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Press Release25 September 2026Siemens MobilityBerlin
BeNEX awards Siemens contract for 56 regional trains for the network Mainfranken
Markus Frank, Head of Finance Commuter Rail, Siemens Mobility; Thomas Graetz Head of Commuter and Regional Trains, Siemens Mobility; Johann von Georg, Managing Director at BeNEX and Michael von Mallinckrodt, Managing Director at BeNEX (from left to right), Photo source: Siemens Mobility
BeNEX commissioned
Siemens Mobility at InnoTrans in Berlin – the international trade fair for the
transport technology industry – to deliver a total of 56 regional trains for
the Mainfranken regional network. The order comprises 26 four-car Desiro HC and
30 three-car Mireo trains equipped with the European Train Control System
(ETCS), intermittent automatic train control (PZB), and Onboard Units. The
trains are barrier-free and equipped with eco-friendly air conditioning, USB
ports, and bicycle spaces. The new vehicles are scheduled to enter service on
the Frankfurt–Würzburg–Nürnberg/Bamberg routes at the end of 2030.
“Awarding the vehicle
contract to Siemens is a significant step for the successful development of the
Mainfranken regional network by agilis, the BeNEX Group's regional transport
company in Bavaria. In Siemens Mobility, we have chosen a partner that stands
for high quality and reliability," says
Johann von Georg, Managing
Director at BeNEX. Michael von Mallinckrodt, Managing Director at BeNEX,
adds: "The vehicles will set new standards in comfort and capacity for
passengers in the region and offers a significantly improved travel experience.
With this project, we are continuing our successful collaboration with
Siemens."
“With the new trains
for the Mainfranken regional network, an even more attractive rail offering is
being created for millions of passengers in Hesse and Bavaria. Our Desiro High
Capacity and Mireo trains combine state-of-the-art rail technology with high
capacity, accessibility, and travel comfort. That’s how we are creating
conditions for more capacity for passengers on the network and making an
important contribution to sustainable mobility in one of Germany's strongest
economic regions," says
Thomas Graetz, Head
of Commuter and Regional Trains, Siemens Mobility.
Starting in December
2030, passengers in the Mainfranken regional network will benefit from modern
regional trains. All 56 vehicles are equipped with ETCS and PZB train
protection systems and offer high travel comfort with environmentally friendly
air conditioning, USB charging ports, barrier-free entry, wheelchair spaces,
and generous areas for bicycles. As such, the new trains combine modern rail
technology with a comfortable and inclusive travel experience.
Michael von Mallinckrodt, Managing Director at BeNEX; Thomas Graetz Head of Commuter and Regional Trains, Siemens Mobility and Johann von Georg, Managing Director at BeNEX (from left to right), Photo source: Siemens Mobility
The 30 three-car Mireo
trains impress with their high flexibility in regional transport. With 210
seats, two toilets, and 18 bicycle spaces, they offer a balanced train design
for both commuters and leisure travelers. The vehicles are specifically
designed for comfortable daily rail journeys, combining energy efficiency and
high performance with a modern interior design.
The 26 four-car Desiro
High Capacity trains will be deployed on routes with particularly high demand.
With 424 seats, these double-decker trains provide significantly more capacity
for growing passenger numbers. 39 bicycle spaces, three toilets, and the spacious
double-decker concept make these vehicles true "space miracles" in
regional transport, ensuring a relaxed travel experience even during peak
times.
For efficient operation
and predictive maintenance, the vehicles will be connected to the Siemens
Mobility Railigent X platform. This digital interface will be used to exchange
and evaluate diagnostic data, passenger counting data, and information for the
passenger information system and other functions. Furthermore, Siemens will
supply spare parts packages and special tools for the Mireo and Desiro HC
vehicle platforms. This establishes the foundation for high vehicle
availability and reliable operation throughout the entire lifecycle of the
fleet.
The vehicles will be
used across a network approximately 330 kilometers long in Hesse and Bavaria. The
authorities responsible for the network are the Bavarian Railway Company (BEG)
and the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV). The network was officially
awarded to BeNEX on July 16, 2026.
For this press release
Siemens Mobility
is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility
BeNEX is a leading investment holding company for rail transport in Germany. It holds stakes in seven established regional rail companies (agilis, abellio, cantus, nordbahn, metronom, ODEG, and WestfalenBahn), as well as the BeNEX Academy—a training and further education provider for train drivers—and PTS, a service company specializing in cleaning and security. The Group employs over 3,500 people and, with approximately 240 rail vehicles, delivers an annual transport volume of 72 million train kilometers. With the recently awarded Mainfranken network, this figure is set to grow to 79 million train kilometers per year. For further information, please visit:
www.benex.de