Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH

Rapid reactivation of the Ahr Valley

Trans Regio & Smart Train Lease

Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, which is part of the Transdev Group, provides reliable regional connections along the Rhine. After the flood disaster of 2021, the focus was on the rapid reconnection of the Ahr Valley – and we made a decisive contribution to this with our flexible leasing solutions. In record time, we provided three modern Mireo Smart trains to start the new RB 32 line on the electrified Ahr Valley Railway.

Lightning-fast deployment in as little as 6 weeks

Thanks to our standardised vehicle concept and trains already manufactured, the first delivery took place just six weeks after the contract was signed. This speed would have been unthinkable with traditional procurement processes. The new vehicles are energy-efficient, comfortable and ideally suited for use on the rebuilt infrastructure.

Seating area for waiting on a platform with digital train display in the background (topic-supporting image)

Perfektes Zusammenspiel von Infrastruktur und Rolling Stock

This project shows how infrastructure and rolling stock can interact perfectly: While DB InfraGO was rebuilding the line, we were providing the appropriate vehicles at the same time. The result is a seamless overall concept that makes sustainable mobility possible quickly and efficiently.

A symbol of resilience

For us, the RB 32 is more than a railway line – it is a symbol of resilience, cooperation and the will to quickly reconnect regions after crises. Together with Trans Regio, we are making an important contribution to the reactivation of the Ahr Valley and to strengthening local transport.

Profile

Vehicle type

Mireo Smart EMU

Quantity

3 Vehicles

Public Transport Authority (PTA)

SPNV-Nord

Rental period

December 2025 – December 2033

Route of operation

RB 32 (Ahrbrück – Remagen – Koblenz – Boppard)

Service Package

Basispaket

Use cases

New vehicles following the devastating flood disaster and reconstruction
Additional connections to the Ahr Valley
Fleet expansion as a bridge to the next full concession

Interview with Dietmar Knerr

Managing Director of Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH

Mr. Knerr, the restoration of the Ahr Valley route after the flood disaster presented Trans Regio with enormous challenges. What tipped the scales in favor of relying on the flexible leasing solutions from Smart Train Lease – in particular the Mireo Smart trains – at such short notice to ensure the Ahr Valley could be reconnected?

D. Knerr: The Mireo Smart vehicles from STL were the fastest available vehicles that could meet all the requirements for the Ahr valley route. The vehicles are new, modernly equipped and offer sufficient capacity and many parking spaces for bicycles, thus meeting the tourist requirements in the Ahr valley.

The rapid provision of the modern Mireo Smart trains for the new RB 32 line was impressive. What are the direct benefits for passengers and the region, and how have passengers reacted to the new trains?

D. Knerr: The ability to quickly organize vehicles for the operation of the Ahrtal route RB32 was one of the cornerstones for putting our offer to operate this line into practice. It is not possible to start rail operations without vehicles. The joint, uncomplicated organization was decisive for the fact that we were able to start the first trip to the Ahr valley on 14.12.2025. The passengers were and still are very enthusiastic about these modern trains and of course very pleased that commuting between Remagen and Ahrbrück is possible again.

The project in the Ahr Valley is described as a “symbol of resilience, cooperation and modern mobility”. Can you tell us more about the dynamics of the partnership with SPNV Nord and Smart Train Lease and how the coordination between the various players worked so smoothly to realize this seamless overall concept?

D. Knerr: The implementation of a new or extended transport contract requires very close cooperation between all stakeholders, including the public transport authority as the ordering party. The 3 Mireo Smarts were tested on the Rhine route RB26 before the start of services in the Ahr valley. These tests went smoothly. And this continued during the first days of operation of the new timetable. The prompt and reliable provision of the vehicles was and is very positive.

The Mireo Smart trains are energy-efficient and comfortable. What specific technological features or innovations of these vehicles were particularly important for use on the rebuilt Ahrtalbahn, and how do they contribute to “sustainable mobility”?

D. Knerr: The decisive factors were the rapid availability and the above-mentioned suitability for use in an area with very high tourist traffic. In addition, the uncomplicated supply of spare parts within the leasing package was a decisive criterion. For us at Trans Regio, the use of electric traction units is a key element of the necessary turnaround in transportation.

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