Les Transports Publics du Chablais (TPC) has placed an order with Stadler for 13 new Beh 4/8 three-car multiple units, designed for both adhesion and rack railway operation.
The new vehicles have been designed to operate on gradients of up to 230‰ and navigate the tight curves characteristic of these historic mountain railways. The dual-mode functionality allows for seamless transition between rack-and-pinion and adhesion operation, enabling their use in urban environments in Aigle and Bex as well.
Each unit will provide 112 seats and accommodate up to 250 passengers, with a low-floor design at 350 mm for improved accessibility. The layout includes designated areas for luggage, bicycles, and skis, aligning with the needs of travellers in the region. The onboard passenger information system is set to be updated, while the braking system will incorporate energy recovery to optimize power usage on downhill sections.
The order, valued at approximately EUR 149.3 million, includes spare parts and represents the next step in the renewal of TPC’s fleet. The new trains will be built at Stadler’s Bussnang facility in Switzerland, following previous fleet modernization efforts on the Aigle-Ollon-Monthey-Champéry (AOMC) and Aigle-Sépey-Diablerets (ASD) lines.
