Investments for CHF 300 million: SBB is modernising its IC2000 two-level cars.
This is the most important modernisation in the history of
long-haul traffic at SBB: The 341 two-level IC2000 cars will be
modernised for operation for another 20 years. For travellers, this
means more comfort from 2019. Trains will be modernised in
accordance with the Equality Act for the Handicapped. SBB is
investing 300 million francs in this project.
Travellers can enjoy the increased comfort that will be offered on
board the 341 duplex cars type IC2000: their exterior appearance
and interior design will be renewed, and an economical LED lighting
concept will ensure a pleasant and clear atmosphere. The outlets
will be integrated with tablets, improved mobile reception, and
emergency communication terminals installed. In addition, the
carpets and cushions will be replaced, the worn items will be
recovered. SBB will install changing tables and expand the Business
area. The dining cars will also be upgraded. The IC2000 will
benefit from a complete technical review and will be subject to
conservation measures; the outside of these cars will be
repainted.
The space for bicycles in the IC2000 now has nine bicycle seats in
each composition, up from five previously. Train modernisation is
in line with the Equality Act for Persons with Disabilities. In
particular, access to vehicles will be optimised. The works will be
carried out at the SBB workshops in Olten, in principle from 2019
to 2024. The SBB will invest more than 300 million francs for this
purpose.
IC2000 trains form the basis of the InterCity fleet. Designed for
mainline traffic, they were acquired between 1997 and 2004. They
circulate between Geneva, Berne and St. Gallen and between
Romanshorn and Brig. The IC2000 fleet of vehicles will remain
important after the modernisation work: it will meet the growing
demand for seating. SBB's Fleet Strategy foresees the mid-life
upgrade of 40-year-old trains to ensure reliable operation for
another 20 years.
Every year, SBB invests almost CHF 1 billion in the purchase and
modernisation of trains. In recent years, SBB has completely
upgraded its fleet of VU IV and EC vehicles: 508 VU IV cars and 232
EuroCity cars have been refurbished for CHF 200 million, enabling
them to travel 20 additional years. The old green cars are gone.
Until 2014, 18 one-floor dining cars were also converted, for a
total of 6.5 million francs. Since 2012, 44 trains and 308 cars at
InterCity ICN have undergone a complete renovation for 130 million
francs. More than half of these vehicles already have their new
livery on the rail lines. Finally, 170 Bpm51 cars have been
upgraded for use until 2022.
The first two fully modernised IC2000 vehicles
IC2000 trains carry around 180,000 passengers every day. Since the
summer of 2018, the first of the 341 IC2000 cars have been
completely emptied and completely renovated. Now SBB presents the
first two modernised prototypes at the Olten workshops.
The complete renovation of the IC2000 fleet of vehicles is the most
important rail vehicle modernisation project in the history of
mainline traffic. SBB is investing more than CHF 300 million in the
renewal of the 341 vehicles concerned, which together with the
Re460 locomotives constitute the backbone of Swiss mainline
traffic. Customers will benefit in more ways than one. With the
modernisation, the interior layout of vehicles will be brighter, a
new concept of indirect lighting by LED energy saving will ensure a
friendly and engaging atmosphere. All cars will be equipped with
new seats and new carpets. The power outlets will be integrated
directly into the new compartments shelves, the business zone will
be equipped with an office area, equipped with induction charging
surfaces for smartphones. Mobile reception will also be enhanced by
radio-permeable windows, used for the first time on such a scale
and already adapted to future generations of portable radio (5G).
The dining cars of the IC2000 park will be redeveloped. They will
be equipped with new tables and new seats and will present a modern
and luminous atmosphere. Finally, the toilet cabins of family cars
will be equipped with changing tables. Even before the
modernisation, the number of bicycle places was increased from 200
to 360 in the 40 cars concerned. Security is not left out either.
Additional security features such as intercom stations for
travellers or fire detection devices will also be installed in
cars. The modernisation of the vehicles also includes a complete
technical overhaul and the painting of CFF-colored vehicle bodies,
whose visual aspect will be harmonised with that of the most recent
trains.
The renovation of the IC2000 fleet of vehicles is an important
work. Between 2019 and 2024, more than 120 CFF specialists will
work every day to give a new lustre to vehicles: mechanics,
electricians, carpenters, locksmiths, painters, logisticians, work
preparers, technicians. The modernisation of a car lasts 8 weeks. A
vehicle is finalised every three working days. The Olten workshops
work simultaneously on 14 vehicles, which is more cars than usual.
In total, more than 32,000 seats will be refurbished, 40 kilometres
of carpeting laid and more than 120 tons of paint applied. At the
end of these renovations, the vehicles will be ready to travel
reliably on the Swiss rail network for another 20 years. After the
prototyping phase, mass production is expected to start in late
2019. The first upgraded IC2000 train is expected to be operational
in the autumn of 2019. In addition to the new duplex trains for
mainline traffic, the IC2000 trains will be in the future a key
element of the CFF mainline fleet as well, in InterCity and
InterRegio traffic.
According to the SBB strategy, rail vehicles undergo a complete
upgrade to half their life cycle (40 years) so that they can
reliably circulate for the next 20 years.
Modernization of SBB mainline trains
By 2024, all trains running on the main lines of SBB will be
modernised. The modernisation program includes the generalisation
of air conditioning, 2-1 seats in first class cars, 1st and 2nd
class power outlets and low floor access. A dining car will be
integrated into all InterCity trains.