Stadler enters Bulgarian market with contract for KISS trains
Stadler has secured its first contract in Bulgaria, signing a deal with the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria for the delivery of seven zero-emission KISS double-decker vehicles. The contract, inked in Sofia, includes an option for three additional vehicles, along with 15 years of fleet maintenance and training for the operator’s staff.
This agreement marks another significant sales success for Stadler in the Balkans and expands its presence to 48 countries worldwide. To date, approximately 630 KISS double-decker vehicles have been sold globally.
The contract entails the delivery of seven vehicles initially, with an option for three more units. These four-car trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and will offer a seating capacity of at least 300 passengers. The first vehicle is slated for delivery within 26 months of contract signing.
The modern double-decker trains, produced at the Stadler Polska plant in Siedlce, Poland, are designed for operation on a track gauge of 1435 mm and equipped with a 25 kV/50 Hz power supply system. A portion of the seats in each unit and class will be prioritised for passengers with reduced mobility. These electric vehicles will comply with TSI requirements for conventional trains, European standards, and regulations for railway vehicle movement and operation in Bulgaria.
Statements from signatories
Georgi Gvozdeykov, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria, emphasised the importance of procuring new trains to replace existing rolling stock and fulfil the country’s sustainable mobility goals. He stated, “The contract we are signing today is the first order for new trains in Bulgaria in 20 years. With the procurement of state-of-the-art zero-emission double-decker vehicles from Stadler, we will significantly improve the comfort of rail transport for our passengers and make a significant contribution to the realisation of current sustainable mobility goals.”
Philipp Brunner, Member of the Executive Board of Stadler and Vice President of Division Central Europe, expressed pride in securing the contract, noting that the KISS trains set new standards in performance, reliability, safety, comfort, and technology. He added, “We are convinced that they will make a significant contribution to improving public transport in Bulgaria. We also hope to continue the partnership we have started with further rail vehicle replacement projects in Bulgaria.”
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