Minister of National Development Zsuzsa Németh delivered an address at the inauguration ceremony of the first FLIRT multiple unit inaugurated within the framework of the modernisation of the Sopron-Szombathely-Szentgotthárd railway line in Sopron on 6 December 2013.
The total costs of the railway line modernisation project were almost HUF 50 billion, of which HUF 42bn were funded by the European Union. Through the electrification of the 110 km railway line, the maximum speed attainable has risen to 120km/hour. Thank to the up-to-date interlocking equipment, the trains are to run more safely. Environmental burden and noise have been reduced along the whole railway line, the minister revealed in her address.
Within the framework of its modernisation project, GYSEV Ltd. (Győr-Sopron-Ebenfurt Railway Co.) has put four new FLIRT multiple units into circulation, the vehicle inaugurated today being the last one, along the Sopron-Szombathely-Szentgotthárd line. These are the forerunners of another 48 trains to be purchased and put into circulation by GYSEV Ltd. and MÁV Ltd. within the framework of a joint public procurement procedure by autumn 2015.
The low-floor vehicles have 200 seats and 164 standing places. Meeting the requirements of the time, the GYSEV FLIRT trains are equipped with an up-to-date passenger information system, air conditioning, WIFI internet connection as well as power outlets suitable for charging mobile phones and laptops. Passengers’ comfort is further served by multifunctional, barrier-free spaces also suitable for the transportation of bicycles.
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FLIRT multiple units are the most successful product of the Stadler Group: the international company present in Hungary since 2005 has sold 940 items worldwide so far. The fleet in Hungary is to comprise more than a hundred vehicles by the end of this decade.
(Ministry of National Development, Communications Department)
