The contract is valued at approximately $205 million, an option for 21 additional vehicles is foreseen, depending on passenger increase and expansion of the RET (Rotterdam) network with the Hoekse line. Deliveries of the 43 vehicles are scheduled from June 2009 to February 2011.
The vehicles will operate on the Erasmus and Caland lines to provide quick and comfortable transportation in the Rotterdam area. They are of the same type as the 21 Flexity units that were ordered in 2005 for the Rotterdam part of the RandstadRail network, also operated by RET. Altogether, Bombardier has delivered 81 metros and sneltrams between 1998 and 2002, and the current generation is based on this proven technical concept. Over the years, Bombardier has greatly contributed to improving the attractiveness of public transport services and to increasing mobility for people travelling in and around Rotterdam.
Grego Peters, acting president of light fail vehicles division, at Bombardier Transportation, said: This order underlines our long-lasting partnership with RET, built on the experience of both parties. The good cooperation and communication between Bombardier and RET made it possible to develop the actual concept of the vehicle.
