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CFF modernizes its ICN fleet in Yverdon

Mars October 25, 2024

Rail transport

The “Expo.02 trains” are getting a facelift

Commissioned in 2001, the CFF ICN trains are in the process of being modernized in Yverdon.

Published today at 5:59 p.m.

An IC2000 train being overhauled in the CFF industrial workshops in Yverdon-les-Bains, Thursday October 24, 2024.

KEYSTONE/Anthony Anex

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In brief:

The ICNs have traveled 8 million kilometers in a quarter of a century.
The CFF is modernizing ICN trains to extend their use for twenty years.
Passengers will notice interior improvements and a modernized design.
Seats and bicycle capacity remain unchanged.

In almost a quarter of a century, the ICNs have traveled a whopping 8 million kilometers, or ten times the round trip to the Moon. However, there is no question of scrapping these oars which have become a national symbol. “Many Swiss continue to call them the “Expo.02 trains,” notes David Fattebert, CFF regional director for French-speaking Switzerland. And for me, they are a strong link between the linguistic regions and the economic centers of the country.

The true backbone of the Swiss rail network, the ICNs transport 23 million passengers each year, covering 1,200 km on average, depending in particular from Geneva and Lausanne to Zurich and Saint Gall.

Makeover

The company has decided to offer them a makeover which should allow them to carry out their mission for another twenty years. This Thursday, it was the train dedicated to singer Mani Matter which was the first to leave the CFF workshops in Yverdon. The other 43 will follow, at a rate of seven to eight per year.

The operation will notably enable improvement techniques intended to make these convoys more reliable and less prone to breakdowns. This work will go unnoticed by passengers, who will however be able to notice the changes inside the carriages. “The seats are refurbished, the lighting too, the design is clearer and more modern,” says Linus Looser, responsible for passenger traffic production. Electrical outlets have been integrated into the tablets, making them more accessible. We also took the opportunity to integrate induction chargers into the business areas, and the family area is now clearly visible and more user-friendly.” New screens make it possible to inform passengers more clearly about connection possibilities.

The seating arrangement, however, remains essentially: the ICNs will continue to carry a maximum of 476 seated people. “The structure of the vehicles limits us, which explains why it was not possible to modify the capacity,” explains David Fattebert. Nor was it possible to provide more spaces for bicycles.

“Seasickness” remains

Despite increased comfort, those who are prone to seasickness will be at a loss: the ICN modernization campaign will not soften the balancing movement that involves these oars. “In order to increase speed without having to invest in transforming network infrastructure, the choice was made at the time to invest in vehicles that tilt,” recalls the CFF French-speaking director. They continue to do it.”

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David Génillard has been a journalist in the Vaud & Régions section since 2007. Based in Yverdon since 2023, he mainly covers news from Northern Vaud. In 2021, he also participated in the launch of the weekly Riviera-Chablais Votre Région, a 24-hour partner.More info

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