Brazilian rolling stock manufacturer Marcopolo Rail has delivered the first of three diesel multiple units ordered for the 17 km suburban network serving Teresina, capital of Piauí state. The delivery coincides with the opening of a short extension to the metre-gauge network.

The vehicles are being built at Marcopolo Rail’s Caxias do Sul plant for CFLP, the operator owned by the state government. The order, placed in October 2025, comprises two two-car and one three-car Prosper City DMUs.

Each DMU features 1 100 mm high entrances designed for the network’s high platforms, along with wide doors to speed passenger exchange at stations.

‘We strongly believe in the potential of the Brazilian rail and metro market, which is fully capable of meeting high-capacity travel needs with speed, efficiency and comfort, in addition to offering several cost-benefit advantages in the medium term’, said Petras Amaral, Managing Director of Marcopolo Rail.

The Teresina network is Y-shaped and currently undergoing renovation, with sections being double-tracked to increase capacity. The system carries around 8 000 passengers per day, and travel has been free since January 1 2025.

In June, a 1.1 km, one-station extension opened from Colorado to Todos os Santos. This extends the network’s eastern branch, which saw its inaugural passenger services in November 2024.

The new DMUs are expected to support the network’s growth as renovation work continues. The extension and fleet renewal are part of broader efforts to modernise suburban rail in the region.

According to railwaygazette.com, the delivery marks a step forward for the Teresina network, which is being upgraded to better serve the city’s residents. The free-fare policy, in place since the start of 2025, has likely contributed to the current ridership levels.

Marcopolo Rail’s entry into the rail market reflects growing interest in Brazilian urban rail projects. The company’s Prosper City DMUs are designed for suburban operations, offering a balance of capacity and comfort.

The remaining two DMUs are expected to be delivered in the coming months, completing the fleet order. Once all three are in service, the Teresina network will have increased rolling stock availability, supporting more frequent services.

The renovation of the network includes double-tracking in places, which will allow for higher capacity and more reliable operations. The extension to Todos os Santos adds a new station, improving access to the eastern part of the city.

As the network continues to evolve, the new DMUs will play a key role in providing efficient and comfortable travel for passengers. The combination of infrastructure upgrades and new rolling stock is set to transform suburban rail in Teresina.

Railwaygazette.com reported the delivery and extension opening, highlighting the progress of the project. The Teresina network is an example of regional investment in rail transport in Brazil.

With the first DMU now delivered, Marcopolo Rail and CFLP are moving forward with the fleet renewal programme. The new trains are expected to enhance the passenger experience and support the network’s growing ridership.

The extension and new rolling stock are part of a wider effort to modernise the Teresina suburban network, which serves the capital of Piauí state. The project aims to provide a reliable and efficient alternative to road transport.

As the network continues to develop, further improvements are likely, including additional extensions and service enhancements. The current free-fare policy may be reviewed in the future, but for now, passengers benefit from cost-free travel.

The delivery of the first DMU is a significant milestone for the project, bringing new, modern trains to the Teresina network. The remaining units will follow, completing the fleet and enabling the operator to expand services.

In summary, the Teresina network is undergoing a major upgrade, with new rolling stock and infrastructure improvements. The recent extension and DMU delivery are key steps in this process, promising a brighter future for suburban rail in the region.