Bombardier Transportation, in consortium with Alstom Transport, will supply 13 RABe 525 multiple units to Swiss railway operator BLS AG. The contract, which includes an option for up to 20 additional vehicles, is valued at around 58 million euros (74 million US dollars), with Bombardier’s share amounting to some 38 million euros (49 million US dollars). If the option is fully exercised, the value of the order would increase to some 143 million euros (182 million US dollars).
The 13 RABe 525 units will be built by Bombardier Transportation in Villeneuve, Switzerland. Alstom’s scope covers traction equipment and passenger information systems.
BLS AG is the second-largest rail transport operator in Switzerland. It is acquiring the new vehicles for the Regio-Express services that will run every hour from Berne on the Lötschberg route to Brig and as feeder trains to Zweisimmen. The Regio-Express trains will meet the needs of both tourists and commuters. The first of the new vehicles are due to be delivered in spring 2008 with all 13 of them delivered by December 2008.
Alfred Ruckstuhl, Chief Country Representative for Bombardier Transportation Switzerland, announced, "We are proud and grateful that BLS is continuing to choose Bombardier's reliable, well-proven technology. This train offers compatibility with the existing BLS fleet and has exceptional characteristics, making it attractive to the operator as well as to demanding tourist and commuter passengers."
The four-car units are 62 meters long and have 193 seats. Each unit holds 40 first-class and 153 second-class seats. Four of the ten axles are powered on the units. The BLS trains are particularly attractive to tourists, featuring large panoramic windows, substantial luggage space, ski racks and passenger information systems.
The Bombardier Transportation Group has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany, with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of approximately 97,000 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 regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006 were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
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