On 06.12.2022, Railcolor News was invited to Cottbus to look at the new EMUs for the Lausitz network, and the updated Bombardier Talent/Double-Deck coaches for Netz Elbe Spree. This means that we are talking about two different contracts here, so let’s recap:
- Lausitz:
On 11.12.2022, DB Regio took over the operation of the Lauzitz network on behalf of Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH (VBB) and the Leipzig Association for Local Public Transport (ZVNL) for a period of 13 years. New Siemens Mireo EMUs are being used on this network (Class 463 no. 092/592 – 111/611).
- Netz Elbe Spree (NES):
The second project is the biggest regional passenger operation contract in Germany to date: Netz Elbe Spree. Here the cards have been shuffled between ODEG and DB Regio. Since 11.12.2022, DB Regio has been operating lot 2+3, for which it is refurbishing and updating existing rolling stock, most of which was already in use in the Berlin/Brandenburg region.
Berlin’s secretary of State, Dr Meike Niedbal, was one of the speakers during the event in Cottbus. Behind her, the three train types described in this article can be observed. The regional trains of DB Regio mainly used in Brandenburg state are easy to recognise by the extra horizontal white line on each end car.
From left to right the line-up features the loco-hauled Bombardier double-deck train, combined with a DB Regio Class 147 or Class 182 electric, the Talent of the second generation and the Mireo. Remarkable: All vehicles needed for the new services were available on 11.12.2022, something that is not self-evident.
Watch the reel about the new NES/Lausitz trains on Instagram and TikTok
@railcolor 🇩🇪 DB showed it’s new trains for the Elbe Spree and Lausitz networks in Cottbus this week ⚡️ Come with us and see what’s new! #traintok #railtok #DeutscheBahn #DBregio #DB #Siemens #siemensmobility #Siemensmireo #Baureihe463 #Mireo #brandenburg #berlin #Lausitz #leipzig #passengertrains #Electricmultipleunit #eisenbahn #eisenbahner #railways #railcolor
Lausitz with Mireo
The twenty new Lausitz trains are the first Mireo EMUs ordered under DB Regio’s supervision, which claims they offer comfort at ‘Fernverkehr level’ with lots of space and good-looking seats made by Czech manufacturer Borcad.
The First class seating is different from the rest of the train – it is not just a different fabric. There are large additional luggage racks.
Some seating areas have a table with wireless charging points for mobile devices and windows that improve signal reception (as seen before on DB’s brand new ICE3neo, also built by Siemens). These are the first trains in Germany to carry an Automated external defibrillator (AED) on board. It is however a pity that the floors are not levelled with all platforms in the region. Nevertheless, this has been partially solved by adding an onboard wheelchair ramp.
NES: Improvements to the Talents and double-deck trains
41 Talent EMUs are available for lot 3 of the NES contract. Adjustments to the aluminium ceiling were required to equip these trains with Wi-Fi connectivity. A new passenger information system was installed, similar to the one in the Mireos. The seating wasn’t changed too much, except for the addition of larger tables. The toilets also got a general refurbishment and were externally reinforced with additional metal strips to withstand better impacts from luggage, bicycles, wheelchairs, etc.
For lot 2, 150 Bombardier Double-Deck coaches (built in the late 90s/early 2000s) and 29 locomotives are being used. The coaches get an upgrade, including new PRM-friendly toilet modules, a new passenger information system and new diagnostics systems with screens. The locomotive’s software was adapted to work with the same system on the coaches, and the trains now have a real-time connection with the workshops, improving predictive maintenance.
All the seats now have folding tables, and the First class is upgraded to the latest standards. Extra luggage racks are installed as these coaches are also used for services to BER – Berlin’s new airport.
Rail couture
Last but not least, a little fashion show (re-)using DB Regio’s blue upholstery:
Watch the reel about the new NES/Lausitz trains on Instagram and TikTok:
@railcolor 🇩🇪 DB showed it’s new trains for the Elbe Spree and Lausitz networks in Cottbus this week ⚡️ Come with us and see what’s new! #traintok #railtok #DeutscheBahn #DBregio #DB #Siemens #siemensmobility #Siemensmireo #Baureihe463 #Mireo #brandenburg #berlin #Lausitz #leipzig #passengertrains #Electricmultipleunit #eisenbahn #eisenbahner #railways #railcolor
