One of the three new electric trains deployed in Riga last week has already started experiencing technical problems. This means passenger transports will have to be carried out by the other two for now, as LETA was told by Pasažieru vilciens (PV) representatives.
The company explained that a problem in the operation of the train’s current collector was found. Repair crew is already hard at work fixing the problem.
PV representatives also added that one of the new trains also had problems with automated doors, but this problem has already been resolved.
PV representatives explain that they have a maintenance contract signed with Czech Škoda Vagonka. Warranty is active for the first 340 000 km and for no longer than 30 months. Additional spare parts have minimal warranty terms.
Defects uncovered during the warranty term have to be fixed within a short period of time after reports are received.
A-level defects are to be fixed within 24 hours, and B-level defects – within 72 hours.
The supplier has a duty to fix all defects found during the warranty period from their own pocket, as well as compensate losses caused by defects if the operating rules of electric trains, the maintenance plan of electric trains, as well as the operating rules of the equipment necessary for the maintenance of electric trains are complied with, PV representatives say.
LETA previously reported that PV started providing railway passenger transport services on the route to Tukims, Aizkraukle and Skulte using three new electric trains on Friday, the 15th of December. On the 16th of December new trains were deployed in Jelgava’s direction.
PV has three new electric trains at the moment. 20 electric train units have been supplied to Latvia so far. Škoda Vagonka plans to commission up to 19 electric train units by the end of the year.
At the same time, PV representatives explain that it is planned to receive all 32 trains by mid-2024.
Once all new trains have been received and commissioned, it is planned to start compiling interval timetables for new trains. Currently it’s planned to deploy them in morning and evening hours, which traditionally see the most foot traffic. Trains will course every 15 to 20 minutes.
The first two Škoda Vagonka electric trains were delivered to Riga in June 2022.
Each train consists of four train cars. The length of a single train is 109 m. Each train has 436 seats and enough room for 454 standing passengers. All trains have same-level boarding from adapted train platforms.
Pasažieru vilciens representatives previously said the company will request Škoda Vagonka to pay a fine for their failure to deliver trains on time. The maximum fine for failure to deliver each train within the agreed upon time is 10% of the train’s price.
The total costs of the project reach EUR 257.889 million.
PV turnover in nine months of 2023 was EUR 44.256 million, which is 19.2% more when compared to 2022. The company’s profits are down 21% to EUR 458 074.
PV was founded in 2001 as a result of domestic passenger transport services being separated from Latvian Railway’s main functions. Previously PV 100% belonged to Latvian Railway as its subsidiary, but in October 2008 it was reformed into a state company.
Also read: New electric trains in Latvia to start coursing in Tukums, Aizkraukle and Skulte directions
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