Stadler and start to deliver 20 FLIRT trains for faster cross-border travel

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Stadler and the Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH (start) have signed a delivery contract for 20 vehicles of the FLIRT type for use in the Maas-Wupper network. This was based on a commission sent to the Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH by the Traffic Association Rhein-Ruhr AöR (VRR) and the Local Traffic Association Westfalen-Lippe (NWL).

The new FLIRT vehicles will make travelling from the Rhine-Ruhr region to the Netherlands faster and more convenient. The passenger trains will go into operation in 2026 on a direct route between Hamm and Eindhoven, the vehicles will be used without restriction in both countries because they are equipped for both the German and the Dutch traction supply systems. They are also equipped with the European train control system ETCS, the German PZB system and the Dutch ATB system.

The extra-long cars of the FLIRT vehicles for the Maas-Wupper-Express have seven doors on each side to ensure easy and safe entry and exit, as well as fast passenger change times. There is space for 375 passengers in the four-part trains, 235 of which on seats. There are also 34 seats spaced further apart in the 1st class. The fully air-conditioned FLIRT has passenger WLAN, light passenger compartments and large multi-purpose areas that can accommodate up to 12 bicycles, wheelchairs or prams. The vehicles also offer step-free access and have a handicapped-accessible WC and another WC in the middle cars. The modern passenger information system provides passengers a real-time update about further connections.

“Railway traffic must be reliable, cross-border and comfortable for successful implementation of the German and European-wide traffic revolution,” Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Deutschland, said. “We are pleased that Stadler can, once again, bring its many years of experience in the design of multi-system-capable vehicles to the table to enable direct cross-border connections.”

“What tipped the balance for Stadler was the outstanding price performance ratio in combination with the excellent energy values of the vehicles,” Alexander Falkenmeier, Managing Director of start, said. “We are really looking forward to running the RE13 from 2026 with new trains in the start design.”

The VRR vehicle financing model was applied for the procurement of the vehicles. With this, start will purchase vehicles that meet the customer’s quality requirements and will sell these to the VRR and NWL.