Bombardier to supply further TWINDEXX Vario double-deck trains

Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation will deliver 12 BOMBARDIER TWINDEXX Vario trains for commuter services to Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG), which won a Europe-wide tender to operate passenger services in the Main-Spessart region. The order placed at the end of March 2013 is valued at approximately 113 million euro ($ 145 million US) and is part of a framework agreement signed in December 2008. Under the agreement, DB AG has already ordered 290 variable double-deck coaches for long-distance and regional routes.

The 12 new TWINDEXX Vario double-deck trains each consist of two motor cars and two intermediate coaches. Their wide kinematic profile and lightweight steel construction provide a spacious interior and generous headroom along the upper deck windows. With a top speed of 160 km/h, the trains will operate between the towns of Bamberg, Würzburg, Aschaffenburg and Frankfurt. Delivery of the trains will begin in the second half of 2015.

The coaches provide low-floor entrances and multi-purpose areas on the lower deck with plenty of room to transport bicycles or luggage. Each train has an intermediate coach with a dedicated area for passengers with reduced mobility and a special needs toilet. The upper deck of this coach houses the first class section, with a comfortable 2+1 seating layout and numerous extras such as reading lamps and power outlets. The second class features comfortable seats, tables, adjustable armrests, power outlets and a children’s corner. The motor cars and the other intermediate coaches are all equipped with a standard toilet. Low-floor entry allows passengers to board and disembark easily even on routes with different platform heights, serving platforms between 380 mm and 760 mm in height.

“Travelling in the new TWINDEXX Vario double-deck trains from Bombardier is particularly pleasant thanks to their spacious headroom, comfortable seating and large windows that fill the interior with light and offer passengers splendid views,” said Dr. Roman Müller, Vice President Sales Germany, Bombardier Transportation. “Our variable trains enable operators to meet fully the needs of modern rail transportation by combining high passenger capacity with enhanced flexibility. Continuous development of proven solutions is the secret behind the success of these popular double-deck trains manufactured in Görlitz. The trains are always state-of-the-art and remain as reliable as ever.”

A high proportion of multi-purpose areas distributed along the entire length of the train provide space for up to 48 bicycles. Greater space between seats offering more legroom, a large number of tables, power outlets even in second class, a toilet in each carriage, large windows and high-quality First class seating with real leather seats, carpet and reading lights ensure a comfortable journey. Light, friendly interiors, transparent glass partitions and video surveillance increase passengers’ sense of security.

The motor cars are equipped with the reliable, energy efficient BOMBARDIER MITRAC 1000 drive and control system. With four drive motors per power car, a four-car TWINDEXX Vario train is driven via 50% of its axles, which among other things enables rapid acceleration, even in poor weather.

TWINDEXX Vario trainsets can be coupled together to double passenger capacity on busy routes. The trains’ length can be adjusted easily by inserting or removing an intermediate coach, demonstrating a high level of flexibility and the advantages of the variable single-car concept.

Bombardier builds its double-deck trains at its Görlitz plant in Germany. Its site in Hennigsdorf, Germany, is involved in a wide range of research and development activities. The bogies are manufactured in Siegen, Germany, and the drive engines are manufactured in Västerås, Sweden. Bombardier has delivered almost 2,000 modern double-deck cars to Deutsche Bahn since 1992.