ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, Stadler Chairman of the Board Peter Spuhler and Austrian Federal Minister Peter Hanke presented the new long-distance double-deck train at the official presentation today. Following the presentation, event guests were able to view the interior of the KISS train for the first time. 

"With the Railjet double-decker, we are presenting a completely new and special vehicle. At ÖBB, we have already been using double-deck trains in local transport for many years and are setting another milestone in modern rail transport with the new double-deck long-distance train. Starting at the end of 2026, the train will be travelling on the Western railroad, which will significantly increase capacity for our customers," said ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä.

Peter Spuhler emphasised on the occasion of the train premiere: "The new double-deck trains are an important step toward a comfortable and sustainable future for long-distance transport in Austria. With their high capacity, attractive and innovative equipment, the KISS trains offer passengers an unrivalled travel experience. We are proud to present this beautiful train to the public with ÖBB and to further improve public transit in Austria with it."

The 14 six-car double-deck trains will be deployed in stages starting at the end of 2026 on the Western railroad between Vienna and Salzburg, where they will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h. With 486 seats per vehicle, the trains offer a 20 per cent increase in capacity compared to the existing trains. The wide and barrier-free doors allow passengers to enter and exit the trains quickly. Thanks to the low-floor entrance areas, passengers with limited mobility, heavy luggage, bicycles or pushchairs can travel barrier-free. The KISS double-deck trains therefore meet the needs and requirements of all travellers.

The KISS trains also set new standards in terms of comfort and service. The two end cars are each equipped with a quiet zone. In the four middle carriages, there are catering zones with vending machines for snacks and drinks as well as special family compartments and areas with space for bicycles.  The vehicles are also equipped with Wi-Fi, passenger information systems with real-time information on monitors, eight restrooms - including one barrier-free toilet - air-conditioned carriages, luggage racks with security options and power sockets with USB ports.

Caption (from left to right): Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors Stadler; Peter Hanke, Federal Minister of Austria; Andreas Matthä, CEO ÖBB