NORWAY: The first of 12 low-floor Variobahn trams for the Bybanen light rail line was delivered to Bergen on December 8.

Stadler was awarded a supply and eight-year maintenance contract on January 5 2008. The five-module bi-directional tram is 32·2 m long and 2 650 mm wide with a floor height of 350 mm throughout. The air-conditioned stainless steel car has 84 seats and space for 128 standees.

The 9·8 km first section of the Bybanen route between Bergen city centre and Nesttun will have 15 stops and is due to open in mid-2010. The route will be operated by the Fjord1 Partner consortium led by Keolis.

Phase II will see the line extended from Nesttun to the airport at Flesland. Stadler has an option to supply a further 20 vehicles.