France’s national railway company, SNCF has placed an order worth €2.1bn with Alstom for 80 double decker very high-speed trains.
A conditional option of 40 additional train sets can be added to the order, which would eventually increase its value to €3.1bn. First deliveries are scheduled for 2009.
Intended to operate at speeds of up to 320kph on the French, German, Swiss and Luxembourg networks, the trains will be fitted with signalling equipment which is compatible with all European networks and also with traction equipment adapted to the different currents of the countries through which they will travel.
Over 10% of the trains’ total capacity (509 seats) will be reserved for passengers who experience reduced mobility, with 52 specially designed seats.
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