Billion-euro order: Siemens to build Rhine-Ruhr express

On September 18, 2018, Siemens and the special-purpose associations Nahverkehr Rheinland (NVR), Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL), Schienenpersonennahverkehr Rheinland-Pfalz Nord (SPNV-Nord), the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) and the Nordhessischer Verkehrsverbund (NVV) presented the new Rhine-Ruhr-Express at Innotrans.

Siemens has developed a new design for the RRX fleet based on the successful Desiro platform. The train's concept combines premium features with state-of-the-art technology. Each train consists of four cars; the first and last as end car and driving trailer have one passenger deck, while the two middle cars are double-deckers. Each train has a seating capacity of 400. The trains are designed in a white, grey, black and orange color scheme. The design of the RRX continues into the interior, where generous sight lines and large windows provide a pleasant atmosphere. In addition, the RRX has Wi-Fi access and socket outlets throughout the train, folding tables and reading lights in first-class, as well as advanced information systems and energy-efficient traction units and air-conditioning.

Siemens was commissioned in March 2015 to deliver 82 multiple-unit electric Desiro HC trains and provide their maintenance for a period of 32 years. The order has a total volume of over €1.7 billion.

In the picture from left to right: Heiko Sedlaczek, CEO Verkehrsverband Rhein-Sieg/Nahverkehr Rheinland; Martin Husmann, CEO Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR); Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Siemens Mobility GmbH; Joachim Künzel CEO Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe (NWL), and Dr. Thomas Geyer, Association Director Special Purpose Association for regional rail transportation Rhineland-Palatinate North (SPNV-Nord)

Today, after one-and-a-half years of construction, Siemens Mobility is officially inaugurating the new maintenance depot for the Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX). In the future, 75 employees in the Rail Service Center in Dortmund-Eving will service and maintain the 82 electric RXX Desiro HC multiple-unit trains for a period of 32 years. The digitalized and paperless concept ensures that the trains' contractually agreed availability of over 99 percent can be guaranteed.

Picture from left to right: Dr. Hendrik Schulte, State Secretary at Ministry of Transport of the State of North Rhine Westphalia; Martin Husmann, CEO Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr; Sabrina Soussan, CEO Siemens Mobility; Manfred Fuhg, Head of Siemens Mobility Germany; Rainer Blüm, CEO Abellio Rail NRW; Heiko Sedlaczek, CEO Verkehrsverband Rhein-Sieg/Nahverkehr Rheinland

Labeled as the project of the century for Germany's most heavily populated metropolitan region, the Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) will help alleviate the continuously worsening transportation issues in the conurbation along the Rhine and Ruhr rivers beginning in 2018. In March 2015, Siemens was commissioned to deliver 82 Desiro HC electric multiple units and provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years. "The start of tests at the PCW shows that we're right on schedule with the RRX project. We're testing here whether the trains are fit for their daily service in and between the cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Each train of the entire RRX fleet will be commissioned right here, virtually on the doorstep of the public rail network," said Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Siemens' business with high-speed and regional trains and locomotives.

In the picture (starting from the left): Heiko Sedlaczek, Managing Director Verkehrsverband Rhein-Sieg/Nahverkehr Rheinland, Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Siemens Business Unit Mainline Transport, Martin Husmann, CEO Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr and Burkhard Bastisch, Managing Director Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe.

Siemens presented the first prototype of the Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) today. The testing of the multiple-unit electric train will now begin at the Siemens Test and Validation Center (PCW) in Wegberg-Wildenrath. All seven pre-series trains will be commissioned at the PCW and complete extensive tests in the coming months before undertaking their first test runs in the public railway network. The RRX is scheduled to enter service in the greater Rhine-Ruhr region at the end of 2018.

Siemens presented the first prototype of the Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) today. The testing of the multiple-unit electric train will now begin at the Siemens Test and Validation Center (PCW) in Wegberg-Wildenrath. All seven pre-series trains will be commissioned at the PCW and complete extensive tests in the coming months before undertaking their first test runs in the public railway network. The RRX is scheduled to enter service in the greater Rhine-Ruhr region at the end of 2018.

In the picture: Martin Husmann, CEO Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr

The modern, energy-efficient Desiro HC platform is a key component of the Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) trains that will provide fast connections in the Rhineland, Ruhr district and Westphalia following expansion and upgrading of the region's rail infrastructure. The trains will make regional rail travel considerably more comfortable and barrier-free. The trains feature platform-level access, high-quality seats, improved mobile communications, spacious entry areas and many other advantages. To ensure that the first trains can be successively enter service beginning in late 2018, production in the Krefeld factory has already been under way for a number of weeks.

Sabrina Soussan, CEO of the Mainline Transport Business Unit, and Plant Manager Ulrich Semsek guide Michael Groschek, Transportation Minister of the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, and Dr. Herrmann-Josef Tebroke, District Administrator of the Rheinisch-Bergisch district, through the Siemens factory in Krefeld. "We have completely rethought the concept of maintenance: At our new facility in Dortmund-Eving, we will be taking the service and maintenance of trains into the digital age. We'll use algorithms there to analyze data delivered from the trains. With this predictive maintenance system, we can recognize potential faults quite early and prevent them from actually happening," said Soussan.

In the picture (starting from the left): Plant Manager Ulrich Semsek, Manfred Fuhg, Head of Siemens Mobility Division Region Germany; Transportation Minister of the state of North-Rhine-Westphalia Michael Groschek; CEO Siemens Business Unit Mainline Transport Sabrina Soussan, Siemens Rhein-Ruhr-Express Project Lead Jens Chlebowski and District Administrator of the Rheinisch-Bergisch district Dr. Hermann-Josef Tebroke.

The Rhein-Ruhr-Express, an epoch-making project for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, will alleviate the constantly growing transportation problems in the area from 2018. Thanks to the targeted expansion of the rail routes and the opportunity this offers to move traffic from the roads to rail, the RRX is expected to render unnecessary tens of thousands of car trips each working day.

The first RRX trains, with top speeds of up to 160 km/h, are expected to start running in the greater Rhine-Ruhr area from late 2018. Once the rail infrastructure has been expanded, they will ultimately be expected to run at 15-minute intervals. 

Today the cornerstone was laid in Dortmund-Eving, Germany, for the service and maintenance depot being built for the Rhine-Ruhr-Express (RRX) trains. Test operations at the depot are scheduled to begin in mid-2018. In the future, all 82 RRX trains will be serviced and maintained here for a period of 32 years. Siemens will create 75 jobs for the depot and is investing a mid-double-digit-million euro sum in the facility.

Photo from left to right: Ludger Wilde, City Council City of Dortmund; Jürgen Eickholt, CEO Siemens Mobility Division; Minister for Transport in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia Michael Groschek; Foreman Stefan Schütz, Martin Husmann, CEO of Verkehrsverbunds Rhein-Ruhr (VRR).

Today, Siemens and the municipalities involved in Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) project solemnly signed the record-breaking order for the supply of 82 type Desiro HC electric multiple units, and the maintenance services for a period of 32 years.With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail and service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

In the picture: Dr. Jochen Eickholt (left), CEO Siemens Mobility; Michael Groschek (in the middle), Minister of Transport North Rhine-Westphalia, and Martin Husmann (right), Board Spokesman Transport Association Rhine-Ruhr (VRR).

Today, Siemens and the municipalities involved in Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) project solemnly signed the record-breaking order for the supply of 82 type Desiro HC electric multiple units, and the maintenance services for a period of 32 years.With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail and service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

In the picture (from left to right): Dr. Wilhelm Schmidt-Freitag, CEO Association Local Transport Rhineland (NVR); Heiko Sedlaczek, CEO NVR; Dr. Thomas Geyer, Association Director Special Purpose Association for regional rail transportation Rhineland-Palatinate North (SPNV); Dr. Guido Streit, Deputy Chairman SPNV; Dr. Jochen Eickholt, CEO Siemens Division Mobility; Martin Husmann, Board Spokesman Transport Association Rhine-Ruhr (VRR); Christian Manz, Chairman Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe (NWL) and Burkhard Bastich, CEO NWL.

Today, Siemens and the municipalities involved in Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) project solemnly signed the record-breaking order for the supply of 82 type Desiro HC electric multiple units, and the maintenance services for a period of 32 years.With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail and service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

In the picture (front row from left to right): Dr. Guido Streit, Deputy Chairman SPNV; Heiko Sedlaczek, CEO Association Local Transport Rhineland (NVR); Dr. Wilhelm Schmidt-Freitag, CEO NVR; Martin Husmann, Board Spokesman Transport Association Rhine-Ruhr (VRR); Dr. Jochen Eickholt, CEO Siemens Division Mobility; Michael Groschek, Minister of Transport North Rhine-Westphalia; Christian Manz, Chairman Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe (NWL) and Burkhard Bastich, CEO NWL.

The electric multiple unit (EMU) trains built by Siemens Mobility for the Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) will begin operating punctually with the change of the rail system's timetable on December 9, 2018. Germany's Federal Railway Authority (EBA) has officially approved the train. The planned deadline was met right on time and commercial operation will begin on Line RE 11 that connects Düsseldorf, Essen, Dortmund, Hamm, Paderborn and Kassel. Up to 43,000 passengers use this route daily. A total of 15 trains will now be entering service. The new Desiro HC trains provide 25 percent more capacity than the trains previously used on this line, and offer significantly enhanced passenger comfort and convenience. The digitalized service and maintenance provided by Siemens Mobility guarantees over 99 percent availability of the new EMUs.

The Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) will begin operating punctually with the change of the rail system's timetable on December 9, 2018. Siemens Mobility will be delivering a total of 82 specially developed double-decker trains from the proven Desiro train family. The newest family member, the Desiro HC, is designed for high passenger capacities. Each 105-meter train consists of four cars and has 400 seats. In operation, two train units will be coupled to create an eight-car express with around 800 seats. In addition, Siemens Mobility will be responsible for the service and maintenance of the trains over a period of 32 years. A state-of-the-art maintenance facility, the most modern in the world, was built specifically for this purpose in Dortmund-Eving.

Today, after one-and-a-half years of construction, Siemens Mobility is officially inaugurating the new maintenance depot for the Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX). In the future, 75 employees in the Rail Service Center in Dortmund-Eving will service and maintain the 82 electric RXX Desiro HC multiple-unit trains for a period of 32 years. The digitalized and paperless concept ensures that the trains’ contractually agreed availability of over 99 percent can be guaranteed.

In March 2015, the rapid transit associations participating in the new RRX rail transport concept commissioned Siemens Mobility to deliver 82 Desiro HC electric multiple-unit trains and provide their servicing and maintenance for a period of 32 years.

For this purpose, Siemens Mobility has laid around 5.5 kilometers of tracks on the grounds of the former Dortmund-Eving marshalling yard and provided a six-track workshop building, a three-story warehouse and staff facility, a gatehouse building, outside storage areas and a facility for washing the trains. All maintenance processes can be managed completely without paperwork: Employees are provided with their work orders, along with all the information they need for repairs and maintenance, on tablets. While in service, the trains continuously deliver data on their status via multiple sensors to the workshop, where it is processed.

The RRX workshop also has a state-of-the-art vehicle inspection system (AVI) which is being used for the first time in Germany. As the trains enter the workshop grounds, they pass the AVI facility where the wheels, axles and tread patterns of each car are automatically inspected using modern laser technology. This data is directly entered in the data management system, evaluated and further processed.

The RRX workshop also has a state-of-the-art vehicle inspection system (AVI) which is being used for the first time in Germany. As the trains enter the workshop grounds, they pass the AVI facility where the wheels, axles and tread patterns of each car are automatically inspected using modern laser technology. This data is directly entered in the data management system, evaluated and further processed.

The Rhine-Ruhr express has been a long-cherished dream to bring a new quality of life to the metropolitan region. A dream is now due to become reality in the near future, with fast, comfortable trains running through the urban landscape at 15 minute intervals during peak travel times in a rail network running right across North Rhine-Westphalia, and extending up the Rhine to Koblenz and as far east as Kassel. Siemens will not only supply the trains, but has also been contracted to maintain them for the next 32 years to ensure that the fleet is available every day.

The "Rhine-Ruhr Express" (RRX), one of the projects of the century, is good news for the millions of commuters in the most densely populated region in Europe. The first trains, with a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, will enter service in the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation at the end of 2018. Step by step, a service interval of 15 minutes will be reached during rush hours. Siemens will not only supply the trains, but has also been contracted to maintain them for the next 32 years to ensure that the fleet is available every day.

The "Rhine-Ruhr Express" (RRX), one of the projects of the century, is good news for the millions of commuters in the most densely populated region in Europe. The first trains, with a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, will enter service in the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation at the end of 2018. Step by step, a service interval of 15 minutes will be reached during rush hours. Siemens will not only supply the trains, but has also been contracted to maintain them for the next 32 years to ensure that the fleet is available every day.

The Rhine-Ruhr express has been a long-cherished dream to bring a new quality of life to the metropolitan region. A dream is now due to become reality in the near future, with fast, comfortable trains running through the urban landscape at 15 minute intervals during peak travel times in a rail network running right across North Rhine-Westphalia, and extending up the Rhine to Koblenz and as far east as Kassel. Siemens will not only supply the trains, but has also been contracted to maintain them for the next 32 years to ensure that the fleet is available every day.

The Rhine-Ruhr express has been a long-cherished dream to bring a new quality of life to the metropolitan region. A dream is now due to become reality in the near future, with fast, comfortable trains running through the urban landscape at 15 minute intervals during peak travel times in a rail network running right across North Rhine-Westphalia, and extending up the Rhine to Koblenz and as far east as Kassel. Siemens will not only supply the trains, but has also been contracted to maintain them for the next 32 years to ensure that the fleet is available every day.

The Rhine-Ruhr express has been a long-cherished dream to bring a new quality of life to the metropolitan region. A dream is now due to become reality in the near future, with fast, comfortable trains running through the urban landscape at 15 minute intervals during peak travel times in a rail network running right across North Rhine-Westphalia, and extending up the Rhine to Koblenz and as far east as Kassel. Siemens will not only supply the trains, but has also been contracted to maintain them for the next 32 years to ensure that the fleet is available every day.

Today the cornerstone was laid in Dortmund-Eving, Germany, for the service and maintenance depot being built for the Rhine-Ruhr-Express (RRX) trains. Test operations at the depot are scheduled to begin in mid-2018. In the future, all 82 RRX trains will be serviced and maintained here for a period of 32 years. Siemens will create 75 jobs for the depot and is investing a mid-double-digit-million euro sum in the facility.

Today, Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years.

The Desiro HC is designed from scratch for efficient maintenance to guarantee optimal availability. Siemens has acquired extensive experience by servicing more than 500 local and regional trains over many years in Great Britain, Russia, and Germany. This experience is embodied in every Desiro innovation. The wear is reduced through a lower axle load and an exceptionally efficient electrodynamic brake. Only rugged, low maintenance components are used from the outset. The Desiro HC is also extremely maintenance-friendly. Ease of access to its systems, wearing parts, and consumables saves a significant amount of time.Design Study Siemens AG

March 26, 2015: Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years. With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

In the picture: The Desiro HC running along the river Rhine.

Design Study Siemens AG

Today, Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years.

