The Rhine-Ruhr Transport Authority (VRR) is responding to rising passenger numbers on Subnetwork 1 of the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn with a targeted capacity expansion. Under a new project, seven existing three-car Stadler FLIRT units will be extended into five-car formations through the addition of two new intermediate cars.
Stadler was awarded the contract for the conversion earlier this summer and is now developing a tailor-made engineering solution for the modification. Work is scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2029.
Once complete, all trains operating in Subnetwork 1 will consist of five-car FLIRT units, offering 296 seats instead of the current 180 — a significant increase in capacity and passenger comfort.
“The extension of the FLIRT vehicles is an important step in meeting the growing demands of public transport and rising passenger numbers. By expanding from three- to five-car trains, we are creating 64 per cent more seats and providing greater comfort, accessibility, and flexibility for all passengers. This strengthens mobility in one of Germany’s most important metropolitan regions,” said Oliver Wittke, VRR Chief Executive Officer.
“We are very pleased with the trust VRR has placed in us and the opportunity to continue strengthening mobility in the region. Extending the vehicles represents a key contribution to sustainably improving services for passengers,” said Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President Division Service at Stadler.
The project is already underway, with Stadler’s engineering teams beginning design and preparation work to ensure smooth implementation.
Upgraded FLIRT trains for the Rhine-Ruhr Network
The FLIRT 3 XL multiple units used on Subnetwork 1 are designed specifically for S-Bahn operations. Their modular construction allows for flexible configurations — currently three-car, soon to be five-car formations.
Key features of the new five-car trains include:
- Length: approx. 106 metres
- Seats: 296
- Doors: 10 per side
- Maximum speed: 160 km/h
- Power output: 3,000 kW
- Accessibility: Level boarding at 76 cm platform height, ramps for wheelchair users
- Multifunctional areas: Spaces for bicycles, prams, and wheelchairs
Expanding mobility across the Rhine-Ruhr Region
Subnetwork 1 includes some of the most heavily used S-Bahn lines in North Rhine-Westphalia:
- S2: Dortmund – Herne – Essen / Recklinghausen
- S3: Oberhausen – Mülheim – Essen – Hattingen
- S9: Haltern am See – Bottrop – Essen – Wuppertal – Hagen
- RB 32, RB 40, RE 41, RE 49: Additional lines operating with S-Bahn-like frequencies and stop patterns
The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn, one of Germany’s largest suburban rail systems, spans over 475 kilometres and serves more than 180 stations, connecting key cities across the Ruhr metropolitan region.
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