Stadler to Provide Increased Capacity FLIRT XL Units for VRR S-Bahn

The Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR) has announced it will begin a targeted expansion of capacity on sub-network 1 of the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn (S-Bahn).

In order to accommodate the expansion, seven of the existing three-car Stadler FLIRT vehicles currently in service on the network will be extended to five-car units.

Stadler was awarded the contract to implement this expansion project in the summer, and has begun development on a customised solution to convert the vehicles.

Conversion is scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2029.

Once completed, sub-network 1 will operate exclusively using five-car vehicles, which will provide a capacity of 296 seats – an increase on the current 180 seats.

VRR Board Spokesperson Oliver Wittke, said:

The extension of the FLIRT vehicles is an important step to meet the growing demands of public transport and the increasing number of passengers.

By expanding from three to five-car trains, we are creating 64% more seats and offering greater comfort, accessibility, and flexibility for all passengers. In doing so, we are strengthening mobility in one of Germany's most important metropolitan regions.

Stadler’s FLIRT XL multiple units have been specifically designed for use on the S-Bahn service, and feature a modular design, step-free access, multifunctional areas for bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs and span a length of approximately 106 metres.

Sub-network 1 includes lines such as the S2 (Dortmund – Herne – Essen/Recklinghausen), S3 (Oberhausen – Mülheim – Essen – Hattingen), S9 (Haltern am See – Bottrop – Essen – Wuppertal – Hagen) and the RB 32, RB 40, RE 41 and RE 49.