VIAS Rail Secures EMU Lease to Enhance Emscher Express Network Operations

According to a recent publication by VIAS Rail, the company has finalized a deal to lease 14 five-car Stadler Flirt electric multiple-units from Alpha Trains. Thes trains are set to enhance the Expressnetz Emscher services starting in December 2026 and will continue until December 2030.

Before hitting the tracks, these EMUs will undergo thorough cleaning and receive fresh upholstery along with updated interior features. Additionally, some older parts will be replaced to boost thier reliability.

Bernhard Holzer, Managing Director of Alpha Trains Europa, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership on June 12. He noted that maintaining and upgrading existing trains is a significant step towards promoting lasting and economical regional rail travel alongside their partner VIAS.

The EMUs are slated for use on the RE3 Rhein-Emscher-Express route connecting Düsseldorf with Hamm through key cities like Duisburg, Oberhausen, Gelsenkirchen, and Dortmund—previously serviced by Eurobahn. They’ll also operate on the RE41 Vest-Ruhr-express route from bochum to Haltern am See via Recklinghausen, which is currently managed by DB Regio.

This operating contract was awarded in 2024 by transport authorities in Rhein-Ruhr and Westfalen-Lippe.Looking ahead, new vehicles are expected to be introduced for these routes when a long-term operating agreement kicks off in December 2030. This strategic move not only modernizes local transport but also aligns with broader goals of enhancing public transit efficiency across regions.