|  |
Today, the first electric multiple unit (EMU) of class Desiro, delivered by Siemens for the needs of “Bulgarian State Railways” EAD, made a demonstration run from Sofia to Septemvri
25/01/2008
Today, the first electric multiple unit (EMU) of class Desiro, delivered by Siemens for the needs of “Bulgarian State Railways” EAD, made a demonstration run from Sofia to Septemvri. The event took place under the aegis of the Minister of transport, Petar Mutafchiev.
The modern trains are designed with a view to the provision of comfort both to passengers and train crew. In order to comply with the requirements for passenger comfort, the EMU is air-conditioned and equipped with electronic system for passenger information. In each car there is an electronic display, showing the names of the railway stations along the route. The sanitary facility is of vacuum type in compliance with European standards for environmental protection and comfort.
The EMU provides space for disabled passengers in wheel-chairs. The new electric Desiros, like the diesel train-sets of the same class, will be equipped with foldable platforms which facilitate the passengers with limited mobility to get on and of the train. The WC cabin is designed for usage by disabled customers.
The electric Desiro can operate at a speed of 149 km/h in the line sections where the railway infrastructure allows such speeds. The EMU is equipped with a device, which automatically maintains a set speed. The electro-dynamic brake recuperates the energy back to the catenary line, thus making significant economies of electrical energy. This is the first EMU in Bulgaria, which is equipped with such a system. The Desiro is also equipped with an inbuilt energy meter, which monitors both the utilized and the recuperated energy.
In order to guarantee the security of locomotive crew, the the window panes of both driver’s cabs are made of reinforced glass. The first 5 Bulgarian locomotive drivers, who will drive the new trains, have undergone training at the testing site of Siemens in Wegberg-Wildenrat, Germany. Further 21 locomotive drivers will be trained to operate the new EMUs.
The new EMU has three cars with a capacity of 190 second-class seats, 10 of which are foldable. All seats are for non-smokers.
In accordance with the contract between “Bulgarian State Railways” EAD and Siemens, by end-2008 a total of 25 electric Desiros will be delivered, the first two of which are already in Bulgaria. The railway operator will invest EUR 117 350 000 in the new trains. Ten of the EMUs are four-car with a capacity of 254 seats each. The other 15 EMUs are three-car.
|
|
|
|
