Stadler has unveiled the final design of the new FLIRT trains ordered for the Wielkopolska region in western Poland. The first multiple units are scheduled to enter service in early 2028 on routes operated by Koleje Wielkopolskie.
The project to deliver the new FLIRT trains for Wielkopolska is entering a new phase following the presentation of the final design of the vehicles. The new trains will consist of five multiple units, will be painted in the region’s white and red colors, and will be able to carry up to 627 passengers.
The message “Designed in Poznań, manufactured in Siedlce” will appear on the sides of the trains to highlight the contribution of Polish engineers and local production. The vehicles will be manufactured at the Stadler Polska plant in Siedlce.
The contract for the new trains was signed in March 2026 and is valued at 553 million zlotys (133 EUR million), with an option to extend it to 1.105 billion zlotys (EUR 260 million).
The initial amount covers the delivery of 10 Stadler trains for Koleje Wielkopolskie, the regional operator in Wielkopolska. If the project proceeds as expected, regional authorities may order an additional 10 vehicles.
160 km/h regional trains
The new vehicles are FLIRT trains in a regional version, featuring a lightweight aluminum structure designed for high energy efficiency and low operating costs.
The design was developed in collaboration with the Wielkopolska Voivodeship and Koleje Wielkopolskie. Approval of the final design marks an important milestone in the project, as the trains now have the visual identity with which they will operate on regional routes.
Each multiple unit will have a total capacity of up to 627 passengers, including 250 seated. The maximum operating speed will be 160 km/h.
The trains will be equipped with a modern passenger information system, charging ports for mobile devices, air conditioning, video surveillance, and safety features, including defibrillators and an intercom. Additionally, the vehicles will feature ETCS Level 2, enabling operation on modernized lines.
Accessibility and spaces for different categories of passengers
The new FLIRTs have been designed for different categories of passengers, including commuters, students, families with children, people with reduced mobility, and travelers with bicycles or luggage.
The multiple units will have spacious access areas for faster boarding and alighting.
The high proportion of low-floor space will allow for easier movement through the train and will improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility, passengers with strollers, or cyclists.
Regional authorities are presenting the purchase as an investment in the development of rail transport in Wielkopolska and in increasing the attractiveness of the train for daily commutes.
Marek Nitkowski, president of Koleje Wielkopolskie, stated that the purchase of trains manufactured by Stadler will increase the operator’s operational capacity and enable the further development of rail connections in the region.
“We are consistently building a modern and competitive railway that is becoming increasingly accessible and attractive to the region’s residents,” he said.
Design with input from Poznań
The contract is being carried out with significant input from Stadler’s engineering team in Poznań. The engineering department at Stadler Polska currently has approximately 100 designers and is developing its expertise in the design of modern rail vehicles.
Radosław Banach, CEO of Stadler Polska, stated that the manufacturer aimed for the new trains to meet high technical standards, ensure a comfortable ride, and be visually appealing.
“It is a very good example of combining local expertise with modern technologies, which will soon serve the residents of Wielkopolska,” he said.
Szymon Landowski, head of the engineering department at Stadler Polska, stated that designing the trains for Wielkopolska in Poznań is a special source of satisfaction for the team.
“We are pleased to be able to contribute to solutions for the region and look forward to the moment when the new vehicles will hit the tracks in Wielkopolska and begin regular passenger service,” he said.
Contract with Potential for Expansion
Marek Woźniak, Marshal of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship, stated that the project is proceeding according to plan and noted that the agreement signed in March has an initial value of 553 million zlotys, with the potential to expand to 1.105 billion zlotys.
“This is an important event for Wielkopolska, as we will receive very modern and passenger-friendly trains that have already been tested on Polish railways,” he said.
He added that funding for the vehicles is secured in the Wielkopolska Voivodeship budget, but the authorities hope to also obtain part of the financing from European Union funds.
Share on:
