From a distance, it looks like a TER of the SNCF… But its name is Everything. This train set, which will ensure the rail connection between Marseille, Toulon and Nice, alone carries a heavy symbol: it puts an end to the SNCF monopoly on French rails. Omneo will run on the railway line open to competition by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region. This region was the first in France to vote for such a decision.
Transdev will circulate Omneo in summer 2025
From summer 2025 Transdev will be authorized to run trains. “This connection alone represents 10% of the regional rail offer. The Region’s decision is historic. This is, in fact, the first call for tenders relating to regional trains awarded to a competitor of the historic operator, since the opening to competition of passenger rail transport“recalls the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region.
“On this axis, the supply of trains will be doubled, which will encourage a shift in travel practices for the majority, from road to rail, in accordance with the objectives set in our Climate Plan, a COP in Advance. Thus, we are doing everything we can to improve the daily lives of travelers on regional trains.” said Renaud Muselierthe president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
A contract worth 250 million euros
“These new 8-car trainsets, 110 meters long, will offer 352 seats as well as 49 folding seats for travelers making a short journey. This large capacity is achieved by alternating one- and two-level cars” underline Olivier Delecroix, of Alstom France, and Thierry Mallet, president and CEO of Transdev. They presented this first Omneo train to Renaud Muselier. Alstom to build 16 Omneo 8-car trains on two levels. Delivery of this new equipment, manufactured at the Alstom site in Crespin, in the North, will begin at the end of 2024. The contract is worth 250 million euros, including 10 years of maintenance.
Omneo will be tested before being put into service
Before driving between Marseille and Nice, Omneo will have to be approved. “From the end of November, for four months, the train will carry out a series of dynamic overspeed tests on the Velim ring in the Czech Republic. After its return to Crespin for the finalization of the static tests and the completion of the interior fittings, it will then leave for the South region, for pre-operation” details the Region in a press release.
“The public service concession contract provides for Transdev to acquire, on behalf of the Region, the rolling stock necessary for the operation of inter-metropolis missions, as well as the construction of a maintenance center for its upkeep, located near Nice train station. This will allow Transdev to ensure both high operational safety, controlled and optimized maintenance and therefore total availability of trains, particularly during peak periods.” adds the Region.
2023-11-24 02:05:39
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