Stadler to Supply New Regional Diesel-Electric Trains to FNM
Stadler has signed a framework agreement with FNM for the supply of regional diesel-electric trains. This agreement follows the call for tenders FNM announced last year. Today’s signing comes as a result of the acquisition programme for new rolling stock. The Lombard region has provided 1.6 billion euros in funding.
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Stadler-FNM Framework Agreement
The framework agreement has a runtime of eight years. During that time Stadler is to supply regional diesel-electric trains for non-electrified lines. The guaranteed minimum purchase amount is 30 trains, the maximum quantity 50. Each train costs 6,395,000 euros. The framework agreement also includes scheduled maintenance services, as well as repair services in the event of vandalism or accidents.
The FNM subsidiary Ferrovienord signed a contract with Stadler for more than 30 trains at the same time. The total value of this contract is 191,850,000 euros. Delivery for these trains is to begin in 2021.
Reduced Emissions & Improved Sustainability
The original call for tenders emphasised social and environmental sustainability. It further asked for innovative solutions. Stadler has responded to these requests: the propulsion system will be located in a special power pack containing 2 low-emission diesel engines and 2 battery units. Thanks to these features the new trains can operate with reduced emissions in suburban areas.
Furthermore, they can enter stations with zero emissions by running on battery power here. Additionally, they can generate electricity when they accelerate. Finally, the trains will feature regenerative braking and a reduced axle load of 19 percent. As a result, costs for maintaining the infrastructure are reduced. Overall, carbon emissions will be reduced by 12,400 tons per year. That figure corresponds to taking 8,400 cars off the roads.
Stadler is also taking into account its trains’ environmental credentials after they reach the end of their life. These trains will have a high percentage of recyclable materials: they will have a re-use index of 93 percent.
Increased Performance & Efficiency
Compared to the current fleet the new regional diesel-electric trains will use 30 percent less fuel. This corresponds to an annual saving of 3 million euros.
The new technologies improve performance as well: the trains will accelerate 20 percent more effectively. Consequently, there is a clear reduction in travel times. This is important for a region like Lombardy that has many stations close together.
Passenger Comfort
The placement of the engines in the middle of the train increases passenger comfort: noise and vibrations are not transferred to carriages. Battery operation in stations also means these diesel-electric trains won’t be as noisy when the greatest number of people are exposed to them.
Key Specs for the New Regional Diesel-Electric Trains
Each train will be 66.8 metres in length. They will be bidirectional and consists of three cars each. Every train has a capacity of 328, with 168 seats. The trains’ maximum speed is 140km/h. All the trains will come with a toilet, LED lighting, wifi, 220 V power sockets, USB plugs and a passenger information system. Furthermore, warning lights to indicate when the doors open and close are a key safety feature.
Accessibility is important. Sliding platforms will allow passengers with impaired mobility to bridge the gap between train and platform. Active passengers benefit as well. Stadler’s regional diesel-electric trains will have spaces to store bicycles.
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Chairman of FNM, Andrea Gibelli, said:
“By signing this second framework agreement, following the contract for the high-capacity trains, we are continuing the action to renew the fleet of trains, made possible by the financing and indications of the Lombardy Region. The aim remains that of ensuring the best service for the 750,000 people who use the regional railway service every day. The particularly innovative specifications of these diesel-electric trains will ensure quality and performance standards among the best in Europe.”
Thomas Ahlburg, CEO of Stadler Group, said:
“We are proud to be able to support FNM in the process of continuous development and modernisation of the fleet with innovative vehicles in regard of the traction technologies with high energy efficiency and special solutions dedicated to safety and comfort of the passengers. We are delighted to collaborate with the design studios of GIUGIARO Architecture and NOSE Design Experience.”
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