Swiss Railways (SBB) has completed a five-year project since 2009 to renovate its fleet of 232 EuroCity passenger coaches at a cost of 130 million euros. Passengers will benefit from the new rolling stock and in particular better mobile phone coverage thanks to the installation of 3G Wi-Fi, which can be upgraded to 4G in the future.

The upgrade will enable the EuroCity fleet to reduce energy consumption. Insulation has been improved and the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems have been made more efficient. These improvements will allow the SBB fleet to save around 6 GWh per year. Facilities for persons with reduced mobility have also been improved. Devices have been installed to improve access and sanitary facilities have been fitted with an alarm button. Closed-system toilets have been installed in all carriages. Last but not least, SBB has adapted its rail vehicles in order to combine them with InterCity and InterRegion services.

The EuroCity fleet comprises a total of 152 second-class, 68 first-class and 12 dining cars which are to be updated by the end of the year.

Film Eurocity:http://youtu.be/Hq7mveznQ-M

A large part of the fleet’s commercial vehicles had already been upgraded a few years ago. Close to 45.8 million euros has recently been invested in the complete overhaul of the remaining 211 rail cars, the last of which was carried out at SBB’s Olten depot.

(Source: SBB)