The largest tender in Swiss rail history has been awarded to Stadler for 510 new single-decker FLIRT multiple units
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) alongside partners Thurbo and RegionAlps placed the huge order with an initial call-off order for 286 vehicles which will amount to approximately 2.15 billion Swiss francs (£1.6bn) with the contract including a 20 day objection period.
The initial tender was for 194 trains but this has increased to 286 following the rail operators setting a definitive area of operation for the new units and will be replacing vehicles that are reaching the end of their working life.
The FLIRT single deck multiple units will include extra storage space and will provide data for mobile phone usage, wheelchair spaces and wheelchair accessible toilets providing improved accessibility for passengers.
The contract will see the vehicles manufactured completely in Bussnang with the first trains expected to begin service during December 2025.
Executive Chairman of the Board of Stadler, Peter Spuhler said: “We are proud that our proven FLIRT concept has once again achieved international success. We would like to thank SBB for the trust they have placed in us,”
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Perhaps Stadler could continue with manufacturing the Flirts for the UK. Including the Class 231 and Class 756 for Transport for Wales. And new Stadler rolling stocks to be manufactured and transferred to the UK.