Bombardier TRAXX Locomotives are Shaping the Future of an Interoperable and Efficient European Railway System

TRAXX multisystem variant officially inaugurates Dutch high speed line

Dutch Government representatives officially opened the high speed line connecting Amsterdam Central Station-Schiphol Airport-Rotterdam Central Station, operated by NS Hispeed (the Netherlands Railways’ high-speed operations brand name). The first trains to run on the line are being hauled by BOMBARDIER TRAXX locomotives at 160 km/h. They shorten the travel time between Amsterdam and Rotterdam to 43 minutes.

The TRAXX multisystem locomotives operating on the line are leased from Angel Trains Cargo, the locomotives leasing division of Angel Trains International, one of Europe’s leading rolling stock leasing companies. The TRAXX locomotives are characterized by their high availability and high reliability and by the fact that they operate under four different voltage systems, making them ideal for Europe-wide deployment. They are homologated for operation in fourteen European countries and can be used in either freight or passenger service.

The TRAXX platform of locomotives consists of three electric variants (multi-system, alternating and direct current) and one diesel-electric design. More than 1,400 TRAXX locomotives have been sold and more than 800 are already hauling freight and passenger trains in and across Europe.

These vehicles are also equipped with theBOMBARDIER EBI Cab 2000 automatic train protection system providing the very latest, interoperable automatic train control technology. The EBI Cab 2000 is an onboard system designed to increase traffic capacity by allowing higher speeds and shorter headways between trains, whilst improving safety and reducing operational costs. EBI Cab systems have been in use for over 25 years.

Josef Doppelbauer, Vice-President Bombardier Transportation, commented: “We are proud that our TRAXX locomotives will contribute to the successful passenger service on this line between Amsterdam and Rotterdam.”

With a proven track record for outstanding reliability, the TRAXX locomotive family covers all types of railway applications throughout Europe, making these products the first choice for rail operators. In addition, all TRAXX locomotives are equipped with advanced BOMBARDIER MITRAC propulsion and controls technology, which is already in successful use in over 3,200 locomotives worldwide.