MGBahn is planning to purchase up to 27 Orion (optimal regional train in public transport) EMUs at a cost of more than SFr 300m by 2028, as part of the railway’s 2030 fleet strategy.
The new fleet will feature low-floor entrances to ease boarding and disembarking, and will have multifunctional compartments for storing luggage and sports equipment. The new trains are also equipped with Wi-Fi.
The fleet will be able to operate along MGBahn’s full network between Zermatt and Disentis, including on a maximum gradient of 181‰ between Göschenen and Andermatt. The new EMUs, which can operate as double or triple sets, have capacity for 990 passengers, including 444 seated of which 66 are in first class.
Constructed of lightweight materials, Orion will feature energy-efficient drive components, energy optimisation in idle mode and low energy consumption due to its oil-free dry transformers.
The EMUs will replace older locomotives and coaches, with the first vehicles due to be delivered and tested in summer 2022. All 12 EMUs should enter passenger service at the start of the 2023 winter timetable.
“The new trains are barrier-free and, with the low-floor entrances, additional storage space and Wi-Fi, are geared towards the central needs of our customers,” says MGBahn CEO, Mr Fernando Lehner.
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