Translink Press Release - Countdown to Delivery - Translink
05 April 2004
The first of 23 new trains currently being built by Spanish company CAF, will be delivered to Northern Ireland within the next few weeks, Translink announced today.
New NIR trains from Spanish manufacturer CAF.
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Speaking from the CAF factory in Zaragoza, Spain, Mal McGreevy, Translink’s General Manager (Rail Division), said that the delivery, which is expected by the third week of April, represents a true milestone in NI Railway’s history.
“These trains, which we have called the C3K, are the beginning of a very exciting period for NI Railways”, he said. “They form one part of a total project being undertaken by Translink, aimed at transforming our rail network. The £80 million investment we have been able to make in rolling stock will go a long way towards improving levels of reliability and comfort, as well as the perception of rail as a modern, convenient means of transport. Every opportunity has been taken during the design period to ensure that passengers will benefit from the latest technical innovations, resulting in a smoother ride and quieter rail travel.
“Safety has been of paramount concern and the trains meet the latest European safety standards. Following delivery, each train will be subjected to a rigorous phase of testing by our team of engineers before entering public service towards the end of this year. The extensive testing phase for each train will ensure that every aspect of the vehicles will be proved before they are put into regular service.
Adjustments to infrastructure representing an investment of £2.5 million are underway in preparation for the new trains entering service. These include work on canopies and platforms at various stations around Northern Ireland.
Mr McGreevy went on to outline the delivery schedule for the remainder of the trains.
“Additional units will follow in the weeks after the first delivery, and there will be three trains undergoing simultaneous testing this summer. Pending the success of this testing phase, we expect all trains to be delivered by mid-2005 and in service by the end of next year.”
ENDS
For further information contact Sarah Stanczyk, Public Relations Officer - Translink- telephone 028 9089 9455 or e-mail sarah.stanczyk@translink.co.uk
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