Austrian Federal railways ÖBB ordered from Stadler 41 new Kiss double-decker EMUs of which 20 six-car and 21 four-car vehicles at a value of EUR 600 million. This is as part of a EUR 3 billion framework agreement signed in February 2022 for the supply of up to 186 double-decker electric multiple units which was cleared in the last instance by the higher administrative court in Vienna, ending legal proceedings.
The new trains are intended to operate the rail network of the eastern region from 2026 providing greater passenger capacity and comfortable travel.
“With these 41 new Cityjet double-decker trains we continue to modernise our local transport fleet in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. From 2026 on, we offer even more capacity and comfort to our passengers, making the switch from individual transport by car to rail transport more attractive to commuters.This is good for our climate and both comfortable and practical for our ÖBB-travellers,” ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä said.
The Kiss double-decker EMUs are designed for a top speed of 160 km/h. They will provide a capacity of 610 seats in the six-car format or 380 seats in the four-car configuration. With improved acceleration behaviour and consequently shorter journey times, it is ideally suited to busy routes.
The design of the new train particularly takes into account the wishes and requirements of passengers for everyday work and leisure trips. Every individual carriage has a low-floor entrance as well as an optimised multi-purpose area with more space and accessibility for passengers with bicycles, pushchairs or luggage. This generously designed multi-purpose area is connected directly to the entrance/exit area and facilitates quick passenger changes.
For passengers with limited mobility, the middle carriage of the composition also has a number wheelchair spaces with new, height-adjustable side-wall tables.
The new trains will also provide passengers a modern interior design, comfortable seats, climate control and sockets in every row of seats. They are fitted with a modern passenger information system – monitors with real-time information, as well as video surveillance system.
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