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.