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Netherlands Railway (NS Reizigers BV) March 15 awarded Bombardier Transportation a $204 million contract for 126 vehicles, comprising 21 six-car, double-deck electrical multiple units, to accommodate increased ridership.


In February 2000, NS Reizigers ordered 252 of the same vehicles, which are intercity rolling stock, or InterRegioMaterieel (IRMs). Altogether, NS Reizigers has ordered 688 IRMs since 1992.


The vehicles feature reduced energy consumption, low noise levels, comfortable seating and a catering trolley lift so that staff may provide service to the upper deck.


The body shells will be manufactured at Bombardier’s Gorlitz, Germany, site, then moved to its Aachen, Germany, facility for assembly. Delivery is slated to begin in second-quarter 2004 and conclude a year later.