Alstom has been awarded a 538 million euro contract with Greater Wellington Regional Council for the supply of 18 Adessia (former X’trapolis) Stream B battery-powered commuter trains and 35 years of maintenance.
This is the first order for battery-powered bi-mode trains in New Zealand and is part of the LNIRIM programme, which aims to replace the current diesel fleet with an emission-free solution.
The new trains, manufactured at Alstom’s plant in Savli (India), will have five cars, a capacity of 475 passengers and a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
They will also be equipped with accessible spaces, toilets and areas for bicycles and pushchairs. The trains have been named Tūhono – meaning ‘connect’ in Maori – and will feature a design inspired by local culture.
The contract also includes the construction of a maintenance centre in Masterton, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and managed directly by Alstom. The new fleet is scheduled to enter service to replace diesel trains between 2028 and 2029, contributing to more sustainable mobility in Wellington.