Stadler has lost its appeal against SBB for signing a framework contract with Siemens for the supply of 200 double-decker trains.

An appeal was submitted to Switzerland’s Federal Administrative Court on 27th November 2025. The basis for the appeal was that Stadler could not understand on what grounds the court awarded the contract to Siemens. The court has handed over documents relating to the contract, and although heavily redacted, they only partially restore transparency. They make clear that in evaluating the tenders, SBB exercised its discretion to award the contract to Siemens.

Stadler lodged its appeal so that the Federal Administrative Court, as an impartial body, could conduct an independent review. The court proceedings provided Stadler with some insight into the decision, but it wasn’t as transparent as it had hoped, since many tender documents were totally redacted. That meant Stadler was unable to gain insight into the substance of the case and could not discover crucial evidence about the contract award.

Court documents show that SBB, in evaluating the bids, had exercised its discretion in awarding the contract to Stadler. That is despite SBB opting for a train that is new and has not yet been tested. In comparison, Stadler’s tender specified a double-decker train, of which 153 are already in service with SBB, and are among the most reliable in its fleet, having been operating them on its network since 2012, and over 700 are in operation in 14 countries.

Stadler has concluded that, because there is very little information on which to pursue its appeal, it has no grounds to continue the legal proceedings, and today, Wednesday, 7th April, it duly withdrew its appeal.

“We continue to regret the decision, but must accept it on the basis of the information available to us. Stadler is focusing on continuing its long-standing and successful cooperation with SBB.”

Peter Spuhler, Stadler Chairman of the Board of Directors