SBB don move im international high-speed train plan towards buying vehicles instead of leasing dem. For 24 September 2026 update to page wey first come out for March 2025, the Swiss operator describe plan for 21 trains and tender for first half of 2027.
The company say assessment show say purchase fit enter long-term investment planning and cost less over the working life of the vehicles. Na SBB own conclusion about procurement strategy; this report no independently calculate the full cost of purchase compared with leasing.
The plan also include options for another 20 vehicles. Option keep possibility open for later addition; e no suppose count as completed purchase. So the main number wey dem announce and the possible expansion describe different levels of commitment from the railway company.
SBB say e go end prequalification process for leasing providers and publish the change on SIMAP procurement platform on 25 September. The newer update replace earlier sections of the same page wey discuss how the company wan pursue operating lease for the trains.
The operator connect the decision with growing international demand, reporting more than six million cross-border passengers for first half of 2026, up 1.3 per cent from previous year. E say ownership go give am more flexibility when e dey work with partner railways.
For passengers, na long-term fleet decision, no be new service ready for booking. Next concrete stage na tender and details wey procurement go produce. The September update no establish selected manufacturer, delivery timetable or opening date for any particular route wey the trains go serve.