ABB has designed and built the world’s first traction transformer that can be fully integrated into the roof design of Bombardier’s latest generation double-deck train for commuter, regional and intercity service.

Rapid urbanization, with its traffic jams, polluted air and swelling populations, means rail operators and infrastructure managers must accommodate more passengers in rail networks that are already congested. One solution is to increase passenger capacity on existing networks.

This can be done by using double-deck multiple train units with the best seat per train ratio available, and by improving acceleration performance to reduce travel time between stations, increasing service coverage.

More capacity on existing rail lines makes rail networks more productive and efficient. Bombardier received a contract to supply up to 860 double-deck Regio 2N** EMUs (electrical multiple units) for regional service in France. So far, six regions have ordered a total of 129 Regio 2N trains, which are brand-named BOMBARDIER OMNEO* by the manufacturer. The trains are to be delivered between June 2013 and mid-2016.