In Switzerland, Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn (RBS) has signed a contract with Stadler for the delivery of 20 new multiple-unit trains.
These vehicles are set to operate on the Solothurn-Bern RegioExpress (RE5) line to enhance passenger capacity and comfort.
The trains will be built at Stadler’s Bussnang facility in Thurgau, Switzerland and will be delivered between 2028 and 2030.
The procurement, valued at 190 million CHF, was finalised in mid-November 2023 following a tender launched in December 2022.
Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler Rail AG
“Stadler impressed us with their high-quality realisation of our requirements, their well thought-out and efficient project planning, as well as the standard and high-reliability rates of the vehicles they have already delivered to us. This partnership gives us the opportunity to heighten passenger comfort and make public transport in the region more appealing in the long term.”
The new three-car multiple units will include several improvements:
- Barrier-free access: Extendable sliding steps to aid boarding for all passengers.
- Multi-use spaces: Areas for pushchairs, bicycles, luggage, and wheelchairs in every second-class carriage.
- Seating: 21 seats in first class, 103 fixed seats and 15 folding seats in second class.
- Passenger amenities: Environmentally friendly air conditioning and power sockets at every seat.
With the ability to operate in triple formation, these trains can extend to 180 metres in length, increasing peak-time capacity by 50%. The vehicle design incorporates feedback from passengers, building on the success of the RBS “Worbla” trains.
The new trains will replace the ageing “Seconda” fleet, which has served the S8 line for over 30 years. Despite modernisation efforts between 2010 and 2013, these trains are increasingly unreliable, with rising maintenance costs and scarce spare parts.
The new vehicles will also allow the current “NExT” trains to take over on the S8 line, ensuring improved service reliability across the network.
“I am delighted that RBS has placed their trust in us and that for the third time, we are able to build trains for them. This latest order is testament to many years of good cooperation between the two organisations. Once again, we have been able to impress our client with a customised vehicle and demonstrate that comfort, reliability and design can go hand in hand. I hope that RBS and its passengers will enjoy these new trains.”
Production of the first three units will begin in 2026, with testing and commissioning on the RBS network planned for mid-2027 to mid-2028. Full delivery is expected by 2029, with all trains ready for triple-carriage operation by 2030/31.
