The order - BLS’ largest-ever procurement of new rolling stock - comprises 30 Flirt trains for RegioExpress services and 28 sets for the Berne S-Bahn network. Both variants will be 105m long and formed of six cars.

BLS says the trains will feature spacious vestibule areas, large windows, comfortable seating, generous luggage areas, power sockets in first and second class, and good mobile phone reception. There will also be a catering area on the RegioExpress trains.

The trains will enter service between 2021 and 2026, enabling the withdrawal of 43 older trains from the EW III, RBDe 565 and RBDe 566 fleets.

BLS says it received firm offers from both Stadler and Bombardier, which were subjected to a “complex evaluation.”

The contract will be signed after a 20-day standstill period and the final procurement is subject to approval of the necessary funds by the BLS board of directors, the Swiss confederation and the cantons.

BLS says it will present further details of the trains on the autumn.

For detailed data on rolling stock orders, subscribe to IRJ Pro.

BLS flirt2