The Federal Railway Authority of Germany (Railcolor: EBA) has authorised the Bombardier Traxx P160 Diesel Multi-Engine locomotive in a record time of just 11 weeks. It is the first new vehicle to have passed the new authorisation process for rail technology in Germany.

Karl Runge, Vice President Group Authorisation Management, Bombardier Transportation, said: "This success is an important milestone in the development of the authorisation process in Germany and the TRAXX locomotive platform. I thank all those involved at EBA and our partners for their excellent cooperation. With this approval, we have taken an important step towards a more reliable authorisation process in Germany."

The new process is part of the Memorandum of Understanding on the reform of authorisation procedures for rail vehicles, which was signed by the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Federal Railway Authority and leading representatives of the German railway sector in June. The reform of the procedures permits operational testing of railway technology by private organizations to some extent. EBA is the body that legally ratifies all authorisation of rail technology in Germany.