Train contract goes to German company

Swiss Federal Railways has awarded a major CHF 2bn contract to the German company Siemens Mobility for 116 new double-decker trains.

The new fleet will serve the Zurich S-Bahn and French-speaking regions from the 2030s, replacing first-generation trains dating back to 1990.

The decision has angered the boss of the Swiss firm Stadler Rail, Peter Spuhler, who says he’s “surprised and disappointed” and may take legal action, claiming his firm’s bid was undervalued.

SBB defended the move, saying the law requires contracts to go to the most advantageous offer – there’s no requirement to prioritize Swiss companies. 

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