Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn RBS is buying another eight NExT low-floored multiple-unit express trains. The first six of these modern vehicles from Stadler have been operating successfully between Solothurn and Berne since 2009. Now RBS has exercised its option to buy a further eight NExT trains from Stadler Rail, with an order value of around CHF 64 million.
Thanks to the six NExT trains – in operation since 2009 – RBS has been able to add further capacity to the timetable between Solothurn and Berne at peak times in the mornings and evenings. RBS needs more multiple-unit trains to continue to meet the constantly growing demand in the Berne–Solothurn corridor in the years ahead. With the eight additional NExT trains, in future only modern trains travelling at 120 km/h will be in operation between the canton capitals.
RBS will completely modernise the vehicles currently operating alongside the NExT trains between Solothurn and Berne (which are nearly 20 years old) and use them on the S8 line from 2014. There they will replace RBS’s oldest commuter trains from the 1970s. This shuffling of resources will enable longer trains with around 20% higher capacity to operate on the S8 line in future, and the timetable can be extended.
Hans Amacker, Director of RBS, is most satisfied with the NExT and is delighted about the order of additional vehicles: “Our first six NExT trains are very popular and have proved themselves in daily operation. These modern, very carefully designed trains have a seductively elegant, functional design, offering the passenger the greatest possible space. I am delighted that we will be able to offer our passengers even more comfort with the new NExT.”
Tailor-made for RBS
The NExT trains are air-conditioned and equipped with video monitoring, emergency telephones, a fire alarm and fire extinguishing equipment. Furthermore, it is possible to walk from one end of the train to the other, improving safety and helping the passengers distribute themselves more quickly throughout the train. The vehicles feature comfortable seating with generous legroom, good visibility and very large windows. There are seats for 154 passengers, 18 of which are in first class, and standing room for 289 people. The eight new NExT trains will be delivered in 2013, costing a total of around CHF 64 million.
Peter Spuhler, owner and CEO of Stadler Rail Group, is very proud of this new order: “The exercising of this option for a further eight NExT trains is proof that RBS is very happy with the vehicles, which have been in daily operation for the last two years. The NExT is a vehicle tailored to the specific requirements of RBS.”
