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IC2000 Zurich - Lucerne with the control car leading the train
IC 2000 double-deck train hauled by Re 460

The IC 2000 is a double-deck push-pull train in Switzerland and is run by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS) as part of its InterCity service. Top speed is 200 km/h. The train set can be composed of up to 10 coaches and provides close to 1,000 seats, according to SBB. In 1997-2004, the consortium, made up of Schindler Waggon, Pratteln (later Bombardier Transportation Switzerland) and Alstom delivered 341 coaches to SBB, of which about 320 coaches are still in use as of December 2009.

Overview

[edit]
A Starbucks café coach in November 2013

IC 2000 was the first double-deck train in use on a nationwide scale.[1] Previously, most, if not all, double-deck trains, belonged to the Zürich S-Bahn network.

The IC 2000 typically has a dining or a bistro car, and a snacks trolley service on the upper level throughout the train set.[2] Both the first and second class coaches feature luggage racks on both decks; in addition, small suitcases can be stored under the seats. In November 2013, the first Starbucks café coaches on SBB-CFF-FFS were launched using two refurbished IC 2000 dining cars, used on a 9-month trial basis on the St. Gallen – Geneva route.[3]

The driving trailer[4] at the beginning or at the end of the train is either a family coach[5] with a special play area on the upper level or has a family zone,[6] also on the upper level. In either case, there is space on the lower deck of the driving trailer for pushchairs, bicycles, and skis.[7] Trains with family coaches are marked FA in the timetables.[8]

75 first class coaches are equipped with power sockets for charging laptops etc. Trains with such business zones are marked BZ in the timetables and the coaches themselves can be identified by a laptop icon. On certain routes, passengers are able to use mobile broadband internet access for an additional fee.[9] The business zone coaches can be typically found behind the locomotive.

The usage of the IC 2000 is now very commonplace in Switzerland. Its "cowlike" black-and-white design, and red doors, make it instantly recognisable. The train exterior was designed by Pininfarina, to match the style of the Re 460 locomotive used with the trainset.

Due to the frequent use of mobile phones, in December 2008, SBB introduced "quiet zones" in both classes, where "conversation and discussion, even if conducted quietly; listening to music or the radio, even using headphones; using audio and video applications on laptops; and using mobile phones"[10] are prohibited. However, after one year quiet zones have been restricted to some first class coaches only.

IC 2020 Project

[edit]
A refurbished IC 2020 cab car, spotted at Brig station

In December 2016, Swiss Federal Railways initiated its largest train refurbishment project to date. The entire IC 2000 fleet (a total of 341 coaches) will be refurbished by the end of 2024 at SBB's Olten facility. The refurbished coaches are expected to operate until 2043, combined with refurbished Re 460 locomotives that are being rebuilt in SBB's Yverdon-les-Bains facility. After the renovation, the coaches will be rebranded as IC 2020. The refreshed livery has a different appearance compared to the original fleet: the coaches are white, with black bands across the window sections and undercarriage. A red stripe runs above the upper deck, and then covers the front section of the driving car. The refurbished coaches also have a new interior design. In contrast to dark tones of the original design, the refurbished interior has brighter tones and materials. 40 first class coaches will include conference tables for business meetings, replacing standard 4/2 person compartments. [11]

Operated Routes

[edit]

References

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IC 2000

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The IC 2000 is a double-deck push-pull operated by (SBB) as part of its (IC) long-distance service in . Built between 1997 and 2004 by a consortium including Schindler Waggon (later Bombardier Transportation Switzerland) and , a total of 341 coaches were produced. These trains have a top speed of 200 km/h and typically consist of up to 10 coaches, providing approximately 1,000 seats. The design features a distinctive black-and-white livery with red doors, created by , and includes amenities such as bistro cars, family zones, and business areas. As of 2025, the fleet is undergoing the IC 2020 refurbishment project, which aims to modernize all coaches by 2024 for continued service until at least 2043.

