SBB placed a SFr 980m ($US 980m) order with Stadler in October 2014 for 29 RABe 501 sets, which were dubbed Giruno after the Romansh word for buzzard.
Authorisation for operation of the multi-system trains at up to 200km/h was granted by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Transport (BAV) last month. The trains will also be certified for use in Italy, Austria and Germany, and for operation in multiple at up to 250km/h in Switzerland.
In the initial phase of operations, the trains will operate interregional services between Basle and Zürich Airport, with the aim of gaining technical and operational knowledge of the fleet before the trains transfer to the Gotthard corridor, for which they were procured.
The trains will then be gradually integrated in the timetable for Basle/Zürich - Lugano/Chiasso services from December, with operation extending to Milan from spring 2020.
Each 202m-long 11-car train will accommodate up to 405 passengers including 288 in second class and 117 in first. With an entry floor height of 940mm, the Giruno provides step-free access from 55 and 76cm-high platforms.
