Skip to main content
TILO FLIRT train of SBB in Switzerland during service life extension project, modern electric multiple unit on track.

Vehicle life extension TILO FLIRT

Customer: SBB, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Overall project management of the TILO FLIRT service life extension
  • Project reporting to the steering committee
  • Project planning and realisation of the detailed concept phase
  • Funding application ARPV
  • Project planning and implementation of the realisation phase
  • Leading the SBB project team

Our approach

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates 54 Flirt trains with TILO. These trains were purchased in five phases between 2007 and 2020 and were designed for a service life of 25 years. In order to be able to replace all TILO Flirt trains simultaneously as part of a new procurement project, SBB plans to extend the service life of the two oldest sub-fleets to 32 years.

PROSE is responsible for the overall management of the project to extend the service life of the TILO train fleet. Over 2 ½ years, we led a dedicated project team within SBB, ensuring seamless collaboration between customer requirements, technology, development, production, quality, and supply chain management.

A key milestone was the detailed concept phase, where PROSE’s structured approach ensured that requirements management, technical concept development, and prototype conversion were all completed on time and within budget. Our expertise in certification played a crucial role in securing the necessary licences for both Switzerland and Italy, a fundamental step in keeping the project on track.
PROSE also spearheaded the successful funding application (ARPV) to the responsible cantons and the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), securing approval to finance the conversion of the entire fleet of 30 trains.

During the production phase, we worked closely with the SBB production plant to ensure a smooth transition to series conversion. With production successfully underway, PROSE carefully handed over the project to SBB, ensuring continued progress and a reliable future for the TILO fleet.

Customer benefit

With PROSE as a partner, the customer benefits from comprehensive expertise in the areas of project management, stakeholder management, project planning, change management and cost control. An entrepreneurial approach, sound technical knowledge, but also knowledge of SBB processes and organisation are essential for successful project implementation.

Beyond technical know-how, our understanding of SBB’s processes and organisation was a key factor in keeping the project on track. By working with PROSE, the customer was able to bridge resource gaps, tap into our extensive railway industry network, and benefit from independent, expert advice that led to a successful project outcome.

 

    

Technical support and documentation for the modernisation of the EMU class 72

Customer: Alstom, Sweden

Project tasks

  • Requirements capture
  • Electrical system engineering
  • Technical writing

Our approach

PROSE provided technical support and documentation for the modernisation of the EMU vehicle class 72. An electrical systems engineer ensured that key upgrades—such as LED front lighting, USB ports, and interior lighting—met modern standards. In addition, two technical writers were assigned to update the existing technical documentation to reflect the improvements.

Our electrical systems engineering team took a methodical approach to ensure that all subsystems met functional requirements and complied with current standards and regulations. Our focus was to check subsystems such as LED front lights, USB contacts and passenger information systems (PIS). When we found gaps between existing components and required standards, we recommended improvements. Our thorough approach ensured that every aspect of the electrical system was optimised for modern operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Customer benefit

Our expertise allowed for a quick project start, helping the customer save valuable delivery time. ALSTOM also appreciated PROSE’s support on safety and regulatory matters, ensuring all requirements were met efficiently.

 

      

Engineering project IC2020-fleet

Customer: SBB, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Creation of technical concepts
  • Preparation of the technical procurement documents BöB/VöB
  • Technical evaluation of suppliers
  • Preparation of the technical documentation for the retrofit
  • Accompanying prototype production on site in Olten
  • Updating commissioning instructions
  • Updating maintenance documents
  • Support in the approval process
  • Creation and monitoring of weight management

Our Approach

In a first step PROSE investigated the measures identified by SBB in the study phase and worked out the concept. PROSE prepared the technical procurement documents, such as specifications, technical requirement catalogues and interface drawings. The offers submitted by the potential suppliers were technically evaluated by PROSE and adjusted in the course of the technical negotiations. In the detailing phase, the system to be delivered was integrated into the vehicle documentation in cooperation with the suppliers who were awarded the contract by SBB.

Customer benefit

An international team of specialists from 4 countries is involved in the project at PROSE. Due to the project organisation PROSE is close to the customer SBB and therefore part of the overall project team. The creation of the production documents was done directly in the IT environment of SBB.

 

Mid-life maintenance of PRIMA BB27000 and BB37000 locomotives

Customer: AKIEM, France

Project tasks

  • Definition of the operations to be carried out for the mid-life maintenance of PRIMA locomotives
  • Identification of ways to increase reliability
  • Treatment of component obsolescence
  • List of changes that can be implemented in mid-life operation
  • Solutions for a hardware refresh
  • Definition of the industrialization process for mid-life
  • Analysis of the risks associated with the residual life of the equipment

Our Approach

PROSE has developed a high level of expertise in the PRIMA-E locomotive type, maintenance definition and reliability growth action plan.

Customer benefit

Thanks to its expertise in the field of rolling stock, over the entire life cycle, PROSE can offer its best services to accompany its customer through all the stages of the life of its locomotives.

Technical documentation in the SJ X2000 refurbishment project

Customer: SJ AB, Sweden

Project tasks

  • Technical documentation
  • Translation
  • Coordination
  • Verification

Our Approach

PROSE contributed to the project by assisting in creation of new technical documents for the refurbished train fleet, as well as with translation, coordination, and internal review. Around 400 documents have been created for the project, and subsequently reviewed by the customer. PROSE’s team of technical writers contributed to update, and create new system manuals, maintenance manuals, spare parts catalogues, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic data sheets (DDS lists), component sheet, training documentation, etc.

Customer benefit

PROSE supported ABB and Stadler in the creation and translation of new technical documentation for SJ. The documentation was created in the office, combined with work in the depot, to make sure every product/function was clearly described. This helps operators to understand the updated products and systems, ensures correct use of the products and guarantees safety in maintenance work.

Implementation of the approval project for lifting platforms used on tunnel maintenance vehicles

Customer: SBB Infrastructure, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Homologation management
  • Risk analysis on system level
  • Verification of stability by calculation
  • Verification of occupational safety, railroad safety

Our Approach

In a first phase, the basics for approval had to be elaborated for the two applications. Then, the feasibility was evaluated concluding a proof of stability, but also regarding commercial aspects. The necessary measures were derived here after to ensure safe operation. This report was discussed with the customer and the responsible authority (FOT).  In the second phase, the customer implemented the measures, PROSE controlled this implementation and prepared an evidence report.

Customer benefit

With the practical knowledge of the involved persons from SBB and PROSE, simple, cost-effective and practicable measures could be realized. The step by step process lead to legal certainty without investment before it was clear, that the project will reach its objective. By considering worker’s safety from the very beginning, the approval process could be simplified. Thus, no separate approval with a second approval authority was necessary, reducing time and costs as well as the related approval risk.

Support for procurement of catenary line installation vehicle

Customer: Furrer+Frey AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Technical clarification, evaluation
  • Preparation and negotiation of the contract framework
  • Project management and client representation
  • Examination of the railspecific specifications
  • Manufacturing supervision
  • Homologation support in Switzerland, Germany and Austria
  • Service introduction support

Our Approach

In the tender phase Furrer+Frey AG entrusted PROSE with the technical clarification for the evaluation as well as with preparation and negotiation of the contract framework. In the execution phase PROSE officially represented the customer.

Customer benefit

Furrer+Frey AG profits from PROSE’s vast experience with procurement of rolling stock and from PROSE’s rail-specific expert knowledge. Competent and experienced experts provide support in the fields of design, development, manufacture and homologation of vehicles so that the customer does not have to provide project-specific resources. The project team managed by PROSE realizes early delivery of a customized vehicle adapted to the company’s work processes. The positive operating approval for Switzerland is included and the budget limit not exceeded.

Support for procurement of a road-rail motor tower car

Customer: BERNMOBIL, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Requirements management
  • Contract for work and materials as well as call for tenders
  • Evaluation of tenders
  • Examination of the specifications
  • Manufacturing supervision
  • Acceptance support
  • Test support FOT

Our Approach

In the tender phase BERNMOBIL engaged PROSE with requirements management, which included the preparation of the requirements specification and all other documents needed for the public request for tenders. Apart from the technical specifications, this also included work and material contracts, availability and reliability requirements, the evaluation model with assessment matrix, and general conditions for the future maintenance and support contract covering the first ten years of operation.

Customer benefit

BERNMOBIL profited from our vast, practice-oriented experience with procurement of rolling stock, as well as from our rail-specific expert knowledge. PROSE also provided access to competent and experienced contacts who could answer questions regarding the design, development, production and homologation of vehicles. The customer was also able to take advantage from the knowledge acquired by PROSE during the execution phase for all important project steps.

Support for the purchase of low-floor trams

Customer: Basel public transport authority (BVB), Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Capture customer wishes concerning vehicle technology
  • Support documentation of the resulting technical requirements
  • Consider the current state of technology
  • Take account of current technical rules and standards
  • Revise the draft specification
  • Conduct a technical evaluation of the submitted bids

Our Approach

PROSE employs experts with many years’ experience in rail passenger transport. This allowed PROSE to put the tender call in a correct and due form and to state the customer’s requirements so as to facilitate their practical implementation. PROSE also brought in current technical rules and standards and took current laws and regulations into account.

Customer benefit

The customer gained value because the PROSE experts, reduced the commitment of customer resources in the tender call’s development and because PROSE introduced knowledge of current technology and of corresponding systems and components in developing the concept for the tram. PROSE took into account the experience of other public transport agencies in recent rolling stock procurement projects and contributed to a neutral and impartial bid evaluation.

 

Owner’s representative for FLIRT 3 vehicles

Customer: Landesanstalt für Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Project tasks

  • Evaluation of project deviations with regard to functional requirements, quality and schedule
  • Supervision of high quality manufacturing of all 66 FLIRT 3 trains
  • Monitoring of vehicle condition/maintenance during operation for the duration of the operation contract (9 years)

Our approach

Once the operator, the vehicle supplier Stadler and the vehicle maintainer have been appointed to carry out the operation Baden-Württemberg, PROSE was engaged with the Technical Controlling. The goal of this Technical Controlling is to ensure a long term maintaining of the vehicle asset value with an owners perspective. This Technical Controlling consist of a development phase and a operational controlling phase. In the development phase the various vehicle assessments we developed and defined. In the operational phase of the project production quality of 66 FLIRT vehicles has been stepwise assessed and reported to the owner. Over the concession period of 9 years the vehicle maintenance quality is regularly assessed and reported.

Customer benefit

The customer benefits from risk minimisation and quality assurance in vehicle procurement. Furthermore, proper executed delivery and homologation are ensured, as is the assurance of the vehicle’s condition during operation and maintenance.

 

 

Ad interim locomotive fleet manager

Customer: SBB Cargo, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • ​ECM Migration
  • ANSF Approval Re484
  • Re484 Analysis power converter, compressor, emergency stop
  • Planning R2 Re484
  • Planning R2 Re474
  • Midlife measures Re482
  • Technical Mentoring Obsolescence Manager: Competence Matrix ECM2
  • Leadership Coaching ECM2 Manager: White paper and concept for Life Extension Re620

Our Approach

In addition to ensuring operational safety within the framework of the ECM2 function compared to the upstream and downstream ECM functions, PROSE took care of the sustainable improvement of the availability of the new fleet. The integration of PROSE experts in technical questions considerably increased the expertise available on site.​

Customer benefit

With this ad interim solution, the customer SBB Cargo received a flexibly deployable expertise with broad technical support from PROSE, who quickly and filled this specific personnel assignment. In addition to the operational security function within the framework of ECM2, this solution provided increased benefits in terms of availability, development and regulations. In addition, PROSE led the newly appointed obsolescence manager in the establishment of the competence matrix of the ECM2 team for the auditcapable mapping of competence management within the framework of technical mentoring.

Leadership Coaching ECM2 Manager for life cycle extension locomotive Re620

Customer: SBB Cargo, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Review of contents Re620
  • Technical Mentoring old Locomotives Fleet Manager
  • Leadership Coaching ECM2-Manager in Conceptualisation

Our approach

PROSE developed a three-stage concept as part of a professional coaching phase for the current ECM2 manager of SBB Cargo; taking into account the stabilisation of reliability and availability up to 2035 at the level of 2020 and the completion of revision R2 with a defined content, a planned annual mileage up to End of Life (EoL) of 120 thousand kilometres p.a. or 1.8 million km and a removal of the separation between light (SBB Cargo) and heavy maintenance (SBB-P, Bellinzona industrial plant), which had arisen as a result of the organisational split-up within the SBB Group.

Customer benefit

This concept gave SBB Cargo a sustainable opportunity to operate the strategically important Re6/6 fleet for a further fifteen years. The current ECM2 manager received management coaching at the appropriate level for the conception of a fifteen-year life extension for the Re620 (SLM) old locomotive from the 1970s.

 

info@prose.one

 

Our solutions
© PROSE. All rights reserved
Disclaimer     Privacy Policy