A new contract has been awarded to Stadler to supply new electric multiple units for the 950 mm narrow-gauge Circumvesuviana railway network, which operates the regional transport around Mount Vesuvius from Naples to Sorrento.
Stadler was awarded the contract by Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV ), the operator of Circumvesuviana and is a framework agreement for the manufacture and supply of up to 60 vehicles, which is being financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, PNRR). Six of the trains are to be fitted with overhead line monitoring and analytics systems.
Under the first tranche, EAV has ordered 16 trains and their maintenance for five years , with delivery scheduled to be completed by June 2026. The new trains are similar to 40 that were ordered under a framework agreement signed in 2021. They consist of three cars with a total length of about 40 metres, with 90 seats and a total capacity of 396 passengers. They have lightweight aluminium bodyshells that will contribute to a reduction in energy consumption.
The vehicles are fully accessible with stepless access through five doors on each side and have designated spaces for wheelchairs, prams, and bicycles near the doors, and a wide, barrier-free corridor. They have a bright and modern interior with longitudinal seats, full CCTV coverage, and clear and visible warning displays for passengers' security.
Stadler will also supply systems for improving maintenance operations, including a temperature analysis system for wheel bearings and a system to monitor specific critical components of the bogie, contributing to improved overall passenger comfort.
Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, commented: “We are very proud that EAV has once again entrusted Stadler with the supply of the new trains. Our vehicles enhance the public transport offer of one of the most emblematic railway networks in Italy, improving the travel experience for residents and tourists alike.” Stadler is strengthening its position in Italy across all segments of rail transport. Recent orders include locomotives for Trenitalia and trams for Milan.
Perhaps Stadler should build new more diesel, Bi-mode, Tri-mode and hybrid-battery trains to replace the existing aging diesel trains that are being used in Southwest England, North of England and of course in Scotland. Since they have built the Class 231 diesel and Class 756 Tri-mode FLIRT units for TfW and the Greater Anglia Class 745 electric and Class 755 Bi-mode FLIRT. With high demand for Stadler to continue on manufacturing new trains for the UK.