The Niederflur-Express-Triebzug (NExT, English: low-floor express trainset) is an electric multiple unit light commuter train developed by Stadler Rail for the Swiss Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn (RBS) railway operator. With a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), it is the fastest metre gauge train in Switzerland.[2]

RBS RABe 4/12
Stadler NExT at Jegenstorf
In service2009–present
ManufacturerStadler Rail
Built atAltenrhein
Constructed2009–2013
Number built14 trains
Number in service14 trains
Formation3 carriages per train[1]
Fleet numbersRABe 4/12 21-34
Capacity443 passengers
(154 seated, 289 standing)
OperatorsRegionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn
DepotsWorblaufen
Lines servedSolothurn–Worblaufen railway
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium[1]
Car length60 m (196 ft 10 in) (3-carriage train)[1]
Width2.650 m (8 ft 8.3 in)[1]
Height3.945 m (12 ft 11.3 in)[1]
Floor height400 mm (16 in)[1]
Doors6 per side
Articulated sections3
Maximum speed120 kilometres per hour (75 mph)[1]
Weight77 tonnes (170,000 lb) (3-carriage train)[1]
Power output1‘400 kW[1]
Acceleration1.1 m/s2[1]
Electric system(s)1,250 VDC[1]
Safety system(s)ETCS, Integra-Signum
Track gauge1,000 mm (3 ft 3+38 in) metre gauge[1]

Six three-carriage trains were delivered in 2009 at a cost of 53.4 million CHF and are used for express service between Bern and Solothurn.[2][3] In 2013, 8 additional trains were delivered.[3]

The Neue Zürcher Zeitung commented favourably on the train's angular design and use of interior space. It commended RBS for setting "new standards of design and comfort" in Swiss commuter transport with the NExT.[2]

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Niederflur-Triebzug für den RBS, Schweiz" (PDF). Train data sheet. Stadler Rail. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  2. ^ a b c "Schnelle Züge ohne Zigarre: Berner Pendlerbahn setzt Masstäbe punkto Design und Komfort". Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German). 6 June 2009. p. 11.
  3. ^ a b "Der Niederflur-Express-Triebzug NExT". RBS.ch | Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn (in German). Archived from the original on 2016-10-25. Retrieved 2016-10-09.