SBB plans to expand services to Germany with seven more Giruno trains from Stadler

SBB is purchasing seven additional Giruno trains from Stadler for its planned expansion of international services between Switzerland and Germany, probably from 2026.

Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, demand for train travel to Germany was increasing steadily, and today back at 2019 levels. More direct connections via Basel to various destinations in Germany are expected to be offered from 2026.

To expand its services, SBB trains must be able to run at 250 km/h on DB’s high-speed lines. SBB’s current services to Germany operate with Astoro (ETR610) and Eurocity trains dating from the late-1980s. Eurocity trains do not meet the speed requirements for the new services, but will continue to be used for national and other international connections. The existing Astoro trains are suitable for the high-speed network but are already in use on other high-speed lines and are therefore not available.

In 2014 SBB ordered 29 Giruno trains, the last of which was delivered on 10th May 2021. Trains already run from Basel/Zurich to Lugano/Milan and on to Genoa, Bologna, and Venice. SBB is now ordering another seven Giruno trains from Stadler for around 250 million Swiss francs. These seven vehicles are part of the option right that SBB had published when the Giruno were put out to tender.

The Giruno is Stadler’s SMILE high-speed train, which can travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h. The trains are equipped with a low-floor entrance for the 55 cm platform heights in Switzerland, Austria, and Italy and 76 cm in Germany.

This will be SBB’s first single-decker, multiple-unit train. It complies with the requirements of the Law on Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities, and has around twice as many wheelchair-accessible places and toilets as legally required. The trains provide good phone reception whilst moving, power outlets at all seats, large luggage racks, gender-separated toilets, and energy-saving LED lights. The whole interior is spaciously and brightly designed.

Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Group CEO a.i. of Stadler, said:

“We are proud to be delivering seven more of our high-speed trains to SBB. The Giruno is a fine example of Stadler’s innovative strength. The train is a result of the long-standing and successful cooperation between SBB and Stadler.

“Less than two years after signing the contract, we were able to present the multiple unit to the public at Innotrans in 2016, and the Giruno has already been operating reliably since 2019. We would like to thank SBB for their trust, and look forward to continuing our partnership”