Siemens Mobility has handed over on schedule the 84th RRX train for the Rhine-Ruhr Express infrastructure and mobility project. The trains were originally ordered from in 2015 under a train and a service contract with a total value of EUR 1.7 billion, marking the largest order received by Siemens Mobility to date in the sector of regional rail passenger transport in Germany.
The state-of-the-art double-decker trains, which won the German Mobility Award this year, are serviced in the Siemens Mobility Digital Service Center in Dortmund in order to ensure nearly 100-percent availability.
The trains were built in Krefeld, tested in Wegberg-Wildenrath, and are maintained and serviced at the RRX depot in Dortmund.
The trains, that normally operate in double traction, provide 800 seats, with 200 more than in the previously used double-decker cars.
The RRX train features platform-level entries, air conditioning, power outlets at the seats, and free WLAN service. In addition, they have an intelligent and predictive train diagnostics system and an advanced passenger information system. Generous sight lines and large windows create a pleasant interior atmosphere. Specially coated windows optimize cell phone reception.
Everything related to the RRX trains is digitally networked including the trains, service center, logistics center and employees. “We are proud to be handing over the 84th RRX train today and having delivered the entire RRX fleet right on time. The RRX is a showcase project for digital mobility,” Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility said.
The RRX is operated by National Express Rail GmbH and Abellio Rail NRW GmbH. DB Netz AG and DB Station&Service AG are jointly responsible for the extensive expansion and upgrading of the RXX infrastructure.
Once the project’s related infrastructure expansion has been completed, the RRX network will consist of seven lines, allowing 15-minute headways in the core stretch between Dortmund and Cologne. The Rhine-Ruhr Express will significantly improve the mobility of travelers and commuters in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia and also offer cross-border connections to North Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Lower Saxony. The new RRX trains are already being used on several regional lines in the network.
“Germany must once again become a railway country. This requires providing comfortable and attractive alternatives to private transport – like the RRX. By expanding and upgrading our rail infrastructure and ensuring faster headways, we are offering all commuters in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia an attractive opportunity to move to rail. For cleaner and better mobility in the state,” Hendrik Wüst, Minister for Transport in North Rhine-Westphalia said.
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