A new chapter begins for Hungary’s passenger train service. The first TME modernised locomotive leased from Nordic ReFinance has officially entered service with national operator MÁV. The debut marks a significant milestone for the Swedish leasing company in a new market and Hungary’s ongoing efforts to modernise its rail operations with more sustainable traction solutions. Yes, with 40-year-old locomotives. This resulted from an agreement to lease up to 15 of these locomotives, which had been negotiated last year.
Delayed but now in service
After months of delay, the first locomotive, no. 1535, entered commercial service last week. The plan was to have the machine up and running by the end of August 2024. The delay was caused by the need for more extensive repairs and modifications than initially anticipated. These adjustments proved necessary before the locomotives could be cleared for service.
The inaugural operations took place on lines around Lake Balaton. On its first day in service, the 1535 locomotive ran two round trips between Balatonfüred and Tapolca stations.
Henk Zwoferink made pictures:
and so did András Báti:
Related posts:
