“Following the contract awarded by LNVG for the Bremen/Lower Saxony express interchange in 2021 and the contract with DB Regio for the Main-Weser subnetwork at the end of last year, we are extremely pleased that we have also convinced DB with our offer of Coradia Stream HC trains for the RE50 and RB51 lines,” explained Müslüm Yakisan, president of Alstom Region DACH.
Maik Dreser, chairman of the regional management at DB Regio Mitte, added, “The new electric double-deck multiple-unit trains accelerate faster. This allows for a tighter interval, reducing travel time on the RE50 between Frankfurt and Fulda by an average of eight minutes. In the future, the RE50 will even run to Bebra every hour during rush hour. With enlarged service and a high level of travel comfort, these new vehicles will make local transport in Kinzigtal much more attractive for passengers.”
The Coradia Stream HC offers a high level of passenger comfort, according to Alstom. It features four-seat groups with large tables in first class and small wall-mounted tables in second class. Power sockets at seats and free WLAN are also standard in the new trains.
The Coradia Stream HC is designed to provide barrier-free access to all doors at most stations. This is possible thanks to the uniform boarding height of 600mm. The train also offers 30 bicycle parking spaces, an asset for leisure riders and bicycle commuters.
“These new trains will enable us to offer over 1,080 seats between Frankfurt and Eastern Hesse at peak times, and 840 seats during normal hours compared to the previous 720,” added Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund managing director professor Knut Ringat. “In addition, the trains offer more comfort with power sockets at the seat and tables, as well as free WLAN. With the combination of more space, more comfort, and faster journeys, our passengers benefit quite considerably from the new Alstom vehicles. The trains are expected to enter service in Kinzigtal from December 2025 and between Frankfurt, Central Hesse and Kassel even a year earlier.”
DB Regio will continue to operate the RE50 and RB51 lines beyond the timetable change planned for December 14, 2025, following a call for tenders by Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund and Nordhessischer Verkehrsverbund. Alstom will produce the trains for the Kinzig Valley Railway in Salzgitter. The project office with project and contract management, validation and commissioning, documentation and training will also be in Germany.