Ferrovienord operates and maintains a 331km network with 124 stations in Lombardy. FNM, an integrated transport and mobility group, is a joint-stock company majority owned by the Lombardy Region, which holds 57.57% share.
The framework agreement includes an option for 30 additional trains, which must be exercised within eight years, along with options for preventative and corrective maintenance. FNM called for tenders in 2017 following approval from the Lombardy Region, which allocated €1.6bn to a global programme to purchase 176 new trains.
The Donizetti trains, as they have been dubbed by Ferrovienord, are part of Alstom Coradia Stream family, an electric, single-deck train. They have four traction motors and a maximum speed of 160km/h.
The cars feature seating for medium-length journeys, typical of regional and inter-regional services, along with single seats and vestibules for shorter journeys. The seats are equipped with power sockets. The vehicles also feature lighting optimised by large windows to maximise natural light, wide corridors to facilitate passenger circulation, and CCTV.
The trains are equipped with a passenger information system that also offers an audio-video information and entertainment service with 32 LCD screens visible from all parts of each vehicle. There is also the capability to install a Wi-Fi network.
The new trains are 96% recyclable and consume 30% less energy than their predecessor. No solvents or other toxic chemical substances are used in their production. The internal temperature is adjusted by a higher-power HVAC system based on the number of passengers, and door closures are programmed to avoid any thermal dispersion. Eco-mode is activated when necessary, while the LED passenger lighting is automatically regulated on the basis of the amount of light outside the train.
The Coradia Stream trains are manufactured by Alstom in Italy. Project development, most of the manufacturing and certification are performed at Savigliano. Design and manufacturing of the traction systems and other components takes place at the Sesto San Giovanni, and the on board signalling systems are delivered by the Bologna site.
The order with Alstom follows two other recent rolling stock orders for FNM.
In November last year, FNM and Stadler signed an eight-year framework agreement for the supply of between 30 and 50 bi-mode (diesel and electric) multiple units for regional services while in September 2018, FNM and Hitachi Rail Italy (HRI) signed an eight-year framework agreement on September 12 for up to 120 Caravaggio double-deck EMUs.
For detailed information on rolling stock orders from around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
