GERMANY: Bombardier Transportation announced a €113m firm order to supply Deutsche Bahn with 12 four-car Twindexx Vario electric multiple units on April 2. The contract has been placed within a December 2008 framework agreement.
The latest batch of double-deck EMUs are to be used on Main-Spessart services between Bamberg, Würzburg, Aschaffenburg and Frankfurt. DB Regio is to operate the services in 2015-27 under a contract awarded by the Bayern and Rhein-Main transport authorities, which required a 25% increase in peak seating capacity.
The 15 kV 16·7 Hz units will have a top speed of 160 km/h, with all axles in the end cars powered. They will have low-floor entrances, multi-purpose areas with space for luggage or up to 48 bicycles, a toilet in each car and CCTV. One intermediate coach will have an accessible toilet and a first class area on the upper deck offering 2+1 seating, reading lamps and power sockets. Second class areas will have tables, adjustable armrests, power sockets and a children's corner.
The EMUs are to be assembled at Bombardier's Görlitz plant, with bogies supplied from its Siegen site and traction equipment from Västerås in Sweden.
