Rolling stock manufacturer Stadler has signed a nearly €115m framework agreement to supply up to nine interoperable electric trains to Italian public transport company Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM).

The order was awarded to Stadler following a tender process, which was launched last year.

The eight-year agreement includes a guaranteed delivery of five trains, with the option for an additional four trains. It also envisages full service of first and second level maintenance.

In addition, both entities signed two implementation contracts for the five and four trains.

The first five vehicles are scheduled to be delivered by November 2020, while supply for the remaining four units will begin from July 2021.

Authorised for operations in Italy and Switzerland, the trains will be leased to Trenord to bolster the TILO cross-border services between Ticino in Switzerland and Lombardia in Italy.

“Today’s signing is a further element of a broader plan to renew the fleet of trains launched in 2017.”

The electric trains to be supplied under the contract are bidirectional and will come in six-car fixed configurations.

Capable of operating in dual power voltages (3kV DC for Italy, 15kV AC for Switzerland) and at a maximum speed of 160km/h. The trains can carry up to 655 people.

The 104.9m long units will feature LED lighting, electrical charging sockets, passenger information system and two toilets.

They will also be equipped with latest ERTMS/ETCS safety system.

FNM chairman Andrea Gibelli said: “Today’s signing is a further element of a broader plan to renew the fleet of trains launched in 2017.

“The availability of new trains is an essential aspect in order to offer a service that more adequately meets the mobility needs of people who live and work in or visit Lombardy or, as in this case, who travel across the border.”

Last month,  Stadler received a contract from FNM to supply up to 50 diesel-electric trains.