Austrian Federal Railways has unveiled the first ÖBB Kiss Cityjet double-decker EMU at St Pölten station that will meet increasing transport demand on local and regional networks.
The new trains are to be used in the eastern region from the 2026 timetable, and in the same year the first 41 trains will enter transport services. A total of 109 new Cityjet double-decker trains have been ordered from Stadler, of which 20 are six-car and 89 are four-car trainsets. The company invests EUR 1.5 billion to acquire the Kiss fleet.
The introduction of these modern double-decker trains is part of the ÖBB’s largest investment programme which provides EUR 6.1 billion for the purchase of a total of around 330 new trains by 2030.
The six-car ÖBB Kiss Cityjet double-decker electric multiple unit provides a capacity of up to 591 seats and spaces for 60 bicycles providing significant expansion of local transport.
“From December 2025, we will be bringing the new barrier-free trains with the highest level of comfort, up to eight carriages with up to 210 meters and 160 km/h instead of the previous five carriages with 140 km/h per train and thus more seats onto the rails. After all, public transport only works as well as the offer with attractive intervals and travel times. This includes punctuality, comfort and fast connections,” the Deputy Governor of the Austrian region of Lower Austria, Udo Landbauer said.
“Our double-decker trains have proven themselves in local transport for years. With an expected passenger record in 2024, it is clear that we need more capacity. Especially in the eastern region, where around two thirds of local transport services are provided, the train is the daily means of mobility for many people. The new Cityjet double-decker not only offers more seats, but also modern comfort such as spacious multi-purpose areas for bicycles and strollers as well as barrier-free boarding and alighting areas,” the CEO of ÖBB, Andreas Matthä, said.
The new double-decker trains will mainly be in the eastern region. Their main area of operation will be the north-south axis via the Vienna main line. This includes connections in REX traffic from Znojmo/Retz via the Nordwestbahn or Břeclav/Bernhardsthal via the Nordbahn to the Vienna main line and further via the Südbahn to Wiener Neustadt and Payerbach-Reichenau.
“The train is an indispensable means of transport for many Lower Austrians, so I am delighted about the new trains. I am convinced that they will increase comfort for passengers in the eastern region. That is important and right. It is just as important that the western route is now back in full operation as soon as possible,” said Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of the Austrian region of Lower Austria.
The new trains also offer technological innovations and amenities, including air conditioning, power sockets including USB ports in every row of seats, a modern passenger information system, as well as free WiFi and video surveillance.
Technical data at a glance:
- Maximum speed: 160 km/h;
- Train length: 160 m (six-car set) or 105 m (four-car set);
- Seating capacity: approx. 591 (six-car set) or approx. 371 (four-part set);
- Bicycle spaces: up to 60 (six-part set) or up to 36 (four-part set)
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