Switzerland: 43 Stadler Trains Delivered to Südostbahn

Schweizerische Südostbahn AG (SOB) has completed its largest rolling stock procurement project with the delivery of 43 Stadler trains.

With the handover of the final train at the SOB service centre in Herisau, Stadler has now delivered all 43 units—comprising 30 Traverso and 13 FLIRT3 trains—on schedule.

The order, initiated in 2016, involved the delivery of vehicles designed for both long-distance and regional use. The copper-coloured Traverso trains and silver FLIRT3 units now form a key part of SOB’s operations across Switzerland.

The delivery of the new trains was carried out over a 6-year period. The full fleet spans more than 5,500 metres of rolling stock.

The procurement marks a shift for SOB from a primarily regional operator to a national provider of both regional and long-distance rail services. Since their introduction in 2019, the new trains have gradually entered service on key routes including the Voralpen-Express, Aare Linth, Treno Gottardo, and the Alpenrhein-Express, which was added with the 2024/25 timetable change. The vehicles are also in regular use on regional routes in Eastern and Central Switzerland.

All 43 trains were manufactured by Stadler in Bussnang, in the canton of Thurgau. The project also involved multiple Swiss suppliers. Designed specifically for the country’s topography, including steep gradients and varied terrain, the trains incorporate drive systems and chassis tailored to the needs of the national rail network.

Dennis Laubbacher, CEO of Stadler Bussnang AG said:

With the delivery of the 43rd vehicle, we are completing a very successful project. Together with SOB, we have brought vehicles onto the rails that set new standards both in terms of technology and appearance. We thank SOB for the trust they have placed in us and look forward to future joint projects.

Notable features across the fleet include:

• Low-floor entrances to support accessibility
• Air-conditioned compartments and quiet chassis for enhanced passenger experience
• Power sockets at all seats
• Spaces for bicycles and luggage
• A bistro area with snack machines in Traverso units

Thomas Schäfer, overall project manager for vehicle procurement at SOB said:

We've received a lot of positive customer feedback about the Traverso trains and are very satisfied with the Stadler vehicles. Stadler has also proven to be a very reliable partner.

The delivery concludes a multi-year collaboration aimed at modernising SOB’s fleet and enhancing service on key corridors within Switzerland. The new trains are now fully integrated into SOB’s operations and will continue to support the company’s evolving transport offering.