Passenger operator Västtrafik has announced that Bombardier will be awarded the frame contract for the delivery the new fast passenger trains for the Västra Götaland region. For the amount of SEK 3.8 billion, a fixed order is placed for a first 40 units, of which first will enter service in 2021.
Västtrafik has completed the procurement and will be responsible for the trains, while the Västra Götaland region is responsible for financing. The artist impression in this article shows a preliminary design, as it is still under development.
The new EMU type, 200 km/h fast and with low-floor section, will be developed, tested and built in Germany. The first units will replace the older train types in Västtrafik’s fleet – than more will come to extend the fleet. This is necessary to meet Västra Götaland’s ultimate goal: triple ridership in 2006-2035 to 130.000 train journeys per day.
The 3-car EMUs are of a new design and will have 270 seats per train. A low-floor section is located the middle car. The EMUs will of course feature wifi and large flexible areas for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles.
Update 08.04.2018
Bombardier Transportation officially announced the order on 06.04.2018. The manufacturer calls the new EMUs ‘high-speed electric multiple unit trains’. The contract includes an option for 60 additional trains.
The three-car trains are designed for high capacity, premium passenger comfort, low operational cost, and the ability to operate under the harsh weather conditions prevalent in Nordics.
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