Switzerland’s rail operator BLS and Stadler signed the contract for the acquisition of 52 Flirt EMUs that will replace three older train models. Stadler is expected to start building the first railcar bodies in early 2019 and they will be tested on track by mid-2019. BLS will put the trains into operation gradually between 2021 and 2025.
The new trains are one-storey high and 105 meters long. 28 trains will be put into operation for commuter rail transport services, and 24 units will provide regional express transport services, all of them being technically identical.
Both the commuter rail and regional express trains have a low-floor design and spacious boarding areas with standing room, large windows, storage spaces, plug sockets in 1st and 2nd class, and good mobile phone reception. There will also be a catering area on the regional express trains. 
Following the contract, BLS can now proceed with the planned expansion of regional transport in the canton of Bern. Measures envisaged by the canton include running trains at 15-minute intervals in the main perimeter of the Bern commuter rail network. 28 trains will be put into service on various commuter rail routes in Bern.
From mid-2018 Stadler will create a full-scale model in its Bussnang factory. BLS and Stadler will confirm the design of the new trains on the basis of this maquette. The model will help determine elements such as the fittings in the boarding areas, the type and upholstery of the seats, and the size of the tables. To take the needs of passengers into account as much as possible, BLS is involving various customer representatives in the process, such as Pro Bahn, selected passengers, and organisations for disabled travelers.
“We are pleased to be developing the new trains with Stadler, and look forward to offering our passengers an even more comfortable and reliable means of transport to their destinations in the future”, BLS CEO Bernard Guillelmon said.
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