Bombardier Transportation has signed a contract to provide 62 Traxx AC locomotives to Israel Railways. Based on the list price, the new order is valued at about 230 million euros. It includes an option for 32 more locomotives.

Boaz Tzafrir, CEO of Israel Railways, said: “The Israel Railways electrification project is becoming a reality. The transition to electric operation — standard practice in all advanced countries — will be a significant leap forward
in every way and a key factor in Israel Railways’ future growth.”

Yossi Daskal, Bombardier Transportation’s head of sales in Israel, said: “We have been working in close partnership with Israel Railways for decades, having already delivered and retrofitted a large fleet of double-deck coaches. Our long-term relationship is based on a clear understanding of how our transport solutions can continue to best meet the mobility needs of the people of Israel.”

The Traxx locomotive is based on a highly reliable and versatile platform that has proven its technology through years of successful operation across Europe. Designed for speeds up to 160kph, the new Traxx AC locomotives will be mainly used to power Israel’s fleet of 369 Bombardier Twin Dexx Vario double-deck coaches (currently in use).

The new locomotives will be nearly identical to the Traxx AC locomotives already in service with the German rail operator Deutsche Bahn. The first deliveries are planned for the end of 2017.