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Bombardier Transportation and Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council: Worldwide Launch of Bombardier FLEXITY 2 Tram
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Blackpool and Lancashire County Council embrace latest international technology
for UK's longest running tram operation


BERLIN, GERMANY--(Marketwire - September 8, 2011) - Today Bombardier is hosting
the global launch of the BOMBARDIER FLEXITY 2 tram in Blackpool, England.
Blackpool and Lancashire County Council purchased the world's most advanced tram
technology from Bombardier to revitalize Britain's most traditional tram system
and will operate 16 new, ultra-modern FLEXITY 2 vehicles on the Blackpool and
Fleetwood tramway.

The FLEXITY 2 tram combines 'the best of the best' in global tram technology and
Bombardier's experience in delivering more than 3,500 trams and light rail
vehicles to around 100 cities in more than 20 countries. FLEXITY 2 is based on
the very successful BOMBARDIER FLEXITY family of light rail vehicles and
combines proven technology with continuous improvement and innovation.

Blackpool has the UK's longest running tram operation, which last year
celebrated its 125th year of operation. As a popular tourist destination, 4
million passengers use the tram annually, with the majority travelling during
the busy summer period. While the heritage trams that operate the service remain
a popular tourist attraction for visitors, with new accessibility regulations
coming into effect in 2019, Blackpool and Lancashire County Council began an
extensive programme to identify a supplier for a new fleet of vehicles, which
would enable ease of access and comfort for all passengers.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council commented: "Providing a modern
tram service that operates as an effective transport system while still offering
visitors and residents the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted views of our
coastline is something unique to Blackpool. The new FLEXITY 2 model will help us
improve access for people with prams or with wheel chairs for example and will
run alongside our heritage trams.

"Today marks a significant milestone in modernising our tram way and I am
delighted that Bombardier chose the new tram depot on our Promenade as a fitting
backdrop for an international launch of their new model."

Mike Kirby, Director of Transport and Strategic Highways at Lancashire County
Council, said: "We've been very impressed by the professional approach of
Bombardier in working with us and Blackpool to develop the tram scheme and
design and manufacture the vehicles to our chosen specification. We're very much
looking forward to the day when people on the Fylde coast and in Blackpool can
enjoy using this tram for leisure and their regular journeys. The FLEXITY 2
vehicle offers the best tram technology available and demonstrates Lancashire
and Blackpool's commitment to provide a world class transport system."

Germar Wacker, President of the Business Unit Light Rail of Bombardier
Transportation commented: "We are delighted that Blackpool and Lancashire chose
the FLEXITY 2, to bring the latest technology to such a revered tram operation
in the UK. The FLEXITY 2 tram incorporates outstanding, proven features of
Bombardier trams into one vehicle. FLEXITY 2 will ensure that all passengers in
Blackpool and the Fylde coast can enjoy the best standards in comfort and
safety."

In addition to Croydon and Docklands in London, Nottingham and Manchester,
Blackpool and Lancashire has become the latest location in the UK to operate
Bombardier's light rail solutions. The new FLEXITY 2 is equipped with
Bombardier's industry-leading BOMBARDIER ECO4 range of technologies making it an
energy efficient and low carbon means of transit.

As well as having 100% low floor technology for optimal ride comfort, the
FLEXITY 2 tram includes some new advanced features, such as touch-screens in the
driver's cab, reflecting the latest developments in intelligent digital
technology.

"We travelled to every part of Europe to visit both vehicle manufacturers and
other tram operations," Paul Grocott, Programme Manager for Blackpool Council
explained. "We were keen to look at everything the market had to offer and
thereby ensure that we got the most competitive and best solution available.
Ultimately we narrowed our search and selected Bombardier with the FLEXITY 2
tram."

"In the end the technical message from Bombardier was extremely strong," Mr
Grocott added. "The company has a lot of experience, particularly in the UK and
whilst this is a new vehicle type it is a derivative of what is best in the
FLEXITY family."

