The first low-floor modern tram built by Romanian company Astra Vagoane Calatori, which is called Imperio, was recently tested in Arad, Western Romania.

A low-floor tram is a tram that has no stair steps between the entrances and part or all of the passenger cabin. The low-floor design improves the accessibility of the tram for the public, and also may provide larger windows and more airspace.

The Romanian tram was built by Astra Vagoane Calatori in partnership with German group Siemens. The Romanian company has already built two such trams and plans to deliver four trams next year to Arad municipality. The cost of such a trams is around EUR 1 million, according to local Digi 24.

The new trams are currently being tested and will enter in Arad’s system of public transportation in December.

Astra Vagoane Arad and Siemens have also built a similar tram prototype in partnership with Bucharest’s public transport company RATB. The prototype, called Imperio ECO, was presented in July 2012, but it’s production has been delayed.

Astra Vagoane Calatori Arad is the largest producer of railway vehicles in Romania. The company also produces passenger railway coaches for the local railway carrier CFR Calatori and for export. The company is owned by Romanian businessman Valer Blidar, and had a turnover of EUR 40 million, in 2013.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: astra-passengers.ro)