Siemens transfers low-floor tram technology to Chinese manufacturer

CHANGSHA - Chinese passengers will be able to take a ride on state-of-the-art low-floor trams in the near future, thanks to agreements signed Wednesday between Siemens and CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Ltd.

Siemens will transfer 100 percent of its "Combino" low-floor tram technology to the Chinese company, with the Chinese-made trams set to roll off the production line by the end of this year or early next year, according to a long-term cooperation agreement and technology license agreement signed by both sides.

Low-floor trams lack the short steps sometimes located between train entrances, making them more convenient for children, disabled people and the elderly to traverse.

The length of the Combino trams varies from 19 meters to a world record of 54 meters, allowing them to accommodate 100 to 250 passengers, depending on the tram design.

The low-floor trams cost just one-fifth of the amount spent on subway trams, making them suitable for public transportation in major Chinese cities, said Xu Zongxiang, general manager of CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Ltd.

CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Ltd is one of the country's biggest electric train manufacturers. It is a subsidiary of CSR Corporation Limited.