The first Saphir II railcar for Aargau Verkehr (WSB) arrived in Suhr on 10 March 2025, marking the beginning of a fleet renewal process for the Wynental- und Suhrentalbahn (WSB). The new two-car units, produced by Stadler Rail, will replace the oldest Be 4/4 railcars currently in service.
Aargau Verkehr has ordered five ABe 4/8 Saphir II railcars as part of an exercised option. The new trains are scheduled to enter passenger service with the timetable change in December 2025, after undergoing testing and approval from the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (BAV).
The Saphir II railcars are 40 meters long, approximately 20 meters shorter than the earlier Saphir I models. Unlike the Saphir I units, which include an intermediate car, the Saphir II is a two-car configuration. Both variants can be coupled together, allowing for train lengths of 80 or 100 meters depending on capacity requirements.
The low-floor design includes 1st and 2nd class compartments, with a total capacity of 253 passengers — 85 seated and 168 standing. Two multi-purpose zones provide space for strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles, and luggage. The passenger areas are equipped with an air-conditioning system, a modern passenger information system, and video surveillance.
The new railcar was transported by rail from the Stadler factory in Bussnang to Suhr on a low-loader wagon. After unloading via a ramp onto the meter-gauge network in Suhr, the vehicle was transferred to the WSB depot in Schöftland late in the evening.
The remaining Saphir II units will be delivered progressively from Stadler's production facility and are expected to enter service during the second half of 2025 following test runs and training sessions.
