Finland’s rail operator VR has announced that Stadler Bussnang is the preferred bidder for the supply of 20 electric multiple units (EMUs) including the delivery of spare parts, special tools, training and documentation. VR is estimating that EUR 250 million is the value of the procurement.
The train procurement includes options to purchase additional 50 EMUs and maintenance services for the new trains.
The contract will be signed after the appeal period ends.
In 2019, VR Group launched the tender to acquire new EMUs to replace the Sm2 electric trains running on the suburban network of Helsinki. The company said is expecting to put the new trains into commercial services in 2024. According to the plans, the 34 Sm2 train fleet will be replaced in 2026.
In September, VR agreed with the new operator Suomen Lähijunat Oy (Finnish Commuter Trains) to sell 11 Class Sm2 trains which will be repaired and modernised to provide transport services. Suomen Lähijunat was established in 2021 to provide commuter services between Turku and Uusikaupunki from 2024 with plans to add the rail routes to Naantali, Loimaa and Salo.
Stadler also won a contract to deliver VR 60 new diesel-electric locomotives with an option for up to 100 additional locomotives, as well as the possibility to buy locomotive maintenance from Stadler. EUR 200 million is the value of the contract awarded in April 2019 which mentions that the first five locomotives are expected to enter into service in 2022, and the remaining locomotives will be gradually delivered until the end of 2025.
In February 2022, the first Dr19 locomotive has arrived in Finland for trials which ensure the functionality of the vehicle on the Finnish railway network. The test period will last until the end of 2022 and the first new locomotives will be introduced into commercial traffic in 2023.
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