Meeting on June 27 the SNCF board approved the award to Alstom Transport of a €2·1bn order for a further 80 double-deck TGV Duplex trainsets, which will bring the Duplex fleet to 212 units. The contract also includes an option for up to 40 additional sets.
Due for delivery from 2009, the latest build will have an improved traction package, and will be suitable for 320 km/h operation; trains are now running at this speed on sections of TGV Est and TGV Méditeranée. Some units will be equipped for multi-system operation, allowing them to be used in Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
Each trainset will have 52 of their 509 seats adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.
