Stadler is to supply seven rack-equipped electric multiple-units for Mont-Blanc Express services on the 1 000 mm gauge line between Martigny in Switzerland and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet in France.

The two-car EMUs will be equipped for 850 V DC overhead and third rail power supplies. They will have a capacity of 230 passengers, and will be fitted with CCTV.

The €72·6m contract was signed by Stadler, France’s SNCF Voyageurs and Switzerland’s Transports de Martigny et Régions on June 14.

Four of the EMUs are being financed by the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and will designated as Z890 according to the French classification system, and three are being financed the Swiss government (63%) and the canton of Valais (37%) and will be designated Beh 4/8 under the Swiss designation.

They are scheduled to be delivered between September 2024 and July 2025 for entry into service in late 2025, replacing the Vevey/Adtranz/SLM Z800 units in service since 1996-97 which do not meet current Swiss accessibility rules.