NETHERLANDS: National passenger operator NS has selected CAF as preferred bidder for a contract to supply 60 electric multiple-units.
The base order would cover 30 four-car single-deck EMUs and 30 six-car double-deck units, with options to order additional units including for cross-border traffic.
The 160 km/h units are required to combine high capacity with good accessibility.
The call for tenders attracted four best and final offers. Announcing the selection of CAF on August 24, NS said the Spanish company had scored the best of on a combination of price and quality criteria including investment costs, reliability, maintainability, energy efficiency, meeting passenger and staff needs and long-term support.
The award of the contract is subject to a regulatory standstill period during which the other can bidders can appeal.
NS envisages that the contract will be signed by the end of the year, at which point it will work with the supplier to finalise the design before production begins.
Entry into service is planned from 2028.
