Saint Ouen Cedex, France – FAHMA*, the leasing company of the regional trains running in the Frankfurt area, has awarded ALSTOM a contract worth more than 27 million euros for the delivery of 10 CORADIA LINT 41 trains.

CORADIA LINT 41 trains are light, innovative diesel multiple units which were conceived for regional traffic up to 120 km/h.

The order from FAHMA is part of the operator’s programme aimed at modernizing the Taunus network and expanding its passenger capacity. The CORADIA LINT 41 trains will run between Frankfurt and Königstein and Frankfurt, Friedrichsdorf and Brandoberndorf, situated in the Frankfurt area.

They will be manufactured in ALSTOM’s production site in Salzgitter, Germany, and enter service end 2006.

The CORADIA LINT trains for FAHMA will be the first diesel multiple units to be equipped with a particle filter to contribute to the reduction of the emission of particulate matter. The engines, which were initially conceived to meet the EURO III standard, were further developed to comply with the latest European exhaust standards (Stage IIIa). In combination with the particle filter they anticipate the future more stringent European exhaust gas guidelines. The new CORADIA LINT trains thus form part of the most environment-friendly diesel multiple units in Europe.

Apart from the respect of the environment, it is of great importance that the vehicles should be designed for comfort. A wheelchair ramp and other controls such as separate request push-buttons, emergency intercom facilities and additional destination panels inside the vehicle, and special guide rails on the outer doors of the vehicle for passengers with visual impairments, make travelling easier.

A gap bridge enables all passengers to enter the vehicle comfortably from the platform. The vehicles are also equipped with a toilet for handicapped persons, which is located in one of the large multi-function areas. With a floor level of 780 mm, these areas have low-level flooring (approx. 60% of the vehicle).

The multi-function areas can accommodate up to 12 bicycles. The vehicles are equipped with modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

A further innovation is the video control system in the train interior. It enables the driver to see the interior of the train via a display directly from the driver’s cab.

Since the delivery of the first CORADIA LINT train in 2000, this type of vehicle has become one of the most popular regional trains in Northern Europe. All in all, ALSTOM has sold 307 CORADIA LINT trains in Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.