BLS RABe 525
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Products | Electric multiple units |
The BLS RABe 525, commonly referred to as NINA or Nina, is a Swiss electric multiple unit produced by Bombardier Transportation, with its electrical systems supplied by Alstom. This train is mainly utilized by BLS AG for services on the Bern S-Bahn, while four units (numbered 525 038-041) belong to RegionAlps. An enhanced variant, the BLS RABe 535, also known as Lötschberger, features a revamped front design and interior modifications aimed at longer-distance journeys.
Design
This articulated trainset is available in configurations ranging from two to six sections and includes motorized axles. The three-car sets are long, wide, and high, accommodating 20 first-class seats, 114 second-class seats, and standing room for 70 passengers. The four-car versions measure in length with the same width and height, offering seating for 20 first-class passengers, 159 in second class, plus space for 85 standing travelers. Both models have a maximum speed of . The traction components of the RABe 525 and RABe 535 are identical.
Operation
The RABe 525 serves several important regional lines such as:
- Bern S-Bahn: S36 (Lyss–Büren an der Aare), S42 (Hasle-Rüegsau–Konolfingen–Thun), S44/S45 (Thun–Bern–Burgdorf–Sumiswald-Grünen), S46 (Solothurn–Burgdorf–Ostermundigen), S5 (Bern–Kerzers–Neuchâtel plus Murten/Morat–Payerne)
- Lucerne S-Bahn: Lines 6/7 (Lucerne–Wolhusen–Huttwil–Langenthal), Line 77 (Lucerne–Wolhusen–Willisau)
- BLS RE2: Domodossola–Brig–Visp
Refit program
Between 2015 and 2019, BLS undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of its entire Nina fleet to improve passenger comfort and achieve design uniformity. Changes included relocating first-class seats to the low-floor section, upgrading lighting for enhanced brightness, renovating restrooms, and adding a new standing area in second class. Both interior and exterior color schemes were standardized across all trains. The modernization effort concluded in June 2019.
Named units
Initially, BLS assigned names to the NINA units inspired by water bodies. Subsequently, "Wankdorf" was included as a stop name and "Konolfingen" became the first location to feature a municipal coat of arms. Following the refurbishment, two additional NINAs were named using town coats of arms.
Only officially named vehicles are listed:
| Unit | Name | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 525 001 | La Thielle/Zihl | |
| 525 002 | Schwarzwasser | |
| 525 003 | Emme | |
| 525 004 | La Broye | |
| 525 005 | Aare | |
| Menznau | ||
| 525 006 | Gürbe | |
| Willisau | ||
| 525 007 | Gäbelbach | |
| Huttwil | ||
| 525 008 | La Sarine/Saane | |
| 525 009 | Schwarzsee | |
| 525 010 | Gerzensee | |
| LINA |
| Unit | Name | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 525 011 | Müntschemier | |
| 525 012 | Mühleberg | |
| 525 013 | Konolfingen | |
| 525 014 | Wohlensee | |
| 525 017 | Grabebach | |
| 525 018 | Thunersee | |
| 525 020 | Scherlibach | |
| 525 022 | Worble | |
| 525 026 | Chräbsbach | |
| 525 027 | Glütschbach | |
| 525 028 | La Bibera/Bibere |
- Name withdrawn following modernization
- Coat of arms representing municipality rather than river
- Station name used instead of river name
Bibliography
- Josef Stöckli, Hans Vorburger: Die low-floor commuter trains RABe 525 "NINA" operated by BLS, TMR, and TRN. Published in: Eisenbahn-Revue International, Issue 2/2003, pages 68–79.