Traxx Universal is a four-axle electric locomotive platform supplied by French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom.
The platform is designed for freight and passenger operations across multi-country corridors in Europe and adjacent regions.
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As of March 2024, Traxx locomotives have received certification in 20 European countries. Alstom reports that more than 500 Traxx Universal locomotives have been ordered to date.
The rolling stock is manufactured at the Alstom Kassel facility in Germany while the company’s unit in Wrocław, Poland, supplies locomotive car body shells.
In September 2025, the European Railway Agency (ERA) granted type approval for Traxx Universal equipped with the EbiCab 2000 European Train Control System (ETCS).
The approval includes ETCS Baseline 3, enabling interoperable deployment of the locomotive across multiple European freight corridors.
Traxx Universal locomotive specifications
Alstom designed the Traxx Universal for standard gauge networks (1,435mm) with an approximate axle load of 22 tonnes (t).
The platform uses electric propulsion with multi-system capability for AC and DC electrification. Additionally, it offers diesel or battery options for last-mile movements and operation on non-electrified sections.
The Traxx Universal provides up to 6.4MW of power and a maximum tractive effort of 340 kilonewtons (kN).
Depending on the configuration, operators deploy the locomotives for freight or passenger services at speeds between 160km/h and 200km/h.
Furthermore, Traxx Universal units are integrated with Alstom converter, transformer, signalling and communication systems to support performance targets and facilitate future upgrades.
Design details of Traxx Universal
Alstom bases the Traxx Universal on a modular platform to support multiple applications and configurations.
The locomotive is available for various catenary voltages, signalling systems and traction requirements, making it suitable for single/multi-country operations.
Operators can use the Traxx Universal in multiple traction with other locomotives or in push-pull mode with passenger cars.
Its last-mile capability allows access to non-electrified terminals, ports, and sidings, providing high tractive effort and seamless transitions without the need for a separate shunting locomotive.
Additionally, a remote-control option for shunting supports single-person operation.
The platform includes a planned maintenance interval starting at 40,000km to support predictable lifecycle management.
Traxx Universal locomotive orders and deliveries
Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) won a contract to supply up to 50 Traxx locomotives from ČD Cargo in 2018. Deliveries began in 2021 and are scheduled to continue into 2026-2027.
Northrail and Alstom concluded a €370m ($404.5m) framework in June 2023 for up to 50 multi-system locomotives with full-service maintenance for up to 16 years.
In July 2023, rail vehicle leasing company Railpool ordered 50 multi-purpose Traxx Universal units for operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland, in a deal worth €260m ($289.2m).
In the same month, European rolling stock leasing company Akiem signed a framework agreement in July 2023 for 100 locomotives.
In May 2024, Alstom supplied the first Traxx Universal DC locomotive with Last Mile capability to Polo Logistica, part of the Italian FS Group’s freight and logistics business. The unit forms part of 20 optional locomotives that add to 40 already in service.
Alstom signed a contract with Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (ARF) in 2024 to supply 16 locomotives and 20 years of maintenance and repair services.
In June 2024, Mercitalia Rail, a company of Polo Logistica FS, awarded Alstom a contract for 70 Traxx Universal locomotives for the Italian market, along with 12 years of full maintenance. The €323m ($346.6m) agreement includes options for an additional 30 locomotives and an extension of maintenance.
In March 2025, Polish logistics group CLIP Intermodal ordered five third-generation multi-system units to be homologated for operations in Poland, Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary.
Further commitments include 30 locomotives for SŽ – Tovorni promet (Slovenian Railways – Freight Transport) and up to 55 third-generation units for Poland’s OnTrain.
Additional contracts cover 20 units for GTS Rail in Bari, ten for CFL Cargo, 172 units for three Deutsche Bahn entities and 31 passenger locomotives for Czech operator RegioJet.
Traxx locomotive variants
Besides Traxx Universal, Alstom’s Traxx portfolio comprises the Traxx Hauler, Traxx Passenger and Traxx Shunter platforms.
Traxx Hauler is specified for heavy freight duties with the capability to move loads up to 10,000t.
Traxx Passenger is configured for passenger service requirements while Traxx Shunter range supports shunting and related tasks, covering light to heavy trackwork, short-distance mainline movements, terminal duties, rescue operations and harbour applications.