CP presents the first ALSTOM-renovated Silicio train

Portugal's national railway company, Caminhos de Ferro
Portugueses (CP), officially inaugurated the first Silicio train
renovated by ALSTOM on July 30 with a trip from Lisbon to the
town of Tomar and back. Among those riding the train were
Crisóstomo Teixeira, president of CP, and mayors of towns
along the train's route.

CP chose ALSTOM in December 2000 to renovate 57 three-car
Silicio trainsets. ALSTOM has delivered four renovated trainsets
and will continue delivering two trainsets per month.

The refurbished Silicio fleet is to play an important role in
shaping CP's image as a modern and efficient company offering its
passengers high-quality, comfortable, safe, dependable and
affordable transport by rail. The trains will serve the suburbs
of Lisbon.

Fleet modernization
The car interiors have been redesigned to offer high levels
of safety and comfort, and will be equipped with air conditioning
and video systems. The new exterior design gives the trains a
more modern look.

A complete overhaul of the electrical equipment constitutes
the majority of the renovation program. The trains are being
equipped with ALSTOM's state-of-the-art ONIX asynchronous
traction system.

New motor bogies are being installed, and the trailer bogies
are being modified to integrate new disk brakes and pneumatic
equipment.

Improved performance, security and passenger
comfort
These upgrades will improve the reliability and
availability of the units and significantly reduce energy
consumption. The renovation should add about 20 years to the life
of the vehicles.

ALSTOM is managing the integration work, performed at a
workshop of a CP subsidiary, EMEF, in Entroncamento.

Renovation, a cost-efficient option for upgrading a fleet of
trains, can significantly reduce operating costs while improving
performance, security and passenger comfort.

The renovation of the CP's Silicio trains confirms the
reputation of ALSTOMs technology and know-how in managing
comprehensive renovation projects. ALSTOM has carried out similar
operations in Chicago, Caracas and Hong Kong, and has won
overhaul contracts for the Atlanta and Washington metros, for
suburban/regional trains in Liverpool and the southeast of
England, and for the Docklands Light Railway in London.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in more than
60 countries, ALSTOM's Transport sector offers cutting-edge
products and services for new rolling stock, signaling and
electrical and mecanical infrastructure as well as maintenance
and rehabilitation 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 sales of 5.1 billion in
financial year 2002-2003, is among the world's leading
suppliers to the railway industry.

Press information:

Helen Connolly

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

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com

• Visit the CP website