STADLER has withdrawn its appeal against Swiss Federal Railways’ (SBB) decision to award a framework contract to Siemens Mobility for the supply of up to 200 six-car double-deck EMUs. The contract announced by SBB in November 2025 includes a firm order for 116 trains worth $US 2.48bn.
The Swiss manufacturer mounted a legal challenge shortly after Siemens was named as preferred bidder in November, saying it was unable to explain how SBB reached its conclusions. Stadler also said it was disappointed that the Siemens product, a new design that has yet to enter production, was chosen over its proven Kiss platform which includes double-deck trains, pointing out that 153 Kiss EMUs are in daily service with SBB with an average availability of 99%.
Stadler’s appeal to the Federal Administrative Court was withdrawn on April 7, when Stadler said that with severely limited information available, it had found no grounds to continue with legal proceedings.
The manufacturer says that while it gained some insight during the court proceedings, it did not achieve the full transparency it had hoped for. “Numerous documents from the tender remained completely redacted. Consequently, passages relevant to the substance of the case and crucial evidence regarding the award decision remained inaccessible to Stadler.” The company adds that it believes SBB has clearly exercised its discretion when assessing bids in favour of Siemens.
“We continue to regret the decision, but must accept it on the basis of the information available to us,” says Peter Spuhler, Stadler board chairman.
SBB response
Following the withdrawal of the legal challenge on April 7, SBB says that the contract signing will go ahead with Siemens as planned. The delivery schedule will remain as previously agreed, with the first trains due to be handed over to SBB from 2031 onwards.
With the decision to award the contract based on the objective and independent evaluation of individual criteria by around 100 SBB specialists, the national operator reiterates that “Siemens Mobility's lead was clear.”
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