Saturday 01 April 2023

Fyra battle between train maker and operators resumes

The Italian maker of the Frya high-speed train returns to court on Tuesday in a renewed effort to win access to three technical reports on the technical problems with the trains.

AnsaldoBreda wants to see the reports drawn up by Dutch railways NS and Belgian railways NMBS which resulted in the cancellation of the two train companies’ orders for more Fyra trains.

The company was in court in Utrecht in early July to argue for access to the reports and for independent experts to be appointed to assess the technical problems which led to high-speed services between Amsterdam and Brussels being suspended.

Snow and ice

Fyra trains were suspended in early January after snow and ice damaged three trains. The NS and NMBS blame the poor quality of the trains; AnsaldoBreda blames poor maintenance.

Judges in Utrecht ruled against AnsaldoBreda because the contracts between the three parties did not include agreement to bring in independent experts should a difference of opinion arise.

This time around, AnsaldoBreda is bringing two cases. It is arguing for access to the reports in Amsterdam, and next Thursday it will argue for independent experts in Utrecht.

The decision in the Amsterdam case is expected in two weeks’ time.

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