Talbot Services, on behalf of Alpha Trains, has completed the prototype for the train upgrade and refurbishment project for Regio-S-Bahn Bremen. The works carried out at the Talbot plant in Aachen will accelerate the modernisation of a total fleet of 35 Coradia Continental trains manufactured by Alstom and operated by NordWestBahn, a subsidiary of Transdev Group.
The specifications were drawn up based on the requirements of the public transport authority, the technical specifications were developed in close collaboration with Talbot Services and the construction of the prototype was supported by Alpha Trains.
“The prototype is truly impressive. The project is a prime example of how tried and tested rolling stock can be upgraded and refurbished to provide passengers with a level of convenience similar to that of new trains. The overall concept is both sustainable and future-proof due to the considerable savings in terms of resources”, Thomas Schmidt, Managing Director of Alpha Trains Europa said.
The upgrade of the trains covers the installation of Wi-Fi equipment, including a preliminary set-up for 5G and the installation of a new passenger information system with large screens and real-time information on connecting trains.
The vehicles will also be equipped with power sockets for charging e-bikes, a modern video monitoring system, energy-efficient LED lighting, tinted scratch-resistant foil and numerous other power outlets.
The refurbishment includes the interior design with a new seat upholstery and covers, new armrests and tables to complete the picture. Hygiene standards in these refurbished trains will also be far higher and in future they will be fitted with disinfectant and fragrance dispensers in the toilets as well as highly resistant powder coating systems on the handrails.
The project also covers the increase of the accessibility for passengers with limited mobility and includes the installation of a guidance system for the blind, door buttons with a locator tone and improved access to the spacious multi-purpose area designed for prams, wheelchairs and bicycles.
NordWestBahn has been operating the trains on the 270-km network of the Regio-S-Bahn Bremen in Lower Saxony (RSBN) since December 2010. The rail operator prevailed in a Europe-wide tender in 2019 and won the order for the new transport contract running until December 2036.
The train upgrade and refurbishment project will be implemented from January 2023 onwards when two trains at a time will be refurbished and upgraded within a six-week period.
“The prototype train offers a great foretaste of what awaits our passengers on the entire Regio-S-Bahn route network from 2023 onwards. With this state-of-the-art technology, we will hopefully be able to convince many more people of the convenience and the advantages of the Regio-S-Bahn network in particular, but also of regional rail transport in general,” Ulrich Ehrhardt, Managing Director of NordWestBahn said.
From December 2022, 51 EMUs from Alpha Trains, consisting of 16 new Stadler Flirt XL trains and the Coradia train fleet will operate on the rail network of Bremen.
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