Brandenburg - Today Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG), together with representatives from the states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt and the transport authorities VBB-Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH, Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH, and Verkehrsgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern mbH, signed the transport contract for the Elbe-Spree network in Brandenburg an der Havel.

As part of the ceremony, one of the new six-car Desiro HC trains was presented in Magdeburg and Brandenburg an der Havel by train manufacturer Siemens Mobility GmbH.

The states will offer more service, trains and quality on their rail network.

The large number of guests from politics and the media showed how great the public interest is in having high-quality mobility and a strong rail infrastructure. The new Elbe-Spree rail network marks a commitment by the four states to provide these services. The high service frequency, many modern trains, and improved infrastructure will ensure decisive improvements for both commuters and travelers throughout the region. The interstate connections will, among other things, increase the attractiveness of having separate places of residence and work, especially in fast growing cities and smaller communities outside of the main metropolitan areas.

The VBB handled the tender procedure on behalf of the four states

The Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) was in charge of the Europe-wide tender procedure on behalf of the states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt. The Elbe-Spree network is an extension of the existing S-Bahn network, whose transport contracts expire at the end of this year. In order to continue meeting the growing demand for local rail passenger transport in the future, the new rail network will expand by around five million train kilometers, providing around 25 percent more capacity than in the past. As of December 2022, some 28 million train kilometers will be operated throughout the entire Elbe-Spree network, and the capacities required by this volume of traffic will be ensured by increasing service frequency, providing longer trains, and building longer platforms. The expansion of the network will be carried out in two stages: The first will center on the network infrastructure, excluding the current construction of the Dresdner Bahn in Berlin. Following commissioning of this stage, most likely beginning in 2025, further improvements for passengers in the network will be provided.

The ODEG also participated in the tender and was awarded lots 1 and 4 at the beginning of 2019. When operations begin on December 11 this year, the current 13 million train kilometers will increase to more than 18 million, increasing operations by 50 percent. The term of the new contract signed today is twelve years. This new network expansion will create a total of 250 new and secure jobs for the largest private railway in eastern Germany. With the 2022/23 timetable change, the ODEG trains on the RE1 route will operate with the highest frequency: three times an hour during rush hours between (Magdeburg) - Brandenburg an der Havel and Frankfurt (Oder) - Eisenhuttenstadt - (Cottbus). All in all, this will mean an absolute win for the region in terms of mobility, climate protection and jobs. Compared to the current scheduling of two trains per hour on the RE1, capacity on the line during rush hours will be increased by up to 70 percent.

A silent e-volution - the Siemens Desiro HC train

At the signing event, manufacturer Siemens Mobility presented its six-car, electric, single and double-decker train from its Desiro HC series and explained its many technical innovations and benefits for future passengers. The HC designation behind Desiro stands for 'High Capacity'. With its expanded capacity, the train will easily handle increasing passenger volumes in metropolitan areas like Berlin, Magdeburg, Cottbus and Schwerin. One sustainable aspect of the train is that it is configured with two powered single-deck end cars and four double-decker unpowered middle cars, saving valuable energy resources. The train features specially coated windows for improved network reception. An additional plus is WiFi availability and power sockets throughout the train, numerous TFT monitors, real-time occupancy displays networked with the VBB app, a special passenger safety comfort system, wider car doors, entrances adaptable to different platform heights, and extra space for parking bicycles, wheelchairs and buggies. Additional information about the train can be found here.

Contact:

Tel: 0174 306 3307

Email: silke.thomson-pottebohm@siemens.com

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