Valleilijn train
Renovation and modernisation
Client
Keolis
Services
Product design
Engineering
Rolling stock renovation
As of December 2023, Keolis is operating train services on the Valleilijn, the partially single-track connection through the Gelderse Vallei, from Amersfoort to Ede-Wageningen. Keolis won the concession with an ambitious rolling stock plan. The rolling stock now operating on the Valleilijn is being renovated and modernised. The fleet consists of five Protos units and two Stadler Flirt trainsets. The Protos trainsets, delivered in 2007 by FTD in Dessau, are unique: they are the only ones of their kind in the world. The Flirts date from 2018 and are widely used in the Netherlands, including R-net, Blauwnet and as NS sprinters.
Design studio FromAtoB Public Design provided the concept for the rolling stock renovation for Keolis. In accordance with the request, the Valleilijn identity will be exchanged for the RRReis corporate identity.
The main focus of renovation is on the interior of the Protos units; only a limited number of modifications will be made to the much more recent Flirt units. The goal to improve functionality and passenger comfort, while creating a more consistent experience between the two train types. In preparation for the tender, panel studies were conducted with current passengers of the Valleilijn. These studies showed, among other things, that passengers generally prefer the seats in the Flirt over the seats in the Protos, that the distinction between 1st and 2nd class is now minimal, since both feature the same upholstery, and that the special sections in the Protos, such as the “lounge” and “disco” areas, are mainly used by young people, while older passengers tend to avoid them.
Design details
The redesign includes more space in both train types for passengers travelling with luggage or bicycles. These multi-purpose areas offer more comfort, including for standing passengers, with folding seats that double as a leaning support as well as handles, grab bars and USB charging points. The 1st class will be upholstered in dark grey and purple eco-leather, while the 2nd class seats will have textile upholstery with RRReis motifs using blue and green tones. This will create a much clearer distinction between first and second class than at present. A silent compartment will replace the former lounge section in the Protos, and new lounge benches will be placed on the other side of the compartment. Lounge seats will also be placed in the Flirt trains. Seats in both railcars will include a mix of coach and face to face arrangements. Smart lighting will help passengers find available seats more easily, with indicators inside and outside the train showing where space is still available.
The grab bar rails and partitions in the Protos are renewed; the new grab bars are spaced further apart and slightly curved, creating a more open passageway and giving the train a more spacious and transparent feel.
Design, engineering and admission
FromAtoB not only provides the design of new interior elements in this project, but also the complete engineering of the renovation. We are also contributing to the train’s approval documentation, with calculations, drawings and written submissions in line with TSI and TSI/PRM requirements.
