NETHERLANDS: National passenger operator NS announced on January 19 that it had invited Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens and Stadler to submit best and final offers for the Inter-city New Generation contract to supply its next fleet of long-distance trains.
It expects to award the contract this summer, with the trains scheduled to enter passenger service from 2021.
NS said it had carried out a detailed review of the four shortlisted companies’ responses to its request for proposals, looking at their plans for the use of proven technology, comfort, sustainability and a smooth introduction to service.
NS is seeking single-deck electric multiple-units suitable for inter-city services on both the conventional network and at speeds up to 200 km/h on the HSL-Zuid high speed line. The basic order would cover vehicles offering a total of approximately 25 000 seats, with options to order more.
The EMUs should have wide doors for rapid entry and exit, with the ability for wheelchair users to board independently. NS would like the interiors to provide areas for relaxation and working, with real-time passenger information, luggage space, wi-fi, USB sockets in first and second class and CCTV. Environmental requirements include energy-efficiency measures such as LED lighting with intelligent controls, recycling bins and the provision of bioreactor toilets.
