[passenger] RABe 531 is out; the new standard regional passenger train for SBB

Stadler is preparing us to launch the new generation of FLIRT trains for regional services in Switzerland and France, ordered by SBB, Thurbo, and RegionAlps. In December 2023, it showcased the production of the first of 286-510 (!) EMUs in Bussnang.

Thanks to Alain Mühlegg, Tristan Austinat, and Georg Trüb for the the wonderful pictures:

In the middle of the attention is a train, which is being placed on its wheels, with a red front/roof section, red doors and black window masks. This points to the SBB version of this design:

Update 04.04.2024 – RABe 531 001 in the wild

On 03.04.2024, the first runs with the new FLIRT ‘Evo’ were documented by Alain Mühlegg. All pictures were taken in Sulgen and show RABe 531 001 after a malfunction in the morning. still made some laps on the Stadler home line Frauenfeld – Romanshorn:

SBB RABe 531 001 in Sulgen on 03.04.2024 © Alain Mühlegg
SBB RABe 531 001 in Sulgen on 03.04.2024 © Alain Mühlegg
SBB RABe 531 001 in Sulgen on 03.04.2024 © Alain Mühlegg
SBB RABe 531 001 in Sulgen 04.04.2024 © Georg Trüb
SBB RABe 531 001 in Erlen 04.04.2024 © Georg Trüb
SBB RABe 531 001 in Erlen 05.04.2024 © Tristan Austinat
SBB RABe 531 001 in Erlen 05.04.2024 © Tristan Austinat

2 more designs are coming – SBB, Region Alps and Thurbo:

 

FLIRT EMUs for SBB, Thurbo, RegionAlps for 2026-2034 © Stadler Rail
NEWSLETTER