The first of 11 new FLIRT InterCity electric multiple units (EMUs) ordered by GYSEV has rolled out of Stadler’s production facility in Siedlce, Poland, marking a significant milestone in one of Hungary’s most important rail investment programmes in decades.
The completed five-car train was formally presented to GYSEV executives and Hungary’s Minister of Transport and Investments, Dávid Vitézy, as production continues on the remaining vehicles.
The order represents Hungary’s first procurement of rolling stock specifically designed for InterCity services in 30 years, underlining the country's ambition to modernise its long-distance rail network and improve passenger experience across key domestic and international routes.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dávid Vitézy highlighted the significance of the project:
“This project marks a major milestone in the development of Hungary’s long-distance rail network. These are the first InterCity trains in Hungary to be fully accessible to passengers with disabilities and equipped with an advanced end-to-end CCTV system, significantly enhancing passenger safety. This investment not only modernizes GYSEV’s fleet, but also sets a new benchmark for the entire Hungarian InterCity network. It is particularly significant in light of Hungary’s plans to procure additional InterCity electric multiple units (EMUs) for the lines operated by MÁV. I am convinced that this is an important first step that will help improve the quality of passenger services on the Budapest–Győr–Szombathely and Budapest–Győr–Sopron routes.”
The first vehicle has successfully completed final assembly and inspection, while manufacturing and fitting out of the remaining 10 trains remains on schedule.
Stadler and GYSEV Partnership Delivers Key Milestone
Radosław Banach, CEO of Stadler Polska, praised the close collaboration between the manufacturer and operator.
"The completion of the first train is an important milestone for the new Intercity GYSEV fleet and a significant achievement for the project teams, reflecting the strong partnership between GYSEV and Stadler. We are proud to contribute to the development of Hungarian rail transport by delivering a fleet that will raise passenger comfort, flexibility, and reliability. The project is progressing smoothly and on schedule, and our teams are fully committed to maintaining this momentum throughout the subsequent stages of production, testing, and commissioning."
The new fleet has been designed with long-distance travel in mind and will feature:
- First and second-class accommodation
- Low-floor, fully accessible interiors
- Air-conditioned passenger areas
- Advanced passenger information systems
- Dedicated bistro zones with food and drink vending machines
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- USB-C charging points
- Smartphone and tablet holders
- Flexible interiors allowing space for up to 18 bicycles during peak summer demand
New Era for Hungary’s InterCity Network
Dr. Róbert Homolya, Chairman of Stadler Trains Magyarország Zrt., reflected on the wider significance of the order as Stadler celebrates two decades in the Hungarian market.
“Stadler has a 20-year history in Hungary, so in this anniversary year, it is of particular significance to us that a fleet of the renowned FLIRT multiple-unit trains, setting a new, higher standard, is arriving in our country for GYSEV. In addition, we welcome that this is expected to be accompanied by an unseen level of railway development in the Hungarian transport sector.”
Comprehensive testing will now begin across Romania, the Czech Republic and Hungary before the trains receive final certification and approval for passenger operations.
The dual-system EMUs will operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h and are expected to enter service progressively from 2027, serving the:
- Sopron-Budapest corridor
- Szombathely-Budapest corridor
- Cross-border services into Austria
The full fleet of 11 trains is scheduled to be operational by summer 2028.
Stadler’s Strong Presence in Hungary
The new trains are being built at Stadler Polska’s Siedlce facility, which has already supplied 35 FLIRT units to Hungarian operators, including 20 for GYSEV and 15 for MÁV.
Across Hungary, a total of 195 Stadler vehicles are currently in operation, including:
- 143 FLIRT units
- 40 KISS double-deck trains
- 12 Citylink vehicles
Hungarian Manufacturing Continues to Support Global FLIRT Success
The FLIRT platform remains Stadler’s most successful product, with more than 3,000 units sold worldwide since 2002.
Hungary has played a major role in that success. Stadler’s facility in Szolnok has manufactured nearly 4,000 FLIRT car bodies, representing around two-thirds of all FLIRT bodyshells produced globally. The site has delivered the equivalent of approximately 1,000 four-car trainsets, reinforcing Hungary’s position as a key manufacturing hub within Stadler’s international network.
With around 1,000 employees currently working for Stadler in Hungary and further growth anticipated, the GYSEV InterCity programme represents another major step forward for both the country's rail industry and long-distance passenger transport ambitions.
Image credits: Stadler
