SWITZERLAND: A framework contract for Siemens Mobility to supply Swiss Federal Railways with up to 200 six-car Desiro double-deck electric multiple-units was finally signed on April 30, after Stadler abandoned a legal challenge to the selection of the German company for the order.
There is a firm order covering 95 EMUs for use from 2031 on Zürich S-Bahn services and 21 for routes in western Switzerland. There are also options for 84 more EMUs.
‘This contract, worth around SFr2bn, underscores SBB’s confidence in Siemens’, said Siemens CEO Roland Busch.’Reliability, sustainability and quality of life – that is what people in Switzerland associate with the railways. And we are proud to meet these high standards.’
Low energy consumption and more seats
Siemens Mobility said the car bodies to be produced at its Krefeld site in Germany would be made from 100% CO2-reduced aluminium. The EMUs will offer low energy consumption thanks to efficient traction components, an integrated heat pump and intelligent energy management.
The EMUs will have about 540 seats and eight spacious multi-purpose zones, providing 10% more seats and 30% more standing room than the trains they will replace. First class will have adjustable seats, fold-out tables and greater seat pitch. There will be power outlets in both first and second class, and the multi-purpose zones will have outlets for charging e-bikes.
There will be low-floor entrances at all doors, with light strips to indicate the alighting side. The passenger information system will have large screens, and emergency intercoms will allow people to quickly request assistance if needed.
Selection challenged
SBB has named Siemens Mobility as the winner of the contract in November 2025, having assessed the bids on the capital, energy and maintenance costs, compliance with the specification, quality and sustainability. Domestic production was not a factor.
SBB said the competition had not been close, and Siemens Mobility had made ‘clearly the most advantageous offer‘ with cost differences adding up to a ‘three-digit million‘ amount over the 25-year service life of the trains.
However, local supplier Stadler said its proposal was only slightly more expensive, but offered domestic production and its proven Kiss EMU rather than what it called ‘a train that only exists on paper’.
Stadler said it did not understand SBB’s decision, and on November 27 lodged an appeal with the Federal Administrative Court seeking an independent review.
On April 6 Stadler said it had gained some insight into the decision during the court proceedings, but it had not achieved the full transparency it had hoped for. It said documents handed over were heavily redacted and ‘passages relevant to the substance of the case and crucial evidence regarding the award decision remained inaccessible’, but conceded that ‘it is clear, however, that SBB has clearly exercised its discretion in the evaluation in favour of Siemens’.
‘Deep ties with the country’
When the order was signed Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter said ‘the Desiro double-decker is based on our tried-and-tested Desiro HC platform, which has proven to be highly reliable in daily passenger service across numerous countries. Building on this proven foundation, we are providing SBB with an advanced solution that combines high capacity, comfort and sustainability, and is optimally designed to meet the requirements of modern commuter rail networks.’
Busch said ‘the fact that key parts of the project – from project management through testing and approval runs to the start of operations – are taking place in Switzerland also demonstrates our deep ties with the country’.