Alpha Trains has refurbished and redesigned 35 Alstom Coradia Continental multiple units in partnership with Talbot Services. The conversion of the last train marks the successful completion of this pioneering project, supporting the reuse of existing rolling stock, enhancing efficiency and making a valuable contribution to resource-conscious, sustainable mobility.
The refurbishment began in January 2023 and was carried out during the ongoing operation of Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Niedersachsen (RSBN), without affecting the timetable.
A prototype that was built first enabled both the optimisation of the processes and the implementation of the latest technical findings, thus laying the foundation for a quick and smooth conversion of the entire fleet. Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Lower Saxony (RSBN) is a brand of the operating company NordWestBahn, based in Osnabrück.
The close and collaborative partnership between the operator, the public transport authorities, the refurbishment company and the lessor proved to be a crucial advantage for the project’s success. The Alpha Trains engineering team not only managed the project but also developed the refurbishment specifications to align with the customer’s requirements.
The technical preparation was done in close collaboration with Talbot Services and various subcontractors. Alpha Trains’ engineers also managed and monitored the homologation, construction management and acceptance, working in constant coordination with operator NordWestBahn’s technical team.
The vehicles are operating on the 270-km network of Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Lower Saxony (RSBN) and offer passengers an enhanced travel experience. In December 2022, 16 new Stadler Flirt XL trains were added to the existing fleet, bringing the total number of Alpha Trains EMUs in and around the Hanseatic city of Bremen to 51.
“This project is an impressive example of how a comprehensive refurbishment can transform an existing fleet of rolling stock, incorporating technological advances and improved passenger comfort requirements, while prioritising sustainability and resource efficiency,” says Bernhard Holzer, Managing Director of Alpha Trains Europa GmbH.
The modernised Alstom Coradia Continental fleet has been equipped with innovative technologies, including Wi-Fi and 5G pre-installation, passenger information systems, video surveillance systems, energy-efficient LED lighting and tinted scratch-resistant films and comfort extras such as numerous power outlets, new seat upholstery and renewed tables.
Accessibility was also given a high priority. The installation of a guide system for the blind and visually impaired, door buttons with a built-in location sound and improved access to the spacious, multi-purpose storage area for prams, wheelchairs and bicycles make the vehicles easier to use for mobility-impaired passengers. In addition, all trains are now running in the new livery, which strengthens the unified appearance of the fleet. The familiar blue Regio-S-Bahn no longer exists.
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