SWEDEN: National operator SJ has confirmed that Alstom is to supply the fastest trains in Sweden, which will have a maximum speed of 250 km/h for use on long distance inter-city services including routes to Denmark and Norway.
The initial order will cover 25 electric trainsets worth SKr7bn for entry into service in 2026, with options for 15 more. The trainsets will be equipped with batteries to enable movement if the power supply fails, and they will have space for bicycles and luggage as well as a bistro with hot food and seating.
The order is the result of SJ’s Project Delta procurement programme launched in 2017, which involved negotiations with potential suppliers rather than an open tender. This led to the selection of Bombardier Transportation Sweden, which was subsequently acquired by Alstom in January 2021. SJ said a full tendering process would cause delays and there was only supplier which could meet its requirements, and so a negotiated procedure without prior call for competition was used.
Confirming the selection of Alstom on December 20, SJ said rail ridership had more than doubled over the past 20 years to reach record levels in 2019, and the drop in passenger traffic during the coronavirus pandemic is expected to be temporary.
Senior Vice-President & Head of Rolling Stock Arvid Fredman said SJ is undertaking a SKr12bn programme to replace or upgrade it entire fleet to meet the demand for ‘climate-smart, comfortable and efficient’ travel, and the ‘historic’ increase in maximum speed from 200 to 250 km/h would help to encourage more people to switch from air or car to rail.
