advertisement

---

Budapest passenger railway BKV recently contracted an ALSTOM-led consortium to supply 170 METROPOLIS metro cars. ALSTOM retains a 90 percent share of the $317.8 million order, which includes an option for 28 cars.

The consortium will provide 15 four-car METROPOLIS trainsets with capacity for 800 passengers and 22 five-car trainsets designed to accommodate 1,020 riders. METROPOLIS cars feature a modular two- to nine-car configuration and are compatible with Hungarian operating conditions.

Along with partner GANZ Transelektro Traction Electrics, ALSTOM also will maintain the vehicles for three years.

In 1896, Budapest was the first continental European city to inaugurate an electric-powered metro system. The railroad currently operates three lines totaling 18.6 miles and 78 stations. BVK plans to build a 4.4-mile extension linking areas southwest of the city to a future central station and a 1.9-mile extension to serve Budapest’s northeast reaches.