RUSSIA: Certification testing has begun with the latest member of Ural Locomotives’ Lastochka electric multiple-unit family, a 10-car variant which is intended for use on inter-regional routes of up to 700 km.
Revenue services are planned to start this summer, with seven trainsets to be in use by the end of the year.
The 10-car version of the Sinara/Siemens joint venture’s Lastochka EMU offers more capacity than a pair of five-car units, with 727 seats of different classes, two spaces for disabled passengers and seven folding seats. The angle of the seat backrests has been changed to offer more comfort for long-distance travel, and all seats are equipped with power outlets and USB ports. There are 11 toilets, including an accessible facility.
