Thurbo's new FLIRT Evo on the S9 line
posted on 7th Jan 2026 09:22
The new Thurbo FLIRT Evo regional trains carried passengers for the first time on Monday of 5 January 2026. With approximately two weeks of operation on the S9 line between Wil and Wattwil (and occasionally on other routes), Thurbo is gathering valuable experience on how the train and its various systems perform in regular service. Thurbo is also interested in any feedback from passengers.
Following intensive testing and test runs, the FLIRT Evo received approval from the BAV on 25 September 2025 for commercial test operation in Switzerland. Thurbo now aims to gain further practical insights by covering as many kilometers as possible in a short period and regularly coupling and uncoupling the units. The S9 line between Wil and Wattwil is ideally suited to these requirements. This initial phase of the train‘s introduction is called controlled operation and is closely monitored by Thurbo to ensure a rapid reaction in case of disruptions.
After the controlled operation phase is complete, the FLIRT Evo will not yet start regular S9 service - there will initially the GTW EMUs remain in operation. Thurbo will use the insights gained from these initial FLIRT Evo runs to prepare for the introduction across the entire service area. The FLIRT Evos will first enter regular service in the Tösstal region between Winterthur and Rüti ZH, likely in the second half of 2026.