The Austrian operator ÖBB yesterday operated the inaugural run of the first double-deck train for its Cityjet short- and medium-distance portfolio. The journey, between Vienna Central station and Wiener Neustadt, marks the beginning of the largest suburban and regional fleet renewal programme in the history of Austria’s railways.
The launch event, held at Vienna Central station and attended by senior executives from both operator and manufacturer, marked the entry into service of a series of 109 units based on Stadler’s KISS platform.
A €1.5bn investment
The procurement of these 109 double-deck trainsets represents an investment of approximately €1.5bn by ÖBB, forming part of its most ambitious investment programme to date. In total, the state-owned operator plans to allocate €6.1bn to acquire around 330 new trains by 2030, with the aim of fully modernising its rolling stock fleet.
Although the contract was awarded in 2021, it was challenged by Alstom. It was not until February of the following year that Austria’s Supreme Administrative Court upheld the award, which was formally concluded the following month.
The framework agreement provides for the supply of up to 186 KISS 160 and KISS 200 trainsets for Cityjet and Railjet services respectively. The first firm order, covering 41 units for suburban services, was placed in April 2022, with entry into service scheduled for early 2026.
In July 2023, ÖBB ordered a further 14 units for long-distance Railjet services, together with 21 additional trains for Cityjet. Despite being ordered later, the Railjet KISS units were unveiled in June 2025.
Technical features of the new double-deck Cityjet
The new train has been designed for high-demand suburban and regional services. It has a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and can be configured in two formations: six cars (160 m in length, approximately 591 seats) or four cars (107 m, around 371 seats).
All doorways provide level boarding at 550 mm above rail level, ensuring step-free access across the Austrian network. The HVAC system uses a natural refrigerant with low environmental impact, while each seat row is equipped with power sockets and USB ports. The train also offers free Wi-Fi and onboard CCTV.
Comfort and accessibility at the core
The interior follows the Cityjet design language and places strong emphasis on universal accessibility. Each vehicle includes a multifunctional area with space for bicycles, prams and bulky luggage.
The centre car accommodates two wheelchair spaces equipped with height-adjustable tables. Each train features between two and four toilets, including one PRM-accessible facility with a baby-changing table. A passenger information system with real-time displays and next-stop screens completes the onboard equipment.
Deployment in eastern Austria
The first units are set to enter commercial service at the end of June 2026 on the Vienna Floridsdorf – Payerbach-Reichenau corridor.
Their primary area of operation will be the north–south axis in eastern Austria, covering REX services from Znojmo/Retz and Břeclav/Bernhardsthal via the Nordwestbahn and Vienna to Wiener Neustadt and Payerbach-Reichenau. By the end of 2026, ÖBB expects to have 45 units in service in this region, the busiest on its network, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all suburban services.
Stakeholder perspectives
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä highlighted the strategic importance of the eastern corridor, where the new fleet will deliver “significantly more space and enhanced comfort”, particularly through its large multifunctional areas.
Minister for Mobility Peter Hanke framed the investment within the broader modal shift towards rail, noting that the €6.1bn committed to rolling stock procurement represents a clear signal of the state’s commitment to network modernisation.
Stadler Chairman Peter Spuhler emphasised that the new double-deck Cityjet “combines cutting-edge technology with maximum comfort and sets new standards in energy efficiency”, contributing to more sustainable mobility not only in Austria but globally.