Germany’s Mireo Trains: Sustainable Rail for S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland

Introduction

Siemens Mobility has unveiled the new Mireo train models for the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland network, serving the Leipzig and Halle areas. The new fleet includes 75 Mireo trains, including the battery-powered Mireo Plus B, and is scheduled to begin operations in December 2026. The contract awarded to Siemens Mobility in December 2023 has a volume of approximately EUR 500 million.

Vehicle Orders

The operators have ordered a total of 41 three-car Mireo trains for Die Länderbahn (DLB). DB Regio AG will receive 18 four-car Mireo trains and 16 two-car Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains. These battery-powered trains will enable sustainable mobility for ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug GmbH on non-electrified routes.

Passenger Comfort and Features

The new trains will provide seating for 100 passengers in the two-car trains, 150 in the three-car trains, and 200 in the four-car trains. They will also feature multi-purpose areas, increased space for bicycles, and a separate 1st class area with leather seats. Passenger comfort will be enhanced by free Wi-Fi, a family area, and barrier-free access. Additionally, there will be numerous power outlets, USB ports, and wireless charging at the four-person tables. A real-time passenger information system will display arrival and departure times and connection options.

Technical Enhancements

The vehicles will feature a high-frequency window solution developed by Siemens Mobility, designed to improve mobile phone reception. The new vehicles in the MDSB2025plus network (S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland) have more doors and space for improved boarding and alighting, reduced passenger changeover times, and better adherence to the timetable. The trains are designed for increased energy efficiency of up to 25 percent compared to trains with similar capacities.

Partnership and Deployment

The joint commissioning of this fleet was carried out by a consortium of regional public transport authorities. The Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig (ZVNL) is taking the lead, in cooperation with Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH (NASA GmbH) on behalf of the Ministry for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs (MID) of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, the Saxon public transport authorities Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (ZVMS) and Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr Vogtland (ZVV) in Saxony, as well as the Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture (TMIL).

Conclusion

The new Mireo trains, ordered by Die Länderbahn (DLB), DB Regio AG, and ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug GmbH, are scheduled to enter service in December 2026. These trains offer increased passenger comfort, technical enhancements, and improved energy efficiency. The project is supported by a consortium of regional public transport authorities.

Company Summary

Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility presented the new train models for the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland.

Die Länderbahn (DLB): Die Länderbahn (DLB) will receive 41 three-car Mireo trains.

DB Regio AG: DB Regio AG will receive 18 four-car Mireo trains and 16 two-car Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains.

ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug GmbH: ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug GmbH will utilize the 16 two-car Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains on non-electrified routes.

Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig (ZVNL): Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig (ZVNL) is taking the lead in the joint commissioning.

Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH (NASA GmbH): Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH (NASA GmbH) is cooperating on behalf of the Ministry for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs (MID) of the State of Saxony-Anhalt.

Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (ZVMS): Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (ZVMS) is a Saxon public transport authority.

Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr Vogtland (ZVV): Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr Vogtland (ZVV) is a Saxon public transport authority.

Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture (TMIL): The Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture (TMIL) is involved in the joint commissioning.

Technology

Mireo Plus B: The Mireo Plus B is an innovative, battery-powered train.