© Alpha Trains/Talbot Services GmbH
- Nouvelles Alpha Group
- 20. Février 2025
- Communiqué de presse | Alpha Trains
Sustainable mobility solutions through refurbishment – making trains fit for the future
Alpha Trains and Talbot Services complete refurbishment project
Cologne/Aachen, 20 February 2025 - Alpha Trains, Europe′s leading lessor of locomotives and trains, has refurbished and redesigned 35 Alstom Coradia Continental multiple units in partnership with Talbot Services. The conversion of the last train marks the successful completion of this pioneering project, supporting the reuse of existing rolling stock, enhancing efficiency and making a valuable contribution to resource-conscious, sustainable mobility.
The refurbishment began in January 2023 and was carried out during the ongoing operation of Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Niedersachsen (RSBN), without affecting the timetable. A prototype that was built first enabled both the optimisation of the processes and the implementation of the latest technical findings, thus laying the foundation for a quick and smooth conversion of the entire fleet. Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Lower Saxony (RSBN) is a brand of the operating company NordWestBahn, based in Osnabrück.
The close and collaborative partnership between the operator, the public transport authorities, the refurbishment company and the lessor proved to be a crucial advantage for the project′s success. The Alpha Trains engineering team not only managed the project but also developed the refurbishment specifications to align with the customer’s requirements.
The technical preparation was done in close collaboration with Talbot Services and various subcontractors. Alpha Trains′ engineers also managed and monitored the homologation, construction management and acceptance, working in constant coordination with operator NordWestBahn′s technical team.
The vehicles are operated on the 270-kilometre network of Regio-S-Bahn Bremen/Lower Saxony (RSBN) and offer passengers an enhanced travel experience. In December 2022, 16 new Stadler Flirt XL trains were added to the existing fleet, bringing the total number of Alpha Trains EMUs in and around the Hanseatic city of Bremen to 51.
“This project is an impressive example of how a comprehensive refurbishment can transform an existing fleet of rolling stock, incorporating technological advances and improved passenger comfort requirements, while prioritising sustainability and resource efficiency,” says Bernhard Holzer, Managing Director of Alpha Trains Europa GmbH. “Our collaboration with Talbot and NordWestBahn demonstrates the success that can be achieved through strong and effective partnerships.”
Dirk Reuters, Managing Director of Talbot Services GmbH, adds: "This project demonstrates that successful outcomes can be achieved through equal collaboration between the lessor, public transport authorities and refurbishment company, leaving everyone involved highly satisfied with the outcome!"
Enhancing Passenger Experience
The modernised vehicles have been equipped with innovative technologies, including:
- Wi-Fi and 5G pre-installation for reliable internet connection throughout the journey.
- Passenger information systems with real-time information on large screens.
- Video surveillance systems for increased security on board.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting and tinted scratch-resistant films.
- Comfort extras such as numerous power outlets, new seat upholstery and renewed tables
Accessibility was also given a high priority: The installation of a guide system for the blind and visually impaired, door buttons with a built-in location sound and improved access to the spacious, multi-purpose storage area for prams, wheelchairs and bicycles make the vehicles easier to use for mobility-impaired passengers. In addition, all trains are now running in the new livery, which strengthens the unified appearance of the fleet. The familiar blue Regio-S-Bahn no longer exists.
About Alpha Trains
Alpha Trains is the leading private rolling stock lessor in Continental Europe. A total of 150 employees from 20 countries work in offices in Luxembourg, Antwerp, Cologne, Madrid, Paris and Warsaw. Alpha Trains owns more than 1,000 locomotives and passenger trains and offers tailor-made leasing solutions, comprehensive know-how in maintenance and vehicle repairs as well as long-term experience in the financing of new-build projects. Alpha Trains’ fleets are in use at many public and private operators in 22 European countries. Alpha Trains′ shareholders are APG, Arcus European Trains, PGGM and Swiss Life.
About Talbot Services GmbH
The original family-owned company Talbot was founded in 1838 and was managed by the founding family in the fifth generation until 1995. As a partner of the rail vehicle industry, the range of services includes both the construction of new passenger trains, including commissioning, and the maintenance, repair and modernisation of rail vehicles of all kinds. Whether passenger coaches, traction units or locomotives (diesel or electric), Talbot Services has the necessary infrastructure to carry out all the work. The expertise of the experienced workforce and certification to ISO 9001 and ECM standards are a guarantee of the high quality of the work carried out. Mobility is what drives Talbot Services GmbH. More Information Talbot-Services.com.
Press Contact
Alpha Trains Group
Heike Zimmermann
Head of PR, Marketing & Events
Telefon: +49 221 9140 9063
[email protected]
Talbot Services GmbH
Dirk Reuters CEO
Telefon: +49 241 1821 506
[email protected]
Talbot-Services.com