They are here: the first modernised S-Bahn trains are on the move in Rostock

Press release of the Ministry of Economy, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labour

More Wi-Fi, more space for bicycles, more power sockets - DB Regio and the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern modernise a total of 22 suburban trains - all vehicles to be completely refurbished by spring 2025

The first completely modernised S-Bahn Rostock trains are now in operation. Three modernised railcars have been running on the Warnow network around Rostock for a few days now, including on the S1, 2 and 3 lines. Among other things, this means power sockets on almost every seat, free Wi-Fi and more space for bicycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs. "With the air-conditioned and steplessly accessible vehicles, we are creating more mobility for passengers with restricted mobility and families with pushchairs. The modernisation and expansion of the S-Bahn network in Rostock is an important step for our mobility offensive in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. By comprehensively modernising the vehicles and increasing connections, we are creating more comfort for passengers and at the same time more attractive offers to further strengthen local public transport. These measures are an important contribution to the transport turnaround and to sustainable mobility in the region," said Ines Jesse, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labour.

Daniel Bischof, Managing Director of Verkehrsgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (VMV), emphasises: "The comprehensive modernisation of the Rostock S-Bahn is an important step for local rail passenger transport in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With the modernised trains, we are not only focusing on greater comfort and attractiveness for our passengers, but are also making an important contribution to the transport transition. The increased number of connections from December will help to get even more people excited about the environmentally friendly alternative of travelling by train and further strengthen local public transport."

Carsten Moll, Chairman of DB Regio Nordost, adds: "In the year of its 50th anniversary, S-Bahn Rostock is putting comprehensively modernised vehicles on the rails. Together with the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, we want to get even more people excited about local transport and drive forward the transport revolution with more frequent services, more comfort and, for example, Wi-Fi."

DB Regio is renewing 22 Talent 2 S-Bahn trains by spring 2025 with the support of the Ministry of Economics, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labour of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: the trains will be equipped with free Wi-Fi, enabling uncomplicated and reliable working as well as relaxed private and professional surfing. Larger tables in second class and power sockets at almost every seat improve comfort. Larger passenger information screens in every vehicle allow for better legibility and faster access to information. There is more space for bicycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs in the multifunctional areas. Additional cameras ensure greater safety. The vehicles will also have a new bright red exterior paintwork with large, clearly visible pictograms that make it easier to find the areas for wheelchairs, bicycles and pushchairs.

More modern vehicles and more S-Bahn connections

DB is not only modernising the vehicles on behalf of the state, but is also increasing the number of connections from mid-December 2024: The S1 will then run every ten minutes during the day and continue to run every 7.5 minutes during the morning rush hour. The S2 and S3 journeys will be linked via the S1 line to Warnemünde and will run every hour and every two hours at weekends. The Rostock S-Bahn network comprises the S-Bahn lines S1 (Rostock - Warnemünde), S2 (Rostock - Schwaan - Güstrow) and S3 (Rostock - Laage - Güstrow).

According to DB Regio, all vehicles will be overhauled by the spring of next year. The vehicles will be modernised as part of the "Warnow II" VMV tender. The consistent modernisation of the train fleet and more attractive offers are a central element of DB's Strong Rail strategy. The long-term aim is to direct significantly more traffic onto the railway.