Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn RBS is renewing its vehicle fleet to create more space and comfort for its passengers: new trains are to be put into operation on the Solothurn-Bern RegioExpress line (RE5) over the next few years. A public tender for this was published on 6 December 2023. RBS operates metre-gauge suburban (“S-Bahn”) and regional train services in the area surrounding the Swiss capital.
RBS is procuring new vehicles to replace the oldest RBS trains and to be able to operate longer trains on the Solothurn-Bern line (RE5). A total of 20 multiple-unit trains plus options were put out to tender in two lots: 14 vehicles are expected to be put into operation from 2028, with a further six vehicles from 2029 at the earliest, allowing passengers to travel in greater comfort and with more space.
RBS creates more space with longer trains
Like the existing RBS trains, the new multiple units are 60 metres long and will one day also be able to travel as so-called triple traction with a length of 180 metres. This will allow RBS to create significantly more capacity for the route between Solothurn and Bern, which is already very well utilised today. The new, modern vehicles will have a high acceleration capacity, barrier-free entrances with sliding steps with variable extension width and spacious multifunctional areas for pushchairs, bicycles, luggage and wheelchairs. A 1st class compartment is also planned. The suggestions made by passengers during the development of the “Worbla” – the latest rolling stock, which has been travelling on the RBS route network for five years – will also be taken into account in the new vehicles. RBS also traditionally emphasises a high-quality and functional design.
The “Secondas” are coming to the end of their lives
The “Secondas” S-Bahn trains that currently run mainly on the S8 between Bätterkinden and Bern are now over 30 years old. The vehicles were extensively modernised between 2010 and 2013 and are now reaching the end of their service life. Due to their age, maintenance costs are increasing and spare parts are hardly available. Instead of the “Secondas”, the current RE trains “NExT” will run on the S8 line with the new procurement.
