The first of the ten new-generation FINK trains ordered by the Swiss operator Zentralbahn has been delivered by Stadler and has entered the company’s network. The train will undergo an extensive programme of testing over the coming months, ahead of its scheduled entry into commercial service at the timetable change on 13 December 2026.
The Swiss rail operator Zentralbahn has taken delivery of the first new-generation FINK train manufactured by Stadler, marking the start of deliveries for the largest rolling stock procurement in the company’s history.
On the night of 12–13 August 2026, the first of the ten trains was transported from the Stadler factory in Bussnang to Interlaken Ost, where it was unloaded and introduced onto the Zentralbahn network.
From there, the train was transferred to Meiringen, where the commissioning and testing phase begins.
Tests on traction, braking and safety systems
Over the coming weeks, FINK 1 will undergo extensive testing under real operating conditions.
Among other things, dynamic behaviour, braking performance, the operation of adhesion and rack-and-pinion traction, the vehicle control system and safety equipment will be checked.
Once the tests have been successfully completed, the train will receive its final authorisation and can be introduced into regular service.
Enters service on 13 December
According to Zentralbahn, the first FINK is due to enter service with the timetable change on 13 December 2026.
Initially, the train will be used mainly on the Lucerne–Engelberg route, where, also from 13 December, a new 30-minute service interval will be introduced.
The other nine FINK trains will be gradually introduced into service over the coming weeks.
128 seated places
The new trains are manufactured by Stadler in Bussnang and offer a total of 128 seated places.
Of these, 111 are in second class and 17 in first class.
According to the manufacturer, the average production time for a train is approximately ten months.
A further seven ADLER trains will follow from 2027
Zentralbahn’s fleet modernisation programme does not stop at the ten FINK trains.
From the end of 2027, the operator will also begin to take delivery of seven ADLER trains, which will complete the new generation of rolling stock.
Through this acquisition, the largest in its history, Zentralbahn aims to increase its capacity and introduce more modern trains onto its network.
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