Introduction and History

Overview

The IC 2000 is a double-deck push-pull operated by (SBB) for (IC) and (IR) services, forming a key component of Switzerland's long-distance rail network. Introduced in 1997 as the nation's first nationwide double-deck train, it enhanced passenger capacity on high-demand routes while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. The fleet consists of 341 coaches delivered between 1997 and 2004 by a consortium including Schindler Waggon (later Switzerland) and , enabling trainsets of up to 10 coaches with a total capacity of approximately 1,000 seats. These trains achieve a top speed of 200 km/h and are typically paired with Re 460 locomotives, facilitating efficient connections between major cities such as , , , and St. Gallen. As of 2025, the entire fleet of 341 coaches remains in active service following the completion of the IC 2020 refurbishment project in 2024, which modernized interiors and features for continued operation over the next two decades. Basic amenities include restaurant cars for dining, quiet zones for undisturbed travel, and business areas, supporting comfortable journeys across Switzerland's interconnected urban centers.

Development and Introduction

The IC 2000 fleet emerged as a core component of the Bahn 2000 project, a comprehensive modernization effort by the (SBB) to upgrade the national rail network during the 1990s. Initiated in 1985 and approved via on December 6, 1987, Bahn 2000 sought to deliver more frequent, faster, and comfortable services through a coordinated hub-and-spoke system, building on earlier integrated timetables while addressing growing passenger demand. The project was revised in 1994 to emphasize cost-effective solutions, such as enhanced and signaling upgrades, rather than extensive new track construction, with an overall investment estimated at 6.4 billion. SBB's focused on double-deck push-pull coaches to significantly increase capacity—offering up to 40% more seats per unit than previous single-level designs—while maintaining compatibility with existing locomotive-hauled operations. A led by Schindler Waggon (Pratteln; rolling stock business sold to in 1997, with later acquired by in 2001) and including delivered a total of 341 coaches between 1997 and 2004, forming the backbone of services. These vehicles were designed for integration with Re 460 locomotives, supporting the project's goal of doubling train kilometers on major corridors without proportional expansion. The initial rollout began in summer 1997 with the Impuls 97 timetable, deploying the first two rakes on the St Gallen-Interlaken line, followed by additional sets later that year to enable half-hourly frequencies on high-demand routes like Zürich-Bern. Early operational challenges centered on seamless integration with legacy infrastructure, including adaptations for double-deck clearance at stations and platforms, as well as phased fleet buildup to match the expanded service intervals amid ongoing Bahn 2000 upgrades like the Grauholz tunnel completion in 1995. By 2004, full fleet delivery was complete, marking the culmination of initial procurement and allowing comprehensive deployment across the intercity network. The coaches also achieved for 200 km/h operations, aligning with upgraded lines to enhance journey times and reliability on principal axes.

Design and Features

Exterior and Livery

The IC 2000 double-deck trains feature a sleek exterior profile originally designed by the Italian firm to complement the styling of the associated Re 460 locomotives, emphasizing a modern, streamlined aesthetic for operations. The aerodynamic shaping of the coaches supports top speeds of 200 km/h, reducing air resistance while maintaining structural integrity for the that allows locomotives to operate from either end of the trainset. This double-deck design significantly boosts capacity, with typical formations offering approximately 1,000 seats across up to 10 coaches, optimizing space on busy routes. Upon introduction in , the original SBB branding featured a distinctive black-and-white with prominent red doors, enhancing visibility and signaling to passengers from platforms. The red doors, in particular, provide high contrast for quick identification during boarding. This cow-like black-and-white scheme became iconic for the fleet, aligning with SBB's early modernization efforts under the Bahn 2000 initiative. As part of the comprehensive refurbishment program spanning 2016 to 2024, which was completed in 2024, the evolved to a predominantly white base with black and red accents, refreshing the appearance while retaining elements of the original for brand continuity; this update was applied during maintenance at SBB's facility to all 341 coaches. features include low-floor entry on the lower deck, wide at least 71 cm across, and strategic placement of steps and compartments to ensure compatibility with standard Swiss platforms for efficient double-deck boarding, including dedicated spaces in the lower level. The exterior materials are engineered for against Switzerland's varied , enabling the fleet to reliably cover 345,000 km daily across diverse conditions without frequent or degradation issues.

