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Rolling stock manufacturer Stadler has received a CHF190m ($215m) contract from Swiss public transport company Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn (RBS) for the supply of 20 new multiple-unit trains.

The contract, signed in Worblaufen in mid-November, follows a tender process initiated by RBS in December 2023.

The new trains, to be produced in Bussnang, Thurgau, Switzerland, will be deployed on the Solothurn-Bern RegioExpress line (RE5) to meet the growing demand.

They will replace the ageing Seconda S-Bahn trains and address the rising maintenance costs and parts scarcity associated with the over 30-year-old fleet.

Manufacturing of the first three vehicles is scheduled to begin in 2026, with operations starting between mid-2027 and mid-2028.

Following successful testing and driver training, the full fleet will be delivered by 2029.

Stadler Rail directors board chairman Peter Spuhler said: “This latest order is testament to many years of good cooperation between the two organisations. Once again, we have been able to impress our client with a customised vehicle and demonstrate that comfort, reliability and design can go hand in hand.”

The 60-metre trains, operable in triple formations, are expected to increase peak capacity by 50%.

The new trains feature several modern features, including barrier-free entrances with sliding steps, enhanced passenger areas, and eco-friendly air conditioning.

First-class will offer 21 seats, while second-class will provide 103 seats plus 15 folding seats, all equipped with power sockets.

RBS director Fabian Schmid said: “Stadler impressed us with their high-quality realisation of our requirements, their well thought-out and efficient project planning, as well as the standard and high reliability rates of the vehicles they have already delivered to us.”

Earlier this month, Stadler opened a new plant in Białystok, Poland , focused on manufacturing DC power converters for rail vehicles. The facility is projected to produce over 500 units per year and create up to 250 jobs.

"Stadler wins $215m rolling stock contract" was originally created and published by Railway Technology , a GlobalData owned brand.

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