SWEDEN: The first of 33 four-car Stadler double-deck EMUs for use on Mälartåg services in the Stockholm region was displayed at Stockholm C station on June 27.
Leasing company Transitio ordered the 200 km/h units in June 2015 on behalf of the Mälab joint venture of local transport authorities in the Stockholm, Sörmland, Örebro and Västmanland areas. Entry into service om the Stockholm – Eskilstuna – Örebro, Stockholm – Katrineholm – Hallsberg, Stockholm – Nyköping – Norrköping and Sala – Västerås – Eskilstuna – Linköping routes is planned for 2019-20.
The 15 kV 16·7 Hz EMUs are part of the manufacturer’s Kiss family, although that name is not being used in Sweden where they are designated ER1.
They are winterised for operation in temperatures down to -40°C and able to cope with 800 mm of snow on the track. They have twin-bellow gangway connections, large snow ploughs, floor and wall heating, specially adapted insulation and bogies designed to minimise freezing. These changes also help to minimise the effects of collisions with wildlife.
The Swedish loading gauge has allowed the aluminium-bodied EMUs to be 2 920 mm wide and 4 700 mm high, 120 mm wider and 100 mm higher than previous Stadler double-deck EMUs.
The interior has been designed for daily commuting journeys of 1 h to 2 h, with adjustable chairs with tables, power outlets and wi-fi. There are 333 fixed seats per units, with 24 folding seats to provide space for large luggage and bicycles. One of the three toilets is accessible for passengers of reduced mobility.
‘The train is well-proven for Nordic conditions, with an excellent track record from Norway, Finland and other countries with long winters’, said Peter Jenelten, Executive Vice-President Marketing & Sales, at Stadler. ‘The train has been further adapted for Sweden in collaboration with Swedish designers, and has high standards of functionality, comfort and durability.’
