Bombardier Transportation has been awarded a contract in Australia by the Victorian Government, to build a further 32 VLocity DMU cars, to be supplied as a mix of two and three car units, valued at approximately 75 million euros ($95 million US, $148 million AU). The new vehicles will be operated as part of V/Line Passenger’s regional rail fleet.
This brings the number of VLocity DMU cars operated by V/Line Passenger to 134. These trains, operated as two and three car sets, have proved very popular with both V/Line and the travelling public and provide rapid and comfortable links from Melbourne to Victoria’s major regional centres. Since the introduction of the VLocity DMUs into service in 2005, V/Line has experienced excellent patronage growth.
“The Victorian Government has again expressed its confidence in the VLocity DMU and Bombardier with this purchase,” said Dan Osborne, Managing Director of Bombardier Transportation Australia. “These units have delivered excellent performance and reliability since entering service, and have contributed significantly to the sustainable transportation provided by the Australian rail industry.” The VLocity DMUs have been built at Bombardier’s plant in Dandenong, Australia, with 70% local content.
Rob Barnett, CEO of V/Line Passenger, stated: “V/Line has enjoyed a massive increase in patronage over the last few years, and the Bombardier VLocity trains have been an integral part of that. I am pleased that we are expanding our fleet”.
The VLocity DMU is made out of stainless steel, operates at 160 kph, and provides a comfortable passenger environment with large panoramic windows, air conditioned interiors and luggage space including bicycle and surfboard storage. A three car VLocity DMU provides 214 fixed seats, six wheelchair locations with eight folding seats and two onboard toilets.
This order will be delivered through 2010 and 2011 and will respond to V/Line’s growing capacity requirements.
Note to Editors:
Photo: VLocity DMU cars as part of V/Line Passenger’s regional rail fleet
About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide. The Group offers the broadest product portfolio and is recognized as the leader in the global rail sector.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
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