SBB on 30th April 2026 signed a contract with Siemens Mobility Switzerland for the delivery of 116 six-car Desiro DoSto double-deck trains, along with an option for up to 84 additional trains. The order value is approximately 2 billion Swiss Francs. The new double-deck trains will be used on the Zurich S-Bahn network starting in 2031.
“This contract, worth around 2 billion Swiss francs, underscores SBB’s confidence in Siemens,” says Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG. “Reliability, sustainability and quality of life – that is what people in Switzerland associate with the railways. And we are proud to meet these high standards for the future with our new trains and our leading technology. The fact that key parts of the project – from project management through testing and approval runs to the start of operations – are taking place in Switzerland also demonstrates our deep ties with the country.”
“The Desiro double-decker is based on our tried-and-tested Desiro HC platform, which has proven to be highly reliable in daily passenger service across numerous countries. Building on this proven foundation, we are providing SBB with an advanced solution that combines high capacity, comfort and sustainability, and is optimally designed to meet the requirements of modern commuter rail networks,” says Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “With more than 440 trains from the Desiro HC family sold and over 200 million kilometers travelled, this platform stands for the highest levels of reliability, availability and cost-effectiveness.”
The Desiro DoSto is designed to meet the needs of future metropolitan areas optimally, offering ample space and comfort, and setting new standards in sustainability. With approximately 540 seats and eight spacious multi-purpose zones for easy boarding and alighting, the train offers significantly more capacity for highly frequented lines. Compared to the first generation, which will be replaced by the new vehicles, there will be approximately 30% more standing room and 10% more seating available.
The Desiro DoSto also sets new standards in travel comfort and safety: Low-floor entrances at all doors facilitate access for all passengers. In 1st class, adjustable seats, fold-out tables, and greater seat pitch provide additional comfort. Power outlets at the seats in both 1st and 2nd class allow for charging mobile devices on the go; in the multi-purpose zones, power outlets are also available for charging e-bikes. Improved customer information in the passenger compartment with more and large screens aids orientation, complemented by a light strip above the doors that indicates the correct exit side. Additional emergency intercoms allow passengers to quickly request assistance if needed.
The train is characterized by low energy consumption thanks to efficient traction components, an integrated heat pump, and intelligent energy management via the vehicle control system. The car bodies are constructed using 100% CO2-reduced aluminium.
The new double-deck trains will be delivered by Siemens Mobility, based in Wallisellen, which has been active in Switzerland for over 100 years and operates several development departments and production facilities. The manufacturing of the car bodies is planned in Krefeld. In Switzerland, in addition to project management, testing, approval runs, commissioning, and operational introduction will be carried out with local partners, as will maintenance work during the warranty period. Siemens Mobility and SBB have been successfully collaborating in various areas for decades. Furthermore, for ten years, over 180 Vectron locomotives from Siemens Mobility have strengthened the backbone of freight transport in Switzerland and internationally.
