FRENCH Railways (SNCF) has ordered 64 of the Alstom-built ‘Coradia Liner’ bi-mode units for operation of subsidised Intercités routes.
The first batch contained 34, with a further 30 trains in the second batch.
The first 19 trains entered service on the Paris-Troyes-Belfort route from February, completely replacing loco-operated trains hauled by CC72100 diesel locos (see feature last month).
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The next 15 units will be used to replace smaller BB67400 locos working on the Nantes to Bordeaux route, plus weekend Bordeaux to Ussel services.
They started operation between Bordeaux and Nantes, where they will be based, in early August.
It is likely the second batch of 30 trains due for delivery from September 2018 will replace BB67400 diesel locos working between Amiens and Boulogne, operating Intercités services from Paris Nord.
Read more in the October issue of The RM – on sale now!
