Window closing for Pendolino orders

摘要

Changes to both European TSls and manufacturing specifications as the Pendolino family evolves are reducing the prospects for a further build of Class 390 vehicles or derivatives, according to Alstom Transport's Senior Vice-President, Europe, Andreas Knitter. Speaking to RBI last month, Knitter warned that 'the window of opportunity is closing', if a deal were not struck soon. He confirmed that Alstom was in discussions with Alliance Rail (p8) over supplying tilting trainsets to operate open-access services on the East Coast Main Line, but said no formal bid had been submitted. Indicative costings had been drawn from the work done by Alstom on the proposed six-car 'Baby Pendolino' with bidders for the aborted replacement Intercity West Coast franchise.