Railways: Presentation of the new Flirt Evo trains from Stadler Rail

The railway companies SBB, Thurbo and RegionAlps presented the first three new Flirt Evo trains built by Stadler Rail on Thursday in Weinfelden (TG). These new self-propelled trainsets will be put into service during 2026.

The three companies have ordered 286 Flirt Evo single-deck multiple units from Stadler, SBB said on Thursday. They are intended for regional traffic. The investment amounts to two billion francs.

The new trains bring many improvements to passengers, including new multi-functional areas and more storage space for bicycles, strollers and luggage. They meet the requirements set for people with reduced mobility with adapted seats and wheelchair accessible toilets, specify the CFF.

Purchase option on 224 trainsets

These trainsets are also authorized to operate in Germany, Austria and France. In Switzerland, they will replace different types of trains in regional traffic. In addition to the 286 trainsets already ordered, SBB, Thurbo and RegionAlps have also placed a purchase option on 224 additional vehicles.

The Flirt Evo trainsets will be put into circulation gradually from 2026. They will circulate in particular in Valais (RegionAlps), in the Jura Arc (CFF), in the canton of Vaud (CFF) and in the canton of Friborg (CFF). Of the 286 trains ordered, 198 are intended for the SBB, 107 for Thurbo and 24 for RegionAlps.

“The Flirt Eva train will become the new flagship of the CFF fleet in regional traffic,” declared Vincent Ducrot, boss of the CFF, quoted in the press release. “The Flirt Evo trains are impatiently awaited in Valais. They will offer greater capacity during peak hours and for leisure activities,” indicated Yves Marclay, director of RegionAlps.

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