Raquel Sánchez, Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, and Raül Blanco, President of Renfe, presented the commuter train project at Alstom’s industrial center in Catalonia.
The objective is to manufacture 201 high-capacity commuter and rolling stock trains to be put into service by 2025.
Commuter networks play a crucial role in the mobility of cities and regions. As a result, demand for public transportation is on the rise and rail systems need to adapt to keep up with this growing need.
In this context, Minister Raquel Sanchez stressed that “the train has to be the protagonist of interurban and regional mobility,” and stressed the importance of increasing the transport capacity of suburban networks to meet this increase in demand.
The new commuter trains that will transform mobility
The new trains, designed for the “near future,” are set to transform the travel experience for users.
These modern vehicles, which are expected to enter service in 2025, are being manufactured with a vision of more efficient and comfortable mobility. They will have 6 cars, of which 4 will be low-floor and 2 will be double-floor.
With a capacity for more than 900 passengers, these trains will be equipped with 12 doors on each side, strategically distributed to streamline the passenger transfer flow and reduce downtime at stations.
In addition to their interior design to maximize comfort and efficiency, the new trains will also be inclusive and environmentally friendly.
They will be accessible for people with reduced mobility, offering spaces specially designed for PRM chairs. In addition, multifunctional spaces for bicycles, suitcases and baby strollers will be included, adapting to the diverse needs of passengers.
State-of-the-art technology in the operation
In technical terms, these state-of-the-art trains will be equipped with advanced technology that will improve network reliability and service punctuality.
This technology will allow thousands of data points per second to be collected from the entire fleet in real time, resulting in more efficient operational decision making and ultimately improved commuter service.
Manufacturing of these trains is underway and the first three units are expected to undergo a validation and certification process starting in 2024.
Once this phase is completed, serial production of the remaining 198 units will begin with the delivery of 3 to 4 trains to Renfe each month.
This ambitious project not only has an impact on transportation and mobility, but also on the local economy and employment.
The total investment in the manufacture of these trains amounts to 1.8 billion euros, including the maintenance of the vehicles for 15 years.
