INTRO: The first of two pre-production TER regional diesel trainsets for French National Railways was unveiled at Orléans on March 26
NINE of France’s 20 région presidents attended the ceremonies at Orléans station on March 26 to mark the arrival of French National Railways’ first TER diesel trainset. Their presence was more than symbolic; 11 of the régions are buying 105 of the streamlined railcars at Fr24·75m each to take over local and cross-country passenger services outside the Paris suburban area.
The arrival of the first set at the capital of Centre région came almost three years after Centre’s President Maurice Dousset signed the joint development convention with SNCF on behalf of the régions. The two pre-series units are due to enter revenue service on Centre’s Paris - Chateaudun - Vend
