Press releases

2018/12/27

CAF SECURES CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR THE DUTCH OPERATOR NS

The contract extension signed by CAF and NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) comprises the supply of 302 additional CIVITY platform passenger cars, (50x 3-car trains and 38x 4-car trains), for a total of circa €400m.

CAF is currently delivering identical trains under the same contract, signed in 2014 with NS, which comprises the supply of 68x 3-car trains and 50x 4-car trains, for approximately €500m. The first trains produced for the aforementioned contract are currently providing revenue service in The Netherlands.

In 2020 the 118 trains of the first order will all be in The Netherlands, and the trains of the additional order will enter service from that moment. Beginning 2023 all 206 trains will be in service.

NS is the Dutch state-owned Operator and one of the leading railway companies in Europe. This project emphasizes the success of the CIVITY platform developed by CAF, comprising of low floor trains for Commuter, Intercity and Regional services in Europe, with a number of projects also having been executed in the United Kingdom and Italy.

The trains will run across the whole of The Netherlands providing the so-called “Sprinter” services. With a top speed of 160 km/h, the trains are configured to transport passengers swiftly and comfortably over relatively short distances, and are also fitted out with first class areas next to the driver cab.

The new Sprinters will be a transparent, open, attractive and energy-friendly train, fitted with WIFI, a toilet accessible for wheelchairs, sockets, USB-charging points, leather upholstery, a place for bicycles and level entry.

Given the total number of trains and the amount involved, the overall volume of this contract is one of the largest CAF has secured internationally and one of the most significant in the history of the company.

This is an excellent way for the company to round out the year in terms of contracts as secured contracts in hand exceed €2,5bn. Highlights of the year include tram projects for the cities of Oslo, Lund, Liège and Sidney, metro units for Amsterdam and Barcelona, the supply of diesel units for Translink (Northern Ireland) and the Wales & Borders franchise in the United Kingdom, and last but not least various extensions of previously secured contracts for the cities of Naples, Luxembourg, Freiburg and the operator Arriva UK, as well as contracts in the area of services and other businesses.