Deals and tenders in the passenger rolling stock markets.
Sweden — The local operator Vasttrafik awarded Alstom with a contract for an additional 35 high-speed Avelia Stream Nordic X80 trains. Before 2024, the train platform was called Zefiro Express. The procurement, worth SEK 4 bln (around €340 mln), builds on the existing framework agreement, signed in 2018 with Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom in 2021). The agreement provided for the delivery of up to 100 trainsets, with a firm part for 45 units. The Swedish national operator SJ has also ordered 25 high-speed EMUs based on the same platform.
British Rail Class 170 Turbostar train from the fleet of ScotRail. Source: ScotRail
UK — The Scottish operator ScotRail has announced a tender for the purchase of 106 suburban trains. The contract includes a firm part for 69 trainsets, with an option for a further 37. The delivery is scheduled to start in 2030. Previously, the operator specified that it would buy 41 EMUs and 28 catenary-battery trains.
Brazil — São Paulo plans to buy 34 EMUs under a future PPP agreement. The state’s government is preparing a tender for the maintenance of one railway line and construction of a new light rail line. By 2031, a concessionaire is expected to replace the Series 7000 trains (produced by CAF in 2009–2011) with a fleet of 21 new units, according to the tender conditions. In addition, the São Paulo state is obliged to provide financing for the other 13 trains by 2040. A consortium with CRRC has announced its readiness to take part in the tender.
Hungary — The national operator MAV has launched a tender valued at approximately €841 mln excluding VAT for the supply of up to 54 EMUs for Budapest. The first 18 units are stated to be financed by EU funds and procured by 2029. Each trainset must feature not less than 66% low floor and provide accommodation for at least 650 passengers. It is worth noting that the Budapest HEV suburban rail network’s rolling stock is strongly obsolete (produced between 1965 and 1983), but its renewal has been postponed for several years. The previous tender was cancelled, as the offers of the bidders, Alstom and Stadler, exceeded the initial price.
Passenger coaches from the Kryukiv Railway Car Building Works for Ukrzaliznytsia. Source: Ukrzaliznytsia
Ukraine — The project of the 2026 state budget includes UAH 5.7 bln (€117 mln) intended for the purchase of 100 passenger coaches, as announced by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament. In addition, it is planned to buy a prototype double-deck coach. Passenger coaches for the national operator Ukrzaliznytsia are produced by the Kryukiv Railway Car Building Works. In October, the manufacturer completed the delivery of 66 coaches under the 2023 contracts. Now, the plant is ready to proceed to producing the next 100 passenger coaches.
Passenger coaches by ZIKSTO at the railway station in the city of Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan. Source: KTZ
Kazakhstan — Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) will ensure a procurement of 100 passenger coaches. The national operator is going to provide Passenger Transportation, its subsidiary, with a bank guarantee worth KZT 103 bln (USD 197 mln) to meet commitments of the Kazakh Industrial Development Fund. The value, model and manufacturer of the rolling stock are not explicit. Aibat Kangaliyev, Deputy General Director for Passenger Transportation, noted earlier that the company would purchase 100 passenger coaches from ZIKSTO (part of Railways Systems KZ).
