Alpha Trains upgrades Desiro ML currently leased to ODEG

On behalf of Alpha Trains, continental Europe’s largest lessor of trains and locomotives, Siemens Mobility has converted the multiple train units currently leased to Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG), from three- to four-car trainsets.

With this upgrade, Siemens Mobility has completed the approval process to enlarge the capacity with Alpha Trains Desiro ML-trains for the first time at European level.

According to the specifications of the EU’s Fourth Railway Package, an expansion from three to four-unit trains needs to be approved by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) with the involvement of the national supervisory authorities.

The plan to expand the capacity of the multiple-unit trains is made possible by the flexible single-car concept of the Desiro ML platform, which makes it possible to insert an additional unit. The optimal use of the entire length of the train for seating means that over 90 per cent of the vehicle is available to passengers. 

Shaun Mills, CEO of the Alpha Trains Group, said: “As the original launch customer for the Siemens Desiro ML series, we are particularly proud to be pioneers in the expansion of these trains as well. The combination of our know-how and a wealth of experience enabled us to offer a fast, flexible solution that will add to the satisfaction of customers and passengers alike. With this move we hope to make rail travel more attractive than ever as a sustainable and therefore future proof means of transport.”

Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said: “The plan to expand the capacity of the Desiro ML trains is facilitated by the flexible single car train concept of our platform which makes it straightforward to add a further car. With its conversion of the Desiro ML trains for Alpha Trains, Siemens Mobility has for the first time completed the certification process for expanding capacity on a European level. We are proud to have facilitated this expansion of capacity on time, even under pandemic conditions.”

Stefan Neubert, Managing Director of ODEG, said: “We are delighted that, together with our partners Siemens and Alpha Trains, we have quickly achieved our goal to be in a position in the future to offer our passengers on the Baltic Sea coast even more space on our trains. The holiday region is enjoying increasing popularity, and we are proud to have made our contribution to enabling a growing number of people to reach it in our modern, comfortable trains in an eco-friendly, relaxed style.”

Berthold Witting, Managing Director of VMV-Verkehrsgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern mbH, said: “We welcome the longer regional trains and now we can offer our passengers across the Hanseatic cities of Rostock, Stralsund and the island of Rügen 68 additional seats and a 1st class area. Extending the trains to a four-car system is especially beneficial for the popular tourist route to Rügen. Germany’s largest island with its spa towns of Bergen, Sassnitz and the Baltic Sea resort of Binz is a popular destination and thus regularly at full capacity during the season. The expansion of the regional trains’ capacity along the Baltic Sea represents a further step towards climate-friendly, comfortable travel.”