SNCF orders 86 double-deck cars for regional express
trains

In an order worth 163 million euros, the French National
Railways (SNCF) has notified ALSTOM of its decision to order 86
double-deck electrical-motor units for use in its TER regional
express fleet.

The follow-on order corresponds to the second option in a
contract signed in November 2000 and is part of a 673 million
euro investment program, to be carried out over several years and
financed by regional authorities, for 629 new cars.

The current order, which calls for 25 three-car trainsets and
11 intermediate cars, brings the total number of cars ordered in
the framework so far to 327. Delivery of the first order is
expected to begin at the end of the year.

The trains are destined to reinforce the operator's service
around major regional metropolitan areas, offering passengers
high-quality, fast, comfortable and safe rail travel.

The TER 2N NG (the abbreviation in French for new-generation
double-decker regional express trains) vehicles are from the
CORADIA Duplex product family. They allow configuration of
distributed-power trainsets composed of two to five cars and
offer higher capacity than earlier versions of double-deck
electrical-motor units.

The distributed-power characteristic enables the maintenance
of acceleration whatever configuration is chosen, with top speeds
of 160 kmh.

Luxembourg Railways also has an option to purchase a certain
number of trainsets and ordered 12 three-car trainsets in
2001.

In partnership with ALSTOM, Bombardier will also participate
in the manufacture of the trains.

Accompanying photos: A full-scale model of the train is
currently being demonstrated in the French regions that have
participated in the financing.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in over 60
countries, ALSTOM's Transport Sector 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's Transport Sector, with 4.4 billion euros in sales in
2001, is among the world's leading suppliers to the railway
industry.

Press information:
Helen Connolly

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

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com