Stadler delivers SMILE high-speed trains to Westbahn
24/03/2025
Stadler and Westbahn announced the signing of a contract for the delivery of three advanced SMILE high-speed trains.
These trains are set to operate on the Vienna-Graz-Klagenfurt-Villach route starting in March 2026, marking a major enhancement to Austria's rail network. The trains will be built at Stadler's facility in Bussnang, Switzerland, and are designed to offer a superior travel experience for passengers.
The SMILE trains represent Stadler’s first high-speed train to operate in Austria. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, they will expand the existing Westbahn network and significantly improve rail travel in the country. The trains are engineered to provide maximum comfort, featuring low-floor, barrier-free access, making them easier to board for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. The design includes airy, open passenger compartments that are pressure-resistant and air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable journey in any weather.
In addition to accessibility features, each train is equipped with toilets in every carriage, step-free access, and dedicated areas for bicycles. The trains also provide comfortable, adjustable seating in all classes, along with free Wi-Fi and USB ports at every seat, as well as plug sockets for added convenience. These amenities are part of Westbahn's commitment to modernising its fleet and setting a new standard for sustainable rail travel.
Stadler’s SMILE trains are not just designed for domestic routes; their capabilities extend to cross-border travel, with authorization for operation in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Austria. This will allow for greater connectivity across Europe. The trains are expected to be integrated into Westbahn's regular passenger service by March 2026, less than two years after the contract signing, significantly faster than the typical four to five-year commissioning period for such advanced systems.
Christian Diewald, managing director of Stadler Austria said: "We are thrilled to partner with Westbahn to deliver innovative and high-speed trains in a very short timeframe. The SMILE trains showcase the latest in rail technology, combining high energy efficiency with exceptional passenger comfort."
The three SMILE trains will be 202 meters in length, consisting of 11 carriages. Their electric multi-system drive system is compatible with multiple voltage systems, including 15 kV AC, 25 kV AC, and 3 kV DC, making them suitable for a range of different networks. Additionally, the trains feature air-sprung drives and bogies, with redundant drive equipment to ensure operational reliability.
The SMILE trains represent Stadler’s first high-speed train to operate in Austria. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, they will expand the existing Westbahn network and significantly improve rail travel in the country. The trains are engineered to provide maximum comfort, featuring low-floor, barrier-free access, making them easier to board for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. The design includes airy, open passenger compartments that are pressure-resistant and air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable journey in any weather.
In addition to accessibility features, each train is equipped with toilets in every carriage, step-free access, and dedicated areas for bicycles. The trains also provide comfortable, adjustable seating in all classes, along with free Wi-Fi and USB ports at every seat, as well as plug sockets for added convenience. These amenities are part of Westbahn's commitment to modernising its fleet and setting a new standard for sustainable rail travel.
Stadler’s SMILE trains are not just designed for domestic routes; their capabilities extend to cross-border travel, with authorization for operation in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Austria. This will allow for greater connectivity across Europe. The trains are expected to be integrated into Westbahn's regular passenger service by March 2026, less than two years after the contract signing, significantly faster than the typical four to five-year commissioning period for such advanced systems.
Christian Diewald, managing director of Stadler Austria said: "We are thrilled to partner with Westbahn to deliver innovative and high-speed trains in a very short timeframe. The SMILE trains showcase the latest in rail technology, combining high energy efficiency with exceptional passenger comfort."
The three SMILE trains will be 202 meters in length, consisting of 11 carriages. Their electric multi-system drive system is compatible with multiple voltage systems, including 15 kV AC, 25 kV AC, and 3 kV DC, making them suitable for a range of different networks. Additionally, the trains feature air-sprung drives and bogies, with redundant drive equipment to ensure operational reliability.