Swiss Rail Expansion: Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher Rail Adds New Stadler Trains

The Swiss rail operator Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher (LEB) is continuing to modernize and expand the capacity of its local public transport services.

In this context, LEB is ordering four additional Be 4/8 multiple units for the meter-gauge network from Stadler. The option call-off is part of the supply contract signed in 2017. The first six multiple units of the same type were delivered in 2019. Like their predecessors, the new multiple-unit trains will be manufactured entirely at the Stadler plant in Bussnang, Switzerland.

The Vaud LEB and Stadler have signed a contract for the delivery of four further three-car Be 4/8 multiple units for the narrow-gauge line (1000 mm). This is an option redemption that is part of the delivery contract signed in 2017 for six vehicles of the same type. The six vehicles already ordered have been operating on the LEB Lausanne - Echallens - Bercher line since 2019 and provide commuters with ideal access to the Lausanne city center. With the four newly ordered multiple units, LEB and Stadler are further expanding local transport services in the Lausanne and Gros-de-Vaud region.

The four new vehicles are already approved for operation as four-car units to enable the extension of the entire series with an additional intermediate car, thus increasing transport capacity.

The signing of this option order once again confirms Stadler's ability to meet the needs of each customer through the highest level of customization and quality of its tailor-made products.

Christian König, Head of Sales Switzerland at Stadler, said: "With this option, we are successfully continuing the 15-year partnership between LEB and Stadler. We are delighted to be able to drive forward the renewal of LEB's rolling stock and the increase in public transport services in the region."

For Olivier Bronner, Managing Director of LEB, the order of these four additional vehicles is an important step in the development of the service: "With a strengthened fleet, we can offer more capacity. The introduction of a 10-minute service between Echallens and Lausanne at peak times is one of our goals for 2030."

The three-car Be 4/8 multiple-unit trains are modern, comfortable commuter trains with a low-floor ratio of more than 60%. The four swivel-sliding doors per end car in the low-floor area ensure that passengers can change quickly. Each carriage also has a multifunctional compartment that can be used for baby carriages and bicycles, for example. Passengers with reduced mobility have access to an IV compartment in each end carriage. The vehicles are 44.8 meters long, offer 106 seats, and are designed for a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour. The four new vehicles will be equipped with optimized air conditioning systems that work with an environmentally friendly refrigerant.

Source: Stadler Press Releases