Romania: The rolling stock producer has signed its first leasing contract with local freight operator PSP Cargo through subsidiary Softrans. The deal covers the supply of two TransMontana electric locomotives along with full maintenance services. The locomotives, equipped with ETCS onboard train control systems, will operate on international routes.
Softronic says the new service enables freight operators to acquire locomotives without upfront capital expenditure while outsourcing maintenance. It targets primarily short- or medium-term rentals.
The 6MW six-axle TransMontana locomotives have been produced at the Craiova plant since 2010. More than 90 units have been built to date and are operated by private operators in Romania, Hungary and Sweden. Last year, the manufacturer announced plans for a battery-electric locomotive prototype.
Softrans handles passenger operations and rolling stock maintenance. Its fleet includes three Hyperion electric multiple-units built by Softronic between 2012 and 2019.
Last year, Siemens Mobility also established leasing company Smart Train Lease to market Mireo Smart trains. Through it, German operators NEB and RFG acquired battery-hybrid EMUs.
