Luxembourg's National Railway Company is set to overhaul its rail service with the introduction of 34 Coradia Stream High Capacity trains, promising enhanced passenger capacity, modern amenities, and a 46% increase in overall capacity by 2025.
In 2018, the Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL) ordered 34 Coradia Stream High Capacity trains. The first two of these new trains are currently being tested without passengers, according to Claude Marx from the CFL Operational Centre. Any minor issues identified will then be addressed by the supplier, he further noted.
Following this intensive testing phase, the trains are expected to enter commercial operation by the end of the year. Despite external similarities, the new trains have different screens and IT systems inside, requiring drivers to undergo retraining and adapt. Pascal Nijenhuis, a CFL trainer who started as a driver in 2009, explains that "drivers simply need time to get used to it."
Becoming a driver typically takes one year, but training for a new train model requires an additional five days, covering theory, digital exercises, and practical on-site preparation and troubleshooting. Currently, eight drivers are undergoing this training, and by 2030, all 300 drivers are expected to have completed it.
The new trains are designed to run at least 860,000 kilometres without major breakdowns. Produced in Barcelona, these French trains offer increased seating capacity. The train with three carriages will have 334 seats, with 22 such trains to be delivered. The larger model, with six carriages, will seat 692 passengers, with 12 of these trains scheduled for delivery. Overall, the capacity of CFL trains is expected to increase by 46% by the end of 2025.
Additionally, Mike Strotz from CFL highlights new features. Due to high demand for bicycle spaces, the smaller trains will have 12 spaces for bicycles, allowing easy access from the platform. The trains will also feature an efficient air conditioning system and on-board Wi-Fi, a first for CFL trains. Meanwhile, the CFL's soon-to-be old trains will find a second life in Romania.
