The Slovakian rail company ZSSK and Stadler signed a contract for the manufacture and delivery of four Kiss double-decker EMUs expected to be delivered the end of 2023. The contract worth EUR 76.95 million, with an average price of EUR 19.2 million per train.
This is the first time that Stadler will supply its double-decker vehicle with electric drive to operate on the Slovakian rail network.
The six-car vehicles are 155 metres long and have a capacity of 611 seats, 30 of which in 1st class and 552 seats in 2nd class. They are characterised by high drive power and sprint-capable acceleration. When operating on electric drive powered via the overhead contact line, the Kiss vehicles can reach a maximum speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour.
The trains have a step-free entrance area and four toilets, one of which is for people with reduced mobility. The multifunctional compartments offer not only places for wheelchair users, but also generous storage space for bicycles, prams and luggag.
The new trains have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the passenger compartments and driver’s cabs.
Passengers benefit from a modern passenger information system (PIS) and WLAN. The trains are equipped with cameras inside and outside as well as on the roof to observe the pantograph ensure safe rail operation. The vehicles are also fitted with a certified energy consumption measuring system and a precise passenger counting system. The drivers can take advantage of a modern, ergonomically designed driver’s cab.
The Kiss double-decker EMUs will operate on regional lines in western and central Slovakia on the railway lines of Nitra, Trnava, Trenčín and Žilina regions. The trains will also operate in Bratislava region, on the Bratislava – Žilina, Bratislava – Nové Zámky and Bratislava – Kúty lines. Under certain circumstances they will also operate in the Banská Bystrica region.
“Modern electric units are really crucial for the regional transport of busy routes in western Slovakia and for maintaining the comfort of our passengers. By strengthening rail transport with another four modern double-decker units, we are trying to respond to congested routes and provide people with the opportunity to travel quickly, safely and ecologically,” Roman Koreň, the Chairman of the Board of ZSSK said.
The ZSSK fleet already includes 21 single-decker articulated railcars (GTW) from Stadler, 15 of which are narrow-gauge GTW with electric drive and 6 are standard-gauge GTW with diesel-electric drive.
In autumn 2018, ZSSK also placed an order with Stadler for five GTW rack-and-pinion adhesion multiple units and a multifunctional rack-and-pinion adhesion locomotive for use on the rack-and-pinion and adhesion network of the metre-gauge electric TEŽ mountain railways in the High Tatras, the “smallest high mountain range in the world”.
To modernise its fleet, this year, ZSSK has signed a contract for nine 4-car RegioPanter EMUs with an option for 11 additional units.
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