Germany-based braking systems manufacturer Knorr-Bremse has secured a contract from Swedish State Railways (SJ) to modernise its X 2000 high-speed trains.
The trains were first introduced in 1990, and the operator SJ launched a modernisation programme in early 2014, costing Skr3.5bn. Under the new deal this year, SJ has commissioned Knorr-Vremise’s service subsidiary Swedtrac RailService to carry out an interior and exterior modernisation of 227 cars.
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The deal will see Swedtrac equip the trains with new seat, floor, wall and ceiling coverings, and new internal doors, galleys, and toilets. The vehicles will also receive a new, updated external livery.
SJ managing director and CEO Crister Fritzson said: "This modernisation of our high-speed trains is our response to customers’ increasing expectations regarding the quality of our rolling stock.
"We are reacting to growing passenger numbers partly by expanding our seating capacity by 15%, but without making any concessions in terms of internal space and passenger comfort."
In 2013, Knorr-Bremse acquired Swedtrac, a specialist in the maintenance and modernisation of trains.
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By GlobalDataSwedtrac CEO Micael Zetterquist said: "These trains are extremely popular with both business travelers and tourists, and we are proud to have been given the task of modernizing them.
"It is an opportunity to demonstrate our outstanding capabilities, strong customer focus and high-quality in the Scandinavian market."
