Following the green light from the Federal Administrative Court, which rejected the appeal of the French Alstom, the Thurgovian railway manufacturer Stadler Rail has finally signed the largest contract in Swiss railway history. The framework contract with SBB and its subsidiaries Regionalps in Valais and Thurbo in eastern Switzerland provides for the delivery of 510 single-deck Flirt trains.
Initially, Stadler Rail will deliver 286 trains for a volume of 2 billion francs, the company said Thursday evening in a press release. If it had won the contract in October 2021, Alstom’s appeal had postponed the signing. Alstom had already done the same with an order from the Austrian railway company ÖBB.
The trains will arrive late
Due to Alstom’s appeal, the first trains will only be delivered in 2026, and not at the end of 2025 as initially planned. Deliveries of the 286 trains will be staggered until 2034. The contract still provides for an option for 244 additional trains.
The trains will have more room for bicycles, strollers and bulky luggage and will offer good internet connection and electrical outlets at all seats, writes Stadler. Each train will be equipped with two wheelchair spaces, with compatible toilets. First class will also offer wheelchair space.