The order consists of 33 three-car and 25 four-car vehicles and will expand the NS Sprinter fleet. With the first trains due to enter service in December 2016, NS is aiming for quick delivery of the trains to cope with increasing passenger volumes, particularly from students who are eligible for free or reduced fares when using public transport.

NS said in December 2014 that it was planning to award Stadler the contract for the trains which it says will supplement the €510m order for 118 Civity EMUs from CAF placed that month. CAF will begin delivery of these vehicles in 2018.

The Flirts will feature 32 seats in first class and 170 in second class and will be fitted with ETCS. Passengers will benefit from real-time travel information, and electrical and USB sockets in both first and second class. The trains will also meet requirements for passengers with reduced mobility.