Cross-border testing and collaboration for the CFL’s new Coradia multiple units
Test campaigns are in full swing in Luxembourg, France and Belgium in preparation for the approval of the 34 new Coradia Stream High Capacity railcars ordered by the CFL from Alstom. This historic project will increase seating capacity by 46%. The aim is to bring the first railcars into service in the first quarter of 2024.
Arlon, not far from the station. A stone’s throw from the Luxembourg border. On an SNCB site, we find brand new trains in the colours of the CFL. These are Coradia Stream High Capacity railcars manufactured by Alstom, which are parked while awaiting tests prior to their approval as multiple units, i.e. in a configuration of 9 carriages offering an unprecedented number of seats in a single train. We spoke to Mike Strotz, who is responsible for the acquisition of this new rolling stock for the CFL, about the latest developments in this project.
How are the Coradia Stream High Capacity tests organised?
The test campaign is based on the approach planned by the manufacturer, Alstom. This approach is divided into three phases, depending on the composition of the rolling stock during operation, in order to get it into service as quickly as possible. We are carrying out these three test phases in each of the three countries concerned, Luxembourg, France and Belgium, since the railcars – like most of the CFL rolling stock – will go beyond the borders of the Grand Duchy to meet the needs of cross-border commuters.
Can you describe these three phases in more detail?
The first tests were carried out with “single unit” railcars from the 2400 series, made up of three cars that we also call “caisses”. The single-unit tests have been completed, and the homologation file, including the tests required for their circulation in France, Belgium and Luxembourg, was sent to the European Railway Agency (ERA) on 5 September.
Next up are the multiple unit tests, in which three 2400 series railcars (each with three carbodies) are coupled together to form a 9-car unit. This configuration is currently being tested at Arlon before similar tests are carried out in Luxembourg and then France. We plan to submit the application for approval of the multiple unit to the ERA in the first quarter of 2024. Finally, the third phase will focus on the 2450 series, which is a variant of the six-car multiple unit.
How far do the current tests offer added value for the next test campaign?
We capitalise on the different results obtained during the tests, which means that we don’t have to carry out certain tests during subsequent campaigns. On the other hand, several elements are systematically tested and checked during each test campaign. I’m thinking in particular of the compatibility of the multiple units with each country’s electrical system and, above all, with the European safety system, ETCS. The safety of our colleagues and our customers is our absolute priority for the CFL.
Read also “SAFETY AND QUALITY AT THE HEART OF CORADIA TESTS”
What is the role of CFL during these tests?
We are used to tests in several countries for a long time, since, our rolling stock crosses the borders of neighbouring countries every day. Having said that, this campaign is the first to be carried out under the EU’s “4th railway package”, which requires the ERA to approve rolling stock running in several countries.
This new procedure involves, among other things, the appointment of an external body to supervise and validate the tests. Although we only have an observer’s role in these tests, we regularly report on what is happening on-site in Belgium and France. In Luxembourg, the situation is slightly different, as the external bodies need railway companies to drive the trains during the tests. This task has been assigned to the CFL railway company for the tests carried out in the Grand Duchy, which means that we are much more involved on site.
When do you expect to hear back from the ERA about the approval of single units?
The ERA is planning to respond within 5 months. We therefore expect to receive regulatory approval in February 2024.
What are the next steps in this historic project for the CFL? The Coradia Stream High Capacity trains will provide over 46% more seats by 2025.
At the same time as the tests and their validation, the entire CFL team responsible for acquiring this new rolling stock is busy preparing for the delivery in Barcelona of the first train set, which will leave the factory under series production conditions. If this train is approved by mid-October with Alstom, it will be transported to Luxembourg in November.
As soon as regulatory approval is obtained, this first multiple unit will be put into service as quickly as possible. To ensure a smooth start-up for our customers, the multiple unit will first run for around 1,000 kilometres empty. A final test run, so to speak, before we have the pleasure of seeing the first customers climb aboard!