Portugese Railways select ALSTOM for major train renovation
contract

The work consists of renovating electrical equipment, notably
replacing the entire traction system, originally designed in the
1970s, with state-of-the-art ONIX'! traction drives, developed by
ALSTOM. The bogies will be modified in order to integrate new
disk brakes and pneumatic equipment. The modifications will
improve the reliability and availability of the units, and will
significantly reduce energy consumption. To improve passenger
safety and comfort, the car interiors will be redesigned and new
air conditioning and video systems installed. A new exterior
design will give the units a more modern image.

The work will be carried out locally by ALSTOM at facilities
owned by EMEF, a Portuguese company responsible for the
maintenance of the Portuguese Railways fleet. First deliveries
are scheduled for autumn 2002.

The contract reinforces ALSTOM Transport's
position in Portugal after the successful introduction
of double deck trains for the Lisbon suburbs. Following similar
operations in Chicago, Hong-Kong and Caracas, and the recent
award of an overhaul contract for the Washington metro, this
contract confirms the reputation of ALSTOM's technology, and its
know-how in managing increasingly comprehensive renovation
projects, significantly reducing operating costs while improving
passenger comfort.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in over 60
countries, ALSTOM's Transport Sector offers cutting-edge
products and services to four distinct types of customers:
urban transit authorities and operators; intercity passenger
rail operators and rolling stock owners; rail freight
operators; and intercity railway infrastructure owners.
ALSTOM's Transport Sector, with 4.4  billion euros in
sales in 2001, is among the world's leading suppliers to the
railway industry.

Press contact:
Helen Connolly

Tel. +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com

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