RATP and SNCF Voyageurs have chosen a consortium comprising CAF and Bombardier Transportation to supply new trains for Line B of the RER regional network.
The decision was made in collaboration with Île-de-France Mobilités after the budget for the new rolling stock was approved by them in December. The contract is worth 2.56 billion euros and is for the purchase of 146 MI20 trains for Line B of the RER regional express network in the Paris area. The line serves the French capital on a north-south axis. The MI20 trains will be double-decker trains. Currently this line only operates single-decker trains.
The new trains are expected to enter passenger service in 2025.
The decision is subject to appeal, however, the parties are expected to sign the contract after the statutory eleven days. Alstom had also submitted a bid and filed a complaint about the Bombardier/CAF offer, despite Alstom being in the process of taking over Bombardier Transportation. Alstom is likely safeguarding its position, making sure that the project is economically viable.
