CAF Secures €250M SNCF Deal: 22 New Trains for France

Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF has solidified its position in the French market, securing a landmark €250 million contract with SNCF Voyageurs to supply 22 new-generation Régiolis regional trains. The new fleet is destined for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region (Région Sud), where it will significantly enhance capacity and modernize services on critical commuter lines radiating from Marseille.

Main Body:

The formal agreement will see CAF design and produce the 22 electric multiple units at its facility in Reichshoffen, Alsace. This order expands upon a previous purchase of 17 trains by Région Sud, bringing the total modern fleet to 39 units. The new trains are slated to replace aging rolling stock on two of the region’s busiest corridors: the Marseille–Aubagne–Toulon–Hyères line and the Marseille-Toulon-Les Arcs–Draguignan route. This investment is a key part of the region’s strategy to improve public transport reliability and accommodate growing passenger numbers.

Each six-car train is designed for high-capacity regional service, accommodating up to 310 seated passengers. The units are engineered for the varied French network, equipped with dual-voltage capability (1.5kV DC and 25kV AC) and a top operational speed of 160 km/h. In a significant step for passenger safety and environmental standards, the trains will be fully compliant with the 2023 Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI), which mandate stricter requirements for fire and smoke emissions and the materials used in construction. The design also incorporates dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring full accessibility.

This contract is a major strategic victory for CAF in France, leveraging the manufacturing capacity of the Reichshoffen plant, which it acquired from Alstom as a condition of the Alstom-Bombardier merger. The deal underscores CAF’s growing footprint in the French market, where it already supplies a diverse range of vehicles, including Intercités trains for mainline services, RER units in Paris, and trams for cities like Montpellier and Marseille. By securing this substantial regional train order, CAF demonstrates its ability to compete directly with established players and deliver high-specification rolling stock for France’s powerful regional transport authorities.

Key Takeaways

• Fleet Modernization in Southern France: The 22 new trains will replace older stock, increasing capacity and service quality on vital commuter lines around Marseille and Toulon.
• Strategic Win for CAF’s French Operations: The order reinforces the importance of the Reichshoffen facility, positioning CAF as a key manufacturer in the competitive French rail market.
• Advanced Safety and Accessibility: Compliance with the latest 2023 TSI standards ensures the fleet will meet the highest European benchmarks for passenger safety, fire protection, and accessibility.

Editor’s Analysis

This €250 million deal is more than just a rolling stock order; it’s a reflection of the shifting competitive dynamics in the European rail supply market. For CAF, it validates the strategic acquisition of the Reichshoffen plant, proving it can win significant domestic contracts in a market historically dominated by Alstom. For SNCF and the French regions, it signals a healthier, more competitive supplier ecosystem, which can drive innovation and cost-effectiveness. The EU-mandated divestment of the Reichshoffen facility to CAF as part of the Alstom-Bombardier merger appears to be achieving its intended goal: fostering a strong second supplier in France, which ultimately benefits the passenger and the taxpayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new trains will be delivered?
CAF will supply a total of 22 new six-car Régiolis regional trains to SNCF Voyageurs for the Région Sud.

Where will the new trains be built?
The trains will be designed and manufactured at CAF’s production facility in Reichshoffen, located in the Alsace region of France.

What routes will the new CAF trains operate on?
The new fleet is intended to serve the Marseille–Aubagne–Toulon–Hyères and Marseille-Toulon-Les Arcs–Draguignan lines, enhancing services in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.