Bombardier Transportation - Alstom consortium, signed a framework contract to supply up to 1,362 M7 double deck cars to the Belgian National Railways (SNCB-NMBS). The total order is valued at $3.6 billion. Bombardier's part is worth around $2.3 billion while Alstom's share is worth $1.3 billion.

The first firm order signed today includes the design and manufacturing of 445 cars and is valued at approximately $1.4 billion. Bombardier's share is valued at $853 million while Alstom's share is valued at $511 million. Deliveries for this first order will take place between September 2018 and 2021. The frame contract also includes options for up to 917 additional cars.

Bombardier's site in Bruges (Belgium), will provide 65 multifunctional steering cars and 290 trailer cars. Alstom will design and build 90 motorized cab cars in its Valenciennes site (France) with the support of its electrical and signalling centre of excellence based in Charleroi (Belgium). Alstom will also develop and produce the ETCS level 2 system to equip the total fleet.

Laurent Troger, President, Bombardier Transportation, said, "This framework contract for almost 1,400 double deck coaches will provide the people of Belgium with the highest standard of modern mobility solutions. It also confirms SNCB-NMBS' trust in Bombardier's products and technology, further strengthening our long term partnership".

"This order clearly reflects the strong confidence the SNCB-NMBS has in our double-deck trains and the level of comfort they offer. It is also an indication that the vehicles are really appreciated by the passengers and represent the ideal answer to increasing ridership", said Andreas Knitter, Senior VP Alstom Europe.

These new trains will increase the overall capacity on SNCB-NMBS' network by adding an additional 145,000 seats. The trains will be able to run at speeds of up to 200km/h and will operate on all Belgian mainlines, cross border with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, including on some high speed lines.The M7 concept is based on the very successful and highly reliable M6 double deck cars, of which 492 were delivered by the same Bombardier-Alstom consortium.

The completely redesigned interior of both first and second class cars was validated by the customer after consulting over 200 representatives from different user groups. The new interior and an improved passenger information system will provide travellers with enhanced passenger comfort while the multifunctional steering cars will feature wheelchair access and space for bicycles.

The M7 cars are fully flexible. They can be operated either as M7 EMU(1)'s or as loco-hauled trains composed of both M7 and existing M6 double deck cars. A predictive train diagnostic system will improve preventive maintenance activities and reduce the life cycle costs. These extra features turn this new generation double deck trains into one of the most cost-effective solutions for our customer.