Siemens delivers 109 new high-floor light rail vehicles to Düsseldorf and Duisburg

The rumour had been circulating in professional circles for several weeks already: The Rheinbahn Düsseldorf and DVG Duisburg will order Siemens light rail vehicles to modernise their LRV fleets. Siemens will deliver a total of 109 new high-floor light rail vehicles called “HFx”. Following the positive decision of the Rheinbahn supervisory board in early September, the DVG committees have now also agreed to award the contract for the new high-floor light rail vehicles to the manufacturer Siemens. After the end of the objection period for competitors, Siemens is to be awarded the contract on 12 October. At its meeting on Tuesday, 8 September, the Supervisory Board of Rheinbahn had already approved the award of a contract for the supply of a total of 91 light rail vehicles and a spare parts supply contract over 24 years worth around €340 million, an equivalent of ca. 3.73 million EUR per vehicle. DVG is ordering 18 new light rail vehicles. As the procurement will be carried out jointly, the supervisory boards of both companies had to give their approval before the manufacturer can now be officially announced. We reported here: https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/will-rheinbahn-dusseldorf-and-dvg-duisburg-purchase-91-new-high-floor-trams-from-siemens/

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Renewal of the LRV fleet

In Duisburg, the new six-axle high-floor cars are used exclusively on the U79 line connecting Duisburg and Düsseldorf. The modern high-floor trains stand for more comfort and more safety. The first two pre-series vehicles are scheduled to arrive at DVG in autumn 2023. Series delivery of the other trains is to start in 2024 and be completed as early as 2025. The 18 trams for DVG cost around 55 million euros, i.e. just under 3.06 million euros per vehicle.

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At the end of 2017, DVG had already placed an order for 47 new Flexity low-floor trams for lines 901 and 903, which are currently being supplied by Bombardier. We reported here:

This means that the complete fleet will be renewed in 2025. DVG has invested a total of almost 200 million euros in the new vehicles – there has been no public funding. The joint order brings many advantages for both transport companies. For example, they save costs due to the larger order quantity, the vehicles of Rheinbahn and DVG can be coupled together in the future and the transport companies will procure spare parts jointly.

Safe and comfortable – the new light rail system

The new light rail vehicles are 28 metres long and 2.65 metres wide and can carry about 180 passengers. They will have eight passenger doors and two driver doors. The vehicles will have spacious multi-purpose areas for prams, rollators and wheelchairs. Standing aids for leaning against, folding seats and ramps will make it easier for passengers with limited mobility in particular to get on and off the train and make the journey easier. Passengers and drivers will also be provided with air conditioning to ensure a comfortable temperature in the vehicles in summer and winter. There will also be a passenger WLAN. The new vehickes are also up to date in terms of safety: among other things, they will be equipped with a collision warning system. The new high-floor trams will have the same livery as the 47 new Flexity low-floor vehicles for lines 901 and 903.

DVG and Rheinbahn jointly operate the U79 light rail line between the “Duisburg-Meiderich” and “Düsseldorf, Universität Ost / Botanischer Garten” stops. The current DVG light rail vehicles of type B80 are from the years 1983 to 1985 and will be replaced by the new trams. Düsseldorf’s Rheinbahn is still operating 30 Duewag-built GT8SU, built in 1973 – 1974 and a total of 103 B80D, built in 1991 – 1993 which are still in service.