Regio 2N

Regio 2N / OMNEO
Company type	Electric multiple unit train series
Industry	Rail transport
Founded	2012
Founder	Bombardier Transportation
Headquarters	Crespin, France
Products	Double-deck, dual-voltage electric multiple units (EMU)
Parent	Bombardier Transportation (initial), then Alstom

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Regio 2N, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 10 August 2025

The Regio 2N series consists of double-deck, dual-voltage electric multiple units developed for the French railway company SNCF to operate on regional lines, including TER, Transilien, and RER services.

These trainsets are distinguished by a versatile and distinctive layout: one end carriage is single-level to facilitate wheelchair access, while the opposite end features a double-deck design. The intermediate cars vary between double-deck units without side doors intended for long-distance seating, and single-deck cars equipped with two doors per side to accommodate standing passengers on shorter journeys. Train formations are available in six, seven, eight, or ten-car sets. Seating arrangements differ according to the service type—intercity trains provide 2+1 seating in first class and 2+2 in second class; regional trains maintain a consistent 2+2 seating throughout; high-capacity commuter trains utilize a 3+2 seating configuration across all cars.

Initially engineered and manufactured by Bombardier Transportation, the production was completed by Alstom following its acquisition of Bombardier during the delivery phase. Since 2012, a total of 447 trainsets have been produced or are currently under construction at the Alstom Crespin facility. The first unit commenced passenger operations in September 2013.

The designation Regio 2N merges "region" with SNCF’s classification for double-deck rolling stock: 2N (2 Niveaux). Bombardier markets this family under the name OMNEO, while SNCF assigns classifications such as Z 55500, Z 56300, Z 56500, Z 56600, or Z 57000 according to specific configurations.

History

The Omneo was conceptualized at Bombardier’s Crespin plant as a response to SNCF’s demand for a modern generation of regional electric multiple units. Between 2002 and 2009, TER regional ridership increased by approximately 40%, reaching an average of about 800,000 passengers daily, with further expansion anticipated. Funding for this procurement was mainly provided by regional governments. Bombardier emerged as the preferred supplier in November 2009 and secured a firm contract on 24 February 2010 for 80 trainsets, with options allowing up to 860 units valued at €8 billion. Deliveries were initially planned from June 2013 through December 2015.

Static tests began in February 2012, followed by dynamic trials at the Velim railway test center by September of the same year. Between September 2012 and September 2013, nine pre-series units covered 100,000 kilometers in single-unit operation and an additional 20,000 kilometers in multiple-unit formations. The first trainset was handed over at Crespin to SNCF and regional officials in September 2013; by this point, orders had expanded to 129 units. Bombardier reported that about 90% of the testing program had been completed, focusing on aspects such as electromagnetic compatibility, air conditioning performance, and multiple-unit functionality. Production rates increased from one to three trainsets monthly by January 2014.

In January 2014, SNCF exercised an option for an extra 30 trainsets, followed by an order for eight more in October 2015. A further four units were commissioned in February 2016, bringing total firm orders to 213 sets. November 2016 saw SNCF place an order for 40 Omneo Premium trainsets featuring upgraded comfort and higher operating speeds; dynamic testing for these began by August 2018. By February 2018, cumulative orders had reached 382 trainsets. Another batch of nineteen Premium units was ordered in November 2018 specifically for Paris–Hauts-de-France routes. The Omneo fleet is progressively replacing older rolling stock such as Z2N, V2N, Vo-VR2N, RRR-Rio, and Corail trains across France’s regional and intercity rail networks.

Design

The Bombardier Omneo is an articulated double-deck electric multiple unit (EMU) characterized by a modular architecture that can be tailored for suburban, regional, and intercity services. It holds the distinction of being the first articulated double-deck EMU globally. Each set integrates single-level cars that contain propulsion components such as transformers and braking resistors on their roofs, alongside double-level cars exclusively designed for passenger seating. Trainsets vary between six and ten cars, with lengths spanning from 81 to 135 meters and widths ranging from 2.99 to 3.05 meters, accommodating up to 1,380 passengers including 780 seats. The ratio of double-deck to single-deck cars can be adjusted by exchanging vehicles to meet specific operational requirements.

Interior configurations are customizable according to client needs. Common intercity arrangements feature 2+1 seating layouts, dedicated luggage compartments, enhanced restroom availability, increased seat pitch, individual reading lamps, power outlets, and footrests. Double-deck cars do not include doors or facilities such as toilets or spaces for bicycles and wheelchairs; these are instead located in the single-level vehicles. Passenger security is bolstered by onboard CCTV systems. The wider double-deck gangways facilitate easy movement throughout the train. The Premium version provides upgraded features including larger reclining seats with armrests, broader doorways, and more refined interior finishes compared to the Base variant.

Omneo trainsets come in two maximum speed options: 160 km/h for the Base model and 200 km/h for the Premium. SNCF classifies these as Z 55500 and Z 56500, respectively. The standard power output is 2.4 MW delivered via three powered bogies, with an option to add a fourth bogie increasing output to 3.2 MW. These trains operate on either 1,500 V DC or 25 kV 50 Hz overhead lines. The use of lightweight materials helps reduce axle load; Bombardier asserts that the Omneo is composed of 95% recyclable components. The design also focuses on minimizing noise and vibration levels.

Incorporating Bombardier's ECO4 principles—energy efficiency, economy, and ecological sustainability—the Omneo utilizes permanent-magnet synchronous motors, thermally efficient climate control systems, aerodynamic profiles, and advanced energy management to reduce power consumption and CO2 emissions. Its high proportion of French-made parts earned it the pioneering Guaranteed French Origin certification.

Distribution of Orders

Distribution of orders and deliveries
Regions (prior to merger)	Regions (post merger)	Quantity Ordered	Series	Train Length	Number of Cars
Aquitaine	Nouvelle-Aquitaine	40	Z 56300	Short (S)	6
Bretagne		7	Z 55500	Short (S)	6
Bretagne		14		Long (L)	8
Centre-Val de Loire		14
		2	Z 56500
		32	Z 56700
Midi-Pyrénées	Occitanie	18	Z 56300	Short (S)	6
Nord-Pas-de-Calais	Hauts-de-France	18	Z 55500	Medium (M)	7
Pays de la Loire		11	Z 56500	Long (L)	8
Picardie	Hauts-de-France	7	Z 55500	Extra-Long (XL)	10
Hauts-de-France		19	m	Extra-Long (XL)	10
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur		16	Z 55500	Long (L)	8
Rhône-Alpes	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes	40		Short (S)	6
Rhône-Alpes	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes	19		Long (L)	8
Intercités Normandie	Normandie	40	Z 56600	Extra-Long (XL)	10
Intercités Normandie	Normandie	27	-	Extra-Long (XL)	10
Ile-de-France		73	Z 57000	Long (L)	8
		42
		19
	Total	447