EAV awards electric train production and maintenance contract to Stadler

Credit: Stadler

Following the decision of the Italian Council of State published on 8 March 2021, Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV) has awarded Stadler with an eight-year Framework Agreement for the production, supply and maintenance of 40 electric trains for metropolitan and suburban service on the 950mm narrow-gauge Vesuvian lines.

With the acquisition of the new fleet, the oldest vehicles will be progressively replaced and the quality and range of transport services will be increased, improving the travel experience of passengers by usage of modern vehicles that meet the latest standards in terms of reliability and safety.

EAV’s President, Umberto De Gregorio, expressed his “satisfaction with the start of the collaboration with Stadler, which will finally allow for the construction of 40 new trains, enriching the fleet on the Vesuvian lines. We are, therefore, launching the process of renewing the fleet which will allow us, in the coming years, to respond adequately to the demand for mobility of a particularly significant territory for the Campania region, such as the Vesuvius lines.”

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, said: “We are proud to have been appointed to deliver the modern trains to operate urban and suburban services on one of the most characteristic and iconic networks in the Italian railway panorama. We are pleased to contribute with our technology and knowhow to this important mobility project, improving the travel experience for both residents and tourists.”

The new electric trains consist of three cars made of aluminium, designed to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle in order to significantly reduce energy consumption. With an overall length of around 40m, the new trains offer five doors on each side to allow rapid passenger interchange in stations, and an optimal passenger flow on board will be granted by a modern and flush design of the interiors. These features are particularly advantageous for people with reduced mobility, who will be able to move easily throughout the interior of the train thanks to the wide corridor.