Bombardier wins Chinese order
The trains are powered by the highly energy efficient Bombardier Mitrac propulsion and control system and incorporate energy-saving Bombardier ECO4 technologies.
Bombardier Transportation’s Chinese joint venture, Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd., was awarded a variation order by the Chinese Ministry of Railways (MOR).
After reviewing its operational strategy, the MOR decided to vary its original order of 80 very high-speed trains from 2009 to include 70 eight-car Bombardier Zefiro 380 trains, 46 Zefiro 250 stainless steel trains and 60 Zefiro 250NG trains. This variation provides MOR with increased flexibility in delivering its passenger services. The original contract value from 2009 remains unchanged.
The trains incorporate industry-leading technical solutions in aerodynamics, propulsion and bogies, according to the company. The new Bombardier Flexx Speed bogie has been developed especially for this very high speed application. The trains are powered by the highly energy efficient Bombardier Mitrac propulsion and control system and incorporate energy-saving Bombardier ECO4 technologies.
The Zefiro 250 train is already operating in various parts of China. An existing fleet of 115 trains, 1,200 cars in total is currently in service.
More Rail

The Invisible Infrastructure of Passenger Flow
What a seat reservation system on Austria’s Railjet trains reveals about the future of rider experience, and why U.S. agencies should pay attention.
Read More →
Caltrain Board Approves FY27 Budget, Endorses Efficiency Measures
The move ensures Caltrain service will continue operating as usual in the near term, but long-term financial challenges remain for the rail agency absent a new revenue source.
Read More →
Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet
The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
California Selects Team for Nation’s First True High-Speed Rail Track and Systems Contract
The board action follows completion of track installation at the 150-acre southern railhead in Kern County, which will serve as the staging and distribution hub for high-speed track and systems installation.
Read More →
Seattle's Sound Transit Launches New Sounder Railcars into Service
Alstom manufactured all the cars under a $46.5 million contract and came into service in anticipation of summer crowds for soccer and baseball.
Read More →
Alstom Partners With Universities to Build Rail Talent Pipeline
The partnerships include a new engineering scholarship fund at Alfred State College in Western New York and collaborations with transportation centers at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
Seattle’s Sound Transit Adopts Updated ST3 System Plan
The updated system plan incorporates cost savings across the agency, including new revenue sources and financial policies, to set the agency on a sustainable path for the future.
Read More →
Inside Look: EMBARK Expands Fare-Free Transit Program Through New Public-Private Partnership
The OKC transit agency says sponsorship helps subsidize the Third Friday Free initiative while reducing barriers for first-time riders and boosting ridership across buses, streetcars, and river cruises.
Read More →