Bombardier wins order to supply TWINDEXX Vario double-deck multiple unit trains for Northern Germany

Bombardier Transportation will deliver 16 BOMBARDIER TWINDEXX Vario multiple units to Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG) for operation on the Kiel-Hamburg and Flensburg-Hamburg railway lines. DB AG was awarded a contract to operate services on these regional lines in a Europe-wide tender process. The order is valued at approximately 160 million euro ($208 million US) and is part of a framework agreement between Bombardier and DB AG from December 2008. DB AG has already ordered 135 of the variable double-deck coaches for intercity transport as well as 18 intermediate coaches and three double-deck power cars for regional services.

Each of the 16 new four-car TWINDEXX Vario trains comprises two double-deck power cars and two intermediate coaches. The new trains will operate on the network LVS Schleswig-Holstein with speeds of up to 160 km/h. The trains are due to be delivered in the second half of 2014.

With high-floor entry and LVS’ new interior design, the trains offer improved passenger comfort including more legroom and large storage spaces for luggage and bicycles. Wide doors allow passengers to enter and exit the trains quickly, especially during peak travel times. The centre buffer coupling enables double traction operation, allowing seamless travel without the need for passengers to change trains in Neumunster. The trains’ single car concept means they can be lengthened or shortened easily to meet varying passenger demand.

“Bombardier’s innovative TWINDEXX Vario trains have proven themselves over many years of service,” said Michael Clausecker, Chairman of the Management Board, Bombardier Transportation Germany. “With this order, we will be supplying Deutsche Bahn with the 2,000th of these modern double-deck coaches. Their variability in length, configuration and interior design is one of the key reasons for our trains’ great success. We are delighted that they will continue to form the backbone of modern and efficient public transportation in northern Germany.”

The TWINDEXX Vario power cars are equipped with the reliable and energy efficient BOMBARDIER MITRAC 1000 propulsion and control system. One of the advantages of this system is that it allows trains to accelerate quickly to an optimum speed. The double-deck coaches are built at Bombardier’s Gorlitz plant in Germany. The bogies are manufactured at its site in Siegen, Germany, and the propulsion and control system is manufactured at its site in Vasteras, Sweden.

Bombardier double-deck trains move millions of passengers on local and regional rail networks each day in countries including Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Israel and the United States.