The public transport operator Qbuzz, part of FS Group, has chosen CAF to supply 10 commuter trains, as well as a corresponding spare parts package, which are scheduled for delivery from 2028.
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Qbuzz is a public transport company in the Netherlands serving concessions in region Groningen-Drenthe, city of Utrecht and in the region between cities Utrecht and Rotterdam.
Founded in 2008, it operates bus, tram and train lines, transporting approximately 350,000 passengers every day.
The trains Qbuzz has chosen are part of the Civity platform and will be equipped with CAF’s ETCS (European Train Control System) signalling system.
They will be energy efficient units designed to run at a speed of 160 km/h. Each train will consist of 3 cars and will have a capacity for approximately 350 passengers along its almost 60 metre length.
They will also include areas for people with reduced mobility and areas for bicycle transport.
This investment is part of the initiative being implemented by the province of South Holland to be capable to operate on ERTMS-lines, improve public transport and make it more sustainable.
These new units will be used on the line running between the cities of Dordrecht and Geldermalsen (the “MerwedeLinge line”), which was awarded to operator Qbuzz by the South Holland Provincial Authority in 2018.
Qbuzz’ intention in acquiring this new fleet is to replace the units currently operating on the line that are not equipped with the advanced ERTMS signalling system, which is scheduled to be implemented on parts of the line by 2027.
This project examines the advantages that ATO automatic driving can provide the Dutch operator in terms of improved punctuality and reduced energy consumption during operation in traffic, as well as improvements in operation management on the section between the last station on the line and the train depot, by means of remote driving without a driver having to take action. ■
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