More Capacity, More Flexibility: Stadler and ÖBB Present the Railway of Tomorrow at InnoTrans 2026

Rail transport is becoming increasingly important in Austria. While passenger numbers in long-distance services continue to grow, diesel-powered vehicles in regional transport must gradually be phased out. At InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, Stadler and the Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) presented two vehicles specifically designed to address these challenges. The KISS double-decker train offers significantly greater capacity and comfort for long-distance travel, while the battery-electric FLIRT Akku will replace diesel trains on non-electrified routes in the future. Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler, commented: "The requirements of rail transport are constantly evolving. What is needed are solutions that increase capacity, enhance passenger comfort, and at the same time contribute to sustainable mobility. Stadler provides precisely these tailor-made solutions for customers such as ÖBB."

For ÖBB, both vehicles represent the continued development of rail transport in Austria: the KISS creates additional capacity on highly demanded long-distance routes, while the FLIRT Akku opens new opportunities for climate-friendly regional transport. "The railway is a key lever on our path toward the mobility transition. Over the coming years, we will invest several billion euros in modernizing our train fleet. This will enable people in Austria to enjoy state-of-the-art and comfortable rail travel," emphasized Peter Hanke, Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure. "Innovation is a decisive key to the mobility transition. Together with Stadler, we are bringing pioneering vehicle concepts onto the rails that offer greater capacity, more comfort, and an even more attractive travel experience for our passengers. With modern and high-performance trains, we are creating the conditions to attract more people to rail travel and strengthen public transport sustainably. In doing so, we are investing not only in advanced vehicles, but above all in the future of mobility in Austria," explained Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB.

Long-Distance Transport: KISS Double-Decker for the Next Generation of Rail Travel

The new KISS double-decker train has been developed to meet the demands of Austria's long-distance rail network. With 486 seats, it offers around 20 per cent more capacity than the current Railjet fleet. It will enter service as the ÖBB Railjet from summer 2027 onwards.

Family and quiet zones, digital services, and accessibility features create an attractive travel experience for a wide range of passengers. "People should choose to travel by train not because they have to, but because they want to. With the KISS, we are creating exactly the conditions to make rail travel attractive to even more people," said Christian Diewald, CEO of Stadler Austria.

FLIRT Akku: A New Solution for Non-Electrified Routes

The new FLIRT Akku demonstrates how modern rail transport can become a reality on non-electrified routes without relying on diesel traction. The battery-electric train will enter service on the Kamptal Railway in Lower Austria from 2028 and will gradually replace diesel-powered trains currently operating there. The trains presented today are part of a framework agreement signed by ÖBB and Stadler in 2023 covering up to 120 FLIRT Akku vehicles. With these new trains, ÖBB is bringing climate-friendly mobility to routes where full electrification is currently not economically viable or cannot be implemented in the short term. Every diesel vehicle replaced means lower noise levels, reduced emissions, and a higher quality of life for people living along railway corridors and in surrounding regions. At the same time, the new trains make an important contribution to the further decarbonization of public transport. "The FLIRT Akku is a real breakthrough for regional transport," commented Diewald. "Where operators previously had to choose between high infrastructure costs and diesel traction, a third option is now available: low-emission rail transport without diesel operation on partially electrified routes. This fundamentally changes the outlook for many regions." Stadler Chairman Peter Spuhler concluded: "With the KISS and the FLIRT Akku, we demonstrate how tailor-made Stadler trains can successfully meet a wide range of transport requirements."