Škoda 26T Forcity Classic tram for Miskolc, Hungary

The Škoda 26T—marketed as the Škoda 26T ForCity Classic and originally designated the 25T—is a bidirectional, low-floor tram developed by the Škoda Transportation group for the tram network in Miskolc, Hungary . The 26T ForCity Classic follows the bidirectional 19T ELEKTRA model (operating in Wrocław, Poland) and precedes the 28T ForCity Classic model (developed by Škoda for the tram network in Konya, Turkey ). The tram was designed by Aufeer Design; the 31 units ordered by the Miskolc Public Transport Authority were assembled at the Škoda factory in Plzeň, Czech Republic.

This new tram concept developed by Škoda offered flexibility, allowing for the manufacture of trams with three to seven sections and lengths ranging from 18m to 50m, with the sections themselves available in various lengths. Additionally, client specifications allowed for the production of a double-articulated tram featuring three sections and six powered bogies. Based on the 14T ELEKTRA model (operating in Prague) and designed by Aufeer Design, the 26T is a bidirectional, five-section, articulated tram with a 100% low-floor layout. It is equipped with three fixed, two-axle bogies: the bogies at both ends are motorized, while the bogie beneath the middle section is non-motorized. The tram measures 32.1m in length and 2.65m in width. It is equipped with eight sets of double doors (four sets on each side of the tram) and four single doors (two on each side). The 26T has a maximum passenger capacity of up to 300; all 31 trams feature a color scheme with organic green floral motifs on a white background, a design chosen by the residents of Miskolc through a public poll. Each tram cost 55 million CZK, and the model serves as the basis for the 30T, which was subsequently developed by Škoda for the tram system in Bratislava, Slovakia .

Development of the 26T model began in the autumn of 2010, a year before Škoda Transportation won the contract to supply new trams to Miskolc in November 2011, beating out four other competitors—including the Spanish manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar Ferrocarriles (CAF) and the Italian manufacturer AnsaldoBreda (now Hitachi Rail Italy). Production of the first prototype began in July 2012, and it was completed in February 2013. Designated the Škoda 26THU3, it was assembled on the morning of May 12, 2013, at the Slovany depot in Plzeň and assigned fleet number #118. From there, it underwent test runs without passengers on the Plzeň tram network, concluding on July 7, 2013. The tram was subsequently returned to Škoda before being transported to Miskolc in August 2013 for minor modifications and adjustments. In Miskolc, the prototype was assigned fleet number #600.

The first tram delivered to Hungary, on July 2, 2013, was the second prototype—completed in June 2013—which was assigned fleet number #601. Test runs and certification followed in the autumn of that year, resulting in approval for the new trams to enter regular passenger service. On January 20, 2014, tram #600 made its first regular passenger run on the Miskolc tram system. The 26T replaced older tram models, such as the Tatra KT8D5. The last tram, #630, was delivered on December 22, 2014. By February 2016, the entire operational fleet, consisting of 31 trams, had covered a total distance of 2,000,000 km.