The number of rail passengers travelling between Switzerland and neighbouring countries continues to grow, prompting Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to assess the potential use of high-speed trains for cross-border services. On 12 March 2025, SBB announced two information exchanges on the Simap procurement platform to explore options for acquiring and maintaining these trains.
With increasing demand for international rail travel, SBB is working closely with partner rail operators to expand cross-border connections. To support this growth, the company anticipates the need for additional trains in the future, as well as the eventual replacement of older rolling stock, including the Astoro 1st Series (Alstom ETR 610) in the second half of the 2030s.
As part of this process, SBB is considering the procurement of up to 40 multi-system high-speed trains, which would primarily serve routes to Italy and France, with potential expansion to destinations such as Barcelona and London.
To prepare for a possible tender, SBB has initiated an information exchange process via the Simap procurement platform. The consultation, aimed at rolling stock manufacturers and operating lease providers, will explore two procurement models:
- A direct purchase agreement, including a 15-year maintenance service contract.
- An operating lease agreement for a 15-year period.
These discussions, scheduled to take place in April and May 2025, will provide SBB with critical insights ahead of a potential tender process, which is expected to launch in 2026.
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