A historic day at work on board the first CFL Coradia train
The first CFL Coradia train set off from Luxembourg Station on the morning of Sunday 29 September 2024 on its way to Ettelbruck. This inaugural journey marked a special moment for the CFL and particularly for the staff responsible for its successful execution.
‘The CFL welcomes you on board for the inaugural journey of the new railcar and wishes you a pleasant journey.’ The welcome message to guests also opened up a new era for the CFL’s customers. Since Monday 30 September 2024, they have been able to enjoy the first two of the 34 new-generation railcars ordered by the CFL.
It was a historic moment witnessed live by three of the CFL staff on duty for this extraordinary journey. ‘I’ve been with the CFL for 18 years and this is the second series of rolling stock that I’ve had the pleasure of inaugurating, so it’s a really great moment,’ sums up Eric, train attendant, when the train is stopped at Ettelbruck station. ‘I’ve been trained to use this new equipment and today I can start getting used to it. I’m looking forward to working with our customers on this remarkable new-generation train, and offering them even greater comfort.’
‘It was very interesting, motivating and a unique experience,’ sums up Cindy, who is also a train attendant on this brand-new train. ‘It’s the first time I’ve been on duty for an inauguration.’
After the tests, the thrill of greeting customers
In the driver’s cab, Manuel was at the controls of a train he already knew from nose to tail as a member of the team putting the 34 Coradia railcars on the rails. The long-time train driver had to be there for the first trip. He didn’t think twice about accepting this historic assignment.
‘I had been asked, and I couldn’t say no,’ replies Manuel with a smile on his return to Luxembourg Station. It was a return trip that will remain forever in his memory. ‘It was very interesting to get first-hand feedback from the first customers after the test phase. I think everything went really well!
How are these new railcars handled from the driver’s point of view? ‘Each train series has its own particularities, but there are a number of similarities and standards that mean that every driver can quickly find his or her marks. I think my colleagues will appreciate the new experience in the Coradia driver’s cab.
A train with many assets
With 334 seats, Coradia 2410 operates as a three-car ‘single unit’, as does Coradia 2409, which entered service on Monday 30 September 2024. For the ‘PAT’ (Personnel d’Accompagnement des Trains, train attendant), the modern character of the railcars is an undeniable asset. ‘I really like this train, with its vast space and space for bicycles too,’ says Cindy.
‘We’re also offering more capacity in terms of seating, which means we can handle even more customers at peak times, and WiFi represents a quantum leap in terms of enabling our customers to work on their journeys to work or back home,’ adds Eric.
Thanks to the Coradia, the CFL will be able to offer 46% more seats to their customers by 2026. The first two railcars (2410 and 2409) will be circulating mainly between Luxembourg and Diekirch. Five additional Coradia railcars will be in service by the end of the year, with services to Arlon starting at the same timeline.
The advantages of Coradia in five points:
- A choice of seats and materials reflecting the quality of service desired by the CFL,
- Numerous information displays for route, timetable and connection information,
- Each seat is equipped with a folding table and a 230VAc plug with USB-C connector,
- WiFi connection via the mobile phone network available.
- Particular attention to accessibility for all: barrier-free, level access, optimum access for people with reduced mobility (PRM). The 2400 series has 40 places for PRMs and 2 places for wheelchairs in the multifunctional compartment, which can also accommodate 12 bicycles and pushchairs.