SWITZERLAND: Four metre-gauge operators in western Switzerland have jointly selected Stadler Bussnang to supply a total of 17 two and three-car electric multiple-units worth a total of SFr150m.
Announcing the orders on March 13, Stadler said joint procurement had saved SFr28m compared to separate competitions and should offer long-term savings through maintenance synergies.
Having reached the same point in their fleet renewal cycles, in August 2012 the operators issued a joint invitation to tender with a list of specifications that would meet the needs of all four companies.
Stadler will sign separate contracts with each railway. Deliveries are scheduled to run from January 2015 to July 2016, and there are options worth a further SFr80m.
- Compagnie du Chemin de fer Montreux Oberland Bernois has ordered four EMUs to replace its Class 4000 EMUs dating from 1968.
- Transports de la Région Morges-Bière-Cossonay has ordered four EMUs to replace units dating back to 1981 and enable the provision of a half-hourly service between Bière and Morges from December 2015.
- Transports Vallée de Joux Yverdon-les-Bains Ste-Croix has ordered two EMUs to replace stock nearing the end of its service life, and a third to allow the introduction of a half-hourly service between Sainte-Croix and Yverdon-les-Bains.
- Transports Publics Fribourgeois has ordered six EMUs to replace four older units and provide enhanced Fribourg commuter services.
