Stadler WINK Trains, Switzerland

WINK is a low-floor regional train manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler Rail. WINK is the German abbreviation for an innovative short convertible train for local transportation. The train is part of Stadler's stable regional train portfolio.

Launched in 2017, this two-car train is designed for lines with low passenger traffic.

The first WINK Stadler trains started operating in April 2021 in the Dutch state of Noordelijke Lijnen in the states of Groningen and Friesland for the Arriva Nederland rail line.

Arriva is also launching WINK trains as part of its first night service from Maastricht to Schiphol in December 2022. A night train connects Maastricht in the south of the country with major cities in the Netherlands, including Schiphol Airport.

Design and characteristics of WINK trains

The WINK train modular design is based on the FLIRT trains, which have served more than 1,400 units. The modular design ensures fast construction and maximum availability.

Ultimate trucks like Flirt are powered by cabs. The main difference between WINK and Flirt is the central power supply. The train has a fully accessible drive unit mounted between the two cars. They are equipped with power generating components in addition to traction elements and support systems providing a highly adaptable propulsion system.

The Stadler WINK has an axle load of 18 tons and a very wide seat. It can carry up to 275 passengers and has around 150 seats. It can reach a top speed of up to 160 km/h with a maximum power of 1000 kW depending on the model.

The train is 2.82m wide and 4.12m high, with floor heights varying from 78cm to 114.5cm. The upper structure of the carriage is made of welded extruded aluminum.

Stadler WINK interior and passenger equipment

WINK train interiors are bright and comfortable, with large glass panels. Each side of the train has three entrances. Flat entry door with sliding ladder allows easy access for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles.

The train has air suspension, pedestals, air conditioning, a passenger check-in system and indoor toilets. They are also equipped with an Ethernet-based passenger information system with a large TFT display and WiFi connectivity.

The cars are equipped with an ergonomic driver's cab.

Details of the WINK Stadler training system

WINK trains feature versatile power modules that can be retrofitted with conventional energy generation and storage components or zero-emission parts.

Trains are available with different diesel units running on fossil fuels or water treated vegetable oil. They are also available as bimodal building blocks powered by an internal combustion engine for non-electric lines or a pantograph for power lines.

In addition, the trains are available as electric trains with pantograph and battery, or as autonomous trains with battery.

Stadler WINK orders and deliveries

In November 2017, Arriva Nederland placed an initial order of €17 million ($20 million) for 18 two-car WINK units for trains to start running in Friesland and Groningen.

The contract runs until 2035 and includes the vehicle's continued conversion to zero-emissions operation, as well as the upgrade of the 51 Stadler Gelenktriebwagen Arriva with a new passenger information system and braking energy battery pack.

Vehicles will switch to zero emission mode after the electrification of the Leeuwarden-Groningen road, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

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