In record time to the Ahr valley: Mireo Smart for new Trans Regio RB 32 Line

Smart Train Lease has received an order from Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn for the short-term provision of three modern Mireo Smart trains, as well as an eight-year maintenance contract. The vehicle provision contract was signed on 19 August 2025. The start of operations for the new RB 32 line is planned for 14 December, with the first vehicle delivery scheduled for 1 October 2025.

The vehicles have already been manufactured, enabling a particularly fast start of operations: the first train will be delivered just six weeks after contract signing. The standardized vehicle concept contributes significantly to this - a real win for passengers and operators alike. 

Henrik Behrens, Managing Director of Trans Regio, said: “We are very pleased that we can contribute to the revitalization of the Ahr Valley after the terrible flood disaster exactly four years ago. We hope that everything goes according to plan and that by the timetable change in December 2025, the newly rebuilt and then electrified line by DB InfraGo will be available for passengers and our modern trains.

The new order is also a great success for us, as it is the first time in many years that we are expanding Trans Regio's services in Rhineland-Palatinate and can operate an additional line. In addition to new vehicles, around 20 drivers will be needed for the new services. Trans Regio offers secure jobs in the region. To this end, Trans Regio trains train drivers and is looking for interested candidates for the Remagen depot."

Thorsten Müller, Association Director of SPNV-Nord, expressed his delight at the rapid implementation of the newly conceived RB 32 line: "The RB 32 offers better connectivity to the Middle Rhine Valley and thus relieves a heavily frequented route. With our new SPNV concept for the Ahr Valley starting December 2025, we were able not only to electrify the service but also to expand it. This is a strong signal for local transport in northern Rhineland-Palatinate, especially under the current difficult financial conditions. My special thanks goes to all project participants - especially Trans Regio for implementing this forward-looking connection and Smart Train Lease for the short-term provision of the three modern Mireo Smart trains."

With a top speed of 160 km/h and 214 seats, including 12 in a separate 1st class, the Mireo Smart sets new standards for modern regional transport. The new RB 32 line will operate electrically and non-stop from Ahrbrück via Remagen to Koblenz and further to Boppard. This will provide the Ahr Valley with an additional direct connection to the Middle Rhine axis.

The line will operate on the Ahr Valley Railway, which is currently being rebuilt and will be electrified in future. The use of Mireo Smart trains efficiently utilizes the new infrastructure. The expansion of transport services represents an important step in the long-term reconnection and strengthening of the infrastructure of the Ahr Valley following the 2021 flood disaster.

The order marks the first expansion of an existing Mireo fleet via the Smart Train Lease model and underscores the strategic partnership between Siemens Mobility and Transdev. The new trains will be integrated into Trans Regio's existing workshop infrastructure in Koblenz, where extensive experience with Mireos is already available. As part of the innovative virtual fleet concept, Siemens Mobility, based on an eight-year service contract, ensures the timely supply of spare parts and provides expert manufacturer support.

Furthermore, the vehicles are fully connected to Railigent X, enabling condition-based maintenance through digital fleet monitoring. Additionally, the digital maintenance solution CORMAP supports the transparent planning and control of core maintenance processes. For the additionally required operating personnel at Trans Regio, training will also take place in cooperation with the Training Academy, so that operations can start punctually and smoothly.

As part of the expansion of the route network and the increased passenger volume, the annual mileage of the existing service contract for the Mireo and Desiro Mainline trains was also increased. Siemens Mobility, together with technical support and maintenance planning, ensures that the additional material supply for the expanded operation is guaranteed