Leasing company Alpha Trains and operator VIAS Rail GmbH (part of the RATH Group) have signed a contract for the lease of 14 five-car Stadler FLIRT1 electric multiple units, which will start running on the Emscher Express (ENE) routes in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia from December 2026. The agreements with the VRR and NWL transport authorities are calculated until the end of 2030.
Before entering service, all trains will undergo a complete modernization: the interior will be updated, technical components will be replaced, seats will be improved and the overall level of comfort will be increased. The updated rolling stock will be used on the RE 3 (Düsseldorf – Hamm) and RE 41 (Bochum – Haltern am See) lines, providing more space for passengers and stable operation on popular routes.
The transition to the modernized FLIRT1 will allow the existing fleet to be used efficiently and will increase the sustainability of regional rail transport. Alpha Trains emphasizes that this approach reduces costs and minimizes environmental impact while maintaining a high level of service. VIAS, in turn, notes the reliability of the partner and the importance of modern trains for the successful start of a new stage in the development of regional transport.