Auckland Transport
TRANSPRESS
Spanish rolling stock manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has signed a deal to supply 15 electrical units to Auckland Transport (AT) in New Zealand, with Forbo Flooring Systems providing the entrance and saloon floor coverings.
The three-carriage trains will consist of two cabbed end motor cars and one intermediate trailer car with a capacity for up to 380 passengers.
The contract also covers the vehicle maintenance services for an 8-year term. The first of the new trains was put into service from 2019 on Southern, Eastern and Western Lines.
There are currently 57 three-car electric units operating in Auckland, produced by CAF. The additional 15 electric units have been ordered due to phenomenal growth on the Auckland rail network. At the time that the initial train contract was awarded to CAF, 11 million passengers were carried on the network annually. By 2019, those numbers had just about doubled to 21 million. The additional members of Auckland’s train fleet, will also help enable the expansion of the network south to Pukekohe.
Auckland's electric trains make rail travel more attractive. The trains are faster, quieter and more energy-efficient, featuring the latest developments in technology and safety.
In terms of the interiors, products were specified by Keith Strode Penny at Barnacle Design Ltd, following many years of working with Forbo’s flooring products for the rail segment. Forbo Flooring Systems’ Coral Duo FR entrance matting has been installed in the vestibule areas.
First impressions are crucial, which is why effective entrance flooring that stops dirt and moisture being tracked into train carriages and saloon areas is fundamental to modern train design. By removing wet and dry soiling from the soles of shoes and wheel treads, and effective entrance system reduces premature wear and tear to interior floor finishes, minimises cleaning and maintenance costs and protects passengers by reducing slip hazards.
Forbo’s Tessera Alignment FR carpet has also been chosen for installation in the saloon areas. Attractive, hardwearing carpet designed to deliver great aesthetic and at the same time performance benefits. The installation of carpet on rail vehicles adds significant warmth, comfort and acoustic benefits.
In total, a quantity of approximately 2,000 sqm of floor coverings have been supplied for this project. Completion date was 2019.
