Stadler delivers SMILE high-speed trains to WESTbahn
12.03.2025
On 12 March 2025, Stadler and WESTbahn announced the signing of a contract for the delivery of three SMILE high-speed trains. Set to operate on the Vienna - Graz - Klagenfurt - Villach route from March 2026, these highly comfortable, tried-and-tested trains will significantly enhance the passenger experience. They will be built in Bussnang, Switzerland.
The SMILE will be the first high-speed train from Stadler in Austria and is able to reach speeds of up to 250 km/h. These three new trains set to run on the Vienna - Graz - Klagenfurt - Villach route represent the expansion of the WESTbahn network, demonstrating the important role that Stadler is playing to improve rail travel in the country.
The trains offer the following to enhance passenger comfort:
Low-floor and barrier-free
Light, airy, open design
Air-conditioned pressure-resistant passenger compartments and driver' cab
Accessible toilet in each carriage
Step-free access
Dedicated areas for bicycles
Comfortable adjustable seats available in all classes
Free WiFi
USB ports and plug sockets at every seat
The order of 11-car high-speed train sees WESTbahn modernising its fleet and setting a new standard for sustainable rail travel. Able to travel at much higher speeds than previous trains operating in Austria, the SMILE trains are designed for cross-border rail routes.
Commissioning by WESTbahn as early as March
The three SMILE trains will be integrated into WESTbahn's regular passenger service from March 2026, less than two years after the contract is signed, and will expand the existing KISS double-decker service. Commissioning normally takes four to five years. "We are delighted to have an innovative and forward-looking partner in WESTbahn, and together, be able to deploy state-of-the-art high-speed trains within a very short space of time. The SMILE trains feature the most innovative technologies, high energy efficiency and maximum passenger comfort," says Christian Diewald, Managing Director of Stadler Austria.
Technical data of the new SMILE trains
Length: 202 m
Number of carriages: 11
Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Maximum acceleration: 0.77 m/s2
Track gauge: 1,435 mm
Drive: Electric, multi-system vehicle (15 kV AC, 25 kV AC, 3 kV DC
Low-floor access: For platform heights of 55 cm and 76
Air-sprung drive and bogies
Redundant drive equipment with four traction converters for four motorised bogies
TSI authorisation with network access for Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Austria
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