Lithuanian railway operator LTG Link has awarded Stadler a contract for 15 state-of-the-art FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity Rapid Transit) Intercity multiple units.

This order continues Stadler’s success with FLIRT multiple units, having already sold over 2,500 FLIRT trains worldwide, but this is Stadler’s first FLIRT contract in Lithuania.

The initial order of 15 FLIRT multiple units comprises nine electric FLIRTs for intercity operations and six battery-electric FLIRTs for non-electrified lines.

The contract also allows for the delivery of up to 13 electric FLIRT Intercity multiple units, 15 battery-electric FLIRT multiple units with a 100km range, and 11 battery-electric FLIRT multiple units with a 70 km range.

Stadler will also provide technical support and spare parts for ten years after the delivery of the last vehicle.

The nine Intercity FLIRTs are five-car units with a length of 93 metres and can seat up to 200 passengers, with 16 passengers in first class. Each vehicle has space for 14 to 30 bicycles and a spacious baggage area. Each train also has a bistro area where passengers can order a meal.

The six battery-electric FLIRTS are 65 metres long and consist of three passenger cars and a dedicated power pack car housing the motive-power batteries.

Each vehicle can seat up to 128 passengers and from six to 30 bicycles depending on the time of year and requirements for particular routes. The new units toilets and snack vending machines, and will replace diesel trains currently operating on non-electrified lines.

Both the electric and battery-electric FLIRTS are fully accessible, with no stairs and lifts to assist passengers in wheelchairs boarding from the lowest platforms, and adapted toilets.

Stadler has also supplied FLIRTS to other Baltic States, with orders in 2012 and 2014 for 38 FLIRT multiple units from the Estonian operator Elron, and 20 electric multiple-units for Finland.

Peter Spuhler, the Executive Chairman of the Stadler Group, said “Stadler has already sold over 2,500 FLIRT trains worldwide – it is a tried and tested, reliable and comfortable vehicle model based on a light-weight modular design, that is available in a number of drive variants, meets the expectations of the most demanding customers and is environmentally friendly.

“I’m happy that our vehicles will soon carry passengers in Lithuania too. I’m certain that Lithuanians will love FLIRT trains and enjoy travelling on them.”

Linas Baužys, the Head of the passenger transport company LTG Link, said “Every day, we strive for more and more people to switch to environmentally friendly railway transport. Today we can confidently say that the new trains will make a significant contribution to the realisation of our sustainable mobility goals.

“They will bring a significant leap in the quality and experience of train travel for all passengers. The design works of trains adapted specifically for Lithuania will soon begin. Battery-powered trains adapted to harsh climate conditions and wide gauge railways will be produced for the first time in Europe. And together with the supplier that won the public procurement, we will ensure their efficient operation for many years.”