SWEDEN: Leasing organisation AB Transitio and CAF have finalised a contract for the supply of 28 multiple-units, formed of 20 electric units and eight bimodes which will also be able to run on renewable biodiesel to meet local environmental targets on lines which are not currently electrified.
The €250m order announced on April 13 has been placed under a framework agreement from 2014, when local authority owned Transitio awarded Bombardier Transportation, CAF and Stadler seven-year contracts for the supply of regional trains with firm orders to be placed as required to meet demand.
The 20 four-car Civity Nordic EMUs will be 76 m long with 190 fixed and some folding seats. The electro-diesel variants will by 67 m long with and 140 seats; they will be formed of three cars plus a power car able to run on 100% renewable biodiesel. The units will have a maximum speed of 200 km/h in electric mode and 140 km/h when using the diesel engines.
The fleet will be fitted with ERTMS and the domestic STM train protection system, and will be winterised for operation in temperatures between -40ºC and +40ºC.
Transitio said it had sought ‘beautiful and functional trains that are comfortable and pleasant to ride’, rather than simply focusing on maximising the number of seats for the cost. The interior and exterior styling is intended to link the trains with the areas where they will operate, with the red livery inspired by lingonberries.
The interior will be suitable for regional journeys of more than 2 h, with adjustable chairs, tables, power points, wi-fi, space for large luggage and bicycles and a service compartment which can be used for retailing. One of the two toilets will be wheelchair accessible.
Transitio intends to lease the units to the Jönköping, Kalmar, Kronoberg and Blekinge regional authorities, enabling an increase in services and the replacement of existing EMUs and DMUs on the Jönköping – Nässjö – Alvesta – Växjö, Värnamo – Växjö, Växjö - Älmhult – Hässleholm, Nässjö – Tranås, Karlskrona - Emmaboda – Kalmar, Kalmar – Linköping and Västervik – Linköping routes.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin by the end of 2023. The deal includes options for up to 19 more EMUs and another seven bimode units, which would almost double the value of the contract.
