Stadler has been awarded a 140 million CHF contract for the supply of 13 rack-and-pinion adhesion trains for public transport operator, Transports Publics du Chablais (TPC).
The new vehicles are due for delivery in early 2028, with operation set to begin on the Aigle-Leysin and Bex-Villars-Bretaye lines in September that same year.
Built to offer more space for luggage, bicycles and skis; the vehicles will come equipped with 112 seats (with a total capacity to carry up to approximately 250 passengers), new traveller information systems and low entry capabilities for those with reduces mobility, as well as strollers.
Christian König, Deputy Head of Marketing and Sales at Stadler, said:The vehicles are designed for gradients of up to 230% and for negotiating tight curves, which occur several times on the historic TPC network. The trains can switch from rack and pinion to adhesion mode and have the special feature that they can be used like a tram in the urban traffic of Aigle and Bex.
The new vehicles are set to be developed and manufactured by Stadler in Bussnang, Sweden, and represents the largest investment into TPC’s rail network since the initial creation of the Aigle-Leysin and Bex-Villars-Bretaye lines, completing an extensive renewal project for the operator.
Christophe Genoud, Head of the TPC Passenger Transport Department, said:After replacing the vehicles on the Aigle-Ollon-Monthey-Champéry line in 2016 and the Aigle-Sépey-Diablerets line in 2024, this order represents the final stage in the renewal of the TPC railway fleet. The purchase is part of an overall project to develop our infrastructure, such as the extension of the Aigle-Leysin line to the foot of the ski lifts. This demonstrates our desire to increase the attractiveness of regional public transport while meeting the challenges of sustainability and accessibility.
