More capacity in local and long-distance transport: ÖBB orders another 35 new double-decker multiple units from Stadler

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is once again ordering 35 new KISS double-decker multiple units from Stadler. In addition to 14 trains for long-distance services, Stadler is also supplying 21 KISS vehicles for local transport. The order is part of the framework agreement signed in 2022 for up to 186 double-decker multiple units. Including the first call-off, 76 vehicles were thus ordered. Thanks to its high degree of innovation and generous space, the KISS has impressed customers in 14 countries.

ÖBB and Stadler are continuing the joint replacement of the Austrian local and long-distance transport fleet. Last year, ÖBB called off 41 KISS double-decker multiple units from a framework agreement for 186 trains. ÖBB and Stadler have signed the contract for exercising the next option with a volume of around 600 million euros. This comprises a total of 35 new double-decker multiple units, 14 of which are six-car trains for long-distance services and 21 are four-car KISS vehicles for local transport. The deployment of the new trains is planned in stages from mid-2026.

The KISS double-deck multiple units ordered as part of the first call-off in April 2022 will go into assembly on schedule and are scheduled for service in the eastern region as of 2026. For Stadler, it is a great vote of confidence and proof of the good cooperation that ÖBB is already calling off such a high number of further trains in this project phase.

“Stadler and ÖBB have set themselves the goal of jointly modernising Austrian rail transport. With its high degree of innovation, our KISS model is an essential solution for passenger- and environmentally-friendly rail transport – on both local and long-distance routes. We would like to thank ÖBB for their trust in us. We look forward to working together to deliver the next generation of double-decker multiple units for Austria,” says Peter Spuhler, Executive Chairman of Stadler’s Board of Directors.

"At ÖBB, the passenger boom continues: Long-distance transport recorded a total of 41.6 million passengers in 2022 - even surpassing our previous record year of 2019. Not only are we very proud of this result, but we are also implementing other measures to further increase capacity on our trains. We are investing in the heart of our long-distance service - the Railjet - and will be adding modern Railjet double-decker trains to the existing fleet for the first time," says ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä.

Maximum capacity for tomorrow's rail transport

Since 2010, the KISS has been successfully operating as a local or long-distance train with a high passenger capacity from Western Europe to the Caspian Sea - and soon also in the USA. Since the first delivery, 620 double-deck trains have been sold in 14 countries. Under a wide range of climatic conditions, in climates from Silicon Valley to Azerbaijan, from suburban trains to long-distance transport, the KISS cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers every day. Hardly any other double-decker vehicle concept demonstrates such flexibility.

For the rail transport of tomorrow

The new double-decker multiple unit offers around 380 seats in the four-car configuration for local transport. The six-car long-distance trains provide around 480 seats in 1st and 2nd class, and have two catering zones. They can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

When designing the new train, special consideration was given to the wishes and requirements of passengers for their daily journeys to and from work and during their leisure time. Every single car has a low-floor entrance and an optimised multi-purpose area with more space and accessibility for passengers with bicycles, pushchairs or luggage. This spaciously designed multi-purpose area is directly connected to the boarding and alighting areas, enabling passengers to enter and exit quickly.

In the new KISS vehicle, passengers can also expect a modern interior design, comfortable seats, automatic air conditioning and power outlets in every row of seats. In addition, the new trains are equipped with a modern passenger information system (monitors with real-time information) and video surveillance. For passengers with limited mobility, the middle car of the compositions has specially dedicated wheelchair spaces with new, height-adjustable side wall tables.

Stadler expands in Austria

Thanks to the increased presence of its vehicles and the rising volume of orders in Austria, Stadler is further expanding its location in Vienna. This will enable the company to focus even better on its customers in Austria. In addition to the sales office, an engineering hub is being established in Vienna to enable the efficient and rapid implementation of customized solutions for customers in Austria in the future. The new competence center will create around 50 new qualified jobs for engineers in the fields of development, approval and service.