Forchbahn AG is systematically renewing its vehicle fleet. A total of 13 existing vehicles are undergoing comprehensive modernisation. At the same time, a new generation of vehicles for line S18 is being publicly tendered. With these measures, Forchbahn is strengthening safety, reliability and passenger comfort, and preparing its fleet for the decades ahead.

A key element of the fleet strategy is the mid-life refurbishment of 13 Be 4/6 vehicles. The vehicles are being thoroughly overhauled from a technical perspective. They are almost completely dismantled, key components are replaced or modernised, and the vehicles are then rebuilt to an as-new condition.

The investment amounts to approximately CHF 43 million. This will result in what is effectively a technically new fleet with an extended service life of around 20 additional years.

The refurbishment is complex, as the vehicles are in differing initial conditions and feature specific design characteristics. Several prototypes have therefore been developed.

In June 2025, the third vehicle was transferred to Stadler for conversion. It is currently being rebuilt and is scheduled to return to passenger service in September 2026. The modernisation programme will be implemented step by step until mid-2029. It is closely coordinated with ongoing infrastructure and construction projects to ensure timetable stability at all times. Through this refurbishment programme, Forchbahn is consciously pursuing a sustainable approach by further developing existing resources – for the direct benefit of its passengers.

Alongside the refurbishment programme, Forchbahn is preparing to replace the remaining half of its fleet. The FB2000 series vehicles will reach the end of their technical and economic service life from 2030 onwards. Some of them have been in reliable operation for almost 50 years. Spare parts are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, and the vehicles no longer fully meet current requirements regarding accessibility and modern technical standards.

Following approval by the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV) and the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), 14 new bi-directional vehicles will be publicly tendered.

Instead of fixed trainsets, Forchbahn has decided to procure operationally separable units. This approach provides greater operational flexibility as well as optimisation potential in maintenance and infrastructure planning.

Internal specialist departments, driving staff and operational units were closely involved in the preparation of the project. Findings from a customer survey were also incorporated. Passengers particularly value:

These requirements form a key basis for the new vehicle generation.

With the publication of the tender on simap, the next milestone has now been reached. According to the current schedule, the contract award is planned for the first quarter of 2027. The first new vehicle is expected to enter service at the end of 2030.

By combining comprehensive modernisation of existing vehicles with the development of the next generation, Forchbahn is making a consistent investment in the future of public transport in the Pfannenstiel region.

The fleet strategy enhances operational safety, improves passenger comfort and creates new scope for the further development of infrastructure.