ALSTOM to supply traction equipment for suburban trains in
Switzerland

ALSTOMs unit in
Ridderkerk,
which will be responsible for this order, supplied the same
equipment for BLS in two previous contracts. The eight 3-car
units delivered under the first contract are currently in
passenger service in the Bern region, providing high
availability. They have already covered over 2.6 million km. A
second order for six 3-car units was signed last year.

The major benefits for the operators are lower investment and
maintenance costs, lower energy consumption and good performance.
Another advantage is that the drivers and maintenance personnel
are already familiar with this equipment.

The repeat order is proof of the customers satisfaction
with the equipment. ALSTOM is pleased to extend its relationship
with BLS.

Technical details
The ALSTOM facilities in Ridderkerk will supply:

• the high voltage collection and
  distribution,    
• auxiliary power supply converters and
  distribution,    
• the
  ONIX traction
  system including motors, all of which will be
  roof-mounted,    
• the TCMS system including ATB,    
• the passenger information system (address and
  announcement).

The total number of equipment units is 36 propulsion sets, 18
auxiliary converters and 72 motors.

The ONIX traction system is based on proven technology
that is already and successful in passenger service for several
years in Switzerland.

Editors notes


ALSTOMs Unit in Ridderkerk, near Rotterdam,
(formerly TRAXIS and before that Holec Ridderkerk) designs and
manufactures electric propulsion and electronic control systems
for trains, metros and trams. This sites propulsion
systems are now used on 70% of the Netherlands trains,
metros and trams.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in over 60
countries, ALSTOM Transport offers cutting-edge products and
services to four distinct types of customers: urban transit
authorities and operators; intercity passenger rail operators and
rolling stock owners; rail freight operators; and intercity
railway infrastructure owners. ALSTOM Transport, with 4.4 billion
euros in sales, has a 17% market share world-wide.

Press contact:

Helen Connolly

Tel. +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com

• To visit the BLS Lotschbergbahn AG website