The contract includes a firm initial order for 19 five-car trains, valued at €270m, including a 15-year support services contract. The contract will see the replacement and expansion of the DART fleet as part of the DART+ Program funded by the National Transport Authority under the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
The DART+ Program will revolutionize travel in the Greater Dublin Area. It will see the DART network grow from its current 50km in length to over 150km. The program will deliver frequent, modern, electrified services within the Greater Dublin Area and will improve connectivity to regional towns and cities.
“Alstom is delighted to have been selected to deliver the new DART+ fleet. Ireland is a very important market to us, and the new electric and battery-electric X’trapolis fleet is a big step for making rail even more sustainable while transforming the passenger experience in the Greater Dublin area and beyond,” said Nick Crossfield, Alstom managing director UK and Ireland. “This order reinforces Alstom’s position as the world’s leading innovator and supplier of green mobility technologies.”
Due to enter service in 2025, the initial order is for six five-car electric multiple units (EMUs) and 13 five-car battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs), capable of journeys beyond 80km outside the electrified network under battery power, and the first modern battery fleet in Ireland.
Energy stored in the battery system will be replenished via fast charging stations at chosen terminus locations and by recovering braking energy while the train is in motion. This capability will deliver emission-free connectivity and capacity ahead of electrification of the full DART+ network. Alstom will continue to support the DART fleet for a period of 15 years, providing technical support and spares, and deploying its HealthHub and TrainScanner technologies for predictive maintenance.
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said, “This framework agreement with Alstom will be central to a transformative change for our services and for our customers and will help us in Iarnród Éireann to achieve our ambition of being the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. We’re excited to work with Alstom to deliver expanded services in the Greater Dublin Area, enhanced facilities for our customers, and a cleaner environment for our country.”
Alstom’s modular X’trapolis commuter train platform will be specially tailored for the DART+ program. Each 82m train will have space for 550 passengers with wide, walk-though gangways, low-level floor, and an automatic retractable step to maximize accessibility. Other features include dedicated cycle and family areas; enhanced passenger features such as charging facilities for mobile phones, e-bikes, and e-scooters; and advanced CCTV systems throughout the train, to enhance safety and security for customers and employees.
To watch a video about the new DART+ Fleet project, click here.