EXCITING: Stadler Presents New KISS Double-decker Trains in Lübeck

On November 10, Stadler presented the new KISS double-decker trains in Lübeck together with Claus Ruhe Madsen, Minister for Economics, Transport, Labour, Technology, and Tourism in Schleswig-Holstein, as well as Manuela Herbort, DB Group Representative, and Dr. Arne Beck, Managing Director of the Schleswig-Holstein Local Transport Association. Eighteen trains are expected to be in service between Hamburg and Lübeck-Travemünde from the end of January 2023.

Schleswig-Holstein's Minister of Economics, Transport, Labour, Technology and Tourism Claus Ruhe Madsen explains: "With around 24,000 passengers per day, the Hamburg-Lübeck route is one of the most used connections in the state. That is why we are glad we can offer real improvements to the people in the region. The new trains will also significantly increase accessibility and comfort - starting with step-free boarding and ending with a high-performance WLAN."

Manuela Herbort, Deutsche Bahn's Group Representative for Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Bremen, says: "We are very pleased that these new trains are being used for the first time by DB Regio in the north. Once all the vehicles have been delivered, passengers can expect a very comfortable and innovative train service on this important route in Schleswig-Holstein."

Originally, an earlier start was planned for the KISS trains' deployment in Schleswig-Holstein. During the production phase, Stadler, DB Regio, and NAH.SH jointly optimized the double-decker train concerning accessibility in the area of the inclination angle of the ramps in the vehicle. The trial operation of the new vehicles was also delayed due to these subsequent vehicle modifications in the interest of the passengers. In addition, the Corona pandemic and the current global economic situation - especially regarding supply chains - presented the vehicle manufacturer Stadler with unforeseen challenges that caused delays in the production process.

"The modern and reliable double-decker vehicles for Schleswig Holstein are characterized by their smooth running and can transport many passengers safely, quickly, and, at the same time, comfortably," says Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany. "With the new vehicles, we also want to enable people with limited mobility, in particular, to use public transport in a self-determined and independent manner. Therefore, I would love to express my special thanks to all the persons and partners involved in the project for finding an optimal solution for accessibility for the vehicle together with the state, the task manager, and the operator."

The four-car double-decker multiple units, consisting of two railcars and two middle cars, can carry up to 880 passengers safely and comfortably to their destination. Each train has 405 seats, 38 of which are in first class. It is located in the end carriages on the upper deck and offers a comfortable footwell situation thanks to a 2+1 arrangement of the seats.

In the lower section, the double-decker trains impress with spacious and easily accessible multi-purpose areas for transporting wheelchairs, prams, or up to 36 bicycles, as well as wheelchair-accessible toilets. With a vehicle length of 106 meters, eight entrances simplify a swift and smooth passenger change at the stations. Access to the trains is step-free, as the doors are equipped with a gap-bridging system and optimized for a platform height of 76 centimeters.

For exceptional passenger comfort, the new vehicles have WLAN throughout, power sockets at all seats, a modern passenger information system with real-time data on the journey as well as a load indicator, and an electronic reservation system. Video surveillance of the passenger areas ensures better safety during the journey.

The vehicles feature high driving dynamics with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour thanks to four powered bogies. Up to three of the multiple units can be coupled and thus carry up to 2640 passengers per connection. Between Lübeck and Hamburg, these vehicles will generally be used in double traction and offer 810 seats per connection.

 

Source: Stadler Press Releases