French transport minister confirms funding for rolling stock programme

Frédéric Cuvillier has signed a financing agreement confirming an order placed by SNCF with Alstom for 34 new intercity trains.

The French government has agreed to provide €510 million, with an option for an additional € 100 million, to cover the purchase of the new bimodal rolling stock and the construction of new maintenance depots.

The new trains will operate long-distance services and will be classed between the regional TER trains and high-speed TGV.

Cuvillier said: “This renewal demonstrates the firm commitment of the Government to the millions of users of public transport everyday. I want to reiterate the importance of the revival Intercity fast train service lines between the medium and large cities for which users should benefit from increased comfort.”

Delivery and commissioning is expected to be completed ready for the start of revenue service in December 2015, replacing the current Corail rolling stock.




Continue reading...