France: A four-car Class B 82500 dual-mode electro-diesel multiple unit began carrying passengers on the Meaux–La Ferté-Milon branch of Transilien Line P on April 8.
The mid-life refurbishment, which extends the train’s service life by 15 years, was carried out at the SNCF Voyageurs Technicentre Industriel in Nevers in conjunction with its subsidiary Masteris. The work included renewal of traction equipment, flooring, handrails and seating, and bicycle spaces were added to the passenger saloon.
LED lighting, new CCTV and door control systems were also installed. Anti-corrosion treatment was applied to the car bodies and doors of all four vehicles.
The €55 mln programme covers the refurbishment of 12 trains of this class by 2030. The fleet was built by Bombardier Transportation in the late 2000s; Bombardier was acquired by Alstom in 2021.
Separately, in 2023 SNCF and Alstom unveiled the first Class B 82500 retrofitted for battery mode operation. The train was expected to enter service in 2024, with five units planned for conversion in total, but no updates on the project have emerged since.
