In mid-February 2024, three of these Stadler-made vehicles began operations for ZSSK, improving connectivity and capacity on the Bratislava-Trenčín and Bratislava-Nové Zámky lines.
The launch event, held at the railway station in Nové Zámky, was attended by the officials from the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic, representatives from Stadler and ZSSK, and the passengers who would be among the first to experience the service. This deployment is part of a broader initiative to modernize the Slovak rail fleet.
The KISS units are designed to cater to the high demand on Western Slovakia's rail corridors, offering a capacity of over 600 passengers per EMU and capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, where track conditions permit. This improvement is expected to enhance the reliability and comfort of rail services significantly.
The Stadler KISS units feature two levels of seating, with 30 seats in first class, 552 in second class, and 29 folding seats. They are equipped with modern amenities including an acoustic system, visual information via LCD panels, Wi-Fi, a surveillance system, and a passenger counting system. The design also emphasizes accessibility, with features catering to passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair-accessible spaces and a baby-changing facility.
The procurement of these double-decker electric units represents an investment of 76.95 million euros. The contract for these trains was signed on December 16, 2021, with amendments on November 8, 2023. The project, which initially includes four units for regional transport, aims to have all trains delivered and operational by November 2024, following a delay due to an incident during testing.
