Latvian railway passenger operator, Pasazieru vilciens (PV) announced that Stadler Bussnang AG has won the tender for leasing new EMUs.  The trains will be leased for a period of 15 years.

PV board chairman Artis Birkmanis stated that this was one of  the most ambitious and the most important purchase of the company's history, with significant impact on the long-term development, with high requirements in accordance with state and corporate interests.

The aim of the tender is to ensure new and modern trains for Latvian residents, increase mobility in Riga and its suburbs. In terms of economic benefits, PV expects to reduce energy consumption by 30%, reduce maintenance costs of 30%,  increase the passenger traffic volume and also increase revenues by 20%.

The other two offer bids analysed belonged to PESA Bydgoszcz SA and Hyundai Rotem Company. Previously, PV received two complaints in regarding this procurement tender – one from Daugavpils lokomotīvju remonta rūpnīca and another from CAF.