Interior Layout and Amenities

The IC 2000 trains feature a double-deck layout designed to maximize passenger capacity and comfort, with access between upper and lower levels provided by internal located near the coach entrances. The upper deck typically offers open-plan seating saloons with larger windows for enhanced views, while the lower deck includes additional space for luggage storage, and pram areas, and priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility. A standard trainset can accommodate up to 86 seats in and 128 in second class across its coaches, contributing to a total capacity approaching 1,000 seats when composed of up to 10 coaches. Coach configurations vary by service but generally include a mix of first-class cars with business zones equipped with power sockets and points, second-class cars featuring zones, and dedicated or cars for dining. First-class areas emphasize and relaxation, with reclining seats arranged in a 2+1 layout and dedicated quiet zones where conversations are discouraged to minimize disturbances. Second-class coaches, often integrated into driving trailers, provide child-friendly spaces including play areas with jungle-themed slides and climbing elements on the upper deck to entertain young passengers during journeys. cars offer hot and cold beverages, snacks, and light meals via a circulating trolley service that passes through the upper levels of all coaches, supplemented by full options in select formations. Amenities focus on modern connectivity and convenience, including mobile signal amplifiers to boost cellular reception throughout the train, enabling passengers to access broadband via their devices. On certain routes, this service was fee-based until upgrades in the introduced free access through the SBB FreeSurf app, leveraging the enhanced mobile network for seamless surfing on long-distance services. Quiet zones, first introduced across both classes in December 2008 to address mobile phone usage complaints, are now primarily limited to select first-class areas on IC services, with prohibiting calls and discussions. A notable special feature was the 2013 trial of two Starbucks café coaches, refurbished from existing dining cars and operated for nine months on daily services between /Fribourg and St. Gallen, offering branded coffee and snacks in a themed environment. Accessibility provisions include dedicated spaces on the lower deck of select coaches, a -accessible with sufficient turning space, and priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility, allowing up to 10 wheelchairs per trainset. Low-floor entry facilitates boarding at equipped stations, but as of 2025, independent access remains limited at approximately 50 stations due to platform height mismatches and door alignment issues, requiring assistance from SBB staff for safe and disembarkation. Additional features like baby-changing tables and ample luggage racks further support diverse passenger needs across both levels.

Technical Specifications

The IC 2000 coaches feature a double-deck configuration optimized for high-capacity service on the Swiss rail network. Each coach measures 26.8 meters in length over the buffers, with a centers distance of 20 meters, enabling efficient coupling in formations. The structure adheres to standard UIC dimensions, with a width of 2.8 meters and a height of approximately 4.3 meters to accommodate the double-deck layout while fitting under Swiss infrastructure clearances. A full trainset of up to 10 coaches, paired with a , can reach a total length of around 265 meters. Seating capacity varies by coach type and class, typically ranging from 72 to 88 seats in first-class configurations and up to 128 seats in second-class cars, allowing a full 10-coach trainset to accommodate approximately 1,000 seats. This design prioritizes high density without compromising accessibility, including low-floor entry at about one-third of the coach length for easier boarding. The fleet totals 341 coaches, comprising driving trailers (Bt and types, 80 units combined), intermediate passenger cars (A and B types, 235 units), and restaurant/bistro cars (BR and WRB types, 26 units). The coaches operate in a push-pull configuration, relying on an external locomotive for propulsion and lacking independent onboard power generation; electrical supply for lighting, heating, and controls is drawn from the locomotive via the train's power line. They are compatible with Switzerland's standard 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC overhead electrification system, enabling seamless integration with SBB's Re 460 locomotives. Performance specifications include a maximum operating speed of 200 km/h, with braking systems incorporating disc and magnetic rail brakes to handle the steep gradients and frequent stops characteristic of Swiss mountain routes. Acceleration is tuned for efficient starts on undulating terrain, though exact rates depend on trainset composition and load. Construction emphasizes lightweight aluminum bodies for improved energy efficiency and reduced axle loads, with each intermediate coach weighing around 47 tons empty. Safety features align with 1990s European rail standards, including crash-resistant end structures and fire-resistant interior materials to enhance occupant protection during collisions or emergencies. The design also incorporates modern electrical systems operating at 1,000 V 16.7 Hz AC for internal functions.
Coach TypeQuantityPrimary Capacity (seats)Key Features
First Class (A)86Up to 86 (1st class)Passenger seating, some with bicycle storage
Second Class (B)149Up to 128 (2nd class)High-density seating, family areas in select units
Driving Trailer 2nd Class (Bt)40Up to 88 (2nd class)Cab for push-pull operation, low-floor entry
with Accessibility/Conductor (AD)40Up to 72 (1st class) spaces, staff compartment
/Restaurant (BR/WRB)26Varies (50-70 + dining)Food service on upper deck, combined seating/dining

