Estonia's Technical Surveillance Authority issued on Friday a permit for use of the new FLIRT electric trains of the commuter train operator Elektriraudtee (Electric Railway), deeming them to be in compliance with the requirements.
Estonian watchdog gives commuter train operator permission to put new trains into service
21st June 2013, 19:00
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To obtain the permit, the new rolling stock underwent trials coordinated by the Technical Surveillance Authority in cooperation with the operator and the manufacturer, Stadler Bussnang of Switzerland.
«The issued permit is the primary prerequisite for putting into service the new trains that will hit tracks in this country for the first time. The six-month trials were successful and confirmed the compliance of the new rolling stock with European Union and Estonian requirements,» deputy director general of the agency Anvar Salomets said.
The purpose of the local testing was to establish the compatibility of the trains with the Estonian rail infrastructure, check the trains for safety of operation and fine-tune them if necessary. The trials were conducted in accordance with a program approved by the watchdog that covered all critical parts of the rolling stock.
The authority paid special attention to safety of operation, i.e. efficiency of brakes and running stability, and passenger functionality such as accessibility by all passenger groups and on-board information systems.
Elektriraudtee expects to put the first new electric trains into service on July 1 on the Aegviidu, Paldiski and Keila routes. New diesel trains of the company are undergoing trials and the decision on their suitability and compliance with requirements is expected in August.