Stadler delivers two more metre-gauge locomotives to MBC

Stadler is building two metre-gauge locomotives for Transports de la région Morges–Bière–Cossonay (MBC). The hybrid vehicles will be used for freight transport between Morges and Bière from the end of 2028. They will help to achieve the cantonal modal shift targets.

Transports de la région Morges–Bière–Cossonay (MBC) has commissioned Stadler to build two more hybrid locomotives. These are powered by overhead lines on the rail network and by diesel engines in the gravel pits. MBC will use the metre-gauge locomotives for freight transport on the Bière – Apples – Morges line.

Ideal for metre-gauge
The 64-tonne, 17-metre-long locomotives reach a top speed of 80 kilometres per hour. With a starting tractive effort of 220 kilonewtons and a maximum power output of 3 megawatts, they are ideally designed for freight transport on metre gauge tracks. They are also suitable for so-called roll-on-roll-off operation, in which standard gauge wagons can be transported on special rollers over the metre gauge. Delivery will take place at the end of 2028.

Shift to rail
MBC had already ordered one vehicle at the end of 2024. The new locomotives will replace older vehicles and are part of the cantonal strategy to transport more goods by rail in an environmentally friendly manner.

A concept for several Swiss railways
The locomotives for MBC are based on a common locomotive family developed by Stadler in collaboration with several Swiss narrow-gauge railways. In addition to MBC, the Montreux–Berner Oberland-Bahn (MOB), the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) have also ordered vehicles of this type. Thanks to the coordinated approach, the railways benefit from synergies in development, production and maintenance. At the same time, specific requirements can be implemented on a customer-specific basis.