The Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority has completed tests of the brand new Flirt diesel trains to be supplied by the Swiss manufacturer Stadler, finding them to be suitable for use on Estonian tracks.
Watchdog clears Flirt diesel trains for use in Estonia
6th August 2013, 17:46
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The pre-commissioning trials procedure was carried out by the Technical Surveillance Authority in collaboration with the trains' would-be operator Elektriraudtee (Electric Railway) and the manufacturer Stadler Bussnang AG, spokespeople for the Technical Surveillance Authority said on Tuesday.
They said the permit issued is the main prerequisite enabling the new diesel trains to go into service.
The Technical Surveillance Authority issued a permit for the use of Flirt electric trains in Estonia on June 21 and replacement of old Soviet-made trains with Stadler trains on electric commuter train routes started on July 1.
The tests of the diesel trains that lasted six months took place parallel to tests of the electric trains and just like the latter were successful, confirming compliance of the new rolling stock with the requirements valid in the European Union and Estonia.
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.
During the trials the authority paid special attention to safety of operation and passenger functionality.