On January 19, Netherlands Railways (NS) announced shortlisting of four suppliers for the final stage of the tender for a contract to supply a new fleet of 200km/h EMUs under its Next Generation Intercity (ICNG) programme.
NS said, Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens, and Stadler have been invited to submit bids in the best and final offer stage of the competition. However, NS expects to award the contract during this summer, with trains expected to enter into service from 2021 onwards.
The tender published in July 2014, calls for a modular train which can be supplied in 80m, 110m, and 160m-long formations. The dual voltage (1.5kV dc and 25kV ac) EMUs will feature the standard Dutch ATB train protection system and ETCS for operation on HSL South, for replacing the class 186 Traxx locomotives and ICRm coaches being used on Intercity Direct services from Amsterdam to Rotterdam and Breda.
NS said, Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens, and Stadler have been invited to submit bids in the best and final offer stage of the competition. However, NS expects to award the contract during this summer, with trains expected to enter into service from 2021 onwards.
The tender published in July 2014, calls for a modular train which can be supplied in 80m, 110m, and 160m-long formations. The dual voltage (1.5kV dc and 25kV ac) EMUs will feature the standard Dutch ATB train protection system and ETCS for operation on HSL South, for replacing the class 186 Traxx locomotives and ICRm coaches being used on Intercity Direct services from Amsterdam to Rotterdam and Breda.