EUROPE: Hungary to Austria cross-border operator GySEV has signed a contract for Siemens to supply five Vectron locomotives, with an option for a further four. The firm order announced on March 17 covers three triple-system electric locomotives, and two dual-system locomotives with last-mile engines.
The locomotives will be equipped with ETCS Level 2 and suitable for use in Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia. They are expected to enter service this summer, initially on international freight routes and later on inter-city passenger services from Budapest to Sopron and Szombathely.
The order is being financed with a €40m loan from the European Investment Bank, guaranteed 80% by the state and 20% by OTP Bank.
