NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) has selected CAF as preferred bidder for an initial order for 60 of a new generation of EMUs. CAF is believed to be bidding against Alstom, Siemens Mobility and Stadler Rail.
CAF reportedly made the best and final offer in terms of price-quality balance, which includes investment costs, reliability and availability, maintenance and after sales support, energy efficiency and design in relation to passengers and staff.
The other bidders now have a period in which to appeal the decision. NS and CAF will then negotiate the final terms of the contract with a view to signing it by the end of the year.
The order will be divided into 30 six-car and 30 four-car trains and will include a mixture of double and single-deck coaches. The contract will include options for more trains and a variant which is suitable for cross-border operation to Germany and/or Belgium.
NS expects the 160km/h trains to enter service in 2028. They will replace ageing ICMm Koploper three and four-car EMUs as well as DDZ double deck trains.
