Alstom’s Régiolis Crossborder, a hybrid unit, has arrived at Výzkumný Ústav Železniční’s (VUZ) test circuit in the Czech Republic.
In 2019, 30 Régiolis Crossborder trains, which can run on 25kV and 15kV traction power and which are equipped with a diesel engine for unelectrified tracks, were commissioned by the Grand Est metropolitan region in France for cross-border passenger transport between France and Germany. These will be operated by SNCF.
The four-car dual-mode trains comply with German safety requirements and will run at 160 km/h, serving the German states of Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg.
In the past three years, VUZ has expanded its central European facilities so that up to five customers can perform tests simultaneously. Over the next five years, the company is also planning to invest approximately 10m euros (11.86m USD) in a circuit for testing autonomous rail vehicles.
“We're honoured that Alstom has chosen Výzkumný Ústav Železniční to test its unit train. Not only can we simulate railway systems of many European countries, but also are able to host rail vehicles with all types of alternative drives.
“We prepare a comprehensive turnkey test package for manufacturers so that they don’t need to transport their vehicles from place to place across Europe for different types of tests. We offer a full range of tests, from individual components, such as bogie frame tests on the dynamic test bench, to comprehensive stationary and in-motion tests, to ETCS tests as well as an assessment of compliance with key standards and regulations.”
