Together with its subsidiaries Thurbo and RegionAlps, SBB is to procure 286 new single-deck multiple units for use in regional services. Stadler has been awarded the contract. Its offer was the best in terms of both cost and quality.
Together with RegionAlps and Thurbo, SBB is ordering 286 single-deck S-Bahn multiple units from Stadler. The new trains will provide significant added value for our customers. Here are the key features:
Two models of the single-deck S-Bahn multiple units are to be procured. Type 1 offers passengers a total of 146 seats over a length of 73.5 metres. Type 2 is 57.8 metres long and has 134 seats.
Both models meet specific requirements for passengers with restricted mobility and have two spaces for wheelchairs per train – now also in 1st class – as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Both train types have better motorisation and improved process times compared with the trains currently used in regional services. This means the new trains will make a significant contribution to improving punctuality.
The trains offer newly designed and spacious standing areas, more space for bicycles, pushchairs and luggage, good mobile phone coverage while on the move and power sockets. The entire interior is designed to be light and airy.
The air-conditioning units will now use propane (R290) to cool the train in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.
The first trains are expected to come into operation in December 2025 and are primarily intended to be a replacement for the existing trains that will be withdrawn from service by the end of 2034 as they reach the end of their life cycle. This procurement project will enable us to continue providing competitive, attractive and climate-friendly public transport.
The procurement volume amounts to around CHF 2 billion. The procurement project has been coordinated with the cantonal authorities and the Federal Office of Transport.
SBB awarded this major contract in accordance with the requirements of procurement law. The bidding companies were informed of the award criteria at the start of the process. Important factors for evaluating the tenders were cost, quality, degree to which specifications were fulfilled and individual commercial/technical elements.
The cost evaluation took into account both investment cost, i.e. the purchase price per vehicle, and operating costs. These include costs for maintenance, cleaning, energy and train paths, as well as prices for selected replacement parts. Overall, Stadler performed best on costs, due to its lower operating costs.
On quality, Stadler stood out in large part thanks to its project plan. This gave a detailed and comprehensible outline of project-critical milestones such as safety cases, authorisation and network access.
An objection is always a possibility within the framework of procurement law. The impact on the project would have to be evaluated if an objection were raised.
SBB: 155 trains, with a further 174 trains optionally secured
Thurbo: 107 trains, with a further 40 trains optionally secured
RegionAlps: 24 trains, with a further 10 trains optionally secured
Demand is currently increasing again. However, we estimate that it will be some time yet before passenger numbers have fully recovered. In the long term however, rail will continue to show strong growth; the increasing demand for climate-friendly and comfortable forms of transport will be a contributing factor in this.
The new fleet is primarily planned for use in domestic traffic within existing regional services (excluding Geneva, Ticino and Zurich). Due to the development of the S-Bahn system, some of the fleet must be able to travel to our neighbouring countries (in particular Germany and Austria).
According to the latest planning status, the first multiple units will go into operation for RegionAlps and Thurbo as of December 2025. Deployment for SBB is planned from December 2027.
18 May 2020: the selective two-stage tender process for the trains begins
1 September 2020: prequalification of three applicants (Alstom, Siemens, Stadler)
5 October 2021: contract awarded to Stadler
This approach with a homogeneous fleet simplifies railway production and reduces operating costs by creating synergies. By taking this approach, all three companies are making an important contribution to ensuring our customers can benefit from competitive and attractive public transport.
The new vehicles will replace the following old vehicles:
SBB: Domino, Flirt (1st generation) and locomotive-driven push-pull trains
Thurbo: articulated railcars
RegionAlps: Domino and Nina
SBB’s fleet strategy envisages both single-deck and double-deck vehicles for S-Bahn services in the future. Single-deck vehicles are required specifically on lines where the railway infrastructure does not allow the use of double-deck vehicles. Single-deck vehicles will provide enough capacity for the forecasted demand on most S-Bahn lines. Double-deck trains will continue to be used on heavily used lines, including S-Bahn lines around Zurich, the Swiss Plateau area and Vaud. Provided there is sufficient capacity, single-deck trains offer fundamental advantages in terms of holding time and economic efficiency.
The planned deployment for S-Bahn services and the current product portfolio of the rolling stock manufacturers mean it is possible not to rely on new developments. However, this vehicle will also be modified where necessary due to technological change (e.g. automatic train protection, GSM-R replacement, sustainable coolants in air-conditioning units).
There are additional specific requirements that must be met for other SBB procurement projects, such as pressure resistance for the NEAT tunnel or passive tilt mechanism. The rolling stock manufacturers did not have suitable products in their catalogues at the time of the procurement.
Train type 1
Seats: total 146; of which 1st cl. 28 / 2nd cl. 118, plus 2 wheelchair spaces
Self-loading bicycle storage areas: up to 12 storage areas (multifunctional zones)
Toilets (total / of which wheelchair-accessible): 1 / 1
Entrances on each side (total): 8
Coaches: 4
Length: 73.5m
Train type 2
Seats: total 134; of which 1st cl. 18 / 2nd cl. 116, plus 2 wheelchair spaces
Self-loading bicycle storage areas: up to 10 storage areas (multifunctional zones)
Toilets (total / of which wheelchair-accessible): 1 / 1
Entrances on each side (total): 3
Coaches: 3
Length: 57.8m
We expect they will be dismantled. If buyers can be found for individual trains, they will be resold second-hand.
