Bombardier Transportation and the Brussels Intercommunal Transportation Co. (STIB) signed a framework agreement to supply up to 175 Bombardier Flexity trams. The total amount of the framework contract is valued up to approximately $586 million.

The first firm order under this framework contract is for 60 Flexity trams and is valued at approximately $206 million. The contract signature follows an announcement made by STIB in February selecting Bombardier Transportation as preferred bidder.

The new trams will feature a range of amenities, such as a passenger communication network with large high contrast LCD displays and a climatization system managed by intelligent sensors. Full LED lighting will reduce energy consumption while the track-friendly Bombardier Flexx Urban 3000 bogies will deliver a smooth ride with reduced vibration and noise. The driver's cab also features the company’s Driver's Assistance System, the latest safety technology that uses an intelligent array of cameras and sensors to detect pedestrians and other vehicles moving near the tram.

Some of the new trams will replace older high floor trams, while the rest will be used to increase STIB's tram fleet and capacity as they extend the network. Vehicles are scheduled for delivery starting in March 2020.

To date, Bombardier has delivered over 400 trams to STIB, this includes the older PCC series 7000 high floor trams delivered in the 70s, the T2000s delivered in the 90s, and the most recent order for 220 T3000 and T4000 trams delivered between 2005 and 2015.