Ferrovienord, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FNM, also signed a contract worth €191.85m for 30 trains with Stadler. The delivery of the first trains, which includes the time for construction and authorisation, is envisaged by 2021.

Stadler was awarded the FNM contract following a call for tenders last year, as part of a €1.6bn procurement programme approved and financed by the Lombardy regional government.

The framework agreement covers the supply of at least 30 bi-mode trains at a unit price of €6.39m. The agreement also covers first-level scheduled maintenance and corrective maintenance for acts of vandalism and accidents. Stadler says the tender gave special consideration to social and environmental sustainability and the identification of innovative solutions that can meet high standards.

The trains will be fitted with a power pack that houses two latest-generation, low-emission diesel engines - EU Stage V with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) - which will power two sets of batteries. The combination will reduce emissions operating in urban areas and during stops at stations while also providing supplementary power during acceleration.

Stadler says the new technologies will enable a 20% increase in acceleration, which will reduce journey times on the Lombardy network where distance between stations are often short. The trains with regenerative braking, while putting 19% less weight on the wheel axles compared with legacy DMUs, resulting in lower infrastructure maintenance costs.

The new trains will also reduce fuel consumption by 30% compared with the current fleet, resulting in an estimated saving of €3m a year, as well reducing CO2 emissions by 12,400 tonnes/year, the equivalent of 8600 cars.

The three-car 66.8m trains have space for 328 passengers, including 168 seated, with a maximum speed of 140km/h. They will be equipped with a toilet, LED lighting, Wi-Fi, charging sockets, USB ports, a passenger information system, CCTV and a lighting assistance system that indicates door opening and closing.

Retractable steps will close the gap between the train and platform and assist passengers with reduced mobility, while the trains will also accommodate bicycles.

For more information on fleet orders around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.