OPTER: Modernized TERs for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region

Since 2018, SNCF Voyageurs has been engaged with 12 French Regions and Luxembourg Railways in a large-scale operation called "OPTER". The aim of this program is to give a second life to 40% of the TER fleet, comprising between AGCs (Autorail Grande Capacité) and TER 2N NGs (double-decker TERs), after 20 years of operation, while improving their energy performance and comfort.

In March 2021, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and SNCF Voyageurs signed a memorandum of understanding for the renovation of 62 TER trainsets as part of the OPTER program. The modernization work, carried out at the Charentes-Périgord industrial technicenter in Périgueux, has a budget of 193 million euros, for the renovation of 52 3-box and 10 4-box trainsets.

The renovations aim to enrich the passenger experience with :

• Improved comfort: modern interior refurbishment with new seats, electrical outlets (220V and USB), access to drinking water, facilities for people with reduced mobility and a redesigned bicycle area to carry up to 12 bicycles per train.
• Extensive digitalization: installation of rear-view, video-protection and passenger counting systems, transforming each train into a model of safety and efficiency.
• A strong environmental commitment: eco-responsible air-conditioning systems, athermal filters on windows to reduce solar radiation, LED lighting and optimized driving to reduce energy consumption. These improvements are part of the Region's Neo Terra strategy for a successful energy transition.

The Charentes-Périgord industrial technicenter has already delivered two modernized TER trainsets, meeting the expectations of passengers and the Region.

This program is boosting local business with :

• The construction of a workshop dedicated to the maintenance of air-conditioning units, representing an investment of 15 million euros by SNCF Voyageurs and reflecting its determination to modernize the industrial tool on the Périgueux site.
• The creation of 100 new jobs over three years to support the project
• A total of 650,000 man-hours programmed for the modernization of TER trainsets in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
• Renovation of 2 to 9 trains each year, with an ambitious goal of simultaneously renovating 4 trains by 2030.
• Teams will also be working on trains for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Occitanie regions.

Ce programme dynamise l’activité locale avec :

• la construction d’un atelier dédié à la maintenance des blocs de climatisation, représentant un investissement de 15 millions d’euros par SNCF Voyageurs et traduisant sa volonté de moderniser l’outil industriel sur le site de Périgueux ;
• la création de 100 nouveaux emplois en trois ans pour soutenir le projet ;
• 650 000 heures de travail programmées au total pour la modernisation des rames TER de la Région Nouvelle Aquitaine ;
• la rénovation de 2 à 9 rames chaque année, avec un objectif ambitieux : rénover simultanément 4 rames d’ici 2030 ;
• des équipes qui interviendront également sur les rames des Régions Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur et Occitanie.