DUTCH open-access operator GoVolta has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise at least €1.5m to fund the purchase of additional rolling stock and develop its proposed Amsterdam - Paris service. The minimum investment is €1000, equivalent to two bonds bearing an interest rate of 10% and a maturity of 30 months.
GoVolta intends to use 50% of the funding raised to purchase more coaches. Around 35% will be allocated to meeting the start-up costs of the company’s daily Amsterdam Central - Paris Nord service, which is due to start with this year’s timetable change on December 13.
New rolling stock is required as in 2028 GoVolta also intends to double the frequency of its initial Amsterdam - Berlin service, launched on March 19 and operating at present once a day in each direction. GoVolta says that train occupancy is 70% or higher and that it has carried a total of 90,000 passengers to date.
The remainder of the new funding will be used to undertake a heavy overhaul of the I10 coaches purchased from Belgian National Railways (SNCB) under a contract for up to 40 cars. GoVolta took delivery of the first batch of two first class coaches, eight second class coaches, and one restaurant car in January, and has now exercised an option for a second batch of the same number and type of coaches.
The fleet is owned by leasing company Assetoro and maintained by Brouwer Technology at its facility in Blerick, near Venlo.
