Siemens–Duewag U2

The Siemens-Düwag U2 is a type of light-rail vehicle (LRV). The cars were built by consortium of Siemens, Wegmann & Co. and Düwag. The U2 design was built on the Siemens U1 prototype tram built in 1965 (now stored at a Frankfurt tram museum).

Originally designed for and used by the Frankfurt U-Bahn, the model of car was adopted for light-rail use by transit systems in Edmonton, Calgary, and San Diego, during a period in which few purpose-built trams were being manufactured. All U2 cars were built between 1968 and 1990.

Technical details

The U2's dimensions are 24.284 m (79 ft 8.1 in) by 2.650 m (8 ft 8.3 in) by 3.66 m (12 ft 0 in). In the US, usually up to three U2 cars are coupled to run as a train. Each articulated car has a total passenger capacity of 264 passengers. It may be equipped with two DC motors for a total power output of 300 kW (400 hp) and a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), or with four AC motors for an output of 544 kW (730 hp) and speed of 88 km/h (55 mph).