Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Stadler rolled-out the Giruno low-floor high-speed multiple unit train that from the end of 2019 will run the Gotthard Tunnel linking the Swiss cities of Zurich and Basel with Milan, and later with Frankfurt.
In total, Stadler will build 29 11-car low-floor high-speed multiple unit trains for SBB. The order also includes an option for 92 additional vehicles.
The roll-out marks the start of approval procedures in four countries, and is one of the most significant milestones in the development of such a technically highly complex railway vehicle.
“The Giruno sets a new standard –just like Switzerland did with the Gotthard Base Tunnel. This is something we can truly be proud of. I would like to congratulate Stadler on this excellent achievement and on their 75th anniversary,” said Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC). 
The Giruno was designed with special focus on comfort and customer-friendliness, in particular for families, senior citizens and persons with special mobility needs. The low-floor access transforms climbing aboard for passengers to simply stepping inside. The trains are 202 metres long and contain seats for 405 passengers, 117 of which are in first class and 288 of which are in second class, as well as multifunctional zones and a special compartment for bicycles, which allow for efficient use of space in the train.
The Giruno is certified in accordance with TSI for high-speed trains and is designed to meet all of the requirements for crashworthiness as specified in DIN EN 15227. Before commissioning, the high-speed train will be tested at Rail Tec Arsenal in Vienna. As the name implies, the train can reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The required output is generated using four motorised bogies in which both of the axles are driven. The maximum output at the wheel is 6000 kW. Four pantographs are installed on the roof of the vehicle. If required, the trains can also be operated in double traction. The Giruno will be approved for operation not only in Switzerland, but also in Germany, Austria and Italy.
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