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.