Västtrafik places SEK 3.8bn train order

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Image: Bombardier.
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Västra Götaland County in Sweden has placed a SEK 3.8 billion (∼€374 million) order with Bombardier for 40 new trains.

The new EMUs, which will be delivered from 2021, have been financed by Västra Götaland and will be operated by Västtrafik.

Each three-car train will be 80 metres long, with 270 seats. The trains are capable of operating at speeds of 200km/h and feature wi-fi and low floors.

Bombardier Transportation Sweden is now finalising the design ahead of the start of production.

In 2006, the region set itself the target of tripling the number of recorded train journeys by 2035 to 130,000 per day. New trains are part of its strategy.

Västtrafik chair Lars Holmin said: “Since Västtrafik was formed in 1999 the ridership by train has more than doubled.


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Photo: Bombardier.
Photo: Bombardier.

“We are continuously challenged to meet the target of 135,000 journeys per-day provided by the county.

“We see a steady increase in train passengers and we are the right track. The new trains will contribute to even more attractive journeys for our customers.”

Bombardier Transportation sales director Marina Sundman added: “Our longstanding partnership with Västtrafik, supported by our teams in the Sävenäs and Falköping depots in Västra Götaland have laid the foundation for designing the new train.

“We want to support regional growth by providing the ideal mobility solution that will ensure the comfort and ease of every passenger’s journey.

“This important order is an endorsement of the quality of the products Bombardier designs, engineers, manufactures, and services for the Nordic market.”

The new fleet will replace older vehicles and increase capacity in the region.

Västtrafik is initially ordering 40 trains but indicated that further orders could follow as the contract includes an option for 60 additional trains.

Photo: Bombardier.
Photo: Bombardier.

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