USA: Southern California Regional Rail Authority has awarded a joint venture of Talgo and Systra  a contract worth up to $138·9m for the refurbishment of up to 121 Bombardier BiLevel coaches used on Metrolink commuter services.

There is a firm order for the modernisation of an initial 50 coaches, with work on the remaining 71 subject to funding becoming available.

The work includes improvements to the reliability and appearance of the fleet, and bringing the stock in to line with current standards and regulations. This will include updating electrical systems, lighting, passenger communications and bogies, remodelling the toilets, overhauling the HVAC systems to make them more environmentally-friendly, updating the door controls, repainting the exterior, recovering the seats and installing new floor coverings.

The work is to be undertaken at Talgo’s revitalised facilities in Milwaukee. The first modernised coaches are scheduled to be returned to Metrolink 450 days after the notice to proceed. After the first 10 cars have been returned, Metrolink would then take delivery of batches of five vehicles every 90 days until April 2023.

‘Our joint venture is confident that the unique combination of experience and capabilities will provide the best value and most reliable on-time performance on this rebuild project’, said Talgo Inc President & CEO Antonio Perez on May 13.

source= https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/metrolink-fleet-modernisation-contract-awarded.html