Dutch electric multiple unit
The Sprinter Lighttrain or SLT is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train type operated by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen in the Netherlands. They were built from 2007 to 2012 by Bombardier (2400) and Siemens (2600). It is the successor of the Sprinter SGM train type.
General information.
The SLT is designed to replace the Mat '64 trains from the 1960s and 1970s, and to allow the double-decker NS DD-AR carriages from the 1990s to be refurbished/converted into self-propelling EMUs and transferred to longer, skip-stop Intercity services. The first 35 sets were ordered in 2005 and the first set, 2402 arrived in January 2008. The second set, 2602 arrived in February 2008 and both were used on test runs. In September 2007 NS ordered a further 64 sets, and these started arriving in the Netherlands in mid-2009. In 2009 a further 32 were ordered. The trains use regenerative braking, which can feed energy back into the contact wire when they brake.
The trains are based on the DB Class 425 design, but adapted to meet the demands of NS and the Dutch railway network. They use Jacobs bogies, which allow for thin and wide gangways between each coach. The units were built in Aachen and Hennigsdorf (2400) and Uerdingen (2600).
The SLT trains are fitted with the ATB-EG train protection system used on the electrified Dutch network, as well as the European-standard ERTMS system that is planned to replace ATB-EG. The SLT trains are also fitted with GSM-R train radios.
Modernisation.
From 2018 onwards, all units are being retrofitted with on-board toilets and a special sliding step for wheelchair users, in response to the need to provide on-board toilets on all trains running on the "hoofdrailnet" as stipulated in the contract for NS to operate the 2015–25 concession. The toilet retrofit is conducted at the Talbot Services GmbH workshops in Aachen; of which 2 units are in the workshops at any one time. The expectations are that these modernisations will be completed in 2021.
Use of Sprinter Lighttrains.
The SLT is primarily for the Randstad area, around the four main cities (Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam). They are used on stoptrein stopping services, designed for routes where stations are close together and for this they feature many wide doors and fast acceleration.
After many test runs without passengers, they were put into service on 23 February 2009 between Den Haag Centraal – Gouda – Utrecht Centraal, two months later than planned. Passengers were happy with the comfort, no step between the train and the platform and the fresh interior, however the trains back then lacked on-board toilets.
Problems occurred, especially when there was a four-car and a six-car unit coupled together, so the test was stopped temporarily on 1 May 2009. The test started again on 21 September 2009, outside of the peak hours. Again there were problems, and the delivery of sets was stopped for the time being.
With the December 2009 timetable change, sets were put in again between Utrecht and Den Haag, as well as between Gouda and Rotterdam. In February 2010, the delivery of new sets was restarted, with four sets arriving each week. In May 2010 SLT sets also began operating between Rotterdam Centraal and Hoek van Holland Strand and on 24 May 2010 also between Utrecht Centraal and Baarn via Soest.
In December 2010 more than 2/3 of the SLT's failed after snowfall, leaving the NS to revert to the old trains that had recently been stored out of services.
Services operated.
The SLT's are regularly used on these services in the current timetable (2017). They can sometimes appear on other services.
References.
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