Stadler has recently secured a significant contract with Arriva Nederland to provide five new four-car FLIRT trains. These trains will serve the Vechtdallijnen routes in the Dutch provinces of Overijssel and Drenthe. This partnership continues a long-standing relationship between Stadler and Arriva, dating back to 2006.
Details of the FLIRT Train Purchase
The newly purchased FLIRT (Fast Light Inter-city Rapid Transit) trains aim to improve passenger capacity and service quality on two primary routes: Zwolle to Emmen and Almelo to Hardenberg. These routes have been under Arriva’s management since 2012, during which time the company has implemented timetable enhancements and introduced modern trains, leading to increased ridership and satisfaction.
Key Features of the New Trains
- Capacity for 457 passengers, including 248 seats and a first-class area.
- Dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and bicycles.
- Multifunctional areas adaptable for extra bicycle storage and seating.
- Quiet zones designed for relaxation or work.
- Modern interior colors for a welcoming ambience.
- PRM-compliant restrooms, power outlets, and real-time passenger information displays.
The trains will be adorned with e the RRReis livery, featuring a combination of purple, blue, and green colors. These new additions will also coincide with the electrification of the Almelo–Mariënberg line, transitioning from diesel-powered services to energy-efficient electric trains, further aligning with sustainability initiatives.
Stadler’s Commitment to Modern Rail Solutions
With the integration of these FLIRT trains, Stadler is adding to its existing fleet of 165 vehicles already operating in the Netherlands. The collaboration with Arriva has previously seen Stadler deliver 122 GTW units and 18 WINK vehicles within recent years. Additionally, between 2016 and 2024, Stadler plans to supply 34 FLIRT trains specifically for the Limburg region.
Future Expansion and Cooperation
In a recent development, Stadler also signed an agreement to provide 36 FLIRT trains to Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), highlighting its expanding influence in the Dutch rail market. Moreover, Stadler continues to supply FLIRT trains to Transport for Wales as a part of its commitment to enhance rail transport across various regions.
Pascal Kuenzler, Sales Director for Benelux at Stadler, remarked on the collaboration, emphasizing the shared commitment between Stadler and Arriva to deliver modern, accessible, and eco-friendly mobility solutions. He expressed pride in contributing to the ongoing development of reliable rail transport in the Netherlands, underscoring the positive impact these new trains will have on the Vechtdallijnen network.
