The €268.1m order comprises 24 1668mm-gauge trains for Line 1 and 18 standard-gauge trains for Line 3.
Three companies participated in the tender. CRRC Qingdao Sifang was excluded from the competition for failing to meet the bidding criteria, leaving CAF and Alstom to submit proposals. TMB says Alstom’s offer achieved a higher score in terms of price, technology and delivery schedule.
The first prototype sets for each line must be delivered within just 48 weeks of contract signing. Alstom must deliver all trains for Line 3 within two years and all trains for line 1 within two-and-a-half years. The tender specified delivery of the fleet between 30 and 48 months from contract signing.
The order will enable TMB to withdraw all of 3000 and 4000 series trains, which make up most of the fleet on the two lines. Asbestos has been found in 94 of the 210 vehicles, which date from 1986-1990.
TMB says the new trains have been designed with sustainability in mind, with features including a lightweight carbody, low energy consumption, a high degree of recyclability and ease of maintenance.
In parallel with the procurement TMB is arranging finance for the fleet through public credit institutions and private banks.
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