Bombardier to provide 54 double-deck coaches to Israel Railways

January 4, 2018: Rail technology giant Bombardier Transportation has recently signed off a contract to provide 54 additional Bombardier TWINDEXX Vario double-deck coaches to Israel Railways (ISR).

It's a part of a framework agreement signed in October 2010, which is valued at about $126 million. The delivery of new coaches is scheduled by August 2020.

"New coaches would be fully compatible for operations on ISR's first electrified line, which connects Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. The ISR and team collaborated closely to develop the required technical adjustments required to enable the trains to operate in tunnels and on electrified lines. We also considered local and international standards to ensure and further increase safety for both operator and passengers, while keeping comfort in mind," said Avi Zalman, head of development and engineering rolling stock division of Israel Railways.

"We look forward to Bombardier continuing the on-time and on-quality delivery of our double-deck coaches so we can provide the expected reliability and availability for this important new A1 line," said Zalman.

Yossi Daskal, chief country representative Israel of Bombardier Transportation said, "Israel Railways' vision of an electrified network is becoming a reality. We are proud to continue playing such a major role in their ongoing modernization by providing our modern double-deck coaches. Together with ISR we will continue transforming this growing market and meeting its increasing need for public transport."

The new order consists of eleven control cars, eleven intermediate coaches with dedicated space for people with reduced mobility and 32 trailer cars. The control cars will no longer use diesel generators to feed auxiliary systems like air conditioning as the Bombardier TRAXX locomotives that ISR has recently ordered will provide more power for both traction and auxiliaries. Additionally, the driver's desk in the control car will be re-designed to be identical to the TRAXX electric locomotives' desk, scheduled to be delivered in 2018.

The single-car concept enables ISR to configure the loco-hauled trainsets according to the required capacity. Each of the eight-car trains currently in service feature seating capacity for 1,000 passengers. The popular trainsets, based on a proven platform concept, are in operation across Europe and Israel, and comply with all current safety, comfort and efficiency standards. It represent great strides in helping alleviate congestion in Israel.