railCare, the Swiss railway operator, has expanded its fleet with the arrival of the first Euro9000 locomotive, manufactured by Stadler and leased through European Loc Pool (ELP). This locomotive, designated 2019 318, arrived from Stadler's Valencia facility and prominently features the branding of Coop, a major Swiss retail chain and railCare's parent company.
The Euro9000 series is known for its advanced technology and efficiency. railCare's CEO, Philipp Wegmüller, stated that the new locomotive's technical specifications were essential for their operational needs. The Euro9000's ability to deliver high pulling power and energy efficiency aligns with railCare’s objectives to boost capacity on Switzerland’s key Lötschberg and Gotthard routes.
With its last-mile capability and remote control features, the Euro9000 offers railCare considerable flexibility. This functionality is expected to streamline operations across various national routes within the railCare network. The locomotive's adaptability will be crucial as railCare continues to optimize its services across Switzerland.
railCare primarily serves Coop, leveraging its capabilities to support the retailer's logistics. This new addition underscores a commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient transport solutions within the retail sector. As Coop is a significant player in Switzerland’s retail landscape, railCare’s operational improvements play a critical role in supporting its logistics chain.
Initially scheduled for delivery at the end of the year, the Euro9000 arrived ahead of time. Under catenary lines, it delivers 9MW of power, complemented by a 1.9MW diesel engine for non-electrified sections.