THE Swiss Federal Administrative Court has dismissed an appeal by Alstom against Swiss Federal Railways’ (SBB) decision in October 2021 to award Stadler a contract to supply 286 single-deck Flirt EMUs.
Stadler was selected ahead of Alstom and Siemens following a two-stage tender process launched in May 2020.
“This court decision confirms that SBB complied with the requirements of procurement law and the equal treatment of bidders during the tendering procedure,” SBB says.
Production can now commence following contract signature, but SBB adds that the legal proceedings initiated by Alstom will have an impact on the delivery schedule of the new EMUs for regional services.
The first trains will now not enter service until 2026, instead of December 2025 as originally planned. Deliveries will run until 2034, replacing first-generation Flirts at SBB and articulated EMUs at its Thurbo subsidiary, as well as Domino and Nina EMUs at a second subsidiary, RegionAlps.
Stadler says that the initial call-off order for 286 Flirt EMUs is worth around SFr 2bn ($US 2.1bn). The framework agreement with SBB includes an option for up to 224 additional EMUs.
Further information on the new regional fleets will be released after the contract has been signed, but SBB says that the new EMUs will help all three operators to implement service improvements as well as projects to offer more services as planned by the Swiss government and the cantons.
Onboard the new trains, passengers will benefit from more storage space for bicycles, pushchairs and large items of luggage, as well as power sockets throughout. There will be space two spaces for wheelchairs and an accessible toilet, with a wheelchair space provided in first class for the first time.
Better traction equipment should make a significant contribution to improving train punctuality, says SBB, which adds that the new trains will be approved to operate in Germany and Austria as well as on their home network.
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