The first intercity electric-multiple unit (EMU) destined for open access operator MTR Express has rolled off the production line at Stadler’s manufacturing facility in Switzerland.
From March 2015, MTR Express – a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based MTR Group – will begin operating long-distance services between Gothenburg and Stockholm.
MTR Express ordered six trains from Stadler in November 2013. Last week, the operator uploaded a photo to Instagram of the first completed FLIRT train set on Stadler’s test track in Bussnang. The unit will now undergo testing in Switzerland before being delivered to Sweden between October and November.
“I would say it is quite exceptional to have a first train completed only about 10 months after signing of the purchase agreement. It demonstrates MTR’s, as well as Stadler’s, commitment to quality and strong project leadership,” said MTR Express chief executive Johan Söör.
The new trains are being equipped with features such as underfloor heating, snowplows on the bogies and heat recovery systems to help them cope with the challenging Nordic weather.
Söör said MTR expects to initially have three trains available – two in service and one spare. From August 2015, the operator hopes to be running a full service of 110 trains a week along the 455-kilometre route.
