SBB invests €2.1 billion in 116 Siemens double-decker trains

SBB has planned an investment of €2.1 billion to introduce 116 double-decker trains from Siemens Mobility to improve services in the Zurich S-Bahn and Western Switzerland networks.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SBB grows regional fleet to bolster modern mobility

A significant €2.1 billion contract was conferred to Siemens Mobility by SBB after an international public bidding process. The project will enable Switzerland’s most heavily utilized corridors to be more reliable and sustainable in the long run.

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The initial 95 trains are intended to function within Zurich’s S-Bahn network, with 21 others operating on RER Vaud and RE33 Martigny-Annemasse routes. In light of increasing demand, SBB opted to include the possibility to add 84 more trains.

These new trains are set to replace the first-generation double-deck trains that date back to 1990 and are already beyond their economic lifespan. The next-generation trains are anticipated to offer greater capacity and faster boarding times to daily passengers.

A 540-seat capacity will be provided in each 150-meter section with eight zones designed to be multifunctional either for bicycles, baggage, or standing room. A capacity increase of over 30 percent will be realized with two trains operating together.

SBB – prioritizing comfort and sustainability

The design criteria for SBB trains include accessibility, comfort, and energy efficiency. The trains are designed to ensure low-floor entry from all doors, adjustable seats in first-class sections, fold-down tables, and charging outlets in both classes.

The passengers will be served by more efficient information systems with digital screens and LED indicators to display exits. Each train will be fully accessible with two toilets that are universally usable. Since safety is taken into account by SBB, there are emergency intercoms per train.

SBB has confirmed that Siemens Mobility received the best results in terms of investment criteria, lifecycle criteria, and environmental criteria. The company’s past experience in reliable fleet supply within Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and the United Kingdom has strengthened confidence in the process.

“This will ensure reliable, high-performance mobility for future generations,” said Andreas Meyer, SBB’s lead on rolling stock strategy. The project illustrates Swiss expertise in climate-friendly transport solutions.

SBB plans to introduce the first trains in the early 2030s. As a result of such massive investment, the company anticipates higher network efficiency and increased customers’ satisfaction with travel within the regional and national rails.

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