Siemens Mobility has launched a subsidiary for leasing regional trains: Smart Train Lease GmbH.
Through this company, it aims to provide an innovative rental model for its Mireo Smart trains, including battery, hydrogen and electric models, alongside the associated maintenance.
This will provide customers with a flexible solution to supplement their fleets, with vehicle availability at short notice.
Initially, Smart Train Lease GmbH will offer its rental model in Germany, before expanding throughout Europe in the medium term.
“The mobility transition has led to an extremely dynamic market for regional trains. Rail operators today are looking for more flexible and quickly available offers as new technologies further increase sustainability in rail transport. By founding Smart Train Lease GmbH, we’ve created an innovative rental model for highly standardised regional trains. Its cost position, reliability and speedy delivery time make it a new and especially attractive offer for our customers.”
Siemens’ new leasing model will also enable customers to test new innovative and sustainable rail technologies.
Previously, rental contracts in the rail sector have only been available on a long-term basis, rather than offering short- and medium-term rentals for multiple-unit regional trains or small fleets.
Operators have also typically been unable to rent regional trains with alternative drive systems. Smart Train Lease GmbH therefore hopes to meet this demand and fill the market gap.
“We want to make renting trains as easy and simple as renting a car, and thus help accelerate the mobility transition. This service will further enhance the attractiveness of rail transport for passengers and enable our customers to react quickly to fluctuating demand.”
The Mireo Smart trains are available immediately, with variants including electric, battery and hydrogen-powered models. These trains have a top speed of 160 km/h and are equipped with the European Train Control System, ETCS and the point-based train control system, PZB.
