New CAF three-car EMUs will feature additional doors for more convenient boarding and are equipped with on-board toilets. The need for new trains arose from the implementation of a new safety system along the track. Qbuzz, in collaboration with the province of South Holland, is investing in these new trains and has been granted the authority to continue operating public transport in the Drechtsteden, Molenlanden, and Gorinchem (DMG) region until December 2033.
The decision to purchase new trains follows the European integration of a digital railway safety system, ERTMS, necessitating modifications or replacements for trains operating around the Dordrecht station within the coming years. The costs of modifying existing trains, when compared to their remaining lifespan, were deemed excessively high. Moreover, the need for additional doors and on-board toilets was identified as a priority for improvement. Consequently, the province, along with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, allocated extra funds for acquiring new trains, aiming to boost both safety and passenger comfort.
The forthcoming trains will consist of three carriages, each equipped with two doors, to streamline the boarding and alighting process, thus improving punctuality. These trains are designed to accommodate two wheelchair passengers in the middle carriage, offering independent access via a wide extension step that aligns with the platform edge. Each train also includes a wheelchair-accessible toilet, fulfilling a request from travelers and political figures alike. Additionally, there are designated areas at the train ends for up to 12 bicycles, designed to facilitate easier access for cyclists.
Following the order of the new trains, updated agreements between the province and Qbuzz have been activated, extending Qbuzz's operation in the DMG region for an additional seven years.
