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In a significant development for public transport in Berlin, the states of Berlin and Brandenburg have announced that Swiss company Stadler Rail and German giant Siemens will build the new generation of S-Bahn vehicles. The decision, which marks a key milestone in a five-year procurement process, will see the two companies deliver 106 electric multiple units (EMUs), consisting of 85 four-car units and 21 two-car units.
The new S-Bahn trains are expected to be a significant upgrade to the current vehicles in terms of technology and efficiency. Once delivered, they will operate on the two-thirds of Berlin's S-Bahn network that is undergoing modernization, including the S41, S42, S8, S46, and S47 services, as well as the city's ring network (S41, S42).
The new trains are designed to improve the overall service quality and reliability on Berlin's S-Bahn network. They are set to enter revenue service starting in 2021 on the S47 line, with the entire fleet expected to be available by the end of 2023. However, it's important to note that the arrival of the new trains may not be immediate, with several years likely to pass before they are fully integrated into the network.
The administration of Transport Senator Ute Bonde (CDU) has played a pivotal role in the process leading up to this announcement. The decision regarding the builder and operator of the new S-Bahn trains is expected to be announced by the states of Berlin and Brandenburg in the near future.
This news comes as a relief to commuters who have long been calling for improvements to the S-Bahn network. The new trains are part of a larger modernization project aimed at enhancing the overall public transport system in the region. As the project progresses, Berliners can look forward to a more efficient, reliable, and modern public transport network.
[1] S-Bahn Berlin (2021). New S-Bahn trains for Berlin and Brandenburg. Retrieved from https://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/en/new-s-bahn-trains-for-berlin-and-brandenburg
[2] Deutsche Bahn (2021). New S-Bahn trains for Berlin and Brandenburg. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/service/s-bahn/berlin-brandenburg/new-s-bahn-trains.html
The selection of Stadler Rail and Siemens as the builders of the new S-Bahn vehicles indicates a strategic move towards upgrading public-transit in Berlin, especially in the finance and transportation industry. With the new trains set to operate on various services like S41, S42, S8, S46, S47, and the city's ring network, anticipation grows for improved reliability and service quality in the industry.
