Stadler builds new hybrid locomotives for MBC to support Vaud’s shift from road to rail

Stadler builds new hybrid locomotives for MBC to support Vaud’s shift from road to rail

(IN BRIEF) Stadler will supply two additional metre-gauge hybrid locomotives to Transports de la région Morges–Bière–Cossonay (MBC) for freight operations on the Bière–Apples–Morges line, with delivery scheduled for late 2028. Designed for dual-mode operation using overhead lines and diesel engines, the locomotives will replace older units and support the canton of Vaud’s strategy to shift freight from road to rail. The new vehicles, part of a shared locomotive family used by several Swiss narrow-gauge railways, offer high tractive performance, flexibility and the ability to handle standard-gauge roll-on/roll-off transport. MBC expects the transition to rail to eliminate around 20,000 lorry trips annually in the Morges district. The order highlights Stadler’s ongoing work with Swiss operators to develop modern, robust, and efficient locomotives tailored to regional freight needs.

(PRESS RELEASE) BUSSNANG, 24-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler has been commissioned to build two new metre-gauge hybrid locomotives for Transports de la région Morges–Bière–Cossonay (MBC), strengthening the operator’s freight capability and supporting the canton of Vaud’s long-term modal shift strategy. The new locomotives, which will enter service at the end of 2028, are designed for freight movements between Morges and Bière and will help transition more goods from road to rail in an environmentally responsible manner.

The vehicles will feature dual-mode propulsion — operating via overhead electrification on the railway network and switching to diesel engines within gravel pits. This configuration provides the flexibility needed for MBC’s freight operations across the Bière – Apples – Morges line. The order follows an initial locomotive contract placed in late 2024, bringing the total number of locomotives Stadler is building for MBC to three.

“The new locomotives are an important step towards climate-friendly freight transport in the canton of Vaud,” said Frédéric Evequoz, Tailormade Sales Manager at Stadler. “We are delighted to be building a total of three vehicles for MBC. The order underlines our expertise in tailor-made rolling stock. I would like to thank MBC for their trust and excellent cooperation.”

With a weight of 64 tonnes and a length of 17 metres, the locomotives deliver a top speed of 80 km/h, a starting tractive effort of 220 kN and a maximum power output of 3 MW. They have been engineered specifically for the requirements of metre-gauge networks and can also support roll-on/roll-off operations, enabling standard-gauge wagons to be transported on special rollers across narrow-gauge lines.

These new locomotives will replace ageing assets and play a central role in reducing heavy road traffic within the region. Pierre-Alain Perren, Managing Director of MBC, emphasized the environmental benefits: “The shift from road to rail freight transport is a significant step forward for the environment and will reduce traffic on the roads in the Morges district by some 20,000 lorries per year.”

The locomotives are part of a wider metre-gauge family developed by Stadler in collaboration with several Swiss railways. Operators including the Montreux–Berner Oberland-Bahn (MOB), the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) have ordered similar models. This shared platform creates efficiencies in development, production and maintenance, while still allowing each railway to specify unique operational requirements.

About Stadler
Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service and signalling technology has its headquarters in Bussnang in eastern Switzerland. Around 16,600 employees work at 8 production and 6 engineering sites and over 80 service locations, including over 5,600 employees in Switzerland. The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products. Its product range in the field of
mainline and urban transport includes high-speed trains, intercity trains, regional and suburban trains, underground trains, tram-trains and trams. Stadler also manufactures mainline locomotives, shunting locomotives and passenger coaches. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of rack railway vehicles.

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Media contact

Jürg Grob
Deputy Head of Communications & PR
Telephone: +41 71 626 19 19
Email: medien@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler