The Munich S-Bahn is getting a major upgrade with the arrival of 90 new trains from Siemens Mobility. The new trains, which are scheduled to enter passenger service in 2028, will be the one of the most modern S-Bahn trains in Germany.
Once completed and in service, the new trains will be longer and wider than the current fleet, providing more space for passengers. They will also be equipped with a number of new features and will also be more environmentally friendly than the current fleet. To achieve increased energy efficiency they will be equipped with energy-efficient motors and will be able to run on renewable energy.
Plans are also in place to enhance the digitalisation of the trains. They will be equipped with technology that increases energy efficiency through minimizing life cycle costs. Alongside this, the trains will no longer have to have software updates installed in the depot, as they will now have them transmitted and downloaded through a secure online connection, which it is hoped will save time.
The trains will also be fitted with multiple European standard systems, including the European Train Control System [ETCS], an Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system, and a Train Integrity Monitoring System [TIMS].
Evelyn Palla, board member for Regional Transport, Deutsche Bahn AG: “A 200-meter-long S-Bahn means higher capacity, better punctuality, and greater comfort for our passengers. Germany’s most modern S-Bahn trains will be an important component in our efforts to drive the mobility transition in the Munich region. Each of the new XXL trains will replace 1,500 cars during rush hours. This is truly local transport of the future.”
The investment in new S-Bahn trains is part of a broader effort to improve public transportation in Munich. The city is also planning to expand the U-Bahn (underground railway) and build a new tram line.
The new trains from Siemens Mobility are part of a €2 billion investment in the Munich S-Bahn. The investment also includes the construction of new maintenance facilities and the purchase of new rolling stock for the U-Bahn.
Bavarian transport minister Christian Bernreiter: “This marks a huge step towards ensuring even more climate-friendly mobility in Bavaria’s largest metropolitan area. We are heralding a new era and taking the Munich S-Bahn into the future. As the person responsible for regional rail transport in Bavaria, I can say that this investment is well worth the price.
After all, no less than two-thirds of all local rail passengers in Bavaria will benefit from the trains, and virtually all local transport in the Munich region more or less depends on a well-functioning and attractive S-Bahn.”
Photo and video credit: Siemens Mobility
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