Elektriraudtee wants to take passenger transport from Edelaraudtee
11.11.2008, 11:33Estonian passenger rail carrier
Elektriraudtee goes through a renewal and plans to change all its trains by
2013, delfi.ee writes.
Elektriraudtee plans to buy diesel trains as well, which means Edelaraudtee
that operates long-distance lines, may go out of service.
After throughout analysis it’s clear that near Tallinn is reasonable to use
electricity trains and diesel trains on long-distance lines, Kuldar Väärsi,
member of Elektriraudtee’s management board, said.
Elektriraudtee plans to buy diesel trains so the state could find the best
operator for them.
“We apply for money from Cohesion fund to buy 18 electricity trains and we
plan to take loan for 20 diesel trains,” Väärsi said.
Although rolling stock would grow by ten trains it wouldn’t bring additional
costs, because new trains’ explorations costs would be smaller, they’d need less
maintenance, energy costs would decrease and infrastructure fees would also be
smaller since they’re paid be the weight and new trains are easier.
Savings analysis which was done by Ministry of Economic Affairs and
Communication shows that the rolling stock could belong to one business.
The Elektriraudtee that operates with 12 electricity trains surely will take
part of the procurement.
Edelaraudtee’s participation of the procurement
depends on its requirements.
Indrek Laineveer, head of the railway department in the Ministry of Economic
Affairs and Communications confirmed that.
“Recently we’ve heard here and there that Edelaraudtee could quit operating
and its lines could go to Elektriraudtee,” Laineveer said, but added that
currently there are negotiations with Edelaraudtee to continue passenger
transport in 2009. The ministry presumes cooperation will continue.
The state is looking for the best company for new trains and Edelaraudtee has
an option to take part of the procurement, Laineveer
noted.