Stadler has been awarded an order for eight four-car FLIRT trains. Alpha Trains will lease the vehicles on a long-term basis to VIAS RAIL GmbH (VIAS), a subsidiary of the RATH Group. From 2025, electric trains will run on the RE 19 and RB 10 lines along the Rhine between Koblenz, Neuwied, and Frankfurt. The order increases the number of FLIRT vehicles in the VIAS fleet to 27 trains.
"With the modern railcars of the FLIRT3 XL series, we provide our passengers on the Rheingau Express with an attractive and comfortable travel option. The vehicles are an excellent addition to our existing fleet. We are pleased to be able to continue our long-standing cooperation with Stadler Deutschland. We are also delighted to have gained a new competent partner in Alpha Trains," said Franz Reh, Managing Director of VIAS Rail GmbH.
The trains have space for up to 512 passengers, 230 of whom are seated. Three spacious multi-purpose areas allow the transport of up to 12 bicycles, prams, or wheelchairs. The trains have six boarding areas and are also equipped with a lift so that wheelchair accessibility is ensured regardless of the respective platform height.
The modern vehicles will be equipped with the latest version of the "Guardia" train control system. Stadler's ETCS solution has so far been used on trains in various European countries, including Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia.
"We are proud to once again deliver vehicles of the proven FLIRT series to VIAS with the order for the Rheingau Express. Equipping the trains with the state-of-the-art Guardia train protection system helps to significantly improve cycle times and connections," added Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany.
