Deutsche Bahn and Bombardier sign contract for 29 trains for commuter service in central Germany

The contract between the Deutsche Bahn subsidiary DB Regio and Bombardier is valued at approximately 146 million euro ($203 million US). The order marks the 13th call-off from a framework agreement concluded in 2007 with a volume of more than 1 billion euro ($1.4 billion US). “This investment is contributing to our continued modernisation of rolling stock for the benefit of our customers. We are preparing the company for the future while improving our competitive position,” said Dr Rudiger Grube, the CEO of Deutsche Bahn.

“Our successful TALENT 2 trains fulfil Deutsche Bahn’s requirements perfectly in energy and cost efficiency, environmental friendliness and passenger comfort. We offer our customer an optimal, market-oriented service,” added Dr Lutz Bertling, President and COO of Bombardier Transportation.

The principal characteristics of the TALENT 2 electric multiple unit (EMU) platform are its innovative, modular concept and the high degree of standardisation, which allows for a flexible train configuration. The platform concept allows for numerous variants of the same train type. The train sets can be equipped with a variety of different technical modules.

As part of the expansion of the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland commuter rail network, the 19 three-car and 10 five-car trains will operate from the autumn of 2016 on the connection from Halle/Saale and Gaschwitz through the Leipzig City-Tunnel to Dessau-Rosslau and Lutherstadt Wittenberg, among other routes.

The air-conditioned trains will offer seats with generous spacing and roomy multi-purpose compartments for bicycle transport. A comfortable group seating area for up to 14 people will make travelling even more attractive for small groups. The trains also feature closed-circuit video cameras, passenger information monitors displaying connection details in real time and universally accessible toilets. The trains will be developed and manufactured at Bombardier’s Hennigsdorf site.