Alstoms high-speed Pendolino trains come into commercial service on the Helsinki - St Petersburg line

Press release, 12 December 2010:

Vladimir Yakounine, Chairman of the
Russian Railways (RZD), Michael Aro, Chairman of the Finnish Railways (VR) and
Patrick Kron, Chairman and CEO of the Alstom Group, inaugurated the line
linking Helsinki and St Petersburg on which the high speed Pendolino trains
manufactured by Alstom run. With a commercial operating speed of 220 kph, the
four trains ordered by Karelian Trains¹
in 2007 link Helsinki to St Petersburg in three and a half hours (as opposed to
five and a half hours previously). Over 300,000 passengers
are expected to use this 450 km line every year.

These trains are based on the Pendolino platform,
which has ever been in service in Finland since 1995. In order to meet the
customers requirements and the extreme winter conditions encountered in both
countries (temperatures can drop to as low as 40°), they have raised safety
standards and particular technical solutions. The bogies are also equipped with
devices designed to reduce the accumulation of snow and ice. Specific heating
and air conditioning systems have also been installed. The sophisticated
comfort and design will improve passenger well-being and is directly aligned
with the customers brand strategy.

The Helsinki-St Petersburg Pendolino is a high-speed
non-articulated multiple unit train with distributed traction. Pendolino trains
are equipped with a unique cutting edge technological solution, an active
system that tilts the train on bends. The maximum tilt of eight degrees enables
speeds on bends of 20 to 30% higher than those of classic trains, whilst
providing maximum passenger comfort and safety yet requiring no modifications
to the geometry or route of the existing tracks.

These trains are
produced at the Alstoms Savigliano site in Italy, their traction systems are
manufactured at Sesto San Giovanni, near Milan (Italy) and the bogies are made
at Le Creusot in France.

Alstoms Pendolino trains are meeting with great commercial
success. There are currently 430 Pendolinos (both diesel and electric)
running in 11 countries: Germany, China, Spain, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Czech
Republic, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Switzerland and now Russia. These trains
clock up over 200 million kilometres in commercial operation. With a worldwide
and European market share of 95%², Alstom is the undisputed leader
in the tilting multiple unit train sector.

 ^{1 Karelian Trains is a joint venture
between Russian Railways (RZD) and Finnish Railways (VR)} 

 ^{2 This figure relates only to the market share
for high-speed tilting trains.} 

About Alstom Transport 

 With sustainable transport
in mind, Alstom Transport develops and offers the most complete range of
systems, equipment and services on the rail market. Alstom Transport is capable
of managing an entire transport system, from rolling stock to signalling and
infrastructure, as well as offering turnkey solutions. In 2009-2010, Alstom
Transport achieved sales of 5.8 billion. Alstom Transport is present in over
60 countries and has 26,000 employees.

Press contacts: 

Laurent Gerbet, Press
Service Manager - Tel. + 33 (0)1 1 57 92 83

laurent.gerbet@transport.alstom.com 

 Internet site: www.transport/alstom.com