Operator Go-Ahead Verkehrsgesellschaft Deutschland GmbH has commissioned Siemens Mobility to deliver 56 regional multiple-unit trainsets.
The trains are planned for use on the electrified routes of the “Augsburg rail networks” in southwestern Bavaria.
A total of 44 three-car Mireo electric trainsets and twelve five-car Desiro HC electric double-decker trains are to be delivered. Both types of trains can be combined, enabling the operator to flexibly adapt to changing passenger demand. The order is worth around €400 million.
Passenger service with the new trains is scheduled to begin with the change of the timetable in December 2022.
“We are especially pleased to begin operating our fifth network in Germany – Lot 1 of the Augsburg networks. The state-of-the-art trains being supplied by our partner Siemens Mobility are an important building block for ensuring high-quality operations that will attract additional passengers to rail transport,” said Stefan Krispin, CEO of Go-Ahead Verkehrsgesellschaft Deutschland GmbH.
“This is yet another order for our two regional train platforms in our key home market. For the first time, we’ll be delivering the trains so both types can be combined in operation. This way, the strengths of both train types can be optimally utilized,” said Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Siemens Mobility.
The trains are designated for service on the routes Ulm – Augsburg – Munich, Würzburg – Ansbach – Treuchtlingen – Donauwörth – Augsburg as well as Aalen – Nördlingen – Donauwörth.
All of the trains are designed to meet projected increasing traffic demand in the region. In particular, the double-decker trains planned for routes to and from Munich will provide a substantial increase in seating capacity.
The Mireo offers 216 and the Desiro HC 538 seats. To further increase flexibility in meeting passenger demand, up to four three-car Mireos can be combined as a train or a maximum of two Mireos combined with a Desiro HC. If even more capacity is needed, two Desiro HC trainsets can be coupled. A multipurpose area is located at each car doorway; 18 bicycles can be transported in a Mireo and 45 in a Desiro HC.
All trains are barrier-free for passengers with limited mobility. The trains also have a lift on board in order to provide wheelchair users easy access at stations with low platforms.
A real-time passenger information system shows arrival and departure times as well as connections at the respective stations. The trains are equipped with high-frequency window glass specially developed by Siemens Mobility to substantially improve mobile reception. In addition, the trains will be prepared for a possible later installation of WLAN technology.
