Bombardier (TSE:BBD.B) has signed two contracts totaling GBP358 million with Transport for London (TfL) to provide and maintain 45 four-car new electric multiple units (EMU).
The first agreement is for the supply and 180 new vehicles into service and the second concerns the maintenance of the new units for a period of 35 years. The contracts also include an option for up to 24 additional trains and an option to extend maintenance services by five years.
The new trains will share many characteristics with those currently in service with London Overground (also built by Bombardier), including ease of access from one car to the other, air conditioning and improved accessibility. These next-generation AVENTRA trains are said to be lighter, as well as being more reliable and energy efficient.
"These important contracts demonstrate TfL's continued confidence in our ability to provide high quality transportation products and services. We look forward to not only delivering these new trains for TfL, but also providing ongoing maintenance and technical support," said Bombardier Transportation’s president, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, Per Allmer.
The new trains should enter service between December 2017 and October 2018.