SBB RBDe 560 DOMINO

SBB RBDe 560 'DOMINO'

In 1984, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) began construction of the SBB RBDe 4/4. With a driving trailer and intermediate cars (usually one to three), over 100 NPZ (New Pendulum Train) units were provided. From 2007 onwards, the vehicles underwent a complete refurbishment and continued to operate as DOMINO RBDe 560 trains. In addition to the vehicles for the SBB, there were also units for the Glarus Sprinter (two units) and the Alps Region (thirteen units).

A special intermediate car, called INOVA, was also developed for the DOMINO trains. It is a low-floor intermediate car. Like the RBDe and ABt trains, the INOVA received the refurbished interior of the DOMINO. With the refurbishment, the trains were equipped with air conditioning, a passenger information system, and video surveillance. The door buttons were fitted with large print for blind and visually impaired passengers, and a stop request system was retrofitted. The carpets and seats were replaced. The exterior was also redesigned: The vehicles received a black and white paint scheme.

The use of intermediate cars was a new feature compared to so-called "semi-permanent" multiple units. These cars have a low-floor section in the middle and a standard-floor section above the bogies. Depending on the location, the cars could be used flexibly. This allowed for the operation of two-car (without intermediate cars) and up to six-car commuter trains. In addition to the various uses of the intermediate cars, up to three multiple units could be combined in multiple-unit operation. This made it possible to operate a train with up to 18 cars.