Autorail à grande capacité
| Company type | Multiple unit train family |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Bombardier Transportation |
| Headquarters | Crespin , France |
Area served | France, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia |
| Products | Electric, diesel-powered, and dual-mode multiple unit trains |
| Parent | Bombardier Transportation |
The Autorail à grande capacité (translated as "high-capacity railcar") or AGC represents a family of multiple unit trains manufactured by Bombardier Transportation's Crespin facility specifically for the French national railway company, SNCF. These trains come in three main types: electric, diesel-powered, and dual-mode variants.
Introduced in 2004, the AGC was created in response to the demands of French regional rail services and has proven highly popular, with SNCF purchasing more than 700 units. Its modular nature allows regional authorities to select trainsets composed of two to four cars; however, all delivered units so far consist of either three or four cars. The interior design is adaptable as well, with options such as first class seating, bar compartments, ski storage, and other region-specific features.
In November 2010, Romanian company Remarul 16 Februarie entered into a licensing contract with Bombardier to manufacture AGC trains at its Cluj-Napoca plant. This agreement grants Remarul exclusive rights to produce and sell AGC units within six countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia.
By 2010, every French region had integrated AGC trains in various configurations, making this fleet the largest regional train presence in France. Since their introduction in the early 2000s, AGCs have become a staple across regional rail networks.
Deliveries
The inaugural B 81500 trainset, carrying the number B 81501, commenced service on 6 February 2004 with TER Midi-Pyrénées. The 200th unit entered operation on 20 November 2006 within TER Haute-Normandie. The first B 82500 was delivered in February 2007 and started running on TER Champagne Ardenne routes from 15 May 2007.
Variants
This series encompasses four distinct models:
- X 76500: diesel-powered version, also referred to as XGC or Diesel AGC
- Z 27500: electric model operating under both and , known as ZGC or Electric AGC
- B 81500: dual-mode variant combining diesel and electric power, labeled BGC
- B 82500: dual-mode and dual-voltage type (diesel plus both and electric), called BGC or BiBi. This configuration facilitates smooth travel across the French rail network by utilizing multiple energy sources without needing infrastructure changes or passenger transfers, thereby improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions.
General
Bombardier employs an articulated structure featuring bogies positioned between carriages to enhance stability and provide a smoother ride experience.
Performance
Depending on the specific setup, these trains can achieve speeds up to 160 km/h (99 mph). A planned two-car diesel version with a maximum speed of 140 km/h was proposed but never commissioned.
Operating
Thanks to its modular approach, regions can adjust train length—most commonly three or four cars—and customize interior layouts including options like first class and lounge sections. It is common to find mixed formations combining BGC and ZGC units. Regions such as Basse-Normandie and Lorraine have opted for trainsets mixing diesel and electric models (XGC and ZGC). The B 82500 variant is exclusively offered in four-car configurations.
Innovative trains
- The "Connected AGC" (AGC Connecté): Since 2009, TER Occitanie has been operating an AGC train outfitted with IoT devices and sensors to enable cutting-edge service management. By transmitting data in real time, it facilitates predictive maintenance through monitoring variables such as battery condition and internal temperature. This initiative, developed by SNCF in collaboration with loT Valley, focuses on leveraging advanced algorithms to improve maintenance forecasting, thereby increasing dependability and operational performance.
Accidents and incidents
- On 12 October 2011, a TER B 82500 train collided with a trailer truck at level crossing number 11 in Saint-Médard-sur-Ille. The accident caused three fatalities among passengers and injured 45 individuals, 13 of whom sustained serious wounds. The collision resulted from the truck being immobilized on the crossing as the barriers were descending.
- On 20 October 2015, a TER Z 27500 experienced brake failure after striking two cattle near Formerie station, located between Serqueux and Sommery. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
- On 16 October 2019, a TER Z 27500 derailed following an impact with a trailer truck stuck at crossing number 70 in Boulzicourt, causing minor injuries to two passengers and the driver.
Models
- LS Models manufactures HO scale replicas of the Z 27500, B 81500, and X 76500 trains in configurations of three or four cars.
- Multiple AGC variants are available for download—both free and paid—for the Train Simulator (video game) platform.
Battery-powered trains (BEMU)
In January 2021, Bombardier secured a contract to convert five dual-mode AGC trains into battery-operated units by 2023. This project is conducted in partnership with SNCF Voyageurs and five French regions: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The conversion aligns with France’s objective to phase out diesel-powered trains by 2035 through transforming existing dual-mode rolling stock into battery-electric models, contributing to rail transport decarbonization.
Extending the lifespan of rolling stock
On 18 March 2021, SNCF revealed plans to refurbish 40% of the TER fleet over the following decade, which includes 699 AGC class trains alongside 232 TER 2N NG units. The most significant contract was awarded by the Grand Est region.
After roughly two decades in operation, these trains require thorough inspections and upgrades to remain safe for another 15 to 20 years while improving passenger experience. This mid-life refurbishment also targets enhanced energy efficiency in line with environmental objectives. Regions can choose from various enhancements such as modernized interiors, better accessibility features, power outlets at every seat, onboard Wi-fi, LED lighting systems, and updated passenger information system technology.
To improve ecological performance, upgrades will include CO2 regulation integrated into the HVAC system and installation of particulate filters on the diesel engines. Depending on selected options, each train will be out of service for between 10 and 20 weeks during refurbishment. This program also supports the modernization of SNCF’s maintenance facilities ("Technicentre"), enhancing their operational capacities.
See also
References
- Notes