SNCF Voyageurs and Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) have jointly launched a tender for the purchase of over 300 Z2N NG double-deck EMUs, under a framework agreement valued at more than EUR 8 billion. The deadline for submission of requests to participate is 31 March 2026. Photo: IdFM/Christophe Recoura The framework agreement will span 23 years and includes a firm order for 52 Z2N NG double-deck EMUs, with an estimated value of EUR 1.5 billion. The remaining 248 trains represent optional orders to be executed under the terms of the framework. Under the tender, the first option involves an IDFM order for 198 trains, up to a maximum value of EUR 4.1 billion. A second option will be executed through subsequent orders to meet IDFM’s specific requirements, covering a set of additional maintenance and logistical support services, valued at up to EUR 1.2 billion. The third optional tranche, also executed via subsequent orders, relates to SNCF Voyageurs’ procurement of double-deck trains and associated support elements, for a maximum of 50 Z2N NG EMUs, with a limit of EUR 986 million. The fourth optional tranche will again be executed by SNCF Voyageurs and concerns the provision of additional maintenance and logistical support services, capped at EUR 245 million. The procurement procedure is not divided into lots, and the contract will run until December 2052, without the possibility of extension. Award criteria The award criteria for the acquisition of the Z2N NG double-deck EMUs have been designed to ensure an optimal balance between performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. Offers will be evaluated on both quality and cost, with the goal of selecting the solution that delivers the best long-term results. In terms of quality, the technical performance of the rolling stock is a central criterion, evaluated on a total of 340 points. This element ensures the reliability, safety, and operational efficiency of the trains throughout their service life. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is another key criterion, allocated 120 points, reflecting how the bidder adheres to social and environmental standards and contributes to the sustainable development of rail transport. Industrial planning and organisation form a third quality criterion, worth 80 points, assessing the bidder’s capacity to coordinate production and delivery of the trains according to a rigorous schedule while maintaining high-quality standards. Integrated logistical support, valued at 70 points, ensures a comprehensive system of maintenance and operational support, so the rolling stock remains available at all times and downtime is minimised. On the cost side, the main criterion is the total cost of ownership of the rolling stock, including acquisition, maintenance, and operation, evaluated at 390 points. This comprehensive methodology ensures that the investment is not only financially viable but also delivers added value in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability for passenger rail services.
