MÁV-Start has not given bidders much time to respond, as the closing date for tenders is January 13. Bids will be assessed according to a points system, with 60% of the score based on price. The winner will have to arrange for the trains to be certified and then place them into service, and conduct training.

Once the contract has been signed, MÁV-Start will need to order at least 10 EMUs and will have an option to exercise orders for batches of at least three trains with a total of 30 further trains available for order within 96 months of signing the original contract. The project will be funded by the European Union.

MÁV-Start currently operates 123 EMUs built by Stadler Rail and 10 supplied by Bombardier, while GySEV has 10 Stadler EMUs for services within Hungary with a further 10 on order. For more information on current rolling stock orders around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.