Hungarian passenger operator MÁV-START Zrt. and Stadler have signed a framework agreement about the delivery of up to 40 6-car double-deck Kiss EMUs. MÁV-START has an obligation to order a minimum of ten units from Stadler. The value of the first assignment will amount to EUR 195 million including training and spare parts.
The 155.88 meter long, 2.8 meter wide and 4.6 meter high units will consist of 6 coaches and 600 seats, and will be able to carry 50% more passengers compared to a single decker unit with the same length. The new vehicles, which have been designed according to the latest safety standards, will be equipped with EVM and ETCS Level 2 train control systems, making them able to run at a top speed of 160 km/h on the modernized railway lines of Hungary. Passenger comfort will be enhanced by the exceptionally smooth running, a state-of-the-art passenger information system, a spacious and bright interior, cutting edge air conditioning, and free WIFI.
The new trains, which will be the first double-deckers in the history of the Hungarian railways, are expected to enter service in the spring of 2019. The new trains will also be compatible with the existing 123 Flirt EMUs delivered by Stadler in the past ten years, providing MÁV-START with exceptional flexibility with regard to the operational possibilities.
The trains will be deployed primarily on the busy suburban lines of Budapest-Vác-Szob and Budapest-Cegléd-Szolnok between 2019-2020, but also on high intensity regional lines around Debrecen and Nyíregyháza, as well as at the lakes of Balaton and Velence in the summer season. The remaining units can also be used later on the lines of Budapest-Újszász-Szolnok and Budapest–Hatvan–Gyöngyös.
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