The Z 890s

In the early 2020s, the need to increase service frequency and the nearing end-of-life for the aging Z 800 trains, which were not accessible to people with reduced mobility, prompted the acquisition of new rolling stock. A joint order for 7 electric multiple units (EMUs) was placed with Stadler Rail in 2022, consisting of 3 EMUs for TMR and 4 for the French side. The total cost amounts to 76 million Swiss francs (81 million euros). This rolling stock is most often referred to by its French registration, Z 890. According to the Swiss registration system, these vehicles are classified as Beh 4/8.

The first trainset of the series, the Z 891, was delivered to Martigny on April 24, 2025. After transiting from the Stadler factory in Bussnang (Thurgau canton, Switzerland) via the Swiss rail network on a standard-gauge wagon, it was transferred by truck onto the meter-gauge line in Martigny. The first tests on the rack section took place on May 15. The Z 892 was delivered in a similar way on June 18, 2025.

The rolling stock must now get approved on both the Swiss and French networks. Its commercial service entry is planned for 2026.

Technical Characteristics

For the Z 890, the manufacturer Stadler Rail has adapted its 2020s meter-gauge EMUs platform. Technically and aesthetically very similar rolling stock has thus been delivered to various Swiss companies starting in 2023-2024. This platform is sometimes referred to as Saphir (“Sapphire”), although Saphir is actually the name of its specific version for Aargau Verkehr AG (AVA).¹

The Z 890s must be able to operate in both France and Switzerland. They are therefore equipped for adhesion on gradients up to 90 mm/m on the French side, and for rack traction on the Swiss side. Current collection can be done either via third rail or by catenary.

A Z 890 trainset consists of two car bodies connected by an intercirculation gangway. Each car body has two two-axle bogies. The end bogie is powered. The bogie on the intercirculation side is a carrying bogie, and is equipped with a cogwheel for rack braking. All bogies have electromagnetic brake shoes for gradients exceeding 70 mm/m.

Most of the technical equipment is grouped on the roof (inverters, air conditioning in particular). The air reservoirs are located under the car body. An empty trainset weighs 74 metric tons and measures 40 meters in total. The Z 890s can be coupled in multiple units (MU). TMR is extending the platforms on the Swiss side to allow for this type of composition.

The electric brake operates by recuperation: the motors function as generators and re-inject the electricity produced back into the power line.

Livery and Interior Layout

A Z 890 has 89 seated places, 8 tip-up seats, and 135 standing places. It features a bicycle area, a space for people with reduced mobility, and toilets. All doors allow level access to the platform.

The Z 890s feature a dual livery: the half-trainset on the Martigny side is in the colors of Valais (red and white), while the half-trainset on the Saint-Gervais side is in the "AURA" livery (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region) in blue and white.

At the ends, an external display on the front is designed to indicate the train’s destination.

▸ Références bibliographiques

• ¹ Stadler Saphir on Wikipedia.