Alstom to deliver new X’Trapolis train to Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya

Catalonian Regional Railways takes the first unit of the new X’Trapolis trains from Alstom

25-4-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Alstom has delivered to FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) the first unit of the new X’Trapolis trains that will help the regional operator to modernize its fleet and increase the capacity of its lines. The EMU-Type (Electrical Multiple Units) train will start operating in the coming weeks, first of all during a test period and will then start commercial service after the Summer.

This first train is part of an order for 24 units signed in November 2009, half of them to be supplied by Alstom¹. Alstom´s plant in Santa Perpetua (Barcelona) is responsible for manufacturing the first 12 units, as well as for  their  design and project management.

The train will run on the line connecting Barcelona to Vallés in Catalonia. This 45-kilometre line transports 60 million passengers annually via the existing fleet of 42 trains that will be partly replaced now by the new Alstom Xtrapolis trains. Demand is expected to increase 30% on this line in the coming 10 years.

The new X’Trapolis trains will be made up of 4 cars, for a total capacity of 780 passengers. They will be more comfortable, wider, air conditioned, accessible for disabled people and will have acoustic sound protection. Furthermore, the units will be equipped with advanced onboard signaling, communication and video-surveillance systems.

X’Trapolis trains respect high safety standards through reliable and efficient anti-impact devices placed in front of the train in case of collision. The articulated architecture reduces the weight of the train and its electrical braking capacity allows reducing energy consumption by near 30%. With 95% rate of recyclability, the train is environmentally friendly.

Alstom also supplied the trains which were previously used on the line by FGC, as well as those serving the Barcelona-Baix Llobregat line.

^{1 Alstom and Spanish rail manufacturer CAF signed a contract with Catalan railways (FGC) for the supply of 24 suburban trains. Alstom, will supply 12 trains. The other 50% will be supplied by CAF, partner in this project.} 

About Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 92,000 people in around 100 countries. It had sales of €20 billion and booked close to €22 billion in orders in 2011/12.

Alstom has delivered to FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) the first unit of the new X’Trapolis trains

Press contacts

Irma Aguado – Tel. +34 91 334 58 00 – irma.aguado@alstom.com

Linda Huguet – Tel. +33 1 57 06 10 42 – linda.huguet@transport.alstom.com

www.alstom.com