📋 Tender Overview
Summary NS buys 36 new sprinters for over 400 million. The state-of-the-art trains, named Flirt Flex, will once again have the classic yellow-blue NS appearance, unlike the current sprinters. The first trains are expected to arrive on the Dutch tracks in 2030. The new trains can not only be used as sprinters but can also effortlessly serve as Intercity, allowing NS to flexibly respond to the growing passenger demand. NS has placed the order with the Swiss train manufacturer Stadler, which has previously built sprinters for NS. From 2030, we will welcome this new, modern train in a classic coat. An asset to the current fleet. Yellow-blue trains have been part of the Netherlands for decades, and we want to keep it that way. That is why we have invested billions of euros in new trains over the past few years so that our passengers can still have a reliable and sustainable journey in 30 years. Wouter Koolmees, CEO NS Investment in new trains With this new order, there will be 205 new NS trains on the Dutch tracks in a few years. This includes 60 new double-deckers (DDNG) from the Spanish CAF and 109 new intercity trains (ICNG) from train manufacturer Alstom. NS is investing over 2 billion euros in new trains. New sprinter NS has asked Stadler for a comfortable, reliable, and accessible train that can be used as a sprinter: quick acceleration and braking and suitable for speeds up to 160 km/h. This new sprinter can also be used as an Intercity on some routes. This ensures that NS can use the rolling stock more efficiently. The first order consists of 36 trains with over 8,000 seats. NS also keeps the option open to purchase additional Flirt Flex trains, including trains that are also suitable for traveling to Germany and Belgium. In the coming period, Stadler and NS will determine the final design together. This will be followed by an extensive period of production, testing, and approval.
