SWITZERLAND: Schweizerische Südostbahn Chairman Hans Altherr signed a SFr170m contract for preferred bidder Stadler to supply 11 Flirt electric multiple-units on June 27.
The 160 km/h EMUs are scheduled to enter service on the St Gallen – Luzern Voralpen-Express route from the December 2019 timetable change, replacing vehicles up to 40 years old.
Altherr said when the federal government and cantons decided to replace the rolling stock in 2014 they ‘set the bar very high’. with around 1 500 different requirements for the new vehicles. The six eight-car units will have 361 seats, including 70 in first class, while the five four-car units will have 198 seats including 23 in first class. The ‘high quality’ interiors will be designed to meet the differing requirements of commuters seeking space to work in peace, tourists enjoying the views from the panoramic windows, and skiers and cyclists with their equipment. All seats will have power sockets, and there will be catering facilities and a family area.
