SNCF has exercised an option for 30 more Regio 2N electrical-multiple units (EMUs) for the French regions.
France’s national train operator has announced plans to buy additional trains worth €277 million as part of a framework contract for up to 860 double-deck trains worth €7 billion.
The latest order takes the total number of Regio 2N units on order to 159.
Production of the new trains is being completed at Bombardier’s Crespin site. From January, the factory will produce three trains a month. Production of the original order was to end between 2015 and 2016, however, delivery of the additional units will now continue until April 2017.
Jean Bergé, president of Bombardier Transportation France, said the order confirmed the regions’ and SNCF’s “trust” in the Regio 2N platform.
The Regio 2N will be built in configurations ranging from six to 10 cars, with the longer train stretching 135 metres. The maximum speed of the units will also vary between 160 km/h and 200 km/h.
Testing is scheduled to get underway this month in the Rhône – Alpes region to check operational reliability before full commissioning, which is expected later in the year between April and May.
