Romania: DB Cargo Romania has purchased three TransMontana v3.1 electric locomotives from domestic manufacturer Softronic Craiova, expanding its fleet in the last 10 years to 25. Softronic is expanding production capacity to 11 locomotives a year in 2023 and 12 in 2024 and new assembly and rolling stock overhaul and repair sheds being built.
São Paulo: Alstom delivered the first 8900 series train to ViaMobilidade, operator of Metro Lines 8 (Diamond) and 9 (Emerald), on February 28. Alstom is manufacturing 36 eight-car Metropolis trains at its plant in Taubaté, São Paulo, where it has invested in a new production line doubling capacity and creating 500 direct jobs. The trains are made of stainless steel and will improve energy efficiency due to their light-weight design. Each train has capacity for 2600 passengers and is equipped with passenger information screens, CCTV and dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.
Bern: Switzerland’s Federal Council has shown its willingness to further strengthen cross-border rail traffic by proposing to adopt the EU’s uniform new rolling stock approval procedures. Since 2019 the European Railway Agency (ERA) has been responsible for approving cross-border rolling stock within the European Union, with companies in Switzerland participating via a temporary arrangement due to run until late 2023. The Federal Council now plans to permanently adopt the EU solution, with a draft law passed to parliament on February 22.
Valencia: Valencian Government Railways (FGV) and Stadler have signed a €84.3m contract for 16 Tramlink LRVs, with options for up to 12 additional LRVs in two batches of six. The new metre-gauge 4500 series LRVs will be designed and manufactured at Stadler’s plant in Albuixech. The LRVs are due to be delivered in 32 months for the Metrovalencia and Tram d’Alacant fleets to cover network expansion projects.
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