The FLEXITY 2 vehicles are eagerly anticipated by the general public in
Blackpool and Lancashire, though this does not signal the end for the heritage
trams, which will continue to run alternate services with the new vehicles.
Passengers will be able to choose which vehicle they want to use, old or new,
with five-minute intervals between each service.

Following Bombardier's contract success in Blackpool and Lancashire, the
Queensland Government in Australia has become the latest customer to order 14
new FLEXITY 2 trams for its Gold Coast Rapid Transit system. As part of the
GoldlinQ consortium, Bombardier will also design, build, finance, operate and
maintain the system.

Note to Editors

Based on the highly successful FLEXITY platform with a strong reputation for
performance and reliability, the FLEXITY 2 tram combines proven features and
innovation in a single vehicle. It sets the highest standards in the areas of
comfort, safety and environmental protection.

Each vehicle will be 32.2 m long and 2.65 m wide, with five sections and three
bogies. The trams can carry approximately 74 seated passengers, with additional
wheelchair and pushchair space plus standing room.

The technical advantages include an improved carbody concept, with good
corrosion protection (essential for the seafront environment in which the
vehicles operate) and an enhanced bogie design, the BOMBARDIER FLEXX Urban 3000
bogie.

Principal features are as follows:

Leading-Edge Technology

The combination of 100% low-floor technology and conventional wheel-set bogies
ensures a low unsuspended mass on the bogie, which results in

--  ultra-smooth running qualities ("smooth ride")
--  low noise levels and vibrations
--  a more comfortable ride for passengers
--  reduced track maintenance costs for the operator

Furthermore an advanced Intelligent Driver's Desk includes 2 touchscreen
displays

Enhanced Safety

The FLEXITY 2 tram provides the best possible protection for both passengers and
driver with vehicles equipped to the highest standards for collision and fire
damage.

Customised design

The FLEXITY 2 tram provides operators to individually shape cityscapes and get
good value for money: creative customisation based on standardised components.

Environmental Excellence

The latest flagship tram in the Bombardier portfolio is equipped with energy-
saving technologies from the ECO4 portfolio.

Improved repairabilty

An intelligent repairability concept and various smart functions make the
FLEXITY 2 tram easier to repair. This means significant savings of time and
money for the operator.

About Bombardier Transportation

Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the
broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and
services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4
technologies - built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and
ecology - conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total
train performance. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany
and has a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over
100,000 vehicles worldwide.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from
commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems
and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada.
Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.7 billion, and
its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed
as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America
indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow us
on Twitter @Bombardier.

Note to Editors

For news releases, related material and photos, visit our media centre at
www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/media-centre.

Follow Bombardier Transportation on Twitter @BombardierRail.

BOMBARDIER, FLEXITY, FLEXX and ECO4 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its
subsidiaries.

Contacts:
Benelux:
+49 30 98607 1141
Janet Olthof
janet.olthof@de.transport.bombardier.com

Canada:
+1 450 441 3007
Marc Laforge
marc.laforge@ca.transport.bombardier.com

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe:
+49 30 98607 1134
Immo von Fallois
immo.von_fallois@de.transport.bombardier.com

France:
+33 6 07 78 95 38
Anne Froger
anne.froger@fr.transport.bombardier.com

Mexico:
+52 55 5093 7714
Barbara Corral
barbara.corral@mx.transport.bombardier.com

Nordic Countries:
+46 10 852 5062
Jonny Hedberg
jonny.hedberg@se.transport.bombardier.com

South Europe, Brazil and India:
+35 1 919 693 728
Luis Ramos
luis.ramos@pt.transport.bombardier.com

UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, other countries:
+44 1332 266470
Neil Harvey
neil.harvey@uk.transport.bombardier.com

USA:
+1 450 441 3007
Maryanne Roberts
maryanne.roberts@us.transport.bombardier.com
www.theclimateisrightfortrains.com






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Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: 
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and 
    other applicable laws; and 
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and 
     originality of the information contained therein. 
    
Source: Bombardier Transportation via Thomson Reuters ONE

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