Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded a significant contract to supply 90 Adessia Stream commuter trains to German rail passenger transport authorities go.Rheinland and Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR). These trains will operate on the S-Bahn Cologne network. The contract, valued at over €4 billion, includes a long-term full-service maintenance agreement lasting 34 years, marking Alstom’s largest order in Germany to date.
The contract involves the delivery of two train versions, tailored to different parts of the network. The shorter version, consisting of nine cars, measures nearly 150 meters, while the longer version, with eleven cars, stretches almost 170 meters. Designed to meet the demands of both short-haul and long-distance passengers, these trains feature innovative flexible modules that balance standing room and seating. The shorter and longer trains can accommodate over 1,150 and 1,340 passengers, respectively, with a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
In addition to modern amenities like Wi-Fi routers and power sockets, the Adessia Stream trains offer a range of features to enhance passenger comfort. These include powerful air conditioning systems using environmentally friendly refrigerants, windows designed to improve mobile device reception, and multi-purpose areas for prams and bicycles. Accessibility is also a priority, with gap-bridging devices for level boarding, dedicated wheelchair areas, and toilets suitable for passengers with reduced mobility – a first for S-Bahn trains in Germany. Additionally, the trains are equipped with a digital hearing system via Bluetooth for hearing-impaired passengers.
The development of the trains is led by Alstom's site in Hennigsdorf, Germany, while production will take place at their Bautzen facility. Maintenance of the new trains will be conducted in modern depots in the Cologne area. Alstom will employ preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance strategies to enhance vehicle availability, reduce costs, and optimise service throughout the 34-year agreement. The trains are specifically designed for maintainability and lifecycle optimisation, which has enabled Alstom to present the most competitive offer in the market.
