BKV, the Budapest public transport operator, has awarded a contract for the supply of 170 “Metropolis” metro cars to “Budapest Metropolis Consortium” led by Alstom. The order amounts € 247 million. The agreement includes additional provision for the maintenance of these vehicles for a three-year period as well as an option for a further 28 cars.
Budapest metro opened in 1896 and is one of the oldest subterranean networks. It covers today 31 kilometres and has 78 stations. The construction of the fourth line (see EMTA News n°20) started in 2005 and the 7.3-kilometre infrastructure is expected to open in 2009, with a 3.2-kilometre extension three years later.
15 four-car trainsets from the metropolis range, each with a 800 passenger capacity will run on this new line with an option for 7 trainsets for the future extension. Additionally, 22 five-car trainsets, with a capacity of 1020 passengers, will replace the existing fleet on line 2.