ITALY: An eight-year framework agreement for the supply of between 50 and 120 high-capacity double-deck electric multiple-units was signed by Hitachi Rail Italy and Lombardia regional operator FNM on September 12.
The agreement follows a call for tenders issued in 2017. There is a firm order for an initial 30 four-car EMUs costing €7·9m each with the first to be delivered within 20 months, and FNM has committed to ordering a minimum of 20 five-car EMUs priced at €9·3m each. There is an option for Hitachi to provide maintenance services for three years.
The 3 kV DC EMUs will have LED lighting, at-seat power sockets,
wi-fi, bicycle areas with sockets for recharging e-bikes and two toilets per set. The shorter units will have a capacity of 466 seated and 449 standing passengers, with the longer trains having 598 seats and space for 575 standing passengers.
The EMUs will have a maximum speed of 160 km/h and will be equipped with ETCS, energy meters, passenger counters, front and side cameras, remote diagnostics and anomalous behaviour detection equipment.
