Swiss rail operator, Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher (LEB) has ordered four additional Be 4/8 multiple-unit trains from Stadler.
This order aims to modernise and expand the capacity of LEB’s local public transport offering in the Lausanne and Gros-de-Vaud region.
The units have been ordered as part of a contract signed in 2017, which saw six multiple units of the same type delivered in 2019.
Alike to their predecessors, the new multiple units will be manufactured at the Stadler factory in Bussnang, Switzerland.
“By redeeming this option, we are successfully continuing the partnership between LEB and Stadler that has been going on for over 15 years. We are pleased to be able to drive forward the renewal of LEB’s rolling stock and the increase in public transport offerings in the region.”
The four additional three-car Be 4/8 multiple units have been designed for the narrow-gauge line (1000mm) on the LEB Lausanne – Echallens – Bercher route, which provides commuter access to Lausanne city centre.
The new vehicles are already approved for operation as four-part vehicles to enable the entire series to be extended with an additional intermediate car.
“With an increased fleet we can offer more capacity. The introduction of a 10-minute service between Echallens and Lausanne during peak hours is one of the goals by 2030.”
The three-part Be 4/8 multiple units have swivel-sliding doors in each car’s low-floor area to ensure quick passenger changes.
Each carriage also has a multifunctional compartment that can be used for strollers and bicycles, as well as a compartment in the end cars for passengers with limited mobility.
The vehicles are 44.8 meters long, offer 106 seats and are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 90 kilometres per hour.
