Challenges in Expanding Railway Infrastructure During Tough Economic Conditions
The city of Duisburg and Rheinbahn, a major transport company in Germany, are gearing up for a significant change with the upcoming delivery of the HFx high-floor city rail vehicles. The manufacturer of these modern trains is yet to be announced, following a decision by a committee in Duisburg, scheduled for late September.
The HFx trains are designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind. They feature fully enclosed couplings in the specially designed vehicle front to protect pedestrians, and a unique lighting concept that ensures direct illumination of the door areas while the seating areas are indirectly lit.
Passengers with suitable hearing aids can benefit from inductive hearing loops, ensuring they don't miss any announcements. The trains will also be equipped with four monitors integrated into the ceiling, USB charging stations, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The infotainment package doesn't stop there. The vehicles will offer two multifunctional areas for wheelchairs, strollers, or bicycles, accommodating a maximum of 178 passengers.
Safety is a top priority, as evidenced by the inclusion of driver assistance systems such as electronic collision warning systems, which trigger active braking in case of an emergency.
The order for these new trains, with a net volume of around 340 million euros, includes a 24-year spare parts supply contract. Delivery is scheduled for the years 2025 to 2027, with an option for Rheinbahn to order up to 42 more vehicles in addition to the 91 already ordered.
This modernisation project is part of Rheinbahn's fleet renewal efforts, aimed at replacing the red trains from the 1980s and the partly 35-year-old red-and-white city rail vehicles of the B80-Alu type. The company is currently facing a record deficit of 150 million euros for the coming year, due to high investments, increased production, the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential cancellations of season tickets for employees who may continue to work from home for longer periods.
Despite these challenges, Klaus Klar, CEO and Works Director of Rheinbahn, remains optimistic about the HFx trains, stating they will offer modern comfort and an attractive appearance in the cityscape. Michael Richarz, Board of Technology and Operations, shares this sentiment, describing the HFx vehicle concept as powerful, technologically advanced, and passenger-friendly.
The delivery and procurement of the HFx trains are being carried out jointly with Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft (DVG). Once delivered, the new trains will be deployed on all high-floor city rail lines, modernising the transportation landscape in Duisburg and Rheinbahn.
The upcoming HFx trains, designed for Duisburg's public-transit system, are anticipated to revolutionize the city's transportation landscape, bridging the gap between modern finance and the industry standard. Enhanced safety features, such as inductive hearing loops, driver assistance systems, and electronic collision warning systems, ensure these trains cater to the diverse needs of the finance sector and the general public. With the aim of revitalizing Duisburg's aging public-transit vehicles, these new HFx trains will redefine the future of public-transit transportation and the finance of the industry in Duisburg and Rheinbahn.
