Alstom and S-Bahn Hamburg have signed a contract for the delivery of an additional 64 Class 490 S-Bahn trains.
Valued at approximately 500 million euros (591.68m USD), this order is an option from a framework contract signed in 2013.
The new three-car electric multiple units can couple with the 82 Class 490 S-Bahn trains already in service and come with several enhancements. This includes middle cars with multipurpose areas with room for bicycles and luggage, and dedicated spaces for passengers with limited mobility.
The biggest change is the introduction of European Train Control System (ETCS) Baseline 3 Release 2 and automated train operation (ATO) technology, enabling Hamburg to provide more fluid transport while increasing the overall number of train journeys.
“We're delighted that S-Bahn Hamburg continues to rely on the 490 series trains, the comfortable vehicles are perfectly adapted to the requirements of the network.
“Equipping the trains with the latest ETCS and ATO technology is a milestone on the path to the digitalisation of Hamburg's rail traffic and we’re proud to make a decisive contribution to this.”
This order marks Germany’s first implementation of ATO in automation level 2 (GoA 2) for new S-Bahn vehicles. In addition, S-Bahn Hamburg will receive vehicles that already comply with the latest state-of-the-art signalling technology.
Initially, Alstom will manufacture three vehicles that will undergo extensive testing and inspection, in particular for approval of their ETCS and ATO functionalities.
Vehicle deliveries to Hamburg are scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
