OPTER train renovation programme sets a new standard
SNCF Voyageurs has now completed the upgrade of its 200th TER trainset under OPTER, a programme designed to modernize 40% of France’s regional fleet. To date, this subsidiary has signed €2.3 billion in contracts with 12 French regions and the Luxembourg National Railway Company.
When you connected to the site, you refused the deposit of all cookies. To watch this video, you need to change your preferences by clicking on:
How we’re upgrading 40% of the TER regional fleet (3:58)
Unprecedented mid-life overhaul
SNCF Voyageurs is stepping up OPTER, its large-scale TER modernization programme. By 2031, 931 trainsets will be refurbished and upgraded – that’s some 9 million hours of work – with up to 55 trainsets overhauled simultaneously in our heavy-maintenance Technicentres.
Twenty more years of life
The aim of this mid-life overhaul? Rolling stock that has been in operation for 2 decades will be disassembled, serviced, modernized, and restored to near-new condition. We’ll also take the opportunity to make the trains greener and more sustainable by reducing their energy consumption. After this massive makeover, they’ll return to service for another 15-20 years.
931
trainsets refurbished by 2031
9M
hours of work in our heavy-maintenance Technicentres between 2023 and 2030
700
French rail suppliers will contribute to OPTER
Recognized expertise
CFL and France’s regions act as their own transport authorities, and their contracts with us are a vote of confidence in the experts at our 10 heavy-maintenance Technicentres across France.
A better passenger experience...
In addition to renovating their trains, OPTER customers can choose to make them more attractive and comfortable for passengers. This includes options such as upgrading interiors to improve carrying capacity and accessibility, installing at-seat power outlets and wifi, and adding onboard passenger information systems.
...and better environmental performance
Upgrades also include switching to LED lighting, regulating climate control based on CO2 levels, adding green parking, and installing particulate filters for diesel engines. OPTER offers a genuine alternative to buying new rolling stock. It not only optimizes the life of TER trainsets but helps SNCF meet environmental commitments such as repairing consumable parts, reclaiming waste and optimizing fluid recycling.
New contract requirements
Because this new heavy-maintenance programme coincides with liberalization of the regional rail market, we’re required to sign a specific agreement with each customer—and set a higher bar for keeping them satisfied.
Our contracts provide fixed prices for the work, and we’ve agreed to pay penalties if we’re late in returning the refurbished trainsets—a first for the Rolling Stock Division at SNCF Voyageurs. The new contract terms include:
- firm, binding prices and deadlines
- penalties for late deliveries
- a 1-year guarantee and after-sales service
- an option for transport authorities to take the trainsets back during the life of the contract
- a clear, robust timeline
Share the article