Alstom Delivers First of 40 Traxx Locos to OnTrain in Poland

ŻMIGRÓD, POLAND – In June 2026, locomotive leasing platform OnTrain and manufacturer Alstom presented the first Traxx Universal electric locomotive at the Żmigród test track, the initial unit from a 40‑locomotive order signed in 2024. The batch includes 35 machines certified for Poland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, while the remaining five will be homologated for an Eastern Corridor encompassing Hungary instead of the Western Balkan states. No order value or delivery completion date was immediately disclosed.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The 40‑unit agreement covers multi‑system Traxx Universal locomotives equipped with Alstom’s Onvia (formerly Atlas) onboard signalling for ETCS. Alstom will provide preventive maintenance during the warranty period. The 35‑strong main batch is approved for eight countries; the five‑locomotive Eastern Corridor variant drops Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia while adding Hungary. Manufacturing is split between Alstom’s Wrocław plant in Poland (locomotive bodies) and the Kassel site in Germany (final assembly).

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

OnTrain’s order is consistent with recent fleet expansions by established European leasing companies. In 2022, Akiem ordered 50 Traxx multi‑system locomotives from Alstom for cross‑border operations, and Railpool contracted 45 Traxx MS3 units in 2023 (Source: Alstom press releases, 2022/2023). The OnTrain batch size of 40 units, split between two corridor certifications, matches the leasing industry’s typical approach of acquiring modular, multi‑country platforms to maximise utilisation across open‑access and freight markets. Warranty‑period maintenance, as included here, has become standard practice in such supply agreements.

Editor’s Analysis

OnTrain’s debut fleet acquisition using the proven Traxx platform is a pragmatic entry strategy for a newcomer to European locomotive leasing, where incumbents such as Akiem, Railpool and Alpha Trains already operate several hundred vehicles. The emphasis on immediate eight‑country certification signals an intent to serve the growing east‑west freight corridors that rely on interoperable traction. Poland’s own railway signalling market is forecast for robust growth in 2025, driven by infrastructure modernisation and smart‑city investments (Source: Industry research, 2025), and the Wrocław production role strengthens the country’s position as a rolling‑stock manufacturing hub within Alstom’s supply chain. The absence of a declared contract value and timeline leaves open the question of how aggressively OnTrain will price its lease rates to win market share.

FAQ

Q: How many OnTrain Traxx locomotives will be ready for service in 2026?
A: OnTrain stated that four of the five locomotives from a December 2024 test batch had already completed technical trials by mid‑2026, but the overall delivery schedule for the full 40 units has not been publicly confirmed.

Q: Why are five locomotives certified for a different country set?
A: The five‑unit Eastern Corridor batch covers Hungary instead of Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, targeting freight and passenger flows on routes where the Hungarian network forms a key part of the international corridor.

Q: Will these locomotives be available for both freight and passenger operators?
A: Yes. The Traxx Universal platform is designed for both passenger and freight services, and OnTrain intends to lease them across both segments, though specific customer allocations have not been disclosed.