Belgian Railways Class 96
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bruges , Belgium |
| Products | Electric multiple units (e.g., Class 96) |
SNCB AM96 / NMBS MS96
The Class 96 (referred to as MS96 in Dutch and AM96 in French) is an electric multiple unit constructed in 1996 by Bombardier Transportation for Belgium’s National Railway Company (NMBS/SNCB). Produced in Bruges, a total of 120 trainsets were delivered, engineered specifically for intercity travel. These units reach a top speed of 160 km/h and accommodate up to 213 passengers, with seating divided into 45 first-class and 168 second-class places.
Drawing inspiration from the Danish DSB IC3 train design, the Class 96 incorporates foldable front doors and rubber diaphragms that enable smooth passage between connected trainsets, improving operational versatility. Each carriage is equipped with independent air conditioning controls to ensure passenger comfort over extended journeys.
By 2022, these units mainly serve principal InterCity (IC) routes linking Belgium’s major urban centers and international border points, including destinations in France and Luxembourg. They are also deployed on selected P, L, and S line services.
Variants
There are three interoperable versions of the Class 96:
- Units numbered 441–490: These dual-voltage motor sets operate on Belgium’s 3 kV DC network as well as the 25 kV AC lines at the borders with France and Luxembourg. They are fitted with GTO traction converters. Although designed to be compatible with high-speed tracks such as the Leuven to Liège line, they have not been certified for high-speed operation.
- Units numbered 501–547: Single-voltage motor sets restricted to the 3 kV DC network, which included service up to the Arlon–Luxembourg border until 2018. These also use GTO traction converters.
- Units numbered 548–570: Single-voltage motor sets limited to classic 3 kV DC lines only, featuring more modern IGBT traction converters.
While the latter two variants could technically support 25 kV AC operation, upgrades have not been pursued due to minimal demand beyond border regions. All versions can operate under the Dutch 1.5 kV DC overhead system along the Liège–Maastricht corridor at reduced power output.
Technical and Safety Features
Each trainset is driven by four asynchronous ACEC electric motors with a gear ratio of 105:23. Safety equipment includes Memor, TBL 1+, KVB systems, and ETCS Levels 1 and 2, which have been installed progressively since 2010. Scharfenberg couplers allow quick connection of multiple units for flexible train formation.
This rolling stock remains a key element of NMBS/SNCB’s intercity operations strategy, offering a balance between multi-voltage compatibility, passenger amenities, and efficient service delivery.
Accidents and incidents
- On 5 June 2016, a passenger train composed of two Class 96 units was involved in a rear-end collision with a freight train at . The accident resulted in three fatalities and approximately forty injuries. Unit 548 was leading the formation while unit 461 was positioned at the rear.
- On 27 November 2017, Unit 449 collided with a vehicle at a level crossing in Morlanwelz, causing it to catch fire. During recovery efforts, the unit became detached and ran uncontrolled for , resulting in two deaths and two injuries before crashing into a passenger train including unit 483 at Strépy-Bracquegnies. Five individuals sustained injuries in this incident.