The Desiro HC is designed from scratch for efficient maintenance to guarantee optimal availability. Siemens has acquired extensive experience by servicing more than 500 local and regional trains over many years in Great Britain, Russia, and Germany. This experience is embodied in every Desiro innovation. The wear is reduced through a lower axle load and an exceptionally efficient electrodynamic brake. Only rugged, low maintenance components are used from the outset. The Desiro HC is also extremely maintenance-friendly. Ease of access to its systems, wearing parts, and consumables saves a significant amount of time.

Design Study Siemens AG

The best of both worlds: Single-deck cars are efficient, light, and guarantee best conditions for wheelchair accessibility. Double-deck cars, on the other hand, provide significantly greater passenger capacity. The Desiro HC combines the strengths of both car concepts: a substantial number of seats with a large, unobstructed floor area. 

Design Study Siemens AG

Bright, spacious compartments welcome passengers on board the Desiro HC and immediately convey a sense of security. Wide visual axes and transparent separating walls facilitate the panoramic view. Thanks to wide inter-car passageways, passengers can access all parts of the train quickly and easily. Once seated on the comfortable seats, they enjoy plenty of legroom. The interior is designed to be extremely easy to clean.

Design Study Siemens AG

Bright, spacious compartments welcome passengers on board the Desiro HC and immediately convey a sense of security. Wide visual axes and transparent separating walls facilitate the panoramic view. Thanks to wide inter-car passageways, passengers can access all parts of the train quickly and easily. Once seated on the comfortable seats, they enjoy plenty of legroom. The interior is designed to be extremely easy to clean.

Design Study Siemens AG

Boarding is easy for all passengers at platforms. They can board the Desiro HC at the same level, which is a special advantage for passengers with bikes, strollers, or wheelchairs. They also benefit from the completely ramp- and step-free low-floor areas in the end cars. The wide doors, over six square meter gathering areas, and directly adjoining multifunctional zones ensure that passengers can disperse through the train quickly. That saves stopping time at the station and everyone reaches their destination on time.

Design Study Siemens AG

The fewer steps there are, the better the passenger flow. The Desiro HC is outstanding in this respect. Passengers have excellent access, even with bulky baggage, bikes, or strollers, thanks to the same-level entrance and the flat lower deck in the intermediate car – and 50 percent of the passenger space in the end cars has absolutely no steps or ramps. Passengers with reduced mobility benefit in particular from the absence of barriers in the train. The systematic relocation of engine compartments and switchgear cabinets also adds space. The arrangement of all this equipment under the floor or on the roof of the end cars makes the passenger compartment more spacious and airy.

Design Study Siemens AG

The fewer steps there are, the better the passenger flow. The Desiro HC is outstanding in this respect. Passengers have excellent access, even with bulky baggage, bikes, or strollers, thanks to the same-level entrance and the flat lower deck in the intermediate car – and 50 percent of the passenger space in the end cars has absolutely no steps or ramps. Passengers with reduced mobility benefit in particular from the absence of barriers in the train. The systematic relocation of engine compartments and switchgear cabinets also adds space. The arrangement of all this equipment under the floor or on the roof of the end cars makes the passenger compartment more spacious and airy.

Design Study Siemens AG

March 26, 2015: Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years. With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

In the picture: The Desiro HC at Cologne, Germany, Central Station.

Design Study Siemens AG

March 26, 2015: Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years. With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

Design Study Siemens AG

March 26, 2015: Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years. With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

In the picture: The Desiro HC at Cologne, Germany, Central Station. 

Design Study Siemens AG

March 26, 2015: Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years. With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

Design Study Siemens AG

March 26, 2015: Siemens was officially awarded a record-breaking order from the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region. The municipalities involved in the new Rhine-Ruhr express (RRX) rail transport concept commissioned Siemens to supply 82 electric multiple units, type Desiro HC, and to provide maintenance services for a period of 32 years. With a total volume of more than 1.7 billion euros, this is the largest regional rail service order in Germany so far for Siemens.

In the picture: The Desiro HC at Cologne, Germany, Central Station.

Design Study Siemens AG