Stadler to Supply 510 single-decker FLIRT multiple units for Switzerland

A major milestone for Swiss rollingstock giant Stadler. In October 2021 Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Thurbo and RegionAlps awarded Stadler a framework agreement for the manufacture and delivery of up to 510 single-decker FLIRT multiple units. The Swiss Federal Administrative Court has rejected the objection of an unsuccessful bidder from last year. Consequently, Stadler has come out on top in another hard-fought international tender with its proven FLIRT vehicle concept, and has emerged as the winner for the largest tender in Swiss rail history.

Initial call-off contract was for supplying 286 FLIRT for 2 Billion Swiss Francs, now the frame work agreement allow up to 510 single-decker FLIRT multiple units .The new trains will gradually replace old rollingstock Stadler will produce 155 four-car FLIRT trains for SBB, 24 four-car FLIRT trains for RegionAlps, and 19 four-car and 88 three-car FLIRT trains for Thurbo. The first trains are expected to be in service from December 2025. Delivery of the last vehicle from the initial call-off order is scheduled for 2034. The framework agreement includes an option for up to 224 additional FLIRT vehicles.

The three car FLIRT vehicles are boasted to offer more comfort to the maximum 256 passengers onboard. Three car vehicles are 57.8 meter long with seating space for 134, whereas 73.5m long four car can accommodate up to 370 passengers ,with seats for 146 of them. These vehicles offer step-free boarding and accessibility throughout from the front door to rear door.These units are approved for use in Switzerland, Germany and Austria and have more storage space for bicycles, wheelchairs and heavy luggage compared to previous version.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to build these new trains to help expand Swiss regional transport. In 2002, SBB was the first rail operator to order the FLIRT model shortly after its development. It is a great honour for us that after a 20-year success story, the 2,500th FLIRT train sold will now also run on Swiss rails. We would like to thank SBB, Thurbo and RegionAlps for the trust they have placed in us and look forward to deepening our long-term cooperation even further,”

says Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Group CEO ad interim of Stadler.