A Christmas gift? Green light for Traxx 3 MS in France

Alstom is pleased to announce that France is once again part of the TRAXX corridor. Approval has been granted for the TRAXX Universal ‘Western Corridor,’ based on Onvia Cab, marking a significant milestone with first-time operations in both France and Belgium.

Alstom points out several advantages for its customers:

New route options: Access to the railway line on the left bank of the Rhine and relief of the busy Rhine route.
Direct connection: The port of Marseilles and French industrial areas are now accessible.
Scalability: Building the basis for extension to further countries and 200 km/h version of Traxx.

Railcolor: Just to be clear, TRAXX Universal is the current name for what many still call TRAXX MS3 / TRAXX 3 MS — with MS standing for multi-system. In some markets these locomotives are also referred to by the German class designation: Class 188.

This authorisation is a major milestone for Alstom as it works to regain a stronger competitive position against Siemens’ Vectron in the European market for interoperable transport. It creates a short window (we expect Siemens’ Vectron to obtain a comparable authorisation in 2026) in which Alstom is the only supplier able to offer a newly authorised, turnkey, new-build 4-axle locomotive for France. With this argument several larger frame contracts have been closed with major players in the lease market (Railpool, Northrail, Akiem, Ontrain).

Alstom has invested heavily in the rebuild and re-authorisation of the TRAXX MS3 (ex Bombardier) around its own Onvia ETCS solution, next to Bombardier’s original Ebicab product. Meanwhile, dozens of machines with France and Belgium in their country specific pcakge have been produced meanwhile, eagerly awaiting placement in service. The next big challenge.

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