Bombardier wins French double-deck train contract

[IMAGE]BombardierSNCF-Regional-DD-Train-1FULL.jpg[/IMAGE]Bombardier Transportation won a tender for the new regional double-deck trains organized by the French Railways (SNCF) on behalf of the French Regions.

The framework contract contemplates the design and manufacturing of 860 double-deck electrical multiple units for a total amount of approximately $11 billion, subject to exercising some technical options. With this framework contract, SNCF also signed a first firm order for 80 trains valued at approximately $1.1 billion, financed by the Regions.

So far, six Regions have placed orders, which they will finance: Aquitaine, Bretagne, Centre, Nord-Pas de Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Rhône-Alpes. First deliveries of this firm order are scheduled to take place in June 2013 and will continue until December 2015.

Bombardier developed a new double-deck train platform especially for this tender. It includes a modular concept to meet the Regions’ various needs in terms of suburban, regional and intercity services; wide-body cars to offer unmatched capacity and a high level of comfort; an articulated architecture and wide connectors which create transparency throughout the length of the train and an increased sense of security.

The new regional double-deck train was created by Bombardier teams in Crespin, in Northern France. Bombardier will also design, build and test these vehicles at the site.