On Monday, the Authority for the Reform of Railways (ARF) signed a contract for the purchase of 16 electric locomotives from Alstom. The cost is 150 million euros, and the contract provides for maintenance for 20 years. The average age of Romania’s passenger locomotive fleet is over 45 years.

Four-axle electric locomotives can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h and will be able to tow up to 16 passenger cars. They will be equipped with the Alstom ERTMS system on board.

“Alstom and the Rail Reform Authority (ARF) have signed a contract for the supply of 16 Traxx 3 MS electric locomotives and 20 years of related maintenance services. The contract, with a total value of approximately EUR 150 million, extends Alstom’s cooperation with ARF in the field of rolling stock. The 20-year maintenance and repair period can be extended for another 20 years by concluding an additional agreement,” the ARF said in a statement.

Alstom Traxx locomotives have been approved in 20 countries and since 2000 the company has sold more than 2,700 units worldwide.