Switzerland: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has named Siemens Mobility the winner of the framework tender published last summer. The firm part of the contract, valued at CHF 2 bln (€2.1 bln), covers the supply of 116 six-car double-deck EMUs.
The first trains are expected to enter service in December 2031, with delivery of all 116 units to take six years. Each train will offer capacity for 540 passengers and operate at up to 160 km/h. If the contract is signed with Siemens Mobility, assembly will be organised at the company’s plant in Krefeld, Germany.
Immediately after SBB’s announcement, Swiss manufacturer Stadler issued an official statement. CEO Markus Bernsteiner described SBB’s choice of Siemens as “a great disappointment” for Stadler and its 6,000 employees in Switzerland. Stadler noted it had planned to involve 200 local suppliers and that its bid was just 0.6% higher than Siemens Mobility’s. More than 190 double-deck KISS trains from Stadler have been in service with SBB since 2012, and, according to the manufacturer, achieve technical availability of 99%.
Stadler’s majority shareholder Peter Spuhler was even more forthright in SonntagsZeitung, describing the decision to award the contract to Siemens Mobility as unfortunate and suggesting that some of Stadler’s bid criteria were undervalued. “We are analysing the situation and, should the result confirm our concerns, we will lodge an appeal with the St. Gallen court within the next 20 days…. This is the first time in Switzerland that we would have to resort to such legal action — and, moreover, against our largest customer. But if it is necessary, it is necessary”, Spuhler said.
SBB responded to Stadler’s criticism by emphasising that the tender adhered to public procurement law, which prohibits favouring domestic manufacturers. SBB said that Siemens Mobility scored highest on all criteria.
