Thurbo GTWs will be used in Hungary
updated on 28th Jan 2026 07:19 posted on 12th Jan 2026 15:42
Thurbo's current GTW (Gelenktriebwagen) EMUs have been in service for approximately 25 years. Thurbo will replace them between 2026 and 2034 with 107 new FLIRT Evo trains.
Thurbo's GTW fleet comprises a total of 110 units. 82 ones were acquired between 2002 and 2008, a further 15 were purchased in 2012 - 2013, and an additional 13 GTWs were acquired from SBB in 2017 - 2018 as follows:
- RABe 520, GTW 2/8 Seetaler (designed for Seetalbahn Lenzburg - Luzern), 2 units, 520 000 (built 2002) and 520 016 (built 2003),
- RABe 526, GTW 2/6, in total 41 units procured in batches:
- 9 units 526 701 - 705 and 707 (built 2003) and 526 706, 708, 719 (built 2004),
- 21 units DACH, of them 10 units 526 720 - 729 (built 2004) and 11 units 526 730 - 751 (built 2005),
- 11 units able to operate in DACH, 526 734 - 744 (built 2005),
- RABe 526, GTW 2/8, in total 54 + 13 units procured in batches:
- 2 units 526 752 + 753 (built 2005),
- 21 units 526 754 - 774 (built 2006),
- 6 units 526 775 - 780 (built 2007),
- 10 units 526 781 - 790 (built 2008),
- 8 units 526 791 - 798 (built 2012),
- 7 units 526 799 - 805 (built 2013),
- 7 units ex-SBB, 526 260 - 265, 280 (built 2003),
- 6 units ex-SBB, 526 281 - 286 (built 2004).
At the time of decommissioning, each of these vehicles will have covered approximately 5 million km and undergone multiple overhauls designed to cover a 25-year service life. These overhauls included replacing the motor bogies, renewing the flooring, refurbishing the ventilation and air conditioning systems, and repainting the bodyshels.
The MÁV will have an additional need for rolling stock in the coming years and have expressed interest in purchasing used vehicles. Following extensive investigations into the procurement process, conversion requirements, and the criteria for re-certrification in Hungary, Stadler has submitted an offer to Thurbo for the purchase of 93 GTWs. The two companies have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. Stadler will take over the vehicles in stages between 2027 and 2034 and will completely refurbish and convert them to meet the MÁV needs.
The GTWs will receive a new information system and CCTV and will be fitted with the new traction equipment for 25 kV 50 Hz (equipment for 15 kV 16.7 Hz will be removed). They will be equipped with both MIREL VZ1 ATP and on-board ETCS Level 2 Baseline 4. The first modernized prototypes will be created in Switzerland, and the batch modernization will take place in Hungary.
The sale of most of Thurbo's GTW fleet to Stadler, followed by conversion and resale to MÁV, offers advantages for all parties involved. Instead of Thurbo recycling individual vehicle components in a costly project, Stadler is giving the GTWs a second life and thus ensuring their continued ecologically and financially sustainable use. The money from the sale of Thurbo's trains will be fully reinvested in regional passenger transport in Switzerland, thereby reducing subsidies from the federal and cantonal governments and relieving the burden on public finances.
In 2021, Thurbo ordered 107 new FLIRT Evo trains, because the GTWs no longer fully meet the current requirements of passengers with reduced mobility. They also no longer fully satisfy the increasing demands for customer information and passenger comfort (dynamic passenger information, seating configurations, larger multi-purpose areas).
Continuing to operate the GTW fleet in Switzerland would entail costly overhauls and modifications. Some components of the vehicle architecture and control systems would need to be replaced. It is expected that the trains would have to undergo a new approval process and obtain a new certification. Due to the economies of scale achieved through the joint procurement of the large number of FLIRT Evos with SBB and RegionAlps, the new acquisition is more economical and customer-oriented for Thurbo.
Since both atypical Class RABe 520 units will be retired by 2028, Thurbo will own 107 FLIRT Evo and 15 GTW 2/8 EMUs after 2035, following the sale of 93 GTWs to Hungary. These 15 GTWs (fifth batch, RABe 526 791 - 805, built 2012 - 13) will remain in operation until approximately the end of the 2030s and will then probably also be offered for sale.
