Following a call for tender conducted by Rennes Métropole in 2020, SAFRA has just won the contract for the mid-life renovation of the Rennes metro. A total of 16 VAL 208 AG metro trains will be renovated in SAFRA’s workshops in Albi. This work, which will be spread over 5 years, will extend the life of this equipment for 10 additional years or 1.5 million kilometers.
The 16 VAL 208 AG trainsets (AG for Ancienne Génération, i.e. trainsets put into service in 2002) were put into service in 2002, and should normally reach their limit of use in 2030, initially 30 years or 2.5 million kilometers. The objective of this contract is therefore to carry out the works and supplies for the renovation of the trainsets in order to give them a potential of 1.5 million kilometers or 10 additional years.
This contract is divided into 4 work packages and 6 supply packages, some of which will be carried out by Keolis Rennes within the framework of the public service delegation (Keolis Rennes will in particular carry out the renovation of the axles and doors and will carry out the test program for the return to service of the trains). SAFRA will carry out lot n°1, the main lot of the operation, which concerns the structural work and the equipment of the cars. This mid-life work includes, among other things, the renovation of the car bodies, the replacement of the floors, the lighting fixtures, and the numerous mechanical and hydraulic parts.
Since 2006, SAFRA has been regularly involved in the renovation of VALs in many French cities. SAFRA has thus acquired a real expertise in this field, and by obtaining this new contract, the confirmation of its know-how. It is therefore a real pride for SAFRA to have won this new contract entrusted by Rennes Métropole, which thus renews its confidence in this major player in the life extension of urban railway equipment.
To carry out this operation, Rennes Métropole commissioned a specialized engineering firm (Setec its) to carry out the 10 lots mentioned above for a total amount of approximately 11 M€ excluding tax.
SAFRA has been entrusted with the main lot for an amount of 4 680 341.40 € HT.
The operation will take place over 4 years from 2021 to 2025, with the first train set on June 4, 2021. Only one train set at a time will be transported to and processed in the SAFRA factory in Albi, for a construction period of approximately 2 months for the first train set and 5 weeks per train set for the series production.
This project will have no impact on the number of trains in line at peak times on line A.