Oslo’s airport link rail operator, Flytoget, has issued a NOK 1 billion (€134 million) tender for eight new trainsets.
The operator is looking to add to its existing fleet to meet a growing demand for the 19-minute rail service linking the airport with Oslo Central Station.
Oslo Airport is predicting a three per cent annual increase in passenger numbers in the coming years and is opening a new terminal in 2017.
The Airport Express operator has specified a maximum operating speed of at least 210 km/h to maintain the service’s current journey time.
Linda Silseth, chief executive of Airport Express, said: “Today there are already some departures during peak hours where passengers must stand. This reduces the customer experience and is not a desirable development. We focus on the good customer experience and customer loyalty are key elements of the Airport Express standard.
“To take away passenger growth from Lysaker, Skoyen and the National Theatre, we have an ongoing dialogue with the authorities to increase the number of departures from three to six times per hour from Lysaker.
“For Airport Express it is important to contribute to a high share of public transport to and from Oslo Airport.”
Flytoget hopes to award the contract later this year, with a view to receive the first vehicle and begin testing in spring 2016.
