Alstom, in partnership with Bombardier, will design and supply the new generation two-tier trains for the Île-de-France network, which is operated by SNCF Transilien. The first part of the order is for the delivery of 71 trains, 56 trains 112m long and 15 trains 130m long, for an estimated 1.55 billion euros. These first 71 trains are expected to enter service in 2021. Alstom’s share of the contract is approximately 70 percent and Bombardier’s share is approximately 30 percent.
“SNCF’s decision turns a historic order, placed by STIF in July 2016 to carry out a revolution in transport, into reality,” said Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France Region and of STIF. “More than 700 trains will be purchased or renovated to modernize the existing rolling stock, which is on average over 30 years old.”
The train, named X'Trapolis Cityduplex, can transport up to 1860 passengers in its 130m version. Energy consumption will be reduced by 25 percent compared to previous generations of equipment. The train contains 8 motor bogies to provide acceleration and deceleration with regenerative braking.
X'Trapolis Cityduplex is entirely open without separations between the cars. It features large doors and offers platform zones for travelling standing-up when the journey is very short, mixed-use zones (standing or sitting) located lower down for journeys under 20 minutes, and higher up, areas offering more seating for longer trips. In each of the end cars, platforms provide wheelchair users with direct and quick access to dedicated spaces.
“We are very proud of the renewed confidence placed in us by SNCF and STIF,” remarked Henri Poupart-Lafarge, chairman and CEO of Alstom. “The consortium that we have formed with Bombardier has very solid experience of projects in Île-de-France and the requirements of our customer SNCF Transilien. This train represents a major technological leap forward that will improve the travelling experience of every passenger in the Île-de-France region. It also offers the operator a lower cost of ownership over the long term.”