The European Investment Bank is providing EUR 185 million to fund the train procurement project in Greater Berlin. The EU bank loan is guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).
DAL Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing is set to lease new trains to ODEG which in January 2019 won Lots 1 and 4 of the European-wide tender launched by VBB for the modernisation of the “Elbe-Spree” network.
The EIB is supporting ODEG with the implementation of Lot 1 which covers the procurement of an initial 21 six-car Desiro HC trains manufactured by Siemens Mobility.
They are expected to enter service on the RE1 regional express line linking Magdeburg with Cottbus via Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder) by the end of 2022.
“The implementation of Lots 1 and 4 is a milestone for regional rail in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area. It offers not only an outstanding transport concept, but also an innovative financing structure. We’re happy to literally get this project on track as leasing provider,” said Andreas Geue, the Chairman of the Board of DAL Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing.
The new trains offer a considerable improvement in comfort and have generous space for bicycles, prams and wheelchairs and an accessible toilet in each multi-purpose carriage. They also have wider doors to enable faster boarding and free Wi-Fi for the convenience of passengers.
In March, Siemens Mobility was awarded a EUR 300 million for the supply of 23 Desiro HC trains, of which 21 six-car and 2 four-car trains.
In addition, ODEG will use Desiro Mainline trains under a contract signed between Alpha Trains and Siemens Mobility.
ODEG will also operate 8 new trains under a contract signed with Alstom.
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