Train manufacturer Stadler has signed a framework agreement to supply 36 FLIRT commuter trains to the Dutch railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).

The new trains comprising 18 four-car and 18 six-car FLIRT trains will be built entirely in Poland and enter service in 2030. The order comes as there is an increasing use of trains in the Netherlands, and strengthens the long-standing partnership between NS and Stadler. The word FLIRT is an acronym of “Flinker Leichter Intercity- und Regional-Triebzug”, or in English, “fast, light, innovative intercity and regional train”.

The trains will be designed to be fully accessible, both through the entrance doors and throughout the interior. Special areas will be reserved for passengers with reduced mobility, and with plenty of space for luggage, pushchairs, and bicycles. Real-time passenger information displays and clear signage will also be fitted.

Internally, passengers should have a calm and pleasant journey, as the ambient lighting will be adjusted automatically depending on the external environmental conditions, including varying it according to the time of day and season.

Over 3,000 FLIRT trains are in service in 24 countries worldwide, including with Transport for Wales, and 134 are currently in service in the Netherlands. The new trains will be modular in design with engineering carried out by Stadler at its site in Prague in the Czech Republic, and they will be constructed Stadler’s factory at Siedlce in Poland.

“We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Stadler and to introduce these new sprinter trains in the Netherlands. It is important to us that these trains are reliable and modern. They are suitable for various routes and services. This means we are well equipped for the future and can continue to meet the changing needs of our passengers.”

Wouter Koolmees, CEO of NS

“Nederlandse Spoorwegen was looking for a modern vehicle for local transport that could also be used as an intercity train. The FLIRT train impressed NS with its modular and versatile concept. Passengers can look forward to a comfortable, bright and well-designed train. I would like to thank NS for their trust and look forward to continuing our collaboration.”

Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales and Deputy Group CEO at Stadler.