Operations

Operated Routes

The IC 2000 trains primarily operate on key InterCity lines within Switzerland's Bahn 2000 network, focusing on high-capacity corridors that connect major economic and population centers. The flagship route is IC1, running from Geneva Airport through Lausanne, Fribourg, Bern, Zurich HB, and Zurich Airport to St. Gallen, providing seamless links across the western, central, and eastern regions. Additional connections extend from this core to Basel via Olten, to Lucerne from Zurich, to Chur from Zurich, to Romanshorn from Zurich, and to Brig via Bern for southern routes toward the Valais. These services integrate with international travel at Geneva and Zurich airports, facilitating transfers to flights and cross-border rail options. Service patterns emphasize reliable daily operations linking urban hubs, with half-hourly intervals on the core -Bern-Geneva axis to support commuter and demands as part of the Bahn 2000 infrastructure upgrades. For instance, the to segment typically takes 56 minutes, enabling efficient end-to-end journeys on the full IC1 line in approximately 3 hours 45 minutes from to St. Gallen. IC6 operates hourly from SBB through to , while IC8 operates hourly from Romanshorn through and to . As of the December 2024 timetable, IC8 services run year-round and are extended to in . IC6 and IC8 lines also utilize IC 2000 formations, while extensions to and other spurs maintain two-hourly patterns on less dense branches. Historically, IC 2000 services expanded to , including St. Gallen and connections, by 2000 following the completion of Bahn 2000 projects that enabled regular-interval timetables on these extensions. Post-2024 timetable adjustments, effective December 2024, refined operations with minor rerouting and frequency tweaks on western lines, such as interruptions for maintenance between and in summer 2025, to optimize capacity amid growing demand. These routes exhibit high utilization, particularly on north-south and east-west corridors, reflecting Switzerland's record rail ridership in 2025.

Locomotives and Formations

The primary locomotives hauling IC 2000 trains are the (SBB) Re 460 class, popularly known as Lok 2000, which are four-axle electric locomotives delivering a maximum power output of 6,400 kW. These locomotives were developed as part of the Bahn 2000 initiative specifically to support push-pull operations with the IC 2000 double-deck coaches, enabling efficient high-speed intercity services across Switzerland's 15 kV 16.7 Hz electrification system. IC 2000 train formations typically comprise 8 to 10 double-deck coaches, including 1 to 2 driving trailers (Bt class) at one or both ends, 6 to 8 intermediate passenger coaches (A first-class, B second-class, or AB combined), and 1 bistro car (BR class) for onboard catering. This configuration operates in push-pull mode, with the locomotive positioned at either end and control transferred to the driving trailer via integrated cab signaling, allowing bidirectional running without repositioning. The Re 460 locomotives incorporate advanced electrical and control systems, including GTO-based traction converters upgraded to IGBT technology, for seamless integration with IC 2000 coaches during push-pull maneuvers. Many units underwent refurbishment starting in the mid-2010s, with major upgrades completed post-2016 to enhance reliability and energy efficiency, ensuring compatibility with the modernized coach fleet. In operations, locomotives are routinely changed at key junctions like Zürich HB to match route-specific power requirements or maintenance schedules, supporting the IC 2000's role on cross-country lines. These trains have a maximum weight of approximately 800 tons, balancing capacity for up to 1,000 passengers with performance under the Re 460's of 300 kN. Maintenance for Re 460 locomotives and IC 2000 coaches is coordinated at SBB's primary facilities in and , where shared servicing optimizes downtime and incorporates upgrades like improved braking systems and pantographs.

