Arriva Netherlands and Stadler have signed a contract on Tuesday for the maintenance of 69 trains. Stadler will maintain 18 new Wink trains and 51 GTW trains that will run in the Dutch provinces of Friesland and Groningen from 2020 onwards. The contract is worth more than 200 million Euros.

The new agreement between Arriva and Stadler runs from 2020 to 2035. The contract builds on the service and maintenance contract that has been in place since 2006. Arriva announced at the end of November that it had ordered 18 new Wink trains from the train manufacturer. In addition, Stadler will completely renew 51 GTWs, which have been operating in the north of the Netherlands since 2006.

Sustainable vehicles

The new Winks run on both the sustainable fuel Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and battery power. HVO is a sustainable fuel (second generation biodiesel) made from waste oils and fats, such as deep-frying fat.

Around 2025, the Leeuwarden-Groningen route will be partly electrified. From then on, the Winks on the non-electrified parts of the route will only use the stored energy in the batteries and is therefore completely zero emissions. Driving on (bio) diesel is then no longer necessary.

Renewal GTW trains

The 51 GTWs will receive a thorough overhaul in 2020. The trains are being renovated and converted on the inside and outside. These trains will soon also be able to run on battery power. As a result, CO2 emissions will decrease considerably and the renewed GTWs will be much more sustainable than they are now.

Stadler is preparing for the new fleet by expanding the depot in Leeuwarden. A third work track is needed, as well as extra technicians.

New trains

Director Hein van der Schoot of Stadler Service Nederland: “We are thrilled to be awarded this contract. It sees Stadler blazing a trail within the industry for cutting edge, green technology and is a testament to our commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change. We are also proud to continue the long-term partnership with Arriva Netherlands.”

Director Anne Hettinga of Arriva Nederland also emphasizes the importance of the new contract: “The cooperation between Arriva and Stadler is an economic driver for the northern part of the Netherlands. This contract is a big step in the preparation for the new concession. We look forward to working together for 15 more years.”