Switzerland: The two-car Saphir II was delivered to Aargau Verkehr’s depot in Schöftland from the plant in Bussnang. Now, the train will be tested and accepted by the Federal Office of Transport of Switzerland BAV.
The Saphir II can accommodate 253 passengers, having 79 seats, with six folding ones, and two areas for wheel- and push-chairs, bicycles, and luggage. AC and passenger information systems enhance passenger comfort. The trains are designed to be powered by 750 W overhead lines, reaching peak speeds of 80 km/h.
The two-car narrow-gauge Saphir II from Stadler in Switzerland. Source: Aargau Verkehr
In 2022, Aargau Verkehr ordered five Saphir II trains worth €39.5 mln. They will be launched gradually from this autumn on the 1,000 m gauge Wynental and Suhrental Railway, spanning 32.2 km. Currently, there are five three-car Saphir I vehicles travelling on the route. The train design allows for up to two trains, even of both models, running in multiple.
