SNCF ordered 34 Coradia Liner trainsets, the latest generation of long-haul trains from Alstom, for approximately $473 million. The trains are expected to enter into service from December 2015.
The Coradia Liner, a long-haul train, is classed between a regional train (TER) and a high-speed train (TGV). It was designed in such a way as to provide intercity lines with a specific identity, more comfort and services with an improved performance. In its current configuration, the train can carry up to 267 passengers.
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The Coradia Liner matches exactly the SNCF’s requirements in terms of performance, comfort and services for passengers. It is fully accessible thanks to platform-level boarding. On-board passenger traffic is made much smoother thanks to spacious passenger areas perfectly suited to long-haul journeys. New seats feature upholstered armrests, a power socket and a coat hanger. The floor is coated with special material to reduce ambient sound.
Innovative technical solutions will enable Coradia Liner to reduce travel time on long-haul trips. Large gangways and platforms optimize boarding times. Thanks to distributed power throughout the train, acceleration and braking capacity are improved.
The Coradia Liner is an economical train. Lighter than the previous generation of long-haul trains, it will use significantly less energy and its architecture has been designed to facilitate maintenance operations. It is bimodal (electric and diesel) and complies with all current European standards. It can travel on all tracks in the conventional network.
Six of the 10 Alstom facilities located in France will be involved in the Coradia Liner project: Reichshoffen (design and assembly), Ornans (engines), Le Creusot (bogies), Tarbes (traction systems), Villeurbanne (on-board computers) and Saint-Ouen (design).
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The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
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