Lombardia regional operator FNM has signed a framework contract with Alstom for the supply of up to 61 electric multiple-units, the supplier announced on November 29.

The €194m base order covers the supply of 31 EMUs from Alstom’s Coradia Stream family that will be branded Donizetti by the customer. Deliveries from Alstom’s Savigliano factory are scheduled to begin in 2022.

Traction systems will be made at Sesto San Giovanni and on-board signalling equipment at Bologna. Four traction motors will provide a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The HVAC system will automatically adjust to the number of passengers on board, and the LED lighting will adjust based on the amount of light outside the train.

The trains will operate on the 331 km Ferrovienord network. The options can be exercised within eight years, and include preventive and corrective maintenance.

FNM called tenders in 2017 as part of a larger programme to renew its rolling stock. The region of Lombardia, which owns 57·57% of FNM, has committed more than €1·6bn to fund 176 new trainsets as ridership in the region has hit 800 000 passengers/day, nearly one-fifth more than five years ago.

In September 2018 Hitachi Rail Italy was awarded a framework contract to supply up to 120 double-deck EMUs to FNM, now being delivered to Trenitalia under the ‘Rock’ branding. The initial order is for 30 four-car and 20 five-car units. Two months later, FNM selected Stadler to supply up to 30 three-car Flirt diesel-battery hybrid multiple-units for use on its non-electrified routes with options for 20 more.