OREANDA-NEWS. Alstom is to supply 17 R?giolis to the Rh?ne-Alpes region, destined for the future Franco-Valdo-Genevois RER which will circulate on the CEVA (Cornavin–Eaux-Vives–Annemasse) cross-border line that links the region of Haute-Savoie with Switzerland. The value of this contract amounts to €160 million. The order is an option exercised in the context of a framework contract signed with SNCF in 2009.

The R?giolis for the Rh?ne-Alpes region is adapted to the characteristics of the French-Swiss CEVA line. Supplied in its suburban configuration, every 72 metre-long trainset can transport up to 204 seated passengers at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. By coupling four trainsets together, the capacity of the train can reach 800 seats. Designed to ensure cross-border connections, R?giolis can circulate on a variety of supply network voltages1 in total security thanks to ERTMS2 technology.

"This new order is proof of the undeniable confidence placed in Alstom’s new generation of regional trains by the French regions and SNCF. These 17 R?giolis come in addition to the 184 trains previously ordered (of which 79 have already been delivered) by 12 French regions. With over 3 million kilometres covered, R?giolis can demonstrate all their qualities in terms of comfort and reliability," said Ana Giros, Managing Director Alstom Transport France. 

To make exchanges more fluid and reduce stopping time in stations, the R?giolis for the Rh?ne-Alpes region is equipped with a fully low floor, seven doors on each side, each equipped with bridging plates, and a large reception area on the platforms. R?giolis is the first train to conform to the STI PMR3 standard. The train’s interior offers heightened comfort thanks to seats equipped with individual reading lights and electric sockets as well as dedicated storage spaces for bicycles and luggage. The quality of the journey has also been improved by large bay windows and reduced noise levels.

The production of R?giolis generates over 4000 jobs in France for Alstom and its suppliers.  Six out of the twelve Alstom sites in France participate in the project: Saint-Ouen for the design, Reichshoffen for the conception and assembly, Ornans for the motors, Le Creusot for the bogies, Tarbes for the traction chain equipment and Villeurbanne for the onboard electronics.