SNCF And Bombardier Sign A $2.3 Billion Cdn Contract For The Delivery Of 500 AGC Regional Express Trains
13 December 2001
On December 13, 2001 in Paris, Louis Gallois, president of the French National Railways (SNCF), signed a contract with Robert E. Brown, president of BOMBARDIER, for the delivery of 500 high-capacity Regional Express Trains (TER) type AGC (Autorail Grande Capacité). The contract is valued at approximately $2.3 billion Cdn (1.65 billion euros). The initial firm part of the contract involves 192 trains for a total of approximately $980 million Cdn (700 million euros). SNCF represents the French Regions in this transaction.
The AGC is available in numerous versions. The seating capacity of the trains can range from 160 to 220 seats, depending on the number of cars. Modular interior design exists in the High Class and Intercity versions. The trains can run on either diesel fuel, electricity or a combination of the two. Designed and produced by Bombardier at its Crespin manufacturing site in the Valenciennes region in France, the trains will be delivered to the Regions beginning in the first quarter of 2004 at a rate that will gradually reach eight trains per month.
At the signing ceremony, Robert E. Brown commented that Bombardier, which has made its Crespin production site a centre of excellence for rail equipment in Europe, is a major player in the French rail industry. “Bombardier Transportation’s personnel in France are proud to be part of this project and will work diligently to live up to SNCF’s expectations by delivering the AGCs on time,” Mr. Brown stated.
Louis Gallois added that “the signing of this contract is proof that the French Regions, as the new administrative body, wish to introduce pro-active policies in order to increase the frequency and quality of regional rail transportation, therefore making it more attractive for users. With the TER, SNCF firmly intends to provide a high-quality service which will allow and encourage people to travel in their region.”
The Regions and SNCF had decided on September 6, 2001 to purchase the high-capacity AGC trains proposed by Bombardier for mid-density TER services following a European call for tender.
The order is for the design, manufacturing and delivery of the AGC trains in various seating capacities, propulsion systems and interior designs. In addition to the diesel and electric versions, the French Regions are particularly interested in a bi-modal diesel/electric version which will also be available. This new type of train will allow passengers more continuous travel and reduce pollution in urban areas.
The AGC will travel at a maximum speed of 160 km per hour. Thanks to its articulated architecture, it sports wide carbodies and inter-circulation gangways, as well as a continuous low floor. These features provide excellent access for travellers, make it easier to move about in the trains and deliver greater comfort, visibility, and security. The AGC’s electric transmission makes it possible to offer numerous bi-modal (diesel and electric) versions. It also offers greater operating flexibility and optimizes reserves.
