Photo: StadlerÖsterreichische Bundesbahnen (Austrian Federal railways – ÖBB) has ordered 41 new KISS-type double-decker multiple units from
Stadler, the Swiss manufacturer of railway rolling stock. The order is being placed as part of the framework agreement signed this year for up to 186 double-decker multiple units, for a total value of up to 3 billion euros.
The order value in the first request amounts to around 600 million euros. The trains, which are intended for use in the eastern region from 2026, will comprise 20 six-car and 21 four-car vehicles. The first vehicles are expected to enter passenger operation at the start of 2026.
Andreas Matthä, ÖBB’s CEO, said: “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 will be offering even more capacity and comfort for 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.”
The new double-decker electric multiple units, which are designed for a top speed of 160kph; offer 610 seats in the six-car type or 380 seats in the four-car configuration. 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. Moreover, the new trains are fitted with a modern passenger information system (monitors with real-time information) as well as video surveillance.
Stadler, which has been building trains for the last 80 years, has its headquarters in the town of Bussnang, in eastern Switzerland. More than 13,000 employees work on the production and engineering sites, as well as over 70 service sites. Stadler also produces main-line engines, shunters and passenger carriages; the company is also the world’s leading manufacturer of cog railway vehicles.