Stadler to supply new WESTbahn EMUs

摘要

Austrian private operator WESTbahn has signed a contract with Stadler worth more than €300 million for 15 new KISS 3 EMUs. The fleet of 200 km/h double-deck trains will be financed by Austrian Train Finance whose parent company is PCS Holding, which is owned by Stadler co-owner Peter Spuhler. Under the full-service leasing contract Stadler will be responsible for the full range of maintenance activities from weekly inspections to major overhauls. The tender also attracted a bid from CRRC and Stadler says it beat its Chinese competitor by offering a better overall package including financing and maintenance. Delivery of the new fleet is scheduled for 2021. Each 6-car set will seat 526 passengers, with self-service bistro areas in each of the four intermediate trailers. As with the previous WESTbahn fleet the new sets will have low-floor access, gender-specific toilets and a toilet for passengers with reduced mobility. WESTbahn has sold its current fleet of 17 KISS 1 and KISS 2 EMUs to Stadler and the fleet will be overhauled by Stadler, with the KISS 2 trains due to be handed over in December. The KISS 2 sets are already authorised to operate at 160 km/h in Germany, but Stadler will obtain authorisation for 200 km/h operation.