GoVolta crowdfunding campaign is aimed at raising at least €1.5m for extra rolling stock and the development of its proposed Amsterdam – Paris service. The Dutch open-access operator is tying the funding round to fleet needs as well as launch costs for its next international route.

GoVolta Amsterdam–Paris trains launch on December 14
Photo: GoVolta

GoVolta crowdfunding campaign and Paris plans

According to GoVolta’s official crowdfunding update, the entry point for investors is €1000. That sum corresponds to two bonds with a 10% interest rate and a 30-month maturity. GoVolta plans to use half of the funding for additional coaches, while around 35% is set aside for start-up costs linked to the daily Amsterdam Central – Paris Nord service.

The Amsterdam – Paris service is due to start with this year’s timetable change on December 13. In GoVolta’s press material, the company presents the Paris route as the next step in its wider network rollout. For GoVolta, the route also depends on having enough available coaches for current and future operations.

More rolling stock for Amsterdam – Berlin

The need for additional rolling stock is also tied to GoVolta’s Amsterdam – Berlin service, a route context that Railway Supply previously covered in its GoVolta budget train article. That operation began on March 19 and currently runs once a day in each direction. In 2028, the company intends to double the frequency of the service.

GoVolta says train occupancy is 70% or higher. The operator also reports that it has carried 90,000 passengers to date, giving the company a clearer basis for expanding its Amsterdam – Berlin operation.

I10 coaches, Assetoro and Brouwer Technology

The rest of the funding round is intended for a heavy overhaul of I10 coaches bought from Belgian National Railways, SNCB. The contract covers up to 40 cars, so the refurbishment programme remains part of GoVolta’s rolling stock strategy.

GoVolta received the first batch in January: two first class coaches, eight second class coaches and one restaurant car. The operator has now exercised an option for a second batch with the same number and type of vehicles.

The fleet is owned by leasing company Assetoro. Maintenance is handled by Brouwer Technology at its facility in Blerick, near Venlo.