{{short description|Swiss electric multiple unit train}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox train | background = | name = RABe 525 | image = BLS NINA 29 fährt in Hüswil ein (2019).jpg | imagealt = Silver train with green accents | imagesize = 300px | caption = BLS {{Abbr|No.|Number}} 029 at {{rws|Hüswil}} in 2019 | interiorimage = | interiorimagealt = | interiorcaption = | service = 1998–present | manufacturer = Vevey Technologies (1998–2001)<br />Bombardier (from 2001)<br />Alstom/Traxis (formerly Holec) | designer = | assembly = | ordernumber = | factory = | family = | replaced = | yearconstruction = | yearservice = | refurbishment = 2015-2019 | yearscrapped = | numberconstruction = | numberbuilt = 37 | numberservice = 36 | numberpreserved = | numberscrapped = 1 | predecessor = | successor = | formation = | diagram = | code = | fleetnumbers = {{Plainlist| * 001–014, 028–030, 032–037 (3 car units) * 015-027 (4 car units) }} | capacity = {{Plainlist| * 134 seated + 70 standees (3 car unit) * 179 seated + 85 standees (4 car unit) }} | owner = | operator = BLS AG | depots = | lines = | carbody = | trainlength = {{Plainlist| * {{convert|47.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} (3 car unit) * {{convert|61.9|m|ft|abbr=on}} (4 car unit) }} | carlength = | width = {{convert|3030|mm|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | height = {{convert|4315|mm|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | lowfloor = | floorheight = | platformheight = | entrylevelorstep = | doors = | art-sections = 3 or 4 | wheeldiameter = powered: 750/680 mm<ref name=ser2003-2 /><br>non-powered: 630/560 mm<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | wheelbase = powered: 2500 mm<ref name=ser2003-2 /><br>non-powered: 2700 mm<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | maxspeed = {{convert|140|kph|abbr=on}} | weight = {{Plainlist| * 79 t (3 car unit) * 96 t (4 car unit) }} | axleload = | steep gradient = | traction = 3-phase (IGBT-VVVF)<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | engine = | enginetype = | cylindercount = | cylindersize = | displacement = | traction motors = 4-pole asynchronous 3-phase motor<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | poweroutput = 4× 256 kW<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | tractiveeffort = 105 kN<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | transmission = | gearbox = | gearratio = 1 : 4,376<ref name=ser2006-11 /> | acceleration = 1,2 m/s<sup>2</sup><ref name=ser2003-2 /> | deceleration = 1,3 - 1,9 m/s<sup>2</sup><ref name=ser2003-2 /> | aux = | powersupply = | hvac = | electricsystem = {{15 kV AC}} | collectionmethod = | uicclass = Bo'2'2'Bo' / Bo'2'2'2'Bo' | aarwheels = | wheels driven = | bogies = | minimum curve = 100 m<ref name=ser2003-2 /> | brakes = | safety = | coupling = | multipleworking = | light = | gauge = {{track gauge|standard}} | notes = <ref>{{Cite web |last=BLS |title=Charter trains: RABe 525 – low-floor regional train "NINA" |url=https://www.bls.ch/en/freizeit-und-ferien/charter/flotte-rabe-525-nina |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=BLS |date=10 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> | box_width = | label_width = | seating = | stocktype = Electric multiple unit }} [[File:RABe525NINA.jpg|thumb|right|A BLS RABe 525 Nina train in Langnau im Emmental railway station]] right|thumb|A BLS RABe 535 Lötschberger in multiple unit with a Nina 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 (525 038-041) 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 {{convert|47.7|m|ftin|}}, they are {{convert|3,030|mm|ftin|}} wide and {{convert|4,315|mm|ftin|}} tall.<ref name=ser2003-2>{{Cite news |last=Stöckli |first=Josef |last2=Vorburger |first2=Hans |year=2003 |title=Die Niederflur-Nahverkehrs-Pendelzüge RABe 252 "NINA" der BLS, TMR und TRN |work=Schweizer Eisenbahn-Revue |pages=68–79 |language=de |issue=2 |issn=1022-7113}}</ref> 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 {{convert|61.9|m|ftin|}}, they are {{convert|3,030|mm|ftin|}} wide and {{convert|4,315|mm|ftin|}} tall. It has 20 first class seats and 159 second class seats as well as 85 standing places. The design speed is {{convert|140|kph|abbr=on}}. The RABe 525 and 535 are technically equal in terms of traction equipment.<ref name=ser2006-11>{{Cite journal |last=Gerber |first=Peter |year=2006 |title=Die BLS bestellt 13 Niederflur-Triebzüge RABe 525 für den Regio-Express Lötschberg |journal=Schweizer Eisenbahn-Revue |language=de |publisher=Minirex AG |issue=11 |pages=541–544 |issn=1022-7113}}</ref>
