The locomotive and its matching Bt model Steuerwagen (translation: control car/cab car/driving trailer) form compositions generally known as the Neuer Pendelzug (New Push-pull Train), which is the source of the acronym NPZ.

All four trainsets (RBDe 560 + Bt) were delivered in different color schemes, one of which was the livery used for the main series (blue over white sides, yellow doors, and red faces).

The striking contrast to the green color scheme of previous SBB passenger stock led to the name Kolibri (Hummingbird), which is, however, rarely used.

Nearly all the RBDe 560 sets have been named after smaller municipalities along the lines served by these trainset received the appropriate coat of arms.

For cost reasons, up to the procurement of new low floor intermediate cars Domino starting in 2006, modernized Einheitswagen (EW) I and II coaches are used to achieve the desired passenger capacity.

The motor cars have a power output of 1650 kW, a maximum speed of 140 km/h, a weight of 70 tons, and are 25 meters long.

The motor cars and driving trailers are being refurbished and then matched with new air-conditioned low floor intermediate coaches to form Domino trains.

In addition, numerous examples have logos of the various Swiss S-Bahn systems (Zürich, Basel, Bern, Ostwind, Réseau Express Vaudois, etc.)

One set, RBDe 560 131 with Bt 29-35 931 got a special livery "train des vignes" for the Vevey–Puidoux-Chexbres line plus a stop on request system.

Because they operate into Germany as well as within Switzerland, the vehicles were equipped with the Indusi train safety system and a wider pantograph shoe.

They worked as RBDe 561 171-174/AB 30-35 671–674/Bt 29-35 971–976 in the S-Bahn Luzern system, partly over BLS tracks, for some time and have now been withdrawn.

The Chemin de fer Pont Brassus (PBr) has never possessed its own locomotives, but has always subcontracted operation to the SBB, which guarantees through service between Vallorbe–Le Pont (SBB) and the PBr route Le Pont-Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux.

Only small labels referring to the PBr as the owner of these vehicles distinguished them, while the SBB remains responsible for their maintenance and operation.

After the January 2001 merger of the PBr with the Chemin de fer Yverdon - Ste Croix (YSteC), which formed TRAVYS, the trainsets were repainted into that company's new livery and the motor coaches renumbered RBDe 568 384-385.