Swiss Federal Railways to Sell Four Re 446 Locomotives
Swiss Federal Railways (SOB) have signed a contract with Eisenbahndienstleister GmbH (EDG) detailing the sale of four Re 446 locomotives. These locomotives currently operate on the Voralpen-Express route between Lucerne and St Gallen. Starting in summer 2019, the Stadler Traverso will replace these locomotives one by one.
Re 446 Locomotives
SLM and BBC manufactured the four-axle electric locomotives for SBB in 1982. Only four of them were made. Then, between 1994 and 1996, SOB took over these four locomotives. They have been operating on the Voralpen-Express route ever since.
SOB ordered 6 eight-car and 5 four-car Traverso low-floor multiple units in June 2016. In addition to fulfilling interoperability requirements, the Traverso also meets the demands for the latest European laws regulating equal access for individuals with disabilities. Each one of the eight-car Traverso EMUs has 359 seats, of which 68 are in first class. Furthermore, all seats come with power sockets. Each train also has two bistro zones. Families, meanwhile, can travel in a family carriage.
Read: Stadler Lands Contract for 12 Additional FLIRT Traverso Trains for Switzerland
From a maintenance perspective, the requirements are altered substantially compared to the maintenance works required for a locomotive-hauled configuration.
Read: Lantal: Comfortable All Across Switzerland
2019 Timetable Changes
Once the new timetable comes into effect in December 2019, SOB will take the original locomotives and their carriages out of service. As a result, SOB is selling the rolling stock to interested rail operators.
Martin Burkhard, Head of SOB Fleet Management, said:
“I’m pleased that we’re able to sell four Re 446 locomotives to EDG in Thayngen. It means these universally deployable locomotives will stay in operation.
“Parties have also expressed interest in the six Re 456 locomotives we are selling.”
The buyer of the Re 446 locomotives, EDG, will primarily use them for freight transport.
