20.12.10
RhB announces Stage III of fleet concept
Media-release of RhB:
The acquisition of seven compositions for the Rhaetian Railways (RhB) Albula Line was signed and sealed on 20 December 2010. The chairman of RhB’s management board, Erwin Rutishauser, and the CEO of Stadler Rail AG, Peter Spuhler, signed the CHF 110 million contract in Samedan on the occasion of Rutishauser’s farewell tour, during which the ALLEGRA special train set a new speed record for metre-gauge railways with 145 km/h. The acquisition of the new articulated train combinations for the Albula Line initiates the important third stage of RhB’s fleet policy.
Thanks to the 1,350 employees
On 20 December 2010, the management team at RhB organised a farewell tour for the chairman of their management board, Erwin Rutishauser. Rutishauser also used the stops at various stations to say goodbye to his team. “1,350 highly motivated employees make sure that this unique railway delights countless passengers and customers, in all weathers and 365 days a year,” the outgoing chairman praised and thanked his team. During this company-internal farewell tour, the management team, many employees and guests amazed Erwin Rutishauser with planned and spontaneous performances and reminiscences about his six years in office.
Record-breaking trip
In this vein, the management team, RhB technicians and Stadler Rail with CEO Peter Spuhler surprised Erwin Rutishauser with a new speed record for metre-gauge railways. The ALLEGRA special train reached 145 km/h on the south side of the Vereina tunnel, exceeding the previous record of 139 km/h, set on 5 December 2009.
Rutishauser’s last signature
The management team had another surprise up their sleeve in Samedan: in the presence of Stadler Rail CEO Peter Spuhler and representatives from the federal government and the canton, the contracts for the acquisition of seven combinations for the Albula Line – recently approved by the supervisory board – were signed. This was a special moment and of great satisfaction to Erwin Rutishauser, as the first two stages of the fleet acquisition were brought on-line and implemented under his direction as part of the “Offensive 2012” company strategy. Rutishauser was delighted: “With the acquisition of the third stage, RhB has achieved another milestone on the way to a modern, high-performance railway.” For him, the signature was his last act as the Head of the RhB. Peter Spuhler thanked Erwin Rutishauser for the good working relationship: “We have successfully carried out several projects together in the last few years, such as the panorama carriages for the Bernina and Glacier Express trains or the dual voltage multiple-unit trains. With today’s order, this successful chapter will be continued.”
Modern rolling stock for the modern passenger
The agreed acquisition of seven six-section articulated train combinations, as part of Stage III for the Albula Line, really does mean a further step into a modern future for RhB. From as early as 2013, passengers will be able to enjoy journeys in the first deliveries of the comfortable and air-conditioned first- and second-class carriages. The low floor area is equipped with a wheelchair access WC and spaces for wheelchairs. The modern articulated train is complemented by a family compartment with children’s play corner and even a panoramic photo compartment. The project costs are around CHF 110 million.
Stages I and II according to plan
The 15 three-section dual voltage multiple-unit ALLEGRA trains for Stage I – with a value of around CHF 150 million – are currently being delivered continuously and are, for the most part, already in service. All these multiple-unit trains will be in service on the Bernina, Arosa and Davos lines in 2011. Stage II involves five four-section single voltage multiple-unit trains for local transport between Schiers and Rhäzüns and between Chur and Thusis. These trains cost around CHF 50 million and have already been ordered. They will be delivered subsequently to the dual voltage multiple-unit trains and will come into service by mid-2012.
RhB invests CHF 310 million in new rolling stock
This means, from Stages I to III, RhB will be investing more than CHF 310 million in new rolling stock. In addition, in the last few years RhB has completely renewed the entire Bernina Express fleet and the Glacier Express too – along with its partner train, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) – equipping them with comfortable, modern panorama and service carriages.
Rhätische Bahn, Unternehmenskommunikation, Peider Härtli, Tel. 081 288 63 66, E-Mail p.haertli@rhb.ch