A total of 93 multiple units from the articulated railcar (GTW) fleet of Thurbo AG from Kreuzlingen are to be transferred to the Hungarian State Railways (MAV) after 25 years of service on the Swiss rail network. Stadler, the railcar manufacturer based in Bussnang in the Swiss canton of Thurgau, will modernize the multiple units in line with the conversion requirements and criteria for re-approval in Hungary. In the coming years, demand for rolling stock in Hungary is set to rise, as Stadler writes in a statement.The takeover and conversion process is scheduled for completion by 2034. The regional railway company Thurbo AG, which is a subsidiary of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and includes the canton of Thurgau as a shareholder, will be taking a total of 93 GTW trains out of service from 2026 onwards and replacing them with 107 new FLIRT Evo regional trains manufactured by Stadler. The purchase, modernization and resale of these trains reportedly serves to extend the service life of these modern multiple units. From a technical, economic and sustainable perspective, this represents a better alternative to purchasing new trains. All parties benefit from this solution, which serves as a blueprint for similar initiatives, according to the statement. In this context, MAV will receive “high-quality Stadler trains”, which, as the company explains further, will create 14,000 additional seats within a short period of time. Purchasing new trains would have been a more protracted process.According to Stadler, once the modernization process is complete the trains will meet the requirements of passengers with reduced mobility in addition to being equipped with the latest technology. Extendable steps at the platform will ensure safe boarding and alighting, while passengers also stand to benefit from dynamic information boards, comfortable seating and larger multi-purpose areas on board. In terms of aesthetics, the vehicles will be re-wrapped in the corporate brand colors of MAV and fitted with new seat covers. The prototypes are being built in Switzerland, and Stadler is setting up a service facility in Hungary for series production. (ICE BERNA)

Fonte notizia: ce/heg