Locomotives for Rent: MÁV Tests French Locomotive to Expand Fleet

The Hungarian company MÁV has started testing locomotives for rent to expand its railway fleet. This is part of their strategy to modernize the fleet, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply. The locomotives are undergoing tests in Hungary and could be in operation next year.

MÁV is actively testing locomotives for rent, considering a potential contract with the French company Alstom. Previously, MÁV used Siemens Eurosprinter locomotives for a short-term expansion of their fleet. Alstom’s locomotives can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and operate on networks with 25 kV.

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Renting Locomotives for MÁV’s Railways

The current tests are being conducted without passengers, but a contract for 27 locomotives is under negotiation. Fifteen locomotives will be put into operation immediately, while the remaining 12 will be kept as an option. This will allow MÁV to improve railway transport services and increase the number of trains.

For these rented locomotives to enter service, they must be equipped with modern safety and driving support systems. These locomotives are expected to be in use on Hungarian railways by early next year. On Tuesday, a successful test run of InterCity coaches took place between Budapest and Hatvan.

Testing Locomotives for Rent on Hungarian Railways

Alstom’s French locomotives were previously used by SNCF and have been leased by the company AKIEM. MÁV aims to replace outdated MÁV Class V43 locomotives, which can only reach speeds of 120 km/h, with these more advanced units. This will improve both the speed and reliability of rail services in Hungary.

The new locomotives will be in use for several years while MÁV waits for the arrival of modern electric trains equipped with the ETCS system. These temporary solutions will enhance passenger services, providing more comfortable and safer journeys.

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