SPAIN: Basque regional train operator Euskotren has taken delivery of the first two of four CAF Class 940 electric multiple-units ordered to meet growing passenger demand during cultural and sporting events and to modernise its fleet with trains offering higher performance than older types.
The €32m order placed in early February 2021 was backed with EU Recovery & Resilience funding.
The four EMUs are scheduled to enter service this summer, operating from Hendaye, Irún and the soon to be completed underground route under the centre of San Sebastián to Lasarte-Oria.
The EMUs have four cars, one more than the previous Class 950, giving a capacity of around 400 passengers including 120 seated. They are fitted with toilets, and accessibility features include the use of contrasting colours, spaces for people with reduced mobility, automatic ramps, audio-visual alerts and anti-slip floors.
The EMUs are equipped with ETCS, real-time monitoring technology and an improved traction motor management system to reduce energy consumption.
Other ongoing work to increase capacity includes the construction of a three-station cross-city underground line in San Sebastián to replace the need for through trains to reverse at the current Amara terminus.
In late January, a joint venture of Moyua and Iza was awarded a €11·3m 30-month contract for the modernisation of the underground Anoeta station adjacent to the Reale Arena stadium on the San Sebastián to Hendaye line. This will include lengthening the platforms, replacing the street-level station building and providing a second entrance.
‘The Basque government’s transport goal is to offer sustainable, efficient, safe and convenient rail transport’, said Minister of Planning, Housing & Transport Iñaki Arriola when he inspected the first two EMUs on January 23. ’We therefore need to act on two fronts. We have to provide the necessary infrastructure to extend our train, tram and underground services throughout the whole territory, and increase and improve the rolling stock fleet to provide citizens with a quality service.’
