Siemens Mobility is building 57 new trains for German network DB Regio Bayern

Desiro HC Donau-Isar / Franken-Südthüringen

Train manufacturer Siemens Mobility is building 57 new trains for DB Regio Bayern, 26 for the Franconia-South Thuringia network, and 31 for the Danube-Isar network.

All of the trains will feature state-of-the-art interiors and improved climate control.

For the Franconia-South Thuringia network, 18 four-car Desiro HC double-decker trains will enter service from December 2023, and 16 six-car Desiro HC double-decker trains in June 2024.

On the Danube-Isar network, 25 Desiro HC double-decker trains and six Mireo trains will enter service in December 2024.

Thomas Prechtl, the spokesman for the management of Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft which plans, finances, and controls regional and S-Bahn transport in Bavaria, said “We requested new vehicles in the tenders for both networks in order to improve passenger comfort, increase capacity and also expand services. A special treat are the eight trains specially equipped for use on the Bamberg – Coburg – Erfurt high-speed line, which we planned together with the Free State of Thuringia. Their maximum speed will be 190 kilometres per hour.”

Hansrüdiger Fritz, CEO Regional Management, DB Regio Bayern, said “Attractive trains and service offers for our customers are a prerequisite for generating more uptake of the climate-friendly railway. To achieve this, we are further increasing the quality of mass transit in Bavaria and are winning additional passengers. Together with our partner Siemens Mobility, we are looking forward to launching this impressive fleet of new trains in Bavaria's rail networks. Our passengers will benefit from improved services in both networks. On the heavily traveled Nuremberg – Bamberg route, for example, the new trains will significantly increase passenger capacity. From 2024 onward, up to 200 more seats will be available on each train.”

Dr. Elmar Zeiler, Head of Mass Transit and Regional Trains at Siemens Mobility, said “Only by providing a strong rail sector can we satisfy the growing demand for mobility and at the same time achieve our climate targets. Siemens Mobility is proud that we will be making a significant contribution here with our Desiro HC and Mireo trains in Bavaria and Thuringia. Both trains stand for enhanced passenger comfort and convenience, maximum availability and sustainability, are highly popular with passengers, and have already considerably improved passenger satisfaction on many routes.”