Alstom has delivered three third-generation Traxx Universal multi-system electric locomotives to Polish freight operator Captrain Polska. It’s a move that marks a change in the company’s fleet strategy. The order gives Captrain Polska its first modern owned multi-system locomotives.
The locomotives are approved for operation in Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Although the order is small by locomotive fleet standards, it gives Captrain Polska its first modern locomotives purchased outright, after more than a decade of leasing Traxx units.
Small order, big strategy
Captrain Polska is an independent Polish railway carrier and part of Rail Logistics Europe, the French rail freight group. It has operated in Poland for almost 20 years and provides freight services across the country. The most recently audited figures show a fleet of 33 locomotives and 126 freight wagons at the end of 2025. The company transported almost 1.9 million tonnes of freight last year and generated sales of €37.3 million, supported by a workforce of 186 employees. Three new locomotives represent a relatively small addition to its fleet, but they are the vanguard step towards owning more of its traction assets.
“For more than ten years, Captrain Polska has leased Traxx locomotives in MS2 and DC2 configurations,” said Paweł Szczapiński, CEO of Captrain Polska. “These third-generation Traxx Universal locomotives will be the first modern locomotives purchased by our company, in line with the strategy of complementing the fleet with our own rolling stock.” Significantly, the Traxx platform is approved in all countries where Captrain companies within the Rail Logistics Europe group operate. That is an important competitive advantage on the East-West corridor, which has been identified as a strategic priority within the group.
Eliminating technical barriers
Starting next month, in September, the newly acquired Traxx MS3 locomotives will be seen operating in Poland, Germany, France and Belgium on projects coordinated by Captrain Polska. “Their acquisition therefore perfectly supports both the company’s local development strategy and the wider Rail Logistics Europe group strategy aimed at strengthening market competitiveness,” added Szczapiński.
Interoperability under the diverse European electrical standards has been a key factor for the customer and the manufacturer. “The Traxx Universal locomotives delivered to Captrain Polska provide greater flexibility for international rail freight operations, eliminating technical barriers and the need to change locomotives at borders,” said Beata Rusinowicz, Managing Director of Alstom Poland.
“Thanks to their approval for operation in six European countries, the operator gains an asset that will increase operational efficiency and enable it to respond even more effectively to customer expectations. We are proud that the expertise of our Polish team contributed to the successful delivery of this project, with the locomotives’ car-body shells manufactured in Wrocław. This is yet another example of how modern rolling stock supports the development of rail transport and helps build more sustainable supply chains.”
Designed for cross-border freight
As its name implies, the Traxx Universal is a modular locomotive platform designed for both passenger and freight operations. The third-generation multi-system version can operate under AC and DC electrification systems and is designed for domestic and international services. The locomotives can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and provide up to 6.4MW of power, with maximum tractive effort of up to 340kN. Alstom says the platform is designed to handle heavier trains than other locomotives in the same class, while extended maintenance intervals are intended to improve availability.
The Captrain Polska locomotives are fitted with Alstom’s Onvia onboard signalling system, incorporating ETCS. This is intended to allow the locomotives to operate across national borders without requiring changes to the signalling equipment fitted to the locomotive.
Six-country capability
The six-country approval is particularly relevant to Captrain Polska. The trio of locomotives can cover a substantial part of the international network operated by companies within Rail Logistics Europe. Captrain Polska plans to use the three Traxx MS3 locomotives from September on services in Poland, Germany, France and Belgium. The company has identified the East-West corridor as a strategic priority, making multi-system capability more significant than the relatively small number of locomotives suggests.
Alstom says Traxx Universal locomotives have now been approved in 20 countries and collectively cover more than 300 million kilometres each year. Since 2000, the manufacturer has produced more than 6,000 locomotives, while its service business maintains more than 2,450 locomotives worldwide.
Polish production and InnoTrans debut
The locomotives also have a Polish manufacturing connection. Alstom produced their car-body shells at its Wrocław facility, one of the company’s established production sites in the country.
The three locomotives will also provide a presence for the Traxx Universal platform at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin. Alstom plans to display a Traxx Universal locomotive for Captrain at the event’s outdoor track area.
InnoTrans is held every two years and is the international transport technology industry’s major trade fair. The 15th edition takes place at Messe Berlin from 22 to 25 September, with around 3,500 metres of track available for live rolling stock displays.