Modernization and Future

IC 2020 Refurbishment Project

The IC 2020 Refurbishment Project was announced by (SBB) in late 2016 as the largest modernization effort in the history of its long-distance fleet, with initial planning and preparatory work commencing that year at the workshops. Actual refurbishment operations began in summer 2018, targeting the entire fleet of 341 double-deck coaches for completion by the end of 2024. The project, budgeted at over CHF 300 million, involved around 120 SBB specialists working daily over five years to overhaul the vehicles, ensuring compatibility with the separately refurbished Re 460 locomotives that power IC 2000 formations. First modernized sets returned to service in 2019, operating on key routes between major cities like and . The scope encompassed a full interior renewal to enhance comfort and efficiency, including brighter color schemes, new for 32,000 seats, energy-efficient LED with indirect options for a more welcoming ambiance, and upgraded (HVAC) systems. Exterior updates featured a rebranded livery with gray accents and highlights, distinguishing the IC 2020 from the original IC 2000 design while aligning with SBB's modern fleet aesthetics. Key upgrades included enhanced accessibility measures, such as independent access to dining cars and wheelchair-compatible compartments in every second-class coach, along with optimized entry points for passengers with reduced mobility. Additionally, 40 first-class coaches were fitted with conference tables to support business travelers, replacing traditional compartment layouts. Milestones progressed steadily, with prototypes unveiled in early 2019 and serial production ramping up later that year, culminating in the full fleet achieving modernization by late 2024 despite minor disruptions from the . The overhaul extended the coaches' operational life by approximately 20 years, projecting service until around 2043 and ensuring sustained reliability on Switzerland's network.

Post-Modernization Developments

Following the completion of the IC 2020 refurbishment program in late 2024, the entire IC 2000 fleet returned to full service by early , demonstrating enhanced reliability through upgraded components and systems that support extended operational life. This milestone allowed the double-decker trains to resume their core role in Switzerland's long-distance network without interruptions, with initial post-refurbishment assessments indicating fewer unplanned downtimes compared to pre-2024 levels. In parallel, SBB secured a maintenance contract with in April 2024 to overhaul 250 IC 2000 rail cars, valued at 62.7 million CHF and spanning 2024 to 2030, with an option for 85 additional cars. This agreement emphasizes safety enhancements, such as improved braking systems and structural inspections, alongside comprehensive component overhauls to maintain fleet integrity amid increasing passenger demands. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in ; as of July 2025, users face independent boarding and alighting limitations at 50 stations served by IC 2000 trains, even after modernization efforts to lower entry heights and add ramps. SBB has committed to addressing these gaps through station-specific upgrades, but full barrier-free integration remains incomplete. The fleet adapted seamlessly to the major SBB timetable revision effective December 15, 2024, which introduced the largest changes in western since the Bahn 2000 initiative, with an overall 15% increase in trains to better integrate regional services, though direct frequencies on long-distance routes like Geneva-Zurich were reduced to one per hour. These adjustments boosted capacity on regional lines without compromising on-time performance. Looking ahead, the IC 2000 series is projected to remain in service until at least 2043, supported by the refurbishments that extend vehicle lifespan by 20 years beyond original expectations. Future enhancements may include digital upgrades, such as expanded onboard coverage and real-time passenger information systems, to align with SBB's goals. Performance metrics from 2024 onward reflect these improvements, with the refurbishments contributing to SBB's overall energy efficiency goal of a 600 GWh reduction in consumption by 2025 through measures including optimized climate control and , alongside passenger satisfaction scores of 79.2 (on a 0-100 index) for long-distance services as of 2024.

