SPAIN: Basque metre gauge operator Euskotren has ordered four new four-car EMUs from CAF, to boost its fleet capacity and support further growth.
Announcing the €32m contract on February 1, Euskotren said the trains would be similar in design and appearance to its existing three-car Series 950 EMUs. Each would be able to accommodate at least 385 passengers, of which 30% would be seated. Delivery is due within two years, with CAF then being responsible for the supply of spare parts up to as maximum value of €8m.
The operator’s objective behind the fleet expansion is to provide more short-term capacity to cater for traffic peaks caused by sporting or cultural events.
In the longer term the extra trains would support an enhanced service between Lasarte, San Sebastián and Hendaye. This route is known colloquially as El Topo (‘the mole’) because of its many tunnels. A further tunnel is currently under construction through central San Sebastián to eliminate the need for trains on this route to reverse at Amara; it is due open in 2022.
