SBB Awards Double-Decker EMU Contract to Siemens Mobility

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has awarded Siemens Mobility a framework contract for the delivery of up to 200 6-car double-deck electric multiple units (EMUs).

The 2.48 billion USD contract, which initially comprises of a base order of 116 150-metre long trains, includes the provision of 95 trains to the current units operating on Zürich’s S-Bahn Services, as well as a further 21 trains that will be deployed in Switzerland on the Vaud RER.

The new units are set to be produced at Siemens facility in Krefeld, with all maintenance handled by SBB. The first trains are expected to enter service in December 2031.

Each of the new EMUs will seat up to 540 passengers, and will operate S-Bahn services during peak periods.

Following SBB’s decision; Stadler has expressed ‘great regret’ that it was not awarded the contract, stating that its submission would have been 0.6% more expensive than that of Siemens Mobility’s.

The Swiss manufacturer claimed that its own plans would have seen all units within Switzerland in collaboration with ‘over 200 suppliers from across the country’.

Stadler CEO Markus Bernsteiner said:

With 99 per cent availability, Stadler's double-deck trains are among the most reliable trains in the SBB fleet.

The fact that, despite our vehicles being tried and tested and popular in daily use by SBB, we were not chosen to supply SBB with the latest technology is a great disappointment for Stadler and our approximately 6,000 employees in Switzerland.

The contract was first tendered in June 2024 and includes an option for an additional 84 units.