SNCF Voyageurs Awards CAF €250M Contract for Regional Trains in France

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SNCF Voyageurs has awarded Spanish manufacturer CAF a EUR 250 million contract to supply 22 state-of-the-art Régiolis regional electric trains for service in the strategically important Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Région Sud) region of France. This significant order underscores SNCF Voyageurs’ ongoing confidence in the CAF-Alstom partnership and will bolster regional rail capacity and modernize key commuter lines.

Strategic Consolidation in French Market

The new contract for 22 Régiolis trains signifies a robust affirmation of SNCF Voyageurs’ strategy to develop and consolidate its presence within the French domestic rail market. This order directly supports the modernization and expansion of regional rail services in the highly populated and economically vital Région Sud. The addition of these 22 units will complement the 17 Régiolis trains already operated by the region, ensuring a consistent and upgraded fleet across critical corridors. Furthermore, these new trains are earmarked to replace existing rolling stock on the vital Marseille–Aubagne–Toulon–Hyères and Marseille–Toulon–Les Arcs–Draguignan routes, promising enhanced passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Enhanced Passenger Experience and Technical Compliance

Designed for passenger comfort and modern operational requirements, the new Régiolis trains will feature a six-car configuration, offering a substantial capacity of 310 passengers per unit. CAF will be responsible for the design and manufacturing, with Alstom contributing key equipment. Passengers can expect an elevated travel experience thanks to amenities such as large panoramic windows, sophisticated indirect LED interior lighting, and ergonomically designed seats equipped with individual reading lights and power outlets. Dedicated areas for passengers with reduced mobility have also been incorporated, ensuring accessibility. Crucially, these trains will adhere to the stringent TSI 2023 standards, which mandate rigorous compliance in areas such as fire safety, smoke emissions, and the materials utilized, reflecting a commitment to passenger safety and environmental responsibility.

Sustained Partnership and Future Outlook

This latest award continues a successful collaboration between SNCF Voyageurs, CAF, and Alstom. CAF, a well-established supplier in the French market, already provides trams for metropolitan areas including Montpellier, Marseille, and Tours. The CAF-Alstom consortium was also selected in 2021 to deliver 146 MI20 trains for the RER B line in Paris, with deliveries slated to commence from 2029. Adding to this robust portfolio, SNCF Voyageurs signed a contract in January 2025 with CAF for 22 Intercités trains, branded as Oxygène trains, for the Bordeaux–Marseille line. This follows an earlier 2019 contract for 28 similar trains serving the Paris–Limoges–Toulouse and Paris–Clermont–Ferrand routes. The repeated awarding of significant contracts to CAF and the CAF-Alstom consortium highlights their proven track record and the confidence placed in their capabilities to deliver advanced rail solutions for the French network.

Technical Specifications

• Train Type: Régiolis regional electric trains
• Configuration: Six-car
• Passenger Capacity: 310 per unit
• Key Features: Panoramic windows, indirect LED interior lighting, ergonomic seats with reading lights and power outlets, dedicated areas for reduced mobility.
• Compliance: TSI 2023 standards (fire, smoke emissions, materials)