Gangway systems for KVG ForCity trams ready

The HÜBNER Group will soon deliver the first gangway systems for the new trams of the Kasseler Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (KVG). After the successful inspection of the prototypes, the components developed in Kassel will be delivered to the Škoda Group for trams to be in use in Kassel from 2027. Kassel will be tenth city where Škoda trams will be running.

The delivery of the first components to the Škoda Group from August 2025 marks an important milestone in KVG’s major project, to which HÜBNER is contributing a total of 44 gangway systems for the 22 new trams. Each system consists of outer corrugated bellows, inner bellows and turntable. In addition, there are the lower and upper articulation systems, which are generally characterized by a high level of ease of maintenance and innovative technical features.

The lower articulation is the FX1000pro, the latest model from the high-performance FX articulation series, which HÜBNER has further developed and manufactures in a recently rebuilt production section at the site in Kassel-Waldau. It is manufactured in a particularly sustainable manner in accordance with modern eco-design and, with a particularly long service life, ensures greater availability of the vehicles.

The upper articulation systems come from the affiliated company HEMSCHEIDT Engineering from Feucht near Nürnberg. They have an integrated suspension element that optimises the spring characteristics and reduces weight – for greater energy efficiency and driving comfort.

Accessibility will also be improved by the new trams for KVG. Hand folding ramps from the HÜBNER site in Kassel enable wheelchair users, travellers with prams or heavy luggage to board easily and thus improve the social participation of people with disabilities.

The Škoda Group plans to deliver the first new trams to KVG in mid-2026. The new vehicles are expected to be from 2027 in the regular service of the KVG city network, to Vellmar and on the routes to Baunatal and through the Losse Valley.