Smart Train Lease GmbH has signed a contract with Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH to provide three Mireo Smart trains and an eight-year maintenance agreement. The deal, finalized on August 19, aims to support the launch of the new RB 32 line, which is scheduled to begin service on December 14, 2025. The first train is expected to be delivered by October 1, just six weeks after signing.
The rapid delivery is possible because the vehicles are already manufactured and use a standardized design. This approach allows for quick deployment in local transport systems.
Benjamin Dobernecker, Managing Director of Smart Train Lease GmbH, said: “With the new,intelligent leasing concept and the rapid provision of Mireo Smart trains forthe RB 32, Smart Train Lease demonstrates how modern, energy-efficient mobilitycan be flexible and demand-driven deployed in local transport – an importantimpulse for the Ahr Valley and a sign that both politics and industry aresetting the right priorities.”
Henrik Behrens, Managing Director of Trans Regio GmbH, stated: “We are very pleasedthat we can contribute to the revitalization of the Ahr Valley after theterrible flood disaster exactly four years ago. We hope that everything goesaccording to plan and that by the timetable change in December 2025, the newlyrebuilt and then electrified railway line by DB InfraGo will be available forpassengers 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’sservices in Rhineland-Palatinate and can operate an additional line. Inaddition to new vehicles, around 20 train drivers will be needed for the newservices. Trans Regio offers secure jobs in the region. To this end, TransRegio trains train drivers and is looking for interested candidates for theRemagen depot.”
Thorsten Müller, Association Director of SPNV-Nord commented: “The RB 32 offers better connectivity to the MiddleRhine Valley and thus relieves a heavily frequented route. With our new SPNVconcept for the Ahr Valley starting December 2025, we were able not only toelectrify the service but also to expand it. This is a strong signal for localtransport in northern Rhineland-Palatinate, especially under the currentdifficult financial conditions. My special thanks goes to all projectparticipants – especially Trans Regio for implementing this forward-lookingconnection and Smart Train Lease for the short-term provision of the threemodern Mireo Smart trains.”
The Mireo Smart trains have a maximum speed of 160 km/h with seating capacity for 214 passengers including a separate first-class section with twelve seats. The design includes multi-purpose areas with space for up to 21 bicycles as well as onboard internet access (WLAN), power outlets at seats, USB charging ports, and Siemens Mobility’s high-frequency window technology designed to maintain reliable radio connections during travel.
The RB 32 line will run electrically from Ahrbrück through Remagen to Koblenz and Boppard without stops along its route. This addition provides direct access from Ahr Valley to major destinations along the Middle Rhine corridor. The service utilizes rebuilt infrastructure following reconstruction efforts prompted by flooding in 2021.
This order represents an expansion within an existing fleet using Smart Train Lease’s model—a move highlighting ongoing cooperation between Siemens Mobility and Transdev.
Trains will join Trans Regio’s workshop operations in Koblenz where there is experience maintaining Mireo units. Under an eight-year contract with Siemens Mobility—including technical support—maintenance will leverage digital tools such as Railigent X fleet monitoring system for condition-based upkeep as well as CORMAP software supporting maintenance planning.
To staff expanded services required by increased passenger volume across Trans Regio’s network, training programs will be coordinated at Remagen depot through partnerships with local academies.
