The updated depot will be used for the maintenance and commissioning of 329 new Flirt Evo trains, which will replace existing rolling stock in the S-Bahn networks of Thurbo, RegionAlps, and SBB.
Thurbo has invested CHF 18.4 million (approx. EUR 19.3 million) into the facility. Located near Stadler’s manufacturing sites in Bussnang and Erlen, the Weinfelden depot is positioned to handle testing, training, and servicing activities efficiently. SBB will carry out maintenance operations on behalf of Thurbo.
The expansion extends the depot’s length by around 30 metres to over 100 metres and includes the installation of a photovoltaic system with 866 panels. The system is expected to produce around 400 MWh of electricity annually. Up to 30 specialists will be employed at the site.
The commissioning of the new Flirt Evo EMUs is scheduled to begin in 2026. The trains will gradually replace the ageing GTW fleet, which is expected to be phased out by the mid-2030s. The total procurement for the 329 units across the three operators is valued at CHF 2 billion (approx. EUR 2.1 billion).
