BLS AG — a Swiss railway company created by the 2006 merger of BLS Lötschbergbahn and Regionalverkehr Mittelland AG LS — has chosen Stockholm-based Stadler Rail to supply 58 single-decker EMU trains — 30 for Regio Express services and 28 for Bern S-Bahn routes.

The 105m-long 160kph Flirt trains will have two classes of accommodation, power sockets and enhanced
mobile-phone reception.

A BLS spokesman said: “The decision followed an extensive procurement process, undertaken with input from passenger body Pro Bahn. We had two high-ranking offers on the table — from Stadler and Bombardier.

“After a thorough examination of all criteria, Stadler’s offer was convincing. It fulfils the criteria best in terms of price, quality, comfort for our passengers and efficient operation.”