References

  1. https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/services-on-train/our-trains/ic2000.html
  2. https://www.railtech.com/rolling-stock/2019/02/01/sbb-unveils-refurbished-passenger-double-decker-cars/
  3. https://www.alstom.com/sites/alstom.com/files/2022/12/20/Alstom_Switzerland_Brochure_EN_0.pdf
  4. https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/sbb-unveils-first-modernised-ic2000-coaches/
  5. https://showmethejourney.com/travel-on/train/ic-2000-switzerland/
  6. https://railcolornews.com/2019/02/03/ch-sbb-presents-its-first-fully-modernised-ic2000-coaches/
  7. https://www.railtech.com/all/2024/10/25/images-sbb-unveils-first-of-fully-renovated-intercity-fleet/
  8. https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/impuls-97-bahn-2000s-first-wave/28142.article
  9. https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/success-builds-on-solid-foundations/26317.article
  10. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB873317373959329500
  11. https://electric-rly-society.org.uk/swiss-main-line-train-services-from-the-1980s/
  12. https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/switzerland/
  13. https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/individual-needs/travelling-reduced-mobility/accessible-travel.html
  14. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/upgrade_swiss-intercity-trains-in-for-a-makeover/44230818
  15. https://www.railwaygazette.com/sbb-launches-starbucks-coffee-coach/38882.article
  16. https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/services-on-train/free-internet/freesurf.html
  17. https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/main-line/sbb-to-trial-starbucks-stores-on-inter-city-trains/
  18. https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/individual-needs/travelling-reduced-mobility/travel-planning.html
  19. https://www.bluewin.ch/en/news/switzerland/ic-2000-trains-barrier-free-not-at-these-50-stations-2805582.html
  20. https://hellertal.startbilder.de/bild/Schweiz~Wagen~Personenwagen/822852/sbb-ic2000-2-klasse-doppelstockwagen-b.html
  21. https://www.sebtus.de/steckbrief_extern_sbb_dd.html
  22. https://railway-news.com/prose-wins-international-tender-sbbs-ic2000-modernisation-project/
  23. https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/sbb/
  24. https://www.iamexpat.ch/expat-info/swiss-news/your-guide-sbb-timetable-2025
  25. https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/zurich-to-bern-hbf
  26. https://swissfederalism.ch/en/train-timetable-2025/
  27. https://www.travelmole.com/news/swiss-rail-ceo-interview-international-expansion/
  28. https://mb-drive-services.com/locomotive_re-460/
  29. https://www.railjournal.com/locomotives/sbb-launches-re460-overhaul-programme/
  30. https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/91909/sbb-ic2000-double-decker-train-begins-service-after-new-refurbishments/
  31. http://www.railway-energy.org/static/EnergyEfficiencyTech.pdf
  32. https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/refurbished-sbb-ic2000-coaches-enter-service/
  33. https://www.nzz.ch/schweiz/sbb-modernisiert-wagen-intercity-zuege-fuer-300-millionen-franken-ld.1399969
  34. https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/services-on-train/our-trains/ic2000-modernised.html
  35. https://www.derbund.ch/sbb-plant-groesste-renovation-aller-zeiten-940225192660
  36. https://reporting.sbb.ch/_file/1324/sbb-facts-and-figures-2024.pdf
  37. https://railway-news.com/switzerland-alstom-to-service-250-sbb-ic2000-rail-cars/
  38. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/life-aging/change-to-new-sbb-timetable-went-smoothly/88594290
  39. https://www.bluewin.ch/en/news/switzerland/how-to-benefit-from-the-new-sbb-timetable-2485131.html
  40. https://www.cash.ch/news/top-news/sbb-das-bringt-der-neue-fahrplan-778392
  41. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/biggest-sbb-timetable-change-in-western-switzerland-since-bahn-2000/
  42. https://company.sbb.ch/en/sbb-as-business-partner/services-rus/energy/sustainable-energy/energy-efficiency.html
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