== Operation == The RABe 525 is used on the following routes: * {{rcb|Bern S-Bahn|S36|inline=croute}} {{rws|Lyss}}–{{rws|Büren an der Aare}} * {{rcb|Bern S-Bahn|S42|inline=croute}} {{rws|Hasle-Rüegsau}}–{{rws|Konolfingen}}–{{rws|Thun}} * {{rcb|Bern S-Bahn|S44|inline=croute}}/{{rcb|Bern S-Bahn|S45|inline=croute}} Thun–{{rws|Belp}}–{{rws|Bern}}–{{rws|Burgdorf}}–{{rws|Ramsei}}-{{rws|Sumiswald-Grünen}} * {{rcb|Bern S-Bahn|S46|inline=croute}} {{rws|Solothurn}}–Burgdorf–{{rws|Ostermundigen}} * {{rcb|Bern S-Bahn|S5|inline=croute}} Bern–{{rws|Kerzers}}–{{rws|Neuchâtel}} + {{rws|Murten/Morat}}–{{rws|Payerne}} * {{rcb|Lucerne S-Bahn|6|inline=croute}}/{{rcb|Lucerne S-Bahn|7|inline=croute}} {{rws|Lucerne}}–{{rws|Wolhusen}}–{{rws|Huttwil}}–{{rws|Langenthal}} * {{rcb|Lucerne S-Bahn|77|inline=croute}} Lucerne–Wolhusen–{{rws|Willisau}} * {{rcb|BLS|RE2|inline=croute}} {{rws|Domodossola}}–{{rws|Brig}}–{{rws|Visp}}
== Refit program == Between 2015 and 2019, BLS modernised its entire Nina fleet. The 1st class is no longer 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bls.ch/en/unternehmen/ueber-uns/flotte/refit-nina |title=Refit for the "NINA" trains completed |work=BLS.ch |date=8 September 2017 |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> The refit was completed in June 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bahnonline.ch/bo/58445/alle-bls-nina-zuege-modernisiert.htm |title=Alle BLS NINA-Züge modernisiert |language=de |work=Bahnonline.ch |date=2019-06-26 |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref>
== 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: <div style=display:inline-grid> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- class="hintergrundfarbe6" ! Unit ! Name ! Image |- |525 001 || La Thielle/Zihl {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 001 |- |525 002 || Schwarzwasser {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 002 |- |525 003 || Emme {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 003 |- |525 004 || La Broye {{ref label|rAeference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 004 |- | rowspan="2" |525 005 || Aare {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 005 |- | Menznau {{ref label|reference_name_2|2|2}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 005 |- | rowspan="2" |525 006 || Gürbe {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 006 |- | Willisau {{ref label|reference_name_2|2|2}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 006 |- | rowspan="2" |525 007 || Gäbelbach {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 007 |- | Huttwil {{ref label|reference_name_2|2|2}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 007 |- |525 008 || La Sarine/Saane {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 008 |- |525 009 || Schwarzsee {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 009 |- | rowspan="2" | 525 010 || Gerzensee {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 010 |- | LINA || 50px|BLS RABe 525 010 |} </div>
<div style=display:inline-grid>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- class="hintergrundfarbe6" ! Unit ! Name ! Image |- |525 011 || Müntschemier {{ref label|reference_name_2|2|2}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 011 |- |525 012 || Mühleberg {{ref label|reference_name_2|2|2}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 012 |- |525 013 || Konolfingen {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} {{ref label|reference_name_2|2|2}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 013 |- |525 014 || Wohlensee {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 014 |- |525 017 || Grabebach {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 017 |- |525 018 || Thunersee {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 018 |- |525 020 || Scherlibach {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 020 |- |525 022 || Worble {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 022 |- |525 026 || Chräbsbach {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 026 |- |525 027 || Glütschbach {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 027 |- |525 028 || La Bibera/Bibere {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 028 |- |525 033 || Wankdorf {{ref label|reference_name_1|1|1}} {{ref label|reference_name_3|3|3}} || 50px|BLS RABe 525 033 |} </div>
:{{note label|reference_name_1|1|1}}Baptism name removed after modernisation :{{note label|reference_name_2|2|2}}Municipal coat of arms instead of rivers :{{note label|reference_name_3|3|3}}Station instead of river
== References == {{reflist}}
== Bibliography == *Josef Stöckli, Hans Vorburger: ''Die Niederflur-Nahverkehrs-Pendelzüge RABe 525 „NINA“ der BLS, TMR und TRN''. In: Eisenbahn-Revue International, Heft 2/2003, {{ISSN|1421-2811}}, S. 68–79.
==External links== * {{commons category-inline|Bombardier NINA}} * [https://www.bls.ch/en/unternehmen/ueber-uns/flotte/flotte-rabe-525-nina Vehicle description of RABe 525 from the BLS web site]
Category:Multiple units of Switzerland Category:Bombardier Transportation multiple units Category:Long stubs with short prose