Bombardier Inc. (TSX: BBD) announced yesterday that Israel Railways has ordered an additional 72 double deck coaches for $158 million. The coaches will be delivered in March 2014-February 2015. The order is part a contract signed in October 2010 for 150 coaches. The new order will increase Israel Railways' double-deck coaches to 222.
Bombardier said that the new coaches, manufactured and tested at its Görlitz plant in Germany, are an improved version of the trains currently in operation. Bombardier’s Israeli partner, Matar Ltd., completes the coaches' assembly at its plant in Dimona.
Bombardier Israeli chief country representative Yossi Daskal said, “The trust that Israel Railways has once again placed in Bombardier clearly reflects our valued customer’s confidence in our double-deck trains. We are extremely committed to bringing our expertise and our state-of-the art technology to Israel and we will support Israel Railways in providing a reliable, high-capacity means of transport, ready to support future growth."
Bombardier Transportation VP sales Jean Bergé noted, "With each double-deck train capable of carrying approximately 900 passengers, these 222 new cars will significantly enhance passengers’ comfort. More trains, more seats, more comfort and improved safety all add up to making modern mass transit in Israel more attractive and reliable."
Bombardier noted that the Israeli public transportation market was growing rapidly, and that there was strong demand for more trains at shorter intervals to make passengers’ journeys more comfortable. The new double-deck trains will help alleviate the overcrowding of current trains serving increasing numbers of passengers across the country.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 27, 2012
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