Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has awarded Siemens Mobility a major contract to supply 116 new double-deck trains for the Zurich S-Bahn and western Switzerland, replacing the first-generation fleet introduced more than 30 years ago.
The contract, valued at around CHF 2 billion (EUR 2.1 billion), was awarded through an open tender process under Swiss public procurement law. Siemens Mobility submitted what SBB described as the most advantageous offer, based on investment and operating costs, quality, and sustainability criteria.
Modern trains for the next generation of commuters
The new double-deck units will gradually enter service from the early 2030s, with 95 trains operating on the Zurich S-Bahn network and 21 trains serving the RER Vaud and RE33 Martigny–Annemasse routes in western Switzerland. The order also includes an option for 84 additional trains to support future service expansions.
The new fleet will replace the first-generation double-deck sets that have served since 1990, helping to establish the success of Zurich’s S-Bahn system. After four decades of operation, these older trains are reaching the end of their service life.
More space and comfort for passengers
Designed specifically for daily commuters but offering greater comfort for leisure travellers, the new trains feature generous multifunctional areas to make boarding and alighting faster on short-distance routes in urban areas. The layout also provides extra space for passengers with luggage, bicycles, or pushchairs.
Each 150-metre-long train will offer around 540 seats and eight multifunctional zones for standing passengers or storage. When operated in double formation (300 metres), capacity increases significantly, providing 45 additional seats and over 30 percent more standing room than the first-generation double-deck push-pull trains (DPZ) of equivalent length.
The new trains will also include:
- Low-floor access at all doors for step-free boarding.
- Improved 1st-class comfort with adjustable seats, fold-out tables, and greater legroom.
- Power sockets throughout both classes, plus charging points for e-bikes in the multifunction areas.
- Enhanced passenger information via larger screens and an LED light strip above the doors showing the correct side for exit.
- Additional emergency intercoms to request assistance when needed.
- Two toilets per train, including one fully accessible facility.
SBB said these improvements will make journeys more comfortable and flexible — whether passengers are travelling for work, relaxation, or leisure.
A transparent procurement process
The contract was awarded in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Public Procurement (BöB/VöB). Evaluation criteria included investment and operating costs (energy and maintenance), compliance with technical specifications, quality standards, and after-sales service contracts.
SBB confirmed that Siemens Mobility achieved the best score overall, offering the most economically and environmentally favourable bid.
“Siemens Mobility submitted the most advantageous offer under public procurement law and performed best in terms of investment costs, operating expenses, and sustainability criteria,” SBB stated.
The new trains, worth about CHF 2 billion, form part of SBB’s wider strategy to increase capacity, reliability, and sustainability across its passenger network. “With this investment, SBB strengthens the attractiveness of rail transport and contributes to a modern, high-performance and sustainable mobility system,” the company said.
Proven supplier with strong track record
Siemens Mobility already supplies SBB with the second-generation double-deck trains currently in service on the Zurich S-Bahn network, which have operated reliably since the mid-2000s.
As one of Switzerland’s largest industrial employers, Siemens brings extensive experience in the design, manufacture, and certification of passenger trains. In recent years, the company has successfully delivered major fleet projects across Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.
Technical data at a glance
| Specification | Details |
| Train length | ~150 m |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h |
| Seating capacity | ~540 seats (≈20 % in 1st class) |
| Cycle spaces | 16 (distributed across 8 multifunction zones) |
| Toilets | 2 (1 accessible) |
| Doors | 24 total (12 per side; 2 platforms per coach) |
| Floor height | Fully low-floor entrances |
| Cab access | Separate doors for driving staff |
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