Dutch railways NS is replacing the cancelled Fyra high-speed train between Amsterdam and Brussels with the Canadian TRAXX locomotive, the Nos reports on Monday.

The Fyra was taken out of service in May after the NS and Belgian railways NMBS, partners in the service, said they were concerned about the safety and quality of the Italian-made train.

The NS was able to avoid the usual European Union tendering process by stating the replacement trains are an emergency, says the Nos.

160 kph

The TRAXX, manufactured by Bombardier, will be made in Germany. The trains will be adjusted to reach a top speed of 160 kph. The Fyra had a maximum speed of 250 kph.

How many trains are on order has not been disclosed. This will depend on an alternative plan for the high-speed service which the NS will present to junior transport minister Wilma Mansveld before October 1.

Nor has the NS said when the first TRAXX will enter service.

Tests

TRAXX locomotives were used in tests on the high-speed line between Belgium and the Netherlands before the Fyra was introduced in December 2012. However, those locomotives are now in service elsewhere in Europe.

Fyra manufacturer AnsaldoBreda on Friday demanded to see reports written by Dutch and Belgian railways. Both rail companies say the Fyra is not fit for the job, which the Italian company denies.