Netherlands Railways Orders Thirty Six Stadler Flex EMUs in Four Hundred Million Euros Deal to Enhance Capacity, Meet Growing Demand, and Expand Regional and Cross-Border Services by 2030

Published on November 22, 2025

Netherlands Railways (NS) has entered into a 10-year framework agreement with Swiss manufacturer Stadler Rail for the acquisition of new trains to support its growing capacity needs. The deal, valued at €400 million, includes an initial order for 36 Flex EMUs (Electric Multiple Units) based on Stadler’s Flirt4 platform. These trains will primarily operate within the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled to begin in 2030.

The order comprises 18 four-car and 18 six-car units, specifically designed to operate at 1.5kV DC and provide reliable service across the Dutch rail network. NS has not disclosed the total number of trains it might ultimately purchase under the framework agreement, but the contract includes the potential for additional units, including multi-system trains capable of running cross-border to Belgium and Germany.

Flex EMUs Specifications and Features

The new Flex EMUs are expected to meet a variety of operational needs, with the four-car version providing a passenger capacity of 202 seats, including 32 first-class seats, and the ability to accommodate 102 standing passengers. The six-car version will offer 302 seats, with 32 in first class and space for 165 standing passengers.

NS aims to address a growing demand for rail travel, anticipating up to a 10% increase in ridership by 2030. These new trains will help expand capacity and replace some of the existing fleet, particularly the Sprinter Light Trains (SLT) that were built between 2007 and 2012. The Flex EMUs are designed to combine the fast acceleration and braking characteristics of Sprinter trains with an interior layout suitable for longer-distance regional services, offering a door configuration of one per car for efficient boarding.

Timeline and Production

The Flex EMUs will be manufactured at Stadler’s Siedlce plant in Poland, with production slated to begin soon after the agreement is finalized. Once completed, the first trains are expected to enter service later in 2030. NS subsidiary Nedtrain will be responsible for maintaining the new fleet, ensuring its operational efficiency and longevity.

NS CEO Wouter Koolmees emphasized the importance of reliability and modern design for the new trains, stating that they are suitable for a variety of routes, both inter-city and regional, ensuring the operator is well-equipped to meet evolving passenger needs.

Further Fleet Investments

This order for Stadler’s Flex EMUs is part of a broader effort by NS to modernize its rolling stock. In addition to this order, the Dutch railway company has recently committed to acquiring 60 CAF Double-Deck New Generation (DDNG) EMUs and 109 Alstom ICNG high-speed trains, bringing its total investment in new fleet additions to over €2 billion.

With these fleet expansions, NS is positioning itself to meet future travel demands while enhancing service reliability and capacity for its passengers. The new trains will not only support increased ridership but also contribute to the operator’s goal of providing a high-quality, efficient, and modern rail network for the Netherlands.

Conclusion: Future-Proofing Dutch Rail Transport

NS’s investment in new Flex EMUs from Stadler, alongside other fleet acquisitions, demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its rail infrastructure. With these new trains set to enhance capacity, improve passenger comfort, and support faster, more efficient services, NS is preparing for an increasingly busy future in Dutch rail travel. As deliveries begin in 2030, the new fleet will help the operator stay ahead of growing ridership demands, ensuring that rail remains a top choice for commuters and long-distance travellers alike.