The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) issues a public tender for 116 new double-decker trains. The trains will be used on the Zurich S-Bahn and in western Switzerland in the 2030s. Interested rolling stock manufacturers can submit a bid until the beginning of 2025. This is an order worth billions, according to SBB.
The first generation of Zurich S-Bahn trains need to be replaced after 40 years. These include the double-decker commuter trains (DPZ) and the double-decker additional trains (HVZ-D).
The double-deckers, to be used in the Zurich S-Bahn and in western Switzerland
95 vehicles will operate on numerous lines of the Zurich S-Bahn with 21 vehicles planned for use in western Switzerland, specifically on the RER Vaud and on the RE33 Martigny–Annemasse line.
The trains purchased for the Zurich S-Bahn and western Switzerland will differ in color inside and out. The procurement also includes the option for 84 additional vehicles. These additional trains are necessary for service expansion as part of the federal government’s 2035 expansion phase.
Flexible use in commuter and leisure traffic
At 150 meters, the new vehicles will be longer than the 100 meter long DPZ and will offer more than 500 seats. With the maximum possible length of 300 meters in the Zurich S-Bahn, more than 1,000 seats will be available during peak times when two vehicles operate in double traction.
The new trains must meet the requirements of the Zurich S-Bahn: additional multifunctional zones offer plenty of space during rush hour for commuters who only travel short distances and want to stand in the entrance area.
During leisure traffic, the multifunctional zones will have space for more bicycles than today, as well as lots of luggage and strollers. Low-floor entrances are also planned for all doors.
There are two toilets in each vehicle, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Power sockets are now planned in 1st and 2nd class. In 1st class, adjustable seats and folding tables offer more comfort. The trains will travel at a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
The new SBB double-decker trains will run from the 2030s
SBB has put the procurement contract out to public tender. Interested rolling stock manufacturers can submit a bid until the beginning of 2025. The decision as to which supplier will be awarded the contract is expected to be made at the end of 2025. The new trains are to be used in scheduled service in the 2030s.
This is a major procurement project for the SBB. Due to the large number of vehicles, the contract will be worth billions. The procurement project has been coordinated with the cantons concerned and the Federal Office of Transport, which act as purchasers in regional transport.
The trains of the Zurich S-Bahn
- DPZ: The success story of the Zurich S-Bahn began in 1990 with the first of a total of 115 double-decker trains. The double-decker commuter trains (DPZ) from a manufacturer consortium are pulled by a Re 450 locomotive. The SBB uses 113 vehicles, the Sihltal Zurich Üetlibergbahn (SZU) uses 2. After 20 years in service, the SBB modernized the trains and installed a low-floor car from Siemens/Bombardier in each vehicle. The DPZ will reach the end of their service life in the 2030s.
- HVZ-D: The double-decker carriages that became available during the modernization of the DPZ were combined by the SBB into trains with two Re-420 locomotives each. These trains only run during rush hour. The HVZ-D will reach the end of their service life in the 2030s.
- DTZ: The second generation of the Zurich S-Bahn followed in the mid-2000s with the double-decker trains (DTZ / RABe 514). Siemens delivered a total of 61 trains by 2009.
- Regio-Dosto: From 2012, 50 Regio-Dosto (RABe 511) from Stadler Rail supplemented the Zurich S-Bahn fleet as the third train generation.
How SBB procures new trains
Last year, SBB updated its strategy for the procurement of passenger trains. This strategy defines how new fleets for SBB passenger transport are to be procured. The focus is on seamlessly covering SBB’s fleet requirements and using multiple suppliers.
A large number of tried-and-tested and standardized components are to be used in the new vehicles.
The special features of the Swiss rail infrastructure and the high operational requirements will also require adjustments to existing vehicle concepts.
Sustainability and cyber security requirements in accordance with national and international standards will now also be integrated into procurement.
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