ZSSK Orders Four KISS Double-Deck Trains from Stadler to Enhance Slovakia’s Regional Rail Network

ZSSK Orders Four KISS Double-Deck Trains from Stadler to Enhance Slovakia’s Regional Rail Network

(IN BRIEF) Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) has signed a contract with Stadler for up to four KISS double-deck trains to enhance Slovakia’s rail network. The new trains, set to operate between Bratislava and Žilina, will improve passenger comfort and capacity, offering energy-efficient and environmentally friendly travel. The lightweight aluminum design reduces operational costs, and the trains will provide modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and wheelchair accessibility. This order doubles the number of Stadler KISS trains in Slovakia, following the delivery of similar units in 2023.

(PRESS RELEASE) BUSSNANG, 1-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — On April 30, 2025, Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) signed a contract with Stadler for the delivery of up to four KISS double-deck trains, marking a major step in the modernization of Slovakia’s rail network. The new trains are expected to be introduced on the Bratislava-Žilina line starting in late 2026, with the second train set to enter service in 2027. The contract, valued at up to EUR 100 million, includes an option for two additional trains to be purchased.

(from left to right):
Karol Henzély, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the ZSSK Operations Section; Peter Helexa, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the ZSSK; Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President for Marketing and Sales and Deputy CEO of the Stadler Group; Philipp Brunner, Executive vice president for the Central and Eastern Europe division; Zdeněk Majer, President of the supervisory board of Stadler Prague; Ondřej Vaško, Director of Stadler Prague.

These new KISS trains will provide Slovak Railways with enhanced capacity, offering improved comfort for both regional and intercity passengers. The trains feature a lightweight aluminum design, which reduces both operating and maintenance costs throughout their life cycle. Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stadler, emphasized that the innovative design of these units would ensure high comfort and cost-effective operations.

Peter Helexa, CEO of ZSSK, highlighted the environmental benefits of the new fleet, noting that the trains would reduce energy consumption to just 12 kWh per kilometer, thus significantly lowering emissions and supporting Slovakia’s sustainability goals. This fleet renewal is part of ZSSK’s broader vision of transforming rail transport into an eco-friendly and efficient mode of travel that aligns with European standards.

Zdeněk Majer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Stadler Prague, expressed his satisfaction at Stadler’s continued growth in Central Europe, with Slovakia being another key market for the company’s trains. As with previous units supplied to ZSSK, the new trains will be engineered by Stadler Prague, with manufacturing taking place at Stadler Polska’s plant in Siedlce.

Štefan Kuruc, Director of the ZSSK Operations Preparation Section; Martin Bahurinský, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of the Legal Services Department of the ZSSK; Karol Henzély, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the ZSSK Operations Section; Peter Helexa, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the ZSSK; Denisa Žiláková, State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of the SR; Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President for Marketing and Sales and Deputy CEO of the Stadler Group; Philipp Brunner, Executive vice president for the Central and Eastern Europe division; Zdeněk Majer, President of the supervisory board of Stadler Prague; Ondřej Vaško, Director of Stadler Prague; Martin Halmo, Sales director of CZ-SK Stadler.

The KISS units are designed to accommodate 611 passengers, including 30 first-class seats, and are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, on-board Wi-Fi, and a passenger information system. The trains feature dedicated spaces for wheelchair users, bicycles, pushchairs, and luggage. The trains also include safety features like surveillance cameras and energy monitoring systems, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.

With this order, the number of Stadler KISS trains operating in Slovakia will double, further strengthening the company’s presence in the region. Stadler has previously supplied ZSSK with four KISS trains for western Slovakia, as well as electric units for the High Tatras narrow-gauge lines in previous years.

Technical parameters of the vehicle:

• Power supply system: 25kV, 50 Hz AC
• Maximum speed: 160 km/h
• Maximum traction power: 6,000 kW
• Axle configuration: Bo’Bo’+2’2’+2’2’+2’2’+2’2’+Bo’Bo’
• Vehicle length: 155.9 m
• Total number of seats: 611 (including 30 in first class)
• Maximum standing capacity: 770 passengers
• Number of toilets: 4 (including 1 for passengers with disabilities)
• Multifunctional compartments: Space for 2 wheelchairs, 15 bicycles, and 2 push-chairs
• Vehicle entry height: 580 mm above top of rail
• Train control systems: Mirel VZ1 and ETCS Level 2
• Features: Wi-Fi and full air conditioning

Media Contact:

David Jirušek
Media manager STADLER CZ/SK
+42 0737387764
medien@stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler Rail Group