The Coradia family of regional trains, manufactured by Alstom Transport, are high-performance rolling stock offered in various configurations suitable for diverse requirements.
The Coradia regional trains are in service with operators in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Finland, Luxembourg, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Coradia Polyvalent, the latest variant of the Coradia family of trains, is currently undergoing testing for service entry in March 2013.
Design features of Coradia regional trains
The Coradia range of trains is designed to offer a high degree of comfort for passengers. Passenger compartments are provided with partition walls between the foyer. The interior design incorporates ambient lighting, luggage racks and storage areas. Each car is equipped with PC sockets, individual lighting, and audio and video systems.
The modular interior fittings are set in slots for easy redistribution. Seat pitching and configuration are customisable based on the operator’s requirements, while compartments are equipped with vending machines, in-train ticketing dispensers, built-in internet capabilities and special facilities for disabled passengers. The trains can also be equipped with national ATP (automatic train protection) systems and ETCS (European train control system).
The train’s traction system, Onix igBT provides smooth acceleration while conserving energy. The standard variants of the train are fitted with a regenerative braking system.
Variants of Coradia trains
Coradia range of regional trains includes Coradia Duplex, Coradia Lint, Coradia Continental, Coradia Polyvalent and Coradia Nordic variants. Alstom also developed Coradia Meridian trains specifically for Trenitalia and other regional operators in Italy.
Coradia Duplex trains consist of two- to seven-car Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). Up to four trainsets may be coupled to hold 12 cars. The Coradia Duplex range includes two models, one developed for operation in Sweden, and another for France and Luxembourg.
Coradia Lint is available in configurations of one, two, and three-car Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs). Up to three trainsets can be attached and the diesel powerpack in the underframe of the Lint optimise the low-floor section, while the rolling stock complies with the new European environmental standards.
Coradia Continental comes with three, four, five or six-car EMUs. Up to four train-sets can be joined during peak times. The roof-mounted traction equipment provides room for spacious interiors. Developed for German and other European markets, the Continental complies with the International Union of Railways (UIC) loading gauge standard. The train is suitable for platform heights ranging from 550mm to 760mm.
Coradia Nordic is a wider body train specifically developed for the gauge standard of Northern Europe. It can be operated at temperatures as low as -35°C and garaged at -40°C during rigorous Scandinavian winters. The traction equipment is mounted on roof to create more space for comfortable seating and passenger amenities. Coradia Nordic is available in configurations of four, five or six-car EMUs.
Coradia Polyvalent is the latest variant in the Coradia family of regional trains. It can run at a maximum speed of 160km/h in electric or bi-mode at voltages of 25kV and 1,500kV. A cross-border version capable of operating at a voltage of 15kV is also offered for the German and Swiss networks. The low, integrated floor of the train provides improved accessibility and complete visibility to passengers. Motor bogies are placed at both ends of the car-sets to restrict vibrations and noise levels.
Orders and deliveries for Coradia rolling stock
In September 2012, Alstom received a €67m ($86m) order from Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) for ten additional Coradia Meridian regional trains. The order is a part of a frame agreement signed in 2008. Alstom delivered 14 trains to FNM under the agreement. The remaining deliveries are scheduled to conclude by early 2014.
NETINERA Deutschland also signed a €300m ($385m) contract with Alstom in the same month for 63 Coradia Lint regional trains. The new trains will run in the Southwest Diesel Network from December 2014.
Swedish operator Östgötatrafiken also placed a €50m ($64m) order for eight additional Coradia Nordic regional trains in September 2012. The latest order, which is a part of a frame agreement signed in 2008, brings the total orders from Östgötatrafiken to 13. Deliveries are scheduled for early 2015.
In June 2012, Deutsche Bahn placed a €160m ($199m) contract for 38 additional Coradia Lint regional trains. The trains will enter service in the Southwest Diesel network of Germany in 2015. Deutsche Bahn also placed a €140m ($185m) order for 28 trains in April 2012 as part of a frame contract signed in 2011 for up to 400 trains, which will be delivered for the service entry in 2014.
In June 2012, Storstockholms Lokaltrafik placed a €440m ($548m) contract for 46 Coradia Nordic regional trains, bringing the total orders of Nordic trains to 129.
In November 2011, Swedish operator Skånetrafiken placed a €100m ($133m) order for 20 Coradia Nordic regional trains. The trains will be delivered during 2013-2014. In December 2006, Skånetrafiken ordered 69 Coradia Nordic trains.
In March 2010, Alstom was awarded a €135m ($181m) contract by French national railways, SNCF for an additional 23 Coradia Polyvalent range of trains. The order was part of an €800m ($1.2bn) contract signed for 100 Coradia Polyvalent trains in October 2009. A €130m ($180m) option for 19 trains had already been exercised in January 2010. Deliveries will conclude between 2013 and mid 2015.
