theDresden Transport Authority by the German factoryBombardier Transportation inBautzen. It is45 metres (147 ft7+5⁄8 in) long, runs on twelve axles and has a capacity of 260 passengers with 153 seats. The Flexity Classic XXL (classification NGT D12DD) has, because of Dresden's altitude differences of 100 metres (330 ft), apower-to-weight ratio of 112 kg/hp (247 lb/hp; 150 kg/kW)[citation needed]. The tram has been in service since 2003 and serves tram lines with a high peak load of passengers. The exterior is specially designed for the Dresden Transport Authority, which owns 43 trams.
The Flexity Classic XXL is also in service inLeipzig, Germany (classification NGT12-LEI) with theLeipzig Transport Authority (LVB). Although the exterior design is customized, the tram offers the same capacity. It has been in service since 2005. The LVB first ordered 12 trams of this type, then exercised an option for another 12 trams in September 2005 and a third (slightly changed) batch of 9 was delivered in late 2011/early 2012.
