SWITZERLAND: Transports Montreux-Vevey-Riviera has awarded Stadler a contract to supply eight rack trainsets with large panoramic windows enabling tourists to enjoy views of the Alps and Lac Léman.
The order signed on May 20 marks the final phase of a programme to overhaul the 10 km long 800 mm gauge line from Montreux to the summit of Rochers-de-Naye at almost 2 000 m above sea level.
The EMUs will be produced at Stadler’s Bussnang plant for entry into service from 2029, replacing the current 40-year old fleet supplied by SLM and Siemens.
The styling of the ‘elegant and functional’ trains has been developed by TVR’s parent company Montreux Oberland Bahn and Stadler in partnership with Italian designer Pininfarina, which also styled MOB’s Goldenpass Express trainsets.
The three-car units will be 40 m long with a capacity of 216 passengers in two classes. They will have regeneratvive braking and an energy-efficient air-conditioning system.
‘The world of mountain railways is being revolutionised, because this is undoubtedly the most beautiful train ever built’, said MOB CEO Georges Oberson.
| Transports Montreux-Vevey-Riviera train technical data | |
|---|---|
| Weight, tonnes | 62 |
| Track gauge, mm | 800 |
| Rack system | Abt |
| Length over coupling, m | 40·1 |
| Vehicle width, mm | 2 230 |
| Vehicle height, mm | 3 600 |
| Door width, mm | 1 400 |
| Seats | 113 |
| Standing passengers | 103 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 35 |
| Entry height, mm | 350 |
| Maximum starting tractive force, kN | 220 |
| Maximum power, kW | 1 320 |
| Electrification | 1·5 kV DC (line is currently 850 V DC) |
