Last week, Bombardier Transportation announced that it, along with its joint venture partners in China, has signed a contract with Shanghai Rail Transit Line 12 Development Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co.

The contract comprises 246 Bombardier Movia metro cars (41 six-car trains), including spare parts and training for the operator’s staff.

The total contract, valued at approximately $291 million, was awarded to Changchun Bombardier Railway Vehicles Company Ltd. (CBRC) together with a consortium for the propulsion system consisting of Bombardier Transportation Sweden and Changzhou Railcar Propulsion Engineering R&D Center (CPC). Bombardier’s share of the contract amounts to approximately $138 million.

The high capacity car bodies developed from a standardized platform ensure reliability, safety and life-cycle cost efficiency. The trains are designed for a maximum speed of 50 mph. The Movia metro vehicles are also environmentally friendly through the use of the latest Bombardier Mitrac propulsion technology with low energy consumption, optimized performance and are recyclable to a high degree, thus contributing to a greener city.

The newly contracted vehicles will meet the respective requirements set by Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co. The vehicles will feature new energy-efficient air conditioning equipment, additional displays for passenger information in and outside the cars and a state-of-the-art video surveillance system.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin 28 months following contract award with completion in 2014.