Stadler, along with Arriva Nederland, has entered into an agreement for the delivery of five new (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) FLIRT multiple-unit trains, thereby further strengthening the regional rail services across the Netherlands. The vehicles are going to operate on the Vechtdallijnen routes throughout the Dutch provinces of Overijssel as well as Drenthe, thereby supporting the rising passenger demand while at the same time enhancing the comfort and capacity along with sustainability.
Interestingly, the new FLIRT multiple-unit trains are going to be deployed on the routes that connect Zwolle–Emmen as well as Almelo–Hardenberg, where Arriva has provided rail services ever since 2012. Over the years, these routes have witnessed quite a steady growth in terms of ridership along with customer satisfaction and are driven by timetable upgrades and also the introduction of certain modern rolling stock. As per Arriva Nederland, the additional FLIRT units are going to enable the accommodation of a growing number of passenger volumes and also further enhance the regional connectivity, especially within the busy Zwolle–Emmen corridor.
Each of the five trains is going to be delivered as a four-car electric unit and is going to complement the present Stadler fleet of
Arriva in the Netherlands, which apparently already has 165 vehicles. The order also syncs with the ongoing infrastructure enhancements, which include the electrification of the Almelo–Mariënberg line, which will help Arriva to go ahead and replace the diesel services with much more energy-efficient electric operations.
The contract goes on to build on a long-standing partnership that exists between Stadler and Arriva, which actually dates back to almost two decades. Since the first collaboration in 2006, Stadler has gone ahead and supplied Arriva with a number of train fleets throughout the Netherlands, which includes the likes of GTW and WINK as well as FLIRT vehicles. Most recently, Stadler went on to deliver 34 FLIRT trains between 2016 and 2024 for the regional services of Arriva in Limburg.
The Sales Director for Benelux at Stadler, Pascal Kuenzler, said that the latest order highlights the shared commitment when it comes to both companies toward sustainable as well as accessible rail transport. He went on to note that the new FLIRT trains are crafted in order to support the environmental objectives of Arriva while simultaneously delivering a high-quality passenger experience on the Vechtdallijnen network.
Notably, the FLIRT units have been customized to the operational and passenger needs of Arriva and is a mix of performance and energy efficiency along with comfort. Each train provides 248 seats, which includes 12 first-class seats, and can also carry almost 457 passengers. Interiors are filled with multifunctional areas, which can be adapted seasonally, for instance, to provide the additional bicycle space as and when needed. The quiet zones are going to cater to passengers who are looking for a much calmer travel experience, while the dedicated areas pertaining to wheelchairs along with bicycles make sure of full accessibility.
More onboard features happen to include PRM-compliant restrooms, power sockets, real-time passenger information displays, and also clear and intuitive signage. The trains are going to be delivered in the RRReis livery, which features purple and blue as well as green tones. In addition to this, updated interior color schemes along with refreshed seat upholstery are going to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere that balances the comfort along with the everyday practicality required for regional travel.
