BLS RABe 525


The BLS RABe 525, also known as NINA or Nina, is a Swiss electric multiple unit built by Bombardier Transportation with electrical equipment by Alstom. The train is principally used by the BLS AG on Bern S-Bahn services, four units belong to RegionAlps. An updated version exists as the BLS RABe 535, also known as Lötschberger, also exists with a revised front end and an interior intended for longer distance services.

Design

The articulated trainset was designed to be built with from two to six sections and with two to six motorized axles. The 3 car units have a length of, they are wide and tall. It has 20 first class seats and 114 second class seats as well as 70 standing places. The 4 car units have a length of, they are wide and tall. It has 20 first class seats and 159 second class seats as well as 85 standing places. The design speed is. The RABe 525 and 535 are technically equal in terms of traction equipment.

Operation

The RABe 525 is used on the following routes:
  • –
  • ––
  • / Thun––––-
  • –Burgdorf–
  • Bern–– + –
  • / –––
  • Lucerne–Wolhusen–
  • ––

    Refit program

Between 2015 and 2019, BLS modernised its entire Nina fleet. The 1st class is no longer be in the high-floor compartment, but has been moved to the low-floor area. The lighting has also been adapted so that all compartments are well lit. The toilets were also be slightly adapted. A standing area was created in 2nd class and the colour scheme inside and outside the vehicles was standardised so that all trains have the same design. The refit was completed in June 2019.

Named units

BLS initially named the NINA after bodies of water. Later, "Wankdorf" was added as a stop and "Konolfingen" was the first place with a coat of arms. After the refit, two more NINAs were baptised with the coats of arms of towns.
Only the baptised vehicles are listed:

UnitNameImage
525 001La Thielle/Zihl
525 002Schwarzwasser
525 003Emme
525 004La Broye
525 005Aare
525 005Menznau
525 006Gürbe
525 006Willisau
525 007Gäbelbach
525 007Huttwil
525 008La Sarine/Saane
525 009Schwarzsee
525 010Gerzensee
525 010LINA



UnitNameImage
525 011Müntschemier
525 012Mühleberg
525 013Konolfingen
525 014Wohlensee
525 017Grabebach
525 018Thunersee
525 020Scherlibach
525 022Worble
525 026Chräbsbach
525 027Glütschbach
525 028La Bibera/Bibere
525